(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 16 of the story & it's time to a time jump. The chapter will feature how everyone back home is dealing with Tommy's sudden absence for 4 years & show what Tommy has been up since his abrupt departure from Reefside.)

Chapter 16: Absent Friends

June 3rd, 2008

5:00 p.m

Somewhere in Europe

"Daddy, is it true what the man said?" a six year old girl asked her father. "Is there such a thing as a Loch Ness monster in the ocean? I thought monsters are what we see on cartoon shows and on TV."

"It's just a story kiddo and a legend that local people in this town believe in." the man replied happily as they walked on a cruise ship deck.

"What is a legend?" she asked curiously. "What do mean when local people in the town say the Loch Ness monster is a legend?"

"Amelia Hope Oliver aren't you a curious sprite?" her father asked. "For a newly turned six year old girl you're just full of questions today aren't you? Come on I thought you were up for an adventure today on your birthday. My little girl, always curious about the world around her."

"What does a legend mean daddy? Is it like a story or something of make belief?" Amelia asked looking at her dad curiously.

"You could say a legend is sort of like a story, whether it is real or not that people tell one another throughout the years. The thing about legends are some of them happened in real life and some are tales full of adventure and mystery to it. Does it make some sort of sense?" He asked as she nodded.

No matter how much time passes, the one thing that always brought a smile on Tommy Oliver's face was his daughter. His little defender was the one gift he had left of the memory of his Pink Crane for Amelia was the splitting image of her mother, with the exception of the eyes. It was like a miniature version of his wife reincarnated through the jolly and carefree child.

He couldn't believe today Amelia was six years old and growing up right before his eyes. It was just yesterday she was a little baby born less than twenty-four hours after his Red Ranger adventure in Angel Grove six years ago. That was the life he knew alongside Kimberly, a life that beckoned them, but honored with valor and prestige. A life that cost him his entire world one fateful night in one final confrontation in Reefside and one he abruptly kept himself distant from for the next four years.

Despite celebrating Amelia's birthday aboard an eight day cruise touring the Scotland Highlands & Island, part of him felt the loneliness and days of isolation. Although the vast and visual landscape of the Scottish landscape and scenery were a splendid sight for Amelia, it didn't bring the full excitement to Tommy.

Staring out at the scenery of the Scottish landscape, Tommy was deep in thought. This was what he dreamed about: a life of freedom and adventure away from the frontlines and drama that consumed him since he was a teenager. He procured the life he desired for Amelia, but the dream wasn't whole without their Pink Crane.

To the outside world, Tommy Oliver still existed but to those who knew him it was as if he was a ghost who suddenly vanished. As selfish as it sounded he needed time to put distance from his past although he knew somewhere out there other teams of Power Rangers continued the good fight. Amelia was observant for a young child and he held no secrets from his daughter about his past as a Power Ranger. Every once in awhile he'll entertain on telling about some of his adventures back in the day.

On the topic of her mother, it was a subject that very sensitive and it only be a matter of time before Tommy had to explain about Kimberly. When Amelia started kindergarten she got curious as to why she was the only kid in her class without a mother. It was one of the hardest conversations he had and on Valentine's Day of all days, especially when Amelia found out that it was also Kimberly's birthday.

Given the "mommy had to go away" explanation to Amelia about what happened to her mom, it made her curious to know what she was like. One of the only times mourning the loss of Kimberly didn't hurt him was when Tommy shared stories to his daughter about Kimberly. It served as a distraction of the happier times in his life instead of the shadows of the pas. At least he upheld his promise to tell Amelia everyday about her mother in order to preserve the memory of their Pink Crane and Princess.

Not a day goes by where he wondered about the people he left four years ago to seek out a life he yearned for his family. Tommy admitted that freedom and adventure is lonesome for him and Amelia without sharing his stories with his best friends. He had his ways of keeping tabs on his house he abruptly deserted in Reefside and made sure he made his yearly visit to Kimberly's gravesite.

He thought about his best friends and teammates from long ago and wondered what they all been up to. It will only be a matter of time before Tommy had to set foot once again in the state of California and own up to what he did to the friends he considered his second family. The loss of Kimberly hit them hard, but to abandon his friends at such a difficult time proved to be selfish although he tell himself he had his reason. He wondered what will happen once he follows the road back home: would he be welcomed back home by those he left behind or will there be a feeling of resentment for it?

