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.

31. During the Highest Tide

(Author's Notes: Hey everyone here's Chapter 31 & I hope you all continue to keep the reviews coming. The song "The Highest Tide" by The Wealthy West is featured in this chapter after I heard it on an episode of the Vampire Diaries & Reign. Also, the song was the main inspiration for this chapter which finds the Rangers doing a bit of reflection and soul searching in the midst of their ongoing battle against their enemies & dealing with their everyday lives.)

Chapter 31: During the Highest Tide

April 18, 2009

Angel Grove Cemetery

3:00 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

As they heard the priest give his eulogy for Shawna Elena Hilton, a woman who lived her life to the fullest, they couldn't help but shuddered. There was one life lesson they couldn't master learning and that was how to deal with the unexpected as they stood one Saturday afternoon attending Shawna's funeral.

Life and death was an element that remained constant in the balance of nature and the universe. It can come at any moment whether it be natural, or due to unforeseen circumstances, or for justifiable cause and merit. For Rocky and Aisha, they knew that Shawna anticipated her time was up once and willingly accepted her fate.

The couple received the call a few days ago learning that Shawna was admitted to the hospital after her condition turned for the worst. It had been an emotional week for the couple who bid a final farewell to an old friend with the promise to care for Robbie and Bianca. In last days of Shawna's life, she finally made peace with the past and made one last bedside confession to Bianca the truth behind why she and her brother were being adopted by Rocky and Aisha before she passed away from cardiac arrest due to complications of pneumonia.

They watched as Shawna's casket was being lowered into the ground, the other Rangers who came to Shawna's funeral to support their friends saw the newly formed family bond over the loss of someone dear to them. As Aisha continued to hold onto Robbie, Bianca stared at the casket descending down into the ground as she reached out and gently held onto Rocky. He glanced down at the little girl who continue to maintain her death grip on him, desperately seeking her father's comfort in a time of need.

For Rocky, he reflected on Shawna's deathbed confession to their daughter about the truth of her paternity. Bianca was only seven years old but she was old enough to gasp the concept of preparing for life without her mother. She already accepted the responsibility of looking after her little brother, but upon hearing the truth about Rocky being her dad, the young girl's response surprised him. Despite Rocky's past with his daughter's mom, he ensured his old friend that he will always be there for their daughter and love Robbie as his own son.

Once the priest gave his thanks to everyone in attendance, he announced that a reception hosted by the Hilton family will be hosted in the church's meeting hall. The Rangers looked at the priest who went to speak directly with the Hilton family and Aisha could only imagine what her old friend's family is going through. They saw Aisha making an effort to extend an olive branch to Shawna's family despite the turbulent relationship the Hiltons had with their daughter.

After all, she was fulfilling her childhood friend's dying wish to be there for her family once she was gone. The last thing Aisha didn't want Shawna's parents to feel was guilt and regret for how they treated Shawna while she was alive. While Aisha went off with Robbie to talk with the Hiltons, the rest of the Rangers waited off to the side and watched Rocky standing behind his daughter as the pair continued to stare at Shawna's gravesite.

"According to Rocky and Aisha, Shawna had Giloblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer and her condition was terminal." Adam whispered to the group. "Basically, they gave her eighteen months max and surprisingly, the doctors were right on their timeline. I knew Shawna along with Rocky and Aisha when we lived in Stone Canyon since first grade. The four of us ironically ended up in the same class during elementary and middle school. It's hard to believe for a woman who spent the last year of her life to correct the mistakes of her past is suddenly gone."

"Imagine the overwhelming feeling Shawna's parents are going through with the guilt and regret they're feeling for how they treated their daughter." Tommy added. "Then picture Bianca and Robbie going through life without their mom. Robbie already lost both of his parents, but I know Aisha and even so, Rocky. Those two kids need them more than ever to get them through this time. Even more, Rocky and Bianca need each other now that the truth of their relationship as father/daughter is out."

The others stood off to the side to give Rocky and Bianca some time alone, knowing the pair needed this moment to themselves.

"Uncle Rocky...did mommy know she was really sick? Is that why she wanted Robbie and me to live with you and Aunt Aisha when she was gone?" Bianca asked.

"Yeah sweetheart, your mom know she was sick but she fought long and hard in order to spend more time with you and your brother." Rocky explained. "Sometimes, things happen for a reason we can't control like why people get really sick and why sometimes not even medicine can make them better. However, your mom wanted to make sure that if in case anything happens to her she wanted to make sure you and Robbie were taken care of."

"Is that why she waited to tell me that you're my real daddy and not Noah? Is that why Robbie and I are with you and Aunt Aisha because you're my real dad? Noah wasn't my real dad but he was like a dad too. I remember when mommy was sad when Noah died. I was sad too and so was Robbie, but now mommy is in heaven with Noah."

