(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 22 of the story. Tommy confronts a familiar presence that gives him a very cryptic premonition of things to come forcing him to come to terms with the fate and destiny ahead of him and the others.)
Chapter 22: Rattling the Cage- Part II
November 27th, 2008
Somewhere in Reefside Forest
"Hey Amelia, what's you doing?" Kira asked, and Amelia turned surprised.
"I can feel him coming. I have comforted my mate Brennan to let him know he will be in safe hands." Amelia spoke in a trance like state. To the others, it looked like she was cradling an invisible entity trying to provide comfort. Amelia soon started acknowledging the former Dino Rangers' presence. "You're here because of the child aren't you?"
Unfortunately, there was an uncanny demeanor generating inside the young girl, one that the four young adults weren't familiar with. On the contrary, whatever was residing inside Amelia meant no harm and for some reason, it was using Amelia as a middle ground to communicate.
"You...you aren't going to hurt Amelia are you?" Kira asked speaking to the entity inside.
"I assure you no harm will come to the little defender. She is too important for she is the bridge between the windows of the past, present and future." The entity spoke again using Amelia as a vessel. "At least I find comfort to know that the true Winged Lord of the Skies has safeguarded his most valued treasure. Soon, he must take flight once again. I know he'll prevail for he is unbowed, unbent and unbroken and does not yield to anyone but his one true soulmate, the true Lady of the Skies."
"Okay if you mean no harm to Amelia, then why are you here?" Kira questioned suspiciously. "Do...do you have a name? Why are you here?"
"Because I am searching for something that has long been safeguarded. The last sanctum is the key to reclaiming dominion over the kingdom. Only the true lord and lady of the Ninjetti can restore the heir apparent to the kingdom. The Garrison alone cannot provide sanctuary and the Ninjetti must prevail once more." Amelia continued to talk in a trance like state. "The girl, she's the bridge that ties together the true Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the key and defender of our legacy. Our prestige lineage is being contested by the heretics who have defiled the integrity of the Great Power. It is my message I have conveyed from deep within the void I am confined in."
"Who is this message for? Why are you using Amelia to relay your message?" Trent asked curiously. "She's only six years old. Whoever you're calling out to endangers her."
"He will understand for my mate has been calling to his human for a very long time. Our connection runs deep beyond anything imaginable. My mate is flightless in his plight without his human mate for he is governing body of the Ninjetti. Our spirit comrades have called out to their human mates and they have answered the call. It is ringing out to the rest from beyond the void." The entity continued to speak through Amelia.
"You're looking for Dr. O aren't you? Your message...it's for him isn't it and your using his daughter to relay it?" Connor asked.
"We know who you are, the spirits of the Ninjetti aren't you?" Ethan said. "We heard about the legend and the mysticism of the Ninjetti. Kimberly or Mrs. Oliver, she was also a wielder of the Ninjetti Ninja Powers too wasn't she?"
"She was...and she was my mate even still to this day." The four former Dino Rangers heard the sound of a twig snap. Out of nowhere, Tommy comes running, skidding to stop alongside his former team. The rest of the veteran Rangers follow not far behind but maintain their distance as Tommy starts to take control of the situation. He feels the familiar energy surge taken over as he begins to approach his daughter. Tommy sees his little girl shrouded in the combine pink and white energy overtaken her but the close proximity somehow reassures him no harm will befall Amelia.
"I know you been calling out to me for a long time, Shalimar." Tommy replied gently. "You been calling out to me since the day your human mate departed. However, you kept the connection alive haven't you? Both you and...Brennan through our little girl. I'm sorry Shalimar I wasn't able to protect your human. I know I cannot return to you what you lost, but please do not take my daughter away from me. Amelia is the last bridge I got left to keep my wife's memory alive even though she's gone. I've cause harm to your mate haven't I for renouncing the life haven't I? Is this why the spirits are calling out to me for me to offer penance?"
He was understanding what Kira and the others meant when they said Amelia was interacting with an unknown entity. There wasn't one entity that Tommy saw, but the spirits of two familiar birds, his white falcon, Brennan gently being cradled in Amelia's arms and from his perspective the pink crane, Shalimar descending towards her. It was perplex to Tommy's former team to comprehend what was going on except that their former teacher and his daughter were shrouded in energy.
To the rest of the veterans who knew about the Ninjetti powers, but never wield them figured it was something mystical that had to deal with the falcon and crane. The original veterans who wield the Ninjetti powers felt their animal spirits reacting to the interaction of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies seeing them converse. They yield to the falcon and the crane giving them their moment but felt that the fated birds were somehow being splintered apart by forces unknown. It was as if the fated Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies struggled to preserve the bond and were using Amelia as a middle ground to convey their message.
