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.

25. The Legacy of Ninjetti

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 25 of the story. The Rangers' restore the strongest powers and order in the universe while being educated about the history of the origins of the impending battle up ahead.)

Chapter 25: The Legacy of Ninjetti

January 18th, 2009

Somewhere Outside of Angel Grove

It was ironic that no one didn't notice the gentleman walking the streets of Angel with a busted left wrist in a weird angled position because of the broken bone. They didn't pay attention to the various cuts, bruises, internal injuries or the dirty and ragged clothes he was covered in, but it was Quinn's specialty. Being part of the Garrison for over four thousand years he learned how to blend in and disappear from plain sight in front of his adversaries.

He made his way to the bus station evading any pursuing agents of the Emissary attempting to recapture him. Keeping his injuries discreet and concealed Quinn purchased a ticket out of the city to put some distance between him and his enemies. Unfortunately, he had to break the news to the rest of the Garrison that their casualty count is only climbing and that extracting any of their soldiers out in the front lines was becoming a mission all to itself.

The Garrison's sanctums were falling one by one and their armies dwindling by the numbers with each defeat of their forces. Hearing about the development that occurred in Reefside brought some hope in spite of their fleeting efforts. It brought satisfaction to know that Aria and the Garrison leader have led the Rangers to the long lost preserved secret the Garrison had guarded for over four thousand years.

He found himself outside a service station about forty-five minutes outside of the city of Stone Canyon. Quinn's thoughts dwell on Tommy and figured his former student unmasked the faces behind the Garrison. They were at a crossroads and the secrets of the Garrison began to unravel in order for the original Power Rangers to find out the full weight of what was at stake in this war. For years it was the Garrison's mission to safeguard the integrity of the Ninjetti Order and protect the core of the Great Power. Despite their questionable tactics and methods, everything they did, fought for, trained, lived and even sacrificed their lives for was in the name of the Ninjetti.

"Oh gosh you look like shit," Quinn heard his longtime comrade and ally Roxas said. "Was it necessary for you to be held as a POW so you can get behind enemy lines?"

"Do you question my loyalty and my tactics, old friend?" Quinn asked. "Besides, it's not my forte to constantly keep my sanctum on the move because the last I heard, our enemies were in pursuit of launching a full scale attack on our sanctum in the Cook Islands."

"Then let them come to a sanctum that they assumed is defenseless and deserted. Those bastards think they exterminated another sanctum when they are not aware that it has been abandoned for weeks." Roxas said with glee. "It was however crafty and creative imagination to create an illusion that the Cook Island sanctum was still inhabited and detected by the Emissary. That my friend is a lesson in the art of deception."

"You received my message?!" Quinn inquired. "The Garrison's brigade of the Cook Islands...where are they residing?"

"Redirected them to your little neck of the woods, Monument Valley. Word has also been sent to Jade and her sanctum in Panama they are on route and avoiding detection from Salazar's forces in the Caribbean." Roxas reported. "Aria and the boss...we know where they are right now. The sanctum in Thrace has already been cleared out by Aria. With the fall of the sanctums in Galway, Osaka and Guinea we are running out of reinforcements now that our recruitment center in Blue Bay Harbor is out of commission. It was a huge calculated risk to clear out the rest of the sanctums knowing the consequences at hand."

"Then I leave the sanctum of Monument Valley under your command for the time being, Roxas, both you and Jade." Quinn replied. "I need to be out on the frontlines when the heat turns up. By any means necessary ensure the survival of the Garrison and protect the Monument Valley sanctum. We still have a few small factions from the fallen sanctums out there in hiding and need our guidance. Felix and the Guinea sanctum were doing everything in their power to retrieve our lost brigades. However, he and his sanctum paid for it and we know whose responsible for that."

"Are you meaning to tell me you have...seen it?! The Scarlet Sovereign they have activated it?" Roxas asked worried. "Then you know what this means for all of us. It was what we feared and what we spent years preventing. Do...do they know who hides behind the mask?"

"That is why I need to be out there because those bastards unleashed something nobody isn't prepared for," Quinn said deep in thought. "I stared into the eyes of the Scarlet Sovereign and there was no recollection of the vessel it once housed. It's hard to tell if there is still a heartbeat and soul that can be reached beneath the shell. We may have fulfilled our mission in the name of the Ninjetti order and the Great Power. However, I fear that this only the beginning of an even bigger battle that is up ahead. One that is not intended for the faint of heart, but will test the very core of the Winged Lord of the Skies and the bloodline."

8:00 p.m

Reefside, CA

"Power Rangers, years ago your lives were forever changed when you accepted duty and the power to be the sworn protectors of Earth against the forces of evil that threaten your planet." A fire was built in the middle of the plateau, as Dulcea was preparing for the ritual and Zordon had the Rangers gather in a circle around it. In what appeared to be a stone basin, Dulcea ground some plants and small stones into fine powder. She took the powder into her hands and chanted before coming to stand alongside Zordon and the Rangers on the other side of the fire.

