Shadows in the Glass Chapter 21: Rattling the Cage: Part I, a power rangers fanfic

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 21 of the story. As the Original Rangers and their allies celebrate Thanksgiving, they are delivered a holiday message through a vulnerable member of their group.)

Chapter 21: Rattling the Cage

October 28th, 2008

Somewhere in Galway, Ireland

It was another devastating setback as they set upon another destroyed stronghold and it could only mean one thing: the Garrison has lost another base of operation. But this was a different loss as they surveyed the wreckage that was the once the Garrison's Irish headquarters and sanctum. It was a war that raged on for four thousand years in various life cycles, different lifetimes, beyond the stars and recommencing on Earth.

At this point, over the countless eons some have wondered when will it end? How did one civil war that began many years ago on a distant planet come to take a life of its own reincarnating itself into different embodiments? It didn't matter what they called themselves the objective remained the same: the purpose and reason as to why this conflict all started. It was still an ongoing battle between good and evil: but there was more history to this internal conflict.

Four thousand years, it was how long this internal war between the Garrison and the Emissary has raged on. Even in their true forms, the war continued on being manipulated and played out publicly, but still continuing behind the scenes. Both groups were secret organizations, their existences long hidden from the pages of Earth's ancient history, but inadvertently affecting milestones and pivotal events out of the spotlight.

However, the tide of the war between the Emissary and Garrison was building to the climax and their enemies were coming at them at full force. Their efforts of keeping the Emissary at bay for four thousand years was coming to a head and the clock was beginning to tick to doomsday.

"They got what they came for," Quinn commented surveying the scene. "I never imagine they'll unleash her upon Whistler. He was one of us, boss and our forces are being wiped out in multiple casualties. It's the beginning of the end for the Garrison. The Emissary...they have destroyed another sanctum."

"I will guarantee you we will avenge Whistler's death, along with Hideo's death I will guarantee that." the founder of the Garrison replied. "We must warn the others at the sanctums to be on guard. I suggest my comrade, you return to your guarded sanctum at Monument Valley. Our last line of defense against the Emissary must remain in tact."

"I never imagine the day the Emissary will finally unleash their weapon, the one that will turn the tide of this war in their favor." Quinn said. "All my efforts, our work to keep the Scarlet Sovereign at bay has been futile. She will be the death of this garrison and deal swift silence to everything that is pure and good in the universe."

"Unless they reawaken the last source of sanctuary left to defend this planet when the war lands on their doorsteps." the founder said. "They have already desecrated the Great Power too many times and we know what they seek to find. We must...we must hold hope the heir apparent will find the strength to take flight again for their bloodline is the key to the survival of the Great Power we serve."

"It's happening isn't it? The key has already made its presence known and now they must open the door to prepare for the last stand." Quinn said with a sigh. "I got to ask, why do you hold so much hope in a time of impossibilities?"

"Because despite the odds and the hand of fate and destiny, anything is possible in this day and age." the founder reassured. "Even reaching the deepest depths of the unknown void to find that strength and power to endure and survive come what may. The Great Power calls to them and those who possess the great power...anything is possible. Which is why it is our job to see to it they rediscover the power within them to fight."

November 4th, 2008

8:00 p.m

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

It amazed Tommy how much the minds of children changes and differs over the years. For Amelia, she questioned why the adults were fascinated and fixed on watching the live coverage on CNN of the results of the Presidential Election. For Tommy, he questioned if his daughter was too young to understand the concept of politics and its importance to their country.

Tommy hosted a gathering at his house so everyone could watch the results of the U.S Presidential Election with everyone voicing their opinions of what the next four years in their country will be like. A six year old child wouldn't understand the importance of an election vote or why adults discuss with themselves the definition of being a Republican or Democratic voter. However, seeing Amelia trying to grasp a concept of politics but not understanding its importance reminded Tommy that at times his little girl had to wait a few more years to learn about other topics that will impact her life in the future.

Watching the coverage of the Presidential Election that Tuesday November 4th was a change that new beginnings and history being made. On the contrary, it wasn't just the election of a new president that brought a change to society and their country, but something was going to hit Tommy and the original Rangers. An unknown tide that was sweeping beyond the horizon.

