Chapter 26: The Silent Informant
(The Boarding House)
"Okay we'll go retrieve them and bring them back to Angel Grove," Billy suggested as they worked on trying to teleport the Rangers back home. "We need to know where they've been this past week." They got a fix on the location of the Power Rangers and use the transporters. Each of them brought the ten friends back to the boarding house. They did a scan to make sure they weren't affected by the shift in dimensional travel. Rosaline was the first to regain consciousness and found herself home.
"Is this real? Or am I dreaming?" Rosaline groaned rubbing her head. "How...did I end up back in Angel Grove?"
"Hey come on sweetie take it easy," Tommy and Kimberly replied helping their daughter. "You've all been out for quite sometime. Are you alright?"
"What about Virgil and the others? Where are they? Are my friends okay? This isn't some weird parallel realm or dimension is it? I need to be sure I'm not dreaming and that I don't wake up in some strange weird place," she started panting getting up looking a bit disorientated. It was until she noticed there was no pyreflies or weird glowing and bright sensation occurring. Suddenly she saw Gabriel toddling towards her giggling as he smiled touching her leg. "Wait...okay that I can feel and I'm not disappearing. Oh Gabe, you don't know how happy I am to see you cutie!"
"Well that seems to snap you back to reality, all ten of you have been gone for about a week," Tommy informed them. "A week has passed since the departure from the Ancient Harbor. Billy and the others scanned your bio signatures and they're clean."
"And we can assure you that your friends are fine," Kimberly assured her.
"I need to see them please, especially Virgil," she requested as her parents assisted her upstairs. Rosaline followed her parents to the bedrooms and found her friends regaining consciousness recalling to the veterans about what happened in the labyrinths. When she reached Virgil's room, Rosaline smiled running inside giving her boyfriend a tight embrace.
"Seems like my lady is thrilled beyond words to see me," Virgil smiled. "What actually was a week felt like months wherever the heck Atticus took us to."
"You're alright, that's all that matters to me," Rosaline smiled kissing him. "I can't imagine you guys not being around. I mean you're the guy I'm head over heels for and I got eight best friends for life that mean the world. We're a team and we stick together."
"You got that right babe," he replied, "There is no way you can get rid of me that easily."
"If you guys are done with the teenage love fest here, do you think we can refocus before raging hormones takeover?" Adam slightly joked to the young couple. "If you're done letting me examine you Virgil then we should probably get this show on the road."
"Oh come on Adam give the couple a few more minutes," Kimberly smirked. "Besides, these guys survived their first experience of inter dimensional traveling. We'll give them five minutes to prep up and all meet in the living room."
"Wow...thanks Mrs. Oliver for the consideration," Virgil smirked jokingly at Kim. "I didn't take you for the hopeless romantic."
"Dude don't push your luck there," she teased watching her daughter making out. "Okay I think we had enough show for one morning. Wrap it up will you? Oh and FYI Virgil please don't refer to me as Mrs. Oliver because it makes me feel old."
"That keeps slipping out of my mind, sorry about that Kimberly," he replied.
A little while later, Rosaline and her friends came downstairs in the living room to join the veteran Rangers and had something to eat. They recalled their voyage with Atticus and their deceased friends on the Tide Gale. Later, they explained about what the trip to the Isle of Songs and Rosaline's part on unlocking the first of two trials that took them deep into the Twilight Realm. Each of them told their stories to the older Rangers about their trials in the Denizen's Labyrinth while facing some unsettled accounts of their own pasts.
How they exited the labyrinth and the Twilight Realm to only end up back home was still a mystery to the Power Rangers. However, the young team made their mentors aware they had one more trial to endure: seeking out the Sacred Flames. It became evident that if the Rangers found their respective Sacred Flames as a task bestowed by the original Denizens, they can restore the link to the morphing grid.
"It seems like you guys had an eventful week," Tommy replied as they nodded. "You're aware that the escapade of you guys traveling from different realms is causing an influx of abnormal energy flowing into Earth?" Reluctantly, the older Rangers explained the consequences of their interloping ventures feeling that the quest to restore their powers may only further worsen things. "However, we all understood the risks of sending you guys off with Atticus. This is your fight, your call of destiny, your quest. Remember...the mission is what matters."
