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.

30. Two Sides of the Same Coin

(Author's Notes: Hey everyone here's Chapter 30 & thanks for the reviews. In their bid to seek out Kimberly, the Rangers face another confrontation with the Emissary & witness the full extent behind the side effects of their friend's resurrection.)

Chapter 30: Two Sides of the Same Coin

FLASHBACK

Angel Grove Park: June 26th, 1997

"You're alone, Kimmie." Quinn said sternly as he met up with an eighteen year old Kimberly in a secluded part of Angel Grove Park. He could sense the inner conflict swirling inside his young student. Something told Quinn that tonight's meeting with the young girl will shift the future for not only her, but for his other former student as well. "Do you wanna tell me why you're alone?"

"He's not ready." Kimberly simply stated. "And don't for one second dare tell me otherwise. This...this isn't what fate and destiny had in store for him or me."

"The Garrison needs Tommy Oliver." Quinn stated. "Unless you didn't deliver on our sales pitch to him."

"I've tried but I couldn't convince him and quite frankly, I'm not going to do that to him." Kimberly argued. "Tommy has had his fare share of trauma and experiences dealing with his dark shadows lurking. I'm not going to be the one to snuff the light out of him because I can't do that to my white knight, my falcon."

"That is complete bullshit coming out of your mouth. You let him off the hook. I've sent you to do things a lot harder than this, Kimberly. However, I can sense in your voice you're wavering as well unless seeing him after eight months is making you reconsider."

"I did everything you said. I made him give in to his darkest impulses, but he's stubborn. I can't change his mind or who he is and quite frankly I'm not going to provoke him into engaging in another internal struggle. He's dealt with his demons and shadows of the past and is desperately trying to find a balance between the shadow and light in a world that wants to knock him another pang down. What you asked me to do...I couldn't risk letting the shadows Tommy tried containing be unleashed."

"Instead, you let him change who you are, or who you were becoming." Quinn argued. "You have come a long way in the eight months since you left that artificial life you supposedly wanted to build in Florida. However, you saw the light and the true mission on the horizon. I saw a young woman focused and determine to fight in this war and do whatever it takes to survive the war ahead. Unfortunately, getting the other side of the coin to join the warfront proved to be troublesome and that moral compass you two hold with high prestige is making your perception one sided."

"That's not what happened and after seeing him after eight months I wanted to protect him from what it all." Kimberly said in thought. "He knows what I did in Florida, but he doesn't know about what I got myself into after I came to Phoenix. I am grateful for everything you have done for me and with Tommy...you have to give him time. When it comes to the topic of you in his mind you're what we call a sensitive subject. Being back home and seeing him, there is still hope for a future for both of us. We were given a second chance to decide our own fate and destiny and dictate our own paths..."

"...I knew...this would happen, of course it is happening when the affairs of the heart come to play. When have you ever come to me with your tail between your legs, making excuses? Thought you were stronger than that, but here you are, because you fell in love with an ideal dream once again. We don't have time for that. For whatever it is you think you're feeling...it has to stop. You're at a crossroads Kimmie, both you and him and the decision you make will dictate what fate has in store for you."

"Well you can't make me do something my heart can't compel me to do anymore Quinn. Tommy can't do what you and I have been doing. The violence is part of him, but only to a point until he taps into the shadows he's been keeping at bay. He'll never be able to kill on command you know damn well. I know it comes at ease with me...but I can't let my hands be stained with anymore innocent blood. I'm...not going to be another soldier for another war again. I already served in one war, I'm not making that same mistake twice and don't for once think of dragging Tommy into this."

"He can't stomach what the Garrison does and he's not with the high prestige and valor you portray him to be. That doesn't make him good, Kimmie. It makes him weak. Ah, forget Tommy Oliver. The Emissary is moving fast. Something's coming. We gotta move faster."

