Chapter 23 - Family Ties

Tokyo, Japan

The Shiba Mansion had been readied for the arrival of the Shiba Lord and his vassals and their guest by the Stagehands who'd been left behind to maintain the property. They were exhausted when they arrived in Japan. Long boring flights took their tolls on everyone. Kane had not been pleased to learn that they would be sleeping on futons on the floor but he was too tired to argue.

He woke up stiff and sore. He yawned and stretched and attempted to roll to his feet only to recall that he was on the floor. He muttered under his breath and stumbled to his feet. He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, messing it up more than it already was. Despite being a last minute trip, Kiari still managed to find the time to arrange for her family to drop by. If her older sister was any indication, he was not necessarily looking forward to meeting them.

After finding a bathroom and seeing to his morning ablutions, he returned to his room and found his clothes were nicely ironed and folded by Stagehands during the night. "Those guys must have some ninja training," he declared to himself. "Maybe I wanted a few wrinkles. If I wear this I'll look like Daiki," he complained. He picked out what her wanted to wear and wadded them up and swung them around. He flipped them out with a snap and looked them over. "Perfect," he declared and put them on. He couldn't seem to find a mirror in his room, so he ran his fingers through his hair a few times until it felt right and went in search of food.

He was not surprised to find everyone but Rena sitting around a low table eating. They looked at him as he entered. "What?" he asked and looked down at himself. "Am I not wrinkled enough?" he asked.

Tai snorted. "Just the right amount of wrinkle," he assured his cousin. "Pull up a floor," he invited.

Kane grunted and sat down next to Kiari "Mornin'," he greeted. He resisted the inclination to kiss her cheek. He found out quickly that embarrassed her too much if he showed her too much affection in front of other people.

"Morning," she returned with a faint blush. She hesitated a moment and touched his hand. She jerked away quickly when a Stagehand brought him something to eat. He suppressed a sigh.

Rena stumbled into the room and blinked at them owlishly at them. She then squinted at Kane. "Did you know a hedgehog crawled on your head and died?" she asked him.

He clamped his hands over his hair. "Did you know you stuck your finger in a light socket?" he quipped back.

She bared her teeth at him. "I couldn't find a mirror and my make-up mirror isn't big enough," she complained. She nudged her brother over and sat down between him and Kiari. "Why don't the rest of you look like hell?" she demanded.

"It's a natural talent. I never look like hell. I'm always perfect in every way," Rex answered and grinned.

"You don't count. What about him? I happen to know for a fact that without product he has porcupine hair too," she said and nodded at Tai.

Lani smiled sweetly. "We have a mirror in our room," she answered.

Daiki nodded. "So do I. Takeru-tono was a very traditional man, it would not occur to him outfit rooms with mirrors. He had one; for all that he would deny it, he had his own vanities. I had to procure my own when I came to live here," he explained. In fact anything in his room besides a basic futon and wardrobe had to have been obtained independently.

Kiari nodded. "He was a simple man," she agreed quietly.

Saeko just shrugged. "I am used to it," she said. She was very uncomfortable being included with these people and the fact that she was the reason they were there. She picked at her food with her chopsticks.

Rena grunted. She twisted her hair and used her unused chopsticks to secure it. "Problem solves. No more electric hair," she stated.

"Lucky," Kane muttered. "So what's everyone doing today?" he asked.

Rena smirked. "I'm dragging Rex around Tokyo while I do the tourist thing," Rena answered.

"There'd better be a mug in my future that declares in big letters 'World's Best Brother'," he stated.

"We'll see," she stated, smiling when a stagehand brought her something to eat and some more chopsticks.

Tai grinned. "I wouldn't bet on it," he stated. "We'll be seeing to Saeko's business here. What about you?" he asked Kane.

"My family will be coming to visit," Kiari answered excitedly. "Kane will get to meet them," she added with a wide smile.

Daiki pushed his glasses up his nose and turned his attention to his food. The very fact that Daiki was choosing to be tactful spoke volumes. Only Kiari didn't seem to pick up on that.

"I don't know why I need so many people with me when I go find the package Uncle left for me. It's a private matter, not to be shared with perfect strangers," Saeko stated to feel the void even she sensed. She glanced at Daiki. "You certainly don't have to be around," she added.

"Sensei, you don't have to accompany if you don't wish," Daiki corrected automatically and waited for her to say it.

Tai stopped Lani when she was about to interrupt. She glared at him on the sly but he gave her a wink.

"Sensei, you don't have to accompany me if you don't wish," Saeko repeated tightly.

Daiki didn't acknowledge that she'd done as she was told. He leaned toward her with a serious expression. "Sometimes people need to be alone and sometimes they don't. Maybe it's time to not be alone," he said quietly.

She didn't have an answer for that so she back to picking at her food.

"I'll be there because of some of the things I have learned about your Uncle. I wish to know more. I believe it is important and affects all of us," Tai explained calmly.

"And I'll be there to make sure these don't get too macho. I think they're getting too big for their britches," Lani declared and eyed the both of them. Saeko just nodded but there was an almost smile on her face.

Rena snorted. "They totally are," she said. "I'm going to steal a mirror. You be ready when I get back," she told Rex firmly and hopped up.

