Shadows in the Glass

by flipgurlpink11

An incident causes Tommy to retire from the Ranger life following the end of his latest tenure. Years later, an unexpected battle between two warring factions will throw him and the original Rangers into the mix fighting not only for the fate of their city, but for the heart of the team.

52. The Lords & Ladies of Old

(Author's Notes: Hey everybody here is Chapter 52. I apologize for the long delay and I know it's been a long time since the last update. I appreciate everyone who is following my story and to keep on sending in the reviews. In this chapter, the Rangers are given a crash history course of the previous predecessors of the Ninjetti Order on Earth.)

Chapter 52: The Lords & Ladies of Old

August 7th 2009

Reefside Forest

FLASHBACK

The two young children continued to retreat into the safe haven that shielded them from the dangers of the world. They were just young children and only had each other's company to rely on. They trekked up along trails into the Macalla Mountains. Wandering for hours, their journey led them to a remote settlement known as the Village of the Whills. The young travelers found themselves greeted by the locals who resided in the village. They may have human guises, but Matias and Selphie sensed these individuals were more than just average human beings.

"What is this place Matias?" Selphie asked. "Do you think it's safe to be here?"

"I don't know but something tells me that there is something very, very mystical and special about it." Matias said keeping a hold of the sword that he kept. It was a sentimental item though scarred with memories and trauma of death and chaos. It was the same sword that was used that ended the life of his dear mother at the hands of his enemies. "I promise you Selphie, nothing won't happen to you, not on my watch."

"You feel something mystical about this place? I...I...I feel something stirring inside of me. It's like a force calling out in the distance." Selphie replied looking around. "I know we are a long, long way from home. Or what used to be home before."

"I feel something calling to me too, an unknown force beckoning in the distance." Matias said in awe. Their presence was noted by the locals, in particular the village elders who looked at the young children with intrigue. The young Matias held out his sword as a cautionary warning while protectively keeping Selphie behind him. "Please, don't hurt us."

"A young boy with such purity and courage. A survivor in the midst of the casualties of war, yet still strong willed to rally those to answer the battle cry to take arms." the village elder replied staring at Matias. "A silent protector to safeguard the last safe haven of an ancient order. It seems that the powers that be have found its dyads, two kindred souls who are synced as one. The two who balance both the light and shadow of the same coin."

"Are you talking about us, sir?" Selphie asked looking puzzled. "We're just young children what is this place? Where are we?"

"The young maiden with the traversing heart. A bright and vibrant sprite whose spirit beckons the call of the wandering ones traversing beyond the edge of the void. The dyad destined to awaken the slumbering hearts from beyond the edge and in the waking world. Very interesting dynamic of two dyads instantly bonded beginning to walk the path to the road to dawn." the elder continued. "The road to dawn is paved here at the Village of the Whills."

"The Village of the Whills?" Matias asked. "Is this what this place is called?"

"Were you people expecting us?" Selphie asked. "What do you want with us?"

"The unbowed, the unbent and unbroken destiny that beckons in the distance." the village elder replied to the young children. "Upon this land will the kindred dyads take flight and restore an ancient order long on the brink of extinction. A fealty and oath will rise and bend the knee to the one true Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The foundations of the Bloodline of Power shall be reborn in the name of the Great Power..."

END OF FLASHBACK

Returning to rejoin the group at the plateau, Kimberly was hit with another instant flashback. She nearly fell over but luckily Tommy and the others were there to help her regain her footing. Upon touching Kimberly, Tommy saw what his wife experienced being hit with another sudden flashback moments after her and Amelia had their talk. She looked at Tommy wondering if he read her mind again or if she was the only one suddenly seeing visions of the past?

As the Rangers waited at the plateau both of them wondered who were these kids they were having visions of? The boy Matias felt like a familiar character in one of Quinn's many campfire stories. However, the young girl Selphie there was something regal and intriguing about her. Apparently, it seems like these young children were one of many wandering travelers who found their way to the hidden Ninjetti kingdom.

"Mommy, did you see it again? Did you show daddy inside your head of the little boy and girl who visited here before?" Amelia asked her parents curiously. However, this time it perked the interest of the the Rangers.

"A boy and girl in your head? What is the wunderkid talking about?" Rocky asked the couple. "Did something happen again to Kim?"

"This is the second one today and something tells me they are more than average kids." Kim said and then turned her attention to Quinn. "Who are they? Who are Matias and Selphie? Why are we experiencing visions of these kids?"

