(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 18 of the story & I notice there is a lack of reviews coming in. I do encourage people to leave any feedback as it will be greatly appreciated. In this chapter, Tommy finds out that running from his past is no longer an option.)

Chapter 18: Shipping Out to Boston

August 6th, 2008

3:15 a.m

Boston, MA

As Tommy laid in his bed, tossing and turning all that night, he tried to shake the dream that infiltrated his mind, but just couldn't do it. Every once in awhile these dreams occurred where he finds himself in that similar spot that was once "their spot." However, in his dreams it's becoming less of the idealistic oasis his subconscious conjured to escape the grief and loss of her absence.

It is becoming less than peaceful and tranquil paradise and has become a ravaged warzone. He is drawn to the lone manifestation of her...or least the part of her soul that once embodied the life his pink princess once lived. It was dressed in the familiar Ninjetti robes staring at out across the water at the prestige estate lake house.

Inside Tommy's Mind

"Can you feel it Tommy?" The woman said looking out at the water.

"What do you want me to know?" Tommy asked. "Why...why am I here again?"

"I know what you think and I know what your heart yearns. I am...not her, Tommy, but I am part of what she once was." the woman said. To Tommy's shock, he saw the bodies of dead ninjas laying on the shores of the lakeside. "I am look like your pink princess, but I do have many names. You can refer to me as the Crane spirit."

"The Ninjetti Crane?! The Winged Lady of the Skies?! The mate of the Winged Lord of the Skies, the Falcon?! Is that who you are?" Tommy asked. "Does...does that mean that the falcon and crane..."

"As I said, I am not her...but a manifestation of her, a part of her soul and spirit if you seek confirmation. I have existed physically once upon a time many ages ago, but I do not exist in this world. My existence now resides in a void that lays deep within the subconscious of one's mind, heart and soul. You must understand Tommy, I see everything. I see everything that has happened to you, to your teammates and I see all that goes on in this world and in other worlds." the Crane spirit said.

"I'm just going to cut to the chase...why am I here?" Tommy asked. "Why now after four years? You expect something from me? If the Ninjetti were all that powerful why didn't you intervene and stop Mesogog from taking Kimberly's life four years ago? Our powers were able to bring back Zordon, why not her?"

"There are some circumstances that the laws of the universe prohibit us from proclaiming our dominion. Unfortunately, there have been transgressions that defile the ancient laws of our teachings and order and desecrate everything we stood for." the Crane spirit explained. "Just because you choose to renounce the life and the calling you once lived, it doesn't mean the power or its spirit never leaves you. It has become apart of your embodiment and deep in your heart you know it. That is life's great mystery."

"The war between good and evil. It's not over isn't it?" Tommy asked.

"In all honesty, the war between good and evil will never end because it's the constant that keeps the universe in balance. No matter how many times you walk away from the frontlines, something will pull back into the battlefield." the crane spirit said. "The hand of fate and destiny deals you many wild cards, Tommy. Now you have to ask yourself what do you do with the cards the hand of fate has dealt you?"

"The hand of fate and destiny has always dealt me jokers and a bad set of cards before." Tommy said sighing. "You can never predict fate's hand."

"That is true, but even sometimes fate and destiny tends to deal us a trump card to change our fortune." the crane spirit replied holding a crown in her hand. For some reason Tommy's eyes were prefixed noticing that there was tiny droplets of blood stained on it. "Fortune favors the brave, Winged Lord of the Skies."

"A bloody crown?! What does it all mean?" Tommy asked prefixed. "Is this...the trump card I'm dealt with?"

"If that is how you see things, but remember that perception is reality." the crane spirit said. "Even the impossible can become possible if you believe it. Remember, everything is left all up to chance."

"You're telling me...I can't run anymore can I?" Tommy said.

"Unless you want the kingdom to be ravaged in the silence of evil's bane. You'll know it when the time comes and always remember...let the power protect you."

