Chapter 28 - What's Heaven For

The murky orange sky above the Sanzu River was cloudy with hazy purple clouds. She sat on the bank, playing a tune on her Shamisen that never failed to calm her. She looked around every now and then and wondered what she was doing in such a place and how she came to be there.

She grabbed the top of her shamisen and drew a short sword as she heard footsteps coming closer. "Who's there. I know how to use this!" she warned as she looked around craggy piles of rock that littered the shores of the River.

"I'm sure you do. I heard your song," a voice, deep and craggy as the rocks answered.

She looked around again. "Show yourself!" she hissed. She backed up a few steps when he emerged. He was a large creature, reddish, with a fearsome countenance and bat-like wings. Power radiated from him. "Who are you?" she asked in awe.

"I did not mean to interrupt, but your playing, it reminded me of something," he said and turned his head as if in pain from trying to remember. He shook himself like a large animal. "I've not seen you before. What are you called?" he asked.

She suddenly realized she didn't know her name. "I..." she shook her head.

"I will take you aboard my ship. You will play for me whenever I ask. In return you will have the protection of Lord Doukoku and I shall call you Dayuu," he stated.

"And if I refuse this offer?" she asked uncertainly.

He gave a shrug. "Then the Ayakashi will rip you apart and feast upon your soul," he stated and turned to leave.

She considered her options. There was little choice. "My Lord Doukoku. I am your humble servant Dayuu," she said and gave him a bow.

"Very well. Come along," he said. She nodded and followed him as she would for the rest of her days with a minor exception.

~*~

Sanzu River

Dayuu awoke with a scream that was quickly quashed by Doukoku's hand. She stared up at him in fright. He was a lot different when they first met, shortly after she drank the Waters. His power had grown. So too had his erratic behavior and temper.

"You left me," he growled in a low, menacing voice. It sounded like rocks grinding together. "I gave you everything you could ever ask for here and you left me!" he shouted, lifting her up by her face.

"I am sorry Lord Doukoku. I don't know what I was thinking. I was misguided. My human memories began to surface and I panicked," she said in a choked voice. "It was not you I left. It was this world and the Ayakashi I hated," she told him as honestly as possible. Doukoku had a knack for knowing when she was untruthful.

Doukoku set her on her feet lightly and released her. He stroked her cheek. "We shall just have to make you powerful enough that the Ayakashi fear you in your own right. You'll also have a more active role in fighting the Power Rangers," he said and sat her down on his bunk again.

~*~

Tai watched Lani dart around the dining room as he spoke with Toji, the head Stagehand. He'd arranged to have several of the Stagehands make copies of the texts Daiki found in the Library so they could be returned to their proper place at the Shiba Manor in Japan. Hikomi-san seemed to be very happy at the possibly of having the ancient records restored.

Tai also offered to pay Lammy for any time she missed at the Angel Grove Metropolitan Library. She appreciated it and he didn't see her turning him down. He got hit in the arm for remarking on it. It still hurt. Damn her creepy alien strength.

"Lani. You don't have to do all that. That's why these guys are here," he said and gestured to Toji, then he couldn't believe he did that or said that.

Lani looked at him and put her hands on her hips. "No offense to Toji and the boys, but this is too important to leave to them. My parents are flying in from Hawaii just for this dinner. It's not every day their little girl gets engaged to a Japanese Lord, you know," she added the last part teasingly.

Tai groaned. "We have to tell them that much of it, don't we?" He didn't expect an answer. He knew it was so. How else were they going to explain the Stagehands. Although... "Toji, do you absolutely have to wear the get-ups? Can you wear, I don't know, jumpsuits or something. Simple shirts, pants and tie uniform? Something less noticeable?" he asked.

Toji rubbed his chin under his chin. "Traditions are changing with you, it seems, my Lord. I will discuss this with the others," he added and bowed to him and Lani both and left the dining room. They all knew enough to let the Lord's lady fuss if she wanted to. They also knew how to quietly straighten up behind her without her ever suspecting.

Things were indeed changing. To Toji this was not necessarily a bad thing. Lord Takeru never took the time to learn their names or faces, trusting Hikomi-san to handle every thing. It was nice to have a Lord who cared.