"Matias and Selphie?! How do you know those names?" Quinn asked startled but then let out a slight grunt. "Obviously, if you two were paying attention you know you heard this story before."

"What are you talking about?! Why is Kim suddenly seeing visions of these two kids?" Tommy asked getting in Quinn's face. "Who are they Quinn?"

"Well it just so happens not all of us heard your many campfire stories Quinn," Trini replied sarcastically. "Either enlighten us and tell us what we need to know. Kim wouldn't be seeing these supposed visions if it didn't mean anything."

"The Emissary stumble upon a village one day and slaughter everyone in it, but one boy manages to survive the massacre. He pulls out the sword that was plunged into the heart of his deceased mother. The boy manages to kill some the Emissary's greatest warriors..." Rehearing Quinn recall the tale Tommy and Kimberly stop Quinn's recount as they figured out the visions they were experiencing.

"They gave him a name: the Garrison. Afterwards, he goes to work rounding up anybody," the couple said continuing the story. "Men, women, young, old, anyone that can fight and goes to work forming an army to fight his enemies. The boy had an unbowed, unbent and unbroken spirit that did not yield to the banes of evil. His noble heart possessed a power no one ever imagine that will bend the knee of shadow and light. He comes across a girl with the same unbowed, unbent and unbroken spirit also a victim too of the Emissary. He finds a kindred spirit in this girl, a dyad who balances the same shadow and light. Through them...laid the foundations of Bloodline of Power."

"Those two laid the groundwork four thousand years ago...then you two know where this story will end doesn't it?" Quinn replied firmly.

"Matias and Selphie...they were the original falcon and crane," Tommy said. "They were the original Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies?! If it started with them, then that would mean Kim and I...are their heir apparent to their succession? The day we received our Ninjetti Powers all those years ago on Phaedos? Was that predestined to happen to us? Matias was the falcon and he founded the Garrison alongside Selphie. Both of them made that trek many years ago to the Village of the Whills. The village elders saw their fate and destiny didn't they?"

"So are you telling us that Tommy and Kimberly are the descendants of the original founders of the Garrison? Matias and Selphie?" Jason asked.

"Is that why you took such a great interest in us when we were kids?!" Kimberly asked. "Because we reminded you of them? It doesn't help that suddenly we're having flashbacks of their lives, seeing their memories."

"Actually, that is more particularly on the side of the Winged Lady of the Skies." Quinn explained. "One of the perks you possess as a reward for venturing beyond the edge of the void. Tethering between the line of life and death you somehow were drawn to a space where time was non-existent and you saw things beyond death. The past, present and future are intertwined like a giant ball of string. It weaves in and out and what you're experiencing is just the first of your abilities you've inherited as the one true Winged Lady of the Skies."

"You're you telling us these little flashbacks are part of Kim's Ninjetti abilities?" Billy asked. "Tommy can amplify his senses to work at a higher context than the capabilities of regular perception. When we were in Rideau Circle he was able to mimic the rest of our Ninjetti abilities at will. It was kind of like that guy from Heroes, Peter Petreilli who had this ability called Empathic Mimicry."

"What's Heroes and who is Peter Petrelli?" Kimberly asked looking baffled.

"Some television show that premiered three years ago about ordinary people who have special powers." Tommy replied then looked at Billy. "Did you really have to use the whole Peter Petrelli example? Okay, maybe it might have happened the whole borrowing of powers and stuff." He turned his focus to Quinn. "I want to know did Matias have it too? Did he have the same ability to mimic or duplicate the powers of others?"

"I wouldn't be lying to you when I had the chance." Quinn said firmly. "You wanted transparent truth coming from me so that is what I'm doing. Your heighten senses and your empathic mimicry it is true. Matias did have those Ninjetti abilities just like Selphie had the ability the see into the past. However, with time Kimberly is going to discover more of her abilities. Like Matias and Selphie, the both of you are dyads in the Ninjetti, a rarity not only because your animal spirits are soulmate and are bonded, but you both represent two sides of one coin. The dyadic bond you two create stretches beyond the physical and spiritual planes from here to beyond the void."

"Those two set the groundwork for the chapter of the Ninjetti Order on Earth?" Kim asked. "Why do I get the feeling that somehow all of this was predetermined long before we became Power Rangers? If Matias and Selphie were the beginning of the Bloodline of Power then it would mean me, Tommy and Amelia are the end of it? We complete it is that true?" She grabbed a hold of Tommy's hand seeking his comfort while her other arm wrapped around Amelia's shoulder. Kimberly's thoughts were very transparent to Tommy. He felt her inner turmoil, conflict and confusion as what she felt, mirrored the same thoughts Tommy felt.