"Years ago, six of you journeyed to the planet Phaedos to seek out the Great Power and called upon the Sacred Ancient Animal Spirits of the Ninjetti to guide you through the next path of your journey. Now we have come full circle once again on these sacred hollow grounds to bestow the blessing of ancient spirits of the Great Power in our time of need. For four thousand years this sacred sanctuary, this kingdom of the Ninjetti has been safeguarded under the protection of the Garrsion, sworn to protect the chosen wielders of the Ninjetti and the heir apparent bloodline destined to rule and defend this land against the banes of evil that defile the name of the Great Power."

"The scared ancient spirits of the Great Power call upon you to reclaim your destinies, your fealty and fulfill the oath you were call upon to answer. The circle and the Ninjetti have now assembled upon these hollow grounds." For the original Ninjetti wielders it was deja vu again feeling their animal spirits calling out to them and assembling their other fellow spirits to bestow their blessing upon the newest members. Zordon stood to the side as Dulcea continued on with the ritual. "For the ones who wield the power years ago, let your animal spirits inside to help complete the circle. Let them guide the new initiates of the Ninjetti to release the animal spirits inside of them and accept the fealty and oath to join their brethren Ninjetti to make the circle whole. Close your eyes and look deep inside and reclaim your fealty and oath to the Great Power."

When the Rangers did as she bid, she blew the powder over the fire; the flames flared up, sending magic and power combined swirling all around them. The Rangers felt something deep inside them, a budding power at their bidding and that of the land grew stronger before it burst through them, the cries of their Animal Spirits mixing in the air. When they opened their eyes, they saw that they're no longer in their civilian clothes, but in the Ninjetti robes with the original wielders baring their same colors as from years ago along with the gold crest in the middle baring their respective animal spirits.

However, for the six new members of the Ninjetti they were astonished to find themselves in new robe colors. Jason was clothed in gold robe; Zack was wearing silver; Trini wearing orange robes; Kat wearing purple; Justin wearing green robes and Tanya wearing bronze robes. The six newest Ninjetti found satisfaction in the animal spirits crests in the middle of their new robes as Tommy and the others looked on with pride at their other friends. However, Tommy looked at his crest carefully and notice the intertwining of falcon and crane on the emblem. Zordon smiled seeing how far his Rangers have come over the years as he continued to observe Dulcea preside over the ritual.

"The circle is now complete and the ancient spirits have bestowed the Great Power and blessing upon the chosen order and this land." Dulcea said. "To the newest wielders of the Ninjetti please step forward and accept your fealty and oath to defend and guard the last kingdom of the Ninjetti." She picked up her staff and walked around the fire as the six newest Ninjetti stepped forward stood in front of Justin.

"Justin Stewart, you are the Green Dolphin, innocent and joyful." She moved on to Tanya, going from Ranger to Ranger down the line.

"Tanya Sloan, noble and loyal. You are the Bronze Lion."

"Zachary Taylor, smooth and swift. You are the quick Silver Panther."

"Trini Kwan, gentle of heart and strong willed. You are the Orange Tiger."

"Katherine Scott, bold and clever. You are the soaring Purple Eagle."

"Jason? Jason, what's the matter?" Jason had that puzzling look on his face noticing his animal spirit wondering if it was coincidence or random luck.

"It seems like a stroke of luck I got stuck with the animal spirit that was once my Thunder Zord and my best friend's original Zord." Jason replied slightly chuckling.

"Indeed you are the Golden Dragon, Jason Scott. Despite luck as you call it, your animal spirit is fearless and mighty." That earned her a smile as Jason perked up. She then called forward the rest of the Rangers to step forward and stood in front of Aisha.

"Aisha, once again you have reunited with the fierce and unstoppable spirit of the Bear." She moved on to Rocky, going down to the veteran Ninjetti one by one.

"Dear Rocky, despite mere perceptions the smart and powerful spirit of the Ape remains within you."

"Billy, the cunning and stealthy spirit of the Wolf runs side by side with its intelligent human companion."

"Adam? I see things have changed over time."

"Wasn't pleased with my spirit at first, but I've grown to accept it over the years." Adam said with a smile.

"Despite it's small stature, the clever and courageous spirit of the Frog holds true to its name." Dulcea nodded with a smile to Adam before lastly standing in front of Tommy.

"Dearest Tommy, our Falcon and Winged Lord of the Skies. Your spirit has endured many trials and tribulations over the years alongside your mate and pink princess, the agile Crane and Winged Lady of the Skies. The spirit of the Falcon and Crane forever remains unbowed, unbent and unbroken from deep within the light and shadows that loom in the distance. It is destiny and fate that the sacred ancient animal spirits, the Falcon and the Crane, the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies chose its respective mates in two people whose love knows no boundaries and doesn't yield to forces beyond their control." She said as Tommy stared at crest with a heavy heart.

"And yet my agile Crane, my Winged Lady of the Skies is no longer by her falcon's side to soar with him." Tommy said with a heavy spirit.