"Maybe there's another way to win this war you talk about without so much death?" Kimberly said with hesitation. "I know you and the Garrison will figure it out, but it looks like you're going to be one soldier down. You said I'm at a crossroads and you are right: I'm choosing my heart and my own path with my falcon. There is this thing inside me I can't understand and I know it's in him too but we won't figure it out on the frontlines. If I had to choose, my white knight and falcon will always be my first choice above everything else. Will there be consequences? Well I'll say this: consequences be damned...this time we control our own fate, destiny and future."

"You don't realize the match you're about to light up with that choice, girlie." Quinn cryptically warned. "Like it or not, Kimberly, more death is coming. And you and me gotta get out of its way. I won't stop you...from deserting the front lines so be it if freedom is what you seek. However, one way or another this war will beckon you and especially him back to the frontlines in ways you can't imagine. So ask yourself this question: is it worth it to make the gamble that will light up a spark you won't know is igniting?"

March 7th, 2009

9:30 p.m

Angel Grove Park

Tommy stopped for a moment and felt a tingling sensation rush through him as he found himself in Angel Grove Park. He didn't know what he experience but it was as if suddenly he was seeing flashbacks of memories that weren't his, but those of Kimberly. Why was he reliving his wife's past memories? He stared at one particular spot at the park, "their spot" which was the genesis of their entire relationship and also the rebirth of it.

"June 26th...that day will always hold a significant place in my heart." Tommy said deep in thought and he understood why. Twelve years ago, Kimberly came back into his life after eight months apart due to the infamous letter and it was there they took control of their own fate and destiny. They were warned of the consequences of tempting the hand of fate and destiny. "And yet the needs of the heart prevailed and consequences be damned."

Something was compelling him to continue to explore the park, as if the needs of the heart called out to him. Deep down Tommy knew who he saw tonight at the Angel Grove Music Conservatory. Without a shadow of a doubt he saw the Scarlet Sovereign, but there was something beneath the surface of the Emissary's weapon. Beneath the surface, despite misgivings of unfortunate circumstances remnants of Kimberly Hart still remained beyond the void of life and death.

He was slowly beginning to understand the lore and mysticism behind the Emissary and what made them such a secretive and malicious organization. Given their pivotal connection and history with the Ancient Ninjetti Order many eons ago, Tommy and the others learned first hand a history of a war that reincarnated and endured beyond every corner of the galaxy.

Unfortunately, there were still some bits and pieces missing after once again being pulled back to the frontlines of another warfront chapter between the Garrison and the Emissary. Sure, the Emissary found means and resources throughout the ages to prolong death and take the tutelages of knowledge they learned from their previous heralds in their alternative lives. However, the history of the war between the Garrison and the Emissary remained uncleared and it became a question of their roles to play in it all.

Angel Grove Music Conservatory...

Meanwhile, Kat and Jason lost track of their missing friend in the midst of all the guests in the lobby while at the same time keeping the kids close together. It was easy for them to lose track of Tommy, but something set their leader off on another impulsive pursuit. The drastic change in Tommy's expression was noted amongst the couple before he left, which worried them.

"We need to tell the others what's going on," Jason said scanning the lobby for the others.

"And tell them what? That Tommy took off again chasing ghosts from the past and left his daughter." Kat said worried. "This is a big night for Zack and Tanya's record label and of course once again the enemy spoils the fun. We're not going to have a least one normal night with family and friends aren't we?"

"But we know what happens to my best friend when he's walking blind into a potential trap." Jason replied. "Kat, we know why he took off and what happens to his rational thinking when it comes to anything involving her. Whenever it comes to anything involving Kimberly...you know where Tommy's head is. He knows her inside and out..."

"Still, after all this time," Kat sighed in frustration. "Tommy will go through hell and back and if Kimberly was here tonight then..."

Unfortunately it was too late to break the news to the rest of the group once they overheard Jason and Kat's conversation. The realization that the Scarlet Sovereign was in attendance at the show baffled the group. However, it only meant that things were about to pick up once the Emissary finds out.

"Are you serious? The Scarlet Sovereign...or Kimberly was actually here?" Zack asked. "And where is Tommy now?"

