(Author's Notes: Hey guys, so the next two chapters of the story will be split into two parts. Expect some tearjerker moments. Desperate for answers, Tommy goes on a rescue mission, but serious repercussions are ahead for him and the Rangers.)
Chapter 12: A Cold Day in Reefside- Part I
June 22nd, 2004
The Oliver Residence
Reefside, CA
The four teens had no intention of going home since last night until they got answers. They were down in the lab with the technical genius pondering what was going to be Dr. Oliver's next move. Less than twelve hours ago they were having dinner at Hayley's Cyberspace and talking with their teachers about their summer plans.
In a matter of moments their evening plans were interrupted by a car crash outside of Hayley's establishment and an ominous proclamation of Mesogog's return. There was no way he was back after they destroyed him over a month and a half ago. After spending the night dealing with the aftermath of the car crash, Tommy wanted answers and Trent's DVD from his father answered all their questions.
Unfortunately, Anton warned them of the repercussions of digging for the truth as he lived up to his promise and gave Tommy, Kimberly and the teens the information they wanted. However, it was obvious that the revelation hit Tommy and Kimberly the hardest and topping off the mayhem was Quinn's abduction.
"Ran the genetics test again and the analysis on the Dino Gem encoding three times overnight." Hayley confirmed sighing. "Compared your actual DNA sequences to that of the gems and the results came back the same. The mystical encoding and genetic analysis imprinted on the Dino Gems are evident."
"So you're meaning to tell us everything on my dad's DVD is true?" Trent questioned.
"It was why your dad entrusted us with the information knowing that these people Mesogog aligned with will see Anton as a liability." Hayley said. "Don't worry Trent Tommy and Kimberly assured him that he'll have protective detail with him for the time being. Everything he retrieved from Smitty's storage unit it was referenced on the DVD. The mystical encoding found within the sequence of the Dino Gems contained part of a substance that..."
"What is it Hayley?" Connor asked. "What did you guys discover?"
"Apparently...the Dino Gems contained a compound substance that was rumored to contain properties of a self-rejuvenation mythical elixir." The idea that their Dino Gems had the power to heal people or literally bring people back to life was out of this world. The four teens learned anything was possible even the unexplained. "Well that was according to Smitty's research trying to find out about the supposed practices of the Emissary."
"So our Dino Gems are more than just batteries? They can bring people back to life?" Ethan asked. "If our Dino Gems were used as conduits to power up this ancient device The Emissary retrieved, each of our gems must have resulted in various side effects."
"Precisely and based off the power signatures, each of your gems were exposed to the power of that device differently." Hayley explained. "Think of the gems like batteries for that thing. Combine aspects of alchemy and science, throw in mystical and mythical magic at work, you got yourself a powder keg. The gems according to research can only charge up the device for a specific amount of time. However, there was a toss up between two gems in particular."
"The Pink Dino Gem and the White Dino Gem," Kira replied. "What made the power signatures different?"
"Because it was easy to manipulate the genetic encoding on one of them. Explains why the white gem was tainted with evil when it first bonded with Trent. After we altered the encoding on it, Trent was able to break free and alter the encoding on the gem." Hayley continued. "The Pink Dino Gem...well there was a reason why it split into two fragments. This is pertaining a form of genetic imprinting from the previous predecessor. According to Anton, he found out Smitty learned that one Dino Gem in particular was the key to activating the true power to that device and you all would guess which gem it turned out to be."
The reality set in for Connor, Trent, Kira and Ethan. They felt a sense of empathy for their science teacher and knew just how much Kimberly meant to him. The thought of life without his wife will shatter Tommy because she was everything to him. Without his heart and soul what reason of living will Tommy have left? It explained the hesitation on Kimberly's part to accept the Pink Dino Gem at first, but she took the risk. She chose to accept the mantle again to fight alongside her friends knowing the consequences.
"If it's true and if Kimberly is the key to all of this, we can't back out." Connor said. "We know how much Dr. O loves his wife and if Mesogog takes her, then it will shatter our teacher. There is no way they're going to get Mrs. Oliver so these sick bastards can bring their Scarlet Sovereign on our city."
"Well I suggest you guys are willing to go all in one more time. I fear Tommy may lose a lot more than he can handle..." Hayley said.
Meanwhile...