"You know speaking on behalf of my little sister and my brother and best friend," Jason spoke up looking at Quinn directly in the eyes. "These two have been through enough for nearly two decades. To drop a bombshell like that and expect to dump the weight of the world on both of them it's a lot to ask. If you fought to protect the Ninjetti order for over four thousand years from the Emissary, then why is this war still going on?"

"We have fought and fought for many lifetimes, eons, years, centuries against the Emissary. This war has span to different parts of the galaxy that we lose track of the number of times there were victories and casualties that came along the way." Quinn explained. "This chapter in the long standing feud between the Garrison and the Emissary spanned for four thousand years. We have been through the ringer trying to write every possible ending to finally put this feud to rest. Over and over again history repeats itself. Many have taken arms to join this fight and laid down their lives for a greater good. To end this for good, there is still one lesson you need to learn."

"If it started with Matias and Selphie then tell us who came after them?" Tommy replied sternly. "We have heard these stories time and time again for two decades. You want to teach us one more lesson Quinn? Then fine, teach us one more time. Teach us the one lesson you couldn't fathom to teach us: tell us what will it take to finally write the ending of this four thousand year old vendetta between the Garrison and the Emissary? Tell us how we end it once and for all? Tell us what we need to do in order to ensure the survival of the last line of the Ninjetti Order...us."

"Either way what we're facing is a crossroads, one that will leave us all changed when the dust settles." Kimberly added. "I know what lies beyond the edge of the void, beyond the line of life and death. I been there and if it was by divine intervention the powers that be brought me back to my senses, I'm not risking losing that second lease in life. I have done things I am not proud of. I am trying to reconcile both the light and shadow within my heart and soul that was damaged for five years. If I'm force back on the frontlines again...then...I will go through hell and back again just to make sure this time I come home to the people I love."

"But it doesn't mean we're letting our Winged Lordship and Ladyship of the Skies marching alone on the frontlines?" Adam spoke up. "We swore a fealty and oath to them and as their council, we will stand by them." He then turned to Tommy and Kimberly. "We are what remains of the Ninjetti Order and as the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the Bloodline of Power it is our sworn duty to protect the line and legacy of the Ninjetti. We been entrusted to guard and serve the heir apparent and fight along them on the frontlines. This fight is not theirs alone, it is all of ours."

"Adam is right we can't let you guys go at this alone once again." Tanya replied. "We're not only Rangers. We're not only the Ninjetti Order. We're a family and it's family above all...always and forever. We know you two will always protect each other and Amelia, but don't count us out. We protect one another because that is our bond we all share together. A pledge and oath we all took years ago when we first accepted the power."

"Hey don't leave us out of this too Dr. O," Connor said. "We may not be Ninjetti like the veteran Rangers, but we know a thing of two about the Emissary. Plus, you need a rock solid security team to keep and eye on Amelia. Five years ago those bastards ran rough shot on Reefside. They're not going to take our honorary little sister from us"

Seeing and hearing the dedication and pledge their friends made to them was all grateful and noble. It was their way to lessen the burden for Kimberly and especially Tommy about saving the world. The Great Power was a mystery that was shrouded for many years across the universe and in the center of it was the Ninjetti Order. The long struggle to preserve the order was the catalyst that kept this long standing feud between the Garrison and the Emissary for many years.

Rideau Circle

Angel Grove, CA

Meanwhile high above inside Rideau Circle, the remaining pillars of the Emissary returned from their trip to Reefside. With the remaining agents of the Emissary preparing Pan's body for burial, the group focused on Pan's parting gift they retrieved from the sarcophagus. With nearly half of their members down, they looked at the contents that was laid out before them on the table in the board room they reconvened in.

They have faced this many times throughout the ages. Time and time again they have found the means to come back. Unfortunately, the fisaco that occurred in Reefside put a major setback in the Emissary's endgame. They have prolonged the standstill for nearly four thousand years in the hopes of buying more time. However, now it seemed time was finally catching up to them. Pan's demise shifted the tide and with resources nearly depleted and their existence measured in days it was only a matter of time. Yet, Dalia wasn't going to yield, and neither were the rest of the Emissary.