"But was it necessary knowing that the veil has already been deteriorating at an alarming rate?" Bianca inquired.
"Bianca has a point," Quincy added, "The original Denizens of Twilight were tasked with preserving the balance and placing some sort of curse on the original Progeny to prevent them from the reincarnation of the Source in flesh. However, since Satsu is the Source's Progeny to become the second coming of the Source of Evil, it means they're going to find a way to break the curse aren't they?"
"That sounds like the game plan according to the Guardian of Twilight," Jason replied. "According to Atticus' accounts. We've been doing some research while you guys were sailing the inter dimensional seas about what happened at Valhalla."
"That place is a pivotal significance because they explained it was at Valhalla the Denizens of Twilight cursed the original Progeny." Rosaline said.
"Exactly but the location of Valhalla has become irrelevant over the years but how to gain entry there is still a mystery," Billy explained. "We believe the Acadians are gathering essential components needed to lift the curse. It still buys us time because for Satsu to undo the curse, she has to travel to Valhalla. Knowing its a sanctum place of the line and legacy of Power, it's going to be tricky for her without finding more loopholes she can violate."
"The Sacred Flames you guys are seeking are vital to the curse because it was the powers of the flames that let the Denizens of Twilight inflict the curse." Kimberly explained. "According to our findings, these guys had layers upon layers of seals and constraints placed for them to undo the curse."
"Basically if Satsu goes through the ascension and reincarnates herself as the second coming of the Source of Evil in the flesh," Tommy said rubbing his glasses.
"Then it's game over and forget about fixing the natural balance of order in the universe," Rosaline said sternly before turning to her friends. "We can't let that happen and those kids are depending on us. We need to figure out a way to unlock the second trial. It maybe a hunch but I feel that the Sacred Flames of Power are hidden somewhere on Earth. We just need to know how to obtain it so we can get our powers back."
"We could head to NASADA to widen the range and maybe see if these abnormal activities might give us an insight," Billy suggested as the others were in agreement to head to NASADA for some answers. However, Tommy and Kimberly had something else in mind as the couple instructed Billy and the others to take the Rangers with them. The two of them looked at Zack, Jason and Kat indicating that they needed to tend to some business.
(The Ancient Harbor)
While their friends took the Rangers to NASADA, Zack, Jason and Kat accompanied Tommy and Kimberly to the Ancient Harbor. Surprisingly the five veterans found the Tide Gale docked at the harbor and noticed the timeshift stone active within the area. They were on a mission and it was an audience with Atticus in regards to the whereabouts of their children. As much as they tried to resume daily living, it still was unbearable being separated from their children.
"I see that the Power Rangers survived their first trip in the Twilight Realm," Atticus replied exiting the ship, "It's rare to see ten individuals like them face the trials of the Denizen's Labyrinth. Of course you all knew they would succeed. It is safe to assure that their travels in the realm of shadow and light hasn't ended."
"We know that and they're embarking on trying to unlock the second trial," Tommy informed. "They need to obtain the Sacred Flames don't they? It's their way of reestablishing the legacy and line of the Denizens of Twilight, the Twilight Powers to the morphing grid."
"Well they're on the right track. However, I sense your business here is more than just about the Power Rangers. It's more on the lines of the whereabouts of your children isn't it? You know Zedd and Rita took them intentionally for a reason."
"Look, we have an idea of their game plan, undoing the curse the original Denizens of Twilight inflicted on the Progeny," Kat said.
"They're helping Satsu collect everything she needs to break the curse," Kimberly informed. "However, she needs the location of Valhalla in order to undo it, but it's sanctuary for the line and legacy of Power. So we're going to get straight to the point, what do they want from our children?"