Kane scrubbed a hand through his hair. "A mirror," he said and glanced at Kiari. "Why don't you show me where yours is? I want to look my best for your family," he said. He also wanted to spend a few minutes alone with her at least.

She smiled and nodded. They got their feet. Kiari bowed politely before leaving. Kane gave a half-assed wave as he followed her. They were barely in her room good before he pulled her into his arms.

Rex propped himself back on his arms. "At least Mel will pleased to know the only thing I'm doing in Tokyo without her is sight seeing with my little sister," he declared.

Tai chuckled. He got to his feet and helped Lani up. "Don't forget to send her a postcard," he said.

Lani giggled. "Of coarse you'll be back before the postcard reaches her," she declared.

Daiki stood and even though he went to help Saeko, she ignored him and stood herself. She pulled self consciously at the clothes she wore. She wore a hodge-podge of clothes leant to her by the other girls, except her boots because none of them had the same sized feet. She felt odd.

"Stop that. You look fine," Daiki muttered in her ear.

"Daiki, you'll have to play tour guide. Even Saeko admits she has no idea where this place her uncle told about is," Tai said.

Daiki nodded. "I know. We can take a train, it'll be fastest," he explained. Tai nodded.

Rex gave them a wave as he got to his feet. Time to mess with his sister's efforts to primp. He gave a bow to Hikomi-san as he passed the older man. He seemed pleased to be back home. Rex couldn't wait to find that place that would be his home with Mel. He smiled thinking about it.

~*~

Sanzu River

Doukoku dangled shootari over the Sanzu River by his tentacles. "I am tired of your failures! Send everyone you can to find Dayuu. Have her brought back to me," he commanded.

"Yes, yes my lord!" shootari agreed readily. "I will send more trackers," he assured Doukoku soothingly. He was really close to taking a swim in the river and his face hurt.

Doukoku hurled him back inside. He gripped the handle of his sword. "The Shiba has moved locations," he declared. "Send someone to find out why," he instructed.

shootari stumbled to his feet and rubbed his smarting tentacles. If he had it his way, he'd merely kill Dayuu for all the trouble she was causing him. "Yes, my lord. I will see to everything immediately," he said.

Doukoku growled and scooped up a bottle of Essence and downed it in a gulp. shootari stroked his tentacles as he considered who to assign to which task. He shuffled back to the hatch. "Abekonbe!"

After a few minutes, an Ayakashi with mirrored fox-heads crawled into the ship. "I was summoned?" he asked and gave a bow.

"Find out why the Shiba has changed locations. If you get the chance, kill him," shootari instructed.

Abe nodded. "My pleasure," he said and jumped back into the water.

~*~

Kane and Kiari both lost track of time. A polite tapping at Kii's door distracted them from each other for a moment. Kiari cleared her throat and scooted away from him.

Kane suppressed a groan. Things were just getting fun. They could hear voices.

"Oh, no! They're here," Kiari said and clapped her hands over her burning cheeks.

Kane hopped to his feet. He quickly used her mirror to smooth out his hair. "Stay here and calm down a bit. I'll brave the beast on my own," he assured her with a smile. He was out the door before she could object.

He hesitated when he spotted the group. A tall harried looking older man stood beside an older woman with delicately pretty features that bore a strong resemblance to pictures he'd seen of Tai's grandmother. Kii resembled her father a bit more than her mother. The four younger women were all beauties in their own right.

One was nearly as tall as he was and had a professional looking power-cut and even dressed casually seemed to be ready to take on anyone who disagreed with her. He'd already met Kaede, the ethereal looking model. There was also what he thought of as an Asian version of Billie, complete with the glasses and the messy hair bun. The last of them resembles Kii the most but her attitude was completely different, conveying it even in the way she stood.

Hikomi-san noticed Kane. "<Ah! Kane-san,>" he said in relief. That wasn't good. All eyes turned to him. That was even less good. He told himself that there was no way these people could be more overbearing than his mother so he strode forward and let Hikomi-san present him.

Hiyu Sakakibara was Kii's father and had previously been the Yellow Vassal. Now he looked like a man with too many overbearing women in his life. He gave Kane a smile and bowed politely. Aoi Sakakibara was Kii's mother and looked Kane over with a less than impressed expression. Misa was the eldest sister, recently engaged and owned her own business and stressed several times that she'd had to postpone several meetings to be there. Satomi was the middle sister and obviously wanted to get back to her research. Tsubasa was the second youngest, a flamboyant artist who told him he had very interesting bone structure. Only Kaede seemed genuinely pleased to be there.

"<Young man, where is my daughter?>" Aoi demanded, looking at him suspiciously.

Kane looked at her blankly. Yes, he understood her but prudence was best at the moment. Pretending to still not know much Japanese was prudent.

"<Kane-san does not know much Japanese, Aoi-sama,>" Hikomi-san explained apologetically. He then proceeded to translate for Kane.

Thankfully for him, he'd had enough time to come up with an excuse. "Tell them she had a stain on her dress she didn't notice before and needed to change," he said and looked back down the hall, wondering what was keeping her. Nerves, he supposed. Hikomi began to translate but Aoi held up a hand to forestall him.

Ah, so the game was on, was it. Kane almost smiled. He turned when Kiari came forward to greet her family. The warmest greetings she received were from her father and Kaede.