Tommy hated that feeling of being backed into a corner, but it never stopped him, unless the threat was aimed directly at the person he loved more than his life. Anton came through on his promise, but he wasn't prepared for the repercussions of knowing the truth. He knew the Rangers and Hayley were in the lab waiting, but it didn't matter. What mattered right now was the person upstairs in the living room with their daughter. The game suddenly changed overnight and this time Kimberly was the main factor in it.
"First they took Quinn and now Mesogog is back which makes things more complicated." Tommy said pacing. "How do they do that? Everything Anton found out for us is true and now he's going to finish what the Emissary started. That's something...I can't let happen especially when it comes to you, Beautiful."
"It can't be true can it? Whatever Anton found in Smitty's files can't be true about us? The Dino Gems? The Scarlet Sovereign?" Kimberly asked. "My gem is the key to it."
"Not if I have any say in it. Mesogog wants to come for you, I like to see him try it." Tommy said. "I'll kill him before he lays a hand on you."
"Don't cross that line, Handsome. It's not who you are." Kimberly pleaded taking a hold of his hand. "There is a light in you Tommy, a light that drew me to you all those years ago. We both struggled with both the darkness and light in us and we manage to find a balance in between them. Mesogog is luring you into a trap and they're using Quinn for bait."
"Tell me this. Why haven't they killed Quinn?" Tommy asked. "We got the answers we wanted about The Emissary, but there is more to the story."
"What does it matter?" Kimberly replied worried, but she knew what her husband was thinking much to her dismay. "We don't know if Quinn is still alive or not so why?."
"It matters because Quinn never does anything without a reason. We both know that, alright? And the Emissary, they didn't kill him. They captured him, which means he knows something. And they're gonna rip him to shreds until they find out what it is." Tommy said sighing. "What scares me in all of this is...if it's information it will be about you. I was warned of the possibility it will cost me you unless...unless we get there first and stop all of this."
"You're not serious are you? You want to go save a guy who disappointed us many times and let us down?" Kimberly asked shocked.
"I know it's a big risk and as much as I wanted to tell that man to go to hell, it's not my nature." Tommy explained. "It's not yours either. You and I have every right to hate him for everything he did to us by abandoning us, attempting to teach us to cut our ties to one another. However, we can't leave him at the mercy of Mesogog and The Emissary. He maybe capable of enduring torture, but the human body has it's limitations."
"Do you think he deserves our help? After everything he put us through? We owe him nothing and it's because of him, once again we're cleaning up his mess." Kimberly argued in disbelief. "Gosh I can't believe him. The things we do for this guy. Why do we bother putting up with him time and time again?"
"Because I owe him my life as much as I don't want to admit it. This is about Quinn and making sure he's doesn't end up buried six feet underground." Tommy said. "I need to know why the Emissary took him. And more importantly, what they're planning next. Basically, he's my one link to finding out how I keep Mesogog away from you because if I don't save him...there is a chance I will lose you in the process."
"Is it worth it to risk your life for it? Our future for the sake of that guy?" Kimberly asked. "I'm done fighting his war and there is no way I'm going to let myself be dragged into it, nor you for that matter. How do you think I will feel if I lose you over a fool's errand for Quinn? I may sound selfish but I can't face a future without you."
"All right, fine because I wasn't expecting you to come with me." Tommy stated. "I'm gonna...go alone. If it keeps you and Amelia out of harm's way I'll go on my own because the last thing I don't want is for anyone to use you for the forces of evil. I'll risk going on the frontlines alone if it guarantees me that you're safe Kim."
"Don't you dare start pushed everyone out of your life and you want put the little you have left on protecting that broken man?" Kim argued. "Why do you have to gamble our future just to make sure Quinn lives to see another day?"
"That broken man he gave me a life when I had nothing, when I was alone. He was the one who was there for me." Tommy explained. "He helped gave my crane a life when her world fell apart. You wouldn't have found your way back to me if...if it wasn't for him. He may have questioned our relationship and the decisions we made, but he had this soft spot for us to keep us out of the fray. It was because of him you became the most important person in my life."
"But then abandoned you and me. Just when we needed him the most because that's what he does." Kim said sadly taking a sip of water from the cup Tommy gave. She was unaware that Tommy slipped something into her cup without noticing anything. "He made us do things that caused us to battle our own moral code. He wanted us to be soldiers for his war. Heck, he was suppose to be a mentor figure to us just like Zordon was, but Quinn is nothing compared to him." She took a moment to breath and then spoke. "But...you're right despite it all. He gave us a purpose when we had none and he filled a void in us. After all he did...he still has this impact on us."
