(Author's Notes: Hey everyone here's Chapter 36 & I hope you all continue to keep the reviews coming. As the Emissary closes in on the Garrison sanctum, the Rangers learn more about the power source of the sanctum with surprising results.)
Chapter 36: Consequences Be Damned- Part II
June 24th, 2009
9:30 p.m
The Garrison Sanctum: Monument Valley
"Consequences be damned as my Beautiful pink princess and crane would say huh?" Tommy replied as he began to reach for the cauldron, much to the protest of the other Rangers and the surviving founders of the Garrison. Once the first bits of ember made contact with him, the next thing he felt was a sudden surge he couldn't explain.
Tommy thought that he be suffering from burns from the embers of the sanctum's torch, but instead he felt something else. The embers began to attach itself to Tommy as he concentrated hard and focused on his Ninjetti powers. He closed his eyes while his body started to glow white, but with a tint of pink from the powers of the Crane also. But the flames of the Garrison sanctum were starting to work its mysticism and enchantment with a desire to scorch possible hostile threats who wish to extinguish the flame.
However, Tommy yield the flames to his own will, calling to Brennan as he heard the falcon's cry in his head. Unfortunately, the falcon saw what Tommy was doing and protested to the plans of his human mate, worried about what the powers of the sanctum's flames will do to him. The Rangers had no idea what Tommy was up to nor the power he was channeling but they heard the cries of their animal spirits protesting along with Tommy's falcon to withdraw.
"God damnit you crazy son of a bitch!" Jason yelled in protest watching his best friend being surrounded by the embers of the sanctum's flames. However, to their surprise he wasn't being harmed or burn by it as they felt a power surge go through Tommy's body. He then turned his attention to Quinn. "Can't you do something before Tommy walks out looking like the Human Torch."
"Oh no that can't be good." Billy said as they saw that Tommy's necklace have come off from around his neck.
"The unbowed, unbent and unbroken spirit of the Winged Lord of the Skies." Quinn stated watching his former student. "The flames of time, knowledge, soul, and mind are yielding its embers to the Bloodline of Power: the balance of shadow and light. Its flames will not scorch the heir apparent rulers of the Ninjetti kingdom. It is simply showing him what his heart is desiring...the cornerstones of his existence and the hand of fate and destiny's grand design. Like the Bloodline of Power compiled of two sides of the coin, existence itself is also represented by two sides of a coin and characterized by basic fundamentals of the reason of existence."
"Basically Tommy is bathing himself in the combined powers of four different sanctum flames for answers?" Justin asked.
"Quinn the necklace came off," Jade warned picking it up. "You already have seen what the white falcon can do and his powers hold no limitations. The bloodline itself their powers hold no boundaries. This is reckless letting him touch the sanctum's flame, especially since we consolidated the remaining sanctums' powers into one living flame."
"Jade is right Quinn, can he handle this?" Roxas asked.
"I made a promise and I gave him my word...I make a deal, I keep a deal." Quinn said to his comrades and then turned to the Rangers. "Power Rangers, do you still believe in the true power of shadow and light? Do you still believe in the tales of the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the falcon and the crane?"
"We believe in our friend Tommy Oliver and what he is capable of," they simply stated. "No matter what he is or what you define him as he will always be Tommy to us. So you better make sure whatever comes next, you make sure to protect everything that Tommy Oliver holds dear to his heart. The true depth of his power comes from his heart and soul...the very core that wills his fighting spirit. We swore a fealty and oath to our lordship to serve as his council and protect the bloodline, the key of the future and just like you people have your fealty to serve us, we have ours as well."
"It is no wonder why you people are extraordinary and Zordon chose wisely and Dulcea for selecting rightful candidates to initiate into the Ninjetti Order." Jade explained giving a slight smile. "After years of observing you Power Rangers both on the battlefield and off of it, there is a reason why your team has been highly regarded as the cornerstone and foundation of the legacy of power. One way or another the final chapter of the war between the Garrison and the Emissary will be written and you, Power Rangers will be the epitome of the final conflict..."
"...Providing we survive the onslaught of what the Emissary has in store for us in the upcoming hours." Roxas stated as they stared at Tommy before turning his attention to Quinn. "I see why you regarded him as one of the exceptions of students you trained."
"He exceeded beyond my expectations," Quinn let out a smirk. "There are some things about Tommy Oliver that may surprise you all." He then turned his attention to Tommy who continued to make the sanctum's flames yield to him. He felt Tommy's aura and power surging the more he was exposing himself to the sanctum's power source. "Hey Tommy, can you hear me?"
Whatever power or force Tommy was feeling emitting from the sanctum's cauldron, it was overwhelming him, but yet he tried to keep it under containment. It was like the flame itself knew his deepest emotions and heart's desire. Unfortunately, it also had a mystical force of its own he couldn't explain, but yet he told himself to proceed forward not knowing what to expect. The more time he felt himself being exposed to the sanctum flame, it began to show him things: visions of the past, present and future.