"Where do you think he went? Pursuing her once he figured out Kim was here. I think...I think she came on her own but what I'm worried about is what will happen if the Emissary finds Tommy." Jason explained. "We couldn't stop him from leaving but we all know Tommy. She maybe the Scarlet Sovereign, but to him and the rest of us that is still our crane and our Kimberly. It's more than just finding her..."

"He's looking for answers," Tanya added. "Whatever happened to her or what they did...Tommy would want to know."

"We noticed his expression changed as if something triggered it, or maybe something was triggered inside Kim. There could be a million places he could have gone to try to pursue Kim, but it if we know their history there is one spot in this entire city that holds a lot of history for those two." Kat said with a thought.

"Angel Grove Park..." Jason said with a slight smile, knowing very well the significance of the place for his sister and best friend. "Whatever is happening we need to work fast because one way or another either the Garrison or the Emissary will intervene. I'm worried there are forces beyond our control that will prevent Tommy from finding out the truth about what happened to Kimberly."

Angel Grove Park, half an hour later...

She found herself near the lake in Angel Grove Park, as the moonlight reflected upon the water. It was as if something about this particular spot acted like a siren call to her as she continued to stare out aimlessly at the water. The Scarlet Sovereign couldn't explain it but what was it about the mysterious man she saw earlier at the music conservatory that alluded her thoughts?

Everything about her state of mind and her psyche felt like a fragile piece of glass that could shatter at the slightest movement. This was the second time this man infiltrated her thoughts, but all in the while it made her curious about him. She only knew of the life as the Scarlet Sovereign, the Emissary's greatest weapon who pulled her from the void of life and death. Her destiny was to make sure the Emissary served her and life itself and strike down all those who oppose them.

The Emissary has been the only thing she has known for as long as she can remember and fulfilling its mission has been her life duty. However, the pillars of the Emissary treated her as if she was some porcelain glass doll that had to be carefully handled due to the tremendous amount of strength and power she was granted. She couldn't explain what happened to her before the Emissary found her but wherever she was, it was in a place that laid beyond life and death, a place riddled with mystery.

Wherever she was prior to the life she is currently granted, there was a distance voice, or a beckoning call of something ancient that remained with her. It was an entity like something the Scarlet Sovereign couldn't ignore as the same caw sound ran through her head again. She winced in pain trying to tone it out, only to have her train of thought interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Emissary.

"My dear you had us worried." Pan replied in a calming, but manipulative tone alongside Balor, Ashei and Salazar. "We got word from our patrols that you abandoned the security detail that Malo provided. I will see to it we apprehend Malo for his actions for his lack of management on the protection of our greatest asset."

"Let me guess I have to inform Malo you have retrieved our asset once again?" Ashei asked in a sarcastic voice. "Gosh leave Balor in charge in our leader's absence the rest of the men in this circle go on an all out alpha male bender."

"Do you have a problem with following orders Ashei?" Balor argued. "Over four thousand years and you and Malo alternate on which one of you two fumble on the simplest tasks to handle. If you don't want us to apprehend you for Malo's blunders than I suggest you make sure next time he carries out a task with ease and with a lack of error along the way. While Dalia is away the chain of command of this organization falls under me being the second most senior member of this group."

"Here we go again the alpha male overload again," Ashei said with disdained. "Why don't you get off that high horse of yours Balor?"

"Why you disrespectful little..." There was a verbal dispute breaking out among the Emissary as Pan and Salazar attempted to broker peace amongst their allies. However, the Scarlet Sovereign looked on with dissatisfaction and boredom hearing her so called heralds and subordinates argue amongst each other. She was fed up and tiresome that suddenly she used her power to knock the four pillars of the Emissary back, much to their disappointment and shock.

"Are you all finished your little discussion?" she asked in a irritating voice. "Why are you all here?! It's like you all treat me some sort of fragile glass doll you worry is going to smash into a million pieces. This...this...over coddling sensation is suffocating! Is...it not too much to ask for some breathing room?!"

"Well this was a waste of time." Salazar replied disappointed. "We keep our asset well protected and guarded and this little firecracker bitch shows us not one ounce..."