"I'm sorry you lost your mom Bianca and your Aunt Aisha and I lost a good friend we knew since we were kids. I know it's going to hurt for awhile but we'll get through the grieving process. The best way to remember your mom is not about how she was sick, it's remembering all the good times with her."

"Mommy said to me that you and Aunt Aisha are going to be our new mommy and daddy when you adopt us." Bianca said murmuring. "Does that mean you, me, Robbie and Aunt Aisha are a family now?"

"That's what it means kiddo and I promise your mom we'll look after you two." Rocky reassured her placing a hand on her shoulder. "I know I've only been in your life for a few months and I can't make up for the years I wasn't there for you. However, despite all of this...I'm glad to have you in my life Bianca, both you and Robbie."

"I'm glad you're my real daddy, Uncle Rocky and I don't want anything to happen to you or Aunt Aisha." Bianca replied sincerely. "I already lost my mommy and my first daddy. I don't want to lose my real dad or my second mommy. I know you told us not to tell mommy about you two being superheroes but I also don't want anything bad to happen to you guys. Will you promise you will always be with us?"

"Hey there is nothing in this world that will keep me away from in this lifetime Bianca. We're not going anywhere and don't think we won't give you two up easily. Even if I knew the truth about you or not, regardless your Aunt Aisha and I will always be there for you and Robbie. You want to know a secret kiddo?"

"What is it?" She asked hopefully.

"I love you very much Bianca," Rocky replied hugging his daughter. "...Always and forever and that's a promise."

"I love you too, daddy...always and forever." Bianca whispered in his ear hugging back. Rocky was stunned when she finally acknowledged him as her father and hearing his daughter say it made it worth the while. It was going to be some rough days ahead, but Rocky had the support he needed with Aisha by his side and the two kids they vowed to love and keep safe in this world no matter what.

April 19, 2009

5:00 p.m

Reefside, CA

"I believe these new system upgrades will be sufficient to establish our second base of operations." Zordon confirmed as he handed Billy and the others the new hardware drives and system components needed. The Rangers, with the exception of Rocky and Aisha found themselves back in the hidden ruins of the Ninjetti kingdom to get some more inside information about the situation in Angel Grove.

For one thing, the Rangers couldn't ignore the call of their former mentor who once again resumed his role as both guide and Garrison leader to prepare his Rangers and also allies for what the Emissary had in store for them. To better prepare and equip the Rangers for the next phase of their battle, Zordon and Dulcea provided them with the same upgrades that was made to Tommy's lab and instituted it for the hidden lab that was currently under constructed underneath Dune Lion Record's new head office.

The new upgrades also provided communication and contact between Tommy's lab, the hidden Ninjetti kingdom ruins that there was also a mini command centre establish to monitor activity between Reefside and Angel Grove. However, things have been quiet for over a month since the night of Tanya's concert.

"It's been awfully quiet for over a month, eerily too quiet for our liking." Tommy said. "The Emissary knows who we are and they made no bones at wanting us to know that they can get the best of us. In addition, I still can't get it out of my head thinking about Kimberly. Every time I look at Rideau Circle I know she's in there somewhere in that 42 level stronghold with those seven pillars of the Emissary."

"They had a lot of potential to them a very long time ago, thought that the teachings of the Ninjetti would mature them to be upstanding warriors of the light. However, once we saw their true intentions we got a glimpse to their dark intentions and their malicious desire for immortality and power." Zordon recalled.

"Literally it was a sense of the students spitting in the faces of their teachers huh?" Tommy commented probing for more insight. "Did you have an idea back then there will be an uprising on their part after you guys exiled them and deemed them unworthy of ever obtaining the Great Power?"

"We always pondered that thought as to what made those seven heretics form the Emissary." Dulcea said. "The irony of the definition of the word itself brings upon a double-edge standard. Originally, they were going to be the representatives to carry out the mission of the Ninjetti Order across the galaxy. Instead, they became emissaries to much more fouler evils that existed on this planet and continue to carry out the work of the heralds they swore their fealty to."

"But there was an upside to all of this wasn't there?" Jason asked.

"In some sense yes that we found new emissaries to represent the legacy and mission of the Ninjetti and uphold the Great Power." Zordon said. "There have been many chapters throughout time about the war between the Emissary and the Garrison: a civil war that originated long ago on Phaedos. Every chapter chronicled has a beginning, middle and end and this current chronicle that has carried out for over four thousand years in his reincarnation maybe the last chronicles of this war."

"This current chronicle you're talking about it's this war between the Emissary and the Garrison on Earth for over four thousand years?" Adam asked.

"As ancient beings and immortals who have lived different variations of this war in many lifeforms and eras, the outcome varies, but the cycle doesn't. One side looks to continue to prolong their existence at the cost of desecrating the greatest force in the universe, the Great Power. Another side fights to preserve the sanctity of the universe's balance by any means necessary. It is the same mantra that has kept this continuous cycle going." Dulcea stated.