It was becoming apparent the resurgence of the Ninjetti legacy was coming to pass. The Garrison, their long standing adversaries for eons whose soul purpose was to ensure the survival of the Ninjetti order. What started with the original predecessors that laid the foundations of the Garrison opposition with Matias and Selphie there was one thing certain. It was predestined that Tommy Oliver and Kimberly Hart-Oliver were the end result that completed the line.

That was why they spent years, centuries, eons tracking down the descendants to the Bloodline of Power. For all powerful and unyielding the falcon and crane were, the Emissary were fully aware of the double-edged standard that came with the crown and kingdom that laid before them. The enigma that was the child of the falcon and the crane was the final piece of the puzzle needed to set the endgame in motion.

"Our headless puppet master did love pulling the strings behind the scenes." Salazar said in a mocking tone. "Seriously, he couldn't gather enough replicas in order rebuild our fallen pillars?"

"Even if we did, their lifespans have already been spent out," Ashei confirmed solemnly. "Thea, Malo & Pan...there was no way to undo their demises."

"You seriously wanted to believe it was their fates to fall?! After everything we been throughout eons?! What exactly will Pan's little replica puppet do for us?! If you haven't noticed we've literally depleted all of our resources." Salazar explained. "Not to mention that one major investment we made that turned out to put this organization in a financial hole we're buried deep in."

"The replica is the one last trump card we got left. Pan wouldn't have kept it hidden unless we needed it in our dire hour of need." Balor added. "It's no secret that what the Garrison began with the young Matias and Selphie somehow lasted after four thousand years with their descendants and heir apparent. Do not forget we have also done our fair share of mayhem and chaos to stained their legacy. We tainted it with looming uncertainty at every turn and yet we much reluctantly give them credit with their resilience to evade us and defy our dominion."

"Sooner or later that resilience will run its course." Dalia replied examining the contents on the boardroom table. With a slight smirk on her face it was as if she was having a sense of deja vu. "Resilience my fellow comrades can be both an instrument to success or have its limitations. We learned that once long ago during the chapter of our war with the Garrison on Treyforia. You must give the crown prince of that planet his due and the Garrison's rebellion to keep us at bay at achieving our goal. Despite their valiant efforts, at the end of the day...we still accomplished our mission."

"If I recall that rebellion and resilience lasted two thousand earth years prior to this current chapter that we are currently presiding in." Ashei replied. "We may have decimated the Garrison resistance on Treyforia but they ensured they were going to take the fight to another corner of the galaxy."

"We were chasing the predecessors to the Bloodline of Power for eons. They took from us what we longed for since the beginning when the origins this group was formed following our expulsion from Phaedos eons ago." Dalia explained. "They deemed us unworthy because of our desire to transcend beyond life, but we serve life itself. That was not what the Master Warriors and Ancients of the Ninjetti Order saw in us. So...in our pursuit we crippled the foundations of the Order sworn to protect the greatest force in the universe: the Great Power. However, that bloodline still is the obstacle that stands in our way."

"So the question is how will we finally conclude this four thousand year old chapter we have been presiding over on this planet?" Balor informed. "We war with the Emissary and Garrison has been playing in the shadows across the galaxy for eons. From Treyforia, to Eltar, to Miniroi, Aquaitar every corner of the galaxy has been touched. We can count how many times each faction has traded victories over one another; the countless casualties and battles fought on the frontlines."

"Yet we are losing count and balance is shifting but in who's favor?" Salazar asked. "Garrison, Emissary, Ninjetti, the Power Rangers, the United Alliance of Evil, it doesn't matter how it spun. At the end of the day it comes down to good versus evil. Under the tuterlage of our heralds we once served in the UAE we have painted ourselve in this tale the villains. We are the force that opposes the forces of light and good."

"And here we are...only this time it is guarantee this chapter will end." Dalia said. "They will choose the final battle ground; they will draw that line in the sand. The war with these two factions will finally have its written ending. How that will be put to pen...we'll just have to wait and see. However, our organization has been known to offer a prelude of things to come. This here, will be our little prelude for them to know what to expect on that final road to the finish line."

Reefside Forest

It was only a matter of time before the Rangers found themselves in the presence of the remaining members of the Garrison. They all reconvene at the plateau but for Kimberly seeing them felt a plague of guilt and remorse upon her. Her eyes were drawn to the infacto leader of the Garrison. For Tommy and the rest of the Rangers their eyes solely focused on how this interaction between Kimberly and the Garrison would play out.

