(Author's Notes: Hey everyone here's Chapter 39 & I hope you all continue to keep the reviews coming. The Rangers deal with the revelations of the Emissary's plans for Angel Grove while another feels the implications caused by the Emissary's actions.)
Chapter 39: Double-Edged Standards
FLASHBACK- Angel Grove 1997
He watched the caramel brown haired sleeping princess asleep in his bed and couldn't help but smile. There was always something mesmerizing and enchanting about Kimberly which is why Tommy still wondered to this day what drew him to this pure and kindhearted girl. He thank the powers that be for giving him this second chance at a future with the woman who meant the entire world to him. He sat down in his chair next to his bed holding a cup of coffee in his hand.
"I know you're awake, Beautiful." Tommy smiled leaning in as Kimberly stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled at him as she welcomed the morning sunlight. "It's time to wake up my pink crane. You can't keep your white knight waiting."
"Yes I am, Handsome. Your pink princess is wide awake." she teased him as she sat up in his bed. "It's a beautiful morning and it's such a lovely way to start it."
"You've been sleeping for hours, but I thought I give that to you. But you know nothing gets the morning started like a nice cup of coffee."
"Wow, such a gentleman." Kimberly said taking a sip of the cup of coffee Tommy offered and setting it down on the nightstand. She got up from the bed and went to join Tommy by his dresser as he was putting on a white t-shirt. "Thank you for the coffee I greatly appreciate it."
"It's always a pleasure serving my ladyship to fulfill her needs." Tommy whispered as he pulled her against him and she buried her face into his chest. "What are you thinking about my beloved?"
"Nothing, just that it feels natural being in the arms of my one true soulmate and falcon." Kim smiled looking up at him. "I like it here, it feels right."
"What do you like, Kim? Being back in Angel Grove?" Tommy playfully asked.
"No, I like being back here...with you. You're the one thing in my life I'll never regret." she smiled giving him a kiss. "This is where I belong: always and forever with you."
Angel Grove, CA: Present Day
She suddenly woke up in a state of shock and startle from the bed she laid down in for hours. The woman known as the Scarlet Sovereign found herself in a bedroom of an unfamiliar house somewhere in Angel Grove after spending hours wandering aimlessly through the park. A strange sensation came over here like a feeling of liberation, but also at the same time a sudden surge of power coursing through her. Luckily, the homeowners weren't home and her first instinct reaction upon coming towards the vacant residence was to simply break in and crash in for the night.
However, part of her felt that this house she was hold up in for the last few hours felt familiar and she knew ways in and out without causing any property damage. Once she entered the house, she toured the main floor looking at the various photos on display to get an idea of the family who lived here. Something about this house brought a sense of comfortability and warmth giving her this welcoming feeling. It was as if this place held some importance to her in another life she couldn't recall.
The bedroom she inadvertently fell asleep in gave her an idea of whose bedroom this belonged to and she assumed it once belonged to the son of the homeowners. The more time she spent in the house, the more her curiosity got the best of her. Looking around the bedroom, she found a picture of a young couple in their late teens by a lakeside smiling and full of love. The couple looked familiar to her as did the young man in the picture. The more she stared at the photograph, the feeling of an unknown longing flooded her thoughts as if she was attempting to fill a void deep within her.
"They look so innocent, full of love as if they belong together." She thought looking at the picture. "It feels familiar as if maybe...maybe this must have been a previous life I lived a long time ago. This house, this room, for some reason being here this place holds significant memories locked away. Why does this place give a sense of warmth, a longing I crave and desire?"
Reluctantly, the Scarlet Sovereign left the bedroom and made her way back downstairs to the main floor. She returned once again to the spot on the mantle above the fireplace where the homeowners placed more pictures on display. She saw more pictures again of the homeowners' son with a woman who looked like a younger version of herself. Her eyes caught the attention of one particular picture of the couple holding a baby girl in front of a house that looked like it was in the middle of nowhere. Carefully, she took the picture from the mantle and carefully opened the back of the picture frame. She found something written saying "Tommy, Kimberly & Amelia Oliver- Reefside, California 2003."
"Tommy and Kimberly Oliver? That name, it sounds like I know those names." She stared studying the picture, but the baby girl in the picture sparked her interest. The name of the place Reefside sounded like she knew it as well. She couldn't explain what was happening to her but these vague flashbacks the more she stayed in the house were coming at her. Something compelled her to keep the picture as she put the empty picture frame back on the mantle and very discreetly made her exit from the house.
"I feel like...I feel like this man and this baby they're important for some reason." She said as she took one last look at the house she inadvertently spent a few hours in. "This woman in the picture, was I her in another life? I feel like it's the same person and these people...they mean something to her. Reefside, California? I think I was there...before but why? Did...are they people who knew this girl named Kimberly? Why do I remember a life that might not be mine? Or is it a life I lived before? Who are you to me, Tommy Oliver? Why does your name keep on coming to my mind?"
July 10th, 2009
8:00 p.m
Downtown Reefside
There is no denying that the Garrison have been known for their extreme tactics and methods of violence to fight the war against the Emissary. Each of the eleven original Rangers had various reactions on what they just witnessed. Some of them were left speechless, while others looked like they were going to vomit over the fact that they unwillingly saw their prisoner abruptly decapitated right in front of them.
"Seriously?! Couldn't you lay off for a few minutes on the blood and gore show?!" Jason was the first to speak up in outrage. "Buddy, this isn't the Middle Ages where chopping off people's head happened on a weekly basis!" He turned to see that Rocky wasn't taken the sight of the headless Malo too well as he vomited off to the side.
"Rocko, how's it going there?" Adam asked his friend while Aisha went to check up on her husband.
"I...I think I'll be fine," Rocky finally spoke. "Hopefully I'll keep my dinner down for the rest of the night."
"Quinn, did you have to go all Bloody Mary on the guy?" Tommy said staring in awe. "Since when...since when do the Garrison let the heads of their enemies roll?"
"Oh that is to make sure they stay dead in the ground permanently once they exhaust their last alternate lifespan." Quinn explained cleaning off his sword casually. "I know it's bloody and gory but it's the only way to make sure they don't come back to life again. Maybe I should I added that little detail about how to dispose of the pillars of the Emissary for good to make sure they don't self rejuvenate. At least that's one less of them to worry about."