"Daddy, is it true there are really big castles in Scotland?" Amelia asked smiling. "I heard that kings and queens used to live in them. Are we going to visit them before we go home? How many more days will be on the ship?"

"We got a few more days to see all of Scotland, including all the big castles and fortresses. So what do you think of your birthday present?" Tommy asked.

"I like seeing all these nice places, but we got to take lots and lots of pictures okay?" Amelia replied. "Are we going to go on another adventure again when we go home?"

"Whatever you like my little princess." He smiled looking at watch. "There is a world full of adventure waiting for you and me. Come on Amy, it looks like they're about to serve dinner. Besides, it's not everyday six year old little girls get to celebrate their birthdays on a cruise ship."

July 7th, 2008

10:30 a.m

Los Angeles, CA

"Okay so that is basically the tour," the person at the front desk said to the recent UCLA graduate. "Hope you enjoy your internship at Dune Lion Records, Miss Ford. If you have any questions Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Park are more than welcome to answer any inquiries. We may be a simple independent, or indie record label as you young folks like to call it, but we do have a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere."

After being given the introduction tour of her workplace for the next few weeks, Kira was excited to begin her work. It had been over a month since she and Trent graduated from UCLA and Connor and Ethan graduated from USBC a week later. Kira's original plan after finishing her undergrad program was to attend graduate school at Berkley for Music, but unfortunately her admission had her wait listed and it looked like she wasn't going in September.

Luckily, thanks to a tip from the extended Ranger family, Kira ended up applying for a paid work internship to give Kira experience on the inner workings of the music industry. It was a consolation to make her post UCLA life worth while before she and Trent made the decision to temporarily return to Reefside while they were wait listed for their respective graduate studies.

"So Lydia gave you the grand tour of our simple medium sized record company?" Zack said spotting Kira in the hallway along with Tanya. The original Black Ranger and former Yellow Zeo and Turbo Ranger looked at the 22 year old young woman awaiting her first day assignments. "You're the third intern today she gave the welcome tour to."

"Hey I really appreciate the opportunity this summer before Trent and I play the waiting game with Berkley," Kira said.

"It sucks you both are wait listed for your respective graduate programs until next January," Tanya added. "So you both are going back to Reefside for the next few months?"

"Yeah Trent is working at Mercer Industries doing some administration work to save up." Kira explained. "Also to keep an eye after the fiasco his dad's company had in some questionable business practices with some highly unethical commercial companies. Still, I can't believe you both are business partners in running this company."

"We may not be a highly powerful record company like Epic Records, Sony, EMI or any of the major record labels, but we get by." Zack explained. "Besides, we like being an indie label, makes us different and in our own niche."

"However, if it wasn't for Zack's highly detailed business plan and his connections, this record label wouldn't have taken off," Tanya said. "I was skeptical at first but I guess it was the entrepreneur in Zack that got this company going. Trust us, we'll make sure you get the best out of your internship, we promise."

1:00 p.m

Reefside, CA

Hayley made her weekly trip once again to the deserted residence of 1992 Valencia Drive to check up on the place. It would look like there were people living in the house, and to anyone who visited, perception is reality and it wasn't all it seemed on the surface. The truth of the matter was the residences of the house have been absent for almost four years, abruptly gone without a trace.

Some would suspect why on Earth will Hayley Ziktor come to a fully furnished house in the middle of nowhere for the last four years? What compelled her to come by very week to clean up the place and check up on the high tech equipment in the basement? Why wouldn't she called the real estate company to put the house on the market?

"Even after four years, I know there is no way you ever want to let this place go," Hayley thought to herself cleaning the living room. It was like the house remained untouched and preserved due to the cleanness, with the exception that the food pantry and refrigerator remained unstock. Every week, she made use of Tommy's lab in order to track down him and Amelia's whereabouts. However, as expected Tommy made it seem like he was a ghost, wishing not to be tracked or follow.

Declaring herself as the designated caretaker of the Oliver house, Hayley figured that somehow Tommy was still paying for the upkeep wherever he was. Unfortunately, in typical Tommy Oliver fashion no one couldn't track him through the bank accounts where the withdrawals were being made. Hayley heard the door open knowing the dormant house was receiving its frequent visitors in the form of Tommy's best friends, in particular Billy, Kat and Jason.