Lani chuckled and approached him. "Well, it's not a secret or anything. Everyone knows you inherited land and title from your Great Uncle Takeru," she said and patted his arm. "Besides, Toji and the boys are a dead giveaway that something odd is going on," she said.

"I really would send them all back to Japan if I thought they'd go," he grumbled. He looked at the dining table which had been extended to it's fullest to accommodate his engagement dinner. Not only were Lani's parents coming in from Hawaii, but her brothers were coming as well. He was slightly uncomfortable with Pua knowing his and Lani's identities but he knew he could trust him with this.

Tai sighed and pulled her close. He rested his chin on her head. "Are we going to fit everyone in?" he asked, looking dubiously at the table.

Lani leaned back against him comfortably. "Yep. You'll be at one end of the table, Grandpa on the other. Mom and Dad will be on either side of him. Saeko and I will be flanking you. Kane and Kiari will be next to us. The boys will be down by Mom and Dad with Rex across from Pua. Daiki and Rena opted out claiming they weren't family so they didn't have to be subjected to the torture of the dinner," she said and rolled her eyes.

"Kane tried that," Tai said and grinned. "I told him he could either join us, behave or I'd invite Leatrix and Kanoi for a visit," he said.

Lani laughed. "Oh, shoot. What time is it? I have to go meet them at the airport," she said and pulled away from him, immediately feeling the loss of his warmth and strength. She grabbed his arm and looked at his watch. "Just enough time," she said and stretched up on her toes to kiss his cheek before running out the door.

Tai sighed and watched her leave. He heard Grandpa shuffling toward him. "Grandson," he greeted. "You look troubled," he said.

Tai had to smile. Only Grandpa would see that something besides the general troubles of Ranger business was bothering him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and leaned against the dining room doorway. "Not really troubled. Just...well, I have one hell of a legacy to pass along to my kids," he said with a frown.

Grandpa nodded. "A legacy of a great power. And great responsibility. All you can do Grandson, is raise them as right as you can. Sometimes, like Isamu and Hiro Shiba, or my own nephew Kiya, the power seduces. It is not something to trouble your mind with now. My great grandchildren will have the best role models," he told him. He reached up and patted Tai on the shoulder. "Now I best go figure out how to improve that drab suit Lani set out for me," he grumbled and shuffled off.

Tai chuckled. "Lani will kill you if you wear one of your Hawaiian shirts to her dinner," he called after the old man. He got a dismissive hand wave in return.

Tai sighed. He'd best go to the Studio and see how things there were faring without him. He'd left Daiki in charge. He kept at it, he'd turn Daiki into a useful member of society with not only social skills, but patience and the ability to do more than molder away in some old books. He needed that after all this was over and Tai fired him from the Studio.

He just needed to keep working on Kii, but luckily she had Kane as an influence and he was making her push boundaries she never would have thought to still stuck in Japan.

Saeko was another matter completely. She didn't have to do anything really. He could afford to support her, but he'd like for her to find a path for herself that she enjoyed beyond the twisted upbringing she had with Juzou. Maybe he'd talk with Lani and Rena about what to do.

His head still full of so much stuff it felt ready to explode, he left the house and headed toward the Studio, thinking about how to go about finding new qualified staff members when he fired everyone. Half his applicants were more hopeful than skilled.

~*~

Lani sighed as she rode in the back of the town car with her parents. They were staying with Pua at his house. Although Tai assured her at any other time they were welcome, with the presence of the others and the Ranger business, it wasn't a good idea for them to stay at his house. He was right. Not that she particularly wanted them to know that she'd moved out of her apartment with Manny and was basically living with Tai for the past seven months. In the past few weeks she'd even abandoned the room she'd been given.

But as she'd gone to leave for the airport, her car wouldn't start so one of the drivers offered to take her in the town car. When her parents had seen it, they'd insisted on riding with her to Pua's house. It wasn't every day, Emelina, her mother, had said that they get to travel in that kind of style.

"I can always send the car for you guys and Pua for dinner," she said in an attempt to placate them. As they'd done several times over the phone since they learned she'd taken the semester off school, they were questioning her reasons. Well, her mother was. She was usually laid back, but sometimes she turned into Mama-Bear-Rawr.