"So chopping off their heads will kill them permanently?" Kat asked sarcastically. "Wow, now why didn't we think of that? Or mention that to us?"
"The Emissary have exposed themselves for eons to the rejuvenation substance. Even if you drop a building on top of them or throw them off the roof, they'll come back to life because that's the immortality coursing through them. Decapitation is the only means to make sure they don't rejuvenate to rain seven bells of hell on us." Quinn said.
"But what does it mean for Kimberly?" Tommy asked. "You still haven't clued us into the full details of how this fail safe spell called the Everlasting Spell works. You said that that the seven pillars of the Emissary linked their remaining lifespans to hers in order for them to make her the Scarlet Sovereign. If they already used the substance to bring her back to life, why linked their lifespans to her? What's the whole point of it?"
"Well one, it was their attempt to tether the Emissary's fate to the Scarlet Sovereign. Not the best idea when you want to activate a weapon by defusing it from a previous source of power, the bond of the falcon and the crane. Those guys should have read the fine print before they turned the power on." Quinn continued. "The double-edged standard once again in play."
"Double-edged standard?" Aisha asked. "What do you mean by that?"
"Take out an everlasting, one lifespan already used up. There was a reason why the Everlasting Spell was never cast and let's just say that the elders of the Ninjetti Order many years ago classified as the one that has been recalled one too many times." Quinn muttered in disdained. "As the founding members of the Garrison, the Elders felt the need it was necessary to educate us about the mythology and mystical lore of certain topics of great matter. Believe me our pilgrimage taught us everything we needed to know like the purpose of the sanctum flames, the animal spirits, even the secrets of chi and immortality. Spells to prolong life was considered an act of desecration, a violation against the balance of nature in the universe. What they did to your soulmate, I can't put it into words to describe the ordeal she is enduring."
"Yeah, I get it and just watching her go through whatever it is she's struggling with, it feels like my heart breaks every time." Tommy said deep in thought. "There is a part of the real Kimberly that is still in there. Just when I think I'm about to reach out for her, something pulls her back." He then looked at Quinn. "Tell me Quinn, what's the chances of us getting the pink crane back, our one true Winged Lady of the Skies?"
"Even if you can do the impossible and restore the soul of your ladyship, this fleet you're facing has unimaginable odds stacked against you. You're dealing with forces beyond your imagination and despite the power you possess, it too has its limitations." Quinn explained. "There is more than just Kimberly's fate at stake here. Didn't realize that the powers that be did in fact have plans for the two of you once you took the mantle of Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The Bloodline of Power, it sure does have it's double-edged standards. Power itself, holds no allegiance to either the forces of shadow and light: that's the great mystery of two sides of the same coin."
"Very fickle especially when the Great Power itself decides to reincarnate itself and the greatest power in the universe is contained inside my seven year old daughter. It's the unknown force that beckons me in the distance? To Kimberly? It's the power inside of Amelia?" Tommy replied sighing. "The key of the future, it's Amelia isn't it? And the Emissary are after my little girl to open whatever lies beneath Angel Grove."
"Hey don't be hard on yourself Tommy," Billy reassured his friend. "You and Kimberly never imagined in your wildest dreams any of this. It wasn't like this was all planned out and sometimes we can't control the powers that be at work here. Amelia is a child, an innocent, pure hearted and sweet little girl who needs her father more than ever."
"But why my little girl of all people?" Tommy kept asking. "No matter how many times I ask why it all happens, I'll never get a straight answer. They can't answer why it was Kim that was chosen to be the Emissary's weapon, the Scarlet Sovereign. They can't answer why the Great Power itself somehow reincarnated itself within my seven year old daughter. They can't tell me what my purpose is being the heir apparent of the last kingdom of the Ninjetti, the Bloodline of Power. You all need me to come up with a battle plan of what to do next when I literally question if I have control over myself these days. Or do I question where my head or heart currently stands in all of this?"
"You keep fighting and enduring whatever gets thrown your way." Quinn spoke up. "Since when are you for one to lat down and yield to the bastards that have run shot on your life for nearly two decades? You were reluctant to come back to the front lines after renouncing "the life" for five years. You came back because you wanted to finish something that was started five years ago. This chapter is beginning to write out its end and for four thousand years this war has ravaged on and on. Maybe it's time...it's time for a new regime to begin but in order for that to happen, the story in this final chapter needs to be written. Only you, Tommy can put to paper how it will happen."
"One of the pillars of the Emissary is dead," Tommy stated. "There are only six of them left and each of them have somehow tethered their lifespans to Kimberly's. As long as those bastards are breathing, the Emissary still stands along with the foundation of that organization. I don't know how that Everlasting Spell works but I'll found out if it's my one chance to fully restore the life of our Winged Lady of the Skies, our pink crane. It's a beginning to say the least, one somewhat small victory in our favour. They'll come gunning for us once they find out about Malo's death. So the question is are we going all in on this together?"
"We made our move, they'll make theirs next: peace or war it's not really up to them but either way we need to prepare for what's going down." Jason stated as the others nodded in agreement.
"Then we take it on, pound for pound we stand our ground because shit will hit the fan," Tommy replied looking at the headless body of Malo, much to the reluctance of the others who uneasily gazed upon the body too. "So...what are we suppose to do about that?"
"Yeah, huh we're not in the business of disposing of dead corpses..." Tanya said uneasily.
"I'll take care of the body," Quinn stated bluntly. "Don't worry about getting your hands dirty Power Rangers. I've been in this game and this line of work for over four thousand years. It's just another day of being in the Garrison. Besides, tomorrow is a new day and your priorities are now in order. The Everlasting Spell, I know that's the one topic that is sparking your interest Tommy along with the true nature of your daughter. You deal with matters of the heart at the moment, I'll deal with the clean up."
"Why does it disturb me to hear you sound like getting rid of Malo's body is nothing to you?" Tommy asked with sarcasm. "Knowing you none of us don't have to make a bet that you'll probably send Malo's head to Rideau Circle so the Emissary will get the message. So it's going to come down to who we intend to take out next."
9:30 p.m
Oliver Residence
After an intense day at the abandoned Trader Joe's food distribution warehouse all the Rangers wanted was a night of relaxation. The events of today took a toll on them and Tommy was thankful for the weekend company of his friends and family at his place. By the time they arrived back at Tommy's house, much to amusement they saw the kids wide awake and music from the vintage jukebox.
