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.

27. A Valentine Hart Breaker

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 27 of the story. The Rangers finally confront the forces that have plagued Angel Grove. However, a stunning surprise will change the landscape of the battle.)

Chapter 27: A Valentine Hart Breaker

February 10th, 2009

2:30 am

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

As Tommy lay in bed, tossing and turning for a third night in a row, he tried to shake the dream that infiltrated his mind. No matter how many times he willed his subconscious to disregard it, he couldn't do it. This time, the dream was different as it was weaving the past, present and future all into one. His animal spirit, the falcon, Brennan couldn't ignore the call of its missing mate, the crane, Shalimar as the spirits of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies pulled him into their dreamscape.

Inside Tommy's Mind

Tommy didn't know where he was except he was dressed in Ninjetti robes and wondering aimlessly down an unknown tunnel lit up with torches. He concentrated as he heard the sounds of his falcon, Brennan flying forward down the tunnel. He finally reached the end of the tunnel only to find himself in what looked like some sort of underground cavern being prepped for a ritual. There was an altar set up, more torches surrounding the area and in the center, Tommy saw a sarcophagus.

"What the hell is this place?" Tommy asked warily. "What's happening here?"

"I can hear her calling out to me." Brennan said flying towards him. "I fear the untamed fire of silence is surging and the heartbeat is sinking deeper into the void."

"Where am I? This place feels dark, silent as if there is no way for the light to penetrate this place." Tommy said as his falcon sat perched on his arm. "Where are we Brennan?"

"A place where the light has been confined by the banes of defilement. She has been here this entire time preserving the beating heartbeat in the void." He answered.

"Who has been here this whole time?" Tommy asked. Before he could answer, he heard the struggling cries of another presence in the cavern. Looking over, Tommy ran towards the sarcophagus and as he came closer, doubled over in pain. He watched as a weird substance was being poured inside. "ARGH! Something is...calling to me Bren!"

"Brennan, you must keep our human mate back." The screech of the crane echoed through the cavern as the sarcophagus began to shake. Soon the crane flew into view and descended on top of the shaking sarcophagus as the cries inside became louder. "The heart and soul beating in the void, it is in turmoil, anguish and pain. It has been forcibly pulled from the depths of life and death itself. You must stay back Winged Lord of the Skies for what you are feeling is the anguish the heartbeat is enduring."

"What's inside the sarcophagus? It's pleading to be released." Tommy said. "Is this where you been this whole time? Trying to keep that thing contained?" Something was drawing him to the sarcophagus, a familiar pull as the shaking eased down. The logical answer was to open the lid and figure out what's inside, but Shalimar and Brennan were making it impossible for him to do that. "What's inside it Shalimar? Who is it?"

"It was a light that radiated with such grace and purity. But the very core was ravaged at the very heart, soul and spirit leaving nothing but a empty shell." Shalimar warned him with a deep sigh. "What is left is a listless and lightless entity misguided and confined in a guild cage." Tommy saw a look a sadness and sympathy on Shalimar's face as the crane tapped the lid. Wherever Tommy was, he felt the emptiness, the loneliness and darkness consuming him like it was doing on that lid tight box. He couldn't figure out why he was feeling the way he was right now. "Until the beating heartbeat in the void is restored to its rightful dominion, the box must remain closed."

"This is the very core of the mission isn't it Brennan? You're trying to preserve whatever light is left inside that box aren't you Shalimar?"

"The beating heartbeat in the void still beats and it has endured over the years to ensure its survival." Brennan replied. "It is Shalimar's mission to keep the heartbeat beating, but my mate's efforts are dwindling without reuniting the fragments that were scattered by the act of defilement. Restoring the beating heartbeat in the void will not be an easy task Tommy. As long as the bridge stays connected, the light still radiates deep within the shadows. Tommy, you seem troubled my human mate."

"I...I can't leave here without knowing it's alright. It feels lost, confused and flightless without any direction. I feel that if I find it then I'm going to lure the shadows I have been keeping at bay for so long. Part of me wants to open that box, but if I do...it comes with a heavy price doesn't it?"

"Which is why you must restore the beating heartbeat to reclaim the fate and destiny that it must fulfill." Shalimar said with a sigh. "However, for every action there will be a sudden reaction which you must prepare yourself for, a heavy price and toll you must endure. As they say...consequences be damned. Brennan, this is where we must part once more my dear mate. Please, keep guide our falcon to soar once more and prevail for the future must take flight."

"And I will keep our bridge in tact as you continue your mission my dear Shalimar."

"The powers of the falcon and crane shines within you, Winged Lord of the Skies. Trust in it for the true testament of the power you wield has yet to be unlocked. There is still much work ahead for you for the legacy and future of the kingdom and the Ninjetti rest upon you. Twilight is soon descending upon the land so I ask you to stay the course and trust the power of the Ninjetti and the Great Power...for anything is possible. May the power protect you."

February 12th, 2009

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside, CA

"So what you're saying is you had a dream two nights ago?" Hayley asked. "And in the dream you saw the sarcophagus that disappeared after Mesogog's defeat?"

Immediately after Tommy had the dream again for two more nights, he went to Hayley's Cyberspace during his lunch break and put a conference call to his closet friends of the group. Those he conferenced in his phone call alongside Hayley included Jason, Kat, Billy and Trini. However, something was up with his friends back in Angel Grove and Tommy was kept in the dark about what happened with Justin a few days back.