"Routine weekly clean at casa de Oliver again?" Billy replied as the trio entered.

"Someone has to keep the place running if in case fearless leader decides to fly back home," Jason said. "As much as we should give this place up, Tommy wouldn't want that and heck, who would want to buy this house on the market? And how do we explain about the batcave in the basement to the realtors?"

"Yeah Jason does have a point on that," Hayley pointed out. "How did you guys know where I was?"

"We stop by your shop and your assistant manager Robin said you left early for an appointment," Kat said. "We figured you be here doing your weekly maintenance."

"It's become a habit for almost four years now," Hayley said opening up the familiar secret passageway as the four descended downstairs.

Powering up the dormant lab once again, she powered up the scanners trying once again to locate Tommy and Amelia. Jason spotted the letter that remained on the console for almost four years: the one Tommy addressed to him. The only time he read the letter was the day his best friend and brother abruptly left town with Amelia.

None of them imagined that it had been almost four years since Tommy suddenly left town taking his daughter with him. Most of them thought it was solely to grieve over losing Kimberly and he'll come back once time has passed. Their best friend left without no indication or hint of where he was going as Jason picked up the letter he hasn't read in nearly four years flashing back to the night someone close to him was gone once again from his life.

Flashback...

Sept 24, 2004

Oliver Residence

Jason arrived in Reefside with Kat and Henry a day earlier than expected to surprise Tommy and Amelia. However, the long drive from Angel Grove to Reefside tuckered out his son. It was already late and Kat suggested they check into a hotel for the night and visit their friend in the morning.

Once he dropped off Kat and Henry at the hotel, Hayley called Jason telling him that there wasn't anyone answering the phone at Tommy's house. Since Hayley was still awaiting to sign off on a late night inventory delivery, Jason volunteered to head to Tommy's house to check up on him and Amelia. There was a feeling of unease and uncertainty once he arrived at Tommy's house and notice the lights off.

He let himself in with the spare key Tommy gave him awhile back, but the house itself was completely silent. Something was off and it wasn't in Tommy's nature to ignore his calls. Jason at this point was becoming worry when he heard no response from Tommy or Amelia.

"Tommy? Tommy? Hey bro are you here?" Jason called out searching the house. However, when he reached the master bedroom, everything looked in order until compulsion told him otherwise. Jason checked the closet to find Tommy's closet empty and he rushed to Amelia's bedroom to find the two year old's closets also empty.

"Hey Tommy?! Tommy?!" Jason yelled searching all over the house and the lab but it was deserted. Going back to the living room, his eyes were drawn to an envelope on the table with his name on it. He opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. The contents of the letter were etched into Jason's minds reading the words from his best friend and brother: a man spent from a life that plagued him for almost a decade.

Jason,

I knew you be the first one to arrive at the house to check on me and Amelia. I'm sorry the explanation couldn't be better, bro. And I'm sorry it doesn't make sense anymore. You must be frightened, Jase & I apologize for that. I never meant to cause you any pain and I also never envisioned writing this letter. I could lie to everyone about what I'm going through these last 3 months and tell everybody that I'm going to be alright and that I'm dealing. However, when it comes to you bro, there is no way I can never lie to you because of everything we been through together over the years.

I've searched for a satisfactory explanation For what I'm doing. All I've come up with is: A Power Ranger needs to have solid footing with life after the battle. The sudden truth hit me today bro, one I never envision admitting to myself: accepting what is and what is now. The hardest lesson we learn about the world is how to live in it and how to survive it and... I- I don't think I do anymore. The world confuses me: the cruelty, the indifference and the tragedy.

When Kimberly died on that rooftop, I felt the last ember of our flame extinguished as I felt my Beautiful Crane draw her final breath of life. Holding her precious body in my arms as she parted this world, it tore a hole in me. The pain and grief was beyond unbearable as I and everyone else lost the purest light who was the heart and soul of our team over the years. For weeks, I truly believe the way I handled the pain was to get back to our work as quickly as possible and focus on being a father to Amelia.

Part of me believes that Kim's death wasn't in vain and that she died for the greater good by being the hero she was. It was the mantra we upheld whenever tragedy fell upon us: get on to helping somebody else. We held the belief we can rise above the tragedy and I thought I could handle Kimberly's death and find some closure and work through it.

