JAYDEN

JAYDEN

Page Sixteen

Jayden agrees. Trying to transfer even a few of our symbol power into the box could destroy him. I can't ask him to do this. Emily tells him, none of us want to see Antonio get hurt. But....Mia continues, we're talking about saving the human race. Mike adds, if he's willing, give it a shot. Jayden reluctantly agrees. Mentor Ji tells them, first you must retrieve the Black Box. For generations it has been guarded by the guardians of the Tengen Gate. Jayden, Mike, Kevin, Mia, and Emily arrive at the Tengen Gate. Mike is not very impressed. It's just a big wood thing. Jayden explains that the Tengen Gate is important part of Ranger history. Jayden, Emily, Kevin, and Mia all give a small bow before walking underneath the gate. Jayden leads his friends through the courtyard. They pause at a monument where Jayden explains, this commemorates where the first Samurai Rangers battled the Nighlok army. Emily adds, they say the Sanzu River flooded the entire city. Mike asks, what happened? Kevin answers, the Rangers defeated them because they never gave up and they took their training seriously. Mike shakes his head with a grin. An older man arrives and adds, we certainly did. Although the legends tell us the Green Ranger was a bit of a prankster. Emily laughs. Mike can't believe it. The older man continues, apparently he drove the Blue Ranger crazy, but they were still the best of friends. Everyone chuckles. The older man introduces himself as Daisuke, the elder guardian. Jayden, Emily, Kevin, Mike, and Mia all give a small bow. Daisuke welcomes them to the Tengen Gate. Your mentor advised us that you were coming. With his arm, Daisuke indicates that they should go ahead. Another guardian waits to escort them. Mia, Emily, Mike, and Kevin follow the guardian. Jayden stays behind, deep in thought as he looks at the monument. Daisuke tells him, a penny for your thoughts. Jayden replies, it's nothing. But Daisuke already knows. Daisuke tells Jayden, you haven't told them your secret have you? Jayden replies, their my friends, Daisuke. I don't like lying to them. Jayden returns to staring at the monument. Daisuke is sympathetic. He places his hand on Jayden's shoulder and tells him he is sorry. But it is your responsibility to be the Red Ranger. Jayden knows and replies, I won't fail them. Jayden walks away with Daisuke. Jayden, Kevin, Emily, Mike, Mia, and Daisuke are sitting in a circle on the floor. Daisuke places a small box on the floor and removes the lid. Inside is the Black Box. Daisuke tells them, the Black Box is the most powerful samurai weapon ever conceive. Few even know of it's existence. Jayden carefully picks up the Black Box. He thanks Daisuke. I shall protect it with my life. Behind them, a guardian is pouring tea in cups for them. Daisuke hopes their friend can program it. With each passing day, the Nighlok presence grows stronger. I fear that soon even this sacred place will be corrupted by their evil. No one notices Octoroo's arm as it comes through the gap, stretches over to the table and poisons the tea. A guardian carries the tray of tea and places it close to Daisuke. Daisuke tells the teens, let us drink tea together. Everyone reaches for a cup. Mike takes two cups and gives one to Mia. They all hold their cups up in a toast. Daisuke states, to honor the ancient Rangers and for good fortune in battle. Jayden is the first to take a drink. He suddenly drops his cup and lays on the floor in pain, clutching at his throat. Jayden manages to choke out a warning - don't drink the tea, it's poison. Mia goes over to Jayden's side. The rest of the teens are alarmed. A guardian races in and tells Daisuke there are Nighlok in the garden. Mia tells the rest, we can't leave Jayden. Jayden tells them not to worry about him. Go! Hurry! Emily, Mike, Kevin, and Mia hurry out. Moments later, a guardian hurries with a tray of medicine for Jayden. Daisuke holds up Jayden's head as he gives him some medicine. All three are startled to hear Octoroo state, what a joke. Seriously?! You are going to fight my magic potion with dry mushrooms? The guardian stands up and charges towards Octoroo. Octoroo blasts him off his feet and he lands on the floor. Daisuke stands up and faces Octoroo. Foolish Nighlok. Your forces were defeated here once before and they shall be again! Octoroo challenges Daisuke. Jayden calls out for them to wait. It's me you want. Let the guardians go! Octoroo is okay with that. I just need one thing from you. You're going to show me the symbol you Red Rangers use to seal away Master Xandred. Instead, Jayden drags himself through the courtyard, trying to get away from Octoroo. Octoroo tells Jayden, it's a simple question Red Ranger. Just show me the sealing symbol and I'll give you the antidote. It will save us both a lot of grief. Octoroo casually walks up to stand beside Jayden, who is still on the ground. Neither one see Deker hiding. Jayden tells Octoroo never. Antonio comes running up, yelling, the man said no! Antonio morphs. Gold Ranger tries to strike Octoroo with his Barracuda Blade, but Octoroo blocks the blow. Octoroo asks, who invited you? This is a private conversation. Jayden is surprised to see Gold Ranger and then passes out. During Octoroo and Gold Ranger's battle, Deker came out of his hiding place and stood by Jayden's still form. Deker transformed into his Nighlok form and announce he would take Jayden. He slung Jayden over his shoulders and leaped away.

The Tengen Gate