"It's not about why they took your children, it's more like what they possess, my dear Pink Crane. For years the Order of Meridian have hoped that the Denizens of Twilight succeeded in foiling the plans of the Acadians to prevent a defiling of the natural balance of the universe and that of the supernatural. Lines and boundaries were drawn and tabooed for the sanctity of peace. We...didn't anticipate how many events and coincidences had to transpire in order for this injustice to occur."
"So what is it do our children possess? Is it vital to what Satsu needs to break the curse?" Jason asked.
"Can we know at least they're exact location of where they are? We've doubt with serious stuff over the years and heavy magic..." Zack added.
"You incur such actions there will be some serious repercussions." Atticus sighed. "It...has already happened tampering with the means of fate and destiny. You all should know that by now with your past experiences with the encounter with Lokar, the Source of Evil. It is what it wants. For all of you to further incur the wrath of those who preserve the balance of good and evil, of that of the natural order. There are forces out there after all of you, after the Power Rangers and that of the legacy and line of Power. It is the risk we took, the risk you knew when you first chose the successors. However...rules are sometimes meant to be broken."
"Then you understand we do anything in our power to protect our family and the people that matter," Tommy answered. "We're not known for following the rules and traditions because each legacy and line of power defines who we are as people. It's not just about power and having it. A while back when Kim and I were both in the Hallow and you offered us your solution to defeating Lokar, we got an insight into the foundations of how the line of power was created. We rejected it, but it doesn't mean we walked away from our duties. We found another means of power and strength to defy the forces of evil."
"I know and that is why they struck by taking the thing you love the most. I feel and empathize with you all. I understand the need and will to protect the future and line you redefined and created. You want to protect the legacy you've established. This struggle between good and evil doesn't come without casualties or consequences for a higher purpose. That is why...I will uphold my oath and duty to ensure that the transitions of the past are not repeated this time. I can tell you are not alone in this battle despite the numbers. Your children will make their way back home. Help is always there when you don't see it."
"How can you be sure our children are safe?" Kimberly asked. "We're asking a lot from these youths, basically they're a reminder of us once upon a time. Although we gave up our powers so they could succeed, it doesn't mean our mission is done yet. They may not be the ideal team and they're not perfect. Heck, we all have faults but how can we give them the assurance they'll survive this fight against someone who rejects the ideas of humanity and honor?"
"Because of the hope and determination the human spirit gives them," Atticus smiled. "And you are right Wings of Fate, your mission is not done. They will need you and this second trial will require the strengths of old and new. They need to prepare for what lies ahead and you have all the resources needed to inform them of the tasks at hand. Even with or without powers, you, the Power Rangers chosen by Zordon have always been pivotal adversaries to the forces of evil. Now with this new breed and generation, the rules have suddenly changed. There is still unseen dangers ahead and unanswered questions waiting to be discovered."
(NASADA)
Back at NASADA, the Rangers were in the conference room with Billy and the others trying to figure out the mystery behind the abnormal temporal rifts appearing all over the world. They still had Aaron's copy of the storybook hoping it will give them clues about the locations of the Sacred Flames. Aidan worked alongside Billy and Trini to create a geographical profile while Quincy and their friends try to decipher the texts on information about what lies ahead. They found the page that recalled the Denizens' details of what was in store for their second trial.
"A deep forest; a high mountain; a vast lake; the house of the dead; within the goddess of the sands; a snowy tundra; a barren canyon valley; a sacred grove; an outlook towards the sky and a place forgotten by time. A sacred flame is hidden somewhere in each of these lands. Seek them out, and purify yourselves in their heat. Only after you've been tempered by these ten fires will it be fully imbued with the great power for which you search. The song maiden will carry the tunes of destiny that will guide you on your quest appointed by the Denizens." they recalled message from the Isle of Songs.
"Any luck of finding any ancient places or ruins that maybe located in a forest, mountain, lake, haunted house, a desert, a tundra, a valley, grove, outlook, or anywhere else beyond time?" Aisha asked tossing another book.
"Did you find details in Aaron's duplicated storybook about what we're up against?" Penny asked.
