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.

10. Soliloquy of Chaos

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 10 of the story. Recent revelations leaves the others facing moral dilemmas and a heavy cost that could cause Tommy greatly in the future. The Rangers debate on taking the fight to Mesogog after a setback puts their plans on halt.)

Chapter 10: Soliloquy of Chaos

April 9, 2004

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

"The only way to stop it is to either take out the power source itself or destroy the Scarlet Sovereign. Either way it sucks to know that every situation is a matter of life and death where you like it or not." Quinn stated firmly with the group leaving them stunned.

When the words "life and death" are used in a sentence to describe a possible scenario, Tommy and Kimberly learned a long time ago when they first accepted the power they face this on a daily basis. It was the responsibility and burden they uphold during their tenure and fealty as Power Rangers. For the new generation of Rangers they were fighting alongside they were upholding the same oath of fealty and duty when they accepted the power.

However, fighting as defenders of the Earth, they only destroyed threats such as intergalactic monsters that harmed the safety of innocent civilians. Unfortunately, monsters can come in many shapes and forms and they learned that sometimes they can even take the form of flesh and blood. It was a concept that Quinn suddenly spewed out of his mouth revealing his true mission about fighting a war between two rival ancient factions for control of a powerful weapon called the Scarlet Sovereign.

If The Emissary and The Garrison have been around for many years according to Quinn's testimony, why wasn't there any word about them mentioned? The idea of ancient secret ninjas baffled the younger Rangers and it got all six of them wrestling with one dilemma weighing on their consciences. Did they have the power within them to take a life for the greater good?

"You do realize what you mean by taking out the power source the Emissary needs to charge up their little device?" Tommy questioned his former mentor figure. "It is obvious you know about the Power Rangers and I'm not going to entertain myself into asking how. We'll just save that for another time when I'm in a more calm and collective mood."

"Kid, you literally took that risk months ago when you prevented Mesogog and his lackeys from gaining the power of the Dino Gems." Quinn said. "As long as those gems are in your camp, Mesogog can't help his special friends bring upon a rain of pain down on your city."

"Unfortunately, his little ninja buddies already got into some deep cult, blood ritual mayhem," Connor commented.

"That stone sarcophagus...what's it suppose to do?" Trent asked. "Why would my father helping these sick bastards bleed a bunch of kids to feed that device?"

"Because that device spells trouble every time they use it, especially when it comes to bringing their band back together." Quinn answered. "The Garrison spent years destroying those sarcophaguses knowing how they operate. Unfortunately, our brigade missed one and inadvertently coincided with your little expedition Tommy on the island. That device they're using is consider blasphemy and represents an act of desiccation to the balance of life and death itself."

"So if those missing kids are bleeding blood into it, how does it function?" Kimberly asked. "Apparently according to our friend Dana the kids we rescued had an unknown chemical compound mixed into their bloodstreams. Any idea what the mysterious pathogen does?"

"The ancient device...has the ability to bring back the dead, restore life using the right components," Quinn informed. "You do not want to underestimate the Emissary. They say that it's leaders have lived for many centuries, different lifetimes and lifespans. But through manipulative works, they have manage to prolong death."

"Are we seriously going to bring up this whole resurrection topic?" Kira asked skeptically.

"Whether you want to believe it or not girlie, I have seen crazy shit gone down in the past." Quinn smirked shaking his head and then pointing at Tommy and Kim. "Why don't you kiddies ask the power couple of some of their tall tales? I may come off as a delusional fighter with many secrets...but these two can vouch for me that I don't mean any harm to any of you. If you want to put a stop to Mesogog and the growing threat of the Emissary, do what you must...by any means necessary."

"By any means necessary? Yeah Quinn, does that include killing anyone in cold blood without hesitation?" Tommy argued. "Was this what you were trying to train Kim and I for when we were kids? Or after we decided to stay with you for those four years in Phoenix while we went to ASU? If you were a mentor figure then you wouldn't have taught us this idea that it's okay for anyone to kill freely and murder without thinking. I wonder what the hell I did wrong to make you disappear many times from my life. Was it because I was a disappointment? Or was I looking for a role model to look up to? Yes, you'll always have an impact on me and Kim's lives, but what makes you think we'll buy into what you're telling us if you never once been honest with us?"

