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.

15. The Beating Heart in the Void

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 15 of the story. While the others move on following Kimberly's death, Tommy is plagued by recurring dreams that will cause him to make a life altering choice. Meanwhile, there are changes developing in Angel Grove.)

Chapter 15: The Beating Heart in the Void

Sept 18th, 2004

Downtown Angel Grove

2:30 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

"I can't believe for the life of me he would actually leave this to you of all people, bro." Tommy said as he stood in front of a vacant office somewhere in midtown Angel Grove with Jason and the guys. It wasn't what he had in mind during him and Amelia's weekend visit to his old city. "And based on Billy's testimony it's all legit down to the lease."

It seemed like an interesting choice of profession Jason considered embarking in, according to Tommy's words. Ever since Jason was discharged from military service once he served his four years in the army, Tommy understood it's was still a transition for Jason to re-adapt to civilian life. His best friend worked a few jobs here and there to support Kat and Henry, but he needed stability to provide for his family.

Tommy and the guys decided to accompany Jason to the old vacant that was once the detective offices of the former Police Chief, Jerome Stone. He recalled how Chief Stone stepped down years ago and opened his own detective agency and afterwards taking over as manager of the Juice Bar. The former police chief went back to running his detective agency and was hired by Billy's law firm to work cases as P.I and later branch into protection services naming the business: J.S Investigations.

It was a surprise to Jason when Billy informed him that Stone was planning to step down once his contract was up with Billy's law firm and named Jason as his successor to continue J.S Investigations. The opportunity intrigued him as he had many talks with Kat, his family and especially Jerome Stone asking the former police chief why he picked him of all people. Stone vouched that Jason had the capability to undertake any task placed in front of him, especially with the risks each case would require.

While the guys went inside to view the vacant offices, Billy explained to Jason that Stone had all the documents ready and the rent and maintenance for the building was covered up to the end of next year. Ultimately, the final decision came down to the former original Red and Gold Ranger on the future of J.S Investigations knowing that it's reputation and prestige has attracted positive opinions from the community.

"J.S Investigations, it does have a nice ring to it and maybe it's a sign of a new adventure." Jason replied walking into Stone's old office. "It was a small, somewhat unconventional investigative agency but it did some good for the community. But what do I know of about being a P.I for hire?"

"Are you seriously going to ask that question Jason?" Tommy slightly chuckled. "Dude you've done P.I work back in the day and your experience in the military has done you some wonder. If Stone wanted someone to continue the work of J.S Investigations he picked the one person who has the right qualifications for the job."

"Yeah because he thinks as a private investigator I can do some good for the community." Jason added. "It amazes me that Jerome Stone had this much belief in me. Next to Justin, he used to attend the monthly gatherings at the community center to hear stories of former military soldiers' days of services in the army. I remember when Stone came that one time and told about his experience during Operation Desert Storm in the early 90's. It was why...he became started working for the police department after he was discharged: the whole serve and protect mantra."

"Maybe it's a sign of things to come for the better," Tommy replied. "Part of me thinks you're actually considering it not knowing what it's like to be a real P.I. There will be times the job will come with some risks. If you want my opinion I believe that J.S Investigations' future will be left in good hands under your management. Angel Grove needs some local heroes who will do good for the city. Plus...look at the irony of the abbreviation of J.S Investigations my friend. I believe you have found your calling because I can see all over your face you're looking to take that leap into the unknown."

"J.S Investigations, the irony that it stood for Jerome Stone Investigations," Jason smiled looking around the office taking a moment. Part of him wanted to takeover the business for the former police chief and there was the plague of uncertainty. He had the support of Kat, his family and friends telling him that whatever he decided they'll support him no matter what. The thought of failure worried him and the disappointment of not being able to provide for Kat and Henry. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead bro what is it?"

"If...if she was here, what do you think she would say?" Jason asked as Tommy knew who his best friend was referring to: his absent little sister, Kimberly. However, Jason felt a pang of regret mentioning Kimberly and fully aware that after three months the loss still weighed heavily on all of them. But, Tommy didn't want to put his grief on full display no matter how hard it's been trying to wake up every morning knowing the other half of his heart was no longer beating.