"It's the least he can do after talking you into taking time off school," she said with a sniff.

Jae-Sun was probably Tai's biggest fan boy ever. It was actually quite amusing to Lani, and an annoyance to her brothers. A martial arts enthusiast and a tyrant when a came to training, he wasn't usually a jolly or accepting man. Yet, he was the one who always took Lani to watch Tai's kendo matches when they came here and had always admired his skill. When he realized Lani seemed to be hanging out with him and his friends a lot back when she first became a Power Ranger, he even encouraged her. Good thing she already had the hugest crush a person could have.

When he found out his grandfather was Akira Watanabe, Lani half suspected he probably pee'd himself in happiness. This whole Japanese Lord business was icing on the cake. "Now, Emmy, she explained all that several times. She just took the semester off to help Tai with the initial opening of the Studio," he said quietly.

Lani gave him a grateful smile. "That's right, Mom. The Studio is already a hit and Tai gets applications every day it seems for instructors. We aren't even going to get married until after I finish school. I just three semesters to go," she said patiently.

She all but jumped when her communicator beeped. She thought the timing could not be worse. She pulled the Morpher from her pocket in Pen-mode. "Lani here," she said.

"I have Nanashi activity. Coordinates are being sent to your Morpher," Billie said apologetically.

"I'll be right there," she said. "Pull the car over," she told the driver, who had somehow miraculously appeared in dark suit pants, shiny shoes, a button down white shirt, a black tie and a Shiba Crest sewn over a pocket on his breast. Those guys were amazing. They must have seen which way the wind was blowing.

"Lokelani, what is the meaning of this?" her mother demanded. Lani kissed her parents on their cheeks. We'll talk tonight. See that they get to Pua's in one piece," she warned the driver and hopped out of the car.

Before her mother could follow and demand an explanation, she closed the door and the car drove off. She watched for a moment and then activated her teleport.

~*~

Neyati Adventure Camp was a decently sized, very active summer camp and they were nearing the end of their third and final group of campers. Most of the Counselors were there for all three rounds and couldn't wait for it to end. It was located in the midst of the Angel Grove State Park. It seemed so peaceful and removed from the city and its troubles.

They were wrong.

Nanashi came out of the cracks and began to snatch kids as they could get their hands on them and disappear between the cracks again. Chaos ensued. Kids screamed and counselors tried to protect them only to be knocked aside.

"Stop right there!" There a momentary pause as the Nanashi looked around. The Samurai Rangers dove into the fray trying to get the kids away from the Nanashi.

"Picking on kids now? That's low even for you guys," Samurai Gold remarked as she pulled her Sword. She rushed toward a Nanashi with a kid but another one got in her way with his sword giving its comrade time to disappear with the child.

"Nothing's too low for them. Haven't you figured that out yet?" Samurai Green said as he summoned his Wood Spear and dove into the battle.

Samurai White pulled her Sword. The Giant Blazing Rang was too unwieldy for the particular instance. She saw a little girl looking lost. A Nanashi was headed for her. She took off running herself and skid to a stop in front of her. She slashed the Nanashi several times.

Silver drew his Swords. Samurai Blue drew his Sword. They stood back to back. "You've done good work with her. Starting to the see the Tai in her," Silver commented and he ducked.

Blue knocked a Nanashi over, using Silver as leverage. "She's coming along," he agreed and twirled around, slashing another Nanashi.

Samurai Yellow whirled as she drew her Sword. She jumped when a Nanashi slashed low at her legs, but a second Nanashi knocked her aside. She lost her Sword and the Nanashi tried to take advantage of that.

Samurai Pink sprang forward and used her Heaven fan to knock them both back. She used her foot to toss Yellow's Sword to her. "Sorry I'm late," she said.

"Your just in time, it seems," Yellow said as she sprang to her feet.

"You have an excuse," Red assured her as he summoned his Giant Flaming Blade. He jumped in front of a group of Nanashi that were after some kids huddled together under some picnic tables. He slashed the blade in an arc, sending a wave of flames to envelope them.