The four teens looked at Tommy, getting in the face of the man who rescued them from earlier mayhem at Mercer Industries. They could tell that there were some unresolved issues between their teachers and this Quinn individual. Hearing stories about their mentor Zordon, apparently for the couple Quinn was a mentor to them too, but the history was complicated to say the least.

"Yes, it's true about the martial arts classes at Algoma Summer Camp years ago. The Garrison were looking to recruit child warriors for the war." Quinn confessed. "You two were the ones that stood out from the rest, thought I could take it upon myself to train you both to harness your abilities. However, you two wanted something more and for that I apologize for letting you both down. What I would have asked from you two would weigh heavily on you and the sacrifice I would have required from you in order to join The Garrison would have been too much. Now, if I ask you and your brigade to join the Garrison...the cost you'll pay will be too great for you to bare."

"We were looking to fill the void of losing a mentor who meant a lot to us years ago. We thought you be able to fill that void despite our grievances with you in the past because you meant something to us as kids." Kimberly confessed. "You wanted soldiers, we wanted a parental role model to look up to. I guess we disappointed one another over the years. The eight months I spent years ago after I wrote that letter were the darkest times of my life and I thought I could make a difference because you told me I could for the warfront."

"But you ran and found your one true love again." Quinn said. "I would have expected it from you Kimmy although I tried to rope you into using your feelings for my benefit."

She then turned to Tommy and looked at him. "Do you want to know why I ran from him the first time after the letter? It was because of the things I did and the training I endured with Quinn to be part of the Garrison. That day I showed up in Angel Grove eight months after the letter, he originally wanted me to bring you into his mission, but I chose to turn my back. I chose you, my white knight and a future with you over being a soldier and fighting someone else's war. If we were going to face another confrontation somewhere down the line with the forces of evil, we were going to be ready. We...were doing things our way, without it costing us our souls or morals."

"If you think we're going to fight this war your way, then you don't know us as you thought you did," Tommy replied looking at his wife and the teens. "As for your testimony then you'll have to wait and see. We grew up over the years Quinn and as for paying the price for whatever comes our way...consequences be damned."

"Then I suggest you stay true and prepare for the next battle ahead." Quinn slightly smirked before taking his way. He then looks at his former students. "I understand where your true strength lies: within your heart, body and soul. You two are bonded and connected in ways no one can't imagine. Like everything in the universe: you two are both each other's strengths and weaknesses. One can't live a half-life without the other half that completes them. It's the shadow you keep at bay: the fear of losing the one that holds your heart and drives you to live everyday. If you believe in overcoming what comes your way, use it as your power to press forward."

April 12, 2004

Reefside Shipping Yard

Reefside, CA

Down at the Reefside shipping yard, soldiers of the Garrison were resuming their daily training regimen prescribed by Aria. It was a risk for them to have the main leaders convened together in one area. They decided each member would go into seclusion to round up their brigade scattered around the world to prepare to battle The Emissary, with the exception of Aria. She had to follow Quinn to Reefside knowing the situation has gotten complicated as he met with Aria on the cargo ship.

"I take it you informed the Rangers about the truth of their Dino Gems?" Aria asked overseeing the training session.

"Only further complicates the matter when the Emissary roped in a puppet for them to pull the strings from behind the scenes," Quinn stated.

"Mesogog, but you know it's Dalia's handy work? Or is it the true puppet master that hasn't been awaken yet? The last pillar of the Emissary hasn't risen yet but even behind the scenes he manages to find a way to pull the strings on a simpleton like Mesogog."

"But puppets do tend to cause issues when they're are no strings attached to them. Unfortunately, the Emissary's latest puppet have dug up the sarcophagus and we were duped once again thinking we foiled their plans. They're almost near making the device operational and I fear the tide will turn in the war."

"The gems are in the possession of the Rangers which is no issue. Quinn...don't tell me that me," Aria replied very worried. "The power source is out in the open isn't it and it's already bonded...with them? The White Falcon...he'll be the one that will pay the price dearly should the truth emerge. His heart and soul is what they seek to silence the forces of good throughout the universe. You know that there is only one way out of this and it is an option neither will want to face."