"I say if you knew your little sis and my crane any better...she say to go take that leap into the great unknown," Tommy slightly smiled deep in thought. "Kim was never known for passing up an opportunity without knowing the risks. She was always about talking about seizing the moment and not regretting it. All you got to do is sign on the dotted line." Tommy placed a hand on Jason's shoulder leaving his best friend to take a moment for himself.

In his heart if Kimberly was still alive she would have suggested that her big brother doesn't pass up something good. Apart of Tommy figured Jason had made up his mind, stepping into unknown territory. Still, he appreciated that his best friend's consult though these days all of them felt Kimberly's absence. The only comfort Tommy felt was that somehow although Kim was gone, she wanted to make sure everyone was well taken care of.

6:00 p.m

Jason and Kat's Place

Angel Grove, CA

"So it's official Kitty-Kat," Jason smiled signing the last of the paperwork. "I am now the new owner of J.S Investigations and a certified P.I on retainer for the law offices of Cranston, Gallows and Associates."

"Private Investigator sounds like an interesting career choice," Kat commented. "Chief Stone will be proud to know he left the future of J.S Investigations in good hands."

"Congrats on joining the business owners' club," Billy joked with his longtime friend. "I'll draw up the contract on Monday at the office to discuss about your employment with our law offices in regards to working on cases we're assigned."

The group gathered for dinner at Jason and Kat's place to celebrate Jason's acquirement of J.S Investigations. It was a daring business venture, but as Jason's first order of business as owner wanted to expand the services of the office to provide security and protection service in the event they lack any cases to work.

Jason was further surprised to learn from Billy that Stone paid the rent and maintenance of the office until the end of next year and renewed the lease and insurance for the office for the next two years. He didn't have to worry about the expenses since Stone took care of everything before resigning. It was going to take time for Jason to find his footing working as a P.I but he was willing to prepare himself for his new venture.

Tommy called his parents to check up on Amelia and informed them he was having dinner at Jason and Kat's place with his friends. The gang was craving Mexican food all day and originally made plans to go out for dinner. Unfortunately, the group's choice of restaurant they wanted to dine at was currently undergoing renovations, but leave it to Rocky to salvage dinner.

Shortly after they finished visiting J.S Investigations, Rocky and Aisha went grocery shopping to make tacos, burritos, fajitas and quesadillas for dinner. The couple brought the groceries and cooked at Jason and Kat's house while being amazed by Rocky's culinary skills. In less than one hour, everything was prepared and the ten former original Rangers enjoyed a homemade meal.

"So Billy, how's that case going? Has there been any follow ups?" Kat asked as the group sat down for dinner while Jason put Henry in his seat and the group dug in.

"Yeah we heard that your law office is representing those tenants who are filing that class action lawsuit against that development company," Zack replied.

"Rumors are true and the situation in the Troika area is boiling," Billy explained, "Six months ago, this commercial development company called Weyland Co. is planning this redevelopment in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, this redevelopment plan includes relocating residents and tenants of local business establishments and Weyland Co. is looking to obtain the bids from the local councils and leases for the buildings."

"The Troika neighborhood? That area of Angel Grove has been a staple of the city for many years," Tommy added. "Been following the story on the local news."

"Reports of riots and confrontations between the developers from Weyland Co. and the local residents have intensified have they?" Jason asked.

"Under legal statures Weyland Co. have obtained the permits of some of the local establishments in Troika legitimately, but the people say otherwise." Billy continued. "The landlords of the buildings now owned by the company are being advised by the developers to issue notices to relocate the tenants. Long story short, the tension has escalated and the confrontation between the residents in Troika and the reps of Weyland Co. have scaled to hockey like riots. The one that broke out three days ago reminded me of the 1994 when the Vancouver Canucks lost game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals to the New York Rangers."