"I don't care what Quinn did. I'm gonna save him no matter the cost." Tommy said but then Kimberly started feeling a bit drowsy and dropped the cup on the floor. She noticed a look of regret on her husband's face. He put Amelia in her playpen as Kimberly started losing her balance. "He's the key to making sure I don't lose you. I hope...I hope you forgive me for this."
"Forgive you? Forgive you for what?" Kimberly whispered confusedly as she loss consciousness and Tommy gently caught her before she hit the ground. He was desperate and Tommy never imagine resorting to extreme measures knowing he was putting himself at risk. "Tommy...what did you do? What...what did you...do to me?"
"I know you'll follow me through hell and back Beautiful. It's why I love you too much not to lose you." He whispered placing a kiss on her forehead. "If I'm risking everything just to make sure Quinn makes it out alive, then I know I did my job. I need...to make sure I don't lose my heart and soul, my pink princess. I'll do anything to keep you safe and saving Quinn is my one chance of making sure Mesogog doesn't succeed."
Hayley and the Dino Thunder Rangers rushed upstairs in the living room to see what was happening. To their surprise, they found their mentor with a look of regret on his face and Amelia in her playpen. There was a toppled cup on the floor with spilled water and an unconscious Kimberly on the couch.
"Tommy, what happened? What did you do?" Hayley asked never imagining her friend doing something like this.
"I need to keep Kim safe because I love her too much not to lose her to whatever the hell is happening." Tommy simply said. "I know she'll follow me wherever I go, but I can't risk it, not this time which is why I'm going in alone. I'm going to find Quinn and save him." This is the last thing neither of them didn't want to hear.
"I'm sorry can you say that again?" Hayley questioned. "You knocked your wife out so you can go rescue a man who the last time came to town wanted to put an arrow through some kid's heart? This is...this is absolutely unbelievable and utterly stupid on your part Tommy."
"Hayley's right Dr. Oliver," Kira argued. "Why are you going to risk saving a man with questionable motives?"
"Because he's my last shot in getting the answers I need in order to keep my wife safe." He muttered. "I know you guys don't want anything to do with him after what happened at the shipping yard before. I wouldn't want anything to do with him either, but still I can't let him die. I'll go at it alone because he's my responsibility. All I need you guys to do for me is to keep my family safe and protect them. If I'm not back by sunset, do me one favor? Get Kimberly and Amelia out of town."
"Despite everything he did to you and Kim back in the day, you still have some respect for him." Hayley said. "We know how much Kim means to you Tommy, but you have to understand how much she means to all of us as well. If Mesogog or those Emissary people are going to follow with their threat to come for your wife, don't think you're going into the viper's nest alone knowing you'll be walking into a trap."
"Yeah Dr. O this isn't your fight alone. If saving Quinn will help keep Kimberly safe then we're with you." Connor confirmed as the others nodded.
"So...what do you need us to do Dr. O?" Ethan asked.
"We need to find out where these guys are holding up, probably underground knowing how much these people like sticking to the shadows." Tommy replied. "There isn't much time and it will be only be a matter of time before Mesogog strikes. I seen what the Emissary are, and what they can do and so have you. Quinn maybe a bastard at times but stories about them are no longer myths. It's real and right now they're a threat in our city which is why we're going to put a stop to them once and for all."
"Knowing that they'll probably hold up in a location owned by Mercer Industries we'll start there." Trent suggested.
"Good because Kimberly's fate lies solely on rescuing Quinn and getting him out. They haven't killed him because he has information they want and it surely involves Kim and how she is connected to reviving the Scarlet Sovereign." Tommy said and turned to Hayley. "Hayley, please keep them safe while I'm gone and if things go south, you know who to call for backup. Mesogog wants to complete the Emissary's mission, we're going to make sure we make it as hard as possible for him to do so."
12:30 p.m
The Black Frog & Red Ape Dojo
Angel Grove, CA
Meanwhile in Angel Grove, Adam was thankful that Jason had no plans today and helped him run class of students for their green belts test. Usually, it was him and Rocky running the class but his best friend had an appointment at the bank to apply for a line of credit for their dojo. With a high demand of students signing up for classes this year, they were looking to expand their business and move location, providing if they can get the funding needed for the expansion.