"Maybe so, but it does not mean the legacy of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies ends for the spirit of both the falcon and the crane remains alive within you and the defender that bridges the legacy of the Falcon and Crane. The order of the Ninjetti remains alive and thriving under the leadership of the one true Winged Lord of the Skies. It is the call for you to bare the crown of destiny to govern the last kingdom of this sacred order and protect the Great Power. The fate of the Ninjetti and this kingdom depends on it for you to truly reclaim your fealty and bring back the beating heart and soul back to the kingdom." Dulcea said. "It is why you are here, why you have all come."

"So the spirit of the Falcon and the Crane, the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies...I'm the protector of the power?" Tommy asked looking at his friends and then looking at Dulcea and Zordon. He looked at his crest once more and spoke up. "You said the spirit of the Crane remains in tact although its chosen human mate is no longer alive. The defender that bridges the legacy of the Falcon and Crane. Are you talking about Amelia? Is it our daughter you're talking about?"

"She is why the spirit of the Crane still beats and also you, but your daughter bridges together the past, present and future of The Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The bloodline and the heir apparent, there is a power beginning to awaken and I'm sure you have seen it Tommy." Zordon interjected. "It has been the very core of what the Garrison has fought for many years to protect, the bloodline and heir apparent of the Ninjetti. This land, it beats now that the bloodline has returned and the Ancient Scared Animal Spirits of the Ninjetti have bestowed its blessings and power upon their chosen wielders and council to defend its legacy."

"Wait a minute, this bloodline you're talking about? The bloodline of the Winged Lord and Ladies of the Skies, the Falcon and Crane..." Tommy's hands clenched into fists and tears came into his eyes. Years after their first excursion to Phaedos, Tommy and Kimberly learned first hand about the tales of the Falcon and the Crane. It was no surprise that there was a strong connection they had to each other and their animal spirits. They pondered over the mystery as to why the Falcon and the Crane were referred to as the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies over the Ninjetti. The implications started sinking into Tommy realizing the prominence of his power and the impact it came with.

"Myself, our daughter and Kimberly...we're the bloodline of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the Falcon and the Crane?!" Tommy murmured. The others noticed the tension and emotions going through Tommy's mind. Most of them were wondering if somehow over the years with their friends' interactions with Quinn he was somehow hinting to Tommy and also Kimberly about their destinies. Tommy made the decision to unlock the Garrison's secret with his friends know full well he had to confront the knowledge of his fate and destiny and the consequences that awaited him in the long road. "Tell us, how did the Garrison came to the mission of protecting the Ninjetti?"

"The Garrison have existed in many forms and their internal war against the Emissary has been documented across the universe. For many eons, the war between the Garrison and the Emissary have taken many shapes and forms, but in the end the internal conflict have left a plague of destruction and death in its wake." Zordon explained as the group listened. "For many years the Garrison has dedicated its mission to protect the ancient order of the Ninjetti and the Great Power. The order of the Ninjetti have been around since the very beginning; when the universe first came into existence alongside the Great Power. To understand the mission at hand, you first must understand the factors that have contributed to it. You all are here for a reason, especially you, White Falcon. It is to understand a destiny and fate you are coming to accept and one that have lingered throughout your life. Although what you will hear may bare a heavy weight along with the title and fealty to fulfill an oath, you must know Tommy that this has been your calling all this time. With your friends already swearing their fealty and oath to the Ninjetti and to yield to their Winged Lord of the Skies, we ask you, are you ready to accept your true claim and fealty to embark on this mission?"

"I can't run from my fate or destiny any longer because I know what I have to do. We came here for a reason because there is a war coming and a mission we need to complete. The Garrison led us here to reclaim the Ninjetti powers and by doing so, reigniting the Ninjetti Order they sworn fealty to. If I have to face the full weight of my destiny head on, then I understand...and accept it willingly to protect the ones I love the most and the legacy with it." Tommy said looking at his friends as Dulcea and Zordon began their story.

9:00 p.m

Oliver Residence

Back at the Oliver Residence, about four hours passed since Tommy and the rest of the original Rangers headed out into the forest. Hayley and the rest of the former Dino Thunder Rangers hoped nothing bad happened to their former mentor or the rest of the veterans, especially with the kids worrying over their parents.

The group thought there was enough time spent down in the lab waiting around for Tommy and the others to return from their quest. Also, Jason and Kat's kids displayed their playful mischievous sides by constantly playing around with the computer equipment, much to Hayley's dismay. In addition, adding three more kids' curiosity on how specialized high-tech equipment worked proved to be a handful. At Kira's suggestion, they headed all back upstairs to the living room after Hayley got everything back under control in the lab and also to prevent anymore mischievous youngster hands from laying another finger on their equipment.

"Oh why can't we stay downstairs with all the special computers like in Batman's cave on TV?" Robbie asked.

"Because apparently a little six year ringleader loves to cause mischief and pressure his group of friends to join in the fun." Hayley said suspiciously eyeing Henry.

"What I didn't know that big red button will make a really loud sound," Henry replied innocently. "I wanted to see what it does and Amelia said there's a big red button."

"Yeah if you already learned how to read the words emergency underneath the button." Ethan said scolding the kid. "Hey kid, do you and your siblings tend to be mischievous when your mom and dad aren't around?"

