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.

8. The Unbroken Will to Fight

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, this is chapter 8 of the story and will include my interpretation of Fighting Spirit. Kimberly helps Tommy overcome the fight of his life; startling discoveries about the Dino Gems are questioned & curiosity about the latest events in Reefside raises concern for the power couple.)

Chapter 8: The Unbroken Will to Fight

January 18, 2004

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

The Dino Rangers' attention was focused on the six o'clock news talking about an investigation into a string reports to missing teens in Angel Grove, Stone Canyon, Mariner Bay, Silver City and recently the report of a missing teen from Reefside High School. The teens knew the missing teen on the six o'clock news who went by the name of Deanna Steger, a sophomore from their school.

Knowing about the significance of where these abductions took place, the teens addressed their concerns to the adults along with their currently invisible science teacher. As all of this was happening, Hayley was working on a way go bring Tommy back after another mishap in an attempt to demorph him actually worked. Unfortunately, the effects this time left his invisibility powers kicked into overdrive.

"The Steger sisters are known to have the most protective parents, especially Mr. Steger." Connor commented. "I hear that their dad won't let any of his daughters date until they graduate. He has this no dating policy."

"Yeah he's one of those guys who has the Reefside Police Department on speed dial." Ethan said laughing.

"But Mr. Steger kept a close eye on the girls 24/7 and his wife worked as an accountant for my dad's company." Trent added. "Some of these kids who were reported missing come from single family homes, or are homeless or currently in the foster system. Dr. O, Mrs. Oliver, do you mind if I crash for another night in the lab?"

"Trent we have no problem letting you stay for the night," Kimberly reassured the teen until she noticed he was working on the computer again. Her maternal instincts were kicking in questioning the White Dino Ranger about was happening at home. He was able to confide in his friends about his father's latest business deals with a few shell companies employed as subsidiaries for Mercer Industries. Although he wasn't built for the corporate world, Trent suspected Anton's business deals were sketchy.

"Hey Trent, we know you're concern about your father's business practices." Tommy called out as the group see the exercise equipment move by itself. "I can vouch on your theory that sometimes your dad has engaged in some questionable practices as a business man. There hasn't been any proof but we're a team and we support each other."

"I'm sure your father won't pull an Enron on his employees." Kira reassured while she played with Amelia. "But this is Reefside. Between the string of child abductions and complaints about tenant leasing in our city plus monster attacks, nothing is never dull in our city."

"These people he's dealing with working for Rideau Circle seem shady, especially the CFO, someone named Dalia Tate." Trent explained pulling out a few CD-ROM. "Okay I went full out espionage the other night and copied some of my dad's files. What caught my eye is one of these investment projects Mercer Industries is working on with Rideau Circle Corp. involves my dad's expedition on the island six months ago with Dr. O. However, these files are encrypted and password protected."

"Wait a minute, the expedition on the island?! Why would Rideau Circle want information on that?" Tommy questioned suspiciously. "I thought most of our research was lost."

"Apparently it wasn't," Hayley replied continuing to work on a piece of equipment. "Theses guys are working on some top secret stuff with projects running in Reefside, Angel Grove, Stone Canyon and the list goes on."

"You don't think that these people have some alternative motives do you think?" Kimberly asked.

"Unless it must be about the unidentified excavation site where I found half of the Pink Dino Gem." Tommy explained. "Anton didn't want to venture to that part of the island for reasons he won't disclosed. He may have theorized what those ninja guys found and what was originally buried. I would need to do my notes on the expedition or whatever is left of it. However, whoever sent those ninjas on the island to follow us made sure they didn't make themselves known and willingly murdered our excavation team. For now, as a team we're going to keep this little inquiry an ongoing investigation which means it stays between us for the time being."

"What about your friends back home? The original veterans?" Connor asked. "Dr. O, I thought you and Mrs. Oliver never keep secrets from your best friends."

"We don't but for this one time, we need proof before we can get the rest of the guys involved." Kimberly said. "The last thing we don't need is digging ourselves a hole we can't get out of. Besides, at the moment we got some other matters to discuss which is why Hayley called us here."