But there was more to it than just the visions as if something from beyond was calling to him. Tommy felt it from all corners: from the physical and spiritual plane to both sides of light and shadow. Then he felt something in between: a balance and energy that held no binds or ties to either...it was just pure power. It was that same sensation he felt the first time he created his spirit world, but yet he wanted to dive deeper into it, finding what he needed to seek.
"Quinn, what was that?" Tommy suddenly asked as the flame in the cauldron started rising and changing colors. "I...feel something, an unwavering aura, its calling to me. Is something happening to me? What am I finding? How does this all work Quinn?"
"Dear white falcon, I see your eyes; you already know the truth." Quinn said. "Your heart, body and soul are guiding you to what you must know. But there's someone who still could. The belonging you seek is not behind you, it is ahead. We are simple soldiers who fight in honor of the Ninjetti, but we believe in it. The power inside of you it moves through and surrounds every living thing. Close your eyes...feel it. The light...it's always been there, it will guide you. The answers you seek, let it be found. The power that calls to you from beyond the depths, it's closer than you think and it will keep calling to you until you answer it. From beneath you, the power devours and calls to you..."
"The power is closer than I think it is," Tommy said staring at the flame. However, the more focused and trance out Tommy became, it raised flags of what was happening to their friend and leader. It seemed like the Garrison were letting on more than they revealed. "From beneath you, the power devours and calls to me...the source underneath Rideau Circle?! There is something about whatever lies beneath the city of Angel Grove that calls to me. It's more than just the ancient sacred animal bones of the Ninjetti animal spirits. How do I proceed Quinn?"
"Tommy, listen to us you need to stop!" Jason pleaded to his best friend. "Damnit you crazy bastard what is that flame doing to him?! Look, I don't give a rat's ass about some bullshit deal you made with my best friend. Lord help me if something happens to him because your stupidity. All I care about is making sure a seven year old girl back in Reefside has at least one parent left to keep her safe."
"You're the sanctum leader!" Trini argued. "Can't you disconnect him from it before he does anymore damage?"
"I made a promise to Tommy, one I intend to fulfill as penance for a promise I couldn't keep five years ago. He wants to know how to save his daughter's future then he's doing whatever it takes to ensure Amelia's future." Quinn said turning back to Tommy. "Kid, you need to follow my voice. Breathe in and out. Reach out with your deepest feelings and search them. What do you see?"
"The Garrison sanctum. Life. Death and decay, that feeds new life. Warmth. Cold. Peace. Violence." Tommy suddenly responded concentrating and letting the sanctum flame work its magic. "What am I feeling? There's something in between all of it. Every emotion, the light, the shadow, the void, the spiritual, time. It's drawing me in..."
He heard the sound of Brennan in his head and felt his falcon lending his power to his human mate. The flame in the cauldron was yielding to Tommy's Ninjetti powers, controlling it and channeling his powers into the flame. For the surviving founders of the Garrison, they were amazed by the degree of control and power Tommy wield to keep the flame contained. In the past, those who wield the powers of the falcon and the crane bared with them the burden of balancing the forces of light and shadow for they were the heir apparent rulers of the Ninjetti Order and kingdom. It was why they were known as the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies.
The flames that gave the powers to each of the sanctums on Earth for over four thousand years was meant to protect the Bloodline of Power as a sign of fealty and oath to the Ninjetti. However, the safeguards that were implemented for so many years were unraveling and history itself was in the verge of being rewritten. It was a calculated risk Quinn took, knowing that soon the Garrison's time was passing. He never once questioned Zordon's wisdom and held the former ruler of Eltar with high prestige. There was something about this group of Power Rangers that made these individuals remarkable. It was also how he come to understand what Dulcea saw in them when they were revealed to be the new generation of the Ancient Sacred Ninjetti.
There were still lessons that needed to be taught and one of them was laying beneath the surface of the city that began the Power Rangers' journey years ago. It was only half the story they come to learn about the history of the Ninjetti, a legacy and reputation of the Great Power the Emissary was hellbent on tarnishing. It became a question of whether or not what was kept contained for the sanctity and balance of the universe can remain hidden or will the powers that be reveal itself?
"And what do you see between it all?" Quinn asked suddenly. "What lies in the middle of it all?"
"There is a balance and energy." Tommy said. "A force that beckons far in the distance. It waits for the call to be answered...it's drawing me in, both the light and shadow, two sides of the same coin being pulled in."
"And what do you feel inside of you right now Tommy?"
"Inside of me, the power surging through me, is that same force that beckons far in the distance?" Tommy asked. "However, it doesn't call just to me, it calls to them, the bloodline, the two most important people that my world revolves around. There is no light or shadow aura that surrounds it. There is more to this force is there? Is this how I get the answers I need? Going beyond the limitations of my power?"
"It's time you discover the truth and it begins with this lesson." Quinn explained as the others looked on. "The cornerstones and foundations of the Garrison and the Emissary stem from one point of origin, but guided by two philosophies of shadow and light. However, in between the combine powers of light and shadow lays a force that is unbound and does not yield. That Force does not belong to the Garrison or the Emissary. To say that if the Garrison die, the light dies should the Emissary and the looming shadow prevail, is vanity. Can you feel that Tommy? White Falcon, Winged Lord of the Skies what beckons you far in the distance?"