Trini's mother who was a real estate agent found the location for Rocky and Adam three years ago and the building itself came with a loft apartment upstairs. Ironically, it was right next door to the dance studio Kat owed. The two bought the building immediately at a negotiable price provided by Mrs. Kwan and shared the apartment alongside Aisha. Tanya stayed with the trio on weekends she come to Angel Grove, but her music business venture with Zack in Los Angeles was beginning to take off. Currently, the former Yellow Zeo Ranger and the original Black Ranger were in the process of starting up their independent record label.
With Aisha at work at the vet clinic, Adam was left alone running the dojo for the day. However, Jason was there to help relieve some of the duties such as appointments, scheduling, new registers and any other administrative duties.
"Dude seriously, you guys need to hire an assistant or a receptionist." Jason suggested. "What happened to your receptionist, was it Karen?"
"Well we put an ad in the paper under the classified section after Karen resigned to move to New York for her six month internship for school." Adam said. "Apparently she got a work internship from her school to work at this big time newspaper office in New York City. She left about a week ago and according to Karen she found a place to stay that is usually used for student residency."
"That sounds exciting. Whereabouts is she staying?" Jason asked.
"Some neighborhood on the west side of midtown Manhattan called Hell's Kitchen," Adam replied as the phone at the receptionist desk rang. He picked up the phone to answer it as Jason's phone rang and he answered it, recognizing Hayley's number.
"Hey Hayley, what's up?" Jason replied as he stepped a few feet away from the desk so Adam can take his call. He listened to Hayley on the other end explaining the current situation going on. "I'm sorry, can you repeat that again? What the hell did my bro do now?"
"Everything is just messed up right now Jason I don't know where to begin." Hayley explained on the other end. "Right now, I'm here at Tommy's house with an unconscious Kim because he wanted to make sure his wife didn't follow him into the viper's nest. As we speak, he's trying to find out where Quinn is being held so he can go on a daring rescue mission to save a guy who maybe the key Tommy doesn't lose his wife."
"Never imagine Tommy to be desperate and also idiotic at the same time." Jason sighed in frustration after listening to Hayley's story. "I know the lengths he'll go to keep my lil sis safe, but did he literally have to drug her? How long ago did he give her the sedative?"
"About two hours ago but it will only be a matter of time before she wakes up and realizes what her falcon has done." Hayley said. "Jason I'm worried that this situation is going to blow up in Tommy's face if he finds Quinn. We're literally backed into a corner and things are intensifying, especially when it comes to Kim and Amelia." Adam already finished his phone call to listen in on Jason and Hayley's conversation as Kat arrived at the dojo. By the sound of things, he figured his friends are caught in a situation up in Reefside, but it wasn't looking good. "I fear Tommy is biting more than he can chew."
"Okay, say no more Hayley I'm going to round up the others and we're coming down to Reefside." Jason confirmed as Adam nodded his head. "If what you're saying is true then Tommy and the Dino Thunder Rangers are walking straight into a trap. Hang tight Hayley and do us a favor and make sure our little sis and Amelia are safe."
"Please get here as fast as you can guys. I'm worried someone is going to pay dearly if we don't do something." Hayley said as the Jason heard the phone click dead.
"Jason, what's going on?" Kat asked her husband noticing the tension in his body.
"We need to call the others and tell them to get to Reefside right away," Jason said as he closed his phone. He was trying to control his temper but it wasn't working too well.
"What did Hayley tell you? How bad is the situation?" Adam asked as he started dialing his phone. "What's going on with Tommy, Kimberly and the Rangers?"
"Mesogog is back and this time he and a bunch of these guys are gunning for Kim. He and his minions kidnapped Kim and Tommy's old councillor Quinn because he has information that they need regarding Kimberly." Jason explained as they nodded. "Tommy is going on rescue mission to retrieve Quinn and to get information from him that will keep our little sis safe."
"Are you serious? Tommy is going to save a guy who has done questionable things to him, Kimberly and the Rangers?" Kat asked. "Why is Tommy going to risk everything?"
"Because if Mesogog gets his hands on Kim I scared Tommy is going to go over the edge. If he drugged her to prevent her from following him on his mission, then we know how serious the situation is." Jason said. "Whoever this group is aligned with Mesogog are going to tear Reefside apart until they get Kim and that can't happen."
4:30 p.m
Oliver Residence
Reefside, CA
Kimberly didn't know what happened except she suddenly woke up on the medical table in the lab. The last thing she remembered was Tommy apologizing to her and asking for her forgiveness before she blacked out. She felt a little groggy as she stepped off the table but Hayley was there to steady her. She saw Amelia asleep in her playpen as she attempted to regain her balance.