Going back on track as to why the team was called to Tommy's house, he announced to the teens that Hayley found a way to bring him back to normal using the Remolecularizer machine. As the teens became excited about the news, Hayley had objections about using the proper power source on the device needed to make Tommy visible again. While Kimberly went to retrieve Amelia from Kira, she saw that Tommy presented Hayley with a box and gasped to see it was the Black Dino Gem. Hayley flatly objected and in turn, Kim agreed.

"No way, forget it Tommy," Hayley objected. "That is out of the question."

"We gotta try something. My Dino Gem is the most powerful source of energy we have." Tommy insisted. "You have the energy source it will work."

"Powerful being the operative word." Hayley argued. "I have no idea how your body will react to it. Hell, this thing hasn't been properly tested and we're jumping into this without any precaution. This is way too risky."

"I agree with Hayley a hundred percent, Tommy." Kimberly replied. "Even if the machine works, how do we know we only get your body back? Using your Dino Gem for a power source is high risk and we need an alternative power source besides your gem."

"Beautiful, we don't have a choice and it's better my gem, than yours. Hayley get everything ready." He insisted knowing his wife was suggesting to offer her Dino Gem instead. Hayley sighed reluctantly setting the equipment up while Kimberly sighed and put the blanket over him. She felt his hand over hers and then gently raised his arm to stroke his daughter's face who let out a little giggle. "Hey, don't worry I'll be okay for my girls' sake." He reassured her.

"I'm holding you to that promise, Handsome. I can't face the possibility of something happening to you." Kimberly said.

"Just have faith for both our sakes and our little girl." Tommy informed. "Hayley, I'm ready to begin."

"The things I do for you and for the sake of your family and the team." Hayley sighed looking at Tommy. "Just for the record, I don't think this is a good idea. Okay initiating sequence so I suggest everyone step back."

"See you soon Dr. O, literally I hope." Kira said.

Hayley turned on the machine as the Rangers and Kimberly watched and it was only within a matter of a few minute something was wrong. The machine was doing what it was suppose to do as they heard Tommy gasping for breath and Hayley informed he was receiving full current as she attempted to power off the machine. Sparks flew from the machine as Kimberly covered her daughter as Hayley turned the machine off and gasped.

"Oh man, his Dino Gem is destroyed." Hayley gasped looking at the broken gem. Kimberly walked over to Tommy's side and held his hand. She was desperately trying to find any sign of a pulse but her attempts were in vain as she stared at her unconscious husband. Hayley stood next to her friend. "Tommy, Tommy can you hear me?"

"Come on Tommy, please open your eyes. Tommy?! Tommy wake up, Handsome!" Kimberly insisted but got no response. "We need to get him to the hospital now!"

Later On...

Reefside General Hospital

Reefside, CA

No one ever imagine that Tommy Oliver would wind up laying in a coma and unconscious in a hospital bed in a hospital room at Reefside General Hospital. It is where he currently was after they got him to the hospital in record time and ran some tests on him to determine what was wrong. Once Tommy was moved to a private room, Kim refused to leave his side and Hayley was left with the task of informing the couple's friends on Tommy's condition.

Unfortunately, the doctors couldn't determine what was wrong with Tommy except for the fact his condition caused him to lapse into a coma. Hearing that the likelihood of remaining in his current state if his condition didn't improved scared Kimberly, especially hearing the slim possibility of her husband regaining consciousness. Tommy was a survivor: he endured a lot more than any Ranger ever had. He wore many different colors and fought with other teams and there was no way his story was going to end like this...especially not their story.

The others arrived at the hospital shortly after and stayed in the waiting room downstairs because they were only allowed one visitor at a time, and second they weren't going to leave Kim alone. Jason tried to convince his little sister to go home and rest while offering to keep vigil over his best friend and bro, but she made it clear she wasn't going anywhere. However, after much debate, Jason managed to compromise with Kim to let Trini take Amelia home to her and Tommy's place and have Kat and Tanya look after her daughter alongside Henry. The situation was only made worst when the news reported that there was an attack on the city, despite the lack of support.

However, knowing how much fealty, duty and teamwork meant to Tommy, she couldn't let the Dino Rangers fight the latest threat by themselves. The situation with Tommy was tearing her apart and she just wanted to take her frustrations, fear, and anger out on anything and she joined the Rangers to deal with the monster. Even though the monster managed to temporarily strip the four teens of the powers. Kimberly managed to hold her own, even after she overexerted herself and suffered the same fate as the rest of the team. Unfortunately, the unhinged fire inside of her was rising again and the team knew all too well it was that "killer instinct" being unleashed.