"Why would your law firm agree to take the case knowing there has been a high increase of public disturbance in the area for the last six months?" Tommy asked worriedly, as the others voiced their concerns over Billy's safety. "We understand you want to help these people and what this development company is doing is wrong. These development companies think they can trying to reshape local communities to benefit the less than 5% of the wealthy population of this country. Do you fear for your life going down to Troika because it wasn't that bad back in the day, but now with Weyland Co throwing their weight around the neighborhood, it's like a warzone."

"Do I fear for my safety and that of my associates at my firm every time we go to Troika? Yes, but it doesn't stop me from fighting injustice and defending the rights of civilians below social classes because of the less than 5% of this country who thinks they can dictate the future of a one small community. Those people in Troika get brushed aside because they're not of the middle or upper class families that reside in the city. They need to know that there are still good people out there who sympathizes and empathizes with their plight. It...was something we learned long ago from our tenure and should carry with us in our lives as regular civilians."

"We understand where you're coming from Billy," Trini replied.

"Normally, people would turn a blind eye from the residence and small business in the Troika neighborhood." Adam added. "People sometimes forget that Troika is also part of this city, but it's reputation as crime ridden, low class social compromised neighborhood makes citizens in Angel Grove forget they live here too."

"And with it situated with midtown Angel Grove should serve as a reminder," Jason replied. "Some of our karate students that we taught back in the day came from the Troika neighborhood. And you're right Billy...what Weyland Co is doing with this redevelopment project is a travesty in exploiting the dark side of capitalism."

"Weyland Co is only half the problem because like all commercial development companies, there is always a consortium," Billy pointed out as he made another taco. "When did Angel Grove suddenly become a city where making money from the "bottom line" became a motivation for profit? Sometimes it makes you wonder if this city still upholds the motto of community, unity and goodwill that we're known for."

"But despite changes going on Angel Grove it is still the city we all once swore to protect from injustice and defend from evil." Tommy said before taking a breath deep in thought and then resuming. "And this city needs to protection against corruption and unethical actions. We may think at times what is the point of fighting if we have to make sacrifices in our own lives for the greater good. However, I learned long ago and even the rest of us learned that we are all willing to take the risks of fighting injustice knowing what is at stake. If Kim was here...she tell you Billy not to give up on the residents in the Troika neighborhood because they're apart of Angel Grove as the rest of the people in the city."

"Yeah...our crane would have never given up on the residents in Troika," Billy said deep in thought. "At least we could do the one thing we all vowed to our fallen pink princess, we don't give up the fight in protecting this city and its people."

Even after three months and attempting to move forward in their lives, the Rangers still felt the sting of Kimberly's absence. It was a subject highly delicate and fragile to talk about especially around Tommy. The group wasn't whole without the heart and soul of their team and talking about the memories of their absent friend lessen the pain somewhat, but it wasn't the same.

The wound is still fresh and each of them were facing the hard lesson of living a life without Kimberly Hart-Oliver. Each of them had their own way of mourning and trying to cope with the pain. It was why Angel Grove held a special place in Kimberly's heart and those who stayed behind made it their mission to help keep the good fight alive in their friend's honour. That was what Billy reminded himself of or the motivation of Jason to continue the legacy of J.S Investigations. However, no now couldn't fathom the toll the loss of Kimberly took on Tommy asking himself if he can uphold the promise he made three months ago in his wife's last moments.

Somewhere in Angel Grove

Beneath the depths of Angel Grove City, the Emissary focused their attention on the stone sarcophagus as Dalia placed a hand on top of the lid. She confirmed with the other pillars of the group that the ancient weapon the, Scarlet Sovereign was still in stasis. However, due to Mesogog's error their weapon needed time to repair itself.

For three months the Emissary have used their resources to reignite new life into their ancient weapon and kept it in the sarcophagus for rejuvenation. They have used everything at their disposal to ensure that the vessel inside the container remained preserve and awaited in anticipation of the results. Meanwhile, during the waiting process the pillars of the Emissary proceeded with their plans to mass their forces with each pillar taking command in each region their armies are forming.

