Shadows in the Glass

by flipgurlpink11

An incident causes Tommy to retire from the Ranger life following the end of his latest tenure. Years later, an unexpected battle between two warring factions will throw him and the original Rangers into the mix fighting not only for the fate of their city, but for the heart of the team.

24. Keys to the Kingdom

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 24 of the story. The Rangers unearth a hidden sanctuary below the depths of Reefside as they encounter familiar faces from the past.)

Chapter 24: Keys to the Kingdom

January 17th, 2009

Somewhere in Reefside

"Monument Valley still remains our one sanctum that hasn't been untouched." Aria said as she and the leader of the Garrison stood by the waterfall somewhere in the forest in Reefside. "However, I'm afraid the last remnants of Whistler's sanctum in Galway has been extinguished. The last warrior under his mentorship has fallen at the hands of the Emissary. We must warn Roxas and Jade of the impending danger with the Cook Islands and Panama sanctums."

The two allies were aware of the site they were standing upon never imagining the energy surge to spark in nearly four thousand years. She closed her eyes taking a deep breath, listening to the restless spirits of the Ninjetti Animal spirits calling out to their respective human mates. It was calling to the true wielders of the Great Power.

"The spirits are restless despite our sanctums falling to the tyranny of the Emissary." the leader said. "I'm afraid we've been dealt a trickier hand than expected with the grip that they have upon our beating heart in the void. Yet, the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies are not yielding their unbowed, unbent and unbroken bond to the void in the shadows. The bridge keeps it alive, but yet the power from within is emerging in tenfold."

"And also I fear for Quinn's safety as well for I know our enemies are holding him captive in the viper's nest." Aria voiced her concerns. "The falcon is being dealt a tremendous amount of weight to burden on his shoulders. He alone cannot hold the crown in his hands on his own. Those defilers have found it and I fear their act of desecration will plunge the Earth into great peril."

"Yes I know and they have already desecrated the remains of the Great Power for far too long." the leader said with a sigh. "But yet, in their malicious discontent towards us, they made sure the legacy of the Great Power will forever remain tattered in ruin and chaos...thanks to the Scarlet Sovereign. We have kept it at bay for nearly four thousand years, stopping it at every turn to make sure the Emissary do not come into power, but they have procured it right under our noses."

"The vessel the Scarlet Sovereign possesses is nothing but an empty shell of who it once was." Aria said looking up at the sky. "However, as we learned a long time ago not everything is what it seems to be. Even in an untamed vessel, there is still a heartbeat that exists, calling out from the void to be released from its confinement. The heart, body, mind and soul it all beats in one rhythm unless it is separated and stored deep within the ones who linger to it. They used the substance one too many times on the Scarlet Sovereign and one questions if there is still a light that shines from within the shadow released from the glass."

"There is still a light because it still shines from deep within the depths of the void," the leader reassured. "Believe me...because I have trained them too well to know there are some lessons that need to be learned without the guidance of their mentor at the helm. Even after all these years, they still have a lot to learn which is why the fate and integrity of the power rests on their shoulders."

"So the question comes which one of your former students have lot left to learn?" Aria questioned curiously. "I can feel them coming soon...and the spirits will be ready."

"Then we wait and reveal all they need to know," the leader replied. "For now, we must focus on task on making sure we prolong the last remnants of the Great Power from being disturbed from their slumber. The Emissary is running on borrowed time and their resources are squandering with each passing day. Should they unlock what we denied them long ago...I'm afraid the world will descend into chaos."

January 18th, 2009

12:45 p.m

Reefside, CA

With everything that was going on the last few weeks in Angel Grove, there was no way Jason would ignore a request from his best friend. Given that things were heating up in Angel Grove, ironically the key to their salvation to survive the impending mayhem descending upon their city was located nearly two hours away. It was a full out morning of playing round robin telephone with the gang to get them to take the two hour drive to Reefside.

Something was starting up in Angel Grove and a series of intercepting lines put the original veteran Rangers along the same path. It was lunchtime when Tommy was already flanked with the arrival of his friends and their families at his house. Given that his friends took time to make the drive down to Reefside, Tommy hosted a Sunday barbecue with both his former Ranger team, Hayley and the original Power Rangers.

Trent and Kira flew in for a last minute visit to Reefside from Berkley in San Francisco but were due to fly out later on in the evening. Hearing from Connor and Ethan about the latest intel of activity in both Angel Grove and Reefside informed Tommy they will be at his place.

Hayley took care of the cooking with the help of Rocky and Aisha to lessen Tommy's stress of prepping everything while looking after Amelia. Each of the Rangers, new or old each had their own intentions of coming whether if it was for Zack to find a means to help cope over the loss of his cousin Curtis; or Rocky and Aisha celebrating one step being closer to fully adopting Bianca and Robbie, or Jason and Kat's kids enjoying paying another visit to their honorary cousin Amelia.