"There's four of us in our family. Mommy and daddy always have to keep watch on us." Henry simply stated. "But mostly, I think I'm a good kid most of the time."

"I don't think my brother and I were this much of a problem for our folks when we were Henry's age," Conner commented watching the children. Bianca came up to the group and tugged on Connor's shirt. "Hey Bianca, is everything alright?"

"I hope Auntie Aisha and Uncle Rocky are okay," Bianca said looking out the window. "They been gone for hours with their friends to go on their secret mission." She then looked at Amelia who also stared out the window. "Hey Amelia, are you worried about your daddy?"

"I know my daddy and everybody else will be okay. They have to be because our parents are superheroes with special powers," Amelia said reassuring her friends. "That's what makes them really cool because they fight the bad guys and save the world like superheroes on TV like Iron Man, Batman, Superman, the X-Men and so on. They told us they had to go on a secret mission in order to fight the bad guys once again. Remember, our parents are the Power Rangers."

"When will mommy and daddy be back?" Olivia and Matthew asked.

"They'll be back soon don't worry guys." Trent reassured the kids. "And Amelia is right, your parents will be okay because they're Power Rangers. They do what they have to do to fight the bad guys and save the world. Believe us, we know what it's like to fight bad guys back in the day."

"It's cool having my mommy and daddy as Power Rangers, but I hope they are okay." Henry said sincerely. "I don't want anything bad to happen to them."

"Me too because I hope my daddy comes home safe. He always tell me that Power Rangers are real and that there are a lot of Power Ranger teams that fight all over the world in different cities whenever we see them on the news." Amelia said smiling. "He used to say even my mommy used to be a Power Ranger too and fought bad guys alongside daddy and you guys. However, we can't let anyone know they're the Power Rangers in order to protect their secret identities. Sometimes, he says there is a lot of action that happens when they become Power Rangers. Do you guys have any stories about what it's like being superheroes?"

9:30 p.m

Somewhere in Reefside

"As many of you know, the Ninjetti are an ancient order of warriors sworn to protect the light. We have been around since the very beginning; when the universe came into existence. I am sure it has become knowledge that humans are not the only intelligence beings in the universe, nor that Earth is not the only planet they reside." The Rangers didn't falter at the beginning of Dulcea's story confirming what they learned long ago, or suspected as much. "The Ninjetti was once a civilization of it's own; comprised of beings from nearly all intelligent species in the universe. We were spread far and wide, going wherever we needed. Phaedos, while not the native planet of the Ninjetti, became our home. The ruins that the first half of Zordon's original Rangers traveled to years ago stood once at the place that was the Sacred Ninjetti Temple, just like the ruins of the secret kingdom and temple you are now standing in are part of the mission of the Ninjetti to spread far and wide beyond Phaedos. It once held the Great Power that years ago the first six wielders of your group seek out on the Monolith that must be guarded. However, you come to understand that the Great Power expands beyond the Monolith on Phaedos but yet the mission remains the same that it must be guarded from the banes of evil unworthy to wield the power."

Dulcea paused and sighed again. One theory about the Great Power was confirmed that it extended beyond the reaches of Phaedos and the Monolith. The Rangers noticed that she said the word "we" in her story. Long ago they knew Dulcea was an ancient being like Zordon, but also knew about their constraints due to their sworn fealty and oath. Part of them wondered if somehow the Garrison was a loophole for them to travel to Earth after many eons.

"Many eons ago, a great war broke out on Phaedos. A great darkness spread farther and faster than we could fight it. The evil beings knew that to gain power and keep it, they had to destroy those who oppose them; and so the Ninjetti were hunted down and killed until only a few selected remained. Everything was destroyed; the Ninjetti; Phaedos; the Sacred Temple; all of it gone. The surviving members of the Ninjetti knew that the evil forces could not get their hands on the Great Power; the power of the Ninjetti; for if they did all will be lost. They moved the power of from the temple to the Monolith shortly before the temple was destroyed. They created obstacles and guards to protect the power for many years, until fourteen years ago when six teenagers chosen by Zordon sought out the Temple's High Priestess who became the guardian of the Great Power on Phaedos embarked on a quest to be the new order of the Ninjetti by seeking the Great Power. As it was our mission long ago for the Ninjetti to spread far and wide across the universe, the Great Power extends beyond the reaches of Phaedos and has been reignited on Earth."

"The six who became the new reincarnation of the Ninjetti it is Tommy, Billy, Rocky, Aisha, Adam and Kimberly?" Jason asked. "And you're the High Priestess who led them to the Monolith? And it's already been established that you're an ancient being like Zordon?"