"We are not here to proclaim ourselves as judges, jury and executioners...Winged Lord of the Skies. I have called to you to restore what was once lost. My mate is appealing to his human to open up his heart, mind, body and soul once again to reunite as one. I implore you Tommy, please keep my dear Brennan safe for he does not have enough power to unbind me from the confines that keep me bounded beyond the void. Your little defender is the bridge that keeps our connection in tact. It was not only I who called out to you, but my mate as well."
"And here I stand before the Ninjetti's Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies." Tommy said. "You have called to me, both of you and yet I have ignored the pleas of the Great Power. I am not the person I once was, the one chosen to wield the powers of the falcon. So I ask why do you seek out a person who has been flightless, spent and lost in his own void without the guidance of the other half of his heart? I am no longer worthy anymore Brennan, Shalimar for everything I have put those I love and care about through. Part of me feels I am guideless and directionless without the light and I am destined to forever walk in the shadows alone..."
"But where there is a shadow in the darkness, there is a light that burns bright and untamed to yield." He saw Brennan fly out from Amelia's arms and flew around until surprisingly the falcon spirit settled perched on Tommy's arm. "As a wielder of the Great Power, you do not yield to the trials and tribulations that one bestowed the title as the true Winged Lord of the Skies faces. My dear human, you have endured triumph and tragedy beyond comprehension, one that forever scars the very core of your heart and soul. However, despite renouncing and decreeing your discontent for this life, you have demonstrated in spite of it all it is the fighting spirit in you that still strives."
"Which is why my mate is now task with safeguarding the one true Winged Lord of the Skies, his human who is the still beating heart and soul of the Ninjetti. It is to you Tommy where the order will look to you to guide them to the last sanctum that serves the Great Power." Amelia spoke under Shalimar's possession. "My falcon, the groundwork has been laid out...do not let the integrity of the Great Power be defiled by the heretics that have been expelled so long ago."
It looked like the pink crane spirit Shalimar took possession of Amelia and the rest of the animal spirits were getting restless, in particular Brennan. Tommy started feeling what his animal spirit was feeling, the anxiety and the tension as if a bond was once again being shattered. Whatever it was that was causing this tension to the crane spirit, Tommy wanted to help quell Brennan's anguish and struggles.
"What's happening to the crane? Something is pulling Shalimar away...what's going on Brennan?" Tommy asked his falcon with worry. "Brennan? I can feel your anxiety and the separation that's about to happen isn't it? How...how do we keep the crane from fading back into the void?"
"I'm afraid my time is about to expire to maintain a foothold in this plane. I can only be released for a short period of time before I am forced once again to the confines of that unknown void. There is work to be done and I'm afraid a storm is coming on the horizon, one that will ravage and leave a path of destruction. The message is clear and you must prepare to knock down those who stand high above the pillars. The fate of the kingdom...it is what matters. Brennan, my mate our time is running out."
"Do not depart again for I cannot live without you my mate." Tommy felt Brennan cried out again, imploring Shalimar to stay but the falcon and crane knew of the consequences of resisting, mainly inflicting physical harm on the young girl who served as their bridge to keep their bond alive. It was only within a matter of moments that Shalimar would be force to relinquish her control over Amelia but Tommy felt the tension between the two animal spirits quell down. "Do not fear Shal for our bond remains always and forever. It still beats...through my human and the child or our respective human mates. I wish we have more time..."
"Shalimar, I promise you I'll find a way to release you from whatever confines you away from your mate. I understand what I need to do and although I can't bring back your human mate, the least I can do is keep the bond alive of the falcon and crane for both of us." Tommy said addressing both the falcon and crane. "Brennan, I...I need your help to survive the road ahead. For everything I have done to cause both your distresses, I hope to gain your forgiveness."
"You have nothing to apologize to me for Tommy for both you and I are kindred spirits since the day the Great Power chose you to wield the powers of the falcon. The road ahead will be hard but we will fight for the sake of our mates. You will not endure this journey alone for our family have already sworn their oath and fealty to stand by us in our plight. The heretics will soon make their presence and the line in the sand will be drawn. We must prepare whether or not we cross it head on. Keep the bond alive for it is the essence to our victory. Shal...keep on fighting the bounds that entrap you in the void. That beating heartbeat in the void...it still remains in tact."
"I know the heartbeat in the void still remains in tact Brennan. Keep the bond alive though it ensures my survival deep in the void." Shalimar replied relinquishing her control over Amelia as the young girl stopped glowing. "Tommy...keep my mate safe and find me again. You will prevail I can assure you that, Winged Lord of the Skies for those who are Ninjetti...anything is possible."