9:45 p.m
Reefside, CA
Back in Reefside, Amelia couldn't sleep worrying over her dad, and also for her mom as well. Being left in the care of Hayley and the other Dino Thunder Rangers was alright for the young girl as her dad's former students provided her with some late night entertainment that consisted of movies, board games and an impromptu pizza party. Earlier on Amelia started drawing pictures again, much to the surprise of the Dino Thunder Rangers and Hayley. These days the group worried about looking at one of Amelia's drawings knowing too well the contents of her drawing. Hayley updated the young girl to let her know her dad's current whereabouts in Monument Valley with the original Rangers protecting the last Garrison sanctum.
Over the years the Dino Thunder Rangers grew attached to Amelia ever since they first became Rangers under the mentorship of Tommy and Kimberly. The four former students dubbed the little girl as their honorary "little sister" vowing to protect her and keep her safe. Even after the supposed death of Kimberly five years ago and the sudden departure of their science teacher, not a day went by they thought about the girl who everyone adored and admired. Amelia Hope Oliver wasn't like any average seven year old child. In fact, she was an extraordinary child and the daughter of possibly the two most strongest Power Rangers ever in existence.
What bothered them about all of this was the fact that this sweet, innocent and bright young girl was unwillingly being put in a vulnerable position of becoming an open target to the forces that they dealt with five years ago. On the contrary, Amelia came off as a wild enigma that was riddled with mystery and uncertainty. And yet, the young child possessed a wisdom and maturity beyond her years to understand what was happening to her, a lesson and trait she inherited from her parents.
"I can't believe Tommy and the others are stepping foot in the Garrison's territory." Hayley said addressing the younger Rangers. "Even after five years, the Emissary still remains a menace in Tommy's life and getting involved with the Garrison can only spell trouble."
"But why would Dr. O insist on helping the Garrison, especially Quinn of all people after everything they put him through?" Ethan asked. "The last time that jerk rolled into town he got himself kidnapped for information about the Scarlet Sovereign."
"Ethan has a point and it's always Dr. O and Mrs. Oliver that have to bail Quinn's ass out," Connor added. "If I was Dr. O I wouldn't owe that man anything."
"But yet despite everything, Dr. O is still indebted to Quinn after 19 years." Kira replied much to the shock of the guys. "Quinn maybe an asshole or prick, whatever foul name we can call him, but if it wasn't for that jerk Dr. O wouldn't have ever met Kimberly when they were kids. It's why he owes Quinn."
"Because of Kimberly," Trent said. "The very core and center of Dr. Oliver's world. But after what the Emissary did to her, there's a question if there is part of her that exists underneath the Scarlet Sovereign."
"Don't worry I know daddy will find a way to speak to mommy again." Amelia said drawing at the table as she spoke. "Dad's tingling feeling lets him talk to mommy even though she doesn't know who she is or who we are. The falcon and the crane are making sure they can reach one another because I can hear the birds calling out."
"What do you mean by your dad's tingling feeling that lets him talk to your mom?" Hayley asked looking at the young girl's drawing. It was a picture of what looked like Tommy standing in front of a torch with a flame that was colored in many different colors. Then she saw another picture Amelia drew looked like two individuals that resembled her parents dressed in pink and white clothing surrounded by multicolored flames. "Amelia, sweetie what are you drawing?"
"Stuff I'm feeling whenever the tingling sensation is happening." Amelia replied looking at the picture. "I think this one is happening because I feel it, or I think I am making it happen." She looked at Hayley and the other Dino Rangers. "Hayley, Connor, Trent, Ethan, Kira where did my daddy and the others go? Is he with Quinn, the guy that knew my parents a very long time ago as kids?"
"Your dad...he and the others are with Quinn right now because they have to help him with something very big." Kira explained looking at the little girl. "They are trying to find a way to keep you safe and also keep Angel Grove safe too. Hey kiddo, are you alright?"
"I'm alright, not feeling the funny tingling feeling that makes me do weird stuff," Amelia said tapping her bracelet. "Dad says I have to keep this on at all times after he sent mommy away to keep me safe. I sense something bad inside of my mom like it wants to hurt my dad and it was trying to break into daddy's special place that lets him talk to my mom. I felt it before because it tried to put my mom back into the empty place and dad was trying to keep the bad tingling feeling away with the falcon and crane's help."
"Are you talking about the Scarlet Sovereign?" Connor asked.
"That's what I heard the others call the thing inside of mom, but she's not the only one with a bad feeling inside., Daddy also has a bad tingling feeling inside of him too. This one felt all green and it sounded like a dragon and it only comes out whenever dad gets very, very angry and upset." Amelia explained as she drew a picture of a green dragon and red bird on fire on paper. "They both have angry animals calling out to them, like the falcon and crane. Dad tries to tame the green dragon a lot, but the angry red bird wants to burn a lot of stuff and it's making mom feeling not good inside. They're both the light and dark, kind of like a teeter-totter."
"Amelia, who are the green dragon and the red bird suppose to be?" Trent asked giving a bewildered look to his friends. "Is this suppose to be your parents?"