"I know and although they made it clear to me that I have been a disappointment to them, I'm need to uphold my promise to Zordon," Quinn sighed. "The falcon and crane hold Zordon to the highest prestige and I can't compare to that. I understand how powerful the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies are and just how much of value they are which makes this situation worst. Of all the fates that was predestined, why this one? The purest heart and soul in the world destined to silence the light of good for the shadows of The Emissary?! That unhinged urge and fire is burning and it cannot be tamed for much longer and I worry our efforts in the war will be futile."

"But our intel tells us that Mercer Industries is expecting a special shipment at the shipping yard a few nights from now." Aria said. "They believe they have found the Scarlet Sovereign. Dalia has her associates overseeing the delivery and arrival of the shipment." She paused for a moment before turning to her ally. "You know what must be done and if we must take drastic actions, then so be it. The Emissary will do everything in their power to activate the Scarlet Sovereign and that shipment must not hit the shores."

"I understand and although are The Garrison, we also have our own missions with one common goal in mind." Quinn replied. "Protecting the...last hope and the heir apparent to the bloodline. They are the last line of defense to preserve the Great Power, the legacy itself. That is their destiny, not this so by any means necessary I'll ensure what must be done to keep the Scarlet Sovereign off the streets."

April 17, 2004

Angel Grove, CA

The two hour car ride to Angel Grove was one of those road trips Tommy and Kimberly looked forward to and in the company of their daughter. Even once in awhile they needed to pull back from the frontlines and recuperate. Things in Reefside were intensifying after the revelation of Anton Mercer's identity as Mesogog, the team's failed infiltration of Mercer Industries, and Quinn's reappearance. The situation only got worst when they were notified a week ago that the patients they rescued from the high school were recaptured by Mesogog and his allies.

Pressure was mounting and the couple debated whether or not to postpone their monthly weekend trip to visit their family and friends in Angel Grove. The Rangers had to deal with keeping Trent safe while reassuring their teammate and friend their promise to save his father. At this point, they were facing a crossroads wondering how to deal with Mesogog now that he aligned himself with some powerful forces the Dino Rangers haven't contended with.

It was all they could think about during the drive to the Oliver's place if it was the right time to leave Reefside unattended. Surprisingly, it took a pep talk from Connor to reassure Tommy and Kim that the city will be safe in their hands. The younger Rangers had a great appreciate and admiration for the veteran couple for everything they have done over the years and the sacrifices they made for the greater good, especially when it came to Amelia.

This entire year, they formed a bond with the small family and Tommy and Kim's place became like a second home to them, so the least they can do was give the couple a breather and lessen the burden for them. The teens know how much Amelia means to her parents and wanted the toddler to have a sense of normalcy in her life. By the time they reach the Oliver home, there was already a welcoming committee of their friends expecting them.

"Hey Tommy, Kim hope the drive up wasn't bad for you guys." James greeted his son and daughter-in-law. He helped Kim unbuckle the sleeping Amelia from her carseat and carefully trying not to wake up his granddaughter as Kim gently picked her up. "Looks like our Amy is tuckered out? Don't worry, we got the guest room ready and the crib and monitor are already out for you two."

"Thanks dad," Tommy said noticing that his friends were inside waiting for them. "Let me guess, the guys have been here waiting for us haven't they?"

"Nothing like Jason to rally our friends together and greet us at your parents' place," Kim smiled.

"And the prodigal golden couple has finally come home," Jason smiled greeting his lil sis and best friend and brother in arms. "You know we been waiting for about an hour for you two to show up, but I guess Tommy Oliver's Swiss cheese memory still hasn't changed."

"I'm assuming you never heard of a term called traffic?" Tommy joked as he greeted his parents. "I'm guessing mom has already let you guys raid their kitchen before we arrived?"

"Oh Tommy be nice," Melissa Oliver scolded her son jokingly. She then turned to her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. "Kimberly, such a beauty seeing you dear and of course my beautiful granddaughter."

"I always love seeing you again too, mom and yes our little princess here is tuckered out from the car ride." Kim said carrying the sleeping toddler in her arms. She noticed her friends getting rowdy and noisy and the last thing she wanted was Amelia to wake up as one, moody, cranky baby. "Hey guys as much as I love seeing your faces, do you mind keeping the decibel level to a minimum? The last thing I need to deal with is a cranky toddler."