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Jason remained with Hayley in Tommy's hospital room while Kim and the Rangers dealt with the latest monster. They came back a little while later to hear that they manage to defeat Mesogog's latest monster, but the Rangers admitted it was Kim who managed to finish it off single handing. As they talked about the latest monster attack, Kimberly returned to Tommy's side and felt him thrashing and mumbling as if he was fighting inside of his mind. She couldn't stand it and instantly grabbed his hand, concentrating hard and hoping and praying to find a way to bring Tommy back.

Inside Tommy's Mind...

Tommy didn't know where he was except he was no longer invisible and himself again, but he was in a barren desert in the middle of nowhere. Tommy looked around felt the place seemed familiar looking like Gasket's arena. He turned around hearing a sound on top of a sand dune at a gateway and was startled to find himself being confronted by the Red Zeo Ranger 5. However, he was out of luck without his Dino Morpher but he was force to fight Zeo Ranger 5 to the point of a draw. Zeo Ranger 5 reluctantly let him proceed forward before cryptically warning him it will only get harder.

Proceeding forward ahead, Tommy found himself in a strange forest that resembled Angel Grove or Reefside, he wasn't sure. However, he found himself being confronted into another combat with another one of his Ranger forms: The White Ranger. This time, he was more to oblige to his counterpart's request understanding why this was all happening. For a second, he lost focus when he heard the sound of an arrow striking the tree.

As he continued to fight the White Ranger, his mind told him that his reason of being wherever he is right now was a battle not only with himself, but his subconscious, the parts of himself that defined him as a person, the man and Ranger he is today. He heard another arrow in the distance hit a tree as Tommy manage to behest the White Ranger by disarming him of the enchanted sword, Saba.

"I see that you learned some new tricks, Tommy." The White Ranger commented. "However, are you ready to face the greatest shadow of your past and the one that you been trying to silence for many years?"

"Then bring it on. I can dish out what you got in store for me." Tommy said defiantly.

"If that is what you think but are strong is your will to endure what comes next lurking from the shadows?" He questioned. "I suggest...you stay your course straight as an arrow."

After the White Ranger's cryptic warning the scenery changed again, transporting him to an area with old ancient ruins. In a matter of seconds, he dropped down to the ground to dodge another mysterious arrow flying his way. The arrow was of a scarlet colour but a familiar flute tune drew his attention and he saw the legendary Green Dragon Dagger being thrown against a wall. Tommy pulled it out gripping it and knew exactly who he was fighting.

"Hello Tommy. I see you switch back to black." the entity said coming forward.

"Green Ranger," Tommy said arming himself with the dagger. "Let me guess, it's no surprise what you want, so let's get to it."

"With pleasure. Let's see if you can keep your shadows at bay Tommy." The Green Ranger said as another arrow came his way. However, this time it didn't faze the Green Ranger seeing that a hooded figure dressed in a scarlet cloak made their presence known. The figure had a bow and arrow in hand and Tommy couldn't figure out who the figure in the hood was as they silently stood there watching him battle the Green Ranger.

"A friend of yours?" Tommy snapped dodging a round of combos from his former Green Ranger counterpart.

"Is that what you think? After all, they do say that we all two sides of a coin." The Green Ranger snapped. "This one has been dying to come out and unleash that untamed fire burning within. It looks to silence the light from within the purest and truest of all..."

He resented being confronted by the entity of the darkest part of his past, recalling all the guilt and sorrow he held for all the harm he did to his friends while under Rita's evil spell. The scarlet hooded figure proved to be a vicious adversary and matched the Green Ranger's fighting style in sync, but Tommy wasn't known to give up. He refused to surrender and yield to these shadows that represented the darkest parts of Tommy's subconscious. The figure didn't say anything and it was thriving on the pure adrenaline and action of the fight, but Tommy felt both were holding back.

"You know better than anybody how powerful I am. Why don't you just give up the fight?" The Green Ranger snapped.