The glow around Tommy and Amelia faded. Once he felt Brennan's presence again, he opened his eyes. He looked at his daughter and waited patiently for Amelia to open her eyes, hoping to see her innocent brown eyes. With Shalimar expelled from Amelia, the child took a shaky breath and fell to her knees.
"Amelia!" Tommy called out as he rushed to her. He fell to his knees next to his daughter and cradle her in his arms moving away from the waterfall. "Amelia, come on sweetie look at me." He held his breath as Amelia slowly raised her head. He watched his little girl open her eyes and let out a sigh of relief when the innocent brown eyes looked back at him.
"Daddy? What's going on?" Amelia whispered slightly disorientated with no recollection of what occurred.
"Oh sweetie thank goodness you're safe." Tommy smiled pulling her into a hug needing reassurance it was his little girl once again.
"What's wrong daddy? Are you alright did something happen?" Amelia asked.
"Everything is alright now kiddo that is all that matters." Tommy replied helping his little girl up and moving her towards the group.
"Will Amelia be alright?" Jason asked worried about his goddaughter. "How is she doing?"
"I don't think Amelia has a clue what happened to her or how she ended up out by the waterfall." Tommy then turned to address his former students, giving them a slight smile and acknowledging everything they did for him tonight. "Guys, thank you for everything tonight. If it wasn't for you four we wouldn't have found Amelia."
"Hey it was nothing Dr. O and it must have been coincidence our car broke down on route to your place." Kira said slightly smiling.
"Yeah we care about our honorary "little sister" and don't want anything bad to happen to the little squirt." Connor said. "Huh Dr. O about our car we left a few miles..."
"Don't worry about it once we get back to Tommy's place we'll go with you guys to retrieve your bags and stuff." Adam reassured the group. "I guess we have a lot to talk about once we get back do we?"
8:30 p.m
Oliver Residence
It wasn't the ideal Thanksgiving Tommy and the others had in mind after the events of tonight. By the time everyone arrived back, their holiday meal was cold and Hayley was bombarded with questions from a group of children who suddenly saw what looked like a secret superhero cave from a movie. Between reheating all the food and gently explaining to the children about the Power Rangers it surprised the youngsters that their parents and friends were superheroes.
Jason and Kat found it surprising how well Henry and the twins took the news of the revelation their parents being Power Rangers. To the eldest Scott child, he was ecstatic over the fact that his mom and dad were once real life superheroes, but he understood this was something he couldn't tell his friends. For Robbie and Bianca, it was a shocker for them to learn that the people they were living with were the actual Power Rangers that once defended Angel Grove. For Rocky, it was at least the first step he took in an attempt to connect with Bianca as a means of forming a bond with his newly discovered daughter.
However, Amelia already had her suspicions once she and Tommy moved back to Reefside, but it was worth seeing to confirm it. Deep down she knew some of her father's bedtime stories about the adventures of the Power Rangers were true. It was only from hearing the other adults in the room trading stories with the other kids about their memories as Power Rangers, Amelia knew her dad's stories actually happened.
As everyone ate the reheated Thanksgiving dinner, the young children made a promise to the adults not to reveal the truth about the Power Rangers' identities. But for every child there was always that fear of their parents getting hurt by some bad guy and how they will protect them. Tommy and the others reassured the kids that they'll always protect the kids with or without their powers. It is a statement Tommy took to heart while trying come to terms with what happened at the waterfall and wondered if Amelia had any recollection of the events as the guys headed to the lab after all the dishes and food was cleaned up and packed up.
Once the former Dino Rangers collected all their bags and got a hold of a tow truck to get their rented car, Tommy offered his former team to let them spend the night. It was a long day for everybody after they got the kids settled in to watch a movie for the night. However, his gaze was focused on the locked up cryptex in containment after witnessing earlier today the spontaneous surge of energy. He was fortunate that the others brought with them the other two trinkets the Ninja Storm team left in their care after they went into hiding following the destruction of their ninja academy.
"I put a movie in upstairs in the living room for the kids to watch," Tommy replied. "Yeah, they're watching Iron Man, a superhero movie. Given that they already heard enough talks about their parents being real life superheroes and stuff. Amelia is up there too with the other kids, thought I give her a break after what happened tonight."
"She doesn't remember being under control of the crane spirit?" Adam asked. "She has no idea how she ended up by the waterfall tonight?"
"I'm not sure but she doesn't recall being taken over by Shalimar or she wasn't aware that the crane spirit has been manifesting these last few weeks." Tommy said deep in thought. "But why Amelia? Part of me wishes my daughter doesn't become an instrument in our plight against the forces of evil. Seeing my little girl in that state...it worried me because as much as I want to protect my little girl, there are forces beyond our comprehension we can't control."