"Yeah, got to agree on that one," Tommy said as he finished unloading their bags from the car. "If you guys don't mind, can you give my lovely wife and I some breathing room for a moment to settle in for the weekend and get our kid down for a nap." Kim continued to gently cradle Amelia as the two got settled and put their daughter down for a nap in the guest room after they changed her clothes. The baby monitor was already on as Tommy and Kim unpacked their stuff in Tommy's old bedroom as his parents were setting up everything to cook for the barbeque.

It was always a special event every time Tommy and Kim came home for a visit and his parents loved having their friends around. It was just like the high school days and their kids' group of friends held a special place in their hearts, especially Kimberly. They loved their daughter-in-law the moment she came into their son's life back in high school. James and Melissa knew how much Kim meant to their son and despite the mishap with the letter during their senior year of high, they knew the couple was destined to be together. For Kim, she owed the Olivers a lot by providing a sense of family who love and accept for everything, including her faults, something she lacked from her estranged family for the last eight years.

"So Katherine, where's your second leading man in your life right now?" Tanya asked as Tommy and Kim joined their friends and family in the backyard. Tommy was carrying the baby monitor if in case Amelia woke up.

"Henry is with Jason's parents at the mall. They wanted to spend some time with their grandson and offered us a free baby pass today." Kat smiled.

"Oh we really wanted to see our godson today," Kim sighed smiling. "But you got to promise to bring him by before we leave on Sunday."

"Don't worry we'll do that," Jason reassured his little sister. "We would have thought you guys stay back with things intensifying back in Reefside."

"Yeah...things have gotten rough down in Reefside ever since the hospital fiasco," Tommy informed being discreet around his parents. Their friends knew what was going on in Reefside and they were filled in on the circumstances. "However, we been trying to work on a solution to fix everything. The teens thought we needed some time to recoup and urge us to spend some time with Amelia."

"You two are lucky to have a group of students who appreciate everything you do for them," Aisha commented.

"They are remarkable kids and we wouldn't more or less from them," Kim said smiling. She chuckled when she spotted two pairs of wooden sticks on the ground and picked them up. It brought back some memories for the gang as she passed one pair to Tommy. "This definitely brings back some memories."

"I never understand the whole stick training bit," Rocky laughed scratching his head. "All the clinking and clanking sounded like a woodpecker back in the day."

"Yeah Rocko because you thought I had a woodpecker in my backyard everyday," Tommy jokingly laughed. "It was...well our own way of sparring. Only a few of you guys got front row seats to see it up close."

"Was this...one of the ways your camp counsellor sparred with you two during your summer camp?" Trini asked making an indirect reference to Quinn.

"Pretty much, one of the only few fond memories we have from Algoma Camp." the couple replied reluctantly. "He had a fascination with using wooden sticks for sparring and some of the campers nicknamed him "Stick" during camp. However, we never finished lessons with him but then, we adapted his style and put our own touch to it."

"You got to show it again to us bro," Jason insisted slightly smiling his two best friends. "I remember the last sparring match you two had before you both left for Phoenix. It was a combination of metamorphic, rhythm and syncopation mixed into one. It was as if you both were questioning the philosophies of the art of fighting."

"Really because back in the day we used to spar thinking that the purpose of fighting was to choke your opponent unconscious," Kim said sarcastically.

"Well that's according to our camp counsellor," Tommy added smirking. "That guy was something else back in the day."

"How about showing us a demonstration then?" Adam suggested as the others encouraged to see it. The two of them looked at the pair of sticks each of them were holding in their hands. The past with Quinn was something the two of them kept to themselves and only shared some stories with their friends in the last few months. Maybe, it was time to share some more with their friends about Quinn's influence in their lives as Tommy and Kim got up and began to spar with the sticks.

"Okay let's go!" Kim starts breathing heavily while Tommy is exclaiming as they begin a quick demonstration as the others watched. Kim pauses for a moment and puts her arms down to the side. "Okay Beautiful, break. Pop quiz: what rules the body?"

"My mind controls my body." She starts grunting and then proceeds to continue her attacks with the wooden sticks. Tommy tosses his sticks at Kim as she dodges them and Tommy does a quick tuck and roll recovery to retrieve his sticks.

"Next question: what's your strongest weapon?" He asks this time to his wife pausing for a moment.