"That's one thing I'll never do. It may cost me everything I hold but I will not let it take the one thing I value most in this world: the light that keeps me going. I will fight for it, defend it and even die for it in order to keep the shadows at bay. That...I guarantee you." Tommy snapped.

"...And that you're never alone in." Moments later, a pink glow appeared and the pink Ninjetti Ninja stood there as the Green Ranger stopped and forced the hooded figure to stand down. Soon, the Red Zeo Ranger 5, the White Ranger and the Green Ranger stood together and Kimberly removed her coverings revealing her face and stood next to Tommy, holding his hand. "You'll always have your light to fight by your side, Handsome."

"Kimberly? You're here, how is it possible?" Tommy asked.

"Anything is possible and this fight is not yours alone." She smiled reassuring him. "No matter what happens, I'll always follow you wherever you go."

"Then I guess it's over." The Green Ranger informed. "You passed the test."

"Test? What are you talking about?" Tommy asked.

"You haven't been fighting them. You been fighting for your life." The White Ranger informed as each of them revealed the broken fragments of the Black Dino Gem in their hands. Then, the couple's attention was drawn on the scarlet hooded figure who reluctantly stepped back and vanished. "We are here to validate what you and those around you know: accepting the life that will always be apart of you and understanding the cost you'll bare with it."

"The power is within you, Tommy...it always has." Kimberly said. "Just like it was apart of me. However, for you Tommy, the life of a Ranger defines who you are and knowing that this life can cost you what you love the most, know that those who stand by you accept your fate and destiny."

"The scarlet hooded figure? Who is it? Does that thing...represent my fate?" Tommy questioned. "My future?"

"It is the unknown that you have unintentionally kept at bay for many years." The Red Zeo Ranger 5 warned cryptically addressing the two. "The light that drives the fighting spirit in you will be confronted by an untamed fire that burns within the purest of hearts. Within the ashes of power, a sovereign will rise to confront the divinity of power. The future is unknown but should you embrace and accept everything that the power has defined you?"

He understood and looking at the pieces of the Dino Gem, he stepped forward and took them. It was more than just a test about fighting for his life. It was about accepting the life of a Ranger, the power and the cost of losing the one person he loves in the process. He wasn't sure what the hooded figure want but he knew it was the shadow he kept at bay for so long: the shadow that had the power to strip him of everything that made him the man he was. But as long as he had Kim by his side and she was willing to accept and follow him into the line of fire, it made him embrace his destiny even more.

Tommy could feel the power of the gem and the gem itself reforming. Kim smiled at him reassuring him that he wasn't alone. Whatever the future held for him, he was going to face it and fight to protect everything he held dear. Soon, everything faded into white and nothingness hoping to find his way back to the life that was awaiting him.

The Next Day

The Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

Everyone was relieved to finally have Tommy awaken from his coma, and more importantly back to normal. After an overnight stay for observation at the hospital, Tommy was released and he was more than happy to go home to his family and friends. Jason and the others came down from Angel Grove while he was in his coma to help look after Kim and Amelia and assist the Rangers and Hayley.

After spending the day catching up with his friends and being filled in on the recent events in Reefside by the Rangers, his friends went back home to Angel Grove. Later on in the lab, Hayley was in the lab running an analysis on the team's Dino Gems. The teens were waiting on Tommy and Kimberly down in the lab after saying their goodbyes to their friends from Angel Grove. The couple smiled at the teens as they came down and sat down with Amelia sitting on her father's lap.

"Okay Dr. O we're glad to have you back." Connor insisted. "But come on, you got to tell us what happened while you were in your coma."

Tommy looked at his wife knowing he already spent the entire day telling their friends what happened. Now, it was time to explain things to his team. "Okay, so let me get this straight. Three of your old Ranger powers came to you in a dream?" Ethan asked.

"And you had to fight them to get your life back?" Connor asked.

"Yeah, with a few twists and turns. But I couldn't have gotten back without the help of my pink crane." Tommy answered holding Kim's hand.

"This is awesome." Trent told him.

"And Mrs. O helped keep us ground while you were out of commission." Kira said. "You're lucky to have one hardcore wife, Dr. O."

"You know, I just want to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart." Tommy explained. "For hanging in there with me through all of this. It was tough, but you guys came through. It means a lot to me and I owe you for keeping my family safe when I wasn't around."

