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.

34. Off the Charts

(Author's Notes: Hey everyone here's Chapter 34 & I hope you all continue to keep the reviews coming. Certain scenes with interactions in the spirit world will be written in italics. Tommy tries to grapple his newfound status, but a discovery by the Rangers are pulled them into the fray of the Garrison's standoff against the Emissary.)

Chapter 34: Off the Charts

June 6th, 2009

9:30 p.m

Oliver Residence

It was an understatement that Amelia's birthday at the beach was one she remembered as Tommy and his daughter put the rest of the beach stuff away. He did make his daughter's 7th birthday celebration memorable, both in a figurative and ironic sense. Long after the others left for their return trip back to Angel Grove, Tommy was left alone with Amelia and processing the events that happened today.

The trek from the forest back to his house was a swirl of emotions and silence knowing his friends were also processing what transpired today. He didn't know where to begin: was it over the sudden encounter between Amelia and her long lost mother? Or what was it over the revelation of his daughter's emerging abilities and how she unwillingly drawn he and Kim together after all these years? Or was it the mystery that somehow his little girl inadvertently awoken his long dormant powers and unlocked his untapped mystical Ninjetti psychic gifts?

He couldn't help but wonder just how much farther he was able to test the limit of his abilities or that of Amelia's. Maybe it was because he has had the longest tenure as being a Power Ranger next to Kimberly that somehow over the years the power within him manifested and laid dormant. Tommy didn't see himself as someone who was capable of doing extraordinary things beyond recognition, but apparently there were forces out there that thought otherwise about him and his family.

The idea of the testament of his true power was overwhelming and it made him question if he had control over his own abilities. After all, he saw the drawbacks witnessing what power can do to someone like his pink crane struggling to grapple her new status from the brink of life and death. Tommy's observation is further confirmed seeing what is happening with Amelia and knowing that sooner or later his little girl wouldn't be able to control herself with all the power coursing through her.

It was a wide eyed open experience for Tommy to learn the degree of what he was capable of doing and his own power was channeled by his deepest emotions. Whatever he experienced in his own little spirit world he created told him of things to expect and things to come. He took solace in his fragile soul to know that part of his beloved pink crane was alive and he kept part of her safe all this time. There was a spark that ignited deep in the confines of the void, inside the hallow vessel occupied by the Scarlet Sovereign and his Winged Lady of the Skies answered the call of her Winged Lord of the Skies.

For the brief moment he had Kimberly with her after years of separation only to make the painful decision to send her off back into the hands of the Emissary. He felt that heartbreak all over again losing her once again for the sake of keeping Amelia safe. However, the realization that they were parents and Amelia's needs outweighed their own heart's desire longing for each other was the priority, but he hoped his crane's heart still beat in whatever kept her bind to the Emissary.

"I'm so sorry, daddy."

Tommy heard his daughter's voice and simply made his way towards Amelia's bedroom. His little girl was getting herself ready for bed and he could only imagine what was going on in Amelia's mind after the day she had. Part of him felt a pang of guilt and fear wondering if his daughter had some resentment towards him. It was like she can sense her dad's emotion as she ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him, providing comfort for her emotionally drained father.

"It will be alright like you said," she murmured as she held Tommy tight. "Don't be sad daddy, I'm with you."

"Thanks my little princess, you don't know how much that means to me." Tommy said softly as he sniffled, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I'm sorry your beach party got ruined because of our little adventure. All I wanted was for you to celebrate your birthday and apparently your dad can't get things right these days."

"I'm not angry dad and I'm not mad my birthday party got ruined because the weird tingling feeling we were having." Amelia said. "I didn't mean for you to get hurt and I'm sorry about finding out about mommy, but Uncle Jason and the others told me when you suddenly went to sleep. Is it true what they said about mommy that she came back to life by magic?"

"Yeah kiddo, what your Uncle Jason and the others said about your mommy is all true." Tommy said waiting for Amelia's reaction. "Oh baby girl I'm so sorry I didn't tell you about your mom. I know you must have a lot of questions to ask me and I couldn't tell you the truth about your mom because I wanted to keep you safe. I wanted you to believe in the stories I told you about her because that is the person I want you to remember, to know. I wish I could tell you how it happened but I can't."

"Is mommy a different person because magic brought her back to life?" Amelia asked as she sat down on her bed. "When I saw her earlier today I felt the tingling feeling inside when I was around mom. But she didn't know her name or who she was and she looked like she was lost. Did the funny feeling do something to mommy too? Did I do that to mommy too, make her forget and lose her memory? Did the bad things happen to you and mom when my bracelet comes off?"

"Hey, don't think for one minute you did something bad to your mom or me because it's not your fault." Tommy reassured her putting an arm around her. "The thing with your mom is that it's true she went away for awhile although she didn't want to. However, some very mean people did something to her and it's the reason why she doesn't know who she is or us. Also about your bracelet, the reason why you wear it is to control the tingling feeling you get inside, just like how daddy wears his necklace to control his."

