"You will be weak for a while," Deker informed him, his voice echoing against the cave walls, "but it seems the purity of the water has begun to work its magic."

"Just because you saved me, don't think it means I'll duel you, Deker," Jayden said, his voice strained but firm. "Like I said before, I only fight to protect the innocent."

There was a dark chuckle from Deker, a sound that bounced off the cave walls, filling the air with an eerie echo.

"Oh, red ranger, always jumping to conclusions," Deker mocked, his voice smooth, as if he was enjoying this. "You misunderstand, I don't want to fight you. I wanted your attention to discuss an important matter with you."

Jayden’s eyebrows furrowed, his suspicion and mistrust clear in his gaze.

"Are you kidding me?! You spy on me, hurt my friends, and end up kidnapping me to talk?" He shook his head vehemently. "I don't buy it."

Deker’s eyes locked onto Jayden's, and there was a hint of amusement in his gaze. "Have the others realized the secret you've been hiding from them?"

Jayden’s heart skipped a beat, eyes widening a bit but he managed to maintain his composure. "What are you talking about?"

"Your secret, red ranger," Deker said, leaning in closer. "The same secret that I carry. The secret of our lineage."

Jayden’s heart pounded in his chest. "were nothing alike you and I.

"I wouldnt be to sure about that," Deker insisted, a touch of sincerity in his voice. "You're like me, a hybrid of human and Nighlok. Your strength."

Meanwhile:

In the tranquility of the Shiba House, Antonio slept fitfully, his dreams taking him back to a part of his past he'd long since buried.

He was a child again, his eyes widened in shock and surprised "Why am I here?Why am I a child again?"

But before the gold ranger could have an idea, suddenly, a chilling wind swept through the streets, and a dark figure emerged from the shadows.

Its monstrous form loomed over young Antonio, who stood frozen in fear.

The Nighlok sneered, its voice like the grating of metal against stone "Well, well, what do we have here? A lost little boy?"

Antonio, huffed as he stood his ground, though having a serious dejavu "I'm not lost!"

The Nighlok laughed, a deep, echoing sound that sent a shiver down Antonio's spine. "Bold words for someone so small."

As the Nighlok raised its hand, preparing to strike, a figure appeared from the shadows.

It was the Red Ranger, Jayden's father, in all his heroic glory.

The Red Ranger's voice rang out, strong and clear. "Leave the boy alone, Nighlok!"

The Nighlok turned its attention to the newcomer, its gaze narrowing. "Who are you to command me, human?"

"I am the Red Ranger, protector of this world. And I will not let you harm this child," the red ranger declared, his grip tightening on his sword as the Nighlok growled.

"This happened before." Antonio said to hismelf standing behind the red ranger but before the scene could unfold a strange blackness began to envelope the small godl ranger....

Meanwhile:

"Enough games, Deker! Explain your reasoning on why you believe I would be a Nighlok like you!" Jayden shouted, his voice echoing in the cave. His heart pounded in his chest, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and confusion.

Deker was silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. His gaze never left Jayden, an unsettling smirk playing on his lips. When he did speak, his voice was softer, almost sympathetic. "Haven't you found it odd, Red Ranger? You, a human, constantly drawn into battles with Nighloks, yet you're always the one who survives. Even when poisoned by Octoroo, here you are, healing. Isn’t that strange?"

Jayden’s eyes narrowed. "I survive because I fight with everything I have. Not because I'm...I'm not like you."

Deker's face held a hint of amusement. "Denial is such a charming defense, isn't it?"

"I'm not in denial!" Jayden snapped, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "I'm human, Deker. Not some...some monster like you."

The words hung heavy in the air, the harsh echo slowly fading into silence. Deker’s expression hardened, and for a moment.

"Monster?" Deker mused, his tone flat. "Is that what you see when you look at me, Red Ranger? A monster?"

Meanwhile:

In the depths of his own dream, Antonio found himself engulfed in darkness, an eerie silence stretching out before him.

"Where am I? This didn't happen before," he whispered to himself, his voice echoing back to him.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a voice. It was a chilling blend of familiar and monstrous. "Who dares to intrude in my head?"

"Jayden!" Antonio shouted, relief washing over him. He spun around, his eyes scanning the darkness. "Where are you? Did Deker hurt you?"

The silence returned, stretching out into what felt like an eternity. Then, two glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness, their fiery glow casting an eerie light around them. Antonio gasped, his heart pounding in his chest. "Please, whoever you are, don't hurt me."

A low chuckle echoed in the darkness. "Hurt you? No, Antonio. I've been waiting for this moment."

Antonio's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. "Who are you?"

The voice chuckled again, its tone almost gleeful but pretended to be hurt. "Sad to think you dont remember me and here I was hoping you'd remember me from our first meeting...."