I should have told you, all of you: I just don't understand it anymore, any of it. It's one of those things I can't get pass and I asked myself every night since her death why is it our fates and destiny to put the needs of the greater good above our heart's desires? For everything we done over the years aren't we entitled to be rewarded for all we did in the name of goodness at the cost of our own hearts and souls? This place, this life, everything I have known over the years serves to remind me of the consequences and price I paid to ensure peace and harmony for the world. Something tells me Jason you'll be disappointed in me, but this life has literally left me spent, broken and flightless without the light that brightens my heart, body and soul from within the shadows. Don't blame yourself for not doing everything you can to help me which is why I need to walk away...finally get an out from the life that plagued me for over a decade.

The life I seek and the future I hope for Amelia and myself is something beyond the city limits. I want to find that belief I once had when there was something worth fighting for in this world. That's where my next adventure will begin but I assure you I'm not embarking on this journey alone. As much as you all want to help me, I need to find that belief I once held with my little defender by my side. I guess I'm looking for it again: the strength and belief to survive and endure whatever this world throws at you.

I hope one day I can find myself again and that belief that you all saw in me when we first met. For the belief I had when I first came to Angel Grove and your friendships became one of the things I valued. For the belief I had when I first met Kimberly and all of it seemed so right: a life full of innocence, happiness and eternal love. Above all of this, I hope to find the belief in happy endings, once more.

Always know that you and I will be brothers...always and forever.

May the power protect you all,

Thomas "Tommy" James Oliver

"Oh man bro...you finally walked away from "this life" have you? I wish it didn't spent you out like it did..." Jason sighed in disbelief looking at the letter once again. He walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone, making the call to his friends letting them know. "How to tell the others about Tommy?"

End of Flashback

Ever since that day, there have been many attempts by the others to track down Tommy's whereabouts. The news of his abrupt departure hit them hard and sudden that not only they were dealing with life without Kimberly, but Tommy as well. No one never imagine for Tommy to use distance as a sign to deal with his grief.

Reading the letter again for the first time in nearly four years, Jason began understanding his best friend's words. For someone who wanted to remain a ghost from the world around him, it wasn't like Tommy was intentionally wishing he didn't want to be found. He remembered that everyone's letters from Tommy were vague and brief, but why did he write to Jason those specific words?

Although a small part of him felt a pang of resentment for Tommy abandoning them or refusing their help, he knew Jason will at least step up to hold the group together. It hit him that it wasn't the impact of Kimberly's death that pushed Tommy to the edge, the toll life as a Power Ranger did to him overall.

The shattered belief of duty and tenure left him spent and flightless. It may have been selfish to Tommy to walk away, but since his confession during Kimberly's funeral, Jason saw first hand just how much this life had left Tommy spent and just how close his best friend wanted it to all end.

Then the thought of Amelia popped into his mind and how that little girl was the one salvation Kimberly left behind. His little sister's final gift to her "white knight" to protect and guide their defender. Not one day goes by where Jason and the others think about Tommy and wonder what kind of child Amelia turned out to be. He still held up the hope that Tommy would find what he is still looking for...and maybe somehow one day he'll find his way back to the place he once called home.

July 21st, 2008

9:00 a.m

Boston Harbor

Boston, MA

Not many six year old kids can say that they live on a floating house boat in the Boston Harbor Marina. However, Amelia Oliver loved waking up to the sight of the harbor waters and boats sailing the water. Tommy never imagine that there was a small community of floating house boats docked along the harbor, that was until he found himself being a resident of living in the floating house boats docked at the Boston Harbor Marina.

It was during one of their temporary stays in Boston that Tommy looked in the local paper of floating house boat rentals available in the Boston Harbor Marina. When it came to a point he needed to find a place to settle down since Amelia was starting school, he found a few properties to view. Eventually, both father and daughter came across a few modern houseboats close to the East Boston Neighborhood.

Originally, the three bedroom houseboat was advertised for vacationing families until the owner of the houseboat was generous enough to rent it out to Tommy and his daughter as tenants. The two were impressed never imagining their home they been living in for nearly two years had the same amenities one would find in a high end model home.