Walking into the house, Tommy and the others saw Amelia and the other kids being given an impromptu music history by Kira and the Dino Thunder Rangers. Hayley saw the veterans come in and jokingly commented how their little babysitting charges were persistent night owls and constantly kept on playing Southern Nights by Glenn Campbell on repeat for the last half an hour.
Despite the drama filled day of revelations from Malo about the fates of Kimberly and Amelia, the one thing that always brought a smile to the battled worn leader of the Rangers is seeing his little girl happy. It was hard to come to grips that the odds of saving his pink crane went from impossible to mere suicidal knowing the severe ramifications in the course of action he intended to embark. What even made things more complicated was learning the full extent of Amelia's true nature which only made him more determine than ever to make sure Amelia was safe at all cost.
"Thank goodness you're home Dr. O." Connor said groaning. "Those kids have constantly put the jukebox on repeat for the last half an hour listening to that one song."
"Let me guess, still not a fan of the vintage classic vinyl records?" Tommy jokingly said to his former students.
"Well originally the person who wrote and recorded Southern Nights was Allen Toussiant back in 1975 before country singer Glen Campbell recorded it in 1977." Kira explained as the track played once again. "Most pop culture grew up on Glen Campbell's version of the song."
"Kira says that the lyrics of "Southern Nights" were inspired by childhood memories Allen Toussaint had of visiting relatives in the Louisiana backwoods, which often entailed storytelling under star-filled nighttime skies." Amelia explained to her dad. "When Campbell heard Toussaint's version, he immediately identified with the lyrics which reminded him of his own youth growing up on an Arkansas farm. In October 1976, Campbell recorded the song with slightly modified lyrics, well according to Kira."
"I like this music even though I wasn't born yet," Henry commented. "Connor and the guys call it dinosaur and old music..."
"Wow, thanks for your review of vintage vinyl classic music," Tommy replied jokingly. "I feel proud that at least there's one generation of kids who appreciate good classic vinyls and the inspiration behind the lyrics."
"Seriously shouldn't these little kids be in bed now?" Trent asked as the former Dino Thunder Rangers breathed a sigh of relief that the kids decided to change the track on the jukebox. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the young men, it was another "dinosaur vinyl" track as they called it. "Great, more dinosaur music."
"Okay, don't be hating on the vintage vinyls." Kira said to her boyfriend. "We had vintage vinyl Fridays during my work internship at Dune Lion Records back in LA. This track, Come a Little Bit Closer by Jay & The Americans is a 1960's classic."
"Well at least Kira wow some brownie points on appreciating vinyl classics," Zack and Tanya smiled.
"We should probably work out the sleeping arrangements for tonight with everyone here since we're all spending the weekend here." Kat and Jason suggested.
"That sounds like a good idea and probably we have to set up a bathroom schedule for each family here." Aisha replied looking at Robbie and Bianca. "Come on Rocko let's go get the kids settled in for the night."
"If you guys need anything don't hesitate to ask." Tommy let his friends get themselves settled in for the night while working out the sleeping arrangements amongst ten extra adults and six children staying with him and Amelia. Hayley and Ethan headed to the lab to do some surveillance of Reefside under Tommy's request. As he stared at his daughter, Tommy felt a strange sensation come over him. He wasn't sure what was happening but he felt the stirring presence of the falcon and crane within him. He became in tune with the bond between Brennan and Shalimar and how the animal spirits have guided him over these last couple of months.
The spirits of the falcon and crane have been an essential constant in his life since he was a teenager. Over the years, he have come to understand its importance and how that bond became of great significance to him and Kimberly, taking on a life of its own. Looking back at it, never in a million years did he imagine that being dubbed the Bloodline of Power came with a tremendous weight to bare a crown he nor his ladyship asked for. However, it was destiny and fate that called to them and an unknown force that beckoned them in the far distance to answer it.
What threw Tommy off guard about all of this was the fact that what beckoned him in the far distance was the greatest power to ever exist in the universe, the Great Power itself. Somehow, that unknown and unlimited force in the universe took a life of its own as well, finding its way into his seven year old daughter. It was difficult to sense or feel his daughter's aura or the power within her because it was unpredictable, and unyielding. It didn't sway to one side or another as if the balance of light and shadow was contradicted. Unfortunately, knowing the circumstances of Amelia's role made Tommy's curiosity grow wondering if he knew everything there about legends, history and secrets of the Ninjetti Order and the Great Power.
"You're looking at your daughter as if she is hiding something, bro." Jason said coming back down to the main floor of the house. "Come on Tommy, we've been best friends since freshman year of high school. Next to Kim, there's no way of hiding things from me and I'll eventually figure out the truth one way or another."
"She's still my daughter no matter what and I go through hell and back for my little girl." Tommy said sincerely. "Amelia is the reason I'm still here and my reason to keep going despite how shitty life has been for the last five years. The smallest moments of bliss and happiness I have with my child is what gets me by everyday because it's those moments I live for. Yet, it's also those moments I fight to preserve and protect in this chaotic and messed up warzone I walked back into."
"We know and it's why we understand why you walked away from this life five years ago." Jason replied, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's what being a parent is about."
"It was always the plan right after Mesogog was defeated once and for all." Tommy said. "That night on the rooftop, I promised Kim we were done with this life for Amelia's sake should be survive what was beyond the door of the rooftop. We were going to leave it all behind, leave the life, get out of Reefside and travel the world with our daughter. All we ever wanted was to raise Amelia living a happy and normal childhood. It is the least we can ask for as a reward for saving the world one too many times you lose count."
"You have a daughter that loves you and thinks of you as her white knight, just like her mom." Jason added looking at his goddaughter. "They say that in the eyes of a child, a parent is God in their eyes." He stopped for a minute and took a deep breath before continuing. "For the record, if things turned out different that night, I wouldn't blame either you or Kim for wanting out of "this life" for Amelia's sake. Heck, Kat and I would have also wanted the same thing with our kids."
"There's this overwhelming feeling inside of me and I felt it the moment Quinn went all bloody Mary on Malo." Tommy said deep in thought. "It was as if I felt something being unchained or slowly being broken. It was as if...as if whatever they did to Kimberly was slowly being unraveled. Yet, at the same time, whatever mystical forces is keeping my pink crane bonded to the Emissary, it's like Amelia's powers or whatever is brewing in her gets stronger and then it's going to come down to a choice."