"Salazar has received reports that there have been massive recruitment for our forces down south." Balor reported. "Thea is currently trying to establish the Emissary's sanctum in Japan to train our recruits in that area. However, Malo has run into some complications trying to reestablish our foothold for the Emissary's sanctum in Tanzania."

"It's the Garrison isn't it? They're trying to halt our progress aren't they?" Dalia questioned.

"We've dealt with the Garrison in the past, why shouldn't it be any different now than what it was back in the day?" Pan asked.

"They have opposed us for thousands of years for our discretions against the Great Power. We were deemed tainted and unworthy by it and in the eyes of the Ninjetti are considered impure and corrupt." Dalia stated. "The Garrison despise us for being the only ones to comprehend the true essence of the Great Power and what it does."

"What about the Scarlet Sovereign? In her previous life, she was once the Pink Crane of the Ninjetti, the fabled Winged Lady of the Skies. She was the mate of the White Falcon, the Winged Lord of the Skies. It's not easy to sever the connection of the falcon and crane." Balor warned. "Especially since the body the Scarlet Sovereign will soon be reborn in happens to be the body of the former Pink Ranger."

"The body is nothing more than a mere vessel gentlemen," Dalia stated. "That body was destined to be the vessel for our Scarlet Sovereign to be reborn. It is our duty to serve her and life itself. By our fealty and oath we must guide our sovereign in this new world and help her reach the full potential of her power." They stared at the stone sarcophagus as the substance continue to pour inside the container. There was signs of a faint, but minor heartbeat being felt knowing the body inside was being rejuvenated with new life. "All traces of her previous life will cease to exist and only the Scarlet Sovereign shall exist."

Sept 20th, 2004

2:30 a.m

Tommy's State of Mind

Reefside, CA

The dream always starts off the same and nothing changed over the last three months. Tommy find himself standing in front of the lake at what looked like him and Kimberly's "special spot." Clearly, there was something across the lake he was staring at, an elegant estate lake house with prestige architecture on the other side.

What was special about this house that Tommy kept finding himself mesmerized by? Apparently, he saw that the foundation of the land underneath the lake house building higher and higher as another pillar was put in place. Furthermore, he saw from the other side the sunlight being dimmed as an eerie dark sky plagued across the lake.

However, Tommy became startled and frightened when he saw blurry shadows moving through the water. Instincts told him to run as these shadows started moving towards the other side of the lake where he was standing.

"Move aside!" the voice of a woman ordered as she threw a ninja star at the emerging shadows bursting out of the water as she toss a few more. "They'll be more coming!"

"What?! Who are you?!" Tommy questioned as the shadows turned out to be ninjas that looked like the Emissary. "What is going on?!"

"Can you feel it? The shadow of silence is rising and the unhinge fire will sweep and burn all that is righteous and innocent." The woman said continuing to repel the ninjas back. She looked like a member of the Garrison, but for Tommy there was something familiar about her and he felt compelled to stay by her side. "A life earned, a life spent: it is what "they" believe in: to serve life itself. They are serving a new life that will bring chaos and destruction, a sovereign who will pervert what we spent lifetimes preserving. The war...is not the end, it's only the beginning."

"Are you of the Garrison? Do you fight against the Emissary because I thought they were dead once the Scarlet Sovereign was destroyed. They're suppose to be gone after everything I sacrificed and loss because of them! This so called war is supposed to end once the Emissary was exposed." Tommy argued.

"Your heart and soul is conflicted I get it but all will make sense in due time. I hold no loyalty to either the Garrison or the Emissary, but yet their feud continues to wage this war onward. These two factions are only the mere representations of the real war brewing." The woman said pulling out a pair of twin katana. She pushed Tommy behind her as she begged him to take the other sword in his hand. "The armies will dwindle as the pillars are being built to hold the foundation. Only when you disturb the foundations from underneath could you prevent the scarlet silence from overshadowing the light. It still survives and it's heart still beats...deep in the void."

"The heart that still beats deep in the void." It was then he noticed the female warrior he was fighting alongside bared a familiar crest on her suit, the pink crane. Tommy stared in disbelief but part of him didn't want to believe it. "No, no it can't be? It's not possible! This is nothing but another way to torture me! Is it you, Beautiful?!"