"Well, if we're going out, we'd better get a move on," he said with a benign smile.

Kii nodded.

Aoi pursed her lips. "<It was a bit rude of this young man, Tai, to not be here to greet us, his family,>" she said toward Kiari.

Kane really fought down the smile. "It's such a shame Tai had some important business to attend to today. I know he would have loved to meet the family. Guess they'll just have to wait until tonight when he'll be back," he said to Kiari innocently. She gave him a slightly confused frown. He just smiled at her.

Hiyu checked his watch. "<Come, come. We should go,>" he said curelessly and began to usher his feminine herd out the door. Despite his harried air, he seemed to know how to handle his women just fine. Kane had to give him props for that.

~*~

The train ride was long and wearing. Tai's shoulder was throbbing just from standing around. It was better than it was the day before, thanks to liberal usage of a hand-held healing device. He did not have the chance for a full treatment because there was no way they would be able to get it on the plane. He had to heal up the old fashioned way. It wasn't too fun.

No one really spoke much. It was a quiet trip. Luckily he managed to a seat on the aisle and Lani didn't fall asleep on his hurt shoulder. Saeko stared out the window the entire time while Daiki was flipping through a textbook he pulled from God knew where and making notes.

Finally, the ride ended and Daiki lead them up a steep hill to a serene temple. "According to the instructions you received, we'll find your package--"

<Hello! Hello! Excuse me!>" they all turned to see a squat old man running toward them. "<Aha! I was right, it's you!>" he exclaimed when he got a look at Saeko. He braced his hands on his knees and wheezed, trying to catch his breath.

"<Whoa there, old man. Are you ok>?" Tai asked and reached out to steady the gap toothed geezer.

He waved an arm to turn aside his concern. "<I'll be fine young's,>" he said and finally straightened. He looked at Saeko. "<You are her, aren't you? Ah, then if you're here then that means...>" he trailed off shaking his head sadly. "<How did it happen>?" he asked.

"<If you're referring to the being known as Juzou, then I killed him,>" Tai stated with a growl.

Startled the old man looked up at Tai. He tilted back a bit more to see all of him. Then he had to lean back again.

"Oh for God's sake, I'm not that tall," Tai muttered in English. Lani hid a giggle behind her hand at the old man.

"<Who are you, young'n, that you managed to defeat him? May he find peace. That was a tortured man. Known him for years. Nursed him back to health a few times. Mad but there was something in him that made him different than most of his ilk. Really started to see it back when he found her,>: he jerked a thumb at Saeko. "<Well, young'n, you gonna answer me or not? Who are you?>" he demanded of Tai again.

Daiki cleared his throat. "<You are addressing the 18th Lord of Shiba Clan as 'young'n', old man,>" he declared.

Instead of being impressed or subdued, the old man began to cackle. He slapped his knee. "<Well, now, don't that beat all. Figured it'd be either a Shiba, or maybe onna them Watanabes from over Kyoto. Now that's a match I'd like to see,>" he declared.

"<The Lord is the grandson of Akira Watanabe,>" Daiki stated just to see the old man's reaction. He was definitely a character, this old coot.

The old man goggled and fell over backwards in his shock. Tai rubbed his forehead. "Did you have to announce that?" he asked Daiki. Daiki shrugged. Saeko and Lani helped the old man to his feet.

"<Just who are you anyway, old man>?" Saeko asked, as fed up with his antics as Tai.

The old man, now properly impressed, was still gazing up at Tai. "<Name's Ping, I take care of the grounds. Have since I was a kid,>" he answered, revealing he wasn't even Japanese. "<I have some of Juzou's things for safe keeping,>" he explained. "<Come on, young'ns,>" he said and began to lead them away from the temple.

After walking for a few minutes they came upon a small, neat shack. He went inside after telling them to wait. They heard a few crashes and muttered curses from within. "Do you think he's ok?" Lani asked after a particularly loud crash.

"I have a feeling he'd survive an ambush of wild tigers," Tai answered.

"He looks like he already has. And they took his teeth as trophies for getting out alive," Saeko commented.

The statement startled them all so much that they stared her for a moment. She crossed her arms over her chest and ignored them.

Ping shuffled back out. He toggled a large ancient wooden box and a thick envelope. Huffing, he set the box down in front Saeko. "<Don't know what he has in there but it ain't got any lighter in sixty years. The letter is more recent,>" he explained and handed her the letter with a formal bow.

It was with great trepidation that Saeko took the letter. She opened it. "Oh...I can't read it," she declared, feeling a bit let down. It wasn't illegible, it was very neat but there were many characters she didn't recognize.

"May I?" Daiki asked and held out a hand.

She hesitated before handing it over. Daiki looked it over. "I see the problem. This is some old dialect that is very rare," he explained.

"Can you read it?" she asked.

Daiki nodded. "Do you want me to write it down somewhere or read it out loud? I, uh, think Tai should hear some of this," he said in a quiet voice.

She narrowed her eyes. "Why?" she demanded.

Daiki gazed at her for a long moment. "Because I think that you are his sister," he answered.