"So where do we fit into all of this?" Tommy replied. "The main protagonists in the current chapter in the war between the Garrison and the Emissary. Everything has a beginning and an end to it and both factions are looking for a way to write the final chapter with the ending they desire. You told us we are the future of the new Ninjetti, the restoration of the Bloodline of Power. However, for some reason we're the wildcards in this equation are we?"

"Both sides are ancient factions who are at the last stretch of this chapter." Zordon warned. "The Emissary has already disposed of the majority of our contingency and we are running on borrowed time just like our adversaries we have waged war upon for over four thousand years. The balance of the universe itself is tipping and an act of unbalance will tip the scales should our enemies destroy the one last line of defense that has kept their ambitions at bay for many years."

"Are you talking about the mystery of interest buried underneath Angel Grove?" Jason questioned. "This Modus Operandi that will ravage our hometown. Is this the dark ages of this kingdom you're referring to?"

"The trials that this kingdom will face has already begun." Dulcea replied deep in thought. "These trials go beyond physical confrontations on the frontlines. The trials and tribulations you will all face will take you to places that will test your limitations beyond your emotional; spiritual and mental state of minds. Protecting the key of the future is essential because if the Emissary obtains the essentials needed to fulfill their ambitions: your world will plunge into a reign of silence and the light burned into ashes."

"However Power Rangers, there is a lot to learn about the road ahead. This war you are engaged in will take you beyond the frontlines and take you to places beyond your reach. There is a power shifting drastically and with unpredictability." Zordon took a deep look at each of his Rangers individually, but his gaze focused mainly on Tommy. Both the mentor and leader of the Power Rangers did not need words to describe the silent exchange going on between them. It was as if he could feel the shifting aura rising in his white falcon. "Should you attempt to test the limitations of your powers without proper discipline and training, the results will leave you in uncharted territories."

"If that's the case, then we'll take on whatever comes on our way next." Tommy stated. "We need to be calculated and grounded if we have a chance on taking out the Emissary once and for all. The foundation of their organization depends on those seven pillars and we got to prepare ourselves for a power play."

May 9, 2009

Oliver Residence

10:00 a.m

Reefside, CA

It was a surprise when Tommy woke up during another May weekend to see a sailboat parked in the front of his house on Valencia Drive. On the contrary, the owner of sailboat turned out to be none other than his best friend and brother, Jason but he didn't arrive alone. Of course, Jason made the two hour drive to Reefside towing not only the sailboat, but Kat and their brood of children to visit their Uncle Tommy and Amelia.

Joining Kat and Jason for the impromptu and unplanned visit was Rocky and Aisha alongside Robbie and Bianca. Tommy hasn't seen the couple since Shawna's funeral as the he and the rest of the Rangers decided to give the couple time to help the kids cope with the loss of Shawna and also deal with the revelation of Bianca's paternity. He initially planned on coming down to Angel Grove for the day to help with the construction of the new lab underneath Dune Lion Records, but the foursome had other plans.

A few days ago, Jason called his best friend to tell him about the old sailboat his uncle owned and recalled the summers when they were teenagers riding and sailing around the waters and harbor marina outside of Angel Grove. Tommy remembered how Jason and Kimberly taught him how about the basics of sailing as a way of helping him bond with the others after joining the team.

He was grateful for learning the functions of sailing because something about sailing during a breezy day when the tides slowly rise brought upon a calm within him. Back then Tommy describe that feeling of being out in the open water like washing away the worries of life that drown him at times. Even during his time in Boston, he sometimes found himself sailing every once in awhile in order to bring himself closer to feeling Kimberly's presence with him.

According to Kat, he found out that Jason and the guys spent the last two years restoring the sailboat as it was one of the few sentimental items of value for them. He didn't expect Jason and the others to show up with Jason's sailboat in tow after the morning he had, but he was thankful somewhat for a slight distraction.

Seeing the sailboat brought back some memories and reluctantly he agreed to temporarily store the boat at his place until they can find a spot at marina to dock it. Of course Amelia was excited to see her godparents, along with her Uncle Rocky, Aunt Aisha and her honorary cousins and was ecstatic about seeing the sailboat. The guys wanted to test out the sailboat out on the waters of Reefside hoping to invite Tommy and Amelia out for the day.

"Come on daddy can we go today? Besides, we haven't been sailing since we left Boston and I really miss it." Amelia smiled pleading. "Pretty please can we go?"

"What do you say bro? Are you willing to test out your old sailing skills since the others gave us a free family day pass to spend with the kids?" Jason said. "Come on in the midst of all the chaos and madness we're dealing with, sometimes we lose sight of the priorities in our lives. Please let us feel that we didn't waste a drive up to Reefside."