"Well this will definitely be a presidential election that will be remembered in the history books," Zack commented as Tommy turned off the television and the others started cleaning up the living room. "As Obama did mention change is on the horizon, one that our country will now embark upon for the next four years."

"And basically his campaign platform spoke true to many democrats in the country." Tommy replied.

"However, you do have to admit it was a pretty tight race," Aisha added. "But thank goodness it's all over and now it's all about seeing how the next four years with our new President will be like. Anyways, I'm going to call my folks to see if my family watched the live coverage."

"I'm going to do the same," Tanya said as she and Aisha went into the other room to make their phone calls. The others followed suit of the former yellow Rangers to call their families asking them about their reaction to the results of the Presidential Election. However, Tommy saw that Jason and Billy were distracted and discussing something confidential off in the corner.

"Billy, I got a call from one of my contacts at the San Angeles police department about that homicide." Jason explained. "Billy, did you know that Laura had relatives in San Angeles? One in particular being a man named Spencer, her uncle. He is the butler for the Hartford family. I'm sorry to break this to you man...but the homicide that is being investigated is Laura's."

"Are you saying Laura's dead? What's...what's the official story?" Billy asked shocked. "It explains the lack of contact these last couple of weeks."

"According to the official police report it was a robbery that resulted in a homicide." Jason said as Tommy overheard his friends' discussion. "Her purse was missing along with her wallet. The story was she was visiting Spencer for dinner after your law firm fired her. I'm sorry to break the news to you like this."

"It's so tragic and this is right after she got fired." Billy asked. "Do you think...it's related to our investigation about the senior partners and the Vitale case from two years prior? I mean...it wouldn't put it pass my bosses to keep any unethical activity under wraps."

"It...it was a random robbery pal, sorry to break it to you." Jason said as Trini called Billy over and watched his friend head over to his wife. Tommy approached his brother and best friend sensing there was information Jason purposely withheld.

"You're withholding information from you client, detective." Tommy said truthfully. "I don't know what J.S Investigations' policy is with client confidentiality, but how about when it comes to brothers? Something tells me you held back on some minor details about your little talk with Billy about his former coworker."

"My contact from the San Angeles Police Department...we both used to serve together under the same unit commander, Sargent Ryback." Jason said. "He got the photos from crime scene. Tommy, something was off about those crime scene photos which I couldn't reveal to Billy due to the fact Laura gave the financial records to him."

"You suspect that it wasn't a random mugging or robbery was it?" Tommy asked. "Jase, should I be worried for my best friend's safety?"

"I can't stop because I made a promise to a good friend to find the truth." Jason added. "I get this feeling that Laura wasn't the intended target, but someone she either knew or associated with. Laura was in San Angeles the night of her death because according to the restaurant near where she was killed, she had dinner reservations. It's either coincidence or this was an intentional murder she got killed. She was suppose to have dinner with her uncle Spencer but according to Mr. Hartford, Laura stopped by the Hartford mansion. She experienced problems with her car earlier that day and Mr. Hartford offered a car to borrow to go to the restaurant to meet her uncle."

"Okay you got a theory going. Billy's coworker is the niece of Mr. Hartford's butler, Spencer who also assisted Operation Overdrive." Tommy said. "I don't know if it's either coincidence or fated luck but I don't get why not tell Billy or reveal that..."

"One of the pictures from the crime scene had a dagger that was found in the car. It looked similar to one that on one of the bodies from that comic book shop in Boston we investigated three months ago." Jason revealed. "I think...it was the same people who tried to kill Andrew Hartford, but instead got Laura because she was driving Hartford's car the night of her death."

"Are you serious?! Are you meaning to tell me it's "them" who did this?" Tommy asked wary. "Listen to me bro, you need to stop digging right now. If those bastards staged Laura's death to make it look like a random robbery instead of an intentional assassination, they won't stop. Do you know if anyone has been in contact with Andrew Hartford since then? Or the Ninja Storm Rangers?"

"We get confirmation via hidden messages from Tori that the Ninja Storm Rangers are safe in Monument Valley. It's completely off the radar and no one would find them and Andrew Hartford has been couriering any information about the artifacts to us." Jason replied. "Tommy, it wasn't necessary for you to take the last object, the weird word puzzle box. Look bro, I'll still give you an out..."