There was a slight pause as they ran out of Nanashi to fight. The quiet was deafening. A scream pierced the air. The Rangers turned toward the sound. Pink was closest to the Nanashi that had just grabbed a little girl. She ran forward and tried but she knew she wouldn't make it. Even Gold wouldn't make it in time. She pulled her Hidden Disc out of her belt and just managed to get it into the girl's reaching hands. "Hold onto this with your life!" she said as the Nanashi disappeared into the cracks with the little girl.

She bents over and rested her hands on her knees. She squeezed her eyes together to hold in tears of anger and loss. Red came up behind her and put a hand on her back. "You did what you could," he assured her.

She sucked in a deep breath and nodded. She blinked several times. "I managed to give her my Hidden Disc. Billie should be able to track its energy the way she did the unsanctioned Zords," she stated.

"Good thinking, boss lady," Green said.

They suddenly found themselves surrounded by people demanding to know what was happening and how they were going to explain this to the parents and were they really Power Rangers.

Red held up a hand. "Everyone be quiet," he said in a loud but commanding tone. "We're going to get them back. Tell that to the parents," he stated to the Counselors.

"Doesn't it just get you all hot and bothered when he's being all Leader Boy?" Silver asked Pink and nudged her in the arm.

Pink blushed and was thankful for her helmet. She hit him in the arm. She was sure he knew exactly how on the mark he was. Drat him. Now her hand hurt. She surreptitiously tried to shake it out. He snickered at her.

"Come on, everyone," Red said to the Rangers and they teleported.

~*~

Lani nursed her hand as she paced around Tai's study. "Jesus, Rex. Is your suit made of metal?" she asked him.

"In a manner of speaking. I've designed it to tap into his metaphorphic ability to create a metallic coating over his skin," Billie answered from her monitor.

"You be quiet. That was a rhetorical. Aren't you supposed to be tracking the energy signature of my Hidden Disc?" Lani asked and put her hands on her hips.

Billie held up her hands. "You asked. I answered. For your information, I am tracking the energy. We know that humans can't be taken to the Sanzu River unless they've drank the Waters, so they have to be above ground somewhere. Unfortunately, there have to be a lot of Nanashi for them to register. I need to fine tune my network I guess, if they're being let out without an Ayakashi," she trailed off into talking to herself.

Tai walked up behind Lani and set his hands on her shoulders, giving a comforting squeeze. "Billie will trace the energy," he assured her. "Though, scared kids, terrified parents. This scheme of theirs is pretty diabolical for raising the River," he said thoughtfully.

"Someone's gotten smarter," Kane commented thoughtfully, a rarity for him. This involved kids, it wasn't really the time for cracking jokes.

"It must be that Gedoushu that stole the texts. I was there when they returned. He has most of the information we do about Ryouichi and Isamu Shiba. Luckily not quite as accurate because it's just a written down tale of a tale," Daiki said quietly. "It might be enough, however, for them to formulate new and different plans," he added.

Lani sighed and ran her hands through her hair. "We'll find out the scheme and put a stop to it in the meantime--oh my God! What time is it?" she demanded and snatched Tai's wrist. "We have to start getting ready! My parents will be here in an hour. I have to take a shower and get dressed. So do the rest of you," she added and pointed to them.

"Do I really have to--"

"Yes! You're going to be my sister-in-law. You're coming to my engagement dinner," Lani answered. "Anyone wanting to whine?" she asked and raised a brow at Kane.

Kane held up his hands. "I'll be bells on. Not literally of course because you'd probably kill me if I did that," he said.

"You're damn right," she said and stalked out of the study.

Kii bit her lip. "I really like Lani, but she can be scary sometimes," she declared quietly.

Saeko nodded. "Under all that sweetness and yoga pants, she's a lioness," she said.

Rex chuckled. "That's our Lani," he said fondly.

"Perfect Lady for O Tono-sama," Kane said as he popped to his feet. "Guess I'll mosey on to the shower now," he said and slumped out of the room.

"Are you sure you want me there?" Kiari asked Tai.

Tai smiled and nodded. "You're part of the family. Of course you should be there," he assured her.

She gave a pleased smile and stood. "Then I shall go get ready," she said and left the study as well.

