Shadows in the Glass

by flipgurlpink11

An incident causes Tommy to retire from the Ranger life following the end of his latest tenure. Years later, an unexpected battle between two warring factions will throw him and the original Rangers into the mix fighting not only for the fate of their city, but for the heart of the team.

43. As Above, So Below

(Author's Notes: Hey everyone here's Chapter 43 & I hope you all continue to keep the reviews coming. The Rangers journey underneath the depths of Angel Grove only to find themselves shrouded in the mystery of the unknown force lurking below.)

Chapter 43: As Above, So Below

July 27th, 2009

8:00 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

There were many stories told about the underground tunnels that ran throughout Angel Grove: some that were historical facts, while others became rumors and lores. No one didn't know exactly when these tunnels were built but there was a suspicion that the network was here long before the founding of Angel Grove. It was as if there was a hidden city buried beneath the surface riddling with intrigue and mystery.

Following the charted route underneath the street level, Tommy and the others continued to venture inside the tunnels while taking note of the collection of items left behind throughout the years. Some of it represented Angel Grove's history in legitimate activities and some that were illegitimate. Old mine carts and pick axes during the height of the coal mining industry in the late 1800's. Boxed crates and wooden barrels that contained what looked like contraband commodities such as beer, illegal firearms dating back to the days of Prohibition in the 1920's. Cellar doors that led to a few dilapidated speakeasies that were once temporarily set up back in the day.

Continuing down the darken tunnels, the Rangers reflected on what they learned about the history of the town of Angel Grove. Some would say that the best way to learn history besides lessons taught in the classroom is to experience and live it. Ironically, their days as Power Rangers gave them an insight about Angel Grove's past through adventures that took them back in time to better understand their town's legacy.

There was no denying that something about the lore of Angel Grove was the reason why the town itself became a focal battleground in the fight between good and evil. It made them wonder what was the appealed an ordinary Earth city like Angel Grove to the powers that be that were the authors of these chronicled battles? If the foundations above the street levels had its own secrets and history once upon a time, then the same could say about what was buried below the city's foundations.

"Okay you guys are about to reach the line change junction in about 500 yards from your current location." Andros told the originals through their communication devices back at the lab. "Ashley got intel from the others on the street level that so far there is minimum activity going on."

"If you guys can see what we see than everything we know about the history of Angel Grove will be viewed differently." Tommy replied back. "What lies beneath Angel Grove feels like an entirely different world that existed above the surface. Plus, with all the stuff we stumbled upon it's least to say that probably some illegal criminal activity was conducted during the height of the underground criminal business back in the 1920's."

"Yeah we can see what you guys are seeing." Ashley reported. "The Prohibition activity in the 1920's Angel Grove was duty noted. The Bootleg business relied on those tunnels as a way of keeping off the police's radar of suspicious contraband trafficking. They also said that a few speakeasies were built underground but didn't last due to structural issues."

"Well it looked like it's a blend of both legitimate and illegitimate." Jason said. "Makes you wonder if the Emissary continued the long standing tradition of illegitimate business practices deep within these tunnels."

"There's no assumption to it and it's best to say these guys can surely continue their dirty work underground away from prying eyes." Kat added.

"That's what makes them deadly and adds to their malicious lore about them." Tommy replied. "The Emissary are like silent mysterious shadows. They're ancient and lurk in the darkest corners away from prying eyes. They existed as whispers throughout the universe for many eons and have taken on many facades to mask their true selves from the galaxy. Like the Garrison, their fanatical idea that everyone lives and dies for the Emissary is the out of their need to serve life itself in some twisted radical ideology."

"I believe what you say about the Emissary, Tommy." Andros said through the commlink. "They existed throughout the galaxy as whispers and rumors, their exploits not accounted for in certified databases because it's part of their lore you say. However, historical records drop hints through the facades and anagrams they went by. Spending half my life training as a Power Ranger on KO35 you find yourself diving into the myths and lore that have existed for eons. I never imagined Tommy that you and Kimberly found yourselves inadvertently dragged into all of this for nearly two decades."