~*~

Kane was ready to strangle Kii's family after an hour with them. He wasn't exactly known for his ability to keep a calm head, but he was tamping down his temper for Kii's sake. They were a clueless bunch, they were. Some things they did or said could almost seem accidental. Except for the fact that he's never met a cattier bunch of women before in his life. He could see why Hiyu Sakakibara looked so worn out.

Subtle jibes were an art form to them. How Kii came from this brood, Kane couldn't fathom. Back among her kin, even Kaede reverted. Hiyu was smooth though, he usually managed to divert attention just in the nick of time. That seemed to be where Kii got that ability from.

As the group headed toward an amusement park, Kii bumped his arm. "You have been quiet, Kane," she stated softly.

Kane put a wan smile on his face. "Sorry, I thought I was being polite and not interrupting the hissing contests," he declared and not quietly. That earned him a dark look from Misa. He smiled blandly back at her. They never admitted they understood English any more than he admitted he understood Japanese.

Kii frowned. "What are you talking about?" she asked.

He smiled at her. "Never mind." he said and took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

Tsubasa glanced back at them in time to see that. Kane had gathered fairly quickly that Kii had not informed her family that he was her boyfriend. He gave Tsubasa a questioning expression and she turned back. She told her sisters.

Kii tried to take her hand away. He squeezed tighter. She tried again. He refused to let go. Aoi suddenly whipped around. Kii tried one last time to free her hand.

A piercing scream rent the air. Several more screams followed. They were immediately cut off as strange protuberances struck them, turning the screamers into living statues.

Ignoring Kii's mother's outraged expression; Kane sprang into action, running toward the screams. "Gedoushu!" He said and summoned his Sword.

Abe danced backwards. "Uh-oh! Caught!" he said and tried to run away.

"You aren't going anywhere," Kiari said, getting in his way.

"Kii-chan! <What do you think you are doing>?" Aoi demanded.

Abe zeroed in on Aoi and one of his tentacles sprang toward her. Kane sprang forward to knock it away with his blade. "Get away. Now!"

Hiyu hesitated. Kane shook his head. "<Protect your girls,>" he said. A very serious expression crossed Hiyu's face. He turned and began barking orders at his family. They were so stunned they followed along and got away safely.

Abe tried to use Kane's distraction to get away. "I don't think so! Samurai Sword Clash!" The two of them flipped out their Morphers and drew their Characters in the air. They pressed their red buttons and the Characters flipped around and enveloped them forming their power suits and helmets.

Realize he wasn't going to get away without a fight, Abe fired from both mouths fiery orbs. They crashed into Green and Yellow and sent them flying into some boxes.

Twin tentacles shot towards them. They rolled out of the way in the nick of time. Green sprang to his feet. "You've been watching too much H. Tentacle rape is not cool," he told the Ayakashi.

"What are you trying to do?" Yellow demanded and sprang forward to slash at Abe.

"Just making a bit of art. Isn't it lovely?" Abe asked as he dodged her blows. He stumbled back as he began to dry up. "Oh no. Out of water," he said. He knocked Yellow back and disappeared into the nearest crack.

Green swore. He pulled out his Morpher in Phone-mode. He pushed the 1 button then the send button. "It was like you thought. The Gedoushu followed you back to Tokyo. We'll do the best we can, but you guys get back soon," he informed Tai.

~*~

Tai stood a few feet away from the other four to hear Kane. He sighed. "It's like Hikomi-san said, I'm the link to this world somehow. Ok. You and Kii man the fort. See how Billie's doing with linking up the teleport grid with the Nodroz Satellite in orbit. We'll be back soon," he stated. He closed his Morpher and put it away.

He turned back to the group to see that Saeko was livid.

"What did you say?" she demanded of Daiki loudly.

He looked at Lani questioningly. Since she hadn't heard Daiki's low conversation with Saeko, she couldn't answer so she shrugged. "Calm down. Whatever's in that letter can't be that bad," she said to the other girl.

Saeko turned away from them.

Ping rubbed his bony chin and whistled low under his breath. "<Even dead, that'n's still causing trouble,>" he murmured to himself.

Daiki sighed and pushed his glasses up his nose. Taking it upon himself he began to read the letter. "[I am writing his letter in the hopes that one day some one will have bested me and finally ended the existence I have led. At the same time, I hope I was around to see you grow into a woman.

"[There are a few things that I am too much of a coward to tell you while I live. I will tell you now. I made my way to California in the year 1991. Always I searched for the one who would feed Uramasa. I challenged many, none survived. I did not care.

"[That changed the day I came upon a car wreck outside the city called Angel Grove. Those within the vehicle were already dead and there was nothing to be done even if I were so inclined. I was about to walk away when I heard something nearby. It was the cry of a child.

"[Somehow, your car seat was thrown far away. As I looked upon you I felt something that I had not since I drank the Waters of the Sanzu River. It was almost as if I were looking at my own daughter again. My sweet little Saeko.

"[I know I was no great parent but I gave you a life, the tools to survive without me. I did not care if there was other family who would be looking for you. I knew the moment I saw you, we were of the same blood. You were Shiba Clan. Though I brought my banishment upon myself, I harbored no love for the Shiba and taking you with me served many a selfish need.

"[As you grew, so too, did my love for you. It is my sincerest wish, my sweet Saeko, that you have a happier life without me than you ever did with me.