"I am not her, but I am the manifestation of the crane, Winged Lord of the Skies. I have many forms but it feels natural to appear in the form of a warrior of war." The crane spirit said. "Even in our dreams and subconscious those who possess the great power, anything is possible. I come to you in a time of need white falcon to appeal to you not to falter and to keep the key of the future safeguarded."

Tommy and the crane spirit ducked seeing a scarlet colored arrow flying in their direction. The crane spirit looked at the intruder intensely as Tommy recognized the perpetrator wearing the scarlet colored cloak. He saw the figure that haunted him in the depths of his subconscious ever since the first confrontation. It remained silent as a sentinel, staring down at them with fierce intensity.

Like the last time the scarlet cloaked figure made its presence known, it wasn't holding back as it viciously went on the offense. Suddenly, he recalled the warning of his former Ranger selves understanding the manifestation he and the crane spirit was in conflict with.

"It's not over isn't it? The war, all of it and you're appealing to me to fight?" Tommy questioned, taking a breath. "That thing, it's my future isn't it? I know the figure that lays underneath the hood, it's the Scarlet Sovereign isn't it? It has already taken the one I hold dear to me and robbed me of the other half of my heart and soul. I was warned about it and the consequences damning me for the rest of my life." He then turn to the crane spirit. "It has already deprived me of the thing I love the most in the world, so what do I have to lose now?!"

"Not everything is what it seems to be dear falcon." Knowing the severity of the situation, the spirit of the crane repelled the manifestation of the Scarlet Sovereign. Tommy watched as the two manifestations battled it out and despite his urgency to walk away, he couldn't. Unfortunately, plans told him otherwise as he was knocked away from interfering in the battle. "...The beating heart in the void, it still exists deep within the silence and untamed fire that burns."

"Wait, what am I suppose to do?! Let me help you please! I don't know what you want from me!" Tommy begged.

"Survive and safeguard the key of the future! Keep the beating in the void in tact for all is not lost! Once the foundation crumbles all will be revealed." the spirit said cryptically. "All hope is not lost to the shadows, hold onto it until the time comes for the final confrontation. Ready yourself for the war ahead for it will beckon you to fight."

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?! TELL ME WHAT TO DO!?" Tommy screamed in bed, startled that it woke him up and he reached over the other side the bed.

However, the empty space on the bed reminded him of the gut wrenching reality and truth he was forced to unwillingly accept. He didn't have Kimberly there to comfort him and soothe him of his anxiety over the dreams that have plagued him for weeks. How he yearned to close his eyes and suddenly his wife would be beside him again.

"God damn dream again!" he sighed in frustration. "It's 3 o'clock in the morning." He looked at the picture on his nightstand as he turned on his lamp. Tommy sobbed as he let the tears fall down looking at the picture of him and Kimberly from there college graduation. "It hurts so much Beautiful, I can't...I don't...know what to do..."

"Daddy! Daddy!" Amelia's voice echoed over the monitor. Tommy got up and headed to his daughter's room, turning on the light. He found her awake in her toddler bed rubbing her eyes.

"Hey princess, what's the matter?" Tommy said, in a calming voice. "You up late too like daddy huh? Did you have a bad dream?"

"Me scared daddy." She said pouting in a sad voice. "You not leave me daddy? I no sleep without you."

"I'm in the same voice as you sweetie." Tommy sadly smiled tucking his daughter back to sleep. "Don't worry Amy, daddy's right here and he'll stay with you. Do you want me to sleep with you tonight?"

"Thank you daddy, I go sleep now." Amelia said yawning stroking his face. "I love you. Night, night daddy."

"Right back at you kiddo. I love you too Amelia. Come on it's way pass a certain little girl's bedtime so let's get some sleep darling." Tommy grabbed the extra pillow and blanket on the rocking chair and laydown on the floor next to Amelia's bed. There were times he had sleepless nights but being near his daughter was the closet form of comfort he got to calm his nerves. "Goodnight sweetheart...and sweet dreams. Daddy will always be here for you just like you are for me."