"Hey, hey take it easy." Hayley said helping her friend to her feet. "You been kind of out of it for awhile."
"Wow, well that's happens when your husband unwillingly drugs you unconscious for a few hours and decides to be a hero again to save me." Kim muttered. "He went to go save Quinn didn't he?"
"Yeah...he went to go rescue Quinn." Hayley sighed nodding her head. "You know why he went didn't he?"
"Because of me...and because Mesogog is coming for me." Kimberly said with unease. "It's true isn't it about the Dino Gems? My in particular? Is my gem the key to bringing The Scarlet Sovereign back?"
"Whatever you hear or see, don't take it to heart. You alone have the power to decide your own fate, your own destiny." Hayley reassured. "It is why Tommy is going to make sure that is still an option. He is going to make sure you still have a future, even if he has to put his life on the line to do so. If rescuing Quinn is the key to making sure Mesogog is stopped dead in his tracks, the Emissary's plans will fail."
"But I can't sit here and let him go out there to fight Quinn's war or my battles for that." Kimberly said sighing. "Tommy isn't the only one looking for answers and things certainly haven't gotten peaceful since this unknown war showed up on our front doorsteps."
Seeing that Hayley was tracking Tommy and the Dino Thunder Rangers, she looked at her Dino Gem and thought long and hard. She was briefly filled in that since their last battle with Mesogog, the energy of the Dino Gems was only limited and not fully restored. It was indicating that her husband and teammates are literally walking into a trap and left vulnerable. However, as Tommy used to say they were Power Rangers until the very end.
"Which is why...I can't let leave them alone out there on the frontline." Kimberly grabbed whatever she can find and looked at the location. Hayley attempted to stop her friend from leaving the lab but it wasn't working. "Please keep Amelia safe for me until I return. I promise I'm going to get the others out, especially Tommy."
"No, no, no! Kimberly don't go out there! Please it's what they want you'll be walking right into a trap" Hayley pleaded but it fell on deaf ears as Kimberly armed herself with a bow and arrow. It was too late as Kimberly left the lab and Hayley pulled out her cell phone, hoping there was some way to salvage any hope of fulfilling her promise. "Yeah it's me. We got a major problem because she's going after them. I know it's bad but I'm worried they're going to have Kim right where they want her and we're too late."
9:00 p.m
Abandon Factory
Reefside, CA
After spending the entire day looking up possible leads of The Emissary's hideout, Tommy was lucky to get a breakthrough thanks to some help from Anton. The search led him and the Rangers to the old shoe factory in the industrial section of the city. The factory was worn down and old ever since production shut down a few years ago and relocated, but there were reasons why this was the potential location to investigate.
Based on survey reports of the site, Tommy learned that the old factory had various underground tunnels that led to a few bunkers about a metre below ground. Based on Mercer Industries investigations, they were rumoured to have been used for testing and manufacturing of some of the factory's old line of shoes. Navigating the lower levels of the factory was like a maze all in itself taking note of the tunnel lights still in operation, but providing minimum lighting.
"Of all the places to hold up in, they chose an old shoe factory that had an underground bunker or factory as well?" Connor whispered as they moved forward.
"Who wouldn't and besides, this is no ordinary company we're dealing with Connor." Tommy said. "These people are something else and I'm starting to believe that Quinn may have not been out of his mind when it comes to them. Mesogog on the other hand, that's a different story."
"Do you believe everything those Garrison people are saying? About Kimberly and the possibility of her bringing the Scarlet Sovereign to life?" Kira asked warily.
"I'm not sure Kira but I'm praying to god that it's impossible. There is no way Kimberly is connected to the Scarlet Sovereign what so ever. However, the only person who can answer that question is the guy we're attempting to save...if he's still breathing." Tommy sighed as they walked through another entryway. It was dead quiet, but too silent for their liking and something registered in Tommy's mind they weren't alone. They found themselves in an area of the underground bunker that looked like a assembly line but Tommy's Ranger senses were telling him they have been tracked.
"Dr. O what is it?" Ethan asked worried.
"We're not alone and I can feel it." Suddenly he felt a slight vibration of the floor as Tommy and the Dino Thunder Rangers were ambushed by Emissary ninjas.