"Bro don't be hard on yourself." Jason reassured his best friend. "We know that feeling and what to expect when we come down that line. You want to do everything in your power to keep your daughter safe. That's the same way Kat and I feel keeping our kids safe."
"Jason's right Tommy," Rocky added. "Aisha and I also want the same thing to keep Robbie and Bianca safe as well."
"I know and that's the difficult part about being parents," Tommy said letting out a slight chuckle. "It becomes a struggle to protect our children's innocence. You want to tell them that the world is safe place and you sacrifice everything for them so they wake up every morning with a smile on their face." He focused on Amelia's drawings he kept a close eye on for weeks trying to make sense of everything. He laid them out on the table for everyone to see. "But then sometimes...our kids surprise us in ways we never imagine they can."
"Tommy, what are these? Did...did Amelia draw these?" Billy asked examining one of the drawings.
"It's like my little girl has an eye to see into the past, present and possibly the future. These drawings are like premonitions of things she knew that happened before, things I can't understand, and what happened at the waterfall tonight tells me there is a lot more coming our way." He passed the drawing of the sarcophagus to his former team who were startled by Amelia's detail. "You guys know I wouldn't be lying about any of this and I know what you all been trying to do for months ever since Boston. You wanted to give me my space thinking I didn't want any involvement with this life anymore. However, I don't think that was ever an option no matter how much time passes."
"Dr. O are you serious? She drew this? The sarcophagus that we discovered four years ago at the school?" Connor asked. "The same one that those missing teens were bleeding into?"
"Yeah Connor the same sarcophagus that disappeared off the face of the Earth after we destroyed Mesogog. She even...drew details about my dreams in these pictures along with some other stuff I'm not familiar with." Tommy explained going through the pictures. "I guess I have my share of baggage besides dealing with losing Kim these last four years you guys should be aware about."
"Look Tommy don't put yourself in a position that will only make you feel emotionally compromised." Kat replied. "You been through enough for the last four years and granted this not the ideal homecoming you wanted after your time away from all of it. No matter what we'll always hear you out on anything that is on your mind."
"Even after all this time you guys are still standing by me?" Tommy asked. "No matter how many times since I came back you wanted me to sit out? But you know me, I'm not one for laying down."
"We figured because this life...the life you tried renouncing always finds a way to call to you, to all of us. Also, you weren't the only one to make a promise to our pink crane four years ago." Aisha stated. "That promise still holds true and we felt it tonight when the your falcon Brennan found his way back to his human mate, you. But for some reason, you felt a strange sensation when it came to Shalimar, the crane? It was as if she was confined someone in a void beyond our reach..."
"...But yet it was calling to me for four years since the day I left Reefside." Tommy confessed looking at the pictures. "It was as if the connection Kim and I once had to our animal spirits became bonded and unbreakable even after Kim passed away. I was feeling what my falcon spirit was feeling, that same anxiety of losing the other half of our heart, our soulmate being separated from us. For the longest time, Kim and I used to try to make sense of our Ninjetti powers, our animal spirits and the connection to the Great Power. It wasn't until four years ago there were so many unanswered questions about all of it."
"Let me guess during your time away part of you wanted to seek out answers after the whole Mesogog fiasco?" Trent asked.
"But why would Kimberly's animal spirit and your falcon spirit make contact with Amelia?" Justin added. "The crane warned you about heretics an defilers of the power. How does your kid fit into all of this? They kept referring to Amelia as a bridge of some sort?"
"To the falcon and crane it's because Amelia is our daughter, mine and Kimberly's. What is happening to the crane spirit somehow Amelia is the bridge that is keeping the connection of our animal spirits in tact. I know it's hard for you guys to understand or follow but at times like this I just feel like I need someone to vent all of this out to. I worry there's a power rising in Amelia and it's going to get stronger and stronger. Still, even after all these years it seems like we're still seeking answers to unanswered questions that have lingered in us for years."
"We known for a long time Tommy that the day we first got our Ninjetti powers, somehow the connection to the Great Power was strong with you...and Kim." Adam explained to his friends. "Although we no longer had access to our Ninja Ranger Powers, our animal spirits and our connection to the Great Power remained. Whatever the falcon and the crane were doing, our animal spirits were yielding an oath of fealty and loyalty to stand by the one true lord of the Ninjetti and their heir apparent of the bloodline."
"Heir apparent of the bloodline?" Tanya asked confused. "Yeah what is up with all that stuff?"
"This thing goes beyond a connection between soulmates and everything else in between." Tommy said looking at the cryptex. It was glowing puzzling the group. "I guess one can't run away from destiny now can they? It's funny I can feel Brennan trying to calm me down, telling me to take it one step at a time. The one true Winged Lord of the Skies...very ironic isn't it? Being given a heavily weighted crown with prophetic proclamations of a fabled kingdom on my hands."