"It's the other side of the coins mommy and daddy have. The parts of them they fight inside so they don't fall into the empty place." Amelia said curiously like it wasn't anything strange. She continued to draw some more pictures as the others observed. "The tingling feeling inside of me tells me that I have keep mom and dad in line and I hear stuff from beneath the ground calling to me. It's in the place where my parents first became superheroes. It is calling to my dad...to my mom, and to me..."
"She's not possessed or something now is she?" Ethan questioned warily wondering what to expect next. They only got an update awhile back from the veteran Rangers about their purpose in Monument Valley. They had to be on guard after witnessing first hand the power Amelia possessed. It is the reason why Tommy and the others are in the crossfires of another Garrison and Emissary showdown: to prevent the true nature of Amelia's abilities from being exposed. "It's hard to figure out how that little girl fits into all of this?"
"It's hard to ignore everything the kid says because it either comes out as premonitions on paper or by cryptic messages." Hayley said sighing as she clutched her cellphone in her hand. "Part of me wonders if what Amelia is drawing on paper is happening right now."
"But that's the problem we don't know anything going on." Connor replied. "But knowing Dr. Oliver when it comes to his daughter, he'll do anything for her, even put his own life on the line."
"The thing she's saying about hearing stuff beneath the ground calling to her," Kira replied. "Do you think...Amelia is referring to the thing buried underneath Rideau Circle in Angel Grove city?"
"That could only be the logical conclusion," Trent said. "If this Garrison stronghold falls, there's a possibility Amelia will be in a more vulnerable position." It was at that moment, Amelia drew another picture again, but this one brought upon an ominous tone to it. Hayley and the others couldn't help but wonder what this drawing meant as the young girl drew what looked like a door being opened with fire and a drawing of a girl wearing dress and crown laying on the ground. "Amelia? What are you drawing kiddo?"
"The door, it's surrounded by fire and ashes." Amelia said sighing as she continued to color the picture in. "I can hear them, the spirits and voices. It calls to what lies beyond that door but if they open it...the world would be lit on fire by light and shadow. It calls to them, it calls to the Bloodline of Power, the heir apparent of the Ninjetti. I know what calls to them...the Great Power calls in the distance. The kingdom, it's at a crossroads."
"Why is it at a crossroads?" Hayley suddenly asked as Amelia looked sad. "Hey sweetie, what's wrong?"
"Because it happened before to the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The unity and balance of light and shadow's true power was created by them. The remnants of the Great Power that was taken from each Modus Operandi...it needed to be locked and contained. That is what they did...they created the key of the future and now the powers that be want it back. It calls to the bloodline to restart the cycle, break the chains, end the conflict that ravaged the kingdom for too long. But the past will be the epitome of the final conflict that will test two sides of the coin." She pointed to the picture of what looked like Tommy standing in front of a multicolored flame.
"Amelia, what is it about this picture?" Ethan asked. "Is this...happening right now?"
"My dad wants to find a way to keep me safe, even if it means putting himself to fight against the bad tingling feeling inside my mom." Amelia replied. "He wants to know how to save his ladyship, but she's missing the part that makes her the Winged Lady of the Skies. That fire...it will show him everything he wants, but it will only make him feel more sad because in the end it will come down to a choice. I can feel them struggling and slipping and he doesn't know it yet. My mom, the bad people who used magic to bring her back, they did something to her and they're coming to burn his kingdom to the ground. He's seeing it all and I don't want him to feel anymore pain and sadness."
Meanwhile in the desert
Out in the middle of the deserts, Dalia saw her younger sister Thea in a state of meditation as the other pillars of the Emissary attempted to restrain the Scarlet Sovereign. She was having another episode again but the Emissary's prized weapon proved to be more powerful than expected. The young woman reverted to a feral and unstable state where she couldn't distinguish between ally or foe and only responded to pure instinct and violence.
Thea's eyes snapped open feeling a surge of power and aura spike drastically and it was emitting from the Scarlet Sovereign. For some reason, this aura put fear in Thea for this signature was unlike she hasn't detected. Something was beckoning their weapon and it was causing her state of delirium and confusion, but the beckoning aura was just pure power, no ties or aura of shadow and light. Unfortunately, it was sending the Scarlet Sovereign into another frenzy while Dalia examined the bruises and cuts that were administered to Salazar, Malo and Pan.
In order to quell the frenzy, bloodlust and psychological break within the Scarlet Sovereign, they put her through another no holds barred sparring match with some of the Emissary's top operative agents. However, this only amplified the untamed violence and fire within the young woman who literally left her sparring partners bloody and nearly beaten to unconscious or submission. This was not what they had in mind while they awaited on their mystics to counteract the efforts of the Garrison's enchantments.
"This is all I can come with for now to counteract the compounds the Garrison used to contaminate the ground surrounding their sanctum," Dalia said to Ashei mixing a mortar bowl with some mystical herbs, compounds and powders. She poured them into a few vials explaining how the combination compounds works. "It can only buy up to seventy two hours of immunization to whatever our enemies sprinkled on the ground. It will give our mystics enough time to work their magic in our favour."
"Seventy-two hours?! This will only buy our mystics three days at most," Ashei replied. "We need enough for our contingency and our forces once we launch the assault."