After awhile later, Tommy called everyone to attention; it was time. Earlier that morning, Tommy had a discussion with his former team and Hayley before the arrival of his friends. They have done their best to convince him that everything was going to be okay. He never imagine that the threat of the ominous organization that pulled the strings behind their enemies nearly five years ago was doing the same thing in a city he once called home. Nevertheless, he felt a pit growing at the bottom of his stomach as he addressed his fellow members of the Ranger legacy.

"I'm glad you guys could make it and that everyone is having a great time, especially our children over there." Tommy slightly smiled, glancing at Henry, who got a stern look from his father.

"Seriously come on son," Jason gently scolded his son and the twins after they inadvertently plucked out flowers from Tommy's garden. Kat sighed but let out a slight chuckle at how sometimes her brood of children's mischievous antics rattled their father. "We'll talk about the tab later bro."

"Why is everyone looking at me?" Kat smiled. "I already set my quota for four children under six years of age already. Anyone want to rent our brood for the weekend is more than welcome."

"Our local breeder's brood of children sure make our get together more colorful," Tommy said jokingly. "Especially when they leave at the end of the night with at least one souvenir from their Uncle Tommy's place." However, he paused for a moment before getting down to business. "Anyways, there's a big development since we last all were together before the holidays."

"Are you telling everybody about what happened at Thanksgiving Uncle Tommy?" Henry commented much to the surprise of his parents and the rest of the group. "That time when Amelia disappeared in the forest?"

"I went in the forest at Thanksgiving?" Amelia asked Henry as Bianca and Robbie nodded their heads. "Why would I go in the forest by myself when daddy says I can't go in the forest alone? Did I do something wrong daddy?"

"Everybody had to look for you because you got lost and we all got worried and then..." Before Henry could finish Jason gently took his son aside telling him to stop interrupting his uncle. The adults were momentarily distracted by the children's little discussion about the events of Thanksgiving as Jason and Kat mouthed an apology to their son's godfather after getting a lecture about interruptions. "...Okay dad I won't interrupt Uncle Tommy again."

"It must be the reason why I started drawing all those colorful pictures," Amelia inquired. "Is that when I started drawing all those pictures like the weird person in red or your toy puzzle? Was it also the reason I drew pictures of all those people in Angel Grove who got attacked by the red clothed person?"

"Wait a minute, did Amelia draw a picture of what happened to Curtis?" Zack asked curiously.

"Okay before I continue I will point out threes things: first address is to Henry. Don't worry buddy you're not in trouble for interrupting me." Tommy reassured his godson and then turned to his daughter. "Second, yes Amelia something happened during Thanksgiving in the forest. I promise we'll talk about it later when daddy finishes. Third as for Zack, yes Amelia's been drawing again things that already happened but I will explain everything in due time. Okay, with that out of the way let's get back to business. when I said there was a big development since Thanksgiving it has to do with the trinkets we got from the Ninja Storm team before we sent them off grid."

"So you guys are aware we were left with three objects in our possession: a scroll; some weird ancient book and a cryptex. We found out the scroll is in fact a tapestry map that is incomplete since there is a portion of it missing." Tommy continued. "The book left by Cam and Dustin if my theory is correct or not looks like documented early works of the first wielders of the Ninjetti powers. The third which is the cryptex was specifically designed to be unlocked by me for reasons unknown and then it happened."

"Did you unlock the cryptex?" Jason asked his best friend. "Tell me that little mechanical word puzzle wasn't a bomb or something?"

"No it wasn't anything life threatening," Tommy said looking at Amelia and the other children. "Actually, my daughter's drawing episodes were the reason why I was able to unlock the cryptex and find out what was inside. It's the other missing piece of the scroll that completed the map and guys, I know exactly where to find it: near the waterfall out in the forest. Those trinkets were trump cards from the Garrison to us in order to fight this war."

"You mean "their war" against this Emissary? So something is hidden here in Reefside that the Garrison wants us to find." Adam replied. "The question is what is it?"

"A way to restore and revive our Ninjetti Powers," Tommy said. "What I'm saying is there is more than one Ninjetti Temple besides the one on Phaedos. According to the ancient book there were rumors of several temples set up all over the galaxy to safeguard them under the protection of the Garrison. Coming to understand why the Garrison knew so much about the Ninjetti and the Great Power it was because in any shape or form throughout time they had one purpose. They were the personal army with the mission to protect the Ninjetti and the Great Power. If what this map is saying is true we may have found the last hidden Ninjetti temple here in Reefside."