"We're with you bro and this time we work as a team and share everything." Jason reassured him. "Remember share the burden and divide the grief. You been through enough because of this life and whatever we're about to embark upon, we'll stand by you because you're our friend and you mean a lot more than you know. If we're going to find ourselves in the crossfires of some sort of ancient war between two mysterious organizations, we're going to make sure where the line in the sand is."
"Jason is right Dr. O and powers or not you can count on our support." Kira added. "We stumbled upon something four years ago that was left unanswered after Mesogog's defeat. If we're facing the shadows from four years ago once again, then it looks like we got some unfinished business to deal with."
"I know we do and I think I know where we can start." Tommy went to the containment field to pull out the cryptex. It stopped glowing the minute Tommy took the object in his hands, feeling a familiar sensation wash over him. "If the Wind Ninja Academy spent the last six hundred years keeping this hidden for the Garrison, then something tells us it was meant for us. This scroll with the map inside is incomplete and I think the cryptex must hold the key to completing it. The book that Cam and Dustin left looks like it's used to help us open something. The groundwork being laid out...I think that's what the falcon and crane meant."
"Do you think there's something hidden in Reefside that we don't know of?" Ethan asked.
"I do but the question is what exactly is the Garrison protecting and more importantly why do they need us to find it?" Tommy pondered. "Whatever it is, those guys are going to make sure it will keep the Emissary at bay if they are rising up again. Times like this...part of me wishes that Quinn was around to shine a light to all of this."
December 15th, 2008
Somewhere in Angel Grove
"So it's true then? The sanctum in Galway has fallen and with that Whistler? The sanctums in Osaka, Panama & Guinea, where do they stand?" a young woman dressed in business casual attire asked. "Did anyone survive the attack?"
"Nearly everyone at the Galway sanctum was eliminated. We only manage to rescue less than half of the group of survivors who fled during the siege," Aria reported as the two women sat on a bench. "Roxas and our Garrison brigade on the Cook Islands sanctum are holding their position. However, it will only be a matter of time before they find our sanctums in Thrace and in the Cook Islands. Monument Valley remains our main stronghold according to Quinn's testimony to keep the Garrison in tact."
"Five generations of my family have served to fight for the Garrison and those bastards are hunting us down one sanctum after another. Whistler has been an influential part of my family's legacy for five generations. Alas, as a native Irish woman I'm one of the only few left of the Galway brigade. I been in this city for a decade living under the façade as a senior partner of a prestige law firm. The influence of the Emissary runs rampant in my workplace and it only be a matter of time before I am discovered."
"Then you know how prominent the Emissary is making their presence known in Angel Grove?" Aria questioned deep in thought. "The boss wants to know about the blue wolf...no harm has come to him has there?"
"You can assure the boss that no harm has come to the blue wolf though he feels I have been misdirected alongside my fellow partners. Unfortunately, I wish there was more I could have done to protect his associates who ended up being unexpected casualties in his mission. It's what the Emissary does: use unsuspected civilians as puppets for further gain and later dispose of them once they serve their purpose. I have stumbled upon the many fronts and facades they have used over the years to keep their malicious activity brewing. I'm afraid...there's more unsuspected victims who will soon be disposed of once they served the Emissary's purpose."
"Which is why you must continue to work behind the scenes and steer the blue wolf's suspicions in the right direction." Aria assured the young woman. "Sometimes battles are fought differently and some battles do not require physical altercations. Remember, even some battles must be fought with cunning precision and following the trail ahead. Our numbers maybe dwindling, but the cause we fight for is worth the sacrifice and who we fight to protect."
The young woman slightly chuckled thinking about what has been going on with Billy Cranston. She had worked alongside him as a fellow co-worker and colleague for five years. To everyone who she came in contact with she was known as Sasha Gideon, a senior partner for the law firm of Reid, Harris, Gideon and Associates. However, her family lineage traced back to five generations of her ancestors being recruited to join the Galway sanctum of the Garrison.
When she was sent to Angel Grove by Whistler, her mission was clear and it was to protect the wielders of the Ninjetti, chosen by the Great Power. As a child, she was trained by the Garrison to join their cause, but Sasha learned over the years that some battles require more than physical strength. In the rampant and unsteady shift going on in Angel Grove, Sasha Gideon knows her mission being one of the last surviving members of the Galway brigade. Looking at the documents in her portfolio, she needed to rattle the cage one more time and guide the cunning blue wolf to navigate his survival inside a hornet's nest.
December 19th, 2008
Los Angeles, CA
3:00 p.m
"Okay Kira I think we're excellent on that final take." Tanya replied from the sound booth along with one sound mixer. "You can come out from the booth now."