12:00 p.m

Diesel Café

Boston, MA

Tommy recalled the many coffee or "Java" dates he shared with both Kimberly and Hayley during their days graduate school. Whether it was hitting up the top coffee houses in Boston or the ones in the quiet town of Bridgewater, the java fixes became a weekly routine. A booklet of coupon vouchers to the best coffee houses in Boston was once the present Hayley gave Tommy and Kimberly as a welcoming present years ago when they first came to Boston.

As Tommy stood in the line of customers at Diesel Café waiting to order nothing much has changed with the establishment with the exception of an increase in prices. It was one of the many coffee houses on his list to visit during his time in Boston, but those "Java" dates were now a thing in the past. These days, his date happened to be a six year old little girl who served as the last memory and treasure the love of his life left him with.

Then it became a custom to Tommy to share the same experiences he once shared with Kimberly in the past with their daughter. This was their way of keeping the woman both of them held dear to their hearts close resulting in the revival of the "Java Dates." It became the usual father/daughter custom every Wednesday and also because it was that time of the day for a java boost. However, there was a slight change of plans in Tommy's schedule after he was forced to pick up Amelia earlier than expected from her karate class.

Sitting in the Diesel Café with his daughter while they waited for their beverage and food orders to be brought to their table, Amelia had her own interrogation of the events of this morning. Tommy found out from the parents of the students in Amelia's karate class that there was an incident at the dojo earlier in the morning and the place was ransacked. According to the police who were at the site of the dojo, they discovered that one of the instructors at the school was beaten and assaulted and transported to a nearby local hospital for medical attention.

Between the slight change in his plans today and the disturbing dream he in the middle of the night, Tommy was in desperate need for a caffeine boost. There were times Tommy did wish he had his friends to confide in about his dreams, or even Kimberly for that matter. It bothered him and it was in part one of the reasons he fled California in the first place. However, it seems there was more to these dreams and Tommy knows all too well the consequences of interpreting dreams into reality.

These days Tommy's only confidant was his six year old daughter, but there were still some things Amelia was too young to understand. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his daughter after the morning she had. In fact, young Amelia's mind was preoccupied on her karate instructor Seth Steiner currently heading to a nearby local hospital for medical attention. At this point, Tommy's personal problems were on hold in favor of trying to ease Amelia's worries about her young karate instructor.

"Daddy, I hope Sensei Steiner is alright." Amelia sighed as their orders arrived. The young girl was taking a sip of her hot chocolate. "Miles was saying that the police were asking questions to Miss Deville because she was the one who found Sensei Steiner."

"I'm sorry to hear about your sensei baby girl and I'm sorry your karate class got cancelled today." Tommy said trying to cheer up his daughter.

"Does that mean I get to spend the day with you?" Amelia asked.

"Yeah it's you and me kiddo. I talk to my boss at the university and reschedule everything today saying a family emergency came up." Tommy reassured her. "Sweetie, do you want to talk about what happened this morning? I know it must be overwhelming seeing all those cops and emergency crews at the dojo."

"Why would someone want to hurt Sensei Steiner? We like it when he tells stories about going to school and studying about becoming a lawyer." Amelia explained. "Sensei told us he's studying law at Harvard University in Cambridge which he says it's outside of town. He calls Harvard something called an ivy league school. Daddy, what's an ivy league school?"

"Wow, you're pretty much putting your dad in a tough spot to explain this to your six year old mind?" Tommy smiled laughing. "How do I describe an ivy league school to you so you can understand better? Ivy League schools are schools where very smart people with a lot of money go and they have the top athletic programs. They cost a lot of money to attend and you need a really good grade point average to get in."

"So why did you and mommy not go to an ivy league school like Sensei Steiner?" Amelia asked.

"Because it wasn't really for mommy and me, although we had the grades to apply but we thought our academics would be better off at MIT and Bridgewater State." Tommy explained his academic history to Amelia. "Your mommy and I wanted to become teachers: she taught history and I taught science back in the day. I'm still a teacher, but I have to settle right now as a TA until a teaching position opens. So...what spurred the sudden interest in higher education?"