"[Open the trunk. What is inside is mine to pass to my children. You are my child. They now belong to you.

"[Good bye.]"

Tai went still and quiet. Lani's eyed widened.

Saeko whipped around to face Daiki. "That means nothing to your preposterous suggestion!" she denied flatly.

Tai looked at Daiki. "What preposterous suggestion?" he asked calmly.

Daiki eased out of reach of either of them. "I believe, with a logical line of reasoning, that considering this letter, traits, both physical and behavioral, Saeko is your sister," he answered.

Lani gasped and grabbed Tai's arm, not quite knowing what his reaction would be to this suggestion. Tai, however, was too stunned to even think. "My sister is dead. She died before she was even born," he stated automatically.

"Tai," Lani said quietly, "you did say she had your mother's face. I've seen pictures of your mother. She favors Grandpa a lot more than she does your grandmother," she said quietly. She'd been considering that herself for awhile. She never would have thought, however, Saeko to be his sister.

Daiki sighed. "I am sorry I mentioned it now. I am sure that Dr. Billie can quickly put an end to any question on the matter," he stated.

Neither Tai nor Saeko answered him, both standing rigidly refusing to acknowledge each other or Daiki.

Lani sighed. She rubbed Tai's arm. "So, what's in the box?" she asked, changing the subject.

Daiki gave Lani a grateful smile. "Saeko, would you like to open the box?" he asked her.

Saeko narrowed her eyes at him and turned to the chest with a jerk. "<How do I open the box>?" she asked Ping.

Ping had been watching the goings-on with an abnormal silence. He gave her a toothless grin when she addressed him. "<Well, now, missy, I ain't got the foggiest idea,>" he declared and appeared quite tickled by that fact.

Saeko gritted her teeth and turned her attention to the box. It appeared quite solid.  She knelt down and began to run her hands along it. She paused when she felt something. She turned the box until she could see. It was very small writing. "What does it say?" she asked Daiki.

Daiki knelt to see. "From flames come ashes," he answered.

Saeko pursed her lips. "I have to burn the box. Well, I suppose that means whatever's inside is not flammable," she turned to ask the old man if he had a match or a lighter.

Tai interrupted her. "Stand back," he said. He pulled his Morpher out in Pen-mode. Saeko scuttled out of the way. He drew the fire character in the air then flung it at the box. It erupted into flames that quickly burned themselves out.

Saeko gasped. Ping whistled again. There was a reason the box was so heavy. It contained a suit of white and red samurai Armor. Tai had seen similar suits in the mansion, one for the Lord and each vassal. There was also a long matching sword.

"I hope Billie gets that satellite positioned correctly soon. I have no idea how were going to get that back to the mansion," Tai declared.

Saeko was looking through pieces because she saw something. It was another box. This one was made of metal and opened easily. She gasped again. Inside laid a white calligraphy pen and a white hexagonal symbol with the stylized red fire Character on top.

The Origami Zords jumped away from their masters to run toward the symbol. Ping yelped and jumped back.

"It's a--"

"Yeah," Tai murmured, cutting Lani off. He closed his eyes and rubbed his shoulder. "Take the box. Master Ping here can keep the suit and sword until we can retrieve it," he stated, shaking off the worries on his mind for the moment.

Saeko jumped to her feet. "Now wait just a mi--"

"Do you want to try to get that on the damned train?" he asked her. She glared at him before turned back. She shooed the other Origami Zords away and closed the box, clutching it to her chest. He nodded. "<Master Ping-->"

"<Don't worry 'bout this armor, young'n. I'll keep it til you come fer it,>" he assured Tai.

Tai nodded. "<Then we'll be taking out leave. Thank you for your years of service and kindness,>" he said and gave the man a bow.

Saeko sent him a resentful glare but echoed the words and bowed as well. Lani and Daiki bade the old man farewell also.

He waved them off as they headed back down the hill toward the train station.

~*~

Kane was very aware of Kii's family watching him as he set up Cyber Cam in the Mansion. On the way back, they'd contacted Rex and Rena only to discover that the two of them, despite the fact that Rex was fluent in Japanese, managed to get lost and wouldn't have been able to make it to the battle anyway. They were now trying to return.

He now had to speak with Billie, using Cyber Cam as a go between. He opened his laptop and turned it on. There was a few of darkness before Cyber Cam appear. He whistled. "She's fit to be tied," he announced before his visage disappeared to be replaced with Billie.

Billie did not look happy. "I told Tai that he should wait a few days so that I can make the necessary adjustments with the teleportation grid and network the already existing gap sensor set-up. Does he listen to me? Of coarse not. He's Leader-Boy. What happens? You're all in three different places when an Ayakashi attacks!"

Kane smiled benignly while she ranted. When he saw the opening, he asked, "So, how are the adjustments to the teleportation grid coming?" he asked.

She glared at him. "You are more like him than you'd like to admit," she declared. "I need a few more hours but I should have the satellite lined up and linked to the one over Angel Grove. Depending on how depleted the Ayakashi was of water, I'll be done before he comes back," she answered.

Kane wasn't sure if her remark was a compliment or an insult so he ignored it. "Will you be able to rescue Rena and Rex?" he asked with a grin.