"As I said...I don't think I was ever out of the game to begin with." Tommy said. "Whatever is happening tells us that none of us were never out of the game. However, this is something you guys have no idea how to grasp. If you keep rattling the cage long enough, something will strike back and know who you are. Believe me, I know unless..."

"Looks like we need to rattle the cage some more." Jason said sternly. "Which is why I need your expertise in contributing to my case I'm working on. Apparently those financial records Billy's former coworker was looking into had some interesting construction investment transactions made by Weyland Co. One of the transactions dates back four years ago from Mercer Industries to Weyland Co. Tommy, I think something shady is going on with Billy's firm and with evidence of illegal transactions with Weyland Co. makes me question if there is a third party involved in all of this. This has been building up since the beginning."

"Well it seems something shady has been brewing on my home turf while I've been away." Tommy said. "For Billy's sake and yours bro, if I look into this we better pray that we don't find anything incriminating."

Meanwhile...

Unbeknownst to Tommy and his friends, Amelia Oliver sneaked out of the living room and made her way upstairs to her bedroom. Hearing her father and his friends watching the news about the presidential election left the young girl confused. Yet, she was still too young to understand the concept of politics and the importance of government in the country. Instead, Amelia ducked out and went upstairs to play in her bedroom.

She was sitting at her play table pouring imaginary tea for herself and her guests which consisted of her stuffed animals. There was a seamlessly empty chair that wasn't occupied by her stuffed animals. If anyone saw Amelia, they would assume she was addressing an imaginary friend she invited to a tea party. However, to the eyes of the young girl, Amelia was indeed inviting a figure that looked like a woman with brown hair wearing weird pink ninja robes.

"Thank you for coming to my tea party," Amelia said happily setting up the toy plates and pastries on the her little food tray. "I have biscuits, bread and cake for everyone."

"Wow, that looks very delicious little defender." the woman smiled at the young girl. "I appreciate you inviting me to your tea party and this must have taken you quite awhile to cook all these yummy treats. I always look forward to our playdates Amelia because you make things very exciting."

"Are you my friend? You been coming by to play with me without daddy and his friends knowing." Amelia asked curiously.

"Maybe you're someone of interest I like to associate with." the woman said. "Do you believe in magic powers Amelia? Do you like hearing fairytales and stories of faraway lands beyond the sky and stars and sea?"

"I believe in magic powers and I like hearing stories about castles and faraway lands. Daddy always tell me stories like that every night and stories about heroes who fight against the bad guys like the Power Rangers." Amelia said continuing to play with her tea set. "But sometimes not all of it is real and it's make belief, except the Power Rangers because I see them on TV fighting monsters."

"You're a bright kid and yes sometimes not everything is real," the woman replied chuckling. "However, you are right that the Power Rangers are real. Always leave it to your dad to tell his little defender about superheroes. Do you know who I am young one?"

"I know you're a nice lady and for some reason...I feel like I trust you." Amelia said. "You remind me of someone daddy used to talk to in his sleep. Don't tell daddy I sometimes hear him talking in his sleep. It's like he's only happy at times when he's asleep. You know my name, what do I call you?"

"I go by many names and forms that it's hard to keep track but I live somewhere far and beyond. Don't worry I'm not a ghost if that's what you're thinking but I've been trying to find my way back home for a long time. One called me the crane spirit, one called me advocate of the Ninjetti. If you want...call me Shalimar." the woman replied.

"Shalimar?! I never heard a name like that before." Amelia said. "Did you get lost on your way home?"

"You could say that or you could say that I can't go home yet until I finish something very important." Shalimar said. "Which is why I need your help with my story. Are you a good storyteller Amelia Oliver?"

"What kind of story are you writing?" Amelia asked with interest.

"The one that features heroes and very special magical powers. A story about a kingdom that needs to be saved and a royal family that needs to rise to stop the bad guys from destroying their kingdom. I'm writing a story where the heroes must defend the kingdom in battle and this story will be full of action and adventure."

"How are you going to write the story to the readers?"

"By having someone...tell it for me." Shalimar smiled. "And you...are the key to getting our tale going."