"Ashei has a point Dalia, we tested the ground within the point of ground zero where the Garrison Sanctum is pinpointed." Balor reported. "Although the Garrison scum may have created their vaccinations to immune themselves to their special concoctions, our forces will be left vulnerable before they reach the front door."
"Unfortunately, we can only work on the seventy-two hour immunization tactic," Salazar reluctantly reported. "The Garrison expected us to coordinate an attack on one of their sanctums after we destroyed the ones in Galway, Osaka and Guinea. They had a few sleeper cells from some of the small factions that survived the attempts on their Thrace, Cook Islands and Panama sanctums they ransacked and raided our supply barracks in Nassau. Our forces in the area were only able to secure a small portion of our stock that was not stolen by the Garrison which is being used by Dalia to create the counteract immunization."
"We can survive on seventy-two hours and don't forget that all of us pillars of the Emissary as well as the Scarlet Sovereign are immune to the Garrison's tactics." Dalia said in reassurance. "Our latest intel has informed us that the remaining powers of the Garrison's sanctums have all been consolidated into one source. The remaining power has been redirected to the Monument Valley Sanctum. All we need to do is extinguish the sanctum's power source and then we can proceed with our plans to obtain the substance. Their little parlour tricks have gone long enough and it is about time we put them to rest for good."
"Well you better hurry up because something is stirring, an aura I can't explain," Thea announced to the group with a concern expression. "Sister, maybe we should...hold up on the attack until we can work on the compound to better prepare our forces." The suggestion to postpone the assault on the Garrison sanctum startled Dalia and the rest of the pillars of the Emissary. It was a surprising request made by Thea, but it raised questions as to why. "Sister, our enemies have anticipated this from us and have fully prepared but there is an uncanny aura rising in the atmosphere. It has the same pulse as what lies underneath the grounds of Angel Grove City."
"Are you out of your mind Thea?" Malo argued. "We are not known to back down from a challenge!"
"Malo is right little sister," Dalia reassured but Thea held her ground. "You are rarely known to question our tactics, so why now? We are this close from achieving our mission and suddenly you feel an uncanny aura in the atmosphere. I do trust your abilities and power little sister, but sometimes it is subjective so we cannot be certain..."
"Stop talking to me like I'm incompetent!" Thea suddenly snapped, but the young pillar's outburst was spurred by Salazar and Pan attempting to pry off a feral and frenzy induced Scarlet Sovereign off one of their agents. At this point, the Emissary's weapon was becoming unstable again, staring at them dull , emotionless and ready to fight anything in her way. "Can you once heave my warning or else we'll be dragging more of our contingency back in body bags back to headquarters?"
"Do you dare raise your voice to me, your older sister?" Dalia argued back. "Why this sudden spur of doubt in our plans?"
"If you haven't noticed big sister right now our plans are going off the rails should you proceed." Thea replied pointing to the Scarlet Sovereign who was now suddenly attacking Salazar and Pan. As the two gentlemen attempted to counteract every strike launched at them by their weapon, Thea felt another shift in aura and power surge building, only this time it was being detected within the Scarlet Sovereign. "I'm feeling it, a power surge, a force beckoning in the distance. It calls out and it will not yield until the call is answered. This uncanny aura...there is something abnormal about it because it's the same pulse we are trying to procure from underneath and..."
"...Get back all of you! Get the hell back! Who...what...what is happening to me?!" The Scarlet Sovereign yelled holding the pillars of the Emissary back. She held her twin swords up keeping them at an arm's length distance away from her. Something was stirring and she couldn't explain the strange aura or surge building in her. "...You people, you better tell me what is this? What is this thing...beckoning to me? It won't stop calling to me! I need...I need to burn it down! I need...I need more! I need...to find it..."
"So Dalia...what's the plan now?" Pan and Salazar reluctantly asked now questioning what the next move of attack is.
The Garrison Sanctum
The Rangers along with the surviving founding members of the Garrison stood watching Tommy continue to channel the power of the sanctum flame. He focused on the flame and recalled what he learned about the power source of the sanctums and called forth his own powers. Suddenly, to the group's surprise, Tommy's body started glowing white with a hint of a pink aura mixed into it. At that exact moment, the rest of the Rangers felt a surge of power fill them as it was in sync with what Tommy was doing.
Whatever mystical and mythical powers the sanctum flame of the Garrison possessed, it was reacting to Tommy's powers. There was a cry let out from the Rangers' respective Ninjetti Animal Spirits as if it was yielding to their Winged Lord of the Skies, or more like lending their powers to the falcon and crane. Tommy continued to manipulate and channel the sanctum flame focusing solely on each component of its power source: time, knowledge, soul and mind all burning as one. Focusing solely on his deepest emotions, feelings and thoughts, it was suddenly released but yet it once again pulled him into his personal space in-between in his personal spirit world.