Location wise, they had easy access to the water taxis and wharfs in the nearby area along with many shops, restaurants and transportation to the downtown area of the city for them. They already adapted to the four season weather on the east coast once again, but were currently basking in the summer weather in Boston as they ate breakfast.

"Do you have your bag ready for your lessons today?" Tommy asked as the two ate breakfast. "I'm going to run some errands today and go to the photo shop to get our pictures developed from our trip."

"I can't wait to see the pictures later." Amelia replied. "And I really like my gymnastics classes this summer, along with my music and karate classes."

"Looks like my little girl has a very busy social calendar this summer. However, still it is nice to spend time with my special princess this summer since daddy is on vacation this summer and I promised I be there for all your competitions and shows."

"That is really cool! Miss Sasha says that my floor routines are getting better. I like doing gymnastics because of all the cartwheels and flips you can do. Plus I have to be good because you paid for all my activities."

"Win or lose Amy you'll always be number one in my books." Tommy reassured her.

"Daddy, did mommy like gymnastics like me?" Amelia asked smiling looking up at her dad.

"Yeah kiddo, your mommy loved gymnastics and seeing you during your practices remind me a lot of her." Tommy said sincerely remembering his wife. "Your mommy grew up taking gymnastics and she competed in lots of competitions. I used to watch her compete back in high school, but every once in awhile she also like learning karate too, just like you."

"Mommy must have been really to do a lot of extra activities." Amelia replied. "Could I be as good as mommy when I grow up?"

"As long as you put a lot of practice and hard work, you'll be great. Mommy would be so proud of what a wonderful little girl you have become. You have so much of her personality and traits inside of you baby girl. It's like...she still lives through you kiddo."

There is never a day that goes by where Tommy tells stories to his daughter about her mother. It was Tommy's way of coping with the loss of Kimberly the last four years by telling Amelia everything about her mom. But his daughter's personality and charm reminded him of his wife and it was a comfort for Tommy. Although the pain still remained after four years, the love he has for Amelia reminded him that apart of Kimberly still lives on through the child and treasure they created.

"I like hearing stories about mommy because it makes me happy," Amelia reassured her. "I bet if mommy was here she always come to all my classes and take lots of pictures and videos."

"That would definitely be your mom for you Amy," He slightly chuckled. "Plus she always be on me to constantly remind me to always member things. Did you know your mommy once told me that I have swiss cheese memory?"

"Like the cheese with all the holes in it?" she asked laughing.

"Pretty much and she wonders why she fell in love with a guy with faulty memory at times and who seems to be forgetful about things. If she was here, I show your mommy that my memory has improved over the years. That much you can vouch for me baby girl." Tommy smiled at his daughter for a moment before he spoke again. "Hey how about we finish up here and you get ready so I can drop you off before I go run my errands?"

After the pair finished eating breakfast, Amelia went back inside to her room to get ready. Tommy was busy washing up the dishes in the kitchen area as he looked around the house boat they called home the last two years. It was obvious that it didn't compare to the house he left deserted back in Reefside for almost four years, but yet he didn't have the heart to put the place up for sale.

He suspected that his friends have been taken care of the house back in Reefside and the others must have figured out he was somehow paying for the upkeep. However, it was as if Tommy Oliver remained a ghost in plain sight to those who knew him personally. On the other hand, to the locals in Boston he became acquainted with he was perceived as a single, widowed father raising his six year old daughter alone.

This was what he did in order to finally get out from the life some deemed he was running away from. Tommy was no fool and he wanted to uphold that promise to walk away from the life he once lived knowing full well the consequences and ramifications it has. He learned that lesson the hard way and it cost him the person who meant the world to him. However, the thought lingered on Tommy's mind when he questioned if one day the life he turned his back on will beckon to him once more.

July 31, 2008

Somewhere outside Tortuga Island

4:00 p.m

The island of Tortuga, as one of the Caribbean islands that forms parts of Haiti had a colorful adventurous history for a small island. In the history books, during the 17th century it was one of the major centers and haven for Caribbean piracy. Places such as Port Royal in Jamaica and Nassau in the Bahamas were once pirate seaports where many of the notorious pirate captains made names for themselves during the Golden Era of Piracy.