Sept 24th, 2004

5:00 p.m

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside, CA

"So he finally opened up about the dreams he's been having these past few weeks?" Hayley said while she was counting some receipts from the cash register. The four former Dino Thunder Rangers were sitting nearby, intently listening on Hayley's phone conversation with Jason. "Still, we're all worried about him even knowing what today is."

Tommy's four former students knew what day Hayley was making reference to which explains their weekend visit to Reefside. It was still a fresh wound and a grim reminder of what their last battle as Rangers cost them, especially Tommy.

Kimberly's death cast a shadow over the summer as they and everyone around them tried to cope over the loss of a woman who was a wife, mother, dear friend and teammate in the line of duty. It was only three months ago they sat in this establishment with Kimberly and Tommy talking about their college plans and next she was gone.

"Yeah he'll need all of our support to get by this weekend. Okay, we'll all meet up at Tommy's place later when you guys arrive." Hayley said, hanging up the phone as she brought the drink orders for the former students.

"Dr. O is still in a rough patch from what we heard." Kira said as Hayley placed their respective drink orders in front of them. "It was hard not only for him, but all of us dealing with the loss of a good friend. Now he's having dreams that have been bothering him for weeks?"

"If you guys have seen the state of Tommy it obviously looks like a man dealing with a lot of pain and anguish." Hayley said. "According to Randall, she says Tommy looks like he hasn't slept in days. Combined with temporarily filling in for Kim's history class until the school can find a new replacement, he has a lot on his plate."

"Poor Dr. O, but at least he still has Amelia to comfort him." Connor replied.

"Literally that little girl is only thing that gets him up in the morning and face the world." Hayley said, sighing. "The one piece of Kimberly he has left: their daughter. As much as Tommy wishes he could be with his wife, Amelia is a reminder of his promise he made to Kim to be there for their daughter and to keep living..."

"...Even when he's missing the other half of his heart and soul." Ethan said finishing Hayley's thought. "The hardest lesson about the world is living in it when everything that matters to you is gone."

"Well the least we could do in Kimberly's honor is be there for Dr. O although he feels like he needs to deal with everything on his own." Trent replied.

"That's Tommy for you guys," Hayley said. "Whatever Tommy is dealing with all we can do is offer our support in whatever shape and form, especially today. He's going to be struggling everyday and it's a loss that will stay with him for a very long time. I just hope that he knows that he and Amelia are not alone in their grief."

Meanwhile...

Tommy looked around the house one more time as he set the envelopes down on the living room table. He reread the letters addressed to his family and friends as he looked at the itinerary in his hand. It was why he needed to get a move on before everyone will notice what Tommy was up to and take the necessary precautions to ensure it.

Looking around the house one last time, apart of Tommy felt a pang of guilt for what he was about to do. On the contrary, it was in Tommy Oliver's nature to learn how to survive and deal with things on his own. It has been like that since for him long before his life revolved around being a Power Ranger, until the day Kimberly came into the picture. She was the one constant in his life since he was eleven years old and the bond he had with her remained ageless throughout the years, until now.

Today served as a reminder of the reality and future up ahead for him and his daughter. He looked at his two year little, the splitting miniature version of her mother and his crane. Amelia was smiling at her father with her traveling backpack on her, unaware that her world was facing another big change ahead.

"Daddy all packed?" Amelia asked carrying her backpack smiling.

"Yeah lil lady we're all packed and ready to go," Tommy said carrying his daughter. "Are you excited Amelia for our little trip together, just you and me?"

"Fly on big plane?" Amelia asked. "Where we fly?"

"Of course kiddo we get to fly on a big airplane. We're go anywhere you want to go sweetie, it will be our big adventure together." He replied as he stepped outside and locked up the front door of his house.

In his heart, he knew it would be awhile before he and Amelia will come back to the place they called home for two years. However, it hasn't been home without the woman that meant the world to them both and down in the basement of the house served as a reminder of that cost. Only time would tell when Tommy will come back or if he'll heal from this, but he knew the pain will remain.