It was a somewhat bittersweet day for Kira as her five month internship was coming to end at Dune Lion Records. She and Trent were going home to spend the holidays in Reefside before they were going to start their graduate studies at UC Berkeley in the new year. Kira loved her internship and learned everything she can from Zack and Tanya about the music business. As a surprise on Kira's last day, Tanya and Zack offered her a day in the studio to record some demos, much to her amazement.
"Wow, I can't believe how amazing all of it sounds." Kira said in awe hearing the playbacks. Never in her wildest dreams did she have the opportunity to experience what it's like to do a live recording session. She recalled her last opportunity which resulted in some not so pleasant mishaps, but this one made up for it.
"Surely we hopefully will get you back in the recording studio once you finish your graduate studies at Berkeley." Tanya replied. "There's a lot of raw talent in you Kira."
"This is by far the best day I had at work, although it's my last day." Kira slightly smiled. "Still, I can't believe you and Zack did all of this for me on my last day."
"Think of it as an early Christmas present, kid." Tanya replied. "And besides, if you are looking for permanent work opportunities once you finish graduate school, Zack and I will give you an excellent letter of recommendation or we'll see if your future work takes you back to our lil indie nook."
"Are you serious? You're willing to offer me a full-time job here?" Kira asked happily as Zack walked into the room.
"T-Bird is right and according to HR you're one of the only few interns who got a positive work performance evaluation," Zack happily teased. "Besides, as Tanya said you got some raw and musical potential that will take you far. However, the choice is yours and we'll wait for your answer...when you're ready to tell us."
"It's too soon to give an answer, but first I need to survive Berkeley in the new year with Trent and we'll see from there." Kira reassured.
"Sorry I had to step out for a bit during your recording session," Zack said. "I was on the phone again with Angela. She's concerned about Curtis again."
"Curtis as in your cousin?" Tanya asked. "What's happening with your cousin? I thought you were meeting up with them for dinner tonight."
"Well they had to cancel after Angela told me someone broke into Curtis' office at work this morning." Zack reported. "My cousin has been on edge after he finished some big contract to design some new building in Angel Grove. Angela and the rest of the family are worried about him because a week ago he got into an fight."
"Curtis got into a fight?! It's not like your cousin to get into altercations with random people." Tanya argued.
"I know but apparently it's raising concerns for Angela. Despite my history with her, she's family and I'm going to look out for them and their son Malcolm." Zack replied looking at Tanya. "Hey Tanya, I can give you a ride back to Angel Grove since your car is currently in the shop."
"Yeah I appreciate that and don't worry about Curtis, I'm sure he'll be fine." Tanya reassured her friend and business partner. "I'm going to let Adam know I'm hitching a ride back with you to town."
5:30 p.m
Reefside, CA
The holiday season was in full bloom all over the city of Reefside as Tommy and Amelia finished some holiday shopping. With school out during the Christmas holidays, it was the first time in four years Tommy was celebrating the holidays with his daughter. However, there was still that pang in his heart whenever he thought about Christmas and about one particular Christmas wish he knew would never be granted.
Tommy looked at the wedding ring he solemnly worn on his finger for over six years symbolizing his six years of marriage to his pink crane. In his mind, the six years of married life were filled with memories of dreams of the life he imagined with his family and the holidays celebrated together. He envisioned his wife going overboard on the holiday shopping buying out the entire mall to spurge gifts upon their little girl and their family and friends.
However, as father and daughter drove through the city of Reefside, reality settled in and those six years of marriage were nothing but eternal dreams of the what ifs. It was actually two years of the happiest moments of Tommy's life with all his heart desired in life and four years mourning the loss of the life that collapsed in one foul swoop. It was why the holidays served as the lingers ghosts of the memories of what was and the what ifs of the life he dreamt about with Kimberly.
Spotting a familiar flower shop not too far away from the Reefside Cemetery, Tommy pulled over to park on the street and let Amelia out. After buying a bouquet of flowers along with a poinsettia from the flower shop, he went back to his car to add a few more coins to the parking meter. Amelia wasn't sure why they were at the cemetery of all places as the duo made the quick trek. Tommy found himself at the gravesite he last laid eyes upon four years ago and for the first time Amelia understood why.
"Daddy why are we here?" Amelia asked looking around. "This is a graveyard, I heard it's haunted by spooky ghosts and zombies like in those scary cartoons. It's very, very quiet in this place. I heard people are sleeping forever sleep in big boxes under the ground. That's what Hayley said about graveyards. Are you visiting somebody?"
"Yeah kiddo we're in a cemetery and yeah it's usually very quiet around here. Leave it to Hayley to sugarcoat the facts about cemeteries." Tommy said staring at the tombstone. "Look, I know this place may seem scary to you Amy but, this place...this place is where someone special we know lives here. And yes sweetie we're seeing somebody today...we're seeing mommy."