November 6th, 2008

Angel Grove, CA

"So this is what Weyland Co have invested in with all those tenements they obtained in Troika." Trini replied while she, Adam and Aisha watched another display of civil injustice in the notorious neighborhood breakout again. "A sophisticated and highly up scaled commercial property built in one of the controversial neighborhoods of Angel Grove. Suddenly, companies like the Law Offices of Reid, Harris, Gideon and Associates are aligning themselves with a bunch of corporate rich yes men."

Adam and Aisha looked at Trini, coming to understand the reason behind the aggravation and sympathy Billy had towards the residences and business in this area. It wasn't the ideal neighborhood in the eyes of the rest of the Angel Grove population, but they were still part of the legacy of the city.

"It's terrible that a bunch of these high powered wealthy businesses set up shop in these low cost neighborhoods," Adam said. "All in the name of raising prices and costs."

"Yeah for Weyland Co to authorize the construction of a financial company is just a slap in the face to these businesses and people." Aisha added. "Hostility is raising at an all time high level."

"A lot of these businesses in this area of low key, independently run businesses and non-profit." Trini said. "It's the thing that agitated Billy about dealing with Weyland Co in the courtroom. These corporate yes men don't give a crap of who loses their house, money or way of living. In the end, no compensation will make up for what was taken."

Reflecting upon Billy's recent problems in his professional career along with the current events going on in Angel Grove made them think. In the past, they have faced many battles that have taken many shapes in forms. Some battles were fought against intergalactic monsters and villains who threatened the safety of the planet. Then there were the battles they faced in everyday life where they fought to defend the morality, ethical and social integrity against corruption and violations of code of conduct.

"With the state of the city these days, where do these businesses draw the line between social integrity and the bottom line?" Adam asked.

"I was hearing that people at Billy's law firm were being laid off for sympathizing with the situation in Troika." Aisha replied.

"Yeah that's what happens when one sells their soul to corporate America as many like to put it," Trini said sighing. "Reward those who use corruption and unethical tactics to get ahead in name of the lean green dollar. Then punish those by silencing them to prevent them from fighting for the greater good. Many wonder what's left of Angel Grove's moral compass in the midst of all this corruption and moral decay."

November 14th, 2008

Somewhere in Monument Valley

"You can feel it Aria? The beating heart in the void?" Roxas asked questioning his female ally. She was staring at a relic that once was part of the Monolith of Phaedos. "Do you feel the spirits are restless?"

"I do feel it, the entire order feels it." Aria said. "The Falcon is answering his true calling, but first he must unlock the keys to the kingdom, the last sanctuary for the Great Power to survive. Only the heir apparent can repel back the bane of evil and restore the kingdom of the Ninjetti. There is still hope...even when the beating heart is locked away deep in the void."

"The true Winged Lord of the Skies will soon reclaim the kingdom and restore the bloodline that will usher the new order and future." the leader of the Garrison stated looking at his comrades as he walked in. "We have partaken in preserving the integrity of this organization for many eons. We protect the sanctity of the Great Power and the lord and lady of the Ninjetti and the heir apparent destined to rule this kingdom. Our sanctums are falling...but until our last breaths we must protect the last sanctuary and restore the Wings of Fate, the true Winged Lord and...Lady of the Skies to their rightful claim. The lost mate in the void calls out and in turn, will call out to the new order we are destined to protect and restore."

"Unless the Emissary has anything to say with the silent sovereign threatening to burn everything in its wake." Aria said as tension hung in the air. "It has reemerge as we feared, the Scarlet Sovereign. It is now bound and the pillars of the Emissary bow down to it. The bondage that confines the Scarlet Sovereign can be broken. What will be left of it once it's been released from the Emissary's fealty is the uncertainty that looms?"

November 27th, 2008

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

The kitchen was buzzing as the sounds of hand blenders, cabinet doors opening, the oven and stove turned on and the aroma of food filled the room. There was a bit of anxiety running through Tommy as multiple people kept coming in and out of the kitchen either prepping the food or setting the table for the guests. For Tommy, deciding to host Thanksgiving for his friends and family was the olive branch needed to fully rebuild the bridges.