In one quick movement of inhuman speed, she turned her attention towards Salazar and pinned him against a tree. She had her arm pressed tightly against his throat applying more pressure causing him to struggle to breathe, "Try me...and I'll knock the wind right out from where you stand."

"You...you need to calm down dearie," Pan said attempting to diffuse the situation. Balor and Ashei knew what was happening as the members of the Emissary have seen it many times. However, the side effects they all dealt with after their exposure to the substance during their first self-resurrection remained in tact after many eons. It was evident the side effects of the Scarlet Sovereign's rebirth brought upon a more complex and complication of side effects that were unraveling to manage. "Listen to me dearie, you need to relax. You...you need to calm down. This is not good for you and Salazar means no harm."

"Listen to Pan, dear child. You...need to keep yourself grounded and remember your training." Balor added in a soothing voice. "That untamed urge, the lust it's rising in you again. You must channel it into a particular focus. You need to control the power surging inside of you. Listen to us child. Keep yourself grounded and channel your focus. We are your family and we mean you no harm. Breathe in and out...and relax..."

Unbeknownst to the Emissary they did not know they were being tailed by Tommy who was watching the exchange. However, what Tommy was witnessing did not resemble his pink crane or his beloved Kimberly: the woman who was once the light in his life and the other half of his heart and soul. Instead, he saw a twisted Jekyll and Hyde scenario being portrayed live.

It was two sides of the same coin except a toss of the coin decided which persona emerged. The more he watched the Scarlet Sovereign it was like he could feel the internal conflict raging within her and it only fueled his own emotional turmoil. It was like although Kimberly was within arm's reach, he couldn't stretch out to reach out to her.

"Oh Beautiful, you're so close and yet I can't reach out to you." Tommy thought to himself watching the scene unfold. He saw the Emissary attempting to quell the unstable and yet emotionally conflicted young woman. They talked to her as if she was some patient in a hospital about to experience another psychotic mental break. "I...I know you can feel me somehow, and I can feel whatever it is raging within you. What has happened to you?"

Tommy couldn't take it anymore and every single part of him told him to make his presence known. There was that urgency to reawaken the woman known as Kimberly Hart-Oliver that was buried deep within the vessel occupied by the Scarlet Sovereign. On the contrary, he felt himself being forcibly pulled back in order not to give away his hiding spot by none other than Quinn. Things only got worse when Jason and the others found him in the park hoping not to alert the Emissary of their presence.

"I know what you're thinking kid. Believe me that is one powder keg you don't want to light up." Quinn argued looking at his former student. "You're definitely not thinking and that thing over there is on the verge of another psychological meltdown."

"What does it matter to you? It's hard enough watching Kim alive but also knowing at the same time it's not fully the woman I love." Tommy said gritting his teeth and then looking at his friends. "I told you before she's is not an "it" or a "thing." In the last hour I'm experiencing things I can't explain and the woman I love is beckoning. She was there tonight at the music conservatory and I felt her. The connection of the falcon and crane...it can't be destroyed and that is what is tearing me apart inside. What is happening to me? What is it I'm feeling? Is it me? Or it is Kim or whatever the heck that woman over there is going all Jekyll and Hyde on the Emissary?"

"What the hell is going on with the Emissary?" Jason watched in awe as the others listened on with the confrontation on display. "Is...is that Kimberly? We had to find you bro knowing what you were up to. We suspected you followed...her and it was what spooked you out. Tommy? Tommy what's happening?"

"I think she's remembering things about her past..." Tommy said sighing. "It's as if something is triggering it..."

"Listen to me Tommy, along with the rest of you Power Rangers." Quinn warned murmuring. "That thing over there...it's what you define as two sides of the same coin being mixed in with a much of magic mojo. She may look like Kimberly, but believe me it's a massive coin toss of which side emerges. Pulling someone back from the void of life and death has some serious psychological repercussions and add the full extent of blood lust, uncontrollable rage and mental Monty episodes what they brought back was something beyond their control. Unless they can tame the wildfire, it will just burn rapid leaving a trail and ash and dust. Yes, Tommy the connection of the falcon and crane remains in tact because it's a bond that can't be broken. However, that connection has been severely compromised thanks to those jackasses over there."