"What choice is that?" Jason asked.
"A choice that involves matters of the heart." Tommy said shrugging his shoulders. "I think that's the true weight of the crown the Winged Lord of the Skies has to bare in order to prove his claimant. It's like the hand of fate and destiny has its way of always putting one test after another in order to prove your worth. The true test lies deep within and it strikes the deepest core of one's heart, body, mind and soul. Kimberly and Amelia...they're the source of my heart, my world, and my constant in life. We can possess all this power in order to save the world, but what happens when you have to use that power to either save the ones that matter or destroy them for the sake of the greater good?"
"It's what still holds you back isn't Tommy?" Jason asked. "The Emissary revealed what they're after and it won't stop them until they learn the truth about Amelia. Heck, they already have done serious resurrection damage to my little sis, but it shouldn't stop you from continuing to reach out. That little girl is the bridge that keeps that bond you have with your crane in tact so there is still hope. We're figure this out, like we always do as a team and take it one step at a time."
"I pray we do because hope is a fragile thing to hold onto in this day and age." Tommy replied looking at his daughter playing with his former students. "I still dream for the impossible to become possible again. I still hold onto the belief Amelia will have her mother back after five years. I still fight that I can get through to my Winged Lady of the Skies, my pink crane and bring her home where she belongs. If I have to tap into both the light and shadow and travel from here and beyond the void to fight for my dreams then I will. Quinn says that there's this double-edged standard to everything, but there's always two sides of the story right?"
"Exactly which is why we got a whole entire weekend to figure out our next course of action." Jason said. "However, first thing we need is some sleep after the day we had."
"Tomorrow is another day as they say." Tommy slightly smiled as he went to join his daughter in the living room. Jason went back to go check up on Kat and the kids to make sure his family was settled in for the weekend.
July 11th, 2009
10:00 a.m
Rideau Circle Financial
Angel Grove, CA
The six remaining pillars of the Emissary stared at the ominous brown packaged box placed in the center of the conference room table. They knew it was a suspicious package after they found it was left anonymously at the front desk security of the building. It wasn't enough they had no leads on Malo's location and suddenly the Scarlet Sovereign mysteriously vanishes once again.
With the situation in Angel Grove picking up, it was a rare occasion to see the Emissary on the brink of panic and tension. Six pairs of eyes cautiously stared at the brown box and Dalia being the leader of them opened it to see the contents. However, the look of dismay, shock and anger on Dalia's face proved the worst case scenario as she pulled out a taunting note that had blood splatter on the cardboard starch.
"With regards, an old friend..." Dalia angrily said crumpling the note and ripping it revealing the contents of the box. "Well, it seems we were right to assume the worst case scenario for Malo. He has finally...returned to us, but not fully in tact."
"They've done it now, those bastards!" Ashei yelled staring at the gruesome sight of what was left of their longtime comrade and pillar.
"It comes to show that now with Malo's demise anyone of us are expendable." Salazar stated with disdain. "He would have been safe with us if he didn't fall into the hands of our enemies. God knows what they did to the rest of him..."
"Knowing the Power Rangers not one of those pathetic fools will have the stomach to partake in something, barbaric and savage as this." Balor simply reassured. "Those humans are too moral and pure of good intentions to stoop into the dark places of their minds."
"But yet, despite how many times we demoralize and slaughter those cockroaches known as the Garrison," Dalia snapped. "Those sneaky parasites will always protect and fulfill their pathetic fealty and oath to the Bloodline of Power and the Ninjetti Order. They've been looking to collect on our immortality for many years and with Malo's death it proves they're out for blood."
"Obviously and the feeling is very mutual to say the least," Pan replied angrily.
"They will pay with what they did to Malo I will promise you. We will get our retribution for what they have done to our fallen pillar." Dalia address the group. Unfortunately, her sister Thea's glances at her didn't go unnoticed by the older sibling. It was obvious to Dalia that her younger sister was looking to address their current circumstances that led to Malo's demise. However, instead of letting the hostility and tension escalate, she looked at Thea to give her the floor to speak her mind.
"Why do you look at me like that, dear sister?" Thea questioned suspiciously.
"I'm not here to cast judgment or critique on you, little sister. As your elder sibling, I respect you and I see that you have something on your mind." Dalia said casually. "As leader of this group, I give you authorization to speak your mind Thea."
"Speak my mind? Am I allowed or given authorization big sis to address this group who looks down at me as your kid sister?" Thea replied sarcastically looking at the severed head of Malo in the box. She glanced at it for a minute, then felt a strange sensation pass through her. Staring at the contents, the youngest pillar of the Emissary knew the ramifications of Malo's demise due to their actions and decisions.
"Thea, what is happening? Are you alright?" Dalia asked seeing a flush look over her sister's face.
"Our actions come without consequences and clearly what happened to Malo demonstrates our lack of practicality to make informed decisions as a group." Thea said, much to the dismay of the group. "Malo wouldn't have been captured if he wasn't so naive and blinded to believe we could simply annihilated the Garrison Sanctum in Monument Valley. That fool's ploy had many complications and loopholes and we paid the price for it with Malo's demise. Time is limited everybody and this is only just the beginning of the final chapter. It will be written whether we like it or not and we cannot ignore that we are losing our grip of control over our weapon because I can feel it..."
"What is it you feel? That so called unknown force that beckons in the distance?" Balor questioned warily. "Or is it something else that should be brought to our intention?"
"I sensed the last fragments of Malo's aura from whatever remained of him and he pulled through for us in hindsight." Thea explained taking a deep breath. "The Bloodline of Power, the heir apparent of the last Ninjetti Kingdom and order. These two are not like the predecessors before them who held the claimant reign of Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The falcon and the crane: something about these soulmates that make them enigmas as if each of them possess two sides of the same coin within them. The balance of light and shadow, but through them it created an unorthodox that no one anticipated due to prior transgressions. It is the unknown force that beckons in the distance, but is unyielding, untrained and limitless to be bind to hold fealty to either sides of the balance."
"Are you saying that Malo found what we're looking for?" Dalia asked her sister raising the group's interest. "The side effects of the Everlasting Spell are beginning to unravel and it's part of the double-edged standard of that spell." Knowing about Thea's abilities, she asked her sister another question. "Did Malo revealed the truth about the spell to the Power Rangers?" Thea looked at the box only for a frown to be shown on her face, much to the dismay for the rest of the Emissary. "...Stupid, stupid fool!"