Saeko eyed Rena and Daiki. "What will they be doing while we're stuck in the dining room?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. She wasn't going to get in a hurry. She liked Lani just fine but she didn't see why she had to be subjected to her family in an enclosed space for an extended period of time just because Tai was going to marry her.

"I won't be having fun if that's what you think. I have to go to a baby shower for my dimwit cousin's girlfriend," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Joey knocked some poor girl up?" Tai asked. They only had one cousin that would classify as a dimwit.

Rex nodded gravely.

Saeko decided not to ask.

Daiki shook his head. He decided not to ask either. It didn't take long for him to figure out that there were more people related to Rena and Rex that anyone could possibly keep track of. "I have an interview at Angel Grove University," he stated. "I should start preparing for that," he said and got to his feet.

"Interview?" Tai asked.

Daiki shrugged. "To head the Language Department," he answered and tried to pretend everyone wasn't staring at him. Finally he pushed his glasses up his nose. "I am very well qualified. They've even offered to give me a PhD. in honor of my thesis from T University. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," he explained.

Tai chuckled. "You don't have to defend this. It's awesome. A dream job?" he asked.

Daiki nodded. "I've been putting them off for months, but Rex said I shouldn't put my life on hold. I  finally agreed to the interview," he explained.

Saeko scowled at him. "I'd better go get see what froofy monstrosity Lani wants me to wear," she all but growled as she stalked out.

Tai and the Harts winced. Daiki watched her blankly. Rena shook her head at him. "Hint: you probably should have mentioned it to her first," she said and walked out of the room.

Daiki frowned. "I wouldn't start until next year and it won't affect her training or her schooling. Oh, that reminds me. I think she's ready to take her G.E.D. test if all her paperwork is in order," he told Tai. "If you'll excuse me, I don't want to be late," he said and left the study as well.

Rex shook his head. "He's more clueless than you. I didn't think that was possible," he declared with a grin.

"Not even going there. Billie. Is Saeko's paperwork in order?" he asked, turning back toward the screen.

"Mmhmm. I'd better get this tracer done. I don't want Lani to try to kill me. Nathan might try to defend me and no one wants to see that Pink throw down," she said and her screen went black.

"You know, you don't have to come," Tai told Rex.

Rex shrugged. "I don't mind. We're brothers in all but blood. Lani's like a sister. Where else would I be?" he asked.

Tai smiled. "Actually, if you'll recall we're actually blood brothers, too. Remember when we cut open our hands when we were eight to make it official?" he said. Rex chuckled. They bumped fists and Rex walked out, leaving Tai to his own devices.

~*~

Sanzu River

Akumaro and shootari had indeed been busy and putting their heads together. When Doukoku and Dayuu finally emerged from his cabin, they had a great plan for him.

"You see, my Lord, the Sanzu River once had a foothold in the human world. We began to research this. This place was created as a place of the utmost human despair," Akumaro explained. "The children, you see, are told if they don't pile the rocks then we will kill their parents. The pain of children, it's so potent," he said and shivered.

"This also serves the dual purpose of causing the parents despair by taking their children, causing the Waters to continue rising," shootari explained, unwilling to be upstaged by a subordinate.

"Footholds will draw us ever closer to our dream of flooding the human world once and for all," Akumaro stated.

Doukoku nodded. "What do you think, Dayuu?" he asked her.

shootari stepped back slightly when she stepped forward. There was something different about her. She had an aura of power she didn't previously possess. She inclined her head. "We should see how it is progressing," she told Akumaro.

Akumaro nodded. "Of course," he said, wondering if Doukoku would really allow her freedom in this.

Doukoku went to slug back some Essence. "Dayuu, you will play for me when you return," he told her.

"Yes, Lord Doukoku," she agreed. She gestured for Akumaro to lead the way. He bowed slightly and did so.

shootari stroked his tentacle as he watched them. "Lord Doukoku, I don't mean to question your wisdom--"

"Then don't. Dayuu is for me to deal with how I please," he warned shootari with a snarl. shootari shuffled off. He and Akumaro were debating the merits of informing Doukoku that they suspected he was once a human named Isamu Shiba. For now, they decided to keep that to themselves. They had no idea what the knowledge would do to him. He was unstable enough as it was.