(Inside Tommy's spirit world)
Tommy unwillingly pulled himself once again into the space in-between, his own spirit world only this time he wasn't at the lake house. Instead, he had a foothold in both the physical and spirit world venturing the Garrison sanctum inside his own spirit world or mind. It was a different manifestation than the one from the physical world, this one filled with many caverns and tunnels, each lit up with torches and cauldrons for light. One particular tunnel led him down towards a cavern with a mysterious wall that looked like a door with ancient and mystical symbols and writing on it.
There was a sound coming from behind the wall that caught Tommy's attention as he went to reach out to touch it. However, Tommy felt another familiar presence once he heard the cries of the crane echo the cavern. As Tommy was moments away from making contact with the mysterious wall, a familiar hand reached out pulling his arm away from the wall.
"You can hear it can you? It calls to us from the far distance. Can you feel it? Reach out for it?" He turned around and found himself facing Kimberly. "Listen to me Handsome, the fire still burns. It's being manifested by your power, your emotions, everything you're feeling from the deepest core of your heart and soul: light and shadow burning as one flame."
"Kimberly?! What are you doing here?" Tommy asked startled as he looked at the mysterious wall. "What's happening to me? Is it...is it the sanctum's flame that's doing this to me? To us? Quinn told me if I wanted to know of a way to save Amelia's future, all I had to do was touch the flame and let it work it's mystical magic. It doesn't...hurt you know whatever it's doing to me."
"And yet you turned to that crazy bastard in your hour of need," Kimberly sarcastically said chuckling a bit. "Guess after all these year, we're both suckers because of the impact he had on us. Even though he has that tendency to screw us over time and time again."
"He did against his better judgment Beautiful because of a promise he couldn't fulfill five years ago. He didn't want to make the same mistake twice after what happened with the Emissary and...with you. As you always said consequences be damned right?"
"Consequences be damned," she murmured taking a hold of his hand. "The layers are peeling off one by one and the true power of light and shadow will soon reveal the "key of the future," the one that will be the tide of change on the horizon." Her eyes were diverted to the mysterious wall again. "You've seen this have you?"
"I have...it's what lies beneath Angel Grove City isn't it?" Tommy suddenly asked, deep in thought. "But is the flame doing this? Showing us the future? What the final outcome of the battle will be? I feel it calling to me, to you, to our little defender. What is calling to us in the distance? Is this what Quinn needs us to see?"
"Listen to me, my white falcon." Kimberly felt an unsettling sensation come over her as well as Tommy, like the untamed lurking shadows they have kept at bay within themselves was emerging. He felt more with himself and more powerful whenever he found himself in the space-in between, inside his personal spirit world. Suddenly, Kimberly took a shaky breath and fell to her knees.
"Kim!" Tommy called out as he rushed to her. He fell to his knees next to her and he placed a hand on her arm. He held his breath as she slowly raised her head. He watched as she opened her eyes, but her doe-brown eyes convey an expression of struggle, but despite it all, she looked at him and gave a heartfelt smile. "Look at me, I'm here."
"I know you are just like I'll always be with you no matter what." she whispered with a smile. He pulled her into a hug, needing a sense of reassurance for himself despite their current circumstances. "Looks like we're running on borrowed time again? Keep the key of the future in tact, it's where the core of the light and shadow's true power is held. An unbound and unyielding heir apparent will be in the heart of the storm. It's why you're here. You needed to know...we needed to know. The last piece of the puzzle, the one true power of the universe we have been gifted many years ago. It's closer than you think and yet it calls to us. We should have seen it a long time ago..."
"Amelia, she's at the heart of all of this isn't she?" Tommy asked in awe. "An unbound and unyielding tide of change, it's our daughter isn't it? I'm here because of her and for you, to make sure that Quinn fulfills a promise he couldn't keep five years ago." He looked at Kimberly, deep in thought as he pulled back from their hug. "I guess that bastard got what he wanted didn't he with us? Reluctant soldiers in someone else's war, except we're fighting on opposite sides are we? I tried so hard for five years to keep away from this life and if I stayed away...maybe..."
"...You can never ignore the call of duty no matter how many times you renounce it or walk away from it. Something always pulls you back to the frontlines and it was the choice we made long ago when we first accepted the power, Tommy. As I said, you are Tommy Oliver, the white falcon and Winged Lord of the Skies and deep within you lies two sides of the same coin. You'll need that balance of the light and shadows within you because it's who you are. In your heart you know what is happening and you need to do is open your eyes to confront the task up ahead. Remember there's no sacrifice without victory and sooner or later you'll come down that road."
"...But the obstacle I have to face, that includes the looming shadow that has haunted my dreams for five years, the other side of your coin, Kim. I'll love you no matter what state you're in and I promise you that you will find your way home. I'm not sacrificing any chances to bring you back and I know what has become of you. Promise you'll survive and you'll endure...just like I will do the same."
"Then do that then, my dearest white knight." Kimberly reassured him. "Take the good, the bad and everything in between and somewhere deep in the void. In between the light and shadow, beyond the lines of life and death, there is still a beating heartbeat in the void. Keep reaching out and I'll survive and endure because no binds can tie me down and I will no yield. You'll love me regardless of it and you'll keep that fighting spirit burning within you. Remember what I told you handsome?"