"Well whatever enchantment was worked on this copy of the storybook doesn't doesn't replicate to the original text Faron created," Quincy replied putting his glasses on and reading the texts. "However, it gives the detail accounts about each quest narrowing it down to ten locations and what we face."
"How about the geographical profile how is that coming along?" Rosaline asked.
Minutes later she saw her parents arrive alongside Jason, Zack and Kat as the Rangers filled in the other veterans on their progress. In return they heard from the five veterans about their visit to Atticus hoping to get a location on where the children are.
"Basically we got a warning about how much further consequences we're invoking tampering with fate and destiny," Tommy sighed. "Didn't imagine we were playing such a dangerous game with an adversary who is just further taking pleasure and excitement out of it."
"Highly skilled criminals can display traits of textbook narcissism along with organizational traits, well according to studies of criminal profiling and behavioral analysis I took at UMCP," Quincy added scanning throught the textbook. "Usually profilers would classify Satsu's behavior of that of a borderline sociopath and narcissism. If she pushes her luck she can be classified as a psychopath as well."
"If you survive this Quince I am sure there is a career for you in the FBI," Rosaline commented. "Come on who wouldn't want to recruit a genius with an IQ of 180 and holds multiple BAs in psychology and sociology?"
"Okay getting back on topic, the Guardian of Twilight told us that intentional game plan is to undo the curse," Kimberly added. "The children have something vital they need to help lift the Progeny's curse. There is a reason why the original Denizens tasked you guys to find the Sacred Flames."
"So it's more than just restoring our powers and link to the morphing grid then?" Christian asked.
"We still have time and it's a bit complicated to explain things because our last knight and link to the history and legacy of power tends to be cryptic," Zack said.
"But we're use to cryptic and strange messages," Kat slightly smirked. "Comes with the territory."
"They need to get Valhalla don't they? And we're not the only ones interloping between realms," Bianca said, "Spirits and lingering souls whisper gossip about interlopers crossing the veil between here and what lies beyond. Deeming the Progeny as a "defiler of balance" it means she's sailing around collecting everything she needs to undo the curse. However, she can't enter Valhalla because one Satsu doesn't know where it is and two, it sanctuary lands which they're known for desecrating with dark magic. They already violated the lands once and incur the wrath by restricting access."
"Wait run that by us again?" Jason inquired. "Are you saying...that those evil bastards stepped into Valhalla before?" Bianca was concentrating hard walking around as if she could hear the spirits talking to her. Those the others looked on with confusion, Kat realized that Bianca was engaging in some sort of conversation with the other side. "She's onto something is she?"
"I don't know anything about psychics or spirits but Bianca is becoming our go to girl for this stuff," Rosaline commented. "What's the verdict Bi?"
"They've been there before and it was how Thrax managed to bring back his parents," Bianca said. "However, the powers that be or some sort of divine intervention in an act of defiance by Thrax gave Zedd and Rita forms of flesh, alongside their spawn of evil. They weren't at full strength until they tried to pull some stupid stunt to return them to full power the night of Halloween. The night when the Ghost of Darkness was released causing havoc in Angel Grove. Long story short they got a lifetime existence ban from Valhalla and basically the next time they went back to Valhalla, it was like the location never existed."
"The Order of Meridian and the original Denizens of Twilight knows the location to Valhalla," Tommy replied. "However, the second trial is what matters right now and getting the children back. We'll worry about Valhalla and the curse when the time comes. You all have to understand for every question we get answered, there is always going to be another mystery to solve. We have to take this one step at a time."
(The Mediterranean Sea)
A temporal rift suddenly opened up as an eerie pirate ship sailed through the rift. The ship was now sailing the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Inside the captain's cabin, the children looked out at the massive sea while hearing heated arguments between Satsu and Tanaka against Zedd, Rita and Thrax. Claire looked at Aaron worrying about her older brother. It was like he wasn't himself struggling trying to hold onto the memories of his life and family. Between the psychological torture they endured and the mental and emotional trauma they witness, the children knew somehow their families will find them.
"I don't understand why you set course for this blasted ship to sail in the infested human world?" Rita snapped at Satsu and Tanaka.
