"There's nothing up there?" said RJ as he looked up into the pitch black night sky.
"Alright, hang on tight said," said Billy as he came up from behind RJ and wrapped his arms around his chest.
"Wait what?" was all that RJ could say as Billy streaked them both up into the sky in a blur of blue light.
A few seconds later they touched down in front of a large temple overrun with vines and vegetation. In the center of the stone floor of the table was a large pool of water rippled as if disturbed by their presence. Not a sound was heard as a breeze shook the trees.
"A little warning next time," said RJ as he let go of Billy's forearms.
"Sorry, I would have given you my hand, but the gravitational force of my streaking may have ripped your arm from your body. I deduced that lifting you up by your center of gravity would be safer," said Billy which ended RJ's complaining.
When RJ finally looked around he noticed a woman lying atop of a stone table. He approached her slowly as to not disturb her. He couldn't hear Billy whispering him to stay away. She was dressed in white robes, similar to the man in the vision. Her head was adorned with what appeared to RJ as freshly cut flowers. To him, she looked almost peaceful.
As soon as he was within arms distance the pool of water began to boil and awaken the sleeping woman. She rose from the table and turned her head to face RJ and Billy.
"Who dares disturb our sleep and trespass into our domain?" asked the woman.
RJ quickly jumped back, side stepping the boiling pool of water.
"We mean you no harm," stated Billy as he placed himself between RJ and the woman.
"Only those chosen may enter here," she said.
"We did not mean to wake you," said RJ apologetically.
"She isn't wake," corrected Billy. "Her eyes are still shut. This must be a defense mechanism of some kind."
As soon as Billy was done the woman outstretched her hands and commanded the water to rise and drench RJ and him.
They covered their faces with their arms and waited for the intense heat of the water to burn them, but instead a cool breeze fell upon them. Dazed, they lowered their arms and stared at the boiling water then at the woman.
"The water does not hurt those who are pure of heart," said the woman.
"Who are you and what is this place?" asked Billy.
The woman scanned the area by turning her head left and right, her eyes still closed tightly. Satisfied that there were no others in the area she returned her unseeing gaze to them.
"We are Princess Shayla, defender of the Animarium and the Wild Zords who call it home," she said calmly. Various amounts of roars, and animal calls could be heard now echoing through the forest around them.
Billy quickly glanced back at RJ when the princess said her name. RJ nodded in understanding.
"How have you gained access to this place, like we stated before only those chosen may enter this sanctuary," said Princess Shayla.
"My name is Billy Cranston and this is my student Robert James. My mentor Zordon selected me along with five other individuals to defend Earth against an unspeakable evil. With his passing I hope to continue his legacy and defend this world from any future threats," said Billy with a sense of pride.
There was a small pause before Princess Shayla spoke again.
"Do you mean you were chosen by Zordon of Eltar and he is no longer living?" repeated the Princess quietly.
"Yes," said Billy as he bowed his head.
"Any person that Zordon has placed his trust in so too do we," said Princess Shayla as she also bowed her head.
Without notice both Geki and Rogan materialized and bowed to the Princess. She then reciprocated and bowed back.
RJ stared at them wondering what they were doing.
"It has been a long time since a wolf has set foot on the Animarium, let alone two," said Princess Shayla.
"Which brings up why we came here," said Billy. "We are searching for two more wolves. A silver and black one to be exact."
The Princess became unresponsive, as if her body ceased to be awake. After a few seconds she began to move again.
"Long ago a silver wolf once protected this great land along with five other animals. He was lost in the ensuing battle. Rumor spoke of a black wolf that destroyed him, but some still have hope that he survived. If he were destroyed we would know, but we have been unable to determine his fate," said Princess Shayla.
"Whomever you are I wish to speak with Princess Shayla. She may know more about who we are looking for," said Billy forcefully.
RJ gave a confused look, while the Princess smiled.
"Unfortunately the Princess cannot be awakened at this moment. She can only be awakened when the Earth requires the power of the Animarium once more," said the Princes.
"How did you know that it wasn't the Princess talking?" asked RJ befuddled.
"It kept referring to itself as 'we' which made me realize this was not the actual princess talking," said Billy not tarring his gaze from the sleeping princess.
"I see you do live up to your animal spirit Wolf Master," said Shayla with a smile.
"May we ask who you are then?" asked Billy.
Again, there was lengthy pause. The roar of the animals also appeared to die down, while Geki and Rogan laid on the ground and placed their face between their front paws.
"I have gone by many names, your mentor Zordon knew me as Animus," said the voice coming from the Princess.
"I do not believe Zordon ever mentioned you," said Billy.
"I supposed not, by the time you were selected my Animarium had been suspended in a state of hibernation for three millennium. I informed Zordon that he would need to take up the mantle of defending this world in my absence, until our ancient foe resurfaced and this is not that time," said Animus.
"Do you know where we can find the silver wolf then, it has been calling out to us since Robert crossed my path," said Billy.
"My strength has not fully recovered, and the whereabouts of the silver and black wolves are shrouded from my power," said Animus.
Both Billy and RJ's shoulders slumped down in defeat. It appeared that they might have reached yet another dead end.
"Do not let yourselves be defeated. It appears that you two may still be able find them somewhere on Earth. All I ask is that you attempt to reach them. Maybe with your help I'll be able to save them both from their fate," said Animus.
"How? We can't even seem to know where these visions are coming from," yelled RJ.
Billy shook his head in a way that told RJ to be quiet.
"Young Wolf Cub, we may not always understand the way the Power may work, but know that it does not give you something you are not ready to handle. Trust in it and let it always protect you," said Animus with a smile.
RJ stared at the ground and shuffled his feet.
"Can you give us any leads on where to begin looking?" asked Billy.
"I believe your best lead is here where these visions have led you. This was once their home, so I assume they would not have gone too far," said Animus.
"Thank you," said Billy as he bowed out of respect.
"I do not doubt that Zordon chose well whom to bestow his legacy to, may the power always protect you Billy Cranston: Wolf Master," said Animus as he released Princess Shayla's body and returned her to her slumbering stated.
Billy rose from his bow and made his way pass RJ to where they landed.
"You will always be welcomed here in the Animarium," whispered Animus through the rustling trees.
Billy took another look around and watched as both Geki and Rogan disappeared into the shadow of the trees.
"You ready to head back down?" asked Billy as she stood there with his arms open.
"Are you sure this is the only way down?" asked RJ as he leaned into Billy.
"It's this or we can see if wolves land on their feet like cats?" said Billy with laugh and streaked down back to solid ground.