The presence of the infacto leader of the Garrison was one Kimberly knew since the beginning the day she first accepted her power coin. Yet, at the same time there was a calming wave that came over Zordon watching his original Pink Ranger standing before them. She was resilient and a woman that endured what many would seem as impossible odds to survive. However, at the same time she looked like she was someone that was expecting judgement and sentencing for her prior transgressions.

Tommy, sensing the overwhelming wave of emotions going through Kimberly provided reassurance by putting his arm around his wife for comfort. It was clear that there was a sense of uncertainty amongst Kimberly being in the presence of the remaining members of the Garrison. The memories of the chaos and devastation she inflicted upon them for the last few years were burned into her mind. Yet these were the same individuals who sworn fealty and an oath for many years to protect the Bloodline of Power, the last heir apparent of the Ninjetti Order. Tommy sensed her hesitation wondering if the Garrison will remain loyal to them after all that has happened.

"It is a joyous momentum that the light to this ancient kingdom has finally been restored." Zordon replied sincerely giving a gentle smile to his very first pink Ranger. "At long last, the oath and fealty of the Garrison for the last four thousand years has not been in vain. The Bloodline of Power is now ready to take their claimant as the heir apparent to the ancient Ninjetti Kingdom they are destined to rule over. The falcon and crane, finally reunited and once again ready to take flight as the one True Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The Ninjetti Order will rise once more to usher in the new era awaiting upon the road to dawn."

"Zordon?! Dulcea?! It's...it's been far too long." Kimberly said in awe recognizing her former mentor and the Master Warrior and High Priestess of the Ninjetti. She witnessed as the remaining members of the Garrison bowed in front in her as if she was royalty. It was overwhelming and part of her felt she didn't deserve this. "Please...please I am not worthy of your curtesy or your admiration. Not after...everything I did to those who swore fealty and an oath to my friends and family to keep them safe."

"Why do you believe you do not deserve our admiration agile Kimberly?" Dulcea questioned. "You are the Pink Crane, the one True Winged Lady of the Skies. This is your fealty and your claimant that was bestowed upon you long ago in the name of the Ninjetti."

"I shouldn't...after everything I did to the Garrison, to my friends and especially the two most important people in my life." Kimberly explained with a slight tear. "Five years I unleashed the looming shadow in my heart: the Firebird, the one true Scarlet Sovereign. I was the weapon the Emissary reveled in and that darkness left a path of chaos and violence in its wake. How can I be the Pink Crane? I left Shalimar vulnerable, my own Ninjetti animal spirit and in turn I cause grief to my animal spirit's mate, Brennan. Despite their efforts to try to keep the light within me I burned everything in my path."

"But yet through those trials and tribulations you endured and survived. The looming shadow within your heart reawakened you to endure a half-life existence. In the midst of it all, one thing was certain: deep within the edge of the void you cannot ignore the call." Zordon explained sincerely. "The force that beckons in the distance that was calling to you, to your kindred dyad and mate; and to your heir apparent. Do you know what was calling to you? Yet, despite the circumstances you and everyone else faced they appealed to you, our graceful and agile Winged Lady."

"It was something we couldn't ignore since the first day we accepted these power," Tommy spoke up in awe. "There...was more to it all those years ago when we first made that fateful journey to Phaedos? We been through hell and back these last few days and the longer being here it felt like time is at a standstill." He then turned to Kimberly and right away her attention was focused on her husband. "Despite it all, over the years you were the one constant that was always present in my life and without it, I would be flightless. I...I would do anything just to keep you away from the frontlines but something tells me I...it...well..."

"Consequences be damned," Kimberly muttered taking a hold of Tommy's hand. "I...I don't know or where my current state of mind is right now. These last couple of days it was like trying to piece together and undo five years worth of an existence I was forcibly thrusted into. Those memories, the stains, the conflicts, all of it is what is stuck in my mind right now. But you, my truest and beloved white falcon had been through hell and back despite the consequences of the impending fleet up ahead. I know we have a lot of lost time to make up for, but also time is of the essence thanks to the Emissary. They are relentless bastards and we...we need to finally end this war once and for all."

"Four thousand years this chapter of this war between the Garrison and the Emissary has plagued Earth." Dulcea stated. "The Garrison's fealty is about to come to an end because we have ensured this group's life long mission: the survival and legacy of the Ninjetti Order and the Great Power. We have ensured that the Bloodline of Power destined as the heir apparent of this ancient order is preserved. Thousands of eons of the Ninjetti have come and gone; but not forgotten. Now, they live within the one true Wing Lord and Lady of the Skies: the falcon and the crane."