"I was just curious because Sensei talks about how much it costs for him to go to school every year." Amelia said. "Did you and mommy have to pay a lot of money to go to school?"

"Trust us when I say your mommy and I paid a lot of money to go to college and university," Tommy said. "Which is why daddy is saving up a lot so one day you get a taste of higher education. However, if it's not too much to ask just be my little six year old princess will you? We still got at least the next ten plus years to plan your higher education. Come on, why don't we enjoy our Java Wednesday outing shall we?"

"Okay then, but still I hope Sensei Steiner is alright because our class was in the middle of practicing for our upcoming yellow belt test." Amelia said taking a bite out of her sandwich. She then saw that their napkin dispenser at the table was empty. "Daddy, it looks like our table is out of napkins."

"Alright kiddo just hang tight I'll go up to the counter and ask for some more." Tommy got up from the table to retrieve some extra napkins for Amelia. The Diesel Café was relatively busy during the lunch hour and the place was filled with numerous random conversations.

He learned a long time ago as a child how to heightened the operations of his senses to amplify them beyond regular capacity. Over the years, his senses operated beyond radar and sonar capabilities to the point of echolocation. Tommy didn't want to claim that his senses operated at superhuman capabilities, it was just he had more alertness and quick reaction. Tommy started isolated other sounds around him in the café when he overheard a conversation that gained his interest and then he recognized two familiar voices: Hunter Bradley and Shane Clarke of the Ninja Storm team.

"I want to figure out how they knew Seth was a former student of the Wind Ninja Academy?" Tommy overheard Hunter and Shane talking in the corner. "Do you think Seth also may have been recommended by the sensei...for recruitment for this Garrison group?"

"I'm not sure but the last few days have been a rollercoaster ride. They already torched our academy and Sensei Watanabe is gone, plus we find out our academy has been used as a recruitment center for six centuries for some ancient ninja group to fight another group. At least we know that the others are safe in Reefside and in Angel Grove." Shane confirmed. "I talked to my brother and he says he left us some stuff to keep us tied down for the next few days. Paul gave us the combination to his gym locker at the racket club where he plays squash."

"Well Seth made it difficult for the rest of us to track him until Cam got a hold of his school records at Harvard." Hunter confirmed. "I guess he wanted a normal life which is why he used his mother's maiden name on his college and university applications. Apparently, it was also part of a cover up in order to track down a major contributor to his university: Andrew Hartford."

"Andrew Hartford? Tori mentioned he used to mentor a Power Ranger team in San Angeles called Operation Overdrive. He's like some billionaire archeologist with a PhD according to sources. He published a book a year ago about an expedition for the crowned jewels of the Corona Aurora." Shane replied. "He's what people would describe as a sort of modern day Indiana Jones. Anything that has to do with ancient history or artifacts, he's the go to expert. What if Sensei contacted Seth before the attacks to track down Andrew Hartford for a consult on these objects he left behind?"

"I'm guessing that is why I suspect maybe someone working for this Emissary group went after Seth to prevent him from seeking out Andrew Hartford. Shane, what if the real target is Andrew Hartford?"

"Then we got to get to him before we find ourselves becoming another casualty. At this point, I think we're a liability to the people who attacked our school. Sensei Watanabe was so determine to get these objects away from these people so we need to at least know why the hell the Wind Ninja Academy kept it a secret for over six hundred years."

The mention of the war between the Garrison and the Emissary brought back too many traumatic memories for Tommy. At this point he cursed himself for learning how to manipulate the functionalities of his senses. Hearing Shane and Hunter's conversation made Tommy feel on edge, but it made him wonder about what he overheard. He recalled four years ago hearing Quinn's tale about the war between the Garrison and the Emissary.