"My body is my strongest weapon at my disposal." Kim answers as she resumes her sparring match. This time they are sparring as they are attacking each other using the sticks as they collide and clank against each other.

"Connection, mind, body? What's the answer?" Tommy asked. "How is it all controlled?"

"The mind controls the body, the body controls our enemies, our enemies control jack shit by the time we're done with them." Kim replies with every strike. "However, the mind and body are one half of the connection. One must have heart and soul to drive the fighting spirit within and the connection is whole."

"The four main elements of the connection. Fighting is just the start. You have to control your feelings, your deep down inside feelings." Tommy explained as the others watched in awe of what they witness. "Your emotions will drive you and enhance your focus. They act as your motivation, your guide to stay the course and maintain the connection to keep it all in tact."

"How do we do that?" Kim smiled questioning her husband. "How do we keep the connection going?"

"Meditate on your feelings, channel them into positive energy." Tommy answered as they dropped their sticks at the same time. "The mind, body, heart and soul are all connected as one. They power the fighting spirit and our emotions channel our inner feelings and thoughts. It is the focus of our concentration on the battlefield. Open yourself up to it learn it, make you way stronger, more focused. Even heal your wounds faster: the physical, mental and emotional wounds."

"The connection keeps us in control. Without the connection, the unhinged fire burns within us. Find the focus and concentration to keep the foundations of our connection balanced: the mind, body, heart and soul." Kim smiled as they stopped and turned to their friends. They were surprise by their friends' impressive fighting skills, never realizing closely just how seasoned Tommy and Kimberly are. "So...what do you guys think?"

"Are you absolutely sure your camp counsellor never finished your training?" Jason asked curiously. "Out of curiosity, why do you think he stopped?"

"Maybe it was because...there was something he didn't want us using in our connection besides the body and mind when it comes to fighting." Tommy answered. "It was the thing that proved to be our strength and fuel our emotions and drive our fighting spirit: heart and soul. He may have not completed our training, but that's where the philosophy is split. Can one fight a war with heart and soul along with the connection of the mind and body?"

"Looks like you two haven't lost a step over the years." Billy complimented. "It was as if your senses were heighted to a point you both anticipated each other's moves. I expected seasoned fighting skills from Tommy, but Kim does have her ways of surprising us."

"Believe me Billy...we're full of surprises," Kimberly commented smiling at Tommy. "Maybe it comes naturally, but who knows? What we do know is, whatever comes next we'll be ready."

April 23, 2004

Reefside Shipping Yard

Reefside, CA

The trip to Angel Grove was what Tommy and Kimberly needed and after a couple of days there were no incidents or reports from Mesogog or his allies. There were some nights the couple and the younger Rangers wonder if their adventures have borderline gone from missions or under the lines of vigilantism. They thought Reefside was a safe city, one with a good upkeep reputation. However, they learned that sometimes not everything is what it seems to be and it was a lesson Trent took to heart recently.

It was a debate that lingered on their minds the last few weeks since Quinn's reappearance and learning about the mysterious Emissary. Tommy and Kim had their fair share of wild and crazy adventures in their earlier days as Rangers, but wonder if they were biting more than they can chew. This time, everything was different now that they were married and they have a daughter to look after and protect. They had a family and were fighting for their future and Amelia's.

After a couple of days of downtime and not hearing any activity, they were alerted by Hayley of a disturbance down by the shipping yard. The Rangers were lucky that the Silver Guardians and Lightspeed Rescue stayed in town hoping to get a break in the missing children's case.

Unfortunately, the Dino Rangers found out that their paths will cross once again with Tommy and Kim's old counsellor, Quinn. In the last couple of days since being introduced to the skilled fighter, the teens questioned their teachers about Quinn and his group of fighters he was part of, The Garrison. As much as they wanted to keep their history private from the four teens, curiosity got the better of them and reluctantly revealed the complex history they had with Quinn.

For a mere human, or whatever he was, Quinn was full of mystery. He may be a soldier for the side of good, but his methods and ideologies of fighting the battle between good and evil were questionable. He towed a line that anyone who held the power or became Power Rangers never wanted to cross: victory by any means necessary.

Once again Quinn was right before them after he saved them once again from one of Mesogog's monsters sent to distract the Rangers. On the contrary, both sides had one common goal at the shipping yard: to stop Mesogog's plans from being carried out. Unfortunately, it came down to how truthful Quinn is.