"Are you saying that the Garrison has been on our side all this time?" Rocky asked. "Do you think it was possible that somehow either Zordon, Ninjor or even Dulcea knew of their existence? How could we have not known about them just like this Emissary as well?"

"How could we have not known Rocky because it was their intentions to make sure they kept their existence masked from the world and us," Tommy said. "If there was evidence of the Garrison's presence and where their allegiance stood look to the Ninja Storm Rangers or Sasha Gideon. I honestly don't know how long the Garrison has been around and just thinking about them and their impact on my life for almost 20 years of my life weaved a chain of events I'm trying to piece together."

"Okay so suppose the Garrison's mission is to be the army for the Ninjetti but why put you through all of this over the years?" Jason asked sincerely. "We understand just hearing you and Kim talk about Quinn and the Garrison just how much of an impact they had on you both. We never realized just how deep that impact ran. So the question is now this, what is the next move?"

"I want to fight this war and finish what was started nearly five years ago." Tommy said in a somber voice. "There have been one too many shadows in my past I have tried to keep at bay. You try your hardest to stay in the light and fend off the looming darkness on the horizon, but then it you find out too late it still lurks. I hate that the shadows of my past are making their presence known and it's trying to take away the flickering light I got left that keeps me living. It's why you guys need to know about it, the shadows I have kept locked away for nearly two decades, to understand how it has slowly consumed me for years and the fight I endure each day to keep it at bay."

The mood in Tommy's backyard immediately turned somber, and they saw Tommy form a pensive look. Tommy's eyes filled with tears. Yes, he did what he accomplished to be upfront about his fears and his experience with the Garrison and Emissary's war. His friends saw the toll living with the memories of his past took on him and how these experiences impacted his life. The one thing Tommy never wished upon anyone he cared about in his life was to be another victim roped into paying for the sins of his past.

"Listen to us Tommy, it wasn't your fault what happened to you in the past. Hell, you shouldn't be burden with the guilt of letting yourself think you had something to do with Kimberly's death. What happened was a series of unfortunate events no one, not even you had control over." Trini replied.

"I have to agree with Trini on that one Tommy. We know how much you want answers after almost five years of not knowing." Kat said. "Those shadows in your past can't dictate your future and they sure as hell don't determine your fate or those of your family and friends."

"Well what do we do then? Do we wait for another innocent bystander to end up in a body bag?" Tommy asked. "Something is starting up and we can't ignore it anymore."

"Based on Sasha Gideon's testimony there is something amiss going on in Angel Grove over the years," Billy said. "If what Tommy says is true about this hidden temple that can restore our powers, we'll take the risk if it gives us a chance to fend off the threat looming in our city. She kept going on about wiping the ledger clean of the blood of all the people who became victims for the benefit of the Emissary. However, we can't march into a hornet's nest without the proper artillery."

"We barely knew we had people watching our backs who had questionable motives of how they fulfilled their missions." Justin said. "People like Sasha, or a Power Ranger team who unconsciously were training recruits to be part of our so called personal army. Their dying aren't they, the Garrison because they're being hunted down?"

"It's because we have a bigger role to play than they do," Tanya said. "They need us to stay alive and on the front lines of the war."

"Which is why we're not going to waste anymore time," Tommy said, as he noticed most of the group was done eating. "When we all finish, we need to all go in the basement and gather all the information we know the last couple of months and confirm it. If that map I pieced together is correct then the hidden temple is nearby and we just basically found the last remains of the Ninjetti kingdom. We need to be ready to pull the curtain and find out which face the Emissary is hiding behind though my gut tells me I, no we know where the Emissary have set up shop."

There was no denying Tommy was making no excuses to confirm his friends' suspicions of the source of the trouble in Angel Grove the last couple of months. Times like this on rare occasions he wished for Quinn to spontaneously reappear unexpectedly to shine some light on the latest news of the warfront. Tommy assumes that wherever his old camp counselor is he must be satisfied to have finally gotten Tommy's cooperation into joining the war front although it wasn't by choice. For Tommy, with his friends involved in the impending chaos he was only part of it to simply get retribution for what this plight has done to him and Kimberly over the years.

Two hours later...

"Based on all the information Sasha collected along with the stuff she hid in safety deposit boxes and storage units in Reefside it's all legitimate." Billy confirmed with the group about the intel he received from the former senior partner. "The ledger she was talking about were a list of subcontracts that were primarily hired by Rideau Circle."

"Everything she gathered ranged from contracts and investment portfolios that were either rejected or approved and she got transcripts from the initial construction investment portfolios Weyland Co attempted to procure in Angel Grove." Tommy added. "The dates match the records I picked from Anton at Mercer Industries. Plus, Weyland Co commission the construction of Rideau Circle's new head office right in Angel Grove. They hired an architecture company to design the layout of the building: Bridgeway Custom Design Firm."