"Yeah and for the life of me it was as if whatever was inside that box, I felt what it was feeling." Tommy said. "There was something being poured into the box and it was only by the presence of the falcon and crane, the rattling inside stopped. I don't know what was in the box but there was a lot of trauma, aguish and pain all rolled into one. Part of me wanted me to open the box, but Brennan and Shalimar kept me away warning me about the consequences of unleashing an untamed and feral fire of silence."

"They kept going on saying whatever was sealed in that sarcophagus, the vessel itself is nothing but an empty hollow shell that has been defiled. It was brought upon by a force that pulled it from the edge of life and death itself which I don't understand." Tommy continued. "The crane went on about the contents of its core ravaged that the very heart, soul and spirit was splintered."

"You said that sarcophagus was originally buried on Mercer Island right?" Hayley said. "Then we also discovered that the Dino Gems were the energy to activate the power of that thing."

"And then we found out five years ago a bunch of missing teenagers in a secret room at Reefside High being bled out and their blood drained into that device." Tommy also pointed out. "Quinn said that the sarcophagus was considered a tool of blasphemy in the eyes of the Garrison. What if it that was the device they used to resurrect Mesogog five years ago after we first destroyed him?"

"Anything is possible in this day and age." Kat said. "It would make sense for the Garrison to call that device a tool of blasphemy. The idea of bringing back the dead against their own will."

"Which was why they did everything they could to destroy all those sarcophagus they can find so the Emissary wouldn't be raising the dead." Tommy said deep in thought.

"This is probably a theory but what...what if after Mesogog's destruction somehow the Emissary regained custody of the sarcophagus?" Billy asked. "You said the sarcophagus was designed to activate the Emissary's weapon, the Scarlet Sovereign, but they needed Kim's Dino Gem to do so."

"But they couldn't because since the gem bonded with Kim and after her death, the Dino Gem's power deactivated." Tommy replied. "There could have been no way for them to use the sarcophagus even if they got their hands on it. The Emissary wouldn't have no way to activate the Scarlet Sovereign unless...that was why they kidnapped those teenagers five years ago so..."

"That thing we encountered last month, you think it's the Scarlet Sovereign? You're telling us that they may have used some sort of mystical substance taken from the blood of a bunch of missing teenagers and stuck some poor sucker inside a stone box?" Jason replied.

"It's a theory, but a somewhat mystical and complex one." Tommy said. "The thought of someone being infused with some sort of mystical cocktail elixir is farfetched but as they say, anything is possible in this day and age. My gut tells me that device was used somewhere in Angel Grove and the more I keep reviewing the CCTV surveillance of Rideau Circle, the more suspicious I get of them. I'm especially intrigued by Justin who has been staking out the place for the past week." The mention of Justin's name made the conference call silent for a moment when Tommy heard Billy and Jason mumbling in disdain over their teammate. "So...anyone want to fill me in with what's up?"

"The CCTV footage along with the security programming is synced to Tommy's tablet so he can view it while on the road." Hayley informed the group.

"Honestly Tommy, none of us haven't talked to Justin ever since last Friday night at the hospital." Trini informed reluctantly. "Billy has been keeping tabs on him and according to Jason he hasn't shown up at J.S Investigations in the last few days. Even his former Turbo Ranger teammates have been trying to monitor his activity."

"Does it have to do with Arturo's case? I know he's been on high alert to keep Nico and his little brother safe." Tommy replied.

"Well that would be the case if Arturo were still alive. The truth is that he got killed last Friday in a shooting down at the Juice Bar and Justin and Nico were there. Justin only sustained a few minor injuries, but nothing life threatening, but Arturo and another victim were killed in the crossfire." Billy said as Tommy sighed on the other end. "Trini and I were at the hospital alongside TJ, Carlos and Cassie when Justin told us what happened. Obviously, you could figure out how it turned out."

"I know that feeling and given Justin's history with Nico and his family he didn't take the news too well." Tommy said with regret. "I wish you guys would have told me what was going on with him. If our boy wonder makes this a personal matter, then we got a problem. Trust me, I know what it's like when our enemies make it personal with us and sometimes our lapse of judgement is compromised."

"Unless Justin goes off script and decides to pull a vigilante on us." Jason stated. "He's been on the hunt for Gray Beret, the person responsible for hiring the youths in the city for the late night clean up jobs."

"Oh man and apparently he figured out his link to the other clean up crews under his employment in other cities in the past," Tommy added. "Yeah, I got in touch with the Silver Guardians and Wes confirmed similar M.O cases in Silver Hills and Turtle Cove. Whoever Gray Beret is we need to track him and fast before Justin does something he's going to regret."

"If you guys want to track your wayward little genius, I suggest we access the trans receivers we used to hack their network and security system." Hayley suggested. "It can give us an idea exactly what Justin has been monitoring."

"You're right because I fear if Justin goes off the rails, we're heading straight into Rideau Circle." Tommy said, wondering when the confrontation will happen. "We'll find out sooner or later who they are behind the mask."

Rideau Circle Corporation

3:00 pm

Angel Grove, CA

Inside the head offices of the recently developed Rideau Circle Financial Corporation, business continued as usual for the staff and employees of the reclusive, but controversial company. The company's CEO, Dalia Tate finished another meeting with one of their high powered clients discussing about their business portfolio and the consolidation of the client's assets. After much negotiation and strategy to meet the demands of their client, Dalia concluded the meeting with a promise of a follow up.