He saw first hand what the Emissary can do and the power and operation of this mysterious organization. They left a wake of unspeakable terror in Reefside and engaged in things neither he, Kimberly or the Rangers encountered. There was something eerie, mythical and mystical about the Emissary, especially surrounding the idea of resurrection and bringing back the dead.

Back then Tommy attempted to ignore Quinn's tales about this ancient war and how the Garrison spent many centuries recruiting warriors to fight this war. Quinn tried years ago working on recruiting him and Kimberly as children at Algoma Summer Camp to be soldiers for a war. However, hearing the sudden revelation about the Wind Ninja Academy made him question that parts of Quinn's claims were in fact true.

Instinct was telling him to run because he wanted no part in the life again, the life that he spent four years fleeing from. However, small subtle signs, or foreshadowing omens were about to descend on Tommy's life. Maybe, fate was telling him the time for running from his past is coming up. He walked back to rejoin Amelia at the table and then discreetly looked at Shane and Hunter's direction. He suddenly found himself making a choice that will dictate his future before the end of the day.

3:00 p.m

Boston Plaza Hotel

"Okay so the concierge confirmed that Andrew Hartford is a guest at the hotel." Jason reported to Billy, Justin, Aisha, Rocky and Adam as the six reconvened in one of the lounge areas in the lobby of the Boston Plaza. "Right now he's in the middle of a seminar pitching about a new grant he's offering."

"Yeah with the money this guy has, there is no way the major universities, even the ivy leagues would say no," Adam commented.

Putting his PI skills in full force, Jason manage to get information on Andrew Hartford's itinerary during his visit to Boston after he assigned Billy and Justin to break into Andrew Hartford's hotel room under the pretense of being part of Hartford's entourage.

Based on information the two former Blue Rangers retrieved they found out he was currently hosting a seminar about a new grant he wanted to introduce to the local universities in the Boston metro area. With his wealth and being a major contributor in terms of funding and grants to many of the research schools in the country attracted a lot of local publicity. In addition, he was also in town for a promotional tour of his new book he wrote.

There were a few computers set up in the lounge area for the guests to use as the group decided to use one of them to find out more information. Throughout the afternoon, the group followed some of the local stories happening in Boston on the local news. They also were keeping their eyes out for Hunter and Shane after they got confirmation from Hayley back in Reefside the two former Ninja Storm Rangers made contact.

"Rocky and I will do another sweep of the lobby and see if Hunter and Shane showed up." Aisha reported coming back to the lounge area.

"Yeah and based on Hayley's report those two are seeking out Andrew Hartford according to Cam and Dustin." Jason said looking around. "Why do I get this sinking feeling that things will get chaotic once someone gets word about Hartford?"

"Whatever the reason is we need to make sure those two don't get caught in the crosshairs of whoever might be gunning for him." Rocky said as him and Aisha headed back out to search the lobby floor again. Jason already filled four of the original Ninjetti Ranger holders why he and Justin needed them to come to Boston. He went into full detail about the events that transpired in Blue Bay Harbor and about the object Tori and Blake brought to Angel Grove.

After much convincing and persuasion in exchange for protection, Tori and Blake turned the object over to the original Rangers for further investigation. The symbols were familiar to them speculating that the ancient scroll had something to do with the Ninjetti. However, to the veterans' surprise they figured out that they only half of the scroll and it needed to be translated under special requirements.

For Adam and Billy they knew over the years about the full power and extent of their Ninjetti powers and the bond with their animal spirits. The dormant animal spirits started flaring as a sign of attempting to reestablish a connection once lost. It only confirmed Jason's suspicions that their long absent leader and his best friend was somewhere in Boston. The question now came whether or not that long dormant connection would reignite and call out to Tommy.

"It would make sense why Hunter and Shane will attempt to seek out Andrew Hartford." Billy pointed out scanning the computer. He pulled up a website from the local Boston library's archives of an article Hartford published fifteen years ago about an expedition in northern Japan. "Fifteen years ago, Andrew Hartford wrote a journal about his findings on some evidence he translated in an old artifact from the Nihon Shoki. It's technically the second oldest book in Japanese ancient mythology next to the Kojiki."