"Bridgeway Customs?! Oh man it makes sense now," Zack said sighing in disbelief revealing a shocking revelation about Curtis' death. "Guys, Bridgeway was the architecture company Curtis worked for."

"Zack, buddy I'm sorry to hear about that," Tommy replied putting a hand on his friend's shoulder for comfort. "I know you're still struggling with Curtis' death and stuff."

"It's okay I know it's going to be rough for the next few weeks and I'm going to grieve for awhile. However, if being here and being part of this campaign to stop these guys will get me justice for Curtis' death then so be it." Zack said sternly. "So now we know how Curtis' death somehow fits into all of this. The contract my cousin was talking about...he...he was the head architect for the project to design Rideau Circle. I guess that's why that scarlet wearing fighter wanted to kill him. Unfortunately Curtis pulled the trigger on himself before that bastard could pierce him with a sword."

"Scarlet wearing fighter?" Jason asked shockingly. "Did...did this person wield a pair of twin swords?"

"That sword wielding asshole bested all three of us like we were nothing," Adam confirmed. "And literally tore through our dojo that night Curtis died."

"Then we got an even bigger problem," Justin added looking concern. "You guys weren't the only ones to encounter our scarlet wearing foe. I don't know how to describe his or her fighting style but it was swift, precise, sharp and cold with a killer edge. It was as if this person showed no sign of emotion or hesitation. They...were the ones that killed Sasha and maybe assuming..."

"Must of dispatch of members of the Emissary," Tommy said in awe. "Looks like the Emissary got themselves a hit man. I may have never encountered this scarlet wearing fighter you guys are talking about, but I know what we're up against. That thing...it haunted my dreams for years and as a child I heard stories about it which makes me more determine to now confront it head on."

"Was this one of Quinn's campfire stories he used to tell you and Kim as children?" Rocky asked.

"Yeah and it was the one thing the Garrison spent years trying to make sure wasn't activated by the Emissary," Tommy said worried. He had a feeling of mixed emotions wishing that sometimes Quinn's campfire stories were nothing more than tall tales. His wife sacrificed her life nearly five years ago to make sure the Emissary's ultimate weapon wouldn't become a threat to the Earth and he feels that Kim's sacrifice proved to be futile. They were determined to get a hold of her five years ago for their evil purposes, but what if instead some poor innocent sucker's life was forfeited instead in Kim's place? "God damnit you son of a bitch why did you have to be right?"

"Exactly what are we dealing with?" Tanya asked. "Tommy, what is it?"

"We need to work fast to find that hidden temple if we stand a chance of going one round with it," Tommy muttered in disdained. "That thing you encountered...it's called The Scarlet Sovereign and it serves as the Emissary's ultimate weapon. The Garrison...they spent years trying to keep it off the streets and out of the clutches of the Emissary. Five years ago they attempted to activate one...but it never happened because Quinn made sure they put a stop to it by any means necessary."

"By any means necessary you're talking about that mission you, Kim and the Dino Rangers went on nearly five years ago?' Kat asked as Tommy took a deep breath. This was the one secret he took the full burden on, the truth behind Kimberly's fate and the cost to prevent an ill fate from being fulfilled. He despised Quinn for that revelation that literally altered their lives those last fate days of his crane's life. It was the burden that has haunted him since and one he couldn't dump on those who meant the world to his soulmate and wife.

"Yeah Kat...Quinn ended up putting an arrow through the heart of a kid that was destined to be the Scarlet Sovereign," Tommy said with reluctance. "But maybe...maybe it's possible they were able to find another poor innocent soul to activate as the Scarlet Sovereign. I literally thought Quinn's stories he used to tell us as kids were nothing but campfire stories. He literally spewed a load of ancient, mystical and mythical tall tales I never imagine would be true. I was skeptical at first about this war between the Garrison and the Emissary. It wasn't until a few years back me, Kim and our team unwillingly found ourselves dragged into the mix things got real."

"Well this time we're ready and Tommy...you're not going alone," Jason said with reassurance as the others nodded and looked at his best friend. "We may not know the mystery as to why these two factions want to tear each other apart or how we fit into all of this. All we know is something is about to go down and if finding a way to somehow get our powers back is the key to solving the mystery behind all of this, we're with you. As a wise woman once used to say: consequences be damned. We either go big or go home."

"I say we fire up this scanner for old time sake and maybe by the end of today, we'll find what we're looking for." Tommy said as they got to work with the hope that by the end of today fortune will be in their favor.

Somewhere in Angel Grove...