"Is that why I always have to keep it on just like you wear your necklace?" Amelia replied. "I did...funny things today at the beach like I made those mean kids who took Robbie's beach toys give them back. I made them do it by making them them follow what I say to them. I think...my tingling feeling inside was what brought mommy to the beach today and it made you open your special place inside your head dad."

"Yeah little lady, you sure do have this special effect on people." Tommy said as he tucked his daughter into bed. "Look, I know it's been a very interesting day Amy and the two of us are dealing with some very heavy stuff."

"Dad, why did mom have to go away again?" Amelia said sadly. "Is it because there is something bad inside of her that it may hurt everybody?"

"Kiddo I wish I didn't have to do that...but I had to although it was hard to let her go again," Tommy replied sighing. "Did you know that special place you opened up in my head lets me talk to mommy without the bad people knowing? Listen, although she may not be with us right now, your mom is trying to come back home. It was why I had to make mommy disappear because she didn't want to hurt you. Baby, I didn't want to your mom to leave and you can be mad at me for everything whether it be not telling you the truth about her or sending her away, I deserve it. Amelia, I'm so sorry I couldn't keep your mom with us again and I'm sorry for everything."

"Please don't say sorry dad because you didn't do anything wrong, I know that because you're a good dad. You looked after me, took care of me, gave me anything I ask for and I wouldn't ask for a better daddy than you." Amelia smiled stroking his cheek. "If mommy were here she do the same thing for me and everything you tell me about mommy I know it's true because you say so. You're the bravest dad I know and it is why you have to be strong for everybody, including mommy. I don't want you to feel sad and I know mommy still loves you very much because she's your crane, and you are her falcon, like in the stories you tell me."

"You remind me so much of her do you know that?" Tommy said slightly smiling. "Your mom always knew how to make me feel better and I know she's still in there. We got a really big job to do to get mommy to come home. Listen to me, I promise you I will always be truthful and honest with my little defender. Next to your mom and probably your godfather, you're someone I can never lie to. I just need you to always trust me and believe in me kiddo."

"I always trust you daddy and love you...always and forever."

"Okay the always and forever pact just seals the deal for me. Now I think it's way pass a little princess' bedtime. Come on my bouncing sprite, time for you to sleep." Tommy said once Amelia got settled into bed and he tucked her in to sleep for the night. "Sweet dreams my little defender."

"Good night daddy and don't worry," Amelia replied as she yawned. "You'll see mommy again in your special place because I know it."

Tommy smiled and said. "I hope so too pal because right now it's the only place I can reach her. However, first I need to figure out how to control it and how I made it."

June 9th, 2009

Somewhere in Monument Valley

Out in the vast and red-sand desert region along the Arizona-Utah border, a small coalition of surviving Garrison forces congregate in the organization's last standing sanctum. The word spread that their last remaining sanctums have fallen after the members and brigades made the decision to flee for survival. With the last of the contingency all gathered in one place, it was only a matter of time before the Emissary showed up.

The last surviving leaders of the Garrison know that their army was facing a crossroads. In fact, spending the last four thousand years serving their purpose to defend the last kingdom of the Ninjetti and the Bloodline of Power, the heir apparent of the Great Power was their sole mission throughout existence. It was an unwavering loyalty and fealty they fulfilled and there was a spark igniting. Despite the darkest of days, there was a change coming, one that they'll see being brought forth until their last breath.

The months on crusade of the Emissary attempting to purge their long standing adversaries was met with resilience and resistance from the forces of good. Despite the lack of numbers, the Garrison was strong willed and as long as the new order of the Ninjetti survived, it was all worth it.

For many eons, the Monument Valley sanctum is what many considered the headquarters of the Earth chapter of the Garrison as the last surviving leaders looked on at their members training and preparing for combat. Time was limited and they knew soon this chapter of the Garrison will come to a conclusion, leaving its future uncertain.

However for the former Ninja Storm & Thunder Rangers, Monument Valley became their sanctuary following the fall of the Wind Ninja Academy. It had been more than ten months since they were force to escape Blue Bay Harbor and witness as Sensei Watanabe sacrificed himself in order for his former Rangers to fulfill their school's six hundred year secret. They were reluctant messengers tasked with making sure a mission was fulfilled and are now wondering if it is being carried out.

Being thrust into the Garrison's world made them realize why they have been such a secret for over four thousand years. Despite being the forces of good, their tactics and methods were met with questionable debate and their last encounters with Emissary agents have proven to be brutal and violent confrontations, something beyond moral standards they upheld as Power Rangers.

"It's only a matter of time before this place gets breach." Jade reported as the Rangers listened. "We already got confirmation that the so called pirate king torched the sanctums of Thrace, Cook Islands and Panama. Monument Valley is the last one left standing."

"Well the consolation we got is that we emptied up and locked up shop before it became a bloodbath." Roxas replied. "Have they been informed at sanctuary about the recent changes? We gave our word to Quinn we will defend this sanctum until the last of us are left standing. Patrol has said that there have been Emissary mystics amassing along the zero barrier ground of our area."

"Then that means the sanctum's power is weaken and then once Monument Valley falls, they'll find what they're looking for." Jade said. "We are what's left of the leadership of the Garrison because our other brethren have been systematically wiped up by the Scarlet Sovereign. But Quinn warned us something is stirring in the horizon, an awakening of the key's true power. It will be revealed soon and the Bloodline of Power will soon unleash their true strength."