"Then there is a chance to reach for her and believe I have to be there." Tommy replied only for Quinn to cut him off. "Twice, she hesitated and it was as if she reacted to hearing my voice. She doesn't wholeheartedly belong to the Emissary. The crane was calling out to her and I felt the crane calling out to the falcon and to Kim. I feel like somehow I can see into Kim's memories the more the falcon and crane call out to her. I can still feel her inside Quinn. Am I doing this to her just being around her?"

"You try testing those limits then we got a major problem on our hands. That thing over there is going rampant right now. It cannot distinguish with everything shoved and mojo into that vessel currently being driven by the Scarlet Sovereign. You want to set the powder keg off Tommy then you'll put us all in danger. Those mental Monty breaks she's experiencing are what we call major side effects. Even after five years she's not all there Tommy and it's slowly showing. It is why the Scarlet Sovereign is considered a dangerous weapon in the Emissary's artillery because it is not even one those pieces of shit cannot fully control. There will always be an action and a reaction when one defiles the laws of nature and the universe: that there is a side effect of that conundrum. If I were all of you we need to get out of here right now."

"I'm afraid that is out of the question wouldn't you say, Power Rangers?" A voice said as the Rangers turned to see themselves face to face with the Emissary. They held their ground but Tommy's focus was solely on the Scarlet Sovereign being shielded out of view from their sight. Quinn had his hand on the hilt of his sword ready for unsheathing staring down at Balor and the other members. "Quinn, I see you're still in one piece."

"Where's your boss lady, Dalia?" Quinn replied smirking. "Now it's a goddamn party we got on our hands."

"So how long did it take you people to figure out it was us following you?" Tommy said in a mocking tone. "You know after all these years in any shape or form you jerks still remain half-minded and completely oblivious to what is happening. Still the same boneheaded idiots we last remember you as."

"You self-righteous little prick." Pan snapped. "You have the nerve to talk to us like that. You Power Rangers have been a thorn on our side for too long and after what you did to our masters, we're here to finish what they started."

"And what is that? To screw up time and time again and have their plans foiled?" Jason snapped. "We know what you're after and you think we're let you collection of garbage level out our city like what you did to the others long ago? Serious, who are you people?"

"They want something and apparently their worst fears have come to light." Quinn smiled defiantly. "The ones who exiled them many years ago, the legacy of the Ninjetti is back to lay their claim and dominion. Basically Power Rangers, they think the Garrison is what stands in their way when in reality it's you guys they are threatened by."

"The Garrison have always been a parasite to us for many eons because they serve to preserve the legacy of the Ninjetti. They protect their fabled Bloodline of Power, the so called heir apparent to continue the Ninjetti kingdom and claimant of the legacy." Balor snapped looking at Tommy. "Even long before you first became a Power Ranger we never anticipated just how much of a leech you have become to us. The one true Winged Lord of the Skies and the list of travesties you have inflicted upon the Emissary over the years goes on and on. Don't worry you'll soon pay your dues once we reclaim what we need to fulfill our mission."

"Travesties huh?! That's rich coming from you bastards for what this god forsaken vendetta has done to me..." Tommy shot back and then glanced over at the Scarlet Sovereign who stood there quietly and emotionless. "...And what you did to her. What's the matter? Didn't figure out that unknowingly I was being trained long before I first got my powers to fight in this war? Many times I tried walking away from the frontlines, but the call of duty always beckons me, a call I can't ignore. What Quinn says is right and it's not the Garrison you should fear...it's us."

In a matter of seconds, the Rangers and Quinn found themselves surrounded by the Emissary's forces. The four pillars smirk wickedly as they step back to let their underlings deal with their adversaries. "Oh, shit not this again." Rocky moaned softly as the others held their ground. "Anyone got any bright ideas?" The others looked at each as they transformed into their Ninjetti uniforms and fought off the Emissary's minions.