This was the first time in a long time the Oliver residence on Valencia Drive was bustling and alive. Evidently, this is only the second time the Oliver family hosted Thanksgiving dinner. The last time and only time he recalled hosting Thanksgiving was when him and Kimberly first moved to Reefside and it was right after they bestowed the Dino Thunder powers to the teens.

It seemed like a distant memory, but Tommy thought if his beloved crane was still with him, she wouldn't want her falcon or their little defender to be alone celebrating Thanksgiving. The life of self-exile and solitude the last four years showed that sometimes the life of freedom, adventure and self-rediscovery also had its moments of loneliness and isolation. How did Tommy endure raising his daughter in a life of self-supposed exile the last four years without letting the grief, loss and loneliness get the better of him?

Despite it all, there was one thing Tommy was grateful for: his daughter and the best friends anyone could ask for. It was wonderful trading stories with them, hearing about the latest news in their lives and the house surrounded by people who love and support him and Amelia. What would make this day greater is if Kimberly was here to celebrate alongside those who also loved and cared about her. However, it is now a hopeful wish a far off distant other life but for now, Tommy had to do what he has always done these last four years: endure another day.

"Hope there's enough for everybody." Tommy said standing next to Billy pulling out the rest of the cutlery. They looked at the Trini and the rest of the girls plating the rest of the food. "I even invited my old team for Thanksgiving and still after four years, not one of them still remembers how to be on time."

"Wow, and this is coming from a guy who back in high school was known as Mr. Forgetful," Billy smiled teasing his good friend. "You know it's great having you back."

"And it's great to be home again after all this time." Tommy said. "I was a mess four years ago Billy. I know it's going to take time before things go back to the way they were before all of this happened. The breaking point was obviously that final battle with Mesogog and Kim's death. It's going to haunt me for the rest of my life yes and for the last four years I did everything I can to renounce the life I been apart of for nearly fifteen years. I walked away because of Amelia and the promise of the life Kim and I wanted when all of this was done. I burned all of you guys bad for taking off and leaving like that during that dark time in our lives made things worse."

"You were grieving and you lost more than anyone that day four years ago we understand." Billy replied. "However, we did have to survive four years without the falcon and the crane. I'm not going to lie and say it did hurt us in different ways when you left. Some of us still have some resentment towards you for it but it passes each day. The thing that comforted us to know was that you were still out there somewhere still living because of that little girl and we're grateful for it."

"You're right I couldn't have survived these last four years if it wasn't for Amelia." Tommy slightly smiled setting up the table. "And Billy...I'm still going to keep making up to you guys for everything I put you all through."

"Oh can you please stop with the apologies already Mr. Rainbow," Rocky said smiling. "Yeah, if we're thankful for one thing this year for Thanksgiving it's having our fearless leader back in the fold. Plus, a restocked pantry cabinet and fridge because it wasn't the same seeing your cupboards bare and empty."

"Okay so we know what good old Rocko is thankful for," Tommy teased his friends. "Being able to raid my fridge and cupboards once again. Hey you better hope those foster kids you and Aisha took in are in good hands after hearing Uncle Rocky's horror stories about babysitting."

"Don't worry about that I'll make sure to keep Rocky's bedtime stories PG for the kiddies." Aisha said. "And also thanks Tommy for letting Rocky and me bring Robbie and Bianca over. It's been a transition for them these last few weeks and also handling their case with social services." The others were introduced to the two kids that Rocky and Aisha brought with them to Tommy's place explaining about their current situation and why they were currently in Aisha and Rocky's custody.

"It's no problem and Amelia loves being in the company of other kids to hang out with." Tommy said. "Do the kids know what is happening with Shawna?"

"All they know is that they won't be able to see their mother for awhile and we explained to them that we were old friends of their mom." Rocky explained. "And then the bombshell came a few weeks ago which led to why Aisha and I are fostering these two kids."

"And what reason would that be?" Tanya asked.

"It was recently discovered that I'm Bianca Hilton's biological father." Rocky said shocking everyone. No one ever expected that bombshell that Rocky was a father until he found out that he never knew the truth and Bianca doesn't know either. "Yeah, these last six weeks have been a real rollercoaster and it's not one of the best days to air out personal laundry. However, Aisha and I agreed we're working on our issues."