"Take the pain, the heartache, the emotional turmoil and everything this war and this world will throw at me and endure it all no matter what. I'll take it all, Beautiful and embrace it for our little defender. The changing tide on the horizon, the true power of light and shadow..." Tommy replied. "...What is in store for Amelia? What is she to the Bloodline of Power? What are we to them? The Ninjetti? The Great Power? I...I...need to know. How do I save our daughter's future, Beautiful?"
"...Then let Quinn know at least atoned for a promise he couldn't fulfill five years ago. However, the truth always comes with a price." Kimberly said reluctantly staring at the mysterious wall again. "How far are you willing to go all the way in order to claim victory? Sooner or later all of this will come to a head."
Tommy knew this wall will somehow be part of the endgame to this war and the final chapter of the war between the Garrison and the Emissary. A pang of fear and worry came over him remembering that at one point Amelia drew it in one of her pictures. The question loomed if their daughter somehow predicted the future. In the far distance he felt an unsettling aura of another presence in the distance. He placed his hand on the wall and his face clenches with dejection seeing visions of the past, present and the possible future in store as everything around him fades to white and he passes out and fades back into the physical world.
(Physical World)
"Jesus, you need to contain that flame Quinn!" Jade argued to her comrade feeling a startling surge and aura of power manifesting from Tommy. However, she felt something in the atmosphere, a power surge unlike any other and it was responding to Tommy's power and another aura. She could feel it was the Bloodline of Power, but the signatures were off the charts and unyielding to one another.
They took steps towards him but stopped when he backed away and said. "No. I need to see the truth!" They stood there and watched as his Ninjetti robes disappeared and reappeared.
"Your little supernova flame is messing with his head." Jason argued. "Even Tommy has his limits."
"The Gold Ranger has a point Quinn." Roxas replied vouching for Jason's claim. "The Winged Lord of the Skies cannot contend with the powers of four of the sanctum flames of the Garrison. We must separate him before he does severe damage to himself."
"You have to stop him from doing anymore damage to himself." Kat said.
"I gave him my word and I will honor it. He is almost done and Tommy has his way of surprising us all." Quinn said as he was about to continue, but was interrupted when Tommy let out a scream of pure agony. When they looked at him, he was glowing pure white with a tint of pink surrounding him. On the contrary, to the stunning surprise of the Rangers, his eyes flashed a mix shade of green/white. They watched as he let out a white beam of light towards the sanctum flame, controlling the embers burning. The flames were no longer touching Tommy as he let out a primal shout unleashing the bent up power within him. Tired, he couldn't stop himself from falling to his knees once the white glow disappeared.
"Tommy, are you alright?" The others asked as they ran towards him, getting over their shock. Jason was the first to come forward as he reached out a hand to help his best friend. "Bro, it's me Jason. Come on man, are you alright?"
"What the heck happened there?" Adam asked.
"I channeled it, the entire power source of the Garrison, the sanctum flame." Tommy answered, putting a hand on his chest catching his breath. He then looked at Quinn and a silent exchange of facial expressions conveyed an understanding of mutual agreement between the longtime acquaintances. "At least you atoned for the promise you couldn't fulfill five years ago."
"At least it was one thing I got right for once." Quinn simply said.
"You're serious right?!" Tanya objected. "You almost literally set our leader on fire with your supernova mojo cauldron."
"It was my call guys so don't hold it against him." Tommy said addressing his friends. "You guys may see him as a prick and bastard at times, but he's one of the founders of the Garrison. He's allegiance is to the Ninjetti and to preserving the sanctity and legacy of the Great Power. They are what is left of the army that fights in our name."
"In all of our years, we have never seen anyone master that much degree and power to channel the Garrison's power source." Jade replied in awe. "After seeing your power and strength on full display, we cannot question Zordon's decision or wisdom. You people were meant to be at the helm of the new order of the Ninjetti. You are indeed the Bloodline of Power and heir apparent to the Ninjetti Kingdom, the one true Winged Lord of the Skies, the white falcon."
"Boy they literally do put you on that pedestal don't they Tommy?" Zack slightly chuckled.
"I'm still trying to figure that out after all these years what the heck makes me so god damn special. I'm just a husband and father to a seven year old girl that means the world to me. You all put me on this pedestal like I'm some savior or prophetic figure, a person that carries this torch of fate and destiny." He addressed the Garrison. "I am just plain old Tommy Oliver and that's who I am to the people that matter to me in my life. I am the husband of Kimberly Hart-Oliver and father of Amelia Hope Oliver. Those two girl are my world, my life and the light that keeps me going despite how much crap the world throws my way. No matter how the hand of fate and destiny likes to twist my arm, I'll endure all of it. I'm a reluctant soldier of a war that has been going on for over four thousand years and is on the verge of coming to an end." He then turned to his best friends. "This life has the tendency to push us beyond our limits, to leave us spent and broken. I can vouch and say that this life also requires sacrifice to ensure victory. However, we overcame it as friends and as a team by survival and endurance. Even when I deserted the front lines and left you guys to fend for yourselves you still held hope and kept on fighting and living life no matter what. You all made the choice to follow me back on the front lines because to me you all saw me as a leader, someone to hold the team and keep everyone in line. Even though I'm on the brink of tethering on the edge and although I feel fragile, conflicted and nearly broken inside, I have to be here. I have to endure all of it because it's not my nature to let my friends down nor ignore the call of duty."