"But we're at a standstill and the Emissary are close to unlocking their pathway to the substance." Roxas stated. "You've seen what has happened to every place those bastards has initiated their Modus Operandi, the desecration they left in their wake and the destruction and chaos upon thousands of different civilizations. There is one left standing and we have prologued it for over four thousand years. We have been safeguarding and protecting the key of the future knowing this was the last resort to preserve the remnants and essence of the Great Power."

"Wait a minute, you said the key of the future is preserving the remnants of the Great Power." Blake replied.

"So that means...whatever is laying underneath Angel Grove is what we been fighting to keep sealed?" Tori asked wondering.

"My father must have known about this huh?" Cam replied. "So here's the million dollar question, exactly what happens if this sanctum falls? Will this key be revealed?"

"I'm afraid we're a little too late on that because the key's power has already begun manifesting." Roxas reported to the group. "It will only be a matter of time before the Emissary finds our sanctum. It was why they were built as safeguards to cloak and shield the power of "the key." The one travesty those defilers have committed is tarnish the integrity and legacy of the Great Power and spit on the teachings of the Ninjetti Order. It's a neverending cycle of war and conflict but this organization has been destined to always keep the Emissary at bay because of our fealty and oath to serve the Ninjetti, the idea of serving a higher calling and duty above all."

"Hence all the secretiveness and hidden messages throughout the ages." Shane said. "And every single one of these members of the Garrison believes it?"

"They can believe what they want to believe but it has to gave them a sort of purpose," Dustin replied.

"...A mission to fulfill, just like Sensei." Hunter concluded as one of the patrol scouts came in. There was a look of concern on the faces of Jade and Roxas hearing the patrol's report of the perimeter and then surveyed the sanctum and the members of the Garrison. "...Is something wrong?"

"Looks like the clock is ticking on Monument Valley." Roxas stated. "A small patrol unit of Garrison soldiers were found dead in the east sector of the perimeter. This is not looking good because we have been getting multiple reports of the Emissary calling in their contingency forces from all over and are planning to descend upon this place in full force. These bastards are looking to finish every single man, woman, young and old of us down to the last child. The power of the fallen sanctums of Thrace, Cook Islands and Panama remain in tact after we redirected our forces here."

"So what does that mean?" Tori asked.

"We only have a matter of days before they breach this sanctum, but basically the chances of survival are looking slim." Jade said. "Unless...unless we get word out to the boss that we need them front and centre on the frontlines. We're only tethers that have been keeping the true source of our mission shielded for too long but we're not giving up this sanctum without a fight. Get word out to Quinn...he needs to convince the Winged Lord of the Skies and his council to join the fray."

June 24th, 2009

10:00 a.m

Angel Grove, CA

"Maybe one of us should call him." Billy suggested to the group as they looked at the calendar and realize what today was, but this year it felt different. They all gathered underneath the recently completed underground lab they constructed inside the new head office of Dune Lion Records wondering how to proceed forward with today. At first, they all dreaded whenever June 24th came around, knowing the significance of the day and where they all were that night.

"Besides, he's our friend and leader and knowing this emotional state of mind these days," Aisha suggested. "He and Amelia shouldn't be alone."

"Yeah especially now we know the truth, but still there's a double standard about this day." Jason said gloomily. "Still, that image haunted me four years ago and watching my best friend's world collapse around him was heartbreaking. We thought we lost the heart and soul of our team that day. My best friend and brother lost the person that meant the world to him."

"But it changes things now that we know the truth," Tanya replied sounding somewhat optimistic, but deep down it was far from that. "But, does it make a difference?"

"The fact that the friend and pink crane we mourned for over four years was resurrected by a bunch of mystical bastards? Or that the Kimberly we know is nothing but a hallow shell of who she once was and is now the Scarlet Sovereign? The Emissary wanted to strike us in the heart where it hurts, they pretty sure did that." Kat seethed.

"Especially when we had to watch Tommy send her off again back into the lion's den." Rocky sighed. "Yeah, I pretty much officially hate June 24th if that's an understatement."

"None of us couldn't agree more." The others agreed reluctantly to Rocky's statement.

"Still, there's that whole mystery behind Tommy's little psychic powers and Amelia's unexplained abilities." Trini said in thought recalling the events of Amelia's birthday party. For the others who were still being educated about the Ninjetti Order, they were trying to understand the connection with their animal spirits and how it can be used to master their abilities and powers. Their ancient animal spirits felt an uncanny pull to Amelia for some reason like the girl was channeling them. "That kid is powerful and for some reason she behest both her parents' strength without realizing it. Didn't you guys feel it a few weeks back at the beach and once we got back to the hidden kingdom?"

"Wait a second, you felt a weird pull as well right?" Adam asked curiously. "It was like our animal spirits were responding to Amelia or whatever mystic power the kid holds. It was like she was channeling our energy or the power of our animal spirits."