"Mommy?! When you said that mommy went away, is this where she went to?" Amelia asked bewildered. "Is mommy taking a very, very long nap in a big box under the ground? That big rock has mommy's name on it. Is this...where mommy is sleeping right now?"
"It's true kiddo that mommy is here now." Tommy said tearing up over his admission. He already hit that crossroads where he had to confess to his six year old why her mother wasn't around. She asked Hayley and his friends a few days ago where her mother went and why she wasn't coming back. It was there Tommy made the decision to show Amelia her mother's gravesite for the young girl to fully understand why Kim wasn't around. "I wanted to visit her today...but I didn't want to go alone."
"Is that why we're here? To visit mommy so we wouldn't be alone for Christmas?" Amelia asked holding the bouquet of flowers.
"Yeah so she wouldn't be alone and it's been awhile since we last visited mommy. I used to come here you know sweetie with you when you were a baby and before we went away on our little trip. Mommy loves it when we come by and visit her because we let her know how much we love and miss her."
"So why are we coming now? When was the last time you visited mommy's place in the cemetery?"
"A very long time ago but it doesn't mean we forgot about your mom sweetie." Tommy said placing the poinsettia plant in front of Kim's grave. "Do you want to know a little secret Amelia?" The young girl nodded her head. "Just because mommy is no longer with us, she's still alive...inside our hearts and in our memories. I know it's a lot for a girl your age to understand but I thought this could be our thing to do together. You and me...seeing mommy and telling her stories about what we been up to."
"So are we doing the same thing that Lindsay and her mommy do by visiting her daddy here in the cemetery?" Amelia asked looking at her mom's grave. "Lindsay used to tell the class her daddy wasn't around because he's not living anymore. Her daddy worked overseas and wore a lot of uniforms for his job but then he passed away overseas. I heard Lindsay's mommy had her daddy flown back home so he can sleep forever in the ground in a big box. Sometimes Lindsay says her and her mommy come to the cemetery to visit her daddy and she tell him about stuff she's been doing. Are we going to do that daddy?"
Tommy was puzzled how observant of a child Amelia was to the world around her. His daughter may have been only six years old, but she possessed a wisdom and grace beyond her years like her mother. Amelia learned about death and the absence of a loved love from a classmate of hers who lost her father. It surprised him how much children at Amelia's age understood the concept of life and death. Her explanation about what she learned about why people visit their deceased loved ones in the cemetery caught Tommy off guard.
The only regret Tommy had was that his little girl will never get to meet the woman who meant the world to them. He could tell Amelia that her mother was in some way like her classmate Lindsay's father: parents who died in the line of duty. The only thing he couldn't do yet was tell the truth behind her mother's death.
"Whatever you like Amelia. This is the only place where we can spend time with mommy and tell her everything." Tommy reassured her. "You know it's been hard for me not having mommy around but she would have wanted us to be happy and get on with our lives. You remind me so much of your mom and it makes missing her less painful because I know she still lives on: through our little defender. You probably hear this a lot from me but your mommy was very smart and beautiful and you look a lot like her, with the exception of the eyes."
"That's because everyone says I have daddy's eyes." Amelia smiled placing the bouquet down by the gravesite. "Daddy, this is my first time being here. So...how does this work? How do I talk to mommy?"
"Well you can talk to her about anything you like. This is your time with mommy so I'll be standing right here." Tommy took a step back to allow his daughter a moment alone at Kimberly's gravesite. He saw Amelia place a hand on top of the tombstone and then carefully trace her fingers along the engraving.
"Hi mommy, it's Amelia Hope Oliver here." the little girl spoke. "This my first time here seeing you and we brought you flowers and poinsettias as Christmas gifts for you. I hope you like them because it makes you sleeping place colorful. Daddy talks about you all the time and I like hearing stories about you and him, especially stories about how you two were superheroes called the Power Rangers. Daddy tells me that you can't be with us because you're sleeping inside a big box and you're living up with the angels in heaven but I'm alright mommy. Daddy always looks after me and takes care of me and he drives me to my karate classes, gymnastics and music lessons."
He let out a small chuckle as Amelia sat down comfortably in front of her mother's gravestone, talking as if Kim was there. Although it was one sided, Amelia's existence and the blessing of their daughter gave Tommy hope to do the one thing he's been struggling with the last four years: to live in the world.