"Look, we know Aisha and I haven't been around much since Shawna's funeral and maybe we kind of need this today." Rocky said. "Don't you remember the days we all spent driving Jason's uncle's sailboat back in Angel Grove. Heck, then there was that time we helped you plan your one year anniversary surprise for Kim by taking her out sailing followed by the dinner we set up."

"Yeah...those were the good old days." Tommy slightly smiled staring at the sailboat. "I remember being nervous driving that thing out on my own with Kim for the first time back in high school because I wanted to make our first year anniversary of dating memorable. I couldn't believe you trusted me bro to borrow it your uncle's boat that day."

"She never forgot about it because it meant something to her." Kat commented smiling. "She rated it as one of her top ten best dates ever with you knowing how nervous back then you were on driving that sailboat. Jason and I sure had our few share of memories on that boat there too if you know..."

"Yeah that's a tad too intimate there girl," Aisha laughed. "We don't want to figure out how many of your brood of kids were conceived out in the open water."

"Okay fine we'll come as long as you guys don't spill out any tales of conception or anything PG13 while we're on that boat." Tommy replied chuckling. "Besides, it's not a bad day to go sailing and it's been awhile since I last sailed a boat, unless I need a fair warning in advance about Rocko educating the kids about the birds and the bees."

"Seriously?! Are you guys still holding that against me?" Rocky laughed. "It was one time and I paid last summer for a dessert cutoff courtesy of Mrs. Scott over there."

"Awesome this is going to be so much fun!" Henry happily replied.

"I agree and besides Robbie and I never have been on a sailboat so this will be really epic!" Bianca said as Robbie nodded smiling. Jason instructed his son to go to the car to check on the lifejackets to make sure there was enough to go around for both the kids and adults.

While Aisha and Kat stayed outside to organize the other children, Rocky and Jason accompanied Tommy and Amelia inside the house so the pair can gather their things for their visit to the harborfront. The guys noticed that their leader was distracted by something and that they must have stumbled upon it before their unexpected arrival until the guys noticed there was a pair of white envelopes with Tommy and Amelia's names on them sealed.

The men knew the handwriting too well on the front which contributing to the somber mood in the Oliver home. Jason and Rocky can only draw from assumptions that somehow Tommy must have stumbled the sealed letters earlier this morning and was reluctant to open and read it. After all, they remembered the last time Tommy received a letter years ago, it nearly destroyed the relationship between him and Kimberly. They could only imagine what the contents of the envelopes will be knowing that somehow this must have been written over five years back before everything in Tommy's life drastically changed.

"Daddy found that this morning while he was cleaning up my bedroom," the turned around and found Amelia standing in the living room. "I found one with my name on it but daddy didn't want me to see it. Then suddenly, he became very sad looking at it because he says it's from mommy."

"Oh man, poor Tommy knowing his history with letters and all," Jason said sighing. "Maybe part of him wishes he never found it. I'm guessing Kim must have written them the night before...well you know..."

"Uncle Jason, I see that daddy doesn't really like letters, especially ones written by mommy. For some reason he gets really sad and then he cries although he used to tell me that grown men aren't suppose to cry." Amelia replied.

"You see Amelia, the thing with your dad is that he hasn't had a good history when it comes to letters." Rocky explained. "Do you know why people write letters?"

"Ms. Versio, my teacher says that people write letters for many things. They write to announce good news, they write to say hello to friends and family travelling or to show that they love each other. Sometimes...people also write letters to say goodbye. Is that why daddy didn't want me to see the letter? Did mom write a goodbye letter to dad?"

There was no way of getting pass Amelia's observation. The little girl definitely inherited her parents' perception to notice things around her. "We're not sure peanut but we won't know unless your dad reads the letter. However, we can't force him to do something that will make him upset." Jason told his goddaughter.

"Okay, if he won't read mom's letter to him, why can't I read mine?" Amelia asked. "Does daddy think it will make me feel sad?"

"That's something you got to ask him for yourself." Jason simply replied as Amelia excused herself to get her shoes on. The two spied Tommy. He could only assume his daughter spilled the truth about his despondent, somber mood once he saw his friends glancing at the letters on the coffee table. He knew it be his turn to be interrogated.

"I guess Amelia told you about my little discovery this morning..." Tommy replied neutrally.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Rocky asked awkwardly. "We know with your history with letters and we can only assume the contents of those ones..."

"Yeah you guys know my track record with letters, especially ones written by Kim..." He confessed. "Amelia asked about it this morning...but what do I say to her? Do I tell her the truth about her mom..." He shrugged helplessly. "...I can only guess what Kim wrote before everything got flipped upside down. Yet still, there's some half truth and lies to it and also it just serves as another reminder."

"Part of you wants to read it I can see it," Jason said as he picked up the letters from the table. "...And Amelia, you can't help but feed her curiosity to know..."