"Okay...that's a lot to take in." Jason replied stunned. "You're meaning to say...eons and thousands of years of the Ninjetti Order now live through Tommy, Kimberly and their daughter? I mean the Ninjetti are an all powerful ancient order that is the cornerstone of why this war between the Garrison and Emissary started."

"Yeah Jason has a point," Billy added. "To make a declaration like that and to suddenly thrust Kim back into this after the hell Tommy went through to get her back..."

"If...if this is what it take to redeem myself to nearly destroying the Garrison then I'll fight to prove my worth again." Kimberly replied with a trembling, but firm voice. "Those visions or flashbacks I been experiencing these last few days: Selphie and Matias, the first Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. It started with them and there were many others after them who took that claimant and title. Tommy and I...we complete the Bloodline of Power don't we? So in order to fully understand it...we need to reach out and tap into the true core of the Great Power, the Ninjetti? Is...is this what needs to be done in order to redeem myself and prove my worth as my white knight's equal and kindred dyad and mate?"

"There is no need for an answer to your inquiry dear agile crane. Your heart...always held the answer within you." Zordon stated giving a small smile. "Even when the lures of the the edge of the void and the looming shadow within your heart nullified the light within, you always kept reaching out. You could never ignore the call in the distance that beckoned you and those ties that bind you."

"So I guess that answers our question where Kim stands in all of this." Aisha said.

"I lost you once Beautiful, I am not and I swear to it I will not lose you again." Tommy replied. "You are the heart and soul of this team and this family. But they're right that we can't run anywhere because we need to finish what we started five years ago. This time...you and me together we're going to end this chapter once and for all. We have something precious and valuable we have to fight to protect and ensure the future for." His eyes turned to Amelia as the young girl stared at both of her parents. "We still have a long ways to go to fully unlock the true testament of our power."

The couple looked at their daughter who was with the Dino Thunder Ranger team. It was a surprise the younger Ranger team kept their conversations to a minimum throughout the trek back to the plateau. Once again, they were asking their close friends and loved ones for your allegiance and support one more time on the frontlines. It was a lot to process given just how intertwined and in depth their significance held to the Bloodline of Power and the legacy of the Ninjetti. For Kimberly, the last few days looking at this new resurgence of her life it was obvious that this new resurgence or restoration came with a duty and obligation to uphold.

Whatever state of half-existence or void she endured for the last five years, deep within the core of her being still laid the part of Kim's ties that kept her at bay. It was how she survived although part of her felt death should have claimed her five years ago on that rooftop. Yet, here she was once again becoming an instrument once again to the fickle hand of fate and destiny. For Tommy, to have endured all that he had been through during those five years her heart felt the burden and the toll it took on the other half of her heart and soul. If her friends and family were willing to walk that road to dawn with them one more time she was eternally grateful to them.

"Mommy! Daddy!" they heard Amelia calling out to them as the young girl approached her parents. "Is something wrong? Kira says if the tingling feeling inside of me feels funny I should talk to you two. You all were talking to those fancy clothing superhero people for a very long time."

"Yeah kiddo we had...a lot to talk about," Tommy replied giving their daughter the honest truth. "Basically, it was about your mommy and about how those bad guys well they're going to come back soon for us. However, we're not going to let that happen."

"Does that mean they're going to come back after mommy again? Are they going to come for me too daddy?" Amelia asked. "They did before at Rideau Circle. I felt...I felt something very strong and strange there."

"Rideau Circle?!" Kimberly asked. "The last ancient remnants of the ancient Ninjetti animal spirits." She turned to Zordon and the remaining members of the Garrisons as she the couple held their daughter's hand. "I heard the stories from them, the Emissary and what they did for eons to the remains of the original ancient animal spirits of the Ninjetti. They were real incarnations many eons years weren't they?"

"Yes, and as Phaedos High Priestess and longest serving Master Warrior those legends and myths were all true," Dulcea confirmed. "Once upon a time and it was what caused that great divide within the Ninjetti Order. It was why this ancient kingdom was established in order for the Bloodline of Power to preserve the last remains of what lies beyond that wall beneath Rideau Circle. It was the force beckoning in distance calling to you all."