"How are you feeling man? I mean...this is something major and life changing." Jason replied offering a show of support.

"Aisha, how are you holding up with all of this?" Tommy asked sincerely. "Are you alright?"

"I'm dealing and it's a lot to take in," Aisha said calmly. "However, for Rocky and me our main focus right now is the wellbeing of Robbie and Bianca. I mean that seven year old girl has no idea she's staying with her real father and of course how do you explain this to a five year old boy like Robbie? I mean...I do feel for Rocky not knowing that he missed seven years of his daughter's life. Shawna was my best friend and part of me is wondering why she kept it a secret all this time."

"It's hard to imagine Shawna's reasons behind keeping Bianca's paternity a secret from you and Rocky for seven years." Tommy said. "I couldn't imagine not being apart of Amelia's life if something like that happened. If I had a child out there I didn't know about, I go through hellfire and brimstone to search for them. Take it from a few of us here who is part of the parenting club. You'll do anything in this world to protect you kids and keep them safe from all harm that comes their way."

Meanwhile...

"...27,28,29,30! Ready or not here I come!" Amelia yelled as she finished counting outside in the backyard. She was playing a game of hide and seek with Henry, Robbie and Bianca as it was her turn to seek out the rest of the kids. The adults allowed the kids to play outside as they were being supervised by Kat and Zack who were busy looking keeping Matt, Liv and Hazel entertained.

The adults reminded the kids not to stray too far and not to go into the vast forest without any supervision. They knew the forest too well and despite it's nature splendor of small waterfalls and hiking trails at times it was common knowledge that every once in awhile someone would get lost. It was one the of downfalls of Tommy living in such open space and isolation away from busy residential neighborhoods.

Unbeknownst to Kat and Zack, they didn't notice little Amelia Oliver being entranced by something she saw in the forest. For some reason, the young girl became memorized seeing what looked like figments of two birds calling out to one another shrouded in a white and pink glow. It looked like the white shrouded The caws of the birds put the young girl in a trance, compelling her to seek out the entities calling out to her. The figment of the white shrouded bird caught Amelia's attention.

"Do you need my help to find your friend?" Amelia said in a trance like state. "You sound sad little birdy. Don't worry...I'll help you find your friend I promise."

Amelia began to take off into the forest, completely in a state of daze being guided by the shrouded white bird. From their hiding spot, Robbie Hilton noticed the young girl walking into the forest unaware of everything around her. They were warned by the adults not to venture into the woods without adult supervision so what was happening with Amelia.

The other kids came out of their hiding places after a few minutes becoming bored that Amelia failed to find them. They all hid in the tool shed since it was their first time visiting Tommy's house and didn't know any good hiding spots. When the other kids regrouped, they saw that Amelia wasn't around.

"Amelia! Amelia come back you're not suppose to go in the forest!" Robbie yelled into the woods. "Amelia come back!"

"Her daddy said we're not allowed to go in the woods without the adults!" Henry called out. "Amelia?! Okay you don't have to be it since you didn't find us! Amelia?! Amelia?"

"Do you see Amelia anywhere? Where is she?" Bianca asked looking around. "Amelia? Amelia where are you?" The other kids calling Amelia's name got Kat and Zack's attention realizing that the young girl was missing. The two spotted the rest of the kids.

"Kids, where did Amelia go?" Kat asked worried. "Henry, what happened? Where is Amelia?"

"Robbie said that Amelia started walking into the woods and we were calling to her mommy." Henry explained. "She didn't hear us at all!"

"Kat, get the kids inside now." Zack ordered Kat as they gathered the children together. "Tell Tommy that Amelia went into the forest! She couldn't have gone that far."

The forest...

A few miles in the forest, the former Dino Rangers trek the remaining three mile walk to Tommy's house using the forest hiking trails as a shortcut. They were already late and the car Connor rented broke down three miles away from their former teacher's house. It was sunset and it was starting to get dark. Connor hoped that by the time they arrived at Tommy's house they could call a tow truck to pick up their car they left on the side of the road, not to mention their luggage as well.