It was difficult for the younger Rangers to formulate a counterstrike or land an attack because these adversaries were good at masking their movements. A long time ago he learned that the human senses can he heightened to operate beyond regular capacity and that the slightest breath or scent can be tracked. Tommy attempted to track the Emissary's movements through the sound of their weapons, hoping to give the teens a chance to withstand the fight.
"You're doing it wrong, kid." A faint voice whispered that suddenly Tommy can only hear. He recognized that voice and he knew it was Quinn, but he was distracted by the overwhelming force of their adversaries. "If you can hear me, we got a shot."
"We're getting our asses kicked Dr. O," Trent grunted. "We can't even land a single shot on these guys. We need a new plan."
"Listen very carefully to me, Tommy." Quinn's voice echoed in his ear as he attempted to parry another attack. "Remember what I taught you long ago about your senses? They're a powerful weapon if you know how to push them beyond their normal capabilities. You've been tracking their weapons. So they dropped 'em. Tracking heartbeats is kids' stuff. It's time to go deeper. Track their breath. Sooner or later, they gotta exhale...since they live and breathe. It will give you and your brigade momentum."
"Dr. O what do we do?" the teens asked trying to regroup.
"When they do give them hell and...kick their ass." Quinn answered as Tommy focused and suddenly opened his eyes. He listened to the Emissary ninjas drop their breath and let out an exhale. He can tell they started to become wary keeping their momentum. Despite trying to mask their heartbeats and weapons, breathing was something essential to anyone that lives. "Nice work, kid...now let it all out."
"Dino Thunder Rangers...hit them with all you got now!" Tommy instructed the young Rangers as he strikes down a ninja tracking the movement of their enemies through their breathing. He acts as the eyes and ears for the teens telling them where to go and timing their attacks precisely. Tommy unleashes a combo of punches and kicks while dodging and countering everything thrown at him.
They make their way towards a room where Tommy hears Quinn's faint grunts and moans as he and the Dino Thunder Rangers charge into the room. Tommy sees Quinn in the middle of the room tied to a chair, beaten and bruised due to the torture he endures. As he makes his way to Quinn's side, he doesn't notice a ninja sneaking up on him until Tommy hears a swoosh sound of an arrow being embedded into someone's back. The Rangers turn around to see Kimberly in the room taking out ninjas to clear the way, much to the shock of her husband.
"Kimberly! What are you doing here?! You shouldn't be here!" Tommy protested with worry. "Please Beautiful, you need to leave!"
"You think I'm going to let you and the Rangers go out there alone?! What are you thinking, Handsome?" Kimberly replied shooting another arrow into a ninja. "We're a team and there was no way in hell I was letting you go out there on the frontline alone! I'm with you...through hell and back, no questions asked Tommy."
"It's a big risk you took coming here but I can't lose you, even if it meant putting my life on the line." Tommy whispered as the Rangers cleared the room of the last of the Emissary ninjas. Once most of them were left unconscious or with arrows embedded in them, Tommy and Kimberly made their way to Quinn. "But...I know wherever you go, I'll always follow you. Come on, let's get what we came for."
"Looks like that's the last of them Dr. O." Ethan replied. "Mrs. Oliver, great save and nice shooting."
"Quinn, are you okay?" Kimberly asked as they untied Quinn from the chair. The couple helped their old mentor up as he grunted and moaned from his injuries. He looked at Tommy and to his surprise saw Kimberly alongside her husband. "Hey, hey we got you. Are you hurt?"
"I've been better." Quinn muttered being assisted and helped out. "Looks like you got your brigade in shape. You did good, Tommy. You did good."
"No, I just I just did what you taught me, Quinn." Tommy replied. "I learned that my senses are also my strongest weapon."
"Tommy, I'm proud of you." Quinn chuckled and then turned to Kimberly. "And you, little girlie it's always been hard to keep an ass kicker down."
"Come on, you crazy bastard. Let's get you out of here." Tommy slightly smiled as the group makes their way out of the underground bunker. They make their way towards the exit until they find themselves back near the entrance of the basement. They instruct the Dino Thunder Rangers to go ahead while the couple have a moment with Quinn.
"Hey Quinn can I ask you something?" Kimberly asked suddenly. "Do you remember when I first showed up in Phoenix after I left Florida you told me you'd never abandon me? It's funny. For the life of me I can't remember being so naive I'd believe you. But I did. And now here we are."
"You know you can be a bastard sometimes, but for the life of us we always find ourselves indebted to you." Tommy added.