Tommy gave a look to Justin and would have guessed the Green Ninjetti Ranger told his old teammates about Tommy and Kimberly's history with the Garrison and the Emissary. Somehow one way or another, this internal war between the Emissary and Garrison would eventually drag other Power Ranger teams into the conflict, directly or indirectly. He wasn't holding no hard feelings towards Justin, at least he was giving a basic insight as to what to expect on the battlefield.

"This ancient war with the Emissary and Garrison, was it thought as only rumors throughout the galaxy?" Tommy asked with the idea of gaining another perspective from a resident who lived off planet. "From your perspective Andros and your team's point of view, did you think they were more than just whispers?"

"Unless you traveled to other planets like Triforia, Aquaitar, Phaedos, Eltar, or any other planetary system in the universe they would have told you long ago this ancient war is more than just whispers." Andros explained. "These Modus Operandi as they are called left scars and a lifetime worth of trauma that can't be erased from the memories of those who lived it. Despite repairing the damage inflicted and the years passing, they were made to believe it because they had to experience it. The aftermath of this internal conflict between these two factions made others throughout the galaxy take a stand a pick a side."

"They been at this over the years on different planets. Sometimes the conflicts will last months, days, years, centuries that over the years they lose track of how many wars each side won." Ashley said through the commlink. "Every chapter or chronicle is different based on the testimonies left behind by those who joined either side. Overall it was two factions, both originated long ago on Phaedos that was divided based on their ideologies of the Ninjetti and the Great Power."

"Yeah one group spat on the teachings of the Elders on Phaedos and defiled the ancient sacred remains in a bid for immortality." Adam replied. "Then the other group existed to protect the integrity and sanctity of the Ninjetti legacy using highly questionable tactics."

"Alright we're at the line change junction." Justin reported shining his flashlight and looking at the signs on the walls. So far they were following the mapped out route and headed down the tunnel called Line 1. They continued on but it felt like these tunnels continued on forever which made the lore of Angel Grove's underground more intriguing and mysterious.

"Brace yourselves guys, things will definitely get weird the further we travel through these tunnels." Tommy replied taking the lead. "Keep the communication lines open."

"We'll keep the communication lines open guys." Andros reassured them. "We sent Zhane out to join the others on monitoring the streets. Stay alert because right now Ash and I are reading mysterious power signatures near your current position. We can't get a fix on whether these are positive or negative signatures."

"Look, all we have to do is just walk to the end of this tunnel until we come upon something that resembles a giant hole." Tanya said.

"This is like the neverending road that won't stop," Rocky sarcastically said looking around. However, they noticed some changes in the structural integrity of the tunnel and saw some corridors that they suspected looked like were occupied as they saw some torches lit up.

The Rangers got distracted when they heard Andros and Ashley's side conversations through their commlinks about their latest excavation survey. It got the original Ranger's attention wondering if they were going to be doing a bit of detouring inside the tunnels.

"Hey lovebirds, we can hear you on the open channel of the commlinks here," Jason replied as the group slightly chuckled at their friend's joke. "Someone on the other end mentioned something about structural changes within these tunnels as if it had inhabited."

"Justin? Billy? You guys didn't show us the full footage from the drone did you?" Tommy asked looking around as Justin was holding the scanner. "Or this wasn't properly recorded for analysis from the last excavation survey you conducted."

"The computer is running an updated schematic visual of your current position just hang tight." Ashley reported. "We're transmitting the data to your scanner right now. From the looks of it, there are some hidden corridors that didn't pick up on the schematic scanner and from these thermal readings it looks like there were some inhabitants ..."

"Guess these guys went underground after the whole fiasco in Reefside." Tommy said as the Rangers took a small detour off the charted path and followed one of the hidden corridor tunnels. It was like something out of a fictional video game or movie with hidden hideouts or temples existing below ground. This was something that reminded Tommy about the workings of secret societies but what they discovered was proof of the Emissary's presence. "Are you guys getting a visual of this?"

"We're seeing it bright and clear," Andros said. "Is this the Emissary's hideout?! Guys, I suggest you clear out right now before stuff gets ugly."

"It's okay we don't have to worry because these bastards aren't within the tunnels right now," Tommy reassured them surprisingly. "However, what we got here looks like a hidden temple of some sort the Emissary set up shop. It does make you feel like you're in some sort of video game where you discover a hidden underground dungeon temple built by some secret society and..."