The Emissary's forces continued to come in small waves as they began to break off in small groups to deal with each pillar. Jason, Tommy and Kat had their hands full with Balor while Ashei proved to be a handful for Trini and Billy. Balor attempted to buy Pan some time to retreat and escape with the Scarlet as Salazar and the rest of the Emissary's operatives kept Quinn and the rest of the Rangers busy. However, seeing the Scarlet Sovereign being escorted away Tommy once again broke away from the group, much to Quinn's dismay.

"Rangers, listen to me." Quinn replied running his sword through another Emissary operative. "We work together, we walk out of here alive. No! Tommy get back here!"

"Wait, I just wanna talk to you." Tommy groans fighting his way through a few Emissary operatives until he finally reaches the Scarlet Sovereign. He finally catches up with her on another pathway away from the scene.

"Where's Tommy? What's he thinking?" Kat yelled as she and Jason double kick Balor.

"He's not thinking straight. Stay with me!" Quinn grunts as another operative groans from a melee attack by Quinn.

Meanwhile, the combat instincts kick in once again for the Scarlet Sovereign and she loses sight of Pan. Instead, she finds herself face to face with the White Ranger as Tommy is grunting trying to dodge her vicious strikes. "Listen to me, this is not who you are. I know you." She grunts once again as they trade strikes and dodges once more as she stares at him with a cold and vicious glare. "Please, you don't want to do this. You died. I held you in my arms. I buried you, Kimberly! Kimberly."

The mention of that name stops the violent urges inside the Scarlet Sovereign as she groans. Tommy stares long and hard at the woman who resembles a lost and ravaged soul devoid of any recollection of the life she once knew. However, to Tommy it looked like the sound of her name drew her curiosity. She stares back at him, lost in her own thoughts for a moment.

"That's your name, Kimberly." He murmured full of emotion wondering what had become of his lost crane. "Oh Beautiful..what have they done to you?"

"What are you doing?" Pan yelled coming to the scene before glaring at Tommy. "You are going to pay for..." Before Pan advances to attack Tommy, something snaps in the Scarlet Sovereign as she descends once again into a wild rage frenzy. This time, she gives a superhuman punch to Pan causing him to fly hard into tree before she knocks down Tommy and retreats in a state of disorientation and confusion.

"No, no wait! I can help you, Kim! Please Beautiful, come back to me!" A disorientated Scarlet Sovereign flees, leaving Tommy alone with an unconscious Pan off on the sidelines until Jason and the others catch up to him along with Quinn. They found the White Ranger in a state of daze and bewilderment trying to keep his emotions in line.

"Let's go, bro we got more coming our way so we need to retreat." Jason said trying to snap his best friend out of his trance. "Tommy? Tommy?"

"I don't know what they did to her, Jase but it's still two sides of the same coin." Tommy murmured sighing. "She's still in there, but yet I can't reach her. However, she hesitated again guys when I called her name. She's not fully the Scarlet Sovereign, is she?" He then turned to Quinn. "What is happening to Kimberly? Is she...is there some resemblance of the woman I love inside the Emissary's weapon called the Scarlet Sovereign? Tell me god damnit because I'm about to lose it here! Years ago in the factory when we found out the truth about the Scarlet Sovereign: could it have gone differently? Or was it...always meant to be Kim's fate?"

Unknown to the other Rangers with the exception of Jason and Quinn, Tommy's eyes flashed green as his emotions flared up. The rage built up inside of him along with the anguish, and hurt as if it was not only his pain he was feeling, but possibly Kim's internal struggle. It was the first time Quinn noticed the flash of green in Tommy's eyes but he heard the stories from Zordon. There was an unconcealed fury inside the white ranger but seeing the effects the fate as the Scarlet Sovereign it made him think back years ago to what Quinn said that night in the factory.