"Okay, well maybe it might be better now that Malo's dead." Pan replied throwing his arms up in disbelief. "Wow what a mess of things that Benedict Arnold left in his wake."
"The fact he inadvertently laid our cards out on the table for the Power Rangers?" Dalia said angrily. "We're officially all running on borrowed time here and with the Scarlet Sovereign running rampant again because of our...transgression, we need to refocus. We need to redirect all our remaining resources..."
"We wouldn't be on borrowed time if you didn't strong arm this group into casting that damn Everlasting Spell!" Salazar snapped. "Yes Malo spilled the beans, but you set this whole thing in motion and now we're all in the line of fire because of your stupidity. That woman, our prized weapon has become a ticking time bomb and it won't be long until she contests us! No more mystical spells, magics, or rituals because our remaining resources got squandered to that loose canon you call the Scarlet Sovereign."
"Everybody shut up for one moment!" Thea yelled stopping the arguments among the group. "As I was saying, there is still one upside to Malo's death."
"Please enlighten us since we're all officially screwed at this point." Ashei said mockingly.
"That unknown force that beckons in the distance, it is the "key of the future:" the key to life, our salvation, the key to end the war." Thea said examining the box of Malo's remains. "It's within the Bloodline of Power because they unwillingly brought it upon the world. The Great Power in the universe...it has a funny way of working in mysterious ways. Once we obtain the key, everything comes full circle. Our weapon and the heir apparent to the Ninjetti...it's their bridge that is the key to our salvation. However, for something as young and innocent to contain the remnants of the Great Power within, we need to confirm our suspicions."
"Of course, it's always about the bloodline isn't it?" Dalia said smiling wickedly. "Those crafty fools. So the question comes how do we utilize our weapon to our advantage to obtain the thing the Bloodline of Power holds dear to them? The Garrison's efforts to misdirect us for so long has favored them over the years, but now we know the truth and all we have to do is for them to confirm our suspicions. However, we still have one obstacle that does hinder in our plans and it's the White Falcon because knowing him, he's the one we must contend with. Prying away the thing he holds dear to his heart will sure be a challenging fleet we must embark upon."
July 13th, 2009
12:30 p.m
Reefside, CA
"Well that was a memorable...story time at the library," Rocky commented as the group let out a laugh while they were eating lunch at Reefside Mall with the kids.
"Dad, why was that guy and the lady during puppet time arguing?" Bianca asked her dad.
"Yeah and what did that guy mean when he said it takes two people to tango?" Henry asked his parents much to the amusement of the other veterans in the group who didn't have kids.
"I know puppets aren't suppose to fight, but those two people were really going at it," Amelia chuckled. "Then the puppets were fighting afterwards."
"So much for a lover's quarrel to ruin story time," Aisha said chuckling. "Especially if it's teenage drama."
"Come on we weren't that bad back in the day," Jason said as the group ate at the table. "But yeah we were teenagers during a different time, but I gotta admit I couldn't help but laugh my butt off over it."
"Was that part of the show?" Robbie asked eating some french fries. "The part where the girl with the princess puppet hit the boy with the magician puppet? What did the girl mean by caught in the act?"
"I think the best part of the show was when the other people with the knight puppets had to get the girl off the guy once they knockdown the puppet theater." Amelia said laughing. "Then all the parents in the audience, including daddy and you guys just grabbing the kids and leave. I heard Lindsay's mom say that she didn't want her daughter to sit through a live episode of something called Dr. Phil, but I don't know what she means by that."
"Let's just say Dr. Phil is a show that we'll probably see those nice teenagers on one day when you're old enough to understand it." Kat replied discreetly. "Anyways, your dad should be back soon. He just needed to pick up something from one of the stores."
It was one of the rare times Tommy enjoyed in the midst of this ongoing battle with the Emissary and also dealing the drama of the Garrison. He was surprised when Jason and the others decided to stay an extra day in Reefside and since it was the summer, the kids were enjoying their summer vacation off school. For Tommy, it was an entire summer to relax and spend time with his daughter until the start of the new school year teaching at Reefside High.
They spent the morning taking the kids to a story time event at the local library that included a very, colorful puppet show much to the confusion and bewilderment of the kids in attendance. For the adults who brought their kids to the library that following morning, they were dismayed when the volunteers running the event got into a lover's quarrel that resulted in a show that was the talk of the day.
After abruptly leaving the library dissatisfied, but also with a few laughs, Tommy and the guys decided to take the kids to the mall for a bit. While the group hung out at the food court, Tommy left Amelia with the others to make a quick stop at Swarovski Jewelries to pick up a late birthday present he had reserved for his daughter.
Originally, he was suppose to give her on her birthday last month, but the store didn't have Amelia's birthday present in stock. Still, after one month he was surprised when he got a call last week from the store that the jewelry he had on reserve was in stock. He met up with the others at the food court holding a small shopping bag, much to the surprise of his friends.
"I see the colourful story time we had at the library has been the lunchtime conversation," Tommy replied joining his friends and daughter at the table. He sat down next to her placing the shopping bag on the table. "Thanks for keeping an eye on Amelia guys."
"Hey it's no problem seeing that someone needed to make a special stop to Swarovski." Trini smiled. "Tommy Oliver usually doesn't head to a jewelry store unless he was on a special shopping mission."
"Thanks for noticing Trini and since you guys are all here, I got a little surprise here for my little girl." Tommy said. "And yes, it is one month overdue so I don't want you guys jumping on me due to my swiss cheese memory."
"Is this a very, very late birthday present daddy?"
"Most definitely and I apologize that it is not gift wrapped, but it's in a very special shopping bag with tissue paper in it." He assured her his daughter. A small smile formed on her face as she dug through the bag and shuffled through the tissue paper to pull out a rectangular box.
"Oh Amy you're one lucky little girl," the girls complimented the young child.
"Oh, my gosh, it's so shiny and pretty..." Amelia oohed, pulling out the delicate necklace out of the box. Hanging from the golden links was a horizontal round medallion. It was decorated with rosy pink crystals on the front with golden star design on the front. In the centre of the star simulated Amelia's birthstone.