"You know for your brigade, they still need some fine tuning," Quinn smirked cleaning off his katana after they disposed of the monster. "Nothing like good old steel to cut down the things that go bump in the night. Tommy, Kimmy, Dino Rangers, always a pleasure making your acquaintance."

"What is this Quinn? This is the second time you saved our team for what?" Tommy asked sternly. "You don't do things unless you have a purpose and you need something in return from us. Two times you bailed us out...what game are you playing with us?"

"I'm not playing no game with you, but it seems our interests have aligned with one another. That monster you turned into goop is guarding something Mesogog was tasked to retrieve on that ship. It is what I feared, he has brought the Scarlet Sovereign, the bringer of shadows and silence upon the shores of this city."

"Are you talking about the same weapon Mesogog and his lackeys have been searching for on behalf of his mysterious ninja buddies?" Ethan and Trent asked.

"Yeah and believe me Power Rangers this is not the weapon you want roaming your streets." Quinn said sighing.

"Okay, just say it Quinn." Kim stated looking at her former mentor. "You want our help, or better yet you need soldiers who are committed. You don't need some bleeding heart idealists hanging onto half measures. That's the kind of help you want, but right now you can't so you have to go with plan B."

"Wow girlie, you beaten me to the punch of what I was about to say." Quinn said sarcastically.

"Yeah this is coming from a guy who thinks it's okay to go on a killing spree all in the name of justice and goodness." Kira argued.

"Kids, in war, people die. If it's not you, it's the guy next to you." Quinn addressed the teens, much to Tommy and Kim's dismay. "Your teachers know that but yet over the years have never fathom to cross that threshold. How many people have been killed protecting safety of this city? You're all still afraid to cross that line, just like they have for a long time. Someday, it's gonna come down to you or the other guy. If it's not Mesogog, somebody else. What're you gonna do then?"

"I ponder that question over the years and yeah it resulted in half measures," Tommy stated. "But it still ensures we keep our moral compass in tact, something we value."

"...Ah, screw it. Ride with me tonight Rangers... help me destroy The Scarlet Sovereign," Quinn said hesitating and turned to the team. "Help me Rangers keep it off the streets, and I promise you this...Mesogog, Zeltrax and Elsa will know the taste of fear the day they will face you 'cause they'll know that you kicked the guy they're afraid of right in the nuts. What do you say Power Rangers?"

"One rule you don't kill anybody." Connor said taking the leadership role.

"...I promise I will not kill anybody." Quinn vowed but it was a promise he can't guarantee.

Two Hours Later...

"Dr. O, Mrs. Oliver just out of curiosity...it wasn't like this back in the day when you two were Power Rangers?" Trent asked, as Hayley and Kim tended to Tommy's shoulder injury he sustained earlier in the night.

"We know what we signed up for when we became Power Rangers." Connor stated addressing what went down. "That was something else and we all know it."

"Guess some things never change with Quinn," Kim sighed in dismay. "So how do we do damage control with this one tomorrow morning?"

"We'll handle it in the morning don't worry Kim." Tommy reassured them taking a painkiller. He sent Kira upstairs to check up on Amelia to make sure she was asleep but Hayley assured him and Kim that she was no problem. Once again he felt disappointed again in Quinn, but this was going beyond disappointment. Literally, he and Kim felt that their old mentor was testing them and were losing respect each time for him.

The Rangers saw the look of disbelief and dismay on the faces of their mentors. However, it took an arrow being shot in Tommy's shoulder and witnessing human trafficking going on first hand to figure out what kind of mission Quinn cohort the Rangers into joining him for. It was stepping into territories their enemies was testing their moralities.

This was something beyond the lines of morality Mesogog was stepping into and it worried them wondering what would become of Anton Mercer if they could release him from Mesogog's grip. The biggest plot twist of the night was discovering Quinn's true mission and the contents of the container and the chaos the ensued afterwards.

"Wow, look what the cat dragged in," Ethan said angrily as Quinn silently walked stern faced into the lab. He expected it, but he held no regrets for the events of tonight.

"You promised us you weren't gonna kill anyone." Kim snapped angrily. "And obviously keeping your damn word doesn't mean anything to you these days does it?"