"Tommy, we..." Trini started. However instead Tommy focused his attention to the surviving members of the Garrison, in particular Quinn.
"You once asked me five years ago...was it worth it? Loving my Winged Lady of the Skies unconditionally with all my heart, body and soul? You tried to teach me years ago to cut my ties to humanity and to other people. You said attachments and connections to others were liabilities that would hinder us in the future, but there was always a flaw in that lesson, Quinn. It's my compassion and humanity, my connection to the people that matter to me that gives me my power, my strength and it is what channels it. Even in a life full of chaos, noise and violence and even when life is measured by mere seconds or moments, it was worth it for my pink crane. You are right, no matter what this world does to me, the hardest part about the world is living in it and wondering what's tomorrow. As I said I'm not here because of some fulfillment or giving you people your wish of being this divine individual. I'm human that's the difference and I have ties to this world I can't sever. Beneath you: power devours and that pull, that force in the distance calls out. I know what it is because it's unyielding and holds no allegiance to the light and shadow. It's the greatest force in the universe that created it: what each flame of the Garrison Sanctum stood for: the characteristics of existence itself. I think I know why you always referred to us as the exceptional ones."
"And I still stay firm by my affirmation of what I said about you all those years ago," Quinn commented addressing Tommy and then glancing at his surviving comrades of the Garrison. He then turned his attention back to Tommy and the rest of the Power Rangers. "You made your choice and it is something you come to terms with. What lies ahead in the hour of twilight, it set off a chain reaction that will set up the final chapter of this war. Four thousand years, this chapter of the war between the Garrison and the Emissary hasn't been like many others chronicled throughout the galaxy and time. It's unique how this final chapter will be written because of clouded uncertainty when everything comes full circle and all that you have come to know will be revolutionized."
"What are is he talking about Tommy?" Jason asked curiously as his friends awaited a response from their white falcon and leader. Judging by Tommy's change in expression and his address to the Garrison, they knew things will be turned upside down once more. "What...what was it you saw when you touched the flame?"
"How this final chapter of the war with the Garrison and the Emissary will be written in the tidal wave of clouded uncertainty and change on the horizon." Tommy said quietly as he looked around the room, very deep in thought. He then his attention back at the task at hand. "The beating heartbeat in the void, two sides of the same coin each belonging to the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies, the falcon and the crane. This ploy in the Emissary's quest for immortality goes beyond desecrating and tarnishing the Ninjetti Order and the Great Power. Those Modus Operandi were more than just acts of desecration and in one final act created the key of the future, the one where the Bloodline of Power comes full circle, the last heir apparent of the Ninjetti Kingdom. I came here because of my daughter and how her fate will be determined by the survival of this sanctum."
No one didn't have the heart to try to interrupt Tommy as he continued on with a voice of resolution and valor. "For eons, armies have been assembled on both sides to fight a war that has been ongoing beyond the stars and beyond the galaxy. The outcome was different in every scenario where the forces of light and shadow struggled to balance in the universe. Four thousand years ago that war landed on Earth and now it's looking for a conclusion to it. Whatever lies ahead in the hour of twilight here at this sanctum will set the stage for the final battle where our journeys first began: Angel Grove City. Everything we know about the myth, legend and tales of the Ninjetti and the Great Power, the other pieces of the puzzle are now being assembled. The Emissary's weapon will be unleashed on us but yet there a battle raging on between two sides of the same coin within. It just became more than about preventing another Modus Operandi from devastating our city, our planet like it did many times in the past to other distant planets. The true power of the balance of light and shadow will face one last confrontation for the fate of the living embodiment of the greatest force in the universe: The Great Power. My daughter, she is more than just the true power of the balance of light and shadow is she? Amelia, is she the last piece that will write the final chapter?"
"Then you know about the force that calls to her in the distance, beneath the ground? To you, the one True Winged Lord of the Skies, the falcon and the sleeping Green Dragon within? Your two sides of the coin? It also calls to your missing ladyship still beating in the void. The Winged Lady of the Skies, the crane and the living embodiment of the Emissary's mystical weapon, the Scarlet Sovereign?" Quinn said sternly looking at the sanctum flame. "The burning flame, it lights the path of how this story will be concluded. However, in the hour of twilight you must ask how will the beginning of the end start?"
"By channeling both sides of the coin...the Winged Lord of the Skies and the sleeping Dragon from within." Tommy said firmly. "I will endure it no matter what. We will endure it all to protect the key of the future: the living embodiment of the Great Power...which happens to be my little defender, Amelia. That's what the Garrison have fought to protect for over four thousand years, the Ninjetti's greatest treasure isn't it? Which is why I will unleash both the light and shadows lurking within me and my power should something happen to my little girl. The Emissary are coming to tear this sanctum down in order to awaken a sleeping dragon for their own gain. However, they should be aware that the sleeping dragon has already been awoken...because we'll make them believe that we're more than mythical stories they desecrated. We are very, very real."