To the citizens of Angel Grove, along with the company's shareholders, investors, clients, staff and board members, Rideau Circle operated like any normal corporate business for profit. The company has spent years building their PR image and reputation as a legitimate business entity. However, like many corporations, they have had their share of controversy and backlash especially with the construction of their new head office in Angel Grove.

As Dalia walked around the building answering staff inquiries, signing off on administration forms and Thea reviewing her daily itinerary, she excused the rest of her staff except for her assistant Thea. She directed Dalia to her office to find Balor waiting with Malo.

"Gentlemen what seems to be the problem?" Dalia said in a professional voice.

"Would you like to tell our leader about your little mishap or the mess at the Youth Center you didn't bother telling us but only Ashei." Balor said angrily. "You had one simple job: clean up duty and that was it. Now, these local law enforcements are looking into the death of one of those little street rats you hired!"

"These Johnny laws will assume it's probably another gang shooting or robbery like all the others who begin to raise suspicion." Malo argued back.

"Unless someone on the streets murmurs the name "Gray Beret" and figure out what these late night jobs are!" Balor replied. "One of those wayward teens drop the name of Gray Beret and there is someone dropping your associates left, right and center for info Malo."

"Are you serious?! How could you be so careless and stupid?" Thea questioned. "We already are dealing with a breach in our security and we got word someone has been monitoring Weyland Co. This mishap should not be another thing to add to the list of problems we're dealing with."

"Alright all of you that's enough!" Dalia halted before the arguments escalated. "I am not sitting through another shout fest while we squabble like children! We must present a united front and all seven of us must be on the same page if we hope to achieve our plans. Okay we had had some minor setbacks but we have dealt with them in the past as a whole group. Remember, we endure everything that gets put in front of us."

"What are we going to do about the breach?" Thea asked.

"And how are do we make Gray Beret disappear off the radar?" Malo asked.

"I will see to it our minor mishaps have been dealt with." Dalia informed the group. "Now, we must assemble the others to convene for an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps in our plan. Apparently, we need to deal with Salazar's complications of failing to track the sanctum brigades of the Garrison. Those sanctums must be seized in order to retrieve the key we need to unlock the wall. Unfortunately, we have to contend with the other complication, the Ninjetti Rangers. Their decree still stands after many years and yet...they got one safe haven left to protect them."

"But Angel Grove is where it matters," Balor informed. "How do we proceed now that the Bloodline of Light has now claimed the fabled throne over their kingdom? The spirits have bestowed their blessing upon the one True Winged Lord of the Skies and he will come for his lady. We are outmatched here Dalia unless we press forward with extracting the substance. Do you think...she will be ready to carry out the Emissary's vision?"

"She is what the Emissary envisioned and who we serve in life itself. We have invested too much in her for our work to be squandered." Dalia replied firmly. "Yes, we must contend with the revival of the Bloodline of Light's kingdom, at the behest of the Ninjetti and the Great Power. However, let's see if they can contend with our greatest weapon, the Scarlet Sovereign. The falcon may know all there is to his fate and destiny, but there is more to it than meets the eye."

Oliver Residence

7:00 p.m

Reefside, CA

If there was one skill Tommy can say he worked on improving during his time away during the last five years, he wouldn't say it was his memory. Usually the faulty memory was always a tossup among discussion with his family and friends. Tommy eyed Amelia as he carefully stared at his daughter who sampled one of her father's cookies from a batch they baked. He was known as a martial arts expert and science teacher with a PhD in Paleontology and one of the greatest Power Rangers ever known.

His cooking skills however, was something that was left up to debate, even back in the day when Kimberly was alive. It was one of the basic essential skills needed in order to raise his daughter and he wasn't going to be one of those parents who fed their kids takeout on a nightly basis. For Tommy, the process of learning how to cook was like science, the idea of creating new meals and foods to eat.

Tommy anxiously waited for his six year old daughter's critique whether or not he made something edible for Amelia to sell at her school's bake sale. After much needed confirmation, Amelia smiled and finished devouring the rest of the treat she reviewed seeing her dad breathe a sigh of relief.

"So how are the cookies? Are you alright with bringing those for your bake sale tomorrow?" Tommy asked smiling at his daughter.

"They're good and I really like them," Amelia replied while her and Tommy proceeded to decorate the cookies and begin wrapping them. He saw that she put a two dozen aside for herself and Tommy and proceeded to pack the rest for Amelia to take to school. "These are really good shortbread cookies daddy and I put some aside for us. At least I don't have to call Aunt Hayley or Uncle Jason."

"And why would you need to call them to help bake cookies?" Tommy stared curiously.

"They said to call them if in case there was smoke coming out of the kitchen," Amelia said jokingly laughing. "Or just to make sure that the cookies you baked for the bake sale tomorrow doesn't give anybody tummy aches."

"Wow you can tell them thanks for the vote of confidence," He sighed shaking in head, but letting out a small chuckle. "Did you hear the smoke alarm going off while we were baking in the kitchen sweetie?"

"Not at all but I will sure let Uncle Jason know you didn't burn down the house," Amelia laughed. "And that your cookies don't take like charcoal. Daddy, was mommy good at cooking like you?"