"This is an Acadian vessel my Empress and pardon the slight detour...but we still do have obligations and duties to fulfill," Tanaka calmly said. "Satsu here needs a few days to unwind my lords with all the explorations you send the young girl off on."
"Enlighten me Grand Praetor does this have to do...with your family?" Thrax questioned. The children were in the cabin overhearing the conversation when they heard Lauren coming through the door. Zedd snapped and ordered Lauren inside to fulfill her duties of keeping the children the line. "It seems like a eligible request as to why we're suddenly voyaging in the human world."
"It's more than just that Thrax," Satsu commented. "Yes, our family is in danger of being taken from us but something is amiss amongst the Power Rangers. I'm sensing they're becoming stronger and seeking something that was lost from time. They've already cemented their valor as successors to the Twilight Powers but they need the Sacred Flames for it to fully restore the powers the Thrax took from them!"
"Those blasted power parasites won't give will they?" Zedd yelled frustrated. "With or without powers they won't stand down! It doesn't matter which one of those leeches is taking the mantle, they will always be a thorn on our side!"
Lauren was inside the cabin with the children overhearing the discussion while she fed the kids their food. Without anyone looking, she checked for a clear coast as she had a bottle in her hand. The kids smiled noticing that secretly Lauren activated a small device and put it in the bottle before sealing it.
"What is that Lauren?" Elena and Hayden asked. "You're going to get caught if they find out you opened the window."
"I'm getting word to help on land to get you guys off this blasted ship," Lauren whispered. "That thing I put in the bottle will teleport it to the Shiba House where my friends are. I created a small tracking device so your parents and the other Power Rangers will find this ship. Those guys can't leave because Tanaka and Satsu are still human at the end of the day. They need to make sure "their family" is safe. While those idiots argue among themselves, we're going to use this opportunity to get word out."
"But what if your cover gets blown?" Allison questioned. "What if something terrible happens to you?"
"Hey what matters is getting you kids home safe and that is a promise," Lauren replied recording something on the device before placing it inside. She tossed the bottle outside the window and saw a shimmering object flowing in the sea. Seconds later, it disappeared in a flash of light to its desired destination.
The cabin door opened minutes later as Tanaka ordered Lauren outside and locked the children inside. Lauren followed some of the other members of the fraternity on the main deck as Tanaka and Satsu ordered the fraternity to line up. "There has seem to be a rumor going on that there is a mole amongst our brethren. We uphold a bound and allegiance to the fraternity, loyal subjects to the Source and to the Source of Evil, Lokar itself. To hear such rubbish is an absolute insult! So to quell these suppose suspicions about anarchy and treason, you will all be subjected without questioning to interrogation." Tanaka warned.
"And let us assure you that if there is a traitor within our ranks, they will be dealt with according to the binding laws of the Acadians," Satsu added. "We are an elite group and this fraternity is like family. To go against the Acadian legacy signals an act of defiance and treachery and that is something...we don't tolerate." Inside Lauren hoped that she could hold up for a few more days knowing that time was beginning to run out for her and the children. The last thing she couldn't risk was being exposed too soon.
(NASADA)
Tommy and Kimberly watched for 2 days straight their daughter and her friends work nonstop in the conference room. For them to be gone somewhere in another realm for almost a week and come back with the fighting spirit and determination inside proved to be something good. As much as they were proud of the Rangers, the veterans were worried for their wellbeing. However, they told their mentors they wouldn't leave NASADA until they figured out the clue to unlocking the second trial, finding the Sacred Flames.
When the others arrived back at NASADA to check up on the Rangers, a rental car they didn't recognize gained access through the entry gate. It made its way to the main entrance of the building and the veterans looked surprise to find the Samurai Power Rangers being led by Jayden exiting the car. Billy and the others welcomed them and led them to one of the empty board rooms to talk. It left the original Rangers wondering what they were doing here.
"First of all, we're sorry to come unannounced knowing with the crisis that occurred with the Ranger Initiative program," Jayden informed. "We were kept up to date with contacts from Lightspeed and the Silver Guardians of the situation. Our squad is in the custody of Lightspeed in a disclosed location which is good. We do apologize for not participating in Operation Exodus sending nearly two thirds of the Rangers in training off planet."