"Five years I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth...but what now?" Tommy asked, staring at the letters Jason held out. "She has this idea of the type of woman her mother was as if she was still here with us. I can't destroy Amelia's vision of who Kimberly was knowing...what became of her these past few years..."

"What if the reason why don't want Amelia isn't because you want to protect her from the truth?" Rocky asked quietly. "What if...it reminds you of who she once was?" The belief that the woman you love still love, the one you thought died five years ago still remains regardless of the circumstances?"

"Just give some thought to it bro," Jason said holding out the letters. "You had the opportunity to throw those letters out, but you didn't once you found them. Either way they would have turned up for you to find. Maybe it may have been Kim's last words to you and Amelia, you don't know. However, how will you be at ease if you don't know?"

"If you guys insist although I may kill the mood of this little boating trip by the end of the day," Tommy said reluctantly taking the letters. "Even if I read it or not or show Amelia her mom's letter, what difference will it make? Knowing that she's out there and not the person she once was, how do I deal? What will it say for Amelia?"

"You survived five years raising your daughter and everything she knows about her mom is because of you...I don't think it will change things."

1:30 p.m

Rideau Circle Financial

Angel Grove, CA

Deep beneath the city of Angel Grove, the pillars of the Emissary stood in front of the mysterious wall with their trusted mystics. Once again, their efforts proved to be futile as mere frustration continued to plague the Emissary. It was simple back in the day when they retrieved the substance and fulfill their Modus Operandi. However, their resources were drastically depleting with each day and they resorted to emergency contingencies that further put them in a vulnerable position.

At first there was a disagreement amongst the group about how to proceed and they weren't making any progress as long as the Power Rangers or the Garrison remained a constant threat to them. It was why they laid low for nearly a month after Dalia insisted that the group complies to a radical tactic to preserve their dominance and authority.

"Ashei is contacting our forces in Asia for a second consultation." Balor reported. "And Salazar already has massed his forces from Tortuga to start scowling the shore for any of the remaining Garrison sanctums. Malo put out word to his suppliers in Africa for more surplus. Pan is on watch duty for our asset...he thought it be best that our sovereign needed some fresh air."

"And do not worry there is a security detail escorting her for her protection." Thea added.

"Excellent work." Dalia said firmly. "Follow me up on the status and progress of the others and see to it that there is reserves on hand should our forces require compensation for their services." The two bowed as Balor left, but Thea remained much to Dalia's surprise. "Is something the matter, dear sister?"

"I didn't want to bring it up previously hoping to spare your feelings Dalia." Thea said in seriousness. "The idea of any harm coming to the Scarlet Sovereign. Sister, you do know...she cannot replace what you once lost during her first life. The somewhat attachment you feel for her, it reminds you of what life could have been once upon a time."

"In all the lifetimes I lived, for some reason that memory of my daughter remains. However, I recall the consequences having her brought upon our family but I had no regret bringing her into existence. I was a young and naïve woman and one transgression with someone below our social caliber resulted in it. You were only a child back then when our parents took my daughter away from me."

"And yet I remember the heartbreak you felt when our father snatched her away from you right after she was born and how they banished you for it. There is that part of you that still wondered what your daughter would have been like if you found her, but you'll never know."

"That thought still plagues me after all these lifetimes wondering what became of the child that was taken from me in my first life." Dalia said neutrally. "That is in the past, we must look ahead to building the future and legacy of the Emissary. We all have past regrets and transgressions from our previous lives we all wish to erase. However, we can't and all we can do right now is rewrite our futures so our past transgressions are pardoned."

"I know and everyone of us is pardoning their past transgressions through the Scarlet Sovereign." Thea said unexpectedly. "However, despite it all, it still won't erase the errors of the past or give us back what we once lost. You may think you were destined to raise the Scarlet Sovereign as the new leader in the future, still it cannot fill that void of pondering that one "what if" in your existence."

2:00 p.m

Reefside, CA

If you knew me back when I was younger
The world at my feet was what mattered
And oh how I thought everything, it was beautiful
And I loved it much like a mother

There was something about therapeutic and serene about sailing out in the open waters. Maybe it was the scenery of the bright sun, or the ocean breeze or the sensation of the tides gently rocking the boat. Whatever the notion of it was, it also brought a sense of calm and self-reflection as if it was a way to wash away the weight of the realities of life and let them drift away from shore.

Off in the distance, the city skyline of Reefside was in clear view along with the a picture photograph view of the Reefside Habourfont & boardwalk. It was what attracted him and Kimberly years ago to move to the quiet city just two hours outside from their original hometown of Angel Grove. Their home roots always beckoned them back home on the west coast and they wanted to introduce Amelia to their home roots along with the friends and family that were part of their lives.

Listening to the local live music echoing from the various restaurants and the sounds of the melodies drifting out to the open sea, there was some poetic and reflective about the song that could be heard from the boat. They spent the afternoon sailing along the marina and bay area nearby as a means to not overstimulate the children's anxiety of being out in the middle of the open water. As long as they can see the coast line of the city, it would ease their minds.