Tommy stopped mid sentence once they reached what looked like a ritual ceremonial chamber of some sorts. It wasn't the room that caught his attention but the object placed right in the center. An eerie familiar sensation overcame him like he had this place before in a dream. Except now, the ominous dream became a reality when he realized what the haunting object was. The other Rangers didn't say anything to Tommy as he continued to stare daggers at the infamous stone object.

The last time he physically laid eyes on the stone sarcophagus was five years ago at Reefside High School in a hidden room in the janitorial room. His former students stumbled upon what looked like a satanic blood ritual crime scene seeing a bunch of missing teenagers being bled out and imprisoned for the Emissary's gain. Quinn referred to the ancient device as an act of blasphemy that desecration against the balance of life and death.

He didn't know what was the worst thing he remembered about this device. Was it discovering it hidden within Reefside High five years ago or knowing the knowledge that this stone sarcophagus was the thing responsible for the current state of his beloved pink crane. Tommy couldn't pick out but ultimately something inside of him desperately wanted to destroy it by any means as he reluctantly place a hand on the lid. The moment he made physical contact with the stone sarcophagus, Tommy suddenly got hit with a flashback that haunted him for the last five years.

FLASHBACK- 5 years ago

A bloody hand emerge and with a test of unimaginable strength, the lid of the stone sarcophagus was flung off. The Emissary watched as a frightened and disorientated woman bathed in the substance rise up yelling in shock. The woman emerged in a feral state as she supernaturally jumped out of the sarcophagus and landed on the floor, completely confused, unaware and still covered in the substance she spent months submerged in.

However, the other members of the Emissary saw a woman who looked like a feral individual isolated and driven to savagely and insanity. The warriors of the Emissary proceeded to advance toward the newly revived startled woman until Dalia intervened.

"Everyone stay where you are!" Dalia calmly ordered her subordinates and slowly advanced towards the scared woman. "I know you're afraid my dear, but that will pass...and so will the pain. Shh, it's alright, it's alright." However, the feral and unfamiliar sense within the woman caused her to crawl back in retreat against the sarcophagus. Dalia took her cloak off in an attempt to offer some security. "This is your home now, this is your family. We have waited for so long to finally meet you."

Unfortunately, the young woman's instincts went into overdrive as she lashed out and began to attack Dalia. However, the lack of entropy in their sovereign's legs made it easy for Dalia to behest the young woman in hand to hand combat. She order Balor and Pan to subdue the woman as she screamed in primal rage and let out tears of confusion.

"Easy now, take a deep breath dear," Dalia said in a soothing manner as the young woman struggled from the grips of the other members of the Emissary.

"What must we do with her? She has been stuck beyond the void for quite sometime." Balor replied looking at the disorientated woman. "But yet, there is an unsettling amount of strength and power in her. Do you think she has been compromised being confined for far too long?"

"She needs time and guidance until she will regain her strength. It is our duty to guide her in this world for she serves life itself as we serve her." Dalia informed. "She is the future of the Emissary to finish what we have started. We must aid our weapon and teach her the ways of our order for she will eliminate those who defy us. We have given her a second chance at life so she will be able to fulfill her long awaited destiny as our deity...the one who is the foundation of the Emissary. The life that was in this vessel before has long pass and now...there is only the Scarlet Sovereign."

END OF FLASHBACK

Jason was the first to approach his best friend as he recoiled his hand back from the top of the lid. It was as if the Rangers saw what Tommy saw through the flashbacks and could only imagine what their leader went through for five years. Jason could tell that Tommy literally lost it as the tears started pouring and all he could do was try his best to comfort him. No words could describe the emotional turmoil Tommy felt and the stone sarcophagus served as a reminder of it.

"Tommy, we understand what you're going through, bro." Jason said.

"The last time I saw that thing it was a secret room hidden in the janitorial room of Reefside High School. My team...found a bunch of missing kids caged up and being bled out to feed that device." Tommy managed to speak. "I've seen that thing in my dreams for five years as a haunting reminder what brought my wife back. I...I can't...imagine what it did to her...or why it made...how...and everything about her...it's...it's..."