Billie snorted. "No. I find the thought of Rex lost in Tokyo much too amusing and informed everyone I possibly could," she declared and grinned.

Kane chuckled. "Well, that's it then. Well, I'll let you get back to it," he said. She nodded and the screen went dark before Cyber Cam reappeared with a grin on his face. Kane closed him up before he could say anything.

He turned to find the Sakakibara girls bickering among each other in such a cacophony, his novice Japanese abilities just couldn't keep up. "What the hell are they on about?" he asked Kii, who was standing a bit outside the group.

She blushed and looked down. "They are discussing you and why you were holding my hand," she answered.

Kane nodded thoughtfully. "If they would quick hissing and spitting at each other like a bunch of cats, I would tell them I was holding your hand because you are my girlfriend," he stated in a loud voice.

The chatter stopped. Aoi put her hands on her hips. She opened her mouth but Hiyu placed a hand on her arm. He smiled and kissed the top of Kii's head. "I like your young man," he stated. "He is not afraid of your mother," he added and winked at her.

Kii blushed and giggled. Aoi flushed and sent her husband a glare.

"Mama," Kii said and took a deep breath. "Kane is from a noble family of samurai, same as Tai, our new lord. He is also a hero who has saved the world before, fighting as a samurai. He is a good man and you should trust my judgment on that, unlike my sisters I have never displayed so blatantly such questionable taste in friend and acquaintances," she stated and then prepared for the backlash by tensing.

Kane narrowed his eyes at that and placed his hands on her shoulders comfortingly. Her sisters began to object to her assertation of her questionable tastes but a look from their father silenced them.

Aoi sighed. She looked balefully at her daughters. "It is true that the parade of young men I have seen thus far from your sisters has been rather disappointing. I will trust your judgment, but reserve my own," she stated to her daughter. She turned checked her watch. "When is my father's heir supposed to be back?" she asked.

Hiyu winked at the two of them. "Our outing was cut rather short, I'm sure it won't be for awhile yet. Why don't we figure out something to do until then?" he suggested.

None of the girl's seemed too willing but when he cleared his throat, they began making suggestions.

Kii's dad was Kane's new hero. That man had more backbone and steel than anyone likely ever gave him credit for, including his wife. He smiled at Kii and she smiled back up at him.

~*~

Sanzu River

Doukoku paced as shootari worked to replenish Abe's water. "What did you learn?" he demanded.

"I couldn't find the Shiba Lord, Lord Doukoku. I almost got two of them, before I ran out of water. Oi. Stupid humans and their screaming," he complained.

Doukoku snarled and lunged forward with his sword, stopping short. "Give me a reason not to kill you where you stand," he commanded.

Abe swallowed. "I will find him next time and discover his reasons!" he swore.

Doukoku snarled and jerked away and jerked a bottle of Essence from a Nanashi that was bringing him restocks.

shootari kept to himself as he poured water over the Ayakashi.

~*~

For Tai dinner out with Kii's family proved to be more exhausting than fighting Juzou for several hours. Every single one of the girls, including Aoi, was spoiled rotten princesses. For her part, Aoi had obviously been spoiled and pampered by his predecessor and never made to do a thing a she didn't want. That merely carried on to her first four daughters. Spoiled, pampered and not made to study Bushido with an aging grandfather, it had been apparent when he met Kaede that they thought Kii had gotten the short straw.

Now, they displayed jealous tendencies and envious looks as they realized Kii had experiences that they could never have. That included a boyfriend their father seemed to like and respect.

This was on top of the tense train ride back and the silent, sulking Saeko who refused to speak with anyone, not even Daiki, who seemed just fine with that.

He couldn't even begin to process the notion that Saeko could be his sister. He didn't want to sit through dinner with his extended family. He wanted to go somewhere quiet with Lani and not think about anything for a few minutes.

Aoi's not-so-subtle Father-dids and Father-woulds were also beginning to get on his nerves. His arm was also throbbing. Even his vast amusement at Rex and Rena getting lost wasn't enough to temper his temper.

He closed his eyes and breathed through his nose.

"Oh, hell. Duck and cover," Rex said under his breath to his sister. She glanced at Tai and paled. Kane grimaced and strove for something to say but he was not a very good peace maker.

"Observe," Daiki stated to Saeko. She shot him a questioning glare but he suddenly became engrossed in his food. She glanced around the table and saw that Rena, Rex and Kane were all pointedly doing the same. Kiari was fidgeting nervously. She then looked at Tai and Lani. She was serenely eating but Tai was very still.

Not sensing the atmosphere in the least, Aoi Sakakibara continued to extol her father while her husband attempted several times to quiet her. She looked back at Tai and observed him. The knuckles around his chopsticks were white and there was a vein ticking in his jaw where he was gritting his teeth.

She observed that the Shiba was about to go off. "<I think you should shut-up now, Aoi-san. I do not believe this Shiba gives a damn about the previous one which, from all that I have learned, was about as useless as a babe fending for himself in the wood. Instead of researching the knowledge that was lost while embracing the present and looking forward to what the future may bring, he lived in the same stodgy, ill informed and ill equipped manner in which his father and his father before him did," she stated dispassionately. She took no sides, but merely stated what she, as an outsider, observed.

The entire table was silenced as they turned her attention to her. She ducked her head, unused to such scrutiny.