"Indeed that is, dear Dragon." Zordon said continuing the story. "Dulcea and I are ancient beings, sworn to guard and protect a great power. We are what remained of the original Ninjetti. Like long ago how Zordon was trapped in his time warp, I too long ago was confine to Phaedos and prohibited from stepping off the plateau towards the jungle for I would age rapidly. Never in a million years since they were wiped out anyone has joined the order, until fourteen years ago when it was reborn." Zordon paused to allow them time to take in everything the Rangers have been told. The two ancient beings also allowed themselves to collect the memories that flooded their minds. "The Ancient Warriors who left Phaedos to fight knew that to quell the evil forces they would need to call upon all the power of their Animal Spirits. They were able to stop the darkness, at the cost of their own lives in order to end the war. However, when they died, their power did not. It returned to Phaedos and joined with the Great Power inside the Monolith. Their Ancient Sacred Animal Spirits, helped guard the Great Power from those who are unworthy who would use it for evil's bane until they found those pure and noble of heart to wield the power. What began fourteen years ago has now come full circle and set upon a chain of events that is already set in motion."

"Wow, that is some history," Zack muttered.

"And I'm guessing you guys heard this tale fourteen years ago?" Tanya asked addressing Tommy and the others.

"More or less and the importance of the Ninjetti and the Great Power to the entire universe." Tommy replied looking at Zordon. "An old mentor taught us that in order to know the war ahead in the future, one has to go back to the past and understand its origin and history. It doesn't explain how you both are suddenly here if you're ancient beings and we thought after Andros destroyed your energy tube it...it..."

"My noble Falcon as you humans may say, even the impossible can be made possible." Zordon explained before giving a nod to Dulcea. "When Andros, the Red Space Ranger destroyed my energy tube, he freed my spirit which in turned, destroyed every form of evil you or any other Rangers have defeated. But only I and a few selective of my closet allies who have fought alongside me for many eons knew the events that would transpire, like our dear Dulcea. When I was imprisoned many millennia ago by Rita there was a prophecy that said I would be freed from one of my alternate life form when all evil was defeated. When Andros destroyed my energy tube, all the evil was wiped out and I was returned to my body on Eltar."

"That one act from the Red Space Ranger also set upon another chain of events to be set in motion." Dulcea also explained. "As an ancient being like Zordon, when his spirit was released it also freed us to resume our mission that has been carried on for more than four thousand years. It was then we answered the call and took up arms once again knowing that the heralds of evil have survived the purge and resumed their mandate that cast them out many eons ago."

"Alternate life forms, you guys founded the Garrison. It was one of your missions in order to spread far and wide beyond Phaedos, you sought out those to help preserve the legacy of the Ninjetti and protect the Great Power once it spread beyond Phaedos and the Monolith." Adam said. "It does make sense the idea of ancient beings also resuming life in other alternate life forms like the Garrison. However, it's a concept still hard to wrap our heads around."

"Okay so it makes sense that with Dulcea and Zordon being the last remnants of the original Ninjetti, what happened after the war?" Tommy asked.

"After the war ended and Phaedos was left in ruins due to the aftermath and destruction of the Ninjetti, there were those who continued to fight as warriors of light with the hope of one day restoring the legacy of the Ninjetti and guarding the Great Power since it expanded beyond the Monolith. Over the years, temples, sanctums and kingdoms dedicated to preserving the Ninjetti and safeguarding the legacy of the Great Power were established as fronts to continue the work that began on Phaedos. In time, there were a few selective chosen individuals with the potential to be worthy of wielding the power of the Ninjetti, but in order to do so they needed to understand the secrets of the Great Power." Dulcea explained to the group. "Many years after the war ended, I assembled and a few elders from allied planets gathered on Phaedos to study one of the greatest secrets of the Great Power: how to harness their Chi, the energy of all life itself. They wanted to use it to heal. But there were seven heretics among them, individuals with darker intentions. They didn't want to heal; they wanted immortality — power, to never face death, to regenerate themselves again and again. This was seen as an aberration, and so, like Lucifer from heaven, the seven were banished from Phaedos forever and decreed by the scared ancient spirits unworthy to wield the Great Power. They became the seven pillars of the Emissary. They went back to their respective planets, each pillar swearing an oath of fealty to serve as heralds to masters with dark and evil intentions, growing in power and influence."

"Years later after the Emissary's banishment in one vile act of desecration and defilement the Emissary discovered the mystical secret of immortality, by using the substance of the Ancient Sacred Animal bones, the original Sacred Animals that eventually would become the Animal Spirits of the Ninjetti. The remains of the ancient sacred animals were scattered across the universe millions of years after the end of their time and remained lost in history. It was one of the greatest secrets protected for many years by the Ninjetti and the Emissary's malicious actions forever tainted the legacy and integrity of the Ancient Sacred Animal Spirits and the Great Power. Now, fearless of death and lusting for more power to gain their dominion over the universe, the Emissary carried out their mission with the goal to activate their ultimate weapon known as Scarlet Sovereign. In their quest to please their heralds and masters they served, to obtain more of the elixir, the Emissary dug holes under many civilizations across the universe where beneath them laid the bones of dead sacred animals. For years, this "Modus operandi" caused destruction and death upon many different planets from Mirinoi to Eltar and many other planets in their wake. Unfortunately, like many evil organizations there is always one fatal mistake they made and you I think you know where this story leads to."