"I'M TIRED OF YOUR PERSISTENT REFUSAL YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Dalia screamed as she ordered her minions to restrain her prisoner once again. However, she knew how hard headed and stubborn her adversary after going at it for over four thousand years. "WHY BE A BANE ON OUR SIDE WHEN YOUR ORDER CRUMBLES EACH DAY?"

"Sweetie, you know how this same old song and dance goes," Quinn smirked despite the torture he has endured these last few weeks at the hands of the Emissary.

"You have driven my patience for far too long Quinn!" Dalia screamed. "No matter how many of you Garrison we put in the ground, somehow you little insects find means to agitate us. So I ask you again, tell me what I need to know?"

"We aren't obviously getting anywhere with this one Dalia." Pan warned. "Besides, shouldn't we worry about the little development in the other township away."

"There is nothing we can do to stop that one from happening." Thea replied reluctantly. "Somehow, these fools made sure we didn't interfere and the spirits from beyond the void are answering the call. The connection...it's being restored once more which is why we are running on borrowed time. What are you smirking about?"

"Nothing except that's about the most intelligent thing I have heard in weeks." Quinn muttered mocking the Emissary. However, his eyes were directed towards the silent figure standing off side, the Scarlet Sovereign. "You know what's to come next don't you Dalia?"

Quinn watched as the expressionless and emotionless weapon of his enemies removed the hood. There was a pang of guilt, regret and worry that the longtime member of the Garrison felt, but couldn't fully display it. The hand of fate and destiny dealt unexpected cards to play on the table and for Quinn, he never imagine that the deck had been reshuffled to deal hands of the unknown.

"Seems like we showed your our hand, you show us yours." Balor interjected in a threatening tone.

"So...you finally activated it after all these years, congratulations I must applaud your tenacity and resilient pursuits." Quinn said looking at the Scarlet Sovereign. "I'm not going to ask how you did it except that you bastards once again angered the spirits for the same reason your asses all got booted out years ago. You may have the Scarlet Sovereign and we have failed to keep it off the streets, but don't count on keeping the beating heartbeat in the void silent. It will only get louder and louder until the fire runs rampant and untamed...and it's not going to burn what you people desire for. You know who's coming and believe me, the one true lord of the skies will be unleashed."

Taking a calculated deep breath, Quinn bent his wrist and looked at the shackles restrained around him. In one swift motion, a loud popping crack sound of a bone snapping was heard as Quinn intentionally broken his own wrist and slipped out of the restraints. His left hand looked like it was angled in a disfigured manner due to the fractured inflicted wound he administered. With his one good hand still functioning, Quinn took out his adversaries in a brutal and violent matter that one could not describe.

With either a few of his captors bleeding from injuries or a few of their henchmen missing limbs or dead from extensive wounds from his weapon, Quinn made his escape with the pillars of the Emissary in pursuit. However, anticipating their attempts to divert his escape, Quinn temporarily took out the patrol and exited their hideout disappearing into the busy streets of Angel Grove city undetected.

5:00 p.m

The Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

"I never expected that those nature trails and the forest outside of Dr. O's house would somehow be of critical and essential use to us," Connor said as he along with the former Dino Rangers and Hayley were left on babysitting duty while Tommy and the others headed out into the woods.

"Do you think it was coincidence that over two months ago some mystical power lured Amelia out there?" Kira asked. "It was as if some mythical energy wanted them out there to seek it out."

"And now Dr. O and the rest of the original Rangers are out in those woods to find it," Ethan replied.

"The Emissary could have set up shop easily in Reefside, but instead they chose to set up shop in Angel Grove," Trent said. "The home of the original Power Rangers. Five years ago they wrecked havoc on our town, but something kept them out."

"Maybe it's this power source Tommy and the others are combing the woods for," Hayley said. "Those guys wouldn't have aligned themselves with Mesogog for no apparent reason. The agents of the Garrison had every intention of all their cryptic actions unless if it was for a greater good. It would have made sense to set up shop in the city that is ground zero for their war, but as they say not everything is what it seems. Angel Grove and Reefside are fairly two hours away from each other but maybe hiding this last place of sanctuary was crucial and they had to hide it in plain sight away from prying eyes...and close to the person destined to unlock it."

Hayley's statement gave the former Dino Rangers a food for thought about the current situation. It was obvious that Angel Grove was being prepped up for ground zero in the war between the Garrison and the Emissary and that there was something of great value hidden beneath the city. It would have made sense to set up a base of operations in Angel Grove instead of hiding the base in Reefside. There was a connection between the two cities and the prominent coincidence of hidden secrets beneath the depths. They were sensitive on the topic of fate and destiny but maybe it was intentional to hide the last line of defense against the Emissary away from prying eyes.