"It's understandable you guys are one of the only few teams who elected to keep your squads on Earth and knowing Lightspeed and the Silver Guardians it is best their locations are disclosed," Billy replied. "We only have less than 1000 left of newly activated Power Rangers and with the threat of the Progeny increasing, it's becoming difficult to protect them on Earth. However, something tells us this is more than just about the Ranger Initiative."
"Does the name Tanaka Asuaki ring a bell?" Kevin asked. Surprisingly, it became apparent that the Samurai Rangers were conducting their own inquiry about the Acadian Fraternity. What became significant was while the Samurai Rangers explained about Tanaka's criminal past, Trini managed to pull up a profile on him. "This man isn't what he seems to be. He is just more than the founder of the Asuaki Food Corporation as he is portrayed in the eyes of the public."
The others explained to the Samurai Rangers about Tanaka's connection to the Acadians and him being the Grand Praetor, a top elite in the fraternity. They told the team about their encounter with Satsu and how she is the Progeny of the Source. Jayden pulled out a bottle which contained a device on it along with a tracker as the Samurai Rangers told them about Lauren and an undercover operation they established to infiltrate the Acadians. What caught their attention was the fact that they secretly had an informant within their enemy's operations.
"So your older sister Lauren, the other Red Samurai Ranger has been undercover as a member of the Acadians for about two years?" Tommy asked as Jayden nodded his head in approval. "So you're meaning to tell us that those bastards are somewhere sailing the Mediterranean Sea with our children?"
"She managed to send us out a relayed message and the device she uses has the ability to transport it to the Shiba House," Mia replied. "Lauren said that she encountered the children of the original Power Rangers. Their names are Aaron, Claire, Elena, Allison and Hayden right? Ironically, she was tasked to look after their upkeep during their stay on the Acadian ship. However, those sick idiots under Tanaka's orders need to tend to some personal matter that is why they ended up back here.
"The tracker only lasts for three days before the trail goes dead." Jayden informed. "However, I need to get my sister off that ship because the Acadians got word someone infiltrated their fraternity. If they find out it's Lauren, they will kill her. But she's making it her mission...to ensure you guys know where your children are so you can rescue them. We only got a small window of opportunity open so we're proposing...to help you guys."
It was the breakthrough they needed after days of frail hope and worry about their children. However, knowing the payoff and trade they made for their Rangers to succeed in their quest was a setback. Rosaline and her friends heard the news from the Samurai Rangers of the Acadians appearance somewhere in the Mediterranean with the kids. The Rangers announced that they figured out the key to unlocking the second trial but there was one thing they needed, time.
"The temporal rifts that were appearing are basically the locations to the Sacred Flames," Rosaline informed. "The second trial for us lies on Earth and traveling to the respective locations by venturing through the realms of shadow and light. We need your help to buy us some time to seek out the flames and launch an attack on cutthroat bitch and get our family back home. We're ready and in three days we're going to make sure they don't sail off into the sunset with those kids."
"So according to their informant on board they got three days until they sail off again to parts unknown?" Virgil asked.
"It's the only opportunity we got so we have to make this count," Kimberly replied. "We can't let them escape and the informant we learned about that is on the ship is a Power Ranger, one of our own. From what we figured out they are suspicious and if they find out Lauren's identity, they will kill her. Powers or no powers we're not sitting out on this fight because it's personal."
"Like they kept reminding us...with the Great Power anything is possible," Tommy slightly smiled as him and his friends knew what it meant. "You know they probably might know what you're all up to seeking out the Sacred Flames. Satsu is going to come after you guys one by one."
"Then let her come after us if she thinks we're walking targets," Rosaline snapped sternly. "We've been through hell and back and there is no way neither her, Thrax, Rita, Lord Zedd or anyone of those cloak wearing jokers are going to stop us! Three days, we'll be ready and this time...it's going to be an even playing field!"