~*~

Lani was in her own version of Hell. She just knew it. Dad was gushing over Grandpa like a Japanese fan girl. Mom was grilling Tai on every detail of his future plans for their marriage, including kids. Keoni tried to be helpful and distract while Noa flirted outrageously with Saeko. She looked like she was ready to stab him in the eye with a fork. It was a rather good thing they weren't seated next to each other. Pua and Kane had actually found some common ground while talking about bikes. Kii was watching everything with wide eyes and Rex had that grin on his face that meant trouble.

She never used to think her family was this insane. What on earth was wrong with them? Was it really such a shock that she was going to marry Tai after dating him for over four years?

"So, Pua. When are going to get to attend your engagement dinner?" Rex asked finally. Mom turned her head so fast Lani actually winced. That had to have given her whiplash.

Pua glared at Rex. "Why are you here again?" he asked him through clenched teeth.

Rex held up his hand and pointed to a faint scar that was nearly invisible due to age and calluses from handling weapons. "This right here says me and Tai are brothers. Where else should I be but toasting his pending nuptials?" he asked as if hurt that Pua thought otherwise.

"Lani, if your brother looks down my top one more time, I'm going to--"

"Tell Daiki?" Kane asked curiously since his conversation with Pua had been interrupted. He was now getting the third degree from his mother. Kane felt no sympathy. Mrs. Lyong was cut from same cloth as his own mother it seemed. Maybe they should have a Mom get together or something. He shuddered. What a horrifying thought.

Saeko held her fork up to him threateningly while Rex snickered and Kiari giggled.

Tai's Morpher beeped. "Oh thank, God," he said and pulled it out. "Tai here."

Lani covered her face with her hands. She sincerely hoped that was good news.

"We're on it. Thanks, Billie," he said and closed his Morpher. "Sorry, but there's an emergency. We have to go. Please stay and have some coffee or something," he said politely.

"We were just leaving anyway," Pua said suddenly. Lani gave him a grateful smile. Tai nodded. The six Rangers at the table vacated before Lani's parents could even form a protest.

"Why does she keep doing that?" Emelina demanded with a huff.

"Maybe she thinks we don't approve of her marrying Tai," Keoni pointed out logically.

"What would give her that idea?" she asked cluelessly.

"Come along, Emmy. She'll come see us later," Jae-Sun said and helped his wife to her feet. The Lyongs bid Grandpa farewell awkwardly since he still refused to speak English around them. Only Jae-Sun knew a smattering of Japanese.

~*~

Akumaro ran a hand through his long dark hair as he walked through the old warehouse where they were holding the children from the camp. "Ah, the cries of children. There is nothing quite so intoxicating," he said. He had them piling rocks in certain patterns. "Don't you agree?" he asked Dayuu.

She looked around in distaste. "I never had any use for children," she declared. "At least there is something they're good for," she declared. She, too, had assumed her human form. "Work faster you little brats or your Mommies and Daddies will all die," she said to them with a smile on her face.

Akumaro raised a brow. "What has Lord Doukoku been doing to you?" he asked her.

"That is between the Lord and me," she said with a hiss.

Akumaro shrugged. "It matters not. If you step out of line, I will merely kill you myself," he told her easily and moved away from her.

"You can try," she growled at his back.

~*~

Billie had managed to narrow the search for them. She could give them an area to search but she couldn't be more specific than that. They teleported to the middle of the search area and split up. Lani was still fuming over her disaster of a dinner as she looked around, checking old abandoned buildings and warehouses and barns.

When her Morpher beeped, she answered it automatically. "Lani here," she said.

"Lani, wherever you are, the Hidden Disc is reacting to your presence. The energy signature is getting stronger. I'll guide you. Hang on a sec. I have something for you that Danny and Holly have been working on. I don't want you going in cold without your Hidden Disc," Billie said. "Stay perfectly still," she warned.

Lani froze. There was bright flash of light and a Disc appeared on the ground in front of her. She reached down and picked up. It was purple. "A new Zord? For me?" she asked, surprised.

"Falconzord was made to work with the Wolf Megazord. It'll also upgrade your Sword," Billie answered. "Now, start heading west," she ushered.