"The Emissary made many enemies in their quest for immortality." Trini said. "And thus came the birth of these "Garrisons" to oppose the Emissary for many years."

"No one knows how they started, but over the years after the Ninjetti were wiped out, Dulcea and I sought out allies who would fight alongside us in order to preserve the legacy of the Ninjetti and safeguard the integrity of the Great Power. There were other allies who took up arms to fight as warriors to protect the light of the universe and from that laid the groundwork of our common mission: to build an army and rally those to join in the battle against the Emissary." Zordon explained. "There have been many account throughout the ages about the war between the Garrison and the Emissary and in any shape and form across the universe, that internal conflict existed. The Emissary seeking to desecrate the integrity of the Great Power in their bid to defile the legacy of the Ninjetti while the Garrison spent many years fighting the Emissary to protect and defend the legacy of the Ninjetti and safeguard the Great Power. These Garrisons have established hidden sanctums and kingdoms to protect the remaining embodiment of the Great Power in order to appease the Ancient Sacred Animal Spirits of the Ninjetti with the fealty and oath to never let the banes of evil defile them for their malicious deeds."

"Grave robbing ancient bones just for a taste of eternal immortality it's very disturbing." Justin answered.

"From my understanding from what Quinn told me the Garrison was all about just training and recruiting warriors for the war front." Tommy replied. "Quinn...was he there since the beginning? Did he also exist in an alternate life form as well as part of the Garrison because I know there is more to that guy than meets the eye. Was he also one of the allies you guys sought out many years ago to lay the groundwork to begin these garrisons to fight the Emissary?"

"Like us, he was one of the first allies who answered the call to fight as a warrior sworn to protect the light." Zordon replied, taking his turn to continue his tale. He sighed knowing the next revelation up ahead will impact the group, but in particular Jason and Tommy. "In Quinn's alternate life form, he was a young king of a distant planet whose world was ravaged when the Emissary unleashed their Modus operandi and plundered the substance from the ancient sacred animal bones that was buried underneath the capital city of his planet. The Garrison that was established long ago on the planet attempt to prevent a tragedy from occurring but despite their efforts, the Emissary already accomplished their mission and left the planet in ruins and destruction. The Garrison that fought to defend the planet was wiped out except for the planet's prince."

"That sounds terrible," Tanya replied.

"I agree with Tanya on that to be a ruler of your planet only to see it be left in ruins because of the Emissary." Kat added. "What happened to the prince of the planet?"

"It took many years for his planet to heal, but yet the king or the people of the planet would forever be haunted by the tragedy that befallen their planet. In the wake of the devastation the Emissary left. The king of the planet had seen done before on other planets by these heretics defiling the very core essence of the Great Power. He was one of the first to answer the call after watching planet being ravaged and the ancient sacred animal bones desecrated at the expense of the devastation left on Triforia. He journeyed to Phaedos with a few warriors from his native planet to join the cause and the hope of establishing other garrisons alongside his allies to prevent another tragedy like the one that fell on his planet. For his efforts, he was granted access to an alternate life form to carry out his mission in the name of preserving the legacy of the Ninjetti and protecting the Great Power. Him and others afterwards were granted that same amnesty to continue our fight against the Emissary."

"It was Trey wasn't it? Like Dulcea is Aria in her alternate life form, a member of the Garrison, he's Quinn isn't he?" Tommy murmured stunned by the revelation.

"Huh who is Trey?" Zack asked as a few of them were not familiar with the the Prince of Treyforia except for some of the group who once held the Zeo powers.

"Trey is the king of a planet called Triforia and he was the original Zeo Gold Ranger." Jason answered for his best friend and summarized his experience with Trey. "He was the one I got the Gold Ranger powers from years ago, but taking that mantle did come with a risk back then. The Gold Ranger powers almost killed me because the power bonded with Trey and it couldn't be sustained with a human for a certain period of time. The powers were leaving me along with my own life force with it unless I returned the powers back to Trey."

"Something tells me as a Triforian with three distinct personalities normally joined as one being, one of Trey's beings must have resided in an alternate life form as Quinn in order to carry out his mission for the Garrison?" Billy said in theory.

"Yeah explains things and possibly the reason why every time he spontaneously appeared and disappeared over the years he looked the same." Tommy said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Still, that's a lot to digest considering that my unauthorized guardian angel since I was a kid turned out to be a king who maybe also an ancient being like you guys with the ability to split into three distinct personalities. Hopefully, if he's still out there, I like to hear it from him since he owes me that much for the hell he put Kim and I through over the years."

"I do apologize for not revealing the truth about Trey to you Rangers years ago," Zordon said. "That choice to reveal the truth was solely left to Trey's discretion and despite his actions over the years, Trey has been one of the factors that contributed to the survival of the Garrison over the years. He has pledge his fealty for over four thousand years and because of him contribution he ensured that this kingdom has been safeguarded until the order came full circle and the bloodline to reclaim their dominion."

"Four thousand years? What do you mean by that?" Tommy asked directing his question to Zordon and Dulcea.