"I did promise I wouldn't kill anyone," Quinn countered back. "I wasn't going to get any civilians killed."

"Then what the hell was that back there?" Tommy yelled snapping. "Do you want to explain to us what all that mayhem was before I ended up with an arrow in my shoulder tonight? What was going on through your mind when you asked us for help?"

"The mission was what I had in mind." Quinn answered. "You guys wanted to foil Mesogog's plans and we both had a common mission tonight and we succeeded."

"That's what your war's come to? Killing children?" Tommy asked in disdain. "How are we certain your Garrison are fighting for the side of good? You want to stop the Emissary by any means necessary. Did that include killing innocent kids as part of the warfront effort?"

"That thing in the container was not a child." Quinn justified looking at Kim. "You saw first hand Kimberly what we had to do keep the advantage in the war. However, you couldn't fathom the idea of what needed to be done which is why you fled."

"And killing kids was part of your warfront effort?!" Kim questioned. "Thank god I never stuck around with you and I am grateful everyday Tommy was spared a long time ago from your tutelage to fight in your war. I think you spontaneously appearing and disappearing in our lives was the best thing that happened to us."

"You got soft in the end and it scared the shit out of you what needed to be done. Everything I taught you both was for your protection. I'm sorry it violates your credo and moral compass but the world isn't what it's cut out to be. That kid in the container is an example of what is concealed by the world." Quinn argued.

"We know there is good and bad in the world, but we have a right to be outraged." Connor spoke up. "Dr. O and Mrs. Oliver chose us and they chose to fight alongside us and as defenders of Earth, we know our boundaries and the lines we should and shouldn't cross. What you pulled tonight is a line we wouldn't dare ever stepping over."

"Sooner or later the ideologies and methods you Rangers have followed and upheld need to evolve." Quinn stated bluntly.

"I could hear that kid's heartbeat. It was light and fast. He hadn't even hit puberty." Tommy continued. "If you think we're being emotional, no shit. How would you feel if you found out you got duped once again into attempting to kill someone innocent as a child?"

"If you'd have all focused beyond your crybaby feelings, you would've sensed what that kid really was."

"He was just a kid." Kira replied angrily coming back downstairs.

"You're all blind as you ever were to see what the real threat is to your city." Quinn added. "The problem with all of you is that you're holding back. These individuals Mesogog and his followers are allied with have not one moral bone in their pathetic bodies to care about collateral damage. Everyone here in this city is a liability to them in order to achieve their master plans."

"Maybe you should've stuck around and finished training us yourself fourteen years ago." Tommy snapped. "Some role model you turned out to be: kill anyone by any means necessary and freely without any restraints. Kim and I survived a lot over the years and seen things no one couldn't imagine. We defeated enemies who have threaten our planet time and time again by not cutting the ties that bind us together. I guess you wanted soldiers who anything by any means without any questions."

"I needed soldiers and it was what I wanted from the two of you." Quinn sighed. "You two wanted a role model to look up to."

"Well, I guess we're all disappointed then." Kim sighed.

"I guess we are." Quinn said. "You take care of yourselves, Power Rangers."

"We're not gonna let you kill that kid." Ethan argued.

"Oh, he's already dead. I caught up with the van while you were all occupied around with Mesogog's tyrannodrones. I put an arrow in that thing's heart." It was enough for Tommy to unleash fourteen years of pent up frustration he began to attack his former mentor. "You can't even tag your old camp counsellor. Get up. Get up! Get up!" He was challenging his former student. Kim couldn't take it anymore and joined the melee but Quinn easily matched the combined efforts of Tommy and Kim.

The Rangers and Hayley could only watch the chaos imploding in the lab between the three brawling individuals. Quinn wasn't holding back and neither was the couple despite feeling overwhelmed and outmatched by their old counsellor. However, they managed to gain the upper hand after Tommy managed to knock Quinn down to the ground as the two grunted and breathed heavily after punching out fourteen years of unresolved issues.

"Get out of our city." Tommy said angrily as he threw Quinn's katana on the floor next to him.

"Maybe there's hope for you two and your brigade yet." Quinn slightly smirked as he got up and limped out of the lab. "Nice catching up. Eh? You guys got something going on here and hold onto it. You're gonna need 'em in the next round."