He watched his best friend teaching Kat and Henry about how to work the controls of the sailboat since Jason loved being the one driving the boat. Even back in the old days, the guys always made sure to let Jason play the impromptu role of captain of the ship, a recurring running joke that remained to this day. He smiled seeing how thrilled his godson was learning everything their is about sailing from his parents. He saw the look of admiration and love on Henry's face, reminding him of the same love and admiration Amelia has for him and her mother. It was a sight to see the happiness on his godson's face enjoying a carefree day with his family.

Soon Tommy turned his attention to Amelia enjoying a friendly game of gold fish with the others kids alongside Rocky and Aisha. The sight of his daughter always brought a feeling of pure joy and bliss when he himself struggled daily to find his own bliss of happiness in the midst of being haunted by the shadows of his past. Maybe it was why he made the conscious decision five years ago to leave "the life" behind to give those around him the chance to find their own slices of happiness without his grief and his personal loss being a burden upon them. It was still a work in progress after being back in Reefside for eight months with the promise to his little girl they were going to live in the place they intended to call home with the people that matter. After all, he still had to make amends for the years he vanished from the lives of those dear to him.

Tommy looked at the unopened letter in his hand he discovered this morning, the reason for his somber and despondent mood. He mostly kept to himself for the entire duration of their afternoon cruise along the shoreline. His mind dwelled back to eight months ago and the sudden decision to come back to the place that brought joy and pain to him. Originally, Tommy's decision to return to Reefside was strictly for mission purposes: to finish what he started five years ago with the Emissary. The immediate threat in Boston was enough to drive him back home back to the frontlines and in the last eight months became a soldier once again fighting in a war that plagued him unconsciously for nearly two decades.

If humility is the thing I've been needing
Well, I've got enough to last
Maybe it's time that I try something dangerous
But only if you have my back

During the highest tide, while the water is rising
Will you still keep me in your sight?

Tommy let the ocean breeze hit his face and gripped the railing of the boat listening to the sounds of his friends, their kids and his daughter in the background. It was a pleasant sound hearing the people he cares about enjoying the simple pleasures of life: something he always wished for the people in his life. Maybe it was the other reason why he made the decision to return as well. It made him think about what life would have been like if things turned out differently. Sometimes he wondered about the choices he made, the undying devotion and loyalty Kimberly had standing by him through all of it, the prospect of what the future would be like for them and their daughter.

Jason turned off the engine of the sailboat and dropped the anchor to give themselves a break. He and Kat saw Tommy near the back of the boat sitting down staring at the unopened letter in his hand. Rocky and Aisha noticed Jason and Kat staring at Tommy sitting at the back deep in thought with the unopened letter in his hand. Giving the kids a few minutes to themselves alone, the four longtime friends can only imagine what was going through their leader's mind.

They knew Tommy's track record when it came to letters, especially the infamous letter that nearly tore Kimberly and Tommy's relationship apart. All of them would assume what the contents of the questionable letter in Tommy's hands contained. These days they think about the loving pink crane and dearest friend they all spent nearly five years mourning for, the one lost to them. However, circumstances beyond their control turned their longest desire to once again see the woman they considered one half of the heart and soul of their team as a hallow shell of the woman who once touched the hearts of those she loved.

It not only pained Tommy to see what has become of his pink princess, but it also hurt the others to see a drastic fall from grace of a soul full of pure light and innocence become something unrecognizable and deprived of what made her the real Kimberly Hart they have loved and known for years. She was so close and yet so far away and each of them wondered how Tommy endures it everyday living a half-life without the other half of his heart and soul.

There was that moment of anticipation when Jason pondered if his best friend was going to take his advice and read the letter. Maybe, if Tommy read it then it would put his thoughts at ease instead of being plagued with more unanswered questions. Furthermore, he and the others wondered what he will do about the letter Kimberly left for Amelia? Was he going to show his daughter what might been the final words from her mother? Overall, they can only simply wait to see Tommy's next course of action.

All I want is to feel my heart beating
I'm beating it to death
I remember when running forever
Was the only escape I could get
If only I knew what that meant

During the highest tide, while the water is rising
Will you still keep me in your sight?

For some reason, Tommy was thankful that neither one of the guys came up to him inquiring about the recently discovered letters: one addressed to him and the other for his daughter. Part of him wondered not only what the contents of the letter contained, but he also wondered about the writer herself. It had been nearly over a month since their last encounter of the woman who was now an unrecognizable shell of the pink princess he remembered, loved and is now lost in the disorientated and fragile state of mind.