"Tommy risked his life just to save you because he thinks you're the key to keeping out of harm's way." Kimberly said. "As much as we wanted to leave you to your fate, we couldn't because it's not us. And as much as you rather find yourself dead then tell us the truth, you know we don't work that way."
"We know about the Dino Gems and about their connection to the sarcophagus. It was true they wanted our gems and Mesogog made damn sure about his intentions for an entire year." Tommy explained. "So what Kimberly's Dino Gem special from the rest? Because apparently a little birdie told us that her gem is the key to bringing the Scarlet Sovereign back to life. Is that how it's suppose to happen? Because if the gem is already bonded with my wife, the only way to take the power is to kill her. I'm not going to let that happen and for once in your life...if you care about us, then help us."
"How does it work Quinn? How do I bring this thing to life with my power?" Kimberly asked with unease as suddenly the exit doors out of the tunnels closed and the trio found themselves trapped. "Mesogog is coming for me and I know it. Quinn, what's happening?"
"You let them track her here. Listen to me, you two have no idea what you're about to find out." Quinn sighed panicking. "I spent all these years trying to protect you both because I know how important you two are. I knew about you guys for a very, very long time. I should have been honest but I thought by protecting you from what you're destined to become, I would have been able to change your destinies...the fate of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The falcon and the crane."
"How do you know about the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies? How do you know about the falcon and crane?" Tommy asked. "You know about us as the Power Rangers which means The Garrison knows about the legend of the Ninjetti, the Great Power. You have connections to the forces of good. Who are the Garrison and where do their true allegiance lay with? Tell us the truth Quinn. Tell me how to save Kim, tell me how to save my future."
"Tommy, we need to get out of here right now." Kimberly said. "We all need to leave now."
"No one is going anywhere, girlie." Quinn sighed in defeat. "They got you right where they want you."
"It's painful, raising children." Mesogog smirked as he and at least a dozen members of the Emissary surrounded the trio. "We spend our lives teaching them to be strong, to be independent. Not realizing that once we have achieved that they are no longer in our control. Tell them. Tell them why we're all here tonight."
"Mesogog, you let these two go and you can have me." Tommy argued. "There is no way I'm letting you take my wife for the Emissary's plans."
"You have no idea do you, Dr. Oliver? The truth that was concealed from you and especially...from your beloved." Mesogog sneered. "You're not a girl anymore are you, dear Kimberly? But now, seeing you fight, seeing you with the man who saved your life. I'd know you anywhere. Do you know who we are?"
"You call yourselves the Emissary." Kimberly snapped. "And you jerks serve some mythical piece of shit called the Scarlet Sovereign. It's my Dino Gem that can bring it back to life isn't it? You can't have my Dino Gem because you know damn well what happens after the gems bond with our DNA."
"What the hell is going on?" Tommy asked panicking.
"The end of the war you don't believe in. We just lost." Quinn said sighing. "I failed...I failed Tommy to keep you and especially your beloved safe."
"The Scarlet Sovereign is not a myth. It took many years to figure out the mystery behind it until Terrance Smith pointed the Emissary in the right direction." Mesogog explained. "We have wanted you since you were a child. You were taken from us but now you have returned. They have misdirected us at every corner, but the gem is only half of the equation. It needed to bond with the one...destined to carry that legacy."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kimberly asked. "The only way you're getting the power of my gem is if you kill me for it!"
"Is that you think? That we want your Dino Gem just for your powers? Your gem isn't what brings it to life...it has already been alive since the beginning." He answered stunning Kimberly and Tommy. "You are the greatest secret kept in the dark, Kimberly. You are the Scarlet Sovereign, the Emissary's greatest living weapon."
"No, no that's not true, don't believe it for one second." Tommy argued offended by the idea. Is it possible that Kimberly is the fabled Scarlet Sovereign? "Kimberly, do not listen to him, all right? It's a trick. It's another illusion, another game. He wants something from you. Do not believe one word he says, Beautiful."
"He told me I was out of control when I was a kid." Kimberly looked at Quinn in disbelief wondering if it was true. Were they after her because she was destined to be a weapon for evil? Was it her fate to be used as pawn for evil? But things were slowly starting to make sense and she stared at Quinn long and hard. "It explains everything. You knew all along since the day you met me? Was...was it me all along?"