"Wow bro, that must have cost you a fortune to spend bling like that for you kid," Zack complimented seeing Amelia's face as she was showing the other kids her necklace.
"I learned from an experience shopper once upon a time. It has been my limited experience that pretty girls like pretty jewelry." Tommy replied, pleased that his late gift has been well received by his daughter.
"I have never had a really, really sparkly necklace before." Amelia murmured in awe. "Oh, look there's a star in the middle of it."
"It's not just a necklace, take a look closely sweetie." Tommy ran his thumbnail along the bottom of the circle. "It's a special necklace called a locket. That star on the front is called Polaris, it's the North Star in the sky."
"Oh awesome, I never had a locket before daddy and I like the pretty star on the front. What do you do with the locket?" Amelia wondered.
"It's a necklace where you put pictures in it." Tommy explained. "Here princess, come see this." Opening it all the way, Tommy revealed two photographs already inside.
"Wow daddy, it's you." she declared, proudly flashing the photos to everybody at the table. "And it's also mommy inside. I love it so much daddy."
"I know you love that gift and I know you'll keep your locket safe." Tommy said proudly. "Besides, the people at the jewelry store owed me for the late shipment. I had those pictures made at the office supply store and had coloured copies made."
"I remember those pictures," Jason complimented. "You're lucky to have those memories to keep safe of your mom and dad Amelia."
"Thank you so much daddy and I promise I'll keep my locket safe and I won't take it off. Why is there a star called Polaris on the front of my locket? What does it mean dad?"
"Polaris is the North Star in the sky that is constant and doesn't move." Tommy explained wrapping an arm around his daughter. "If you ever get lost somewhere and can't find your way home, always look for the North Star in the sky. It will help you find your way home to us. Remember my little defender, you will always be mommy and daddy's constant in our lives no matter what. Keep this to remind you of who we are and how much we love you very much."
"Of course I will and I really, really love this picture of mommy." Amelia said in awe staring at the picture. "Especially her smile." Tommy stroked the top of his daughter's head as he fastened the locket around her neck. She beamed down at it in wonder as she let her finger trace around the star on the front of it.
Tommy knew his daughter appreciated the sentimental gift and despite what was in store for his little girl, he needed to give her a sense of constant to hold onto. He wanted to give Amelia a keepsake to remind her of who her parents are and how much she meant to them because it was her future and her fate they spent years fighting to protect.
Meanwhile in Reefside Forest...
Deep in the cover of Reefside Forest, the remaining members of the Garrison convened in the sacred hidden Ninjetti Kingdom. They were surprised but also satisfied with Quinn's latest update about the events that transpired a few days back with Rangers' interrogation of Malo. What caught the surviving members of the Garrison offguard was the news upon the demise of one of the pillars of the Emissary.
Although the Garrison wanted to revel in the small victory of destroying one of the seven pillars of the Emissary, it was short lived once Quinn informed the group about the circumstances of the Scarlet Sovereign and the truth about young Amelia Oliver. It was why Dulcea and Zordon found Quinn all day in the old Ninjetti history room below the mess hall inside the old ancient castle ruins. Although Jade and Roxas were sent back to the Monument Valley Sanctum to safeguard the remaining contingency of the Garrison army, Quinn was determine to keep watch over the Ninjetti Rangers, in particular Tommy and his daughter.
Over the years since the beginning foundations of the Garrison, every chapter and era of the Ninjetti and the chronicled war with the Emissary throughout the various planets and ages. It was one of the mission mandates and cornerstones for anyone who joined the ranks of the Garrison: to understand and learn about history of the Ninjetti and the Great Power. Throughout the ages, the Garrison have battled the Emissary to prevent them from triggering the Operandi Modus that ravaged countless planets across the galaxy.
It was why Zordon, as one of the original elders of the Ninjetti began the Garrison. As an ancient being, he was there on Phaedos many eons ago when the original Sacred Animals of the Ninjetti roamed the distant and fabled planet. The greatest act of desecration against the Ninjetti and its legacy is to use the remains of the ancient bones of the original Sacred Animals for a fool's errand to gain immortality, power and dominion.
Out of the founding members of the Garrison, Quinn showed an undying and fierce loyalty and fealty to the Garrison. Being the Prince of Treyforia in his alternative life, he had an unlimited loyalty to serve his people and planet. It was true that the Garrison fought for the side of good, but their tactics and methods were brought to question, especially with the Power Rangers. In their minds, they never expected that their mentor would form an organization who despite were aligned with the side of good would resort to violence and bloodshed to fight for peace.
Both Dulcea and Zordon observed Quinn throughout the day pulling out every scroll, ancient documents and texts finding references about the Everlasting Spell that was cast upon Kimberly in the Emissary's attempt to bring her back to life as the Scarlet Sovereign. Both of them felt a pang of agony knowing it was a fate that loomed over the destined Bloodline of Power that somehow either one of them was destined to be chosen to bare the looming shadow of the Scarlet Sovereign. Literally, it was a fate worst than death and they understood the toll it was taking on the white falcon. But yet, he still held onto that fragile hope that his missing ladyship will return.
"You never stopped on completing a mission given to you huh, old friend?" He felt a hand on his shoulder, he didn't realize that Zordon was watching him. Zordon looked at him with a sympathetic expression.
"One of these days, huh?" He said. "Maybe the time will come to correct past transgressions."
"You got that right, old friend." Quinn said, conviction lacing his voice. "It was as if fate had a way of history repeating itself. First, with the boy and the young girl who in turn became the cornerstone of this chapter of the Garrison. Then, it happened again many years later when I encountered two children destined to fulfill what their representative predecessors laid out long ago."
"Despite everything that has happened, what you did regardless of your motives, it was worth a greater good." Zordon said. "You saw something in them when you first encountered them that day two decades ago at Algoma Summer Camp. For the two of them to play a pivotal role in each other's lives wasn't done by our hand, that was by their own conviction and fate itself. It is true what they say about those who hold the power of the Falcon and Crane."
"That although they are two sacred animals spirits individually, together they are one in the same coin." Quinn said. "Do you think it was destiny for Tommy and Kimberly to be the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies? The heir apparent of the Bloodline of Power? Should this chapter of this never ending war with the Emissary close, in the end everything the Ninjetti knew about the legends and stories will be redefined."