Although the history and the age of piracy has long faded over the centuries, it was the lore of it that appealed to Salazar. Serving as a space pirate travelling to places like Torrax and Onyx and the M-51 Galaxy in his previous life, the piracy life ran through him. Sure, he did miss his previous life as Elgar under the servitude of Divatox and Astromena, but he did miss living his original existence.

The substance made it possible for Salazar to relive his adventures and service to the Emissary, adapting his army and lifestyle to that of warriors of the sea. Once pillar of the Emissary returned to their respective regions to mass their armies, each of them were given one vital task: the training and restoration of the Scarlet Sovereign. If only that was a task Salazar was willing to abide by as long as he wasn't dragging another dead body of his platoon that the Scarlet Sovereign disposed of.

They have put the Scarlet Sovereign through the most intense, brutal, and rigorous training regimen over the years while at the same get her reacquainted with the world of the living again. She may have taken the mantle of the Scarlet Sovereign, but the face staring at Salazar served as a reminder of who she was in her previous life. The only difference was, any traces of the previous life the Scarlet Sovereign once knew was erased and literally the woman returned as something different.

If the Emissary expected Salazar to rebuild their "naval forces" and dominion in the Caribbean, he needed a brigade and Salazar knew his way around the territory. As a pillar of the Emissary, networking was a key to maintaining their control over their region. Building illusion fronts to cover the Emissary's existence and purpose from the world was an essential rule and credo.

He was able to tolerate everything he had to abide as a pillar of the Emissary, but Salazar found his other pillars' persistent updates and visits too overwhelming. Then there was the issue of their resources plundering if only the group can proceed with their plans. It was the reason for Balor visiting Tortuga once again as they watched what looked like a training exercise in the courtyard.

"Balor do what do I owe the pleasure of this sudden impromptu visit?" Salazar questioned. "It seems like our dear Dalia is too preoccupied to pick up her asset. Instead, she sends her heavy to do all of your bidding like an obedient dog."

"Oh how I love travelling down to your little tropical getaway Salazar. Always a pleasure bantering with you and seeing the progress of our suppose naval forces." Balor replied with sarcasm.

"I just love how you and Pan apply your two cents in how I establish our front in my area?" Salazar replied watching the training exercise. "I suppose either Ashei, Malo or Thea get this kind of reception when you visit them? And apparently I'm the only exception because my methods of how I run my operation. We're suppose to be all equal and it's not that I doubt Dalia's leadership, but every once in awhile she does like to play favorites between which one of us she looks to confide in."

"Looks like someone is sounding jealous," Balor smirked. "Cool you jets Balor I'm not here to dampen your little pirate haven although I can never imagine why the subpar lore appeals to you. I'm here to notify you that we are moving ahead with our plans. However, we first need to tie up some loose ends before we proceed."

"Seems like they're at it again aren't they? The Garrison, those noisy bastards trying to cut off our progress at every corner. My intel informed me that they destroyed the supply caches all over Nassau. Do you know how hard it is to gather artillery and weaponry for our forces? I lost five guys in the last confrontation and they shutdown our training schools in Port Royal. Dalia is not going to like this."

"We will handle it I assure you Salazar." The two allies watched the young woman in the courtyard training. They have put her through the most brutal and rigorous training regimens known testing her both physically, mentally and psychologically. No one never imagine that she was the Scarlet Sovereign they have waited for and was prophesized to be the ultimate weapon of the Emissary. It amazed them ever since they obtained possession of her and revived her with new life, the Scarlet Sovereign was everything they expected her to be.

"She has come a very long way in her training. I never imagine that she was among us this whole time, but ever since Murinthuas I suspected great power in her." Salazar explained. "Who she was before no longer matters for the life she lived previously is all in the past. We serve the Scarlet Sovereign and life itself for we are the Emissary: we live and die for the cause."

"That is very true in the essence my friend." Balor smiled sneering as they watched the Scarlet Sovereign battling soldiers of Salazar's brigade.

It was like watching a untamed fire burning wildly, uncontrollably and being unleashed. The more vicious, sharp and cold her movements and attacks came, the more power and strength she was amplifying. The two men was satisfied with the impromptu exhibition on display as the Scarlet Sovereign looked up, breathing heavily for another workout. They were waiting for the right moment to unleash the untamed fire...one that was destined to burn all that was in its path.