"Unfortunately, this particular journal he wanted to publish fifteen years ago raised a lot of eyebrows among other historical archeologists." Justin added. "The journal was published, but the distribution and findings are contested against Asian historians."

"How could an article Andrew Hartford publish fifteen years ago cause controversy?" Jason asked curiously as Adam attempted to use another site to translate.

"Because Hartford's article claims that there was an internal war that raged within the first clans in Ancient Japan. Many of the people in the clans were being recruited to join two rival warring factions that have torn through many ancient kingdoms throughout Asia." Adam explained reading the article. "The factions according to Japanese lore were known as Shubi-tai and Shisha over the claimant of the heirs of the Oke no Chi. Well...if my Japanese translation and pronunciation is correct. Hey I only studied Japanese for one summer when I was thirteen years old."

"Shubi-tai and Shisha if you translate it...means garrison and emissary." Jason pointed out. "Hartford wouldn't be referring to The Garrison and Emissary would he?! This is the same two factions that were working behind the scenes duking it out four years ago we're talking about?!" Hearing claims about them was hard enough to make Jason and the others cringe due to the events that transpired in Reefside four years ago. If what Andrew Hartford published fifteen years prior was fact, it was looking like some malicious forces wanted to keep it a secret by any means necessary.

"Adam...are you sure that is what Andrew Hartford published fifteen years ago?" Billy asked. "But why go after a man who wrote a journal that was claimed inaccurate according to world renowned historians and scholars?"

"Unless the claims were actual documented evidence of their existence for many centuries." Jason answered. "Think about it, they been at war for many years, a war that has raged on one lifetime after another. The Emissary is like a shadow organization who operates using many fronts or visages to disguise themselves, kind of like sleeper cells and the Garrison are the counterparts to them. Think of their ancient war and compare it to historical secret societies that have existed in history."

"Do you mean like secret societies such as the Freemasons, the Illuminati, the Skulls & Bones or the Order of the Dragon?" Justin asked.

"It would make sense but where do the Ninjetti fit into all of this?" Billy asked. "We don't even know the faces of the Emissary if they pose a threat to the Garrison."

"Somehow Hartford is our chance to getting a translation for half of an ancient riddle that somehow involves us." Adam said wary.

Meanwhile...

Unbeknownst to Jason and the others, no one didn't suspect that Tommy Oliver was trailing Shane and Hunter to the Boston Plaza Hotel. He reluctantly brought Amelia along on his stealth mission under the guise of checking out a conference for work. Gently squeezing his daughter's hand as they stroll the lobby of the Boston Plaza Hotel listening and trying to isolate Shane and Hunter's exact location.

Listening to Shane and Hunter's conversations, Tommy figured out they tracked down Andrew Hartford's location since he had been in the local news all week. He was able to pinpoint which one of the event rooms in the hotel where Hartford's conference was being held. However, Tommy stopped in his tracks when he began to feel a strange sensation overtake him, a power that laid dormant and suppressed for many years. To his surprise, the sensation he felt was one that was all too familiar: his Ninjetti powers.

His senses were going into overdrive between the unexpected reigniting of his Ninjetti powers and hearing the sudden sounds of malicious weaponry he knew all too well. He began to hear not only Shane and Hunter's voices, but to his shock Tommy picked up on the voices of Jason, Justin and the other former Ninjetti.

"No, no, no, the guys are here?! After all these years?!" Tommy thought as he ducked hiding in an isolated hallway leading to the event room. Amelia wasn't sure what was happening and what mattered to Tommy was Amelia's safety. "They're here for Shane and Hunter as well? The guys...they don't know what is tailing Shane and Hunter."

"Daddy, what's going on?" Amelia asked looking at her father curiously.

"Sweetie, I need you to wait over there by that seating area okay where all those people are." He instructed his daughter as he spotted Shane and Hunter outside the designated room. Scanning around the area quickly, he needed something to conceal his identity knowing all hell will break loose once those doors open.