"Yeah, I did and I failed to protect you, the both of you. There are things about your life I wish I could have told you." Quinn confirmed with regret. "It was between one of you two...but the untamed fire it burned in you wildly, uncontrollably and unhinged. I made it my mission to make sure your destiny was steered away from the Emissary. You became the Ninjetti Crane, graceful and agile, the Winged Lady of the Skies. That fate is better...than being the one destined to silence the light of good in the universe."
"That's why they feared me, thought I was a liability to their cause." Kimberly said in dismay. "That's why they saw it in me? I could never be a soldier to the Garrison's cause because I never met to be part of it. So...where does that leave me? What's my true fate? Where does my destiny lie, Quinn?"
"Kimberly, you still have a choice. Remember that destiny is not set in stone. Fate is what you make it." Tommy explained trying to be her voice of reason. "The woman I know is still in there. She will never leave no matter what the hand of fate has in store for her. Don't let them tell you otherwise I beg of you. You think that untamed fire defines who you are? Does it tell you to snuff out the light in your heart? There is light and dark in the universe, we're destined to balance both within us."
"Is that what you think? One cannot balance two sides of a coin." Mesogog said holding out a sword in front of him. To Tommy and Quinn's dismay Mesogog and the Emissary kneel down, bowing before a bewildered Kimberly. "I have been tasked to bring the you home so the Emissary will live and die to serve you, Scarlet Sovereign."
"No, Jesus. Kimberly don't believe it." Tommy argued as they offered Kimberly the sword. With trembling hands, she took the sword and held it up. For a moment, something felt uncanny and natural inside of Kimberly. However, Tommy breathed heavily with extreme fear and worry of losing his wife to the lure of power and temptation. "It was nothing but a tall tale, a campfire story we heard as kids. It's nothing but a myth."
"If what they say is true Tommy...it was more than just a story. As a child I remember hearing it as a campfire story from Quinn. I committed it to memory when I found myself with the Garrison, so I could fight it one day. But there's no fight anymore is there? The Scarlet Sovereign is destiny." Kimberly said inhaling sharply. "I pretended my whole life to think I was normal. I tried and look where it got me. I tried to control this inside me but it kept burning. Was it why it was so easy to strike without hesitation? Is it because I thrive on the brutality and violence that my adrenaline spikes? Maybe I don't have to anymore. Maybe this is my chance."
"To what? To be loved? To tame that fire inside of you? I've seen you struggle with the darkness and the light just like you've seen me fight it and help me through my struggles. You told me once that you'll always be the light to draw me out of the shadows so I'm going to do the same for you." Tommy whispered as he pulled his wife to her side holding the sword towards her neck. Mesogog and the Emissary were at a standoff, but Tommy inhales sharply and hears Kim's heartbeat steadying as she grunts. "You told me that all you wanted was the love of someone who will go through hell and back for you. But...if you think you're beyond salvation then don't let me get in your way. I am the enemy of the Emissary. So kill me, but I won't strike down the woman I love more than my own life. Now you could either try and kill us, and prove them right or you could save Quinn...and prove them wrong."
"You never know when to give up, do you?" Kimberly asked whispering. "Always my white knight?"
"No I don't because quitting in not in my vocabulary." Tommy argued. "And neither does he." A matter of moments, chaos ensued as the trio battled their way out of the factory. Tommy and Kimberly held their own while keeping Quinn close before they found themselves being confronted by an irate Mesogog.
"It will be ours. You cannot stop what they've started, Tommy." Mesogog threatened as Tommy viciously knocked his adversary out of the way. "You haven't seen the wrath of the Emissary yet!"
"I'm going to stop them I guarantee you that." Tommy snapped as they watched Mesogog reluctantly be force to retreat. "You have to kill me if you think you're going to take the woman I love away from me. Whatever you throw my way, I will be ready for them!"
Meanwhile...
Jason was startled as he suddenly woke up. The last thing he recalled was receiving a call from Hayley saying that Kimberly regained consciousness to join Tommy and the Dino Thunder Rangers. He already arrived in Reefside with Kat and Adam and attempted to scowl the streets searching for their little sister. Jason was puzzled as he looked around and found himself in what looked like an abandon warehouse he didn't recognize.
However, Jason saw Kat and Adam regaining consciousness only for the three of them to realize they weren't alone. To their utter dismay and shock, the three saw that the rest of their friends alongside them, but unwillingly and without consent. The ten original Power Rangers found themselves in a position they never imagine being in.
"Looks like we're now on the receiving end...being captured as imprisoners of the enemy." Jason muttered in dismay wondering their plan of escape.