"Yeah she was absolutely the best at cooking." Tommy said letting a small grin while they continued to decorate the cookies. "Your mom taught me how to make shortbread cookies after she decided to get me some cookbooks as a birthday present one year. We had this thing that at least once a week we refrain from buying takeout because your mommy was what people called a health nut."

"A health nut? Oh you mean like someone who always eats lots of fruits and veggies and not too much sugar?" Amelia asked.

"Somewhat and given her years of gymnastics they emphasized a lot about healthy eating and dieting." Tommy continued. "Though there was that one time we went on a quinoa salad food period and suddenly daddy found out he couldn't eat it."

"Why was it? What happens when you eat quinoa?" she inquired curiously. "Is that why you never buy it whenever we're out at the buffet and they have it at the salad bar?"

"Let's just say daddy's allergy test he got a few years ago told him he's deathly allergic to quinoa." Tommy sarcastically replied. "And mommy didn't realize it during her quinoa week dieting period when daddy ended up in the emergency room and now has to carry an Epipen if in case he goes into anaphylaxis shock. Yeah your mother wasn't a big fan of needles and imagine the look on her face when I had to demonstrate to her how to administer it if in case I ever suffered an allergy attack."

"Does that mean I have to learn how to use your special medicine needle if in case your face becomes swollen and puffy?" Amelia asked curiously.

"Hopefully it doesn't come down to that my little defender." Tommy reassured his daughter. "And don't worry, I know what to eat and definitely not to eat. Besides, knowing you and needles I definitely see that you have your mother's fear of needles knowing how you guys respond to it." He paused for a moment. "So, I need to make sure your overnight bag is packed for our visit this weekend to your grandparents' house. Also, I made a promise to pencil in your playdates with Henry, Bianca and Robbie and the twins. Daddy's friends are going to surprise when they find out about our surprise visit to Angel Grove this weekend.."

"That's a lot of playdates and I'm happy to finally visit my friends this weekend." Amelia said smiling looking at the pantry closet and started putting aside more cookies.

"I'm guessing you want me to make a another batch for your friends this weekend?" Tommy eyed his daughter taking out the supplies to bake more treats. However, he couldn't refuse a request from Amelia. After all, she was daddy's little girl" and had her father wrapped around her finger, just like her mother did years ago.

The initial plan for Valentine's Day weekend was just for him and Amelia to pay a visit to Kimberly's grave for her birthday. However, this weekend would have been his wife's 30th birthday and if she lived to celebrate her birthday, she would have wanted to celebrate it with her closet friends and family. Switching up plans at the last minute, Tommy thought a visit to his wife's old hometown will be a better fitting tribute, unaware that this Valentine's Day will more than just cards and chocolates.

Coffee Beanery

8:30 pm

Angel Grove, CA

"I'm worried about Justin which why I called you." Nico said pointing to the building across the street from the coffee shop. "Three days we been here on stakeouts."

After dinner, Jason received a call from Billy telling him to meet him at the Coffee Beanery coffeehouse location near midtown. He enjoyed his family time with the kids, but Kat convinced him to meet with Billy and that her and Trini will be fine with the kids for a bit. Jason arrived at the Coffee Beanery to find Billy sitting at a table with Justin's friend Nico only to figure out which location they were at. This particular location of the coffee chain store was located right across the street from Rideau Circle.

"So you and Justin have been meeting up here for three days to stakeout Rideau Circle?" Billy asked. "Why here of all places?"

"Does Justin know we have been trying to get a hold of him for over a week? We know about him trying to track down Green Beret and his investigation about the youths being hired by him. We're worried about him after what happened to your brother Arturo." Jason said.

"I know and he wanted me to tell you guys he's alright. He just needed some space and he's been supportive these last couple of days." Nico explained. "My family is grateful for his help and assisting us on the funeral arrangements for Arturo. I only go with him on these little stakeouts so he doesn't get hurt. We only come to this location because of it is the one precise location he can gain access to a signal with some sort of surveillance device he created to hack into the building's security systems, servers and network across the street. However, the devices work at close range to gain a better signal."

"The building across the street?" Billy asked looking at Jason.

"Are you meaning to tell us you two have been staking out Rideau Circle for the last three days?" Jason asked as Nico nodded his head. Reluctantly, Nico gave them an envelope which contained a CD-Rom stating that Justin did some recon. "Why doesn't Justin contact us? We been worry sick about him and after what happened with your brother..."

"He tracked Green Beret heading to one of the offices in the building yesterday, but he cut the feed the minute someone working for the company figured they were being hacked." Nico continued explaining. "Justin went on about an algorithm sequence to access the security feeds above the 30th floor of the building. For some strange reason, anything above the 30th is restricted and it's impossible to access CCTV footage. The building alone has 42 floors according to initial blueprints he downloaded from the Bridgepoint files. It was the last CCTV image of Green Beret we saw yesterday of him going into an elevator and accessing the 30th level."

"You said anything above the 30th floor of that building cannot be traced and CCTV feeds go dark at that point?" Billy asked. "Looks like our resident genius is attempting to break into the building on Valentine's Day. Jason, we need to let the others know of Justin's plan because I have a feeling if he tries slipping in, they'll find him before he can reach the top."