"He's right, you all should be proud of yourselves." Hayley agreed while working on the computer.

"I'm know I'm proud of you." Kimberly stated. "You guys mean a lot to us and Amelia." They all looked to Connor who was sniffling as Kim let out a small chuckle.

"Dude, are you crying?" Ethan asked.

"No, just got something in my eye." Connor objected.

"Yeah you were," Kira giggled. "Epic failure right there."

"Look, Mr. Soccer Star has a sensitive side," Trent teased.

"We're just glad to have you back, Dr. O," Connor stated ignoring his friends' teasing. The moment however was interrupted when Hayley was alerted by the completion of her analysis on the Dino Gems. The team focused their attention on the computer and Hayley's latest discovery.

"What is it Hayley?" Tommy asked. "What did you find?"

"I did an analysis on the power signatures of the Dino Gems." Hayley explained. "Since the gems bonded with each of your DNA, relatively for the gem to lose its power is either strip the power from it, or kill the source of where the power is bonded to. Examining the properties and power signatures of each of the gems, there are traces of mystical elements to it as well."

"But how does it explain each of our abilities?" Kira asked. "Each of our Ranger powers gave us different abilities? Are you saying there's more to the Dino Gems?"

"It seems that the Dino Gems...act as conduits to charge something powerful." Hayley said. "Sort of like battery packs and when one battery is out of commission, another is used to power up whatever this mystery item is. I think that's why the Pink Gem was originally split in half due to the overuse of energy being siphoned. So...I needed to test that theory and I think the White Dino Gem was also used to power up our item in question. Hence, I think it was what led to its power being corrupted."

"So whatever this mystery item can possibly corrupt our Dino Gems? Like what it did to the White Dino Gem?" Kimberly asked with worry. "Do...you think it was possible that is what caused the Pink Dino Gem to split originally? What if our gems were used at the same before to charge up this thing? Why weren't the mystical power signatures detected in our Dino Gems?"

"Because someone is trying to conceal the true potential of what our Dino Gems can do." Tommy stated taking a hold of his wife's hand. "Whatever was dug up that day near the Pink Dino Gem fragment is our mystery item in question. The only thing to ask is who has it and what it does. These gems are permanently bonded to our DNA and we can control the power of our gems. Mesogog isn't the only one who is interested in our gems, unless...there is someone reaching out to our enemy for answers."

March 16, 2004

Reefside Park

Reefside, CA

The next couple of months were busier than ever between their jobs as teachers at Reefside High School, Ranger battles, mentoring the Dino Rangers, following up on the latest activities in the city, and their family and friends, Tommy and Kimberly felt there wasn't much time with their small family, especially with their little girl. The couple cherished their moments of downtime with their daughter, watching Amelia grow right before their eyes. The one year old girl was their heart and soul, the treasure they love more than anything in the world.

Thankfully, since it was spring break and school was out for the week, Tommy and Kimberly highlighted the week by celebrating their two year wedding anniversary with a family picnic in the park with their daughter. It was hard to imagine that the two of them have been married for two years and are parents to a beautiful baby girl. Amelia took the wonderful sight of the park and enjoyed her time with her parents playing on the playground and being pushed on the swings, which were her favourite. However, the excitement of the day's event worn the one year old girl out that the couple took a breather and let her nap on the picnic blanket that was set up in the park.

As Amelia slept with Tommy and Kimberly watching the scenery of the lake, the two took in everything around them. This has been one of their best days in awhile for Tommy and Kimberly, an entire day dedicated to their little family. Known for documenting every moment of their little family's lives, Kim brought her camera and snapped many pictures of their week off school and downtime with Amelia.

"It's so wonderful outside here," Tommy was the first to say. "I wonder how the teens are enjoying their spring break in Cabo."

"Nothing like spring break for young people to get down and rowdy," Kimberly slightly laughed. "Come on we were like that once when we were their age. And FYI those MTV specials about spring break don't depict what teenagers were like when we were that age, well maybe fifty percent of a time."