He was already way deep and there was no turning back if he made contact with Jason and the others. Something told him he wanted answers and somehow whatever information the two former Ninja Storm Rangers needed from Andrew Hartford was vital. It was then he instructed Amelia to bring him a scarf he spotted that was left behind by a hotel guest.

"Why are you covering your face up daddy?" Amelia asked confusedly realizing Tommy was eyeing Hunter and Shane. "Are you following those two boys?"

"They're...old friends of daddy's but he's going to surprise them first," Tommy said reluctantly, but lying. "I'm only going to be a few minutes so just hang tight okay? I promise I'll be right back. Listen, if you hear like a fire alarm go off, I want you to exit the hotel and stay with the crowd of guests okay? Daddy will find you. Trust me."

"Okay...I trust you daddy," Amelia replied not sure what was going on but listening to his father.

Wrapping the scarf in the style of his Ninjetti uniform mask, Tommy approached Shane and Hunter who were startled by the unknown assailant. However, Tommy was able to intercept the two former Rangers before they entered the venue. He pulled them away from the door and away from the prying eyes of the few guests around the area.

"Whoa, Tommy Oliver?! Wait, you are Tommy Oliver right?!" Shane asked warily as Tommy pulled down the scarf that covered the bottom half of his face. "Oh shit, it's really you isn't it?"

"Wait a second dude, have you been following us all this time? Did...do you friends know you're here?!" Hunter asked.

"Apparently you two have been persons of interest everyone has been tracking down," Tommy explained looking around. "To answer your question yes I been tracking you guys since the Diesel Café. Also to answer the rest of questions before you ask me: no my friends didn't send me nor do they know I been living in Boston for the last two years. As for why I been tracking you it's because apparently I might of eavesdrop on a conversation regarding my daughter's sensei who ended up in the hospital this morning due a suspected break in."

"Are you talking about Seth Steiner?! Oh gosh, you knew he was a former student of the Wind Ninja Academy too?!" Shane said inadvertently revealing the truth much to Tommy's dismay and surprise. Unfortunately, Tommy was stuck now trying to piece together what was going on. "We were on the mission to fulfill a request he was suppose to carry out for our sensei before all hell broke out a few days ago back at Blue Bay Harbor."

"And I suppose Andrew Hartford was the request by your sensei?" Tommy asked. "You two need to listen to me very carefully. If you open those doors to that conference room, all hell will break loose because right now there are some very, very dangerous adversaries about to strike. You got thirty seconds to explain to me quickly what you need from Andrew Hartford and another thirty seconds to tell me what happened in Blue Bay Harbor and if you know anything about Seth's attack?"

"We needed his expertise and confirmation about a paper he published fifteen years ago that the historical society didn't want to publish." Hunter said. "According to Seth, he was assigned by our sensei to retrieve everything about that article that archeologists deemed as "historically inaccurate" according to them."

"After everything that happened in Blue Bay Harbor and the academy, we were finding out why sensei kept the school's six hundred year legacy a secret." Shane added. "He sacrificed himself and our school is left in shambles because of we were part of a warfront for six centuries someone didn't want the word to be spread."

"So how does a controversial paper written by Andrew Hartford fifteen years ago have to do with what happened to your ninja school?" Tommy asked.

"Hartford wrote a paper about an ancient war between two warring factions and that some of the members from the early ancient dynasty in ancient Asia were being recruited by these warring factions for "a great war." Look, we don't know what is real or not, but something tells us somehow you and your friends are the part of the war these two factions are fighting over." Shane explained pulling out from his backpack a small hexagon shape wooden box. Opening the context, Shane revealed to Tommy a cylinder looking device with various letter dials. "Are you familiar with cryptology? This is something pulled out from one of Da Vinci's designs and works: a cryptex."