"Which is why we need to intercept to stop him from going on a suicide mission." Jason replied looking at Nico. "We may need your inside information Nico. You got to tell us exactly how Justin plans to initiate his mission and you need to describe to us everything you guys have been surveilling the last three days. Looks like we found need to find a way up to the 30th floor of that building if Justin plans to gain another window peek into that building."

February 14th, 2009

11:00 am

Black Frog & Red Ape Dojo

Angel Grove, CA

Aisha sat with Tanya, Kat and her kids as they watched Rocky and Adam teach one of their morning classes that included Angela's son Malcolm, Henry, Bianca and Robbie. They been on edge for the last 48 hours after finding out about Justin's suicide recon plan. However, Kat breathed a sigh of relief reading a text message from Jason saying that they intercepted Justin and managed to talk some sense into their young, impulsive, genius friend.

They all made a pact not to investigate Rideau Circle and only maintain surveillance and recon of the area until the opportunity was right. Unfortunately, with Justin going MIA for over a week after the incident at the Juice Bar prompted the others to do their surveillance on their friend for his own safety. The whole Green Beret link spurred their curiosity and it wasn't until Jason and Billy were informed by Nico exactly what motivated Justin's independent recon of Rideau Circle.

The Rangers weren't clueless to suspect that suspicious activity has been building up these last couple of years in Angel Grove and the establishment of Rideau Circle's head offices in the Troika neighborhood of the city was no coincidence. With their powers restored and everything they were informed about the Garrison and the Emissary conflict, it was only a matter of time before they would unmask the adversaries behind the chaos that has been brewing.

For one thing, they needed to exercise extreme caution and wit knowing that their potential adversaries have been around for over four thousand years. With what they learned about the Emissary from their former mentors and from Tommy's accounts five years prior in Reefside, they were an organization riddle by mystery and mysticism known for hiding in plain sight.

There came a debate whether or not they should proceed and press forward to unravel the mystery that has been on their minds for months. The string of coincidence events and deaths they witnessed and experienced have all intertwined and now it was a matter of piecing together the one constant link to all of it. Was today going to be the day they finally seek out the constant link that was behind the intertwining events that led up to now?

The women watched as Adam and Rocky dismissed the class as the parents helped their kids get ready to leave for the rest of the day. Angela arrived to pick up Malcolm and greeted the group since she hasn't seen them since Curtis' funeral. The Rangers offered their sympathies, asking her how the last few weeks have been for her. The recently young widowed told the Rangers about Zack's support these last couple of weeks helping her and Malcolm out. She inquired if Zack filled them in about looking into Curtis' death and gave the young mother an update.

"Jason just messaged again," Kat reported to the group. "So according to them, they're going to proceed with the plan. Jason and Trini are at the Beanery Coffee house to monitor Justin and Billy. Those two...they're sneaking into the building."

"Are you serious?! Those three are going to help Justin initiate his risky infiltration plan?" Rocky asked murmuring.

"The building is closed on weekends and based on the boy genius' surveillance they're able to access the parking garage to get into the building." Kat added. "From my understanding all they need to do is plant some sort of transceiver device in order to establish a CCTV connection to the security systems of Rideau Circle's 30th floor."

"But based on what those guys got from Nico, we saw that the first 30 floors of that building is nothing but the corporate front of Rideau Circle." Adam replied. "So what's the mystery behind the other 12 floors of that building?"

"Probably that's what prompted Justin's curiosity after he saw Green Beret accessing the 30th level." Tanya said with thought until Angela overheard the group's conversation about Rideau Circle, much to their surprise.

"Curtis was one of the main architects who worked on the design of the building." Angela said suddenly. "The elevator controls of the building don't have one cart that goes up all 42 floors of that building. Rideau Circle is kind of like our Trump Towers here in Angel Grove and there are other consolidated companies that operate in that building as well. I gave Zack instructions of which elevators to access in order reach Bridgeway Customs's offices on the 18th floor of the building."

"Curtis' old architecture company relocated to the Rideau Circle building?" Aisha asked curiously.

"Yeah a couple weeks ago they moved their offices there." Angela replied. "One of Curtis' coworkers still had some of Curtis' personal items in storage so Zack offered to pick it up for me. I would have gone myself but I got my hands full with Malcolm today. He called me this morning saying that Dale had to come in to work this morning to finish up a deadline. Dale's boss gave him the keycards to the office so he can come in to work."

"Zack is heading to Rideau Circle?" Adam said looking at the others with worry. "How long ago did you talk to Zack?"

"Huh right before I came to pick up Malcolm." Angela asked suspiciously looking at the group. She figured something was wrong, but didn't want to press for information if Zack's friends were helping him look into Curtis' suspicious death. "Is something the matter guys? I appreciate everything Zack has done for us and if there is anything I can do to repay him and all of you, please let me know."

"If it's not too much to ask Angela, do you think you can take the kids for the day?" Kat asked as Angela nodded. Growing up in Angel Grove, she knew weird things go on in their city and somehow Zack and his friends were at the center of things. From what she remembered back in the day, they were the ones trying to assure the safety of the civilians whenever monster attacks broke out. "Look, I know it's at last minute and we wouldn't be imposing..."

"Say no more I'll look after the kids for the day." Angela smiled at the group. "Please do make sure my son's godfather doesn't get himself into too much trouble. He still needs at least one male role model to look up to. Guys, it's Angel Grove and given our city's history with weird things...please stay safe out there."