The one thing the four former Rangers admired about the forest was the beautiful hiking trails and one of Reefside's most splendid waterfall that stood at thirty metres or ninety-eight feet. The sound of the waterfall filled the air and they saw the streams and rivers that contributed to the forest's natural beauty. Suddenly, Ethan alerted the group when he thought he heard a voice leading up the waterfall trail, a child's voice in particular.

"Huh guys...there's someone heading up the waterfall at the top." Ethan alerted the others as the former Blue Dino Ranger let out a grasp of shock.

"Oh shit, that's Dr. O's daughter!" Connor yelled as the four friends quickly went on autopilot trying to find the quickest path up the waterfall. They could hear Amelia talking as if she was in a state of trance and disorientation. Each of them silently prayed to God, that no harm would befall the little girl they considered their "little sister." Kira was the first to reach the top and slowed her pace as the boys were not far behind. What puzzled the former Yellow Ranger was that the young child suddenly sat down on the ground, luckily not too close to the edge of the waterfall. She was staring up with a blank and dazed expression on her face as if she was talking to somebody.

"Are you lost? You look sad and lonely without your friend." Amelia said in a trance like voice. It puzzled the others because it was a one sided conversation that left them bewildered. Whatever Amelia was seeing it looked like she was trying to comfort some sort of entity but what stunned the group was what transpiring next. Amelia wasn't aware she was shrouded in a faint pink and white glow of energy as she continued her one sided conversation.

"What's the matter? Who's your mate? Oh I see...they're lost too without each. How do they find each other?" Amelia continued unaware she was being observed. "The beating heart in the void has been splintered. It's bound and confined by pillars of heretics? Your kingdom...it's the last sanctum left in the war. How do they find it? Oh I see, the true lord must restore the light I see. You can feel the spirit of the true lady can you? How...do I find the key to unlock the gate for the true Winged Lord of the Skies?"

"Kira you still have your bracelet right?" Trent asked in a whisper. "Something is happening to Amelia and she's glowing pink and white. There's some weird stuff going on and it seems like she doesn't know where she is or what the hell is going on. You got to get a hold of Dr. O right away...something is wrong with Amelia."

Hoping her bracelet still worked after a year of inactivity, Kira activated it which doubles as a communicator. "Dr. O? Dr. Oliver do you read me?" After a few seconds of silence, there was a sound of a panicked Tommy like he was in a state of fright. What was happening.

"Kira?! What's going on? It looks like your communicator still works." Tommy replied on the other end sounding like was grasping for air and sounded like he was physically strained out.

"Dr. O something is wrong with Amelia. We found her near the waterfall and she's sitting at the top talking to something or someone we can't see." Kira replied in a hush, panicked voice. "We're worried about her Dr. Oliver. Amy seems disorientated and she doesn't know we're here or heck, she is not aware where she is."

"The waterfall?!" Tommy huffed. "Are you guys sure?"

"I'll get to your location as soon as possible. I'll let everyone know of your location." Tommy answered. "Whatever is going on with my daughter you need to keep a close eye on her. You need to keep me posted on what this thing is telling her, this is something I may know. Do not let her advance toward the ledge. I...I need to find out this thing talking to my little girl because I think they want to deliver a message personally to me."

Connor gave Kira a firm nod, insisting the young woman took the lead with the boys following behind. Whatever entity or power was overtaken the little girl wasn't aware of the others presence. Kira took a deep breath stepping out from behind the tree with the boys behind.

"Hey Amelia, what's you doing?" Kira asked, and Amelia turned surprised.

Moments ago with Tommy and the Rangers...

Once all the food was set up on the serving table and all the dinnerware was placed on the table, it was time for Thanksgiving dinner. However, before the first slice of turkey was cut, Kat and Zack rushed inside the house with the other children and Tommy immediately noticed no sign of Amelia. A feeling of dread and fear filled Tommy after hearing his friends and the other children recount the events leading up to his daughter's sudden disappearance into the woods.

Looking out the window, he could tell the sun was setting and he didn't have any time to waste. Not caring that he revealed the hidden door to his lab in the basement to the surprise of the young children. Hayley was already in the zone with Billy using the computer to scan for Amelia's location. He was praying that nothing bad to his little girl for she was the only light he had left and the one constant that helped him endure living the last four years.