"As we told there have been numerous tales about how the Garrison was founded on many different planets. However, one account dating back four thousand years ago is one of the most accurate accounts chronicled by Ninjetti many years back pertaining to a prophecy that is being fulfilled. Only myself, Zordon and the rest of the founders that laid the groundwork for the Garrison knew of this prophecy. The book that was left behind chronicles the most guarded secrets of the Ninjetti, the origins of this kingdom and of the Garrison being one of them." Dulcea said looking out from the plateau. "However, the outcome of this prophecy changes as the future itself is unforeseen."

"I'm sure you heard the tale from Quinn about how the Garrison was formed four thousand years ago on Earth?" Zordon asked.

"Yeah I heard it from Quinn or Trey if I should refer to him by his real name." Tommy spat out, recounting what he learned five years ago. "The Emissary left a reign of terror throughout the planet in their quest for power. One day they stumble upon a village and massacred everybody, but one boy managed to survive the onslaught by pulling out the sword that was plunged into the heart of his deceased mother. The boy managed to kill some of the Emissary's greatest warriors that they gave him a name: the "Garrison." Afterwards, he goes to work rounding up anybody: men, women, old, young, anyone that can fight and goes to work forming an army to fight their enemies."

"So a young boy founded the Garrison?" Adam asked, surprised by Tommy's summary of the origin tale of the Garrison.

"Yes, but there was more to this boy's tale than forming Earth's Garrison. The boy had an unbowed, unbent and unbroken spirit and did not yield to the banes of evil. He did not know his noble heart possessed a power no one ever imagined. In his quest to build his army and mission, he comes upon a young girl who too was a victim of tragedy left by the Emissary. The young boy takes the girl in as his first recruit for the Garrison but finds kindred spirit in her both possessing the same unbowed, unbent and unbroken spirit and noble heart. One day, their mission leads them to a hidden sanctuary, one of the lost kingdoms of the Ninjetti by the ancient sacred spirits."

"The boy who forms the Garrison and his first recruit stumble upon this place?!" Billy asked. "Why did the ancient spirits lead two young kids here many years ago?"

"Anything is possible to those who possess the Great Power and the events that transpired that day have come full circle." The way the term "full circle" was being used meant that once again they were in for another dose of information overload. Dulcea could see it in their eyes, especially Tommy's spoke of wisdom and knowledge despite being plagued by heartbreak, trials and struggles throughout their journey. She trusted Zordon's judgment understanding what made these individuals special years ago that he chose them as Earth's Power Rangers. With a nod of approval, she returned back to the present and spoke the words that began the circle four thousand years ago:

"When the defenders of the Sacred Order of the Ninjetti rise to take up arms, at this sight of the kingdom: the reign of the Bloodline of Light begins. The destined heir apparents will come to claim dominion over the kingdom bestowed upon them by Ancient Sacred Animal Spirits in the name of the Great Power. The ancient spirits will bestow upon the kindred hearts the title of Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies to fulfill as their loyal council and defenders swear their fealty and oath to the royal bloodline to protect the sanctum of the Ninjetti and safeguard the Great Power from evil's bane. The royal bloodline of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies will possess a power unforeseen and upon their reign will come to them, "the key," the kingdom's most prize treasure that must be protected to preserve the legacy of the universe's Great Power. As the kingdom and sanctums protect the legacy of the Great Power from desecration, the kingdom itself will face trials and tribulations throughout the ages in the name of safeguarding the "the key of the future" at the cost of facing the dark ages that will plague the universe. Only when the bloodline and the loyal council has returned once again to reclaim their dominion, the reign of the Bloodline of Power will return under a new era under the fealty of the heir apparent of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies."

"So all of this, it is all part of the mission we're facing ahead of us?" Kat asked, letting the words sink in.

"Everything you been told all interconnects. The past, the present and the future: the events that occurred many ages ago remain prominent and it too impacts the possible outcome of a future that interchanges." Zordon replied. "What Dulcea spoke is the prophecy has awaited to come full circle for over four thousand years. Over the course of time, interconnected events have transpired in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled." He then turned his attention to Tommy. "My dear falcon, you have witness many trials and tribulations throughout the years. You have experienced tragedy, heartbreak, joy, pain and everything else in between when the weight of fate and destiny has left your spirit spent because of all you have seen. Yet, despite the conflict that still rages inside your heart, the unbowed, unbent and unbroken spirit of the Winged Lord of the Skies refuses to yield. Knowing full well the outcome of these events Tommy, your heart speaks of accepting the fate and destiny laid before you."

Tommy's heart knew the truth of what was spoken and the full weight of the torch of destiny that he was carrying. His hands clenched into fists and tears of acceptance came down his eyes coming to grips with the full knowledge of his mission and the quest ahead. The tears were not only for himself and the revelation of his fate and destiny, it was also the fates and destinies of his best friends; his daughter's future and also that of the legacy of his beloved lost crane.