"Don't worry they'll find what they're looking for," Amelia said as she and the other children were occupied with some arts and crafts. "Daddy and his friends have some old friends waiting for them because it's their job to save the kingdom. Just like in the story...the kingdom will rise again under a new ruler and order."

"Yeah you should what Amelia is drawing: it's like a storybook coming to life." Henry smiled showing the adults the picture Amelia finished drawing. "She's like a magician and says her pictures come true and they happen like magic."

Hayley looked at the picture and studied very carefully and looked perplexed at Amelia. Tommy said that Amelia's drawing somehow had the ability to see things that either already happened, or are about to happen as if her drawings are windows to the past, present and future. She was able to draw interpretations of the dreams of other people, including her father's dreams wondering if the little girl had a mysterious ability no one knew about. It made her question there was more to Amelia Oliver than meets the eye and the young girl was definitely not like most normal six year old children.

Somewhere in the Forest

Reefside, CA

The last remnants of daylight was fading as the group of eleven used the map they reconstructed back to waterfall they last visited almost two months ago. However, this time Tommy sensed an aura of power that felt familiar; mystical and for some reason synchronized with the power surging inside of him. For the original wielders of the Ninjetti powers, the aura surrounding the area felt distinguished and familiar with them bringing back memories of their first trek to the Ninjetti Temple on Phaedos.

It was odd that the sensation the original five Ninjetti felt back on Phaedos years ago extended beyond the Ninjetti Temple off planet, but it felt like they were following the same path they once embarked upon. For Tommy, he felt his falcon Brennan calling to him, beckoning him to venture further noticing what looked like an entrance to a small cave behind the waterfall. For someone who had heightened senses, combining them with his Ninjetti powers somehow doubled the capabilities as the aura surrounding the place became stronger. For the other six of the group, this was an eye opening experience and their first time witnessing the mysticism of the ancient Ninjetti powers.

"It's almost like...you can touch the power, feel the animal spirits calling to you." Trini said.

"Then for the benefit of the Garrison, keeping this location hidden for centuries was critical for them. The way Sasha Gideon talked about the sacrifices made those people to keep us alive to find this place," Billy added. "It's as if this area itself sensed our presence and came to life knowing we're of great importance."

"Which is why the cryptex finally opened after unlocking the code." Tommy replied as they reached a dead end tunnel inside the waterfall cave. However, Tommy put his hand to the cave wall and felt something mystical beyond the wall. He could hear a slight sensation of a flow of water but he couldn't detect where or the source the water flow was being directed to. However, the lack of light turned out to be a downside when Tommy collided into what he thought was a boulder. "Gosh I didn't see that boulder there."

"Can you feel it dear falcon? The last sanctuary awaits the keys to the kingdom to unlock it. Only a true ruler of the skies can guide the court to the kingdom." A heavily accented voice said. Instantaneously, the group whipped around to see where the voice came from, but spotted nothing. Ironically, Justin drew the group's attention to the boulder Tommy collided into moments ago.

"Tommy, that boulder, I don't think it's a rock, but it looks more like an altar." Justin said as Tommy asked the guys for some more light to shine on the boulder. Kat, carrying one of the three flashlights that was available and working saw that the boulder looked like an altar with twelve holders on it. The altar was carved with etchings of ancient writing and carrying with them the map and the book needed to figure the next course of action.

"Hey Kitty-Kat, can you shine your flashlight over the altar?" Jason asked as Kat focused the light on the altar. Tanya and Trini held the other flashlights to provide some light in the darken cave. Tanya noticed there was something carved on the wall that looked like an inscription. "Tanya, what is it?"

"I'm not sure what it is but it looks like an inscription I can't really make out the translation." Tanya said.

"Something tells me this altar might be some weird ancient ritual device to open up whatever the heck is beyond this wall." Tommy said examining the altar. "Twelve round holders, I guess it's for each of us to activate this thing..." Taking the book from Billy's possession, Tommy reexamined it page by page to see if there was anything he was missing in its contents. The book itself looked ancient and the pages were made with delicate material and he was trying to see if there was anything missing. He turned to the middle of the book and felt the texture of the pages slightly thicker in this section of the book. "The texture of the pages in the middle are slightly thicker..."

"Tommy what is it?" Rocky asked watching Tommy examine the book thoroughly until he felt something beyond the binding pages. The center page of the book revealed a hidden compartment in the page as it page unlocked what looked liked twelve round medallion objects, each with a different symbol on it. "I guess the book does have its secrets does it?"

"Okay everyone grab one and put it into the holders. Let's see what this thing does, maybe we'll find ourselves the chocolate factory." Tommy instructed his friends slightly joking. "For the record, let's see what Willy Wonka has in store for us and see where our little golden tickets get us into."