Tai smiled. Aoi was scandalized, her daughters were gaping and Hiyu was smiling benignly. "<I am afraid I must ask you all to forgive me. A wound is paining me quite unbearably and I wish to retire. It was nice to meet all you," he said, he stood and bowed to them. "Lani, come help me change my bandage and apply some of Grandpa's goo," he said.

Rex snorted. "Is that what the kids are calling it these days?" he asked.

Lani threw a chopstick at him. She pasted a smile on her face and bowed to the Sakakibaras before taking her leave. Rex waved at them with the chopstick.

The Sakakibaras left almost immediately afterwards, much to everyone's relief. It was not long before Daiki caught up with Saeko alone as she headed to her room. "Your observation skills are improving," he told her.

She shrugged. "Even a blind person would see that antagonizing your Lord is not a good idea, yet that woman kept running her mouth. The Yellow Ranger is not so much like her family," she stated.

"You can call them by their names, you know," he said. She shrugged again. "You can call me by name, too," he added. She shrugged again. He sighed. "Good night, Saeko," he said.

"Good night, Sensei," she said and entered her room and closed the door. Daiki sighed and went to his room as well.

~*~

Everyone slept late the next day. Bells began ringing in the main room. Eight groggy people shot out of their rooms and assembled.

Hikomi-san awaited them. He already had Billie's image up on the Cyber Cam laptop. "Thank you Hikomi-san," she said. "Coordinates have been fed into the network. Ready to teleport?" she asked them.

"As humanly possible given the circumstances," Tai answered. She nodded and teleported the seven Power Rangers.

"Hey, lady. What about me?" Saeko demanded. "Who's going to make sure Daiki doesn't do something stupid and get himself injured?" she asked.

Billie looked at her and smiled. "When you get back to California, we'll discuss it then," she said and the screen went blank.

Cyber Cam reappeared. "Meow. That woman needs to make a cyber version of herself to be my love muffin," he declared and waggled his eyebrows. Rolling her eyes, Saeko closed him up.

"Saeko-san, Dai-kun will be fine," Hikomi-san assured her and smiled. "How about some breakfast?" he offered.

Saeko pouted for a moment. "Fine," she said begrudgingly. Hikomi-san smiled in relief and led her away.

~*~

Abe was skulking near the Shiba mansion as it turned out. Anytime someone spotted him, he silenced them quickly and hid them. He was fairly confident that his presence hadn't been discovered.

He was wrong.

"Gedoushu!" Abe spun around. He was surrounded by Power Rangers.

"AH! Nanashi Renchuu!" he summoned. The foot soldiers came from the cracks.

"You guys handle the Nanashi, I'll--"

"No. He's mine," Green interrupted Red.

"Ours," Yellow corrected.

Red nodded. "Get to it then," he told them. He turned toward the approaching Nanashi. "Yeah, I can live with this," he stated and pulled his Hidden Disc from his belt. He slipped it onto his sword and spun it. Red fire circled the blade. "Giant Flaming Blade!" He propped the blade against his left shoulder. He made a gesturing motion to the Nanashi with his right hand. They hesitated briefly but then rushed forward.

Not the wisest thing they could have done. Taking the hilt in both hands, he swung in a circle. A plume of flame billowed outwards.

Silver shook his head. "And they always call me a show off," he drawled. He used his dual blades to slash through the Nanashi. When he got a moment he placed the two hilts together, opened his belt and pulled out his Hidden Disc. He slid it onto the hilts and spun it. "Metallic Naginata!" Misty gray energy swirled around the blades and formed the Naginata.

He used the longer reach on each end to get to even more of the Nanashi.

Pink pulled her Hidden Disc from her belt. She slid it onto the hilt of her sword and spun it. "Heaven Fan!" Her Sword turned into the pink and white fan. She used it to fling a ball of whirly pink wind energy at a group of Nanashi. She spun, scooping even more wind energy into a blade of air that cut down yet more. "You picked the wrong day," she muttered and spun back to forestall more advancing Nanashi.

Gold stood a moment and blinked at the encroaching Nanashi. She yawned. "I am not awake enough to be bothered by the likes of you," she told them. She grabbed her sword and zigzagged around the Nanashi, slashing as she went. Unfortunately, she didn't stop far enough away, so when they exploded, she was thrown forward with a substantial force. "Ugh," she complained. She really was useless in the mornings.

To be honest, Blue's Water Arrow wasn't much good for close combat, so he continued to use his Sword to dispatch of Nanashi. They surrounded him. He pursed his lips and sighed through his nose. He opened his belt and pulled out his Hidden Disc. He slipped it onto his hilt and spun it. "Dancing Whitecaps!" He flung his Sword around. Forceful waves crashed into the Nanashi.

"So, my little friends return, hey?" Abe remarked as Green and Yellow surrounded him. His tentacles shot out to turn them to stone. They used their Swords to block the claw like tip.

"This time, this end with you dead," Green stated.

Abe laughed. "I don't think so Green Ranger," he said and his tentacles shot out again.

"Now!" Green shouted to Yellow. They once again deflected the tentacles, but quickly grabbed them. Yellow rolled one way, Green jumped over in the opposite direction. They ran around him until he was wrapped up in his own appendages.