The only thing that lessened his grief and loss was Amelia and he owed it to his daughter to be the father she needed. It was something he and Kimberly vowed to do should they get the opportunity to walkaway from the life that plagued them for over a decade. That was plan until that all came to an end three months ago, but still he owed it to honor his wife's wish to give Amelia the life she deserves. If it meant doing the one thing Tommy never imagined, he would because this life had spent him out for too long.

"Sir, all your luggage is already loaded in the trunk." the taxi driver informed. "Are you all ready to go?"

"Yeah, we should get a move on." Tommy confirmed as he got into the cab with Amelia as it drove away from 1992 Valencia Drive until it was far into the distance. He looked at Amelia who was fascinated by everything passing outside the window on the way to the airport.

As the cab was on route to their destination, Tommy saw the Reefside City Cemetery and asked the taxi driver to make a quick stop which he oblige. The cab parked outside the entrance of the cemetery as the driver waited for Tommy and Amelia. He spotted a flower vendor and bought a bouquet of flowers and entered the cemetery as he walked to Kimberly's gravesite.

Although he had no intention of telling anyone what he was going to do, Tommy owed it to pay one last visit to Kimberly's gravesite knowing it will be a long while before he'll ever lay eyes on it again. There was this part of him telling him that he needed to stay in Reefside, compelling him not to walk away. He was literally at a crossroads between how he will deal with everything changing in his life. However, Tommy felt like he was flightless without the guidance of his crane but all he wanted was the pain to stop.

"Oh Beautiful," he whispered as the autumn wind blew as sunset settled upon the city. Tommy gently set Amelia down as the two year old stared curiously at her dad. He dropped to his knees as he placed the flowers in front of her gravestone, tracing his fingers on her name etched on the hard stone. "I know I couldn't leave...we couldn't leave town without seeing you, especially knowing today it's been three months. You're probably nodding your head in disbelief as to why I bought our two year old little girl to a cemetery of all places in the evening. I wanted to give her a chance to see her mommy...before we both walk away."

"You're the only one who knows what Amelia and me are up to because there's no secrets to hide. I'm finally doing the thing I should have done over three months ago...finally getting out," he sighed in thought. "Part of me is telling me I can't walk away from this life, but what am I suppose to do? Look what this life took from us for almost a decade? There were so many times I had the choice to leave it all behind, but I didn't and you stood by me through it all. You were willing to follow me on and off the battlefield through hell and back knowing death could claim either one of us at anytime."

His voice was silent for a moment watching Amelia innocently trace her tiny fingers on Kimberly's name on the tombstone. The two year old was too young to understand that this gravesite was the final resting place of her mom. For Tommy, the challenge was telling Amelia the truth about her mother one day and the pang or regret that his little girl wouldn't remember her mother. Tears streamed down his face as his voice choked and finally allowing himself to mourn and grieve the acceptance of his loss.

"Consequences be damned right?" Tommy continued as he sobbed. "It was what you told Quinn eight years ago and now I understand why you said it. He wanted soldiers for this war to fight, but we were both too selfish and we chose our hearts over the mission. I think about the what ifs but for some reason no matter how much I dwell on them, they'll always lead me back to you. We were warned about living this life and what would happen if we got ourselves emotionally compromised. No matter what everyone told us and in the amidst of all the chaos, noise and violence during our last moments together, everything we dreamed about made me feel alive. Loving you unconditionally with all my heart, body, and soul...it was worth it, you were always worth it. The hardest part about the world is living in it and wondering what's tomorrow because I don't know what lies ahead tomorrow."