"It is why you two were always considered the exceptions. The two individuals who had the power to balance two sides of the same coin." Quinn said to Tommy. "As I said long ago I failed to protect you, both of you from everything. She will always be your destiny in any shape or form because somehow the universe always finds a way to draw you two together. What you're experiencing is the power building up inside of you: the balance of light and shadow. It's what makes you a powerful force in the name of the Ninjetti Order: it's what makes you the one true Winged Lord of the Skies. Unfortunately, fortune is tipping the scales in a different direction and what you saw is what happens when the scale tips in another direction. You two are bonded, but to break the tether placed on your lost Winged Lady of the Skies will be a fleet that you push you beyond the brink. The balance of nature and the universe is unraveling and you'll see first hand that things will only get darker before you find the light once more."

"You said you failed to protect us years ago from a fate and destiny worse than death. It was predetermined either one of us would have been chosen to be the Scarlet Sovereign. However, being two soulmates who learned how to balance both sides of the coin made us a threat to whoever laid claim to one of us." Tommy replied deep in thought. "You steered us towards prophetic birth right that unconsciously became another fate and destiny in our place. That power it's building within me and also within Kimberly too. There is more to it than you're letting us know but it's not going to stop us. I'm not going to back down and I will push myself beyond or die trying because I'm not going to make the same mistake five years. This time, I'm going to set things right and finish what I started so I can bring my Beautiful Crane back where she belongs."

March 22, 2009

Rideau Circle Financial

12:30 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

Dalia Tate entered the private elevators that were restricted closed off to public access. She made her way to the private floors strictly used for the Emissary and up to the top floor of the building. She exited the elevator seeing Salazar grunt in displeasure as he and Malo were forced to drag out another body out of the large training room. The other pillars quickly padlocked the door as they have done for over two weeks.

The group found themselves in a predicament after their last encounter with the Ninjetti Power Rangers, forcing them to now accelerate their plans. However, thanks to the Garrison's interference they found themselves at another roadblock. To further agitate them, they had no clue as to the whereabouts of the key component they required to unlock the mystery that laid dormant beneath the city of Angel Grove. The members convened outside the large training room and surprisingly heard silence.

"Do you think it was wise to squander another portion of our contingency?" Ashei questioned. "For now this is only a temporary reprieve and we cannot restrict her power and also her blood lust for so long. Her strength and power...is exceeding and surpassing all of us beyond our expectations."

"And we cannot afford to deplete our reserve forces for she already slayed at least a dozen of our loyal operatives." Thea sighed in disdained. "Keeping her in confinement in order to control and maintain the Scarlet Sovereign's power doesn't include putting the rest of the entire Emissary at risk. Dear sister, was it necessary to go to extreme lengths in order to maintain our foothold against our enemies?"

"Are you questioning your sister's judgement, Thea?" Balor asked. "We all swore a fealty and oath to uphold this organization and take the necessary steps required in order to fulfill our purpose. Remember that we are the pillars of the Emissary, the foundation that holds this ancient organization. We serve the Scarlet Sovereign and life itself."

"Life itself...did that include us being the added addenum in order to reserve the last of our contingency." Salazar replied bluntly as the group fell silent. "We have all been together for many eons. We have endured and survived every variation of the Emissary across the universe, in many different eras and lifetimes. The seven of us have been through it all since the beginning, since we were first cast off by the elders from Pheados for defying the Ancient Ninjetti. It seems here ladies and gentlemen...our esteem leader has lately been relying too much on our highly questionable investment." Moments later, Pan came out of the training room after Salazar's rant.

"Well the Scarlet Sovereign has at least quelled her inner demons for the time being." Pan announced to the group and then addressed his other ally. "I have overheard what you had to say to our prestigious leader, Salazar. Over the years, the seven of us have escaped every manner of danger and death under the guidance and leadership of Dalia. We have been a united front over the years because of her and now is not the time to fall apart because of a few minor mishaps. Dalia knows just what to say to defuse our little untamed firecraker."

Dalia entered the training room to find blood stains on the mats, the racks of weapons knocked over and a couple parts of the wall damaged due to the Scarlet Sovereign strength of power. She found the young woman viciously attacking a steel training dummy that the Emissary created. She stopped noticing Dalia's presence in the room.