With the computers active and running and desperately tracking Amelia's location, what transpired next caught Tommy and everyone else off guard. He saw the contained cryptex beginning to glow and Tommy began to hear the familiar caw of the falcon inside his head. However, the falcon's caw got louder and louder inside Tommy's head as he groans in pain as he doubles over, clutching his mid-section. Tommy closes his eyes trying to block out the pain only to hear the faint cry of a familiar bird that long has plagued his dreams for years.

"Tommy! Tommy!" Jason and the others were alerted to their friend's mysterious pain attacks. "Tommy, what's the matter bro? Tommy?!" He opened his eyes trying to supress the sensation rushing through him and his eyes diverted to Billy, Aisha, Adam and Rocky. It was as if they knew what was happening to him.

"I...I felt this before back in Boston," Tommy said gasping looking at his friends. If the sudden indication of Tommy covered in a white shrouded glowing energy couldn't get any complicated, the original wielders of the Ninjetti powers knew what it meant as the faint cries of their respective animal spirits echoed too but it didn't cause physical strain to them. However, Tommy's bond with his respective Ninjetti animal spirit was something beyond another level and they learned long ago just how deep that connection ran and its power.

"You can feel it too can you? It's...it's lost in the void and it's been calling to me." Tommy continued. "I...I need to find it. I need...I need to find my little girl."

"What the hell is happening to him?" Hayley asked in confusion. "Can someone explain to me what is happening to Tommy."

"It's his Ninjetti Powers, or more importantly it's the powers of his animal spirit, the falcon." Billy explained. "Even though we can no longer access the Ninja Ranger powers, the animal spirits of the Ninjetti remain within us since they have become part of us for years. However, it's not as powerful as the bond of the falcon...and the crane. I think I will what's causing all of this and why Tommy is feeling these attacks. He has kept the falcon dormant for years after Kimberly died and with that, the connection to the crane."

"Wait a minute, you think it's the spirit of the crane calling out which is causing all of this?" Aisha asked.

"It's a possibility but remember what we learned about the Ninjetti," Adam added. "To those who are Ninjetti, anything is possible."

"That I believe it," Tommy spoke up regaining his composure. "Just because Kim is gone, doesn't mean the spirit of the crane is gone, it remains alive, but something doesn't feel right. The crane is still calling out to the falcon, but there's a sense of fragmentation." He then closed his eyes deep in thought and then opened them. "It's communicating with someone, a heart of purity to preserve its strength. It's why...it's why its been seeking me out from beyond the void."

"What are you talking about bro? What do you mean by beyond the void?" Jason questioned as Hayley distracted everyone when she alerted that the old communications systems in the lab have been activated. To their surprise it kept beeping until Tommy told Hayley to activate it and Kira's voice echoed over the computer.

"Dr. O? Dr. Oliver do you read me?" Kira's voice echoed over the communications system.

"Kira?! What's going on? It looks like your communicator still works." Tommy replied sounding surprised but confused as to why his former Ranger was using her old communicator to contact him.

"Dr. O something is wrong with Amelia. We found her near the waterfall and she's sitting at the top talking to something or someone we can't see." Kira replied in a hush, panicked voice. Tommy's answers of his daughter's whereabouts was answered, but Kira's testimony as to why clearly explained the source of his sudden power surge episode moments ago. "We're worried about her Dr. Oliver. Amy seems disorientated and she doesn't know we're here or heck, she is not aware where she is."

"The waterfall?!" Tommy huffed for clarification. "Are you guys sure?"

"We're certain Dr. Oliver please you have to hurry because it's getting weirder by the minute." Kira hissed. "Whoever...or whatever thing she is talking to is causing some unexplained shrouded glowing light around Amelia. So far, she's not in any danger of doing any self-harm. But she keeps on communicating with this thing we can't see." It could possibly explain Amelia's recent behavior these last few weeks and what's happening to her. This was what he feared for his daughter that somehow his little girl would find a way to be connected to "this life" and now he was facing the repercussions as to what was in store for Amelia.

"We're with you Tommy." they all confirmed as they all headed out leaving Hayley to keep an eye on the rest of the children.

"Please...don't let any harm come to my little girl," Tommy silently prayed as he dashed out of the house. "You both need me...Brennan, Shalimar. It's been far too long."