"And what was that thing with Tommy and this whole talk about him creating his own Ninjetti spirit world?" Justin asked. "What was that about?"

"Based on what was discussed recently about Tommy's dormant psychic abilities, it's safe to say that he's fulfilling the prophecy of completing the Bloodline of Power, the heir apparent to the Ninjetti kingdom and the Great Power." Billy explained as he looked at Aisha, Rocky and Adam. "Do you guys remember how back in the day after we first got our Ninjetti powers after the whole Ivan Ooze mayhem and how we used our powers to revive Zordon?"

"Yeah we learned that to those who are Ninjetti anything is possible." Aisha replied. "It was how we were able to bring Zordon back to life by tapping into the Great Power. But our powers had limitations such as the fact that our Ninjetti powers bonded with our natural human life force. Theory was proven when Zedd and Rita stole Kim's power coin years ago and it almost cost Kim her life."

"Okay, so the Ninjetti powers are somehow connected to our life force now?" Zack asked. "You mentioned about limitations: our powers being linked to our life force is one factor. What are the other limitations we're looking at?"

"Well there's the apparent psychic connection that because we've all been initiated into the Ninjetti order, we share some sort of kinship with one another." Billy continued. "It is like a link with one another. Testing out the mental component of our powers can lead us into venturing beyond the physical world, mainly diving into the spirit world and wandering one's mind. We try to limit ourselves from venturing into the spirit world knowing the consequences and the side effects that we face if we stay too long in the confines of our own minds. It's why we all still need to work on our psychic connection with one another because something tells me this goes beyond the physical plane."

"Out of curiosity, how powerful were Tommy and Kimberly back in the day when they first got their powers?" Jason asked as the other original veterans still new to their Ninjetti powers wanted an insight from the rest of their friends. They heard the stories the first time after they stepped down and transferred their original powers. "We heard how powerful anyone who possesses the powers of the falcon and crane are especially since both animal spirits are in fact soulmates and bound to one another. They're in fact the descendants of the boy who founded the Garrison and his second in command, the first known Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies."

"And the fact that both of them can master both the light and shadow." Adam added. "The true definition of two soulmates who are unbowed, unbent and unbroken and do not yield to anyone but each other. Quite frankly, if there were two powerful Rangers among us or maybe overall we have known it's those two. Also, given their ancestry somehow those two were destined to hold the power in any shape or form because some loyal nutjob like Quinn found two kids years ago at a summer camp and saw something in them."

"Yeah train them to be soldiers in someone else's war," Justin said sighing. "I mean they were just kids back then..."

"But that came with complications," Tanya pointed out while she was working on one of the computer consoles. "The Scarlet Sovereign. If Tommy and Kimberly represent the Ninjetti's balance of light and shadow it speaks literally to them. Each of them balancing two sides of the same coin..." However before Tanya could continue, one of the computers was picking up signatures of seismic activity in the area. Using the equipment and upgrades provided by Zordon, Billy with Justin's help started analyzing it.

"Alright what was that?" The others asked. "Billy, Justin talk to us what's going on?"

"Okay that's new," Billy replied reading the report. "There is an abnormal energy reading coming from Rideau Circle and we obviously know what the source is. However, we still haven't finished navigating the underground tunnels and I still need to review the old city blueprints of the cancelled subway tunnel lines and the old bootleg system this old building used back in the day. This has already been the 3rd energy signature reading that's been detected the last few days. There's something odd about these strange power signatures we been analyzing."

"What would be weird about these energy signatures?" Jason asked. "It's the remains of the original, old bones of the ancient sacred animals of the Ninjetti. Zordon and Dulcea said that's what is buried underneath the city the Emissary is trying to retrieved for their ploy at immortality. The Garrison spent years to prevent these modus operandi from happening. If these old ancient bones possess some sort of power in them, it must be worth destroying our city for it."

"Except whatever means or enchantments the Garrison have cast long ago is only causing an influx or imbalance to prevent it from happening." Justin explained. "It's like the thing that is contained inside is reacting to something, or maybe someone. Whatever mystical or ancient security system the Garrison implanted it's causing these unexplained energy signatures unless we find a way to control it. This is already the third time the computer picked up on it."

"Third energy reading?" Kat asked. "When these readings start happening, or more precisely when did first one occur?" Billy had a look at his face telling them that it was news they weren't looking forward to hearing but he had to tell them. More importantly, it was becoming apparent the situation was getting more critical. "Billy, Justin there's something you're not telling us."

"The first energy signature was detected...the day after Amelia's birthday party." Billy sighed cleaning off his glasses. "The signatures are somehow connected to all three of them: Tommy, Amelia...and Kimberly. However, the question is to find out which one of them precisely these signatures are responding to. Knowing that the Emissary have Kimberly in their custody again, its aggravating whatever energy source is padlock underneath our city. The funny thing about the energy reading is that there is neither a detection of good or evil energy in it...it's just pure power that is being detected. We need to detect the source before the Emissary figures out what we're up to."

"Okay then, who thinks it's a good idea to ring up Tommy?" Rocky replied with a bit of sarcasm but worry in his voice. "And tell our fearless leader that either him or his daughter may have cause something stirring in Angel Grove without them realizing it."