"Once upon a time we were like the Rangers. Young, carefree, and innocent and very much in love." Tommy replied. "Well, of course we had our moments like my tardy and forgetfulness back in high school, but I think I've improved over the years." Kimberly nodded and chuckled at his comment. "You're hoping Amy doesn't get daddy's faulty memory when she grows up."

"I like days like this where there's not a care in the world," Kimberly said. "The only thing that matters today is our little family Handsome: you, me and our little Amelia."

"Days like these are what I live for and what I fight for Beautiful," Tommy smiled. "Can you believe we already survived two years of marriage?"

"It feels like an eternity but every moment with you is worth the adventure." The two looked down at the sleeping toddler whose head was laying in Tommy's lap. She smiled stroking Amelia's head while their daughter continued to nap. "Especially with this little girl in our laps."

"She was such an unexpected surprise that came in the point of our lives where we were planning our careers and our contingency plan. I never imagine myself being a father to a remarkable and wonderful little girl. You know about my situation growing up being adopted, learning about my biological family and collecting mentor figures throughout the years to guide me." Tommy said deep in thought. "I always dreamt about having a family with you and a future since the moment I fell in love with you, long before I moved to Angel Grove."

"Really? You mean that day at summer camp when we were kids?" Kimberly asked startled. "You had a crush on me because I kicked the crap out of a guy who was twice my size? Not to mention I nearly choked out?! So of all the girls you came across, why me?"

"Because I saw something inside of you that day. It wasn't that untamed fire that you unleash when you fight, but a light inside of you. I didn't have too many friends growing up and I was one of those people reluctant to build bonds and relationships with others, until I met you and the rest of the gang. You guys showed me friendship when I thought it was impossible for me, but you Kim are my truest light to my shadow. I can deal with losing my powers I been through it, but the will that keeps my spirit going is my light: you. The thing I fear losing the most in this world is the light that keeps me going being snuffed out."

"I feel the same way too and I understand the risks of what this life can give and take from us Tommy. You are my light too Tommy and so is Amelia. We been through a lot over the years and sacrificed a lot for the sake of the greater good. Even at times, our relationship faced trials that we had to conquer together or on our own in order to become the people we are today. We shared joy, pain, suffering, triumph and everything in between over the years because we endured. We can never take anything for granted and sometimes we can't plan too far ahead for the future."

They held each other in silence for a while, trying to take in the emotions they were feeling and basking in the love they felt for each other. It was a lot to take in and with everything going on in Reefside as of late. He accepted the power long ago as part of his life knowing the consequences of what it will cost Tommy in the long run.

"We weren't normal teenagers growing up that's for sure," He replied and his wife let out a humorless laugh. "Heck, we have some interesting childhoods as well. Even in our early adulthoods we're far from the definition of an ideal married couple and family. It's sad to say that this has been "our normal" over the years, if you know what I mean. I think sometimes it's best not to plan too far ahead into the future because sometimes tomorrow changes in a matter of moments. On the contrary, despite everything there are times where fortune works good in our favour."

"I can always agree with you on that," Kimberly assured him looking into his eyes. "We wouldn't have had each other, a great group of friends, being Rangers and become the people we are today. We wouldn't have the life we built today and we wouldn't be guiding the next generation of Rangers for the future." Suddenly, they felt Amelia stirring from her nap as she began to rub her eyes open looking up at her parents. "And most importantly, we wouldn't have our greatest treasure."

"There's not a thing I wouldn't trade for either of you." He leaned down giving her a chaste kiss. "We live for these moments and fight for them. It makes you appreciate life and never to take anything for granted. I'll live for the now knowing that where I want to be at this moment is with two people who mean the world to me."

"Mama, dada eat." Amelia mumbled smiling trying to reach for some food in the picnic basket. The two chuckled at their daughter's playful antics. They didn't know what to expect in the near future, but what they can salvage is relishing in living in the moment of right now: the days of being one little happy family.

"Yeah we do live for these moments in our not so normal lives but they're worth it." Tommy smiled grabbing a hold of Amelia and placing her in his lap. Kimberly went to retrieve a small platter of cheese and crackers they haven't eaten. "Moments like enjoying a small platter of gourmet cheese and crackers with Amelia are what we live for."

"Bon appetite our little princess," Kimberly smiled feeding a piece of cheese and cracker to their daughter. "At least we can marvel in Amelia's taste in food."