"You can say and you can say that the hour of twilight is upon the Garrison." Zordon said, walking over to the window and staring out at a mountain view. "I always wondered what fascinated you about staring out into that mountain view that overlooked this kingdom?"
"Maybe it's because that is the one landscape of this kingdom that still remained in tact when fire and smoke filled the sky." Quinn said. "It is as if it stands as a monument to remind us of a requiem of desolation that rang through this place. Time healed the place over the ages, but yet the scars of past desolation still remain and the hallowing echoes can be heard some nights in the breeze."
"That we can't erase, the requiem of desolation of those Operandi Modus the Emissary unleashed upon countless innocent souls across the galaxy." Dulcea said joining the two individuals. Quinn continued to look through the history of the Ninjetti coming across chronicles from different chapters, especially the Ninjetti's accounts from Triforia.
"We all came together with the purpose of combating the heretics the elders of the Ninjetti Order cast out from Phaedos." Quinn said letting out a small chuckle. "Like the young individuals many years ago you chose to become Power Rangers Zordon, you brought us together by giving us a purpose to swear fealty to the ancient Ninjetti Order and safeguard the chosen council of the Great Power. This group, this organization is more than just an army for a single purpose to protect a lineage and bloodline, it's become a brethren we have endure together and throughout countless lifetimes."
"That we are dearest Quinn, a brethren, a council that has endured throughout countless lifetimes across the galaxy." Dulcea said. "Although this chapter of our brethren is closing upon us, it maybe our final chapter together. However, we must pave the path for the future to write a new genesis of the ancient Ninjetti."
"And yet, even the Great Power itself does have a mind of its own. The unknown force that beckons in the distance, calling to the destined ones chosen to govern the last kingdom of this prestigious legacy." Quinn said as he grabbed what he needed and let out a small smile to his longtime allies.
"I suppose you already have come for what you needed to complete your mission have you old friend?" Zordon said. "A kingdom cannot be governed without a ruler who can fully gasp the full weight of the crown they bare. I take it this is part of settling some old accounts?"
"For me, I call it trying to seek atonement for a promise I couldn't fulfill for two decades." Quinn stated. "I am slowly making my peace and getting my affairs in order should this war's tide turn for the better or worse. Three of our founders have already fallen to the malice of the Emissary and the Scarlet Sovereign. Should I fall...then at least I can part from this existence by giving one last spark for our chosen lordship to keep on fighting."
"Twilight is falling upon us as the chaos of fire and smoke fill the sky, but yet the light and shadow do not yield." Dulcea said. "What we once fought and defended to contain stirs and the power within pulses. The embodiment of the greatest power in the universe remains restless, but it still echoes its siren call for all to hear it."
"The heartbeat in the void answers the call. It's a small flickering spark to know deep down the wayward ladyship still hears it." Quinn said as he walked out with conviction.
10:00 p.m
Oliver Residence
"Well peanut it's back to normal and just another quiet night at the old Oliver Residence." Tommy replied as he finished washing the last of the dishes while Amelia was sitting at the table drawing. He smiled seeing Amelia admiring the locket he gave her and she couldn't stop opening and closing it the whole day.
More than an hour passed after Jason and the others left heading back to Angel Grove once dinner was over. Although he enjoyed having his friends over for the weekend and his house more lively, every once in awhile he did enjoy his solitude and quality time with his daughter. He left the television on as they both watched the nightly news.
Amelia's eyes were glued to the TV as she watched the local anchorman on the screen recount a story about local law authorities investigating a crime scene involving the bodies of a gang suspected of illegal weapons trafficking. Hearing the reported details gave Tommy a suspicious feeling that this was the same so called vigilante case Jason became obsessed with in Angel Grove.
"Dad, Henry said that Uncle Jason was working on some special case in Angel Grove with Justin." Amelia said watching the news. "What the guy on TV is saying the person who hurt all those bad criminals is doing what the vigilante in Angel Grove is doing."
"Yeah and I have this feeling that your godfather is probably going to be watching this once he gets home." Tommy said, sighing.
"What does it mean to be a vigilante?" Amelia asked. "Can you call them superheroes too if they stop the bad guys from doing very bad things? Henry and Robbie read comics and say that the superheroes in the comics are what people call vigilantes because they fight crime, but have to keep their identities a secret."
"There is truth to what the boys do read in the comics about what a vigilante is." Tommy replied watching the news. "Vigilantes are civilians who basically seek justice without permission from the authorities of the law. People become vigilantes because sometimes they believe the justice system doesn't do enough to enforce the law."
"So vigilantes don't work for the cops. But you and mommy were Power Rangers along with everyone else. Wouldn't that make you guys vigilantes too because you save people without getting permission from the cops?"
"You know what, I never really thought about that." Tommy said, surprised that some have thought of Power Rangers as vigilantes. "Dad? Daddy, are you alright? Dad?"
Inside Tommy's Mind
It happened so suddenly that one minute he was discussing about the topic of vigilantes to Amelia, the next he found himself pulled into his personal spirit world again. He found himself in the upstairs hallway only to hear the cries of the falcon and crane echoing throughout the top floor. The connection he still felt with Kimberly remained in tact and part of him wondered if Amelia inadvertently made him access his personal spirit world again or did he will himself to venture in.
He continued to walk the upstairs hallway until he found was greeted by Brennan who flew into view. He found his falcon perched on a window as it landed on Tommy's shoulder, much to his amusement. Passing one of the rooms, the falcon was startled as was Tommy when they heard a frustrated roar inside that he knew too well.
"Oh don't mind Dragon. He does have that tendency to disturb everyone here inside the house." Brennan said, letting out a caw to settle down the rattling coming from within the room. "Our Winged Lady of the Skies has been keeping the house in order and decided to give Dragon his own personal space. He eases down in her presence."
"Great, so I let the looming shadow of my past into my personal spirit world? Very interesting." Tommy said slightly chuckling. "He hasn't been much trouble now has he?"
"Dragon does have his good days and bad days, but Bren and I do keep in in line of our ladyship's sake." Shalimar said, flying into view. She was perched above the doorframe of the bedroom Tommy knew who occupied it. "White falcon, always a pleasure having you grace us with your presence. However, please warn us in advance next time we end up getting an unexpected houseguest."
"Okay I'll make a note of that," Tommy said, hearing Dragon's roar from across the hallway. He opened the bedroom door finding Kimberly standing in front of an unfamiliar closet door.