"Apparently, the warring factions Hartford wrote about were the same groups involved in the melee that left our school an impromptu warzone." Hunter explained. "Our school for the last six hundred years were being recruited by one group called Shubi-tai to fight alongside them against another faction. They call themselves Shisha..."

"...It means the Emissary..." Tommy replied stunned. "The group that has been recruiting students for the last six centuries, they're known as the Garrison." This is the last thing he didn't want to find out about and Tommy figured out he was being pulled back into fold unwillingly. "God damn I'm going to take a stab and assume Hartford's paper published fifteen years ago was about the war between the Garrison and the Emissary. It means both groups are active in some form or capacity. This is just...it's..."

"You've dealt with them before have you Tommy?" Shane asked.

"You two have absolutely no idea what the Emissary is capable of unless they're after the same thing you want," Tommy warned as he listened and tracked the sounds all over the hotel. "Oh crap, they're already here and right now extracting Andrew Hartford is the main priority." He looked at Amelia sitting near one of the sofas with no clue of what was about to transpire should the doors open. Whatever Shane and Hunter brought with them was something of grave importance. "That little box, why is it important?"

"All we know according to Seth was he needed to seek out someone with expertise of cryptology, Andrew Hartford also fit that description." Hunter said. "Your friends got one part of a puzzle from Tori and Blake, Cam and Dustin have another and we need to know how this cryptex works. Sensei Watanabe wanted to make sure this is far away from the Emissary's hands."

"Then make sure...you keep it out of their hands by any means." Tommy said concealing his face once again. He heard from inside the conference room Andrew Hartford's meeting wrapping up and the Emissary getting into position. He was tracking their weapons and breathing patterns along with that of Hartford and his entourage. Tommy pointed out Amelia to the two young men. "Listen to me, see that little girl over there? I need you to do something for me? I need you two to protect her. That's my daughter Amelia and once this door opens, the Emissary is going to come for Andrew Hartford. You saw what they're capable of doing right?"

"You're going to take them head on aren't you?" Shane argued. "They destroyed our school and killed Sensei Watanabe. We want retribution for all those people who died."

"They see you and they know you're in league with the Garrison that is why your school got destroyed." Tommy replied sighing. "Whether you like it or not, right now I'm about the only person who can match up to par with these sons of bitches. My friends...they're here and are about to walk into a trap. This is not the first time they attempted to track me down. I know they're looking for you two and possibly me but I need them as far away from the Emissary as possible."

"Are you out of your mind dude? We've seen what the Emissary has done and the full extent of their power." Hunter said.

"That is not the full extent of who they are. Believe me when I say if you want to live to fight another day, you better run." Tommy warned. "Whatever they're planning, there has to be an insurgence standing that will battle them. They are right about one thing...this war isn't over, it's just beginning and it looks like I'm about to light the fuse."

Being forced to comply to the older man's wishes, Shane and Hunter headed towards Amelia at Tommy's request. The young girl was confused by the two men who approached her until Amelia made eye contact with her father. Tommy signaled for the two to retreat with his Amelia as he opened the door to the meeting room.

Boston Plaza Hotel Lobby

Back in the lobby, Rocky and Aisha finished another sweep of the main floor for any sign of Shane and Hunter. Suddenly, there was commotion that broke out that triggered the emergency fire alarm as guests began to flee outside. The two hears sounds of crashing windows and broken furniture in one of the hallways. A few guests running out from the hallway leading to the event rooms are directed by Aisha and Rocky towards the exit.

To the pair's surprise, they find Hunter and Shane fleeing with a six year old girl in toll getting the attention of the two young men. From the description provided by their friends, Hunter and Shane introduced themselves to Aisha and Rocky, but withheld information about Tommy's whereabouts or Amelia's identity.

Regrouping with the others, Rocky and Aisha brought the trio to where their friends were on standby. Both groups confirmed their stories with one another and got confirmation that the rest of the Ninja Storm team were safe in Angel Grove and Reefside. However, Jason was focused on the little girl Shane was currently carrying as she bared a familiar resemblance to his once "little sister." She looked no more than six years old with the same caramel brown hair and eyes like Tommy and Kimberly's.