"I love you mommy and I hope you are having a nice Christmas and don't worry about daddy. I will make sure he has a good Christmas and he's not sad all the time. My friend Lindsay says sometimes her mommy misses her daddy because he died from working overseas, but she tells me that her daddy will always be with her. Do you miss daddy all the time mommy? I know he misses you because he says when he sleeps at night that's when he sees you. I don't know what daddy meant by that but he always tells me that he loves you a lot and misses you. I promise I'll look after daddy for you and make sure his memory is in tact. Well, that is what you used to tell him I think I heard one of your friends say. Merry Christmas mommy and I think it's now daddy's turn to talk to you and remember...I love you."
Amelia got up from the ground as Tommy gave his daughter a small smile and a hug. She stood behind her dad as Tommy took a step forward towards Kim's gravesite, deep in thought. "Merry Christmas, Beautiful." he murmured, tracing his fingers along the carved lettering.
"I know it's been a long time, four years if you want to be precise..." He went on reflectively. "You're probably thinking after all this time, you're wondering why I decided to bring our six year old daughter to a cemetery instead of taking to the mall to see Santa Claus."
"Our daughter, our little defender she is something special..." His voice trailed off, a smile touched his spent face. "She's the reason I'm still here, still living in the world despite it being the hardest lesson everyday. It's still hard, painful but I endure it everyday because it's what you wanted...and you need me to survive whatever trials and tribulations come my way. You tell me I have the strength to survive anything, endure all the world has to dish out. I'm trying to be strong for our little girl because she needs a white knight to protect her...something I have done many times for my pink princess many years ago."
A small chuckle of laughter filled the cool December air. "I'm sorry that during my excursions the last four years I haven't been by to drop in to check up on you. Hey, what do you know? I showed Amelia all the splendor and beauty the world has to offer, and she's only six years old. Oh and by the way, thank your shopping genes our little girl has inherited. Right now, she's rocking out as being the little fashionista of Reefside Elementary School while our little girl burns a hole through my wallet. But how can we never say no to our little girl, even you couldn't deny her adorable little face...once upon a time..."
"I miss you Beautiful and not a day goes by where I yearn for you. Life these last four years have been flightless and empty but thank god for Amelia, our little girl, your most valued treasure to your white knight." Absently, Tommy rubbed the back of his head. "...For the longest time I thought about what you told me up on that rooftop four years ago? If I was able to walkaway...from the life? I did what we dreamt about finally getting the out we desired for our little girl. Despite spending those years out and about in the world raising our little girl, I always thought about the what ifs in life, dreaming that you were with us while we tried to rediscover ourselves."
"All the splendors and wonderful sights the world has to offer despite the beauty couldn't be appreciate whole heartedly. The freedom and the adventure didn't feel the same without the other half of my heart and soul to share it with. You always said consequences be damned right? Yeah, the freedom and the release I wanted from "the life" left a ripple effect to everyone we care about. However, I'm going to do whatever it takes to make amends for burning the bridges I did at a time where my life was spent and worn out from everything that happened."
"You once asked me if I was willing to leave this life behind when it was all over four years ago? I told you I will do it in a heartbeat for you but yet you were willing to follow me back onto the frontlines because you loved me too much just to let me go in alone." He quickly said. "Sometimes I wonder if I still have the strength left to keep on fighting when the person that inspires me is not by my side? It gets lonely at times and I try to keep my grief at bay...for the sake of the mission. I wish you were here to tell me not to give up and keep on fighting because something is coming our way and I'm not sure if I'm prepared to face the challenges along the way."
"I'm done running and I'm going to face whatever comes my way head on." Tommy concluded with a heartfelt sigh. "Sometimes we can't runaway from fate and destiny can we, Beautiful? It's something you taught me a long time ago...we make our fate, hopefully it's one that will turn in our fortunes."
"Daddy, are you alright?" Amelia murmured as she joined her father. "I think mommy appreciated us coming today." She smiled down at her mom's grave. "Mommy, don't worry I'll take care of daddy and make sure he's safe."
Sensing her father needed a moment to himself, the young girl stepped back giving Tommy a little more time for private reflection. It was as if a burden was slowly be lifted from Tommy as he stood deep in thought by Kim's gravesite. Even if she wasn't physically by his side, Tommy knew his pink princess' spirit was with him. Suddenly, as if it was either a sign or a miracle that he heard the faint cries of his falcon echo deep in his subconscious and the caw of a crane return the cries of its mate.
Tommy turned his attention to his daughter smiling at her and then turned his attention back to Kim's grave. "I think I'm ready now, Beautiful. I love my pink crane...always and forever eternally guiding her white falcon come what may."
Raising his fingers to his lips, he then touched them to the name engraved in marble. Then he rose, knees creaking a bit and walked down the path to his daughter. He took Amelia's hand and made their way out of the cemetery and back to the car. Maybe it was a Christmas miracle, but leaving the cemetery Tommy felt a sense of serenity and calmness for the first time in four years. He was now ready and his mind was made up: he was going to finish what was started four years ago.