"Don't worry we'll do and Angela we appreciate the help," Rocky said as the group headed out, letting the kids know that Angela is keeping an eye on them. "Keep watch over the kids for us while we're out."

Two Hours Later...

Tommy was fortunate that his parents were understanding and he offered compensation for the unplanned weekend visit by paying for the Valentine's Day lunch they ate out at somewhere in the downtown area. It slipped out of his mind to inform his folks yesterday that him and Amelia were coming down to visit for the weekend and he surprised his parents by arriving last night unannounced. He simply forgot to call them the night before to tell them the news.

James and Melissa Oliver always love seeing their granddaughter as Amelia was such a bright light in their lives. It pained them to know that their grandchild was growing up without the presence of her mother in her life. Even after almost five years, Kimberly's death left a hole in the hearts of those who loved her. It was why they didn't chastised their son for his unplanned visit knowing what today was besides it being Valentine's Day.

There were the days of wondering what life would have been like if Kimberly were still alive to celebrate her birthday. Over the years since their daughter-in-law's death, the Olivers maintained contact with Kimberly's parents out of respect for their beloved daughter-in-law. In turn, Kim's parents inquired about how Tommy and Amelia have been doing over the years and being given updates about the travels the father/daughter duo embarked during their time away from Reefside.

However, James and Melissa noticed that their son was distracted during lunch as Tommy was constantly busy with his phone. For some reason, Tommy couldn't get a hold of Jason and the others and usually his friends would revel in an impromptu visit from their friend and leader. He did leave each of them voicemails informing them he was in town this weekend, but no one didn't call back.

Deciding to track down his friends to invite them over to his parents' place later on, Tommy left Amelia in his parent's care after they finished lunch. Driving around town after visiting his friends' houses; Rocky and Adam's dojo and JS Investigations, there was not one sign of his friends. Driving through the area neighborhood of Troika, Tommy looked outside the window to see how much the infamous area of the city changed, now more modernized and updated with commercial property occupying the area.

Tommy looked outside at the tall 42 floor building that was situated in the midtown area of the city and right in the middle of Troika. The building he was staring at was Rideau Circle's new head office, the source of the controversy that stirred a dispute among the corporate developers and residences for months. Immediately, Tommy pulled his jeep aside to park on the street in front of Beanery Coffee House, mumbling to himself about the downside of his enhanced senses.

The mystery behind his friends' lack of response to his call was answered when he heightened senses overheard Justin's voice much to his dismay. Sometimes Tommy regretted training his senses to work beyond normal capabilities because eavesdropping on what his friends' were up couldn't make things worse once he walked into the coffee house and saw Jason and Trini. The two best friends were shock to see Tommy in Angel Grove, but the look on his face saw his leader instincts kicking in.

"Tommy?! What are you doing here in town bro?!" Jason asked suddenly startled. "How did you know or...you know what. You're Tommy Oliver somehow you figure out things whether we keep you in the loop or not."

"Well so much for surprising my friends on Valentine's Day for a weekend visit and not one of you guys didn't bother calling back." Tommy said. "I figured you guys were occupied with other things, unfortunately I didn't expect this was it."

"Let me guess, your special trick where you have like superhuman like senses?" Trini replied as Tommy pointed to his ear. "How much did you hear?"

"You guys know about my heightened senses in the past that nothing gets pass me. I can simply say that even as I was driving around the city somehow driving through Troika your voices stood out from the rest. Originally the plan for the weekend was to honor Kim on her birthday with her closet friends and family while celebrating Valentine's Day. Instead, I eavesdrop on a conversation about how Justin has been doing recon on Rideau Circle for over a week and right now is breaking into the building as we speak after you guys made his friend Nico spill the beans." Tommy said summarizing everything he overheard. "Did I miss anything else, bro?"

"Basically you just summed up what happens when Justin goes rouge," Jason slightly chuckled sarcastically. "Unless he has some valuable inside tip as to what he intends to do once he gets in close range. Billy is giving us a play by play of what boy wonder is up to once he hits the 30th floor." The three looked at the surveillance feed on the laptop as they watched the CCTV footage becoming clearer. "Tommy, what's the matter?"

Unfortunately, Tommy's senses acted up again as he began to isolate the sounds inside the building across the street. This time, the sounds were becoming noticeable to his horror as he overheard Justin's communication with Billy indicating he's making his way up to the 30th floor. He literally cursed once he also made Jason and Trini aware of noises on the 18th floor and pointed out Zack was in the building as well. Immediately, Tommy made a quick exit out of the coffee house and ran across the street towards Rideau Circle avoiding incoming traffic.

Making his way through the parking garage he spotted Billy and immediately found the emergency stairwell of the building quickly making his way up. Startled by Tommy's surprise appearance and him being trailed by Trini and Jason, Tommy instructed the others to make their way up and get Zack. Immediately, Tommy also picked up on the rest of the guys making their way to Rideau Circle after learning about Zack's whereabouts.

Rushing up the stairwell at quick speed, Tommy couldn't understand what overcame him, but he had this feeling whatever awaited on the 30th floor was anticipating their arrival. Upon reaching the 30th floor, Tommy looked for an air vent and snuck in undetected by masking his heartbeat and pulse. Venturing inside the air ducts, he found himself overlooking the board room. To his horror, Tommy saw that Justin was in a verbal confrontation with the execs from Rideau Circle who didn't look fazed one bit.