Hearing Shane explaining the source of commotion in the hotel, Jason found out someone manage to intercept Shane and Hunter and is currently holding off the adversaries after Andrew Hartford. Billy saw some resemblance of Tommy and Kimberly in the little girl who was under Shane and Hunter's protection. The four original Ninjetti Rangers thought they were hearing a falcon caw somewhere in the distance and decide to ask the two young men directly.

"The little girl? Who is she?" Jason suddenly asked as he bent down and looked at her. "Is...is your name Amelia?"

"I'm Amelia," she said curiously looking at the older man. "My name is Amelia Hope Oliver. You look like somebody in one of my daddy's pictures. Do you know my daddy?"

"Oh my God...she's Tommy and Kimberly's daughter." Billy said in awe.

"Do you people know my daddy...and my mommy?" Amelia asked the group. "Do those weird clothed people know my daddy too?"

"Wait, wait Tommy's the one fighting those guys off?!" Jason asked looking at Shane and Hunter. "Is...is Tommy here?! Please I need to know."

"He told us to get his kid to safety that's all he said and to seek you people out." Shane explained. "The second he opened that door that was when all hell broke loose. We don't know if Andrew Hartford or his entourage got out but Tommy went full out taking those ninjas out."

"We were told to keep you guys away from that area by him..." Hunter replied but Jason took off down the hallway ignoring the calls and objections from the others.

Jason made a dash towards the meeting rooms and found one of the doors to the halls flung wide open, tables broken outside a couple of assailants laying unconscious on the ground. In the corner he saw a well dressed man along with his security detail assessing the area. Jason could only assume it was Andrew Hartford as he approached him.

"Excuse me, are you Andrew Hartford?" Jason asked.

"Who wants to know because apparently the moment I was about to leave I hear sounds of windows shattering." Mr. Hartford explained in disbelief. "I see these black clad ninjas bust into the meeting room and some guy who looks like his face is covered with a scarf going at it. I don't know who the scarf man is but I owe him my life and told me to find someone by the name of Shane Clarke and Hunter Bradley."

"Apparently sir your life is still in danger." Jason replied looking at the man. "I'm a friend of Shane Clarke and Hunter Bradley. I believe they were seeking you out for some information about a paper you published fifteen years ago. You may not know me sir, but I heard about you from a friend of mine, Adam Park. My name is Jason Scott and I think you know...who I really am, sir."

"Jason Scott as in, oh I know you really are," Mr. Hartford said understanding the situation full well. "You are a friend of Adam Park? Is he with you right now?"

"In the lobby sir along with the others. I suggest sir you seek out my friends for I guarantee you they'll keep you protected." Jason eyed the meeting room wondering what was awaiting inside. Once he gave Andrew the signal it was safe, he departed with his security team to the lobby as the emergency fire alarm continued going off.

Jason walked into the meeting room to find chairs toppled over, tables smashed and broken in half, windows smashed and at least ten black clad ninjas unconscious on the ground. The only person left standing tall was a man with his face concealed by a scarf as the lone man firmly held his ground.

"Do you think I'm going to runaway?" he asked not taking his eyes off of Jason. "No matter how much time passes or how much distance you put between yourself and the life you once knew, you learn you can never outrun the past."

"You tell me, where are you going to run to next, bro?" Jason asked carefully with caution. "It wasn't my intention and you don't need a mask to hide yourself."

"I guess some things don't ever change do they, old friend?" Jason watched as the lone man removed the scarf revealing himself to be his long absent best friend and brother in arms. A wave of emotions hit the two lifelong best friends as Tommy stared at his best friend for the first time in four years. "I guess...I can't outrun the past anymore can I bro? It's been from too long and you're probably looking for a long story."

"I can assure you Tommy, there is a lot of time for that." Jason said as he surveyed the area around them. "Something tells me there are some things that haven't change."