Lani began following Billie's instructions and eventually came upon a lone warehouse. "I think I may have found it. Get the others here," she said and closed her Morpher. She summoned her Sword and crept forward, looking inside. "Monsters," she growled and slipped inside.

One little girl was sobbing by herself with a pile of rocks in front of her. Lani recognized her as the one she gave her Disc to. "Psst. Hey sweetie," she whispered. The little girl looked up. Lani beckoned her forward. She looked back at the Nanashi and two figures that had their backs to them. She got up and ran to Lani.

Lani lifted the girl up and dashed outside. She sat her down. "Run, go that way. There's an old barn. Wait for me or the Power Rangers to come get you. Ok?" she asked. The little girl nodded and began running.

Lani watched her go. She spun around when she heard a noise. The grinning Gedoushu and several Nanashi came outside. She held at the ready.

"How did you find this place?" Akumaro demanded. He had planned it so perfectly. He only used Nanashi and never appeared himself in his true form. How did they find them?

"We're just that good," Lani answered.

Akumaro snarled.

Lani stepped back as Dayuu joined him with mocking laughter, resplendent in her Gedou form. She held up Lani's Hidden Disc. "They planted this on one of the children," she declared.

"Give that back," Lani warned her.

"It was mine first," Dayuu said but tossed it at her feet. "It's nothing compared to the power bestowed on me by Lord Doukoku," she sneered. She drew her short sword and rushed forward to attack.

Lionzord, Dragonzord, Eaglezord and Bearzord flew forward to knock her back along with Akumaro and the other Nanashi.

Lani scooped up her Hidden Disc and rolled away as Tai, Daiki, Saeko and Kane joined them. Lani saw Samurais Gold, Silver and Yellow helping to lead the children out of the warehouse and fight off Nanashi that tried to stop them.

"Get them!" Akumaro shouted at the Nanashi pointing at the unmorphed Rangers.

"Samurai Sword Clash!" They flipped out their Morphers, drew their Characters in the air and activated them.

Samurai White looked at Samurai Red. "Give me the Box," she told him.

He nodded and handed it over to her. He drew out the Tyranno Disc.

"Samurai Sword Clash! Power-Up!"

"Samurai Sword Clash! Tyranno Power!"

White rushed toward Dayuu and slashed with her Sword. "You and me. We have something to settle," she seethed.

"I was hoping I'd run into you again," Dayuu said as their Swords strained against each other.

Red began to fight his way through the hordes of Nanashi that suddenly began appearing. The TyrannoSword whipped around, cutting through them with a nearly living hunger.

The others stayed out of his way while fighting off the Nanashi as well.

Samurai Pink decided to try her new present. She slipped the Falcon Disc on to her Sword hilt and spun it. A whirlwind of purple wind energy spun around her blade. "Raptor Wings!" Her Sword transformed into two larger, more wing-like, white-pink-and-purple fans. She headed toward Akumaro. "That was all you, wasn't it?" she demanded, using her fans to cut through the Nanashi around her. "Who are you?" she demanded.

Akumaro spread his arms. "Akumaro, at your service. Humble servant of my Lord and Master Doukoku," he said. His grin widened slightly as Green, Blue and Yellow came up behind her and began slashing at him. He fended them off and whirled away. "Don't think you can beat me," he said and held out a clawed hand. Blue energy shot from his fingertips at them.

White and Dayuu traded blows. "Don't think some fancy box is going to make you a match for me, little girl," she taunted White.

White's temper sparked and she whirled away. She opened the Battlizer and put her Hidden Disc inside it. She spun the Power Disc on her Sword. "Eagle Disc!" White hot flames engulfed the blade. "Dance of White Raging Flames!" She jumped and slashed downward in an inferno.

Pink spread her wings forward, protecting the other rangers and her. By the time the explosions ended, there were skid marks in the ground where she'd been slid back several inches. She spread them out almost angelically as fire blazed around them.

Akumaro stepped back. "What--"

She flapped the fans and jumped in the air. "Dancing Hurricane Winds!" She began spinning mid-air and came down at him hard in a cyclone of wind and spinning blades.

White and Purple explosions nearly blinded everyone.