"Sometimes fate has a way of being unpredictable when wishing and hoping for the impossible." Jason replied. "You never asked for any of this to happen nor you didn't have any control over what happened to Kimberly. We're a team and as a team we share the burden and divide the grief remember?"

"I can't imagine what it must have felt like for Kim being locked up in that thing for months," Kat sighed with regret. "Being pulled back from the void to reside to a faith worst than death...or being given a second lease of life...or...I can't really..."

"Believe me the Emissary have done this many times before, but it wasn't from a life earned or spent." Tommy murmured. "No one isn't granted a second lease on life without consequences and repercussions. They disrupted the balance in the universe by unbalancing the voids of life and death because one can only reside to a half-life instead of a full-life. You can conquer death in a bid to achieve eternal life and immortality, but at what price? The powers that be will always demand a balance in the universe, it's just the law of things."

"Huh hey guys sorry to interrupt," Ashley's voice came over the commlink diverting the Rangers' attention back. "If you're done going on your little detour of the Emissary's secret lair, I suggest you guys get back on course and follow the charted route."

"Tommy they have a point. Reliving the past will only hinder the progress we've been making." Billy replied trying to get divert Tommy's attention elsewhere and back to the mission. "Our crane is still in there because you kept that hope alive for all of us. There is still a spark for the future but we need to move forward and make a breakthrough."

"Listen to your friends Tommy because your family needs you." Andros said. "It's time to stop being haunted by the looming shadows of the past."

"Okay, I need to refocus and I need to do this for Amelia and for Kim." Tommy said staring at the stone sarcophagus and turned to his friends walking out and heading back to the main tunnel. "I can't keep being reminded of what I lost five years ago. We've come this far and I still have a promise to keep to finish what I started. We need to move forward guys and keep heading down to the end of the Line 1 tunnel."

"According to the scanner, we got about 2.5 miles left until Line 1 ends. A lot of the electrical interference will occur within 300 yards of the hole." Justin explained. "However, the goal is to send the drone down at least 40 feet into the hole to figure out what is at the bottom. We need to be extremely careful once we reach our destination because the last test run we ran picked up some highly suspicious energy readings."

"We're keeping the communication lines open." Andros reported back. "The others are on recon right outside the vicinity of Rideau Circle's offices. They'll work on strengthen the lines from the topside. Maybe if luck is your side you'll probably get a glimpse as to the source of all of this activity in Angel Grove."

"Well wish us luck that we don't trigger another seismic activity while we journey to the center of Angel Grove." Tommy said. "Whatever this unknown force is laying below the depths of the city it sure has a mind of its own. I like to know why it caused the conflict between the Emissary and the Garrison for four thousand years."

9:30 p.m

Rideau Circle Financial

"This should take the edge off of the symptoms you're experiencing." Thea replied handing a glass of water and a bottle of pills to Dalia. Reluctantly, the elder sister took the pills and sipped on the water swallowing the contents in her mouth. "You need to take it easy, sister managing one fiasco after another."

"I know but I need to keep up a front towards the others knowing that my leadership to run this organization has come to question." Dalia replied. "And I know how critical you are of my leadership because you have voiced your position and standing amongst us. I have no quarrel with anyone of you despite the chaos we've endured recently."

"Still at the end of the day despite our differences of opinions and viewpoints," Thea said staring at her sister. "No matter what...we are family, always and forever."

There was something in Thea's tone of voice that caught Dalia's attention, but secretly had the elder sibling on edge. Despite her younger sister's strong criticism and questioning her position many times amongst the Emissary, at the end of the day they were family first. Both sisters have experienced many lifetimes together as pillars of the Emissary and at times parted ways temporary in a bid for independence and strength.

Regardless of species, origin, time or eons, the concept of family values ran high in many shapes and forms. Like many older siblings in a family, Dalia was very protective of her younger sister and that never changed throughout the ages. In fact, Thea was one of the only few individuals that Dalia truly cared about and she couldn't imagine living another lifetime without her younger sister by her side.