"My name is Justin Stewart!" Justin glared angrily. "Last year, one of your associates known as Green Beret has illegally been recruiting the youths of Angel Grove for late night jobs. There has been evidence that this pattern has occurred the last few years in other cities such as Boston, Turtle Cove and Silver Hill. And you thought you got away with it. I know who are. I'm gonna make sure..."

"Mr. Stewart if I may," Dalia Tale calmly addressed. "I appreciate your candor. And your passion. And I must say, considering what I've heard about you and your friends, you seem much more disciplined than I anticipated. In fact, I'm baffled by your tactics and congratulate you on your valor to compromise your network and severs."

"And who are you?" Justin snapped.

"I'm simply the CEO of a multi million dollar financial company, or it you like to put it in simple terms...I'm the one in charge." Dalia smirked mockingly. "But, please, go on. You were telling us what you were going to do."

"The authorities of Angel Grove has put together a case to take your company down. Extortion, narcotics, human trafficking, murder. There's no end to what we'll uncover and you can't hide anymore. You people can't hide behind the allude of Rideau Circle Financial, behind corporate shells, corrupted corporate yes man, high powered attorneys or street-level criminals who don't know who they're working for." Justin said holding his ground. "I'm here to expose you and seek justice for the innocent lives you have taken without any disregard."

Tommy holds his position above the air ducts as he hears the rest of the other Rangers making their way up to the 30th floor. However, he knows that their adversaries are unfazed by Justin's remarks when he hears the sounds of guns cocks and weapons being unsheathed. A gunshot from what he assumed was a silencer rang out as Justin dodged the shots and unconsciously Justin morphed into his Ninjetti robes, surprising the enemies in the room.

"NINJA RANGER POWER!" In a matter of seconds, Tommy busted through the ceiling and into the board room, landing on top of the large table. Justin was startled to see Tommy making quick work of their foes, surprising Dalia and the rest of the executives. A melee broke out as Justin and Tommy started attacking the now armed foes, but it was no surprise to Tommy as he recognized Dalia Tate.

"Tommy?! What are you doing here?!" Justin asked shockingly.

"What does it look like, going into the viper's nest to rescue a wayward soldier." Tommy replied smirking. "Oh and FYI buddy, next time pick up the phone when your friends bombard you with voicemails. The guys have been pulling their hairs out worried over you, boy wonder. Looks like business has picked up as usual."

"I'm surprised and this is quite a predicament we got here." Dalia sneered wickedly. "Dr. Oliver, it's been a long time and I see you have switched back to white. I've crossed paths with other Ninjetti before, but this is different. There's been a shift in the order...and it looks like the Ninjetti Order has risen again. Whoa, it looks like the heir apparent to the Ninjetti has finally claimed his fealty and kingdom."

"You damn right straight the Ninjetti are back and we're going to finish what was started long ago." Tommy spoke defiantly. "I know you people are because you have been a plague for almost twenty years of my life. I heard the stories and I know everything you people have done for over four thousand years. We're not like the other Ninjetti you've crossed paths with and we're on another level compared to the Garrison. You hide in plain shadows just to get to us...well we're not hiding anymore."

"I know you have no intention of hiding anymore, White Falcon as we also have no intention of hiding ourselves from you." Dalia replied. "We have been through this same old song and dance for many years, Power Rangers. You know us as the Emissary, but all of you have been at war with us since the day you all first accepted the power and fought our masters. We may have been heralds at one point, but now we have reemerged with new life. Now, we have assembled to carry on the work of our fallen masters the forces of light have destroyed to continue the legacy our masters have established."

"Whatever mask you Emissary hide behind, we'll make sure to pull the curtain behind the scenes." Tommy smirked as he heard elevator bell chime outside. Apparently, whoever was this current incarnation of the Emissary standing before them knew about their time as Power Rangers. Jason and the others arrived and took their place next to Tommy and Justin. "I learned a long time ago to always bring a brigade when going out on the frontlines."

"Hey bro, looks like you two have gotten the party started without us." Jason smirked and then looked at Justin. "We'll save the lecture about rouge missions later, right now it looks like we're going to be breaking some hearts this Valentine's Day. Everyone ready...NINJA RANGER POWER!"

A light engulfed the room as the members of the Emissary were face to face with the eleven Ninjetti Ninja Power Rangers ready for a fight. Without anytime to waste, the melee continued as the Pillars of the Emissary made their stealth exit, letting their minions deal with the Rangers, with the exception of Balor and Dalia. After almost a decade and a half since the start of their first battles with the Power Rangers, not much has changed no matter how much time passed.

Analyzing the battle royal before them, there was a hint of rustiness and sharpness being displayed by the original core group. However, their focus carefully zoned in on Tommy's sharpness and movement. Of all the Power Rangers they have dealt with, Tommy Oliver proved to be a fierce adversary they contended with. Seeing the battle styles of the original Green/White Ranger emerging, the aura surrounding their longtime adversary surged with a lethal and unlimited determination.

The Rangers continued to battle with the Emissary testing out and sizing up their adversaries as the fight spilled out beyond the confines of the board room. Soon, the entire 30th floor of Rideau Circle became an impromptu battleground leaving nothing but damage and carnage in the aftermath. Seeing that their enemies were being knocked out unconscious, the Rangers made their way towards the elevator to escape. However, Tommy felt a change in Balor and Dalia's demeanour as he heard footsteps heading towards them, one that he couldn't recognize.