1:00 p.m

Reefside, CA

The arrival of his former Dino Thunder Ranger team earlier in the morning meant only one thing: today is June 24th. Tommy's former Rangers and students knew the significance of that day too well and where they were five years ago. Though the memory of the events of that night still burned in their minds, they wondered why today feels different? Is it because they all knew the truth about what really happened to Kimberly in the aftermath?

They sat down in Tommy's lab along with Hayley and Amelia waiting for Tommy to come downstairs and Tommy was well aware why Hayley and his former team were at his house. He spent the four previous years mourning the loss of his supposed dead wife, not realizing that the people responsible for turning his life upside down played a cruel trick by defying the boundaries of life and death. He let them know he was home when he turned on his old jukebox and Sam Cooke's "Bring on Home To Me" was being played all throughout the house.

It was a tradition for him to play that song every year to commemorate the anniversary of Mesogog's defeat and Kimberly's supposed death. Besides, the song was from 1962 and it was recorded before either one of them was born. However, listening to the song brought back the memories of the days of old as looking at an old picture of their little family that was taken right after their move to Reefside. Tommy always dreaded whenever this day came up and playing this record was his source of solace to cope.

If you ever change your mind
About leaving, leaving me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)

I know I laughed when you left
But now I know I only hurt myself
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)

Tommy stopped for a moment when he felt same pull again, being drawn into his spirit world. However, this time it resembled his living room and he was wide awake. It was like he had a foothold on both sides of the physical and spiritual plane but why was he here? He was trying to unlock it afterwards, hoping to see Kimberly one more time, hoping that some part of her was enduring while in the Emissary's possession.

"You know I'll never get tired of this song," A voice said as Tommy turned around and stared in shock seeing Kimberly again. She put her hand on the jukebox and smiled at her husband and soulmate. "For some reason during Amelia's first months she liked this song and it put her to sleep. Of all the records in that jukebox this song was the only one we never had problems with, must be a sign of good fortune."

"Who knew our daughter had a taste of classic vinyl vintage music." Tommy slightly chuckled as she grabbed his hand. He was startled when he felt her touch although he knew she wasn't fully with him or overall alive. "Beautiful, how...how are you here? Am I doing this? Are you still here with me in my personal spirit world? It feels real, every touch, your scent, but I know this is the space in-between."

"I know but we got to make do with what we can huh?" Kimberly replied. "I also know what today is and I can only imagine the emotions you are going through. It is what is channeling your spirit world right now. However, you have to be careful not to tap into it so often because the Emissary can detect a psychic disturbance or imbalance in the spirit world."

"How much time do we have?" Tommy asked as he held her as the music continued to play. "Being in this space in-between makes it difficult but also comforting. Part of me is still trying to understand how this all work, especially on today of all days. You're here somehow, but yet you're still out of reach and not a day goes by you're always in my thoughts. Time is precious I get it but whatever time, even for the small fraction of minutes or seconds we have with each other, I'll make the best of it."

I'll give you jewelry and money too
That ain't all, that ain't all I'll do for you
Oh, if bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)

You know I'll always be your slave
'Till I'm buried, buried in my grave
Oh, honey bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)

"I get that feeling too Handsome" She murmured leaning against his chest. Part of her entire being, who she was has been shattered and fragmented into pieces and been trying to make itself whole again. Tommy knew he couldn't expose what he has done out of the fear his enemies will use his own powers against him. "Time is precious and even the smallest fraction of minutes or seconds we get...I'll make the best of them. I heard your words and I hold no hard feelings for what you had to do for Amelia's sake."

"Even at the cost of sending you back...to them in your current state?" Tommy replied. "Are you well? Do...you still fight and endure to survive the void?"

"Still fighting, but they make the job difficult just to get a split moment away. It sucks living whatever state of well...I don't know what to call it. However, as much as you don't want to admit it, it's still two sides of the same coin. Part of me exists as Kimberly Hart-Oliver, the Pink Ninjetti Ranger and the agile crane, the Winged Lady of the Skies and part of the Bloodline of Power. Also, I am the Scarlet Sovereign, the Emissary's greatest weapon: two sides of the same coin. It's just like you, my white knight. The coin that is Tommy Oliver, the White Ninjetti Ranger and the falcon, the Winged Lord of the Skies and part of the Bloodline of Power. Like me, there is also a part of you that exists, the part of that represents a fragment of the looming shadows of your past you keep at bay..."

"...I know what you're talking about, the part of me that was once the Evil Green Ranger." He murmured reluctantly. "Two sides of the same coin known as Tommy Oliver."

It was the truth he knew too well and coming to realize even if he succeeded in his impossible quest, there will always be that part of Kimberly that existed. He learned it long ago after losing his Green Ranger powers twice that part of the shadows of his past existed due to his days when he was under Rita's spell. Their lives have lived the double-edged standard, it was why there was a lore about them that made them appealing to the eyes of their adversaries.