"The Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies..." Tommy replied. "No wonder why Kim and I are so in tune with our animal spirits: the falcon and the crane. The original remains that lie beyond that wall beneath Rideau Circle is the original ancient animal remains of them in physical form. " He looked at Kimberly and then turned back to the others recapping what they knew. "You told us the Emissary has done this countless times to other planets. It was why the Emissary and Garrison have been at it for many years. They were siphoning the power from the remains of the physical manifestations of the Ancient Ninjetti Animal spirits at the cost of the planets that were left damaged."

"What made Earth different than the other planets?" Amelia asked curiously. "Why is it this time...my parents and their friends are able to challenge them?"

"Because now many years of the legacy of the Ninjetti Order live through the Bloodline of Power little defender." Zordon said. "You, your father and mother complete the Bloodline of Power. The ancient power, the teachings, and the legacy of the Ninjetti run through your family. An oath and fealty that was sworn long ago on the grounds of this ancient land by two dyads united through a balance of light and shadow. Two dyads from two different paths whose legacy and bloodline has kept the Emissary at bay for four thousand years. Now, the ancients that beckon in the distance and beyond are calling to their descendant dyads to finish the story."

"Two paths whose legacy and bloodline kept the Emissary at bay for four thousand years?" Tommy replied. "Two dyads united through the balance of light and shadow? Wait a minute, the Ninjetti wouldn't have invested an interest in Matias and Selphie many years ago unless..."

"It was fate and destiny that brought them here to this place..." Kimberly said "Two paths that would be bestowed the title of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies."

FLASHBACK

"The unbowed, the unbent and unbroken destiny that beckons in the distance." The village elder replied to the young children. Within the last couple of days they have settled into the Village of the Whills they have officially begun their training. The elders have begun to teach them the history and legacy of a prestige order known as the Ninjetti Order. "Upon this land will the kindred dyads take flight and restore an ancient order long on the brink of extinction. A fealty and oath will rise and bend the knee to the one true Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The foundations of the Bloodline of Power shall be reborn in the name of the Great Power..."

The young children looked bewildered and confused by what the village elder was saying. Something about his declaration made Selphie and Matias reach out for each other and grab each others' hands in comfort. They have already been exposed to death, war and violence in their young lives. Everything taken from them by a malice force that gave them no understanding or reason behind their actions.

Yet, the elder's declaration ignited a spark inside of young Matias. The same spark that fueled him the day his life changed. For Selphie, she felt a beckoning in the far distance calling to her. A force propelling the young girl to heave the words of the village elder. However, she felt a kindred bond with Matias and in turn Matias too felt that same kindred bond with Selphie. Suddenly, inside of them they felt that force calling out in the far distance to them. The voices that echoed and called to the young children.

"Do not fear the beckoning call in the distance, young kindred dyads." the village elder continued. "The history of these sacred lands have been embedded in the etches of time and space. The legends of long ago foretell beyond the skies and beyond the stars and to all far corners of the universe. For many eons these lands and this ancient kingdom stood the testament with the passing of age and time. This kingdom was established as a forefront to safeguard the last line of defense of an ancient remanent of the embodiment of the Great Power. The few chosen who possess heart, valor and goodness in the universe have fought to defend the line and legacy."

"A line and legacy...what do you mean by that?" Matias asked curiously. "Is something going to happen?"

"What are we to you? Who are we to you people?" Selphie asked. "Does it have to do...with those shadow people that took our families away from us?"

"The looming shadow that lurk in the dark are brewing and an opposition has now risen once more to ignite the spark. The factions of light and shadow will set off a new chapter in this long fought war that originated beyond the stars. Yet, it has been predetermined this chapter will finally be the last. How the final chapter will be written will be in due time. The circumstances are left to chance in the wind. This chapter will take all participants from here and beyond the edge of the void. The path you two young kindred dyads will walk will lead you to the road to dawn. As you walk this path...be mindful that at times your hearts and souls will traverse into uncharted territories."

"We are here because of the belief and to leave a footprint and legacy for those after our time. We have seen both the beauty and the brutality that lies beyond these lands and out in the world." Matias replied in deep reflection. "I watched that day when the world I knew was left in ash and ruin. All I know in that instant was to rise and survive. They would have killed me that day but I sparked something from within. The moment I drew that sword from my mother's lifeless chest I brought upon something..."

"It is only the beginning of that movement you brought dear boy." The elder answered as he turned his attention to Selphie. "A young boy who took flight near from the distant lands along the mountain and reef sides. A young girl with an agile and angelic grace pulled from the ashes and wreckage of a sacred grove. Your movement dear boy led you to her...for she was your first to take rally to your cause."