"We will always be sisters Thea, nothing will ever change that." Dalia said sincerely, something that is rarely seen. "We have been through many lifetimes together because you and me are what is left of our family's legacy. I maybe hard headed but I do care for you little sister and I can't bare if something happens to you. We have been there for each other through our struggles and trials throughout the ages. There is a twilight descending upon us and it has already knocked down one pillar. Despite our grievances as a collective group, I do value all your lives, yours in particular dear sister."

"The twilight that is descending upon us cannot be stopped nor we can no longer prolong it, Dalia. You have taught me many lessons throughout the ages and the lifetimes we have spent together." Thea continued speaking, deep in thought. "Throughout our lifetimes with the Emissary, we have fought to serve life itself in order to maintain control and balance among many things. You as my sister have taught me many lessons and at times I may have been a slow learner, but I learned. In the midst of everything, where there is a strive to battle for control, chaos occurs as a challenge to battle that control. Chaos, the gaping pit waiting to swallow us all."

"But yet, there is more to chaos than meets the eye little sister." Dalia reassured her placing a hand on Thea's shoulders. "Did you forget what I taught you about chaos' purpose and it's role? Chaos... isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some, who are given the chance to climb, they refuse. They cling to the realm. Or the gods. Or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is. Still, even in our hour of twilight, no victory comes easily without chaos and havoc to reign in. Though yet...I do pray that my family doesn't find themselves in the midst of the chaos coming our way."

Meanwhile beneath Angel Grove City

They stopped about 200 yards from what was the end of the tunnel as they predicted. The Rangers knew what laid ahead and as an added precaution, Adam drew a dirt line on the ground to confirm Justin and Billy's suspicion of communication and visual disruption if they proceeded on. The two geniuses began setting up the drone in order to get a visual analysis of what was down in the hole dug by the Emissary.

It was hard for Tommy to block out the draw of power radiating from the area. Even if he was more or less than two hundred yards away from the hole, whatever was the unknown force that laid down at the bottom, it wouldn't stop beckoning him. At the same time, he wanted a better understanding of it and wondered if there was more than just ancient sacred bones laying beneath the city.

The Rangers made preparations setting up communication and video monitoring back at the lab with Andros and Ashley. As much as they were ready to dive straight down to the depths below Angel Grove, there was a lot of uncertainty as to what awaited them at the very bottom of the hole. In the midst of preparing the drone, it somehow brought upon a philosophical discussion among the group which was broadcasted back to their allies at the underground lab.

"There was this saying Hermes Trismegistus stated: As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul" Billy recited making some adjustments to the drone's remote controller. "Actually, the term, "As above, so below" was recorded in the Hermetic texts from The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, which states: "That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracle of the One Thing."

"Are we actually going through a quick guide of philosophy 101 with Professor Cranston here?" Zack jokingly asked.

"Actually the concept of as above, so below can be intercepted in the subjects of religion and science as well." Justin added, as their friends looked at the two geniuses at work in their element. "Manly P. Hall had said, "We are the gods of the atoms that make up ourselves, but we are also the atoms of the gods that make up the universe"; and Paracelsus says that man's spirit comes from the stars, his soul from the planets, his body from the elements. More recently Carl Sagan had said quite simply, "we're made of star stuff."

"And someone once quoted our goal with our lives is to evolve, not devolve. To rise above, not fall below. To love and be loved. Hence, those humans who do not know their pasts, simply never last." Billy continued working on the drone. "Those who live a lie always die, and those who live by truth never die. It was another interpretation of the Principle of Correspondence: As is above, so is below. As is below, so is above."

"One of The Seven Principles of the Universe," Tommy said, letting out a small smirk. "I took an intro to Philosophy class as an elective during my first year at ASU. Kim also took it as well because if in case she couldn't become a history teacher, she wanted to at least another area of social science whether it be sociology, psychology or anthropology or philosophy. I can honestly say it was the one class I studied my ass off since our professor was a classic old school from the book instructor."

"You really took philosophy back in college?!" Jason asked. "Wow, who would have thought Tommy Oliver could hack taking a class that involved hardcore memorization?"

"Come on my memory has come a long way over the years." Tommy replied. "All this talk about philosophy made me think about the situation with the Emissary, the Garrison, and the whole Ninjetti Order."