Dayuu and Akumaro stumbled into each other and supported each other as they sizzled and smoked. "What a woman," he declared in stark admiration. "We're done for now, Dayuu," he declared darkly.

He straightened up and pulled out a black piece of paper. "Kirigami!" he called and threw the paper into the air. A strange giant-sized creature appeared with several Giant Nanashi. "Have fun Rangers," he said and waved at them.

"This isn't over!" White warned Dayuu.

"No. It's not," Dayuu agreed as she and Akumaro disappeared into the cracks.

"Saeko, summon the Megazord," Red said. "Lani, don't know you got that but what can it do?" he asked.

"Rena and I will distract the Nanashi. You guys take care of that Kirigami thing," Pink stated.

"Power Disc! Samurai Megazord!" White spun the Disc. The light on the box  grew brightly. The Origami grew to their full-size and formed the Samurai Megazord. The Rangers appeared inside the cockpit.

"TyrannoZord!" Red spun the Disc on his Tyranno-Sword. The Tyranno appeared outside of the Megazord as a full-sized Zord. It broke apart and attached itself to the Megazord, forming a Sword and a helmet. "United under providence. Tyranno Megazord!"

Gold typed the Large Character into her Morpher. When it shimmered in the air, Wolf Origami Zord jumped through it. Not only did it grow to full size, but it transformed into a vaguely feminine shaped Megazord. She appeared in its cockpit.

Pink teleported to the Cockpit as well. She has her sword in hand once more. She spun the Falcon Disc. "Falconzord!" A large, purple falcon shaped Zord appeared outside the Wolf Megazord. She spun the disc again. "Samurai Armament!" The Zord broke apart and attached itself to the Wolf Megazord, forming a helmet, wings and a double ended trident connected by heavy chains. "United under Providence! Raptorwing Megazord!"

"Oh, sweet! More Lady Zord Powa!" Gold declared.

The Kirigami and the Giant Nanashi taunted them. The Raptorwing met them blow for blow. The Tryranno Megazord slashed through them as well.

Finally they were down to two and the Kirigami. "Let's give them a taste of this lovely lady. Ready guys?" Pink asked the Tyranno Megazord.

"Ready!" Red agreed. The six Rangers in the Megazord drew their Swords. "Tyranno Slash!" They slashed down in a straight vertical line

The Kirigami glowed and sparked.

Pink and Gold drew their swords. The Raptorwing Megazord spread its wings and the feathers began to glow. "Raptor Call!" They spun their Discs. The Megazord clapped the ends of the tridents together and a blast of inaudible sound and energy blasted through the Kirigami and remaining Nanashi.

The creatures fell backwards and exploded.

"Holy cow that was awesome!" Gold gasped.

"Yep. And that brings this chapter to its conclusion," Pink agreed.

Gold squeezed her. "I think I have a lady crush," she declared. Pink Laughed.

~*~

Lani invited her parents to have lunch with her and Tai and Grandpa the next day. With no one else. "Of course we're happy for you, dear. I'm just so...well, it's not everyday my little girl gets engaged," her mom said as they prepared to leave. "Besides, the boy has money, land, his own business and a Japanese title. A mother could hardly ask for more in a son-in-law," she added as she gave her daughter a hug.

"I'd take him even if he didn't have all that," Lani declared.

"It doesn't hurt," Emelina said with a small shrug. She turned her attention to Tai and sighed. "Get down here so I can give you a hug and a kiss and welcome you to the family properly," she ordered.

Tai chuckled and bent down and found himself subjected to one of her bear hugs and she kissed his cheek. "You make my baby happy or you'll have me to deal with," she warned him pleasantly enough.

"Yes, ma'am," he agreed readily.

She nodded in satisfaction.

Lani's father gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He shared a firm handshake with Tai and the two of them were finally gone.

Lani collapsed again Tai with a sigh. "Can we elope?" she asked.

Tai chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "Probably not. Do you know how many people we'll disappoint if we don't have the wedding of the century?" he asked.

Lani groaned but snuggled closer to him. "I'll hire a wedding planner," she declared.

Tai laughed again. There was Ranger business and his own business to see to, but just for that moment, he was content to be right there with her.

She was, too.

~*End Act 28*~           

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