"He rescued me during my fateful day too. He saw when the world I knew in that sacred grove I called my home was left in chaos and ruin. Those looming shadows that lurked in the dark wanted to destroy it. They were malicious and since that day I became indebted to Matias." Selphie declared. "It's not because he saved my life but because I believe me and him are two sides of the same coin. He brought a spark to ignite and so here we are...together on this path walking the road to dawn."

"So now the question is how long will we be on that path together?" Matias asked. "Apparently as a result of igniting this spark we set something in motion. We're more than just average children to you all are we? Our fates and destines have been intertwined beyond the edge of void and beyond the stars."

"Those looming shadows we got their attention didn't we?" Selphie replied. "I believe we have a long way to go before we realize the true depth of our fates and destines. Our existence and our survival triggered something in them and they don't like it one bit. As you said...if we are genesis of this new chapter then we will need to walk the uncharted path to the road to dawn. In order to fully obtain our claimant to a legacy and bloodline we have inherited our hearts and souls will soar as one. Our story and those who will come after us will understand...to write this these chapters will take them from here and traverse beyond the edge of the void..."

"...A thus is when we here that call in the distance we must be prepared to write the final ending." Matias simply replied taking a hold of Selphie's hand. "...Two kindred spirits, dyads, now fated Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, we understand our purpose. The unbowed, unbent and unbroken: we accept the claimant as the Bloodline of Power; the crown and kingdom that encompass the legacy and line of the fabled Ninjetti Order. We...we will be its foundation to ignite that spark for one final chapter. You given your word and fealty to us...we will give our fealty and oath in the name of the Greater Power beyond here and beyond the stars and edge of the void."

END OF FLASHBACK

Opening her eyes, Kimberly felt herself being pulled back to the present. With both her husband and daughter continuing to hold tight to her as if she may be pulled out of their reach, her heart knew this was a reality. After nearly five years of living a half-existent void and struggling with both the light and shadow within in, she finally got her vindication. Zordon could tell that the weight of the so called crown weighed heavy on the young family, especially upon his two most powerful Rangers he has ever mentored. Yet, their fates and destines were intertwined and woven into one another even before that fateful day they received the power.

He looked at the remains of the silent protectors who have fought for many years and eons from here and beyond the stars to protect the line and legacy of the Ninjetti. To protect the embodiment of the Great Power and the sacred source that power alone. There were still lessons they needed to learn, but now seeing the renewed fate and determination of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, they were prepared to do whatever was necessary to finally end this war after four thousand years.

"Daddy? Mommy? When...when can we go home?" Amelia asked snapping everyone out of their thoughts and reflected perspectives. Hearing the mention of home was something Kimberly longed for: just to finally be back to the place she belonged with Tommy and their daughter. So much time has passed in the last five years and all she wanted was to make up for it. The question is if she was allowed to leave this place for the time being knowing that she would expect the Emissary will come for her again.

"I believe the little lady here has had enough for one day's of adventure worth in her young little life." Zordon replied with a slight smile. "I do believe these last few days have deserved you all of a worthy's rest? Besides Rangers I do believe you have loved ones waiting for you at home wouldn't you say, Kimberly? Tommy? I believe our young crane deserves to have her long fought heart's desire for home be fulfilled."

"I think that is something we can agree upon," Tommy replied. "We have a fight ahead of us but what we got to do for now is live to see another day. For the time being we deserve to at least relish in one victory we achieved...our pink crane is finally home with us."

"I guess we do have a lot of catching up do don't we everyone?" Kimberly smiled at her friends and family. "So much time has passed and still I'm grateful for all of you, especially to my loving husband and my courageous little defender. The Emissary...they're still out there and as I said: this is fight I'm with all of you shoulder to shoulder."

"Live to fight another day...that is the one advice I'll give you to end this day." Quinn simply said looking at the young couple. "You've desired to go home for a long time kid so I tell you...time for you to get reacquainted with the world out there. So much time has longed passed for you all, so why not stop time for a bit? As I have time and time again...you two have always been the exceptional ones. With that being said, why don't you get your little girl home for her bedtime?"

With that being said, they made their departure from the plateau under the watchful escort of the Garrison out of the hidden Ninjetti and back to Reefside Forest. The Garrison weren't taking any chances with the Rangers' safety and kept that escort going until they finally reached their destination: the home of Tommy and Kimberly. Just looking at the house and being out of the hidden kingdom after the last few days it was all settling in and it was no longer a dream: Kimberly was finally home.