"Wait, wait I don't think it's over yet guys." Tommy warned as they held their ground for another round. "There's someone else coming. Something else heading our way."

"You know what to do...show them the power you wield." Dalia address the mysterious cloaked individual who stared at the group of eleven. The Rangers held their position as the cloaked figure pulled her hood back, revealing the scarlet, clothed warrior underneath the cloak ready to battle.

"What is it?" Tommy looked like he was seeing the lurking shadow that haunted his dreams for years in the flesh. For some reason, he felt agitation and a sense of unease coming from his falcon, Brennan. There was a loud caw that rang from his animal spirit, amplifying the unknown surge of power and a change in aura. He knew what it was but he never imagine that Quinn's tall tales coming to life. "It's you isn't it? The lurking shadow and untamed fire of silence and chaos?"

"Oh, shit the grim reaper is back." Jason sighed in disbelief.

"Who's that?" Trini asked staring in awe. "Who the hell is it?"

"That is bad news. We gotta go and get the hell out of here before that thing finishes the job." Adam replied as the elevator door opened, only to reveal more of the Emissary's minions. "Uh-oh! Looks like the elevator is temporarily out of service!"

While the Rangers dealt with the Emissary minions to secure their exit, the Scarlet Sovereign stared down at Tommy sizing him up. However, he wasn't fazed and Jason looked over his shoulder to see a sudden shift in his best friend's demeanour, as if an edge and coldness rose. It was as if the two foes were waiting which one was going to make the first move.

"I'm not hiding anymore so I dare you to come full throttle at me...and show me your power." Tommy instructed coldly taunting the Scarlet Sovereign.

What followed next nearly frightened Jason and the others as anything he had ever witness as a Ranger. It wasn't Tommy's attack so much-he was coming at the Scarlet Sovereign with a combination of sharp kicks and punches-the Scarlet Sovereign stunned by responding equally back with every counter. The Rangers had two previous encounters with the Scarlet Sovereign briefly, but not one of them couldn't match the ferocity and power she possessed. However, it wasn't pulling any punches as it found an adversary like Tommy who defiantly contested the skills and abilities of the Scarlet Sovereign.

Making quick work of the Emissary's forces, the Rangers sense a change in Tommy's aura as a test of power between their leader and the Scarlet Sovereign continued to spill into a full out no holds barred sparring match. Their animal spirits could feel the power rising inside of Tommy, fueled by his falcon the more his old reflexes and instincts kicked in. Tommy wasn't holding back and neither was the Scarlet Sovereign as they suddenly sent Tommy through a wall, busting it and ending up in a room that contained an armory of melee weapons.

He heard the sounds of the katana being unsheathed by the Scarlet Sovereign, only to pull at the hilt to reveal twin swords to resume the attack on Tommy. He rolled away from the swift sword strokes, colliding to a display shelf of Bo Staves. He snatched one up and continue to brutally advance towards the Scarlet Sovereign. Something was off, but also he felt as if there was an unexplained pull he was sensing coming from the Scarlet Sovereign, but its aura was constantly shifting every second.

Just as the Scarlet Sovereign was about to unleash an inhuman strike with the twin swords, Tommy's uncanny reflexes worked in his favor as he planted the staff, catching the deadly adversary in midsection with both feet. Jason and the others stared in awe wondering why the killer instinct in Tommy suddenly emerge and that he manage to behest the Emissary's weapon to the ground.

Breathing heavily and panting, Tommy stood over the Scarlet Sovereign with the staff poised above its throat and a foot resting on his enemy's sternum. However, he heard a groan that emerge unexpectedly from the adversary beneath him and let's out an exhale that catches Tommy completely off guard. In the midst of the melee, he inadvertently knocked off the mask concealing his enemy's identity to see strands of caramel brown color hair peeking out.

Tommy topples over in shock, releasing his adversary from his grip as the color drains out of his face, matching the pale, thin face staring at him. Jason and the other Rangers stopped dead in their tracks as if something kicked them in the stomach at the sight of that they thought of a ghost or a figment of their imagination. The sight before Tommy haunted his dreams for nearly five years, praying for the impossible to become possible. Was his mind playing a cruel trick of the heart on him?

"Kimberly? Beautiful...is it really you?" However, the eyes glancing of him had no recollection or light that reflected upon him and instead brought upon a tidal wave of emotions as what stared before was a hollow shell deprived of light or humanity. "Are...are...you real?"

Instead, the figure known as the Scarlet Sovereign was unfazed by the remarks of her adversary it resumed attacking Tommy. Clearly distracted and disturbed by the stunning turn of events, Tommy lost focus, only for Jason to quickly intervene and knock the Scarlet Sovereign back for a few moments. He quickly went to retrieve his best friend to give the group the quick getaway they needed once the elevator doors opened.

Piling in and stunned by the recent turn of events and not caring about the possible pursuit of the Emissary, the Rangers demorphed. However, their attention focused on Tommy who was in a complete state of shock by seeing the living embodiment of his heart and soul in the flesh.

"What the hell just happened?" Jason asked looking at his best friend. "Tommy, bro was that...is that..."

"It is...it is her...after all these years." Tommy said full of emotion and disbelief. "The Scarlet Sovereign...the beating heartbeat in the void...it's our lost crane, Kimberly."