"Hey, what!" Abe jumped around trying to get free.

Green took Yellow's tentacle from her. "Slash him now!" he instructed and jumped on the monster's back.

Yellow nodded. She jumped forward and slashed in a diagonal across Abe's faces. Green jumped back as the Ayakashi reared back, shouting. He also released many glowing orbs. "My art!" he shouted. "Why little Green pissant!" he said.

"Hey, I'm the one who did it!" Yellow stated.

"He knows whose idea it was," Red stated. "Kane," He said and tossed him the Battlizer and Power Disc.

Though his expression couldn't be seen, Green was grinning manically. "Oh, hell yeah," he declared as he caught the box and Disc.

Abe backed up. "I-I-I'm not scared!" he denied. He fired a fireball at Green. Yellow jumped in front of him, using her Land Slicer as a shield, she then wagged her finger at him scolding.

Still grinning, Green 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. Green chest armor wrapped around him and metal platelets forms along his arms and legs. Samurai Red took the Power Disc from the Battlizer and slid it onto his sword before clipping the box itself to it.

He jumped over Yellow's head. "Six Falling Leaves Dance!" He slashed at Abe once with a streak of green energy, then four more times in quick succession. Each hit had the Ayakashi staggering back. He slashed once more and electricity began to arc from him.

Green replaced the Power Disc with his own Hidden Disc. "Bear Disc!" he spun it. His entire Sword began glowing green. "True Woodland Winds Dance!" He jumped forward and came down with a great arc of green energy.

Abe staggered back, red energy crackling around him. He exploded as Green turned his back.

Yellow clapped her hands together. "That was amazing," she told him.

Red nodded. "Pretty good, but it's not over yet," he warned them.

Sure enough, Abe grew into his second life.

"Megazord time," Green declared. He pulled out the Bear Disc and replaced the Power Disc with it. "Power Disc! Samurai Megazord! Giant Power Cannon!" He spun the Disc. The light grew brightly. The Origami grew to their full-size and formed the Samurai Megazord. The Rangers appeared inside the cockpit. The auxiliary Zords formed the Giant Power Cannon.

A target formed on the screen inside the cockpit of the Megazord and zeroed in on the Ayakashi. The Destroy Character flashed. "Now!" Red cried. "Giant Power Cannon! Fire!"

The cannon fired. The energy of every one of the Origami Zord used to power the cannon shot forward.

"Nooooo! You Green bas--" The two blasts exploded into the Ayakashi. He fell backwards, exploding.

On the ground, Gold put her fist on her hip. "Oh sure, don't even give me time to make Wolfy here grow," she declared dryly to herself.

"That brings this chapter to a close," Green declared. "Thanks to the dynamic duo of The Green and Yellow Rangers," he added, deepening his voice and striking a heroic pose. Yellow struck a Sailor Moon-esque pose herself.

"Let's just go get some breakfast," Red stated as everyone else sniggered at the two of them.

~*~

The White Calligraphy Pen and White Origami sat on a table between Tai and Saeko. Lani sat next to him while Daiki sat next to Saeko. She looked pointedly at the table. They had been having a long discussion about the past and the future.

"So, this creature Dayuu is responsible for what my Uncle became," she said quietly.

"It was ultimately his choice whether or not to fall to Gedou by drinking the Waters of the Sanzu River, but her actions were a catalyst, yes. Now that I have told you that, a decision must be made. These belong to you regardless. Without knowledge on how to use either, they are useless. Putting aside whatever connection you and I may or may not have, I offer you the chance to join us. Billie will modify your Pen into a Morpher and do a diagnosis on the Origami to determine its functionality. Or, you can go on a half attempt at avenging Juzou with a couple of useless mementos," Tai told her.

Saeko nodded slowly. "I am already his student. He will not let me leave any way. I may as well learn as much as I can. Ultimately, joining you would lead me to her anyway. Eventually you will have to deal with her," she said quietly.

"If Doukoku doesn't first," Lani stated. "I understand how you feel. I find it highly creepy she was my predecessor," she stated.

Saeko nodded.

"When we get back to America, I'll have Billie see to these immediately. Keep them safe," Tai said and got to his feet. He helped Lani up. They walked away discussing the upcoming trip to Kyoto.

"I am glad you decided to stay with us, Saeko. I would have let you go if it were truly your wish," he assured her quietly.

She nodded again. "I know," she murmured. She got to her feet. She put the Pen and Origami away. "We leave for Kyoto tomorrow. Would Sensei please show me his Tokyo?" she asked him.

Daiki got to his feet as well. His pushed his glasses up his nose. "Hai, Saeko-san," he said and gave her a quick bow. She rolled her eyes at him and gestured for him to lead the way. He did.

~*~

Kane sat with Kii in the courtyard of the Mansion. "You know, you and me make do make a great team," he declared.

Kii smiled. "Yes. Thank you for putting up with my family. I know they can be..." she trailed off in search of the right word.

"Overbearing? Pushy? Loud?" he suggested. She blushed and nodded.

"I like your dad though," he said with a smile. She beamed at him. He leaned forward and kissed her. He'd put up with her family and more for her to smile like that.

~*End Act 23*~           

You are not authorized to comment here. Your must be registered and logged in to comment