"I doubt it will lead us to an assembly where candy is made or see Oompa Loompas singing and dancing. Instead, I guess we're probably going to be treated to a light and magic show?" Adam asked as each of them grabbed a medallion and placed it in each of the holes on the altar. As all twelve medallions were in place, the wall began to glow as the medallions glowed in a series of multi-colored lights causing the cave to shine bright. The medallions were in place at the altar as the wall started glowing in sync with the altar.

"Wait...wait can you hear it? Listen carefully guys." Tommy asked the others as he thought he heard the faint sounds of animal spirits calling. Unfortunately, his friends couldn't hear it but Tommy swore he was hearing something beyond the wall in the cave and focused on the glowing symbols and the altar. Going on pure instinct, he figured the altar itself was some sort of device to gain access and instructed each of his friends to press down on the medallions each of them inserted into the altar matching the symbols on the wall.

One by one, each of the group pressed down on the medallions trigger a sudden reaction from the altar as the faint sounds Tommy heard got louder. It was as if the spirits were echoing what sounded like a majestic melody until Tommy ended things by pressing down on the last two medallions into the altar. Soon, twelve streaks of lights surged through the bodies of the original Rangers as each of them gasped in shock as they all felt a stinging sensation pass through them. They all looked down and felt a sting on their wrists as each of them looked in shock seeing that each of them possessed a strange mark matching the symbols on the medallions they inserted onto the altar.

The wall glowed to reveal a hidden stone door being etched as it split open revealing an opening. Still rubbing their wrists from the branding sensation moments ago, Tommy led the group through the newly discovered passage only to discover a small pool of water. There was nowhere else to venture but they noticed something odd about the small pool. The water was clear and not shallow or deep to swim, but Tommy's instincts and senses kicked in when he dived into the pool. However to the group's shock, their leader failed to emerge from the water.

"Tommy?! Tommy?!" the others yelled as Tommy suddenly vanished the second he dived into the pool. "Where did he go?"

"Something tells me this is not your ordinary pool of water, but my gut tells me it may lead us to Tommy." Jason replied with unease and looked to the others.

"You're seriously thinking about diving into the vanishing pool of water?" Aisha asked.

"We got no choice, but I'm going in after my best friend." Jason said looking into the water. Feeling anxious and uneasy, Jason reluctantly dived into the water as the others followed suit one by one swimming to the bottom of the pool. They couldn't explain what happened next except that Jason soon reemerged out of the water, completely dry instead of soaking wet. Soon, the others emerged from the water completely dry as the group of ten looked around to find themselves near a seaside cliff with water and notice a sunset sky.

"Okay this scene feels eerily familiar." Adam stated in awe wondering if they stumbled upon a hidden oasis buried deep in Reefside. "Where exactly are we? Are we still in Reefside or what? And where the hell is Tommy?"

"Yeah there was no way I was venturing onward without backup." A voice replied as the others turned to find Tommy standing up at the cliffs. "It seems like history is repeating itself, a strange sense of deja vu. So...are you guys coming or what? I wish I knew where we are but the moment I dived into that water it felt like I was feeling...feeling like..."

"...The familiar sensation of teleporting?" Billy replied as Tommy led the group the rest of the way up the cliffs and across the top until they could no longer see the ocean, but instead saw what looked like the lands of an ancient kingdom. They didn't know where they were or if they were somehow transported to another dimension but wherever they were sure bared a striking resemblance to the landscape of Phaedos. At sunset they arrived at the highest point of the cliffs, where there were ruins of some castle or monastery, an ancient building which once held a great power.

"Okay this beyond surreal and this more than just an average trip down the rabbit hole." Zack said in awe.

"What is this place?" Kat asked.

"For some reason being here right now brings a calming sense of familiarity." Aisha said as they watched Tommy walk across the plateau to where the landscape below them was visible. "I'm guessing this is one of the many mysterious secrets the Garrison kept hidden for years, isn't it Tommy? We know over the years after we got our Ninjetti powers, somehow you and Kim access the full capabilities of your powers and do things beyond our limitations. Trust your instincts and your power because you know what this place is don't you?"

"I know it because I've seen it in my dreams, calling out to me to find it. This place is one of the last ancient ruins of the Ninjetti Temple hidden from time." Tommy looked out from across the plateau to the landscape of an ancient kingdom and castle below that was clearly visible. "There, beyond the land below lies one of the last remains of an ancient Ninjetti kingdom. That book mentioned eons ago kingdoms were establish across the universe to safeguard the essences of the Great Power of the universe. These kingdoms were ruled by those of the bloodline, chosen by Ninjetti to govern the land and ensure that the Great Power would never be desecrated by the banes of evil."

"We were led here for a reason besides going on a mission to attempt to regain our powers." Jason said.