"There's a change on the horizon, the balance of light and shadow will reveal its true power soon." Kimberly said cryptically. "Can you feel it Tommy? It calls out in the far reaches and distance. It holds no allegiance to either side but both seek to obtain it. One act of preservation cause a containment in the greatest force the universe has seen and soon, the tides of change will sweep. One ploy of immortality will spell destruction if that power is unleashed to parts unknown..."

"Sooner or later this will all come to a head, and I think they want an end to their chapter." Tommy replied as they continued to dance. "We were thrusted into this war without any knowledge and we've been paying the price for it for far too long. It gets hard knowing what I have to face out there, what I have to stare down every single time I'm on the frontline. This, whatever this place is or what I am doing, for me this is reality, the part of you that still exists in my heart and soul. What about the being that hides behind the scarlet mask? I know that's also you too...but they made the job harder for me and this world wants to keep pushing me to the limits."

One more thing
I tried to treat you right
But you stayed out, stayed out at night
But I forgive you, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah

Tommy felt the sensation again that he had to close up his personal spirit world once again as the song ended. "I guess we can't keep hitting the repeat button on the jukebox if I want to risk breaking it." Tommy murmured reluctantly. It was hard enough he had to relinquish the person that matter to him more than life itself, but being able to only communicate with Kimberly in a space in-between on borrowed time made it more difficult. His Ninjetti powers were increasing at an alarming rate where he found himself more sensitive to the different auras surrounding him metaphorically and mystically.

"It doesn't matter what my current state is...you'll always love me regardless of it, just as much as I love you." She reassured him knowing time was up. "You'll always take the good, the bad, and everything in between because it's who you are. I'm still in there somewhere and I'll hold you to your promise...to keep surviving and enduring whatever this world throws. Right now, they need their white falcon, the Winged Lord of the Skies because fate and destiny is about to be turned upside down."

"What do you mean? Something is happening isn't it because there is a drastic shift in aura and energy. There's a pulse rising, something beating in the unknown." Tommy said as he thought he heard in the distance people calling out to him. Reluctantly, Kimberly stepped back but held onto Tommy's hand for a few more seconds. "The Scarlet Sovereign's aura...I can feel it again. It's becoming unstable, uncontrollable and there's a complicated binding that is causing this struggle."

"Remember Tommy, no matter what state you see me in, it's still part of the same coin and you'll love me for it regardless. Take the pain, the heartache, the emotional turmoil, everything this battle and world will throw at you and do what you always do: endure it all. Besides, there is someone out there that needs a white knight to catch her...when the safety net will eventually give out. It's not only our future and that of everyone we know of that is in peril...even the most innocent souls become the powerful and also vulnerable at the same time."

"...Does it have to do with Amelia?" Suddenly Tommy found the connection closed off once again and then he found himself back to normal in his living room with Hayley and his former Dino Thunder Rangers staring at him. They were somewhat confused, but didn't want to press their former teacher and mentor for answers. In a state of disorientation, he figured that must have opened up his personal spirit world to give Kimberly a few minutes to reach out, but he felt that aura and force that kept her out of reach, the aura that somehow bind her to the Emissary, to the power of the Scarlet Sovereign.

"Dr. O, are you alright?" Connor asked. "It looks like you've seen a ghost or something."

"Tommy, hey just relax it's us," Hayley reassured her friend as Tommy walked around looking for his daughter who emerge from the lab with Kira. Amelia saw her dad and there was a look of confusion and disorientation and the young girl could sense her father's inner turmoil. She stared at her dad and took Tommy's hand and smile to reassure him where he is right now. "Well, that is an interesting turn of events, nothing like our little wunderkind to cure her father's mopey mood."

"Daddy's not mopey Aunt Hayley." Amelia replied smiling. "He was talking to mommy again in his super special place. Am I right daddy?"

"Sorry for the blank out guys and yeah little lady, daddy was wondering his super special place again." Tommy said to his daughter only to be met with confused expressions from Hayley and his former students. "Judging by the looks on your face I guess I have probably explain this maybe for a third time how this works."

It was hard enough getting an explanation from Zordon and Dulcea about his rare ability to create his own spirit world and explaining the concept of it to his closet friends. He tried earlier in the day to explain the concept to Hayley and his former students but the only parts they took with them from Tommy's explanation was the idea of psychic connections and souls walking around in spirits worlds. For some reason, the only person who had a full understanding of how his newfound ability works was his daughter since she was the one that unlock her father's dormant powers.

"No, no it's okay Dr. O you pretty much summarized it in a sense I can maybe put into theory." Ethan said. "One of your rare Ninjetti abilities involves creating your own little spirit world that let's you talk to Kimberly, or the part of her soul/spirit or whatever it is that is not possessed by the Scarlet Sovereign. In sense, this special place as Amelia likes to call it is linked directly to you as a way of protecting the part of Kimberly's soul that you kept since the Emissary mojo her back to life."

"So...that part about Kimberly's soul being split into fragments and all that's real?" Kira asked.

"And the whole spirit world stuff and mystical mojo talk too?" Trent replied as Tommy nodded. "Boy we got a lot to catch up on during summer vacation."