"It makes you wonder if this is what you get for wishing for the impossible to become reality?" Tommy shuddered at the thought of this was the work of the hand of fate and destiny. Somewhere buried deep in the humanity deprived, hallow lightless entity known as the Scarlet Sovereign was there any remnants left of the heart and soul of Kimberly Hart? Did the woman he loved more than life itself, a soul full of light and agile grace still beat deep within the confines of the void it was somewhere locked away?

Despite it being a never ending endurance of emotional turmoil for Tommy's fragile heart and soul, deep down there was a light that still existed. It was a balance of both shadow and light that etched the very core of their being as he finally put his inner turmoil thoughts at bay and opened the letter. The words gave Tommy the one tiny bit of spark left to hold onto the hope to survive another day living in the world.

"Tommy,

My beloved white knight, dearest falcon. It's no easy task being an ordinary wife to an extraordinary man who captured my heart and soul years ago in Angel Grove. I failed in that task, to keep the looming shadows at bay from penetrating the light you fought so long to obtain. And because of the consequences of my action, I failed you and the future we have longed desire. I am haunted by how things might have turned out differently if I had been able to make the decisions that will ultimately shape the course of our future. If you are reading this, then it will mean that I have paid the price for the decision to follow my heart's desire and telling myself consequences be damned. This is probably the last thing you needed: another letter containing my parting words to you, my Handsome. For me it's the end of a life I lived with no regrets with the man I love and to the fullest filled with love, purity and grace. For you, this is not the end. This is a chance to for you to do the one thing we have longed envisioned: grow old and do better in building the life we envisioned for the little defender we created. It's for that final gift I bestow upon my white knight is to be the defender to the child our love created and show her what the world has to offer.

I don't ask for your forgiveness or for you to forget about breaking a vow of being with you. Do not let yourself be lost in the void of grief and despair and although I may not be with you, always know that you will always remain within my heart and know that your crane will soar alongside my mate, the falcon beyond the skies. I ask only that you believe this: whether you are now reading this somewhere off on a faraway adventure or in our cozy home at Reefside fiddling in the lab with your computers. I love you all the same and our story...it's not the end of it. Remember that you will always be white knight, my Handsome white falcon and I shall love you for all eternity...always and forever, my Winged Lord of the Skies as I will always be your Winged Lady of the Skies.

Your beloved Beautiful pink crane and princess

Kimberly"

"You are right Beautiful, this is not the end...my Winged Lady of the Skies." Tommy let the words etched themselves in his heart and soul. To him, the letter would have been Kim's parting words to him and the acceptance of her own fate and destiny. Underneath the solemn undertone, there was a flickering spark that still remained: a heart and soul he will fight to restore no matter what the cost. Despite it all, there was a parting message left to him: it was not the end for them.

"Penny for your thoughts, bro?" Jason asked inquiring about the unopened letter. He looked up to see Jason and the others staring at him. "I see you decided to put your mind at ease instead of letting yourself be filled with more unanswered questions. How are you feeling?"

"Makes me wonder if the woman who wrote this letter to her Winged Lord of the Skies still exists in his heart?" Tommy asked clutching the letter like his lifeline. "I ask myself if the heart and soul of the writer that once dreamed of a life full of dreams and happiness for those she loves is still beating? I wonder if the woman that was willingly ready to embrace her fate still believes that this is not the end? It makes me think if the writer of this letter believes that the reader has fulfilled a promise he made to soar beyond the sky's limit?"

"And what do...you think the reader is thinking about?" Aisha asked understanding Tommy's response to the letter.

"I think he believes...that there is still salvation left for his Winged Lady of the Skies." Tommy murmured, looking at the letter. "He thought she failed him at keeping the shadows at bay from penetrating the light he fought hard to obtain. However, she never failed her winged lord of the skies because she left to him a light that will help him survive in her absence. It may sound like her parting words, but it's not and I know the woman who wrote this letter is still in there lost in the confines of the deep void she is trapped within. It gets hard when you struggle to balance both the shadows and light in your life...but you carry with you the spark that it's not the end of it."

"Then hold onto that belief then Tommy," Kat replied smiling. "The woman who wrote that letter still exists and the heart beats deep in the confines of the void."

"Thanks guys and I know she still exists in there in spite of it all." Tommy said looking at his daughter. "You know my little girl is the one thing that kept me going during those years? I thought I lost one light in my life, but she gave me another to help endure living in this world. I made a promise to be Amelia's light for both of us...and now I'm going to return the light to Kimberly by any means to bring it back home where she belongs."

"No matter what comes next, just know that you two are family and we stick together through thick and thin." Rocky said looking down at the second letter. "However, knowing that little girl of yours, maybe she should know. After all, you spent five years keeping Kim's memory alive."

7:00 pm

During the highest tide, while the water is rising
Will you still keep me in your sight?

As the Sunday daylight began to fade and dusk was settling, Jason announced it was time to call it a day. Once the boat and its passengers returned to the Reefside harbourfront marina and boardwalk, by the time they returned to shore the harborfront was bustling with nightlife activity. Tommy talked to the harbormaster of the marina and luckily was able to get a dock space to rent out to park Jason's sailboat temporarily.