He felt Amelia wrap her arms around his legs as he wiped the tears away and picked up his daughter. "I don't know what lies ahead tomorrow but I'm going to do what I never wanted to do, although part of me shouldn't. I'm not sure if I'll be alright but I got to be for our little girl's sake. Amy and I miss you everyday but we'll never, ever forget our pink princess. I'm going to make sure Amelia knows everything about her mommy because your memory will live through our little defender and me. Surviving this world will be less painful because the gift you gave me: our daughter. I think...this will be the hardest part moving on and I don't know when we'll come back home. I know someday I will have to, but for now this is where we truly have to part ways. I'm not going to look back and I know wherever you are, you're watching over not only me and our little girl, but our friends and family as well. No matter how much time passes know I will love you for all eternity, always and forever, my Beautiful pink crane."

Tommy turned around and made his way out of the cemetery with Amelia walking back to the taxi cab. He looked at his watch and realize it was time for him to make his way to the airport, telling the driver he was ready to leave. Apart of him felt a wave of mixed emotions: guilt for not revealing his intentions to his family and friends, grief and loss coming to terms with Kimberly's death and regret for leaving behind the life he had known for over a decade, and relief for gaining freedom away from the frontlines.

Holding tight to his little girl, Tommy told himself not to look back and that he needed to move forward in order to heal. If healing and mourning his greatest loss meant putting some time and distance away from everything he knew, then that was the solution. He probably guess by now his friends would figure out what he did but took steps to make sure they wouldn't follow him. Eventually, someday all roads will lead home Tommy home, and also back to the frontline, but time could only tell when and if the call to arms beckoned the legendary white falcon.

Somewhere in Angel Grove

Something was stirring inside the stone sarcophagus as the Emissary gathered anticipating the reemergence of their deity. They have used a substantial amount of their resources they procured in Reefside to power up their weapon. The self-rejuevination process varied over the years depending on the circumstances and the aftermath every time each pillar of the Emissary was resurrected.

Unfortunately, to bring upon the Scarlet Sovereign was uncharted territory not knowing the condition of the vessel destined to host the Emissary's greatest weapon. The sarcophagus started rattling as the seven pillars and their followers prepared themselves as the rattling intensified. With the room surrounded by hundreds of candles in preparation, the Emissary's warriors drew their weapons hearing the top of the lid being lifted.

A bloody hand emerge and with a test of unimaginable strength, the lid of the stone sarcophagus was flung off. The Emissary watched as a frightened and disorientated woman bathed in the substance rise up yelling in shock. The woman emerged in a feral state as she supernaturally jumped out of the sarcophagus and landed on the floor, completely confused, unaware and still covered in the substance she spent months submerged in.

However, the other members of the Emissary saw a woman who looked like a feral individual isolated and driven to savagely and insanity. The warriors of the Emissary proceeded to advance toward the newly revived startled woman until Dalia intervened.

"Everyone stay where you are!" Dalia calmly ordered her subordinates and slowly advanced towards the scared woman. "I know you're afraid my dear, but that will pass...and so will the pain. Shh, it's alright, it's alright." However, the feral and unfamiliar sense within the woman caused her to crawl back in retreat against the sarcophagus. Dalia took her cloak off in an attempt to offer some security. "This is your home now, this is your family. We have waited for so long to finally meet you."

Unfortunately, the young woman's instincts went into overdrive as she lashed out and began to attack Dalia. However, the lack of entropy in their sovereign's legs made it easy for Dalia to behest the young woman in hand to hand combat. She order Balor and Pan to subdue the woman as she screamed in primal rage and let out tears of confusion.

"Easy now, take a deep breath dear," Dalia said in a soothing manner as the young woman struggled from the grips of the other members of the Emissary.

"What must we do with her? She has been stuck beyond the void for quite sometime." Balor replied looking at the disorientated woman. "But yet, there is an unsettling amount of strength and power in her. Do you think she has been compromised being confined for far too long?"

"She needs time and guidance until she will regain her strength. It is our duty to guide her in this world for she serves life itself as we serve her." Dalia informed. "She is the future of the Emissary to finish what we have started. We must aid our weapon and teach her the ways of our order for she will eliminate those who defy us. We have given her a second chance at life so she will be able to fulfill her long awaited destiny as our deity...the one who is the foundation of the Emissary. The life that was in this vessel before has long pass and now...there is only the Scarlet Sovereign."