Since his last visit, it looked like the bedroom have been redecorated and the furniture rearranged. He heard a rattling sound coming from the closet as both Brennan and Shalimar landed on top of the bed. Kimberly took a few steps back before colliding into Tommy, who held his long absent soulmate in a protective embrace. She was clutching her chest the more the banging and rattling from the locked closet door continued.
"I...I...I knew you come as always." Kimberly smiled turning towards her lover, stroking his face. "It found its way in our personal spirit world, but it's going berserks so I locked it away to keep everyone safe. As much I am reluctant to say it, that also includes keeping Dragon safe. Boy Handsome, that is one mess of things you left for me to clean up."
"But at least the house is still standing isn't it Beautiful?" Tommy slightly joked. "How long do you think you can keep it locked away?"
"I'm not too sure but gosh what have you guys done topside?" Kimberly asked. "Did you seriously have to invite Dragon to stay for a bit? He literally scared the crap out of poor Bren and Shal here, but apparently he does have a soft spot for a certain pink princess. That thing on the other hand, well we need to find a sturdy cage to keep it from burning down the joint. Honestly, who knew that somehow the last missing piece of the puzzle found its way home?"
"The last missing piece? The other side of your coin? The looming shadow: The Scarlet Sovereign?" Tommy asked bewildered. "But...wait...if Dragon and Brennan are my respective animal spirits, both the light and shadow within me. The falcon and the green dragon...then..."
"Well let's just say that the monster in my closet currently disturbing the tranquility of our humble spiritual oasis, is the last part of "me" that needs to be whole again." Kim said staring at the closet as she heard a loud and angry screech inside. "The crane and the red firebird, my two sides of the coin. Unfortunately, mystical forces of magic at work made things quite interesting. One by one those chains are going to come off and just like this closet door, I don't know how long it can stay locked."
"Firebird, the power of the Scarlet Sovereign it's what is fuelling its rage isn't it?" Tommy asked trying to tune out the angry cries of the confined bird.
"It's answering a beckoning call of an unknown force in the distance. The one that has been calling to us, pulling us in and it has been doing that right from the heart of our very own home." Kimberly warned as she suddenly her and Tommy heard Amelia's voice echoing in the distance. "The Everlasting Spell, the effects it's starting to reveal itself and our little defender doesn't realize what she is doing."
"Wait...you feel it too don't you? The power, the aura within our little girl. Is what you're sensing, feeling is the Great Power inside her?" Tommy asked.
"They won't stop until they find her." Kimberly said rushing him out of the room. "The tether that keeps me bind to them is snapping but it unleash a fury of smoke and fire in its wake. I already done it tonight and the power of the Scarlet Sovereign is becoming unhinged. You may have all the pieces of the puzzle together, but getting them to fit will be the next challenge ahead."
"No, no don't send me back yet Kim. I'm not done yet!" Tommy urged grabbing a hold of his wife. "We already defeated one pillar of the Emissary, we only need six more and then we can restore you back to as the one true Winged Lady of the Skies, the crane. The heir apparent and Bloodline of Power who are heirs of the Ninjetti Kingdom."
"It will always come down to matters of the heart, my white knight." Kimberly said as she continued to pull him out of the bedroom. She led him through the hallways and down the stairs all the way to the entrance of the house. "You know what needs to be done, our little girl. She's the key to all of this and she needs her father to help her understand why she is special. They're coming for her, the Emissary but I will vow to you regardless of what state you see me in, I will never, ever let any harm come to Amelia."
"I know you won't and I trust you to keep your word." Tommy said reluctantly stepping outside. "Promise me Beautiful, you keep fighting and you stay alive. I will always find you, mark my words and I will see to it we end this war with the Emissary once and for all."
Physical World
"Dad? Daddy, are you alright? Dad?" Tommy's eyes snapped open as he found himself laying on the floor with Amelia hovering over him. She had her hands on his shoulders trying to get her father to regain consciousness.
Once he opened his eyes, Amelia leaned forward to hug him. "Thank God you're alright! You scared me when you suddenly fell down on the floor."
"Amelia, I'm okay don't worry sweetheart I'm fine." He reassured his daughter as he got up from the floor. He walked over to the couch in the living room still trying to catch his breath after being pulled into his personal spirit world again. "Sweetie, daddy needs a minute to get his bearings."
"Were you in your special place again inside your head?" Amelia asked staring out the window. "Did you see mommy again and talk to her?"
"Yeah kiddo, I did again. I suddenly got pulled in my personal spirit world again and don't worry, it's not your fault." He reassured her. "Weird things have been happening Amy and I needed to see your mom to make sure she was alright."
"Are you sure you talk to mommy in your special place?" Amelia asked.
"What do you mean princess?" Tommy questioned his daughter as she stood by the window staring at something outside. Curiosity got the better of him to investigate what his daughter was seeing outside their house. "Amelia, what is it you see outside?"
"Dad, did your special place lead mommy home?" Amelia questioned as Tommy looked outside and was stunned. Gently he pulled his daughter away from the window but kept her protectively behind him. He slowly and cautiously made his way to the front door to confront what Amelia saw through the window. "She's standing right out front."
Tommy felt his hand tremble as he slowly opened the front door and told his daughter to stay inside of the house. He stepped out on the front porch with his eyes not breaking contact with the individual standing at the bottom of the steps. In the flint moonlight, he saw what looked like a disorientated woman with a confused expression on her face, and small splatters of blood that stained her clothes and hands.
He wasn't sure what Amelia's last statement meant and his mind wonder if this was a mirage or figment of his imagination. The caramel brown haired woman looked at Tommy with a blank, but bewildering stare as if she was studying him. Was this the Scarlet Sovereign he was staring down at or did somehow the real Kimberly emerge from the damaged, and shell of the woman standing before him.
"Tommy Oliver? That name, it beckons to me by an unknown force in the distance." She murmured in awe holding up a picture. "There's a name, one that has been lingering in my mind. Do you know...the name that I'm talking about? Are you Tommy Oliver?"
"Do you know me? Do you remember me?" Tommy replied, hesitant to reach out but part of her looked like she was out of it. "You can't forget my name can you...just like I can't forget the name of my beautiful pink crane, Kimberly. I need to know...do you remember me, Kimberly? Do you remember your handsome, white falcon?"