By the time the guys secured the boat for the evening, Aisha and Kat noticed how hungry the children were and went off to scout out a restaurant for dinner. The guys took care of securing everyone's personal belongings and packing it in the car. Once the girls found a restaurant for dinner, everyone headed off to eat except for Tommy and Amelia. Tommy assured the others they'll catch up soon. Jason figured his goddaughter and her father needed this time alone.

The two sat on a bench outside the restaurant with a nice evening view of the marina and water. Amelia saw the letters in her dad's hand and the one with his name on it was open and she figured he read it. However, her curiosity about her letter spurned her interest. The young girl wanted to know what was in it but will her dad let her see it?

"Did you read your letter from mommy?" Amelia asked looking at it. "When did she write it daddy?"

"I actually did read the letter kiddo. I'm not sure princess when she wrote it, but I can guess that your mommy wrote it a very long time ago when you were a baby." Tommy explained. "Hey, I want to say I'm sorry for being such a downer today Amy and not paying attention to you for the day. I just had a lot of stuff on my mind."

"Is it because you read the letter?" Amelia asked. "Are you feeling better now that you read it? And don't worry, I can't be mad at you dad."

"Thanks Amy it means a lot for you to say that," Tommy said holding out his daughter's letter. "Actually, the reason why I wanted to talk to you is because I wanted to apologize for taking this away from you. I heard what you said earlier today to your Uncle Jason and Uncle Rocky. Do you want to ask me something sweetheart?"

"Did you take the letter away because you think it will make feel sad?" Amelia asked. "Do you think mommy wrote me a goodbye letter too like she wrote you one? I just want to know what she wrote to me because I was curious. If you don't want to give me the letter daddy I understand."

"Oh no sweetie it's not that," Tommy reassured her. "It's just I wasn't sure if you were ready to see it. You're daddy's little girl and I want to protect you in any way possible from all the bad stuff going on. However, you're growing up and next month you'll be seven years old. It seems like you're becoming aware of the world around you. But, I believe this should go back to its rightful owner. What you want to do with it is all up to you."

"Daddy, do you think we can read my letter together?" Amelia suddenly asked looking at the envelope. She ripped the envelope open and pulled out the letter written in her mom's handwriting. However, the young girl saw how lengthy it was. "It looks like mommy wrote a lot and there maybe some big words I won't understand."

"If that is what you want, my little defender." Tommy slightly smiled taking the letter from his daughter. He read his wife's words to their daughter as the contents of Amelia's letter from Kimberly also etched itself in his heart and soul. He gave into Amelia's curiosity as he read out what her mother had to say:

"My dearest Amelia,

I do not know how this will find you. As a child full of wonder, a teenager full of opinions, or as a woman with the world at her feet. I write to tell you I love you, and to explain that in our family and city's darkest hour, I was called upon to answer the call of duty and save our city, and so I did. Should this letter find you then it means that I have done what I swore a fealty and oath to many years ago. I want you to know that answering the call of duty requires sacrifice without victory and I know my sacrifice hasn't been in vain to ensure a better future for you, my sweet little defender and for your father. Please do not mourn me, whatever pain I endure and consequence I paid to ensure a better tomorrow, I do so in service of those I love. My sole regret, is that I will be away from you and will never gaze upon the eyes of the child who has been the greatest treasure me and your father have been given. Be good to your father and give him all the love and support he will need to survive in this world. I draw comfort knowing that he will protect you. And I know that you will be the light for him in my absence to keep his shadows at bay. Be his inspiration and guide him to discover all the beauty this world has to offer.

Until then, my sacrifice will allow you to grow and forge your own destiny and future. Make the world what you want it to be, see it for the light and shadows to understand both sides of the coin. Do not let this world get the best of you and always survive and persevere whatever challenges and trials you will face. It is my wish to see you become the beautiful daughter I can now only imagine: a remarkable spirt who is unbowed, unbent and unbroken. Please remember you are the legacy our family has always desired. The promise we fought to protect and for the future we continue to believe in.

You are, eternally and forever and always will be...our Defender and light."

"Daddy, do you believe I'll see my mommy one day?" Amelia asked once Tommy finished reading the letter. For some reason, that one simple question spurned in him his flickering hope to survive and endure whatever this war will bring. "I know mommy loves you very much because of what you tell me about her. I know she loved me very much too so I believe maybe one day...we'll see mommy again."

"You know what baby girl...I'll hold you to your word on that," Tommy replied taking a hold of his daughter's hand. "We'll believe in the impossible together and maybe one day we'll see your mom again."

Although he couldn't tell her the truth yet, somehow he needed the comfort of letting Amelia believe in the same thing he desired too: the belief that it was not the end and that one day they get their light back in their life.