"The Bloodline of Power; the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the boy who formed the Garrison and the girl?" Tommy murmured realizing the truth. "They were the ones that first ruled this place, they were the falcon and crane and only the heir apparent will restore the Bloodline of Light once they returned and reclaim the throne. It was us wasn't it? We...completed the bloodline: myself, my daughter and even Kim? We're distant descendants aren't we and it is my fate isn't it? To be the true Winged Lord of the Skies? Everything that transpired...all led to this moment didn't it? Was this meant to happen, all of it?"

"Now you understand the truth and the mission ahead for you all," They addressed the group. Tommy simply nodded in acceptance. "Although the prophecy is slowly coming to pass, it does not mean that the future itself is set in stone. You may come to accept the weight of your fate and destiny; but still you can dictate the outcome in a world where change is a constant."

"They're right bro and although you know the truth about your fate and destiny doesn't change who you are." Jason said in reassurance, putting a hand on his best friend's shoulder in comfort. "Don't think for one second feel that you inadvertently felt responsible for the events that happened in your life or ours these past few years. Don't think you feel responsible for dragging us back into this life when we all made that choice to follow you back into the front lines. We're a team and we face everything all as one."

"Jason is right and we all made the choices we made not because of the powers that be, it was out of our own free will." Kat made sure to say. "We're all here because something is about to go down and soon we're going to find ourselves ground zero in the center of it."

"We're on a mission and although the road ahead is going to be bumpy, we're facing it together." Rocky replied. "Because we're doing this to protect the people we love."

"So what if a prophecy tells you that you and Kim were destined to be this Bloodline of Power as the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies?" Jason continued. "Maybe it is predicting that the events that have occurred with Amelia is because of this prophecy being fulfilled. Yes, you maybe the Falcon, the Winged Lord of the Skies but to us you'll always be Tommy Oliver; husband, father, son, leader, teammate, friend and forever more my best friend and brother. Although you have knowledge of the truth of your fate and destiny, you'll have time to figure it out when you're ready. Don't try to come to grips with it all at once."

"You do have loyal and true friends that stand by you Tommy." Zordon reassured. "Despite the truth of everything you been told, in their eyes you are still Tommy Oliver."

"So oh fearless leader, did we accomplish what we set out to do?" Zack finished. "What is our next order of business? Are we going to be ringing the Emissary's doorbell?"

"You guys are right and I'm grateful for having best friends like you guys despite of everything." Tommy said with a slight smile. He took a deep breath and continued. "We have set out and accomplished what we needed to do. Although the truth of my fate and destiny is something I need major time to process, it doesn't change who I am as a person. The knowledge we know and learned doesn't define the future ahead of us because it's not written yet. However, with that being said we know our mission ahead and why we're fighting: to protect the people we love and defend our planet from the threat is going to bring upon chaos and destruction. We know they got a weapon that is already been activated and when we come face to face with that weapon, we'll be ready. They're looking for something that can prolong their life, the same thing that got them exiled many years ago and left a path of destruction across the universe. These guys are running on borrowed time and we're going to make sure they won't have anytime left to complete their mission."

"Right!" They all said in unison. Dulcea and Zordon smiled at them, seeing despite the revelations revealed to them they were pressing forward with their mission.

"It amazes us as to how far everything has come in the last four thousand years since the founding of the Garrison. Still the mission remains the same throughout the ages: to protect the legacy of the Ninjetti and safeguard the Great Power." Zordon said, leading them to the far side overlooking the kingdom. "Everything has come full circle and the Ninjetti Order have finally risen once again to take arms. The Emissary are on the move and they will not stop until they desecrate and defile the integrity of the Great Power for their malicious pursuit will result in another "Modus operandi." The Garrison's time will soon pass as our efforts to prevent another tragedy proves futile."

"Well not us and those bastards aren't going to be defiling the Great Power anymore. There is no way Earth will become another Modus Operandi in their wake." Tommy said as the others nodded. "The Emissary started a war years ago they thought wouldn't be finished, well we're going to be the ones that end it by defeating each of them once and for all. I made a promise and we're going to hold that promise together: we're going to end the Emissary so our planet doesn't become another casualty."

"Then we'll hold you true to your word and we have the upmost faith that you will succeed in your mission. The spirits have bestowed their blessing upon you as the new order of the Ninjetti, the sworn warriors of the light and goodness in the universe. Always remember, to be in harmony with the Sacred Animals is to have the full force of the Ninjetti." Dulcea said, addressing the group. "Always know, to those who are Ninjetti, anything is possible. The strength is inside of you. Trust it. The Sacred Animals and the Great Power will guide you along the long road ahead." The two looked at each of them, before a mysterious light took over and watched as Zordon and Dulcea bid them one final farewell. "May your Animal Spirits watch over you for you are the Ninjetti."

The Rangers opened their eyes to find themselves back outside in the forest standing in front of the waterfall. They were still wearing their Ninjetti robes and consciously each of them willed themselves to transform, all of them now back into their civilian clothes. Looking at the brand marks on their wrists, soon the marks were mysteriously covered over when their old communicators reappeared on their right wrists and in their hands each of them held their power coins. Looking at the night sky, Tommy and the group soon made the trek back to his house with satisfaction of a mission completed today. With that said, they were now ready to tackle the long battle ahead for them.