"In a sense of things yeah it's more than just trying to get our powers back. A war is coming and right now we're the only thing standing between victory and defeat. I figured after spending over four years away from the frontlines one is not meant to forsaken fate and destiny, especially when it calls out to your from beyond the void. However, I know I can't do this alone and somehow this war has intertwined us all into it." Tommy explained. "This land calls us as if it our fealty to accept it and its power to protect the sanctity of the Great Power because when this war is over a new order is going to rise and restore this lost kingdom to what it once was."

"I see you understand the weight of the fealty laid upon you dear falcon. You now are beginning to understand the true strength of the sacred Ninjetti." A heavily accented voice said. The team whipped their heads around to see where the voice was coming from. A small smile formed on Tommy's face noticing the voice.

"Just like old times and all this time you been watching over us." Tommy said, pointing to a nearby rock where a small owl was sitting. It flew straight in front of the group and transformed into a tall, well-trained woman who looked young, but was an ancient being. They didn't recognize her, but Tommy recalled seeing her over six years ago as she was responsible for saving Tommy from his fate on Mercer Island. However, he looked beyond the unrecognizable woman's appearance, but couldn't hide her true identity from him.

"Nothing can never get pass the Winged Lord of the Skies can it? Even if we hide behind the faces of the Garrison, our true identities will always remain." Furthermore, the group heard a voice that caused the original Rangers' hairs stand on end and it was one they knew too well. They saw a stout man clothed in all white wearing a cloak as he pulled his hood back. He had a staff/wand in his right hand as the Rangers tried to come to grips with who was standing right in front of them.

"The Emissary they hide behind an array of masks to conceal their identities and their motives. They are a mysterious group with a dark and mystical origin that surrounds them. They have been around for eons and thousands of years committing unspeakable acts of evil. Like the Emissary, the Garrison has also long existed to battle their adversaries to protect the Great Power and the wielders destined to become part of the Ninjetti Order. They are govern by a mission to safeguard the Great Power of the universe so they recruit warriors to their cause in order to fight in this war. You call yourself Aria but even behind the mask the powers that be can't shield your true identity can it? That is mystery we can never answer about divine intervention from the powers that be." Tommy said. "We've...been the mission of the Garrison all this time haven't we Dulcea, Zordon?"

"Are you serious? The faces behind the Garrison has been Zordon this whole entire time?" Jason muttered in shock. "How have we been your mission this whole time?"

"This place, the last kingdom of the Ninjetti stands at a crossroads unless you prevent the integrity of the Great Power from being desecrated." Dulcea said as she looked across the plateau and at the ruins of the land below. "The Great Power extends beyond Phaedos and the sacred Ninjetti Temple and has ventured beyond the stars all across the universe. Here lies the last remnants of land destined to safeguard the greatest legacy from being tarnished by evil's bane. The spirits of the land called out to the one true ruler of the skies destined to bare the crown and the fealty to govern this kingdom. That oath and fealty...has been bestowed upon you by this land."

"I'm sorry oath and fealty, are you talking about these little brand marks we got?" Billy asked indicating the mark on his arm.

"Yes, the marks you all bare upon you are that of the ancient sacred spirits of the Ninjetti." Zordon interjected. "As the original wielders of the sacred animal spirits of the Ninjetti received the Great Power many years ago on Phaedos, upon entering the lost kingdom of the Ninjetti, the full fulfillment of the order's oath and fealty can now be complete. By receiving the blessing of the ancient spirits of the land the kingdom will prosper once again and reignite the Ninjetti Order. For years it has been the Garrison's mission to preserve the legacy of the Ninjetti Order and restore its kingdoms to safeguard the essences of the Great Power across the universe."

"Everything they did for us, the sacrifices they made was so we reach this place?" Tommy asked thinking about Quinn's story. "What Kim and I went through with Quinn years ago...was it...he's like one of you isn't he but who is behind the mask?"

"As someone once said everything is not what it seems to be." Dulcea said. "And Quinn will explain in due time should he escape his current predicament. Right now, as we stated we are at a crossroads and I believe that you have all embarked on a mission to this sacred place the Garrison has kept safeguarded for thousands of years."

"She is right time is of the essence and soon war will descend but I'm afraid the lurking shadow has made it's presence known." Zordon said.

"The Emissary they're on the move and activated their fabled the Scarlet Sovereign." Adam replied.

"We're here now and we came to fulfill our mission, the one the Garrison have fought for years in our name." Tommy said with determination. "We need help to finish what we started years ago."

"Like years ago back on Phaedos, we will now finally reignite the Ninjetti Order to answer their call. Upon this kingdom, we shall call upon the Ancient Sacred Animal Spirits of the Ninjetti for help and bestow upon your fealty and oath to protect the Great Power."