"You have kept me in solitude confinement for an extended amount of time." she spoke stopping her attack. "You...you all treat me like I'm some child that needs to be discipline and confined to her room." Suddenly, she let out a smirk. "Let me guess...did I scare the babysitters once again that they locked me up and grounded me?"

"You're skilled, my dear girl." Dalia commented circling the Scarlet Sovereign. "It's clear, watching you fight, that you know much more than anyone can learn in a single life. That's a compliment. They've said the same thing about me. However, it has seems that you experienced another episode and it raised some concern among the group."

"You've trained me well...all of you have." She replied sighing. "I overheard the others talking about me, like I'm some sort of abnormal thing. They look at me like I'm about roast them alive, especially Salazar. I feel out of place here and for some reason I yearn for something more. There's this thing I'm feeling, something I can't explain and yet whatever it is...I want to obtain more of it."

"And...what is this item you are seeking to obtain?" Dalia questioned feeling that there was a shift in the Scarlet Sovereign's aura. It became a concern to the Emissary after learning of their last encounter with the Power Rangers in her absence. Since then, they reluctantly all came upon an agreement to keep an extra close eye on their asset.

"I do not know but part of me my purpose runs beyond the Emissary, to lead this group as its instrument against our enemies." She questioned. "But yet, something inside of me is awakening, something I can't explain and it's making stronger and exceeding beyond my expectations. I have Pan and Balor who have trained me to be who I am. The others I can see hesitation and doubt about my place and my role in the Emissary. I have seen death and rebirth...but yet this life doesn't feel fulfilling as I anticipated."

"I had a daughter once when I was very young." Dalia replied looking out the window. "This was in my first life. Before I made the pilgrimage to Phaedos. Before I learned of the substance. And before I started the organization. And she was intelligent, kind but unfortunately I never had the opportunity to raise her. The price I paid to bring life to her I brought shame upon my family and she was taken from me when she was born. Only when I was able to find her many years later, death took her from me before I learned how to defeat it. In my grief, people told me that she was too good for this world and I live with a lifetime of regret for giving her up. I didn't believe them and thought my grief will consume me. But there was some truth in what they said. She wasn't a warrior and many would say she was better off without me in her life.

"She wasn't like you and me. And now I know I was never meant to raise her. I was meant to raise the Scarlet Sovereign. I'm grateful for you." Dalia complimented. "I am grateful that the regret I endured in my previous life I have been able to atone for them with your presence. You had no choice in returning from death. I realize that. But I hope you understand that this is the life you were chosen to lead, as a weapon against our enemies. If you do not fulfill that role you're of no use to the Emissary. Or to me."

"Of course not...I am useful by fulfilling the role this new lease in life has given me." The Scarlet Sovereign stated. "In this life...I'm destined to lead, to rule and I will prove my fealty to serve the Emissary and life itself. I will see to it there is no doubt spoken about me or where my place stands with the Emissary."

Satisfied with what she heard, Dalia left the Scarlet Sovereign to resume her training before rejoining with the rest of the pillars. The other six awaited what their leader had to say but despite the reassurances of their weapon, there was some undisclosed issues to deal with.

"I sure hope you know what we've gotten ourselves into." Malo said with hesitation. "Her aura...it's shifting drastically and he will not stop pursuing us. The bloodline, it's reclaiming their dominion and restoring the last kingdom of the Ninjetti. There is a beating heart answering a call from deep within the void. Sooner or later he will finish what he started...the Winged Lord of the Skies, the white falcon. He's going to reclaim his lost soulmate from beyond the void. Are you sure it is wise knowing of the power surging inside of her?"

"Let the white falcon try to challenge his claimant and dominion to rule his kingdom alongside those who swear fealty to him." Dalia replied before getting to the point. "Twice, a stirring presence from deep within the void answers the call. That aura...it's building within the balance of shadow and light, but yet we need it to lead us to what we must obtain. We'll risk it all in order to achieve our goals, even if we have to tip the scales of power in uncharted territories. However, in order to do that we need to break the chains that the Garrison have planted to slow our rise to dominance and power. The Bloodline of Power cannot rise to lay their claimant...for dire consequences will await them."