"Look whether you believe me or not or think I'm out of my mind quite frankly the opinion doesn't bother me, especially today of all days." Tommy said slightly chuckling. "She picked today of all days to reach out but waiting on the days whether or not the other parts of her soul reach out will reach worries me. It's more than just trying to keep the Emissary at bay and keep whatever power of interest they want to open up in Angel Grove. It's also about trying to figure how the hell to deal with what sort of chaos comes our way...or even coming for my daughter."

"It will take time for us to adjust and understand what you're going through right now Tommy." Hayley said. "Though some parts may take time to process, but know whatever you and the rest of the Ninjetti Rangers are going through, know that you got a support system here. If you ever need us on the frontline, we're with you and as for Amelia, you're not the only ones who want to keep that girl safe. After what we witnessed at her birthday party, it's no secret something is going gung ho so I suggest you always have your phone on you."

Hayley held out Tommy's cellphone as he took it from the redhead's hand and saw at least a dozen missed calls and messages from his friends. Reading the text messages and listening to the voicemails, Tommy now had that mission focused expression on his face. He headed down to the lab with Amelia, Hayley and his former students following as he went straight to the computer. From what he heard on the voicemail, he can only assume business is picking up in Angel Grove.

"Whoa, does that look like energy signatures in Angel Grove?" Ethan asked analyzing the computer. "Dr. O, this area in your old hometown is this..."

"Yeah Ethan, this is where the Emissary has currently set up shop, in Angel Grove where my adventures as a Power Ranger began." Tommy said sternly. "And right in the heart of the middle of the city lies a neighbourhood known as the Troika District. Think of it as Hell's Kitchen in New York City and right smack in the middle of the city is the head office of Rideau Circle, the current mask the Emissary wears. You guys remember Rideau Circle right?"

"Yeah five years ago my dad got approached by them for some controversial business dealings with his other half." Trent stated. "So why Angel Grove?"

"Because they're after something and if they obtain what they seek, it will spell disaster for the city. I have to head to Angel Grove." Tommy said as he patched through the communicator monitors of the underground lab at Dune Lion Records in Angel Grove, much to the surprise of his friends. He instructed Billy for standby telling them he needed to be teleported to Angel Grove after all the missed calls. Hayley prepared to teleport Tommy to Angel Grove but held off for a moment to talk to his daughter.

"I can't go with you this time can I?" Amelia asked. "Do you need me to hold down the fort here?"

"You're definitely our little defender aren't you sweetie?" Tommy smiled giving Amelia a hug. "Yeah, for now kiddo you need to sit this one out, but Hayley and the guys are going to keep you safe while I'm away. I guess I don't have to tell you to be a good girl and mind your manners?"

"Don't worry I'm not going to do anymore tingling feeling stuff right now," Amelia reassured tapping her bracelet. "I have to keep this on don't I? It's like how you have to keep your necklace on too? Daddy, stay safe out there will you?"

"Of course kiddo and you know I love you right?" Tommy replied as he gave Hayley the signal to teleport him. "Keep Amelia safe for me while I'm gone."

1:30 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

Within less than half an hour after teleporting from Reefside, Tommy landed safely in the recently built constructed underground lair in Dune Lion Records. They already confirmed that teleporting between Tommy's lab and Angel Grove was successful and he relayed his safe arrival to Hayley, his daughter and his former students back at Reefside. His friends didn't expect he would reply to their messages, especially knowing what today is, but Tommy proved otherwise.

"You know bro, we wouldn't have expected you to come knowing that today it's been five years." Jason replied, taking breath.

"Well after another full filled sudden trip into my personal spirit world, I figured I had some work to do to keep myself occupied today." Tommy replied slightly chuckling. "Oh and also it was kind of exhausting explaining to my former students three different versions of my sudden newfound ability to create my own spirit world. Breaking down the part of how my power works was another tale in itself."

"And how are you adjusting to it?" Aisha asked curiously.

"Which part are we talking about? The part where I somehow feel like I'm walking in two places at the same time or the fact that I can only personally talk to the part of my missing wife that I kept safe for five years?" Tommy asked looking at his friends. "Yeah I'm trying to grasp the straws here to take my pick at which part of my life gets complicated more everyday, and what I have to deal with."

"Then you probably know why we left all those messages for you." Billy stated get straight to the point. "We wouldn't have done it...but knowing how much your daughter means to you we couldn't withhold the truth from you Tommy."

"Those energy signatures underneath Rideau Circle you sent me, I looked at them before teleporting here." Tommy said. "So how long have they been occurring?"

"Ever since the day after Amelia's birthday party and when you were force to send Kim away from the hidden Ninjetti kingdom." Justin replied. "We think...these energy signatures must have been triggered when Amelia unlocked the rest of your dormant Ninjetti powers."

"You think either me or my daughter or even possibly Kim are related to these weird energy signatures?" Tommy asked, unsure what to think. "Though technically I live over two hours away from here, how is it possible somehow I can have this strange effect to whatever is padlock below the grounds of this city? You're meaning to tell me a bunch of ancient, old sacred animal bones are causing all of this?"

"Well that's the funny thing because these energy signatures are neither good or negative readings." Jason added. "It's just...pure power radiating from these mystical and fabled bones. It's as if the power itself doesn't want to be contained or whatever is trying to cloak or hide the power, the security system is failing."

"Unless its the enchantments and the mystical spells or any other piece of mojo magic the Garrison placed for the last four thousand years." Tommy said as a thought came to him. "The balance of light and shadow will soon reveal its true power...stupid bastard's mythical tall tales coming to life again. The true power of light and shadow, the Bloodline of Power." Tommy stopped for a moment as he picked up on a familiar heartbeat he could hear miles away and despite the stealthiness, he knew it too well. Shaking his head, he suddenly called out. "So Quinn, to what do you have to grace us with your presence with?"

"Are you serious?! Somebody needs to put a bell on that guy." Rocky commented as the others were in disbelief finding out they were infiltrated by Quinn again.

"Those senses of yours do work overtime don't they Tommy?" Quinn asked as he emerged from the shadow corner of the lab. "Pretty high risk, putting a base of operations right under the nose of the pricks hellbent on destroying you and levelling out Angel Grove. I'm on borrowed time and knowing the stench of the Emissary reeking this city, it's open season on anyone who is in line with the Garrison."

"The energy signatures you know what's causing them don't you?" Trini asked.

"Well I wouldn't have risked my ass coming into a viper's nest if it wasn't important. Besides, being the last few surviving senior heads of the Garrison you learn to take calculated risks in order to buy the most essential commodity in war...that commodity is time." Quinn said with a hint of sarcasm. "Unfortunately, when a few bastards decide to speed up the hands on the clock, shit goes down and now you find yourself pulling in the reluctant soldiers onto the frontline."

"So we are right," Tommy said. "Those energy signatures are caused by whatever mojo security system you set up to make sure the Emissary never probes into. You placed enchantments to make sure they never broke in?"

"It's more than just about the security system, it's also about making sure keeping something hidden from prying eyes. Do the coordinates 110.1735 W Longitude and 37.0042 N Latitude ring any bells to the geniuses in the room because apparently those collections of crap found the Garrison's little humble burrow."

"Monument Valley near the Navajo Nation Reservation along the Arizona-Utah border." Billy replied.

"You left a note for me once and stated it was a "safe zone" for your brigade. We sent the Ninja Storm Team there after the Emissary levelled out their academy when they learned it was one of your recruitment centres for six centuries." Tommy said sarcastically. "Monument Valley, you called it a sanctuary for the Garrison so I suggest you start connecting the dots?"

"It's the last standing sanctum of the Garrison, the one where I'm sanctum leader. Long story short thanks to Scarlet Sovereign, the Emissary have run shot on every single one of our sanctums all over the world: diminishing the power of the sanctums by murder the sanctum leaders and the members of the Garrison who swore fealty and duty to their assigned post. One by one they each fell: Galway, Osaka, Thrace, Cook Islands, Panama & Guinea until only one was left standing: Monument Valley." Quinn explained to the Rangers. "All the contingency and whatever remaining power left from the Garrison sanctums have been rerouted to Monument Valley."

"The sanctums, they what was making it difficult for the Emissary to unlock whatever is hidden underneath the city?" Tanya replied.

"If the Monument Valley sanctum falls, the entire dam will collapse. It's like our Alamo and the Emissary are in hot pursuit to not only tear it down piece by piece, but also spill to anyone who swore fealty to it." Quinn continued. "I wouldn't...I wouldn't be asking if I was looking to ensure the survival of the Garrison and the remaining senior elders or if you want to be more technical, sanctum leaders. Even if they set the buildings on fire, if at least one wall or door still remains standing, at least the sanctum's power is safe. I only have a matter of days before the Emissary breaks through ground zero and unleashes hellfire and brimstone."

"You wouldn't be desperate to seek us out and ask for help unless there was a catch," Tommy said warily. "I know you Quinn for nearly two decades. There's always an underline and fine print in between. It's more than just about the Monument Valley sanctum, they wouldn't be hellbent on destroying the Garrison without a purpose or reason."

"I know you do anything, all of you would do anything to protect the people you love, to keep those that matter safe from harm." Quinn answered. "Believe me when I tell you that somehow your friends are right about their theory that somehow the Bloodline of Power are connected to these energy signatures radiating from underneath the city. If you want to go punch out a wall Tommy by all means."

"You're basically about to say something that will set Tommy off again aren't you?" Zack snapped.

"Whether you tell me or not, pretty much you're right I will probably punch out something whether it be a wall or maybe you for that matter." Tommy said wanting to confirm his suspicions and also his worries. "I'm going to cut to the chase right now, does this...have to do with my daughter and whatever freaky power is emerging?"

"Like I said, you'll do anything to protect the ones you love, especially you Tommy when it comes to your daughter." Quinn answered. "Those Garrison sanctums are more than just about keeping whatever is padlock underneath the city contained. They were built to cloak and suppress the power of the heir apparent of the Bloodline of Power, the child of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the falcon and crane. The true power of the balance of shadow and light, it's your daughter Amelia. The last thing you need...is for the Emissary to find out just what kind of power your little girl holds because her fate lies on making sure the last Garrison sanctum remains standing."