"What about them?" Tanya asked.

"This idea of balance in the universe according to whoever's perspective you view it in. Think about it, these ancient groups are no different than us regular human beings despite the whole eternal youth and immortality." Tommy replied. "These ideologies and methods are set by certain laws and principles that govern every living being in the universe. Like the sanctum flames in the Garrison Sanctums, it represented their calling card about how they maintain balance."

"Like the Seven Principles of the Universe?" Billy added. "The first being the Principle of Mentalism: "All is Mind," followed by the 2nd principle in the Principle of Correspondence: "As is above, so is below. As is below, so is above." Then there is the Principle of Vibration: "Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." The fourth law is the Principle of Polarity, "Everything is dual; everything has an opposite, and opposites are identical in nature but different in degree." The fifth law is the Principle of Rhythm: "Everything flows, out and in; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left- rhythm compensates." Then we got the six law of the Principle of Cause and Effect: "Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause." Finally, the seventh and final one is the Principle of Gender: "Everything has its masculine and feminine principles."

"They are no different than us as I stated when it comes to that mission of maintaining the universe's balance." Tommy said. "But then you have to consider the alternative in all of this. What happens when the balance shifts and the rules of fate and destiny are made to be rewritten? There was a reason there were rules that existed and the laws of nature in the universe were in place. However, sometimes you have to break the rules that are in place in order to help the greater good and protect the ones you love."

"It's for Amelia and Kimberly's sake you're doing this." Jason reassured his best friend as Billy and Justin signaled that the drone was ready for deployment. "We wouldn't be venturing underneath Angel Grove if it wasn't for family."

"Looks like we're ready to go," Justin confirmed as he tapped his communicator. "Andros? Ashley do you read me?"

"Guys we read you and we're picking up your signal at the precise location." Andros confirmed on the other end of the line. "Ash, can you strength the video feed so we can get a clear visual? Guys, is the camera moving?"

"Affirmative you two. The camera on the drone is fully functional." Billy confirmed after he saw the lens on the drone rotate. They had the tablet set up as Justin piloted the drone with the remote control testing out the camera and audio. The computer was set up as Justin maneuvered the drone to hover directly above the hole to test out the battery level and the overall mechanical functions of the drone. "Communication systems and visual audio are activated and the drone is fully charged ready for descent."

"Okay scanner is ready to compile the analysis needed." Ashley replied on the other end. "Judging by the depth of the hole, it's no more than forty feet underground the street level. The drone will monitor any electrostatic and magnetic disruptions depending on the reading of the power signatures beneath."

"Alright let's send this thing down to the centre of Angel Grove and see what lies beneath." Tommy replied as Justin piloted the drone while Billy and Jason used the tablet to monitor the camera attached to the drone. Very slowly and delicately, the drone descended down into the hole as the rest of the Rangers began to monitor the depth it was going while radioing with Andros and Ashley the intel back at the headquarters. Trini and Kat observed the scanner to detect abnormal power signatures once the drone descended 20 feet down the hole.

Tommy stood at the edge of the hole listening to the sound the drone the further it went down. Thank goodness they were able to enhance the night vision mode on the camera as Justin continued to pilot the drone. The Rangers paid close attention to the tablet screen documenting everything captured by the drone. They saw along the walls what looked like a cable cart shaft elevator running down to the bottom. From the looks of it, it looked like they found an entry point as Zack, Adam and Tanya found the access panel and controls for the cable cart elevator. It looked like it was under repair but still operational but they couldn't risk testing it without giving away their position.

Unfortunately, upon reaching the 30 feet down the hole, the Rangers ran into some issues with the drone's scanner trying to read the power signatures inside. The drone started experiencing static and electrical malfunctions as it continued further down into the hole. The two veteran geniuses working on enhancing the drone's connection to improve the visual components and scanners as Jason took over piloting the drone's final descent.

Whatever was down below that hole, they were feeling a pull of an unforeseen force they couldn't explain. However, it was clear to Tommy that he was more prone and sensitive to it as he felt it calling out to him from the depths below. There was an immediate reaction occurring as Tommy looked down at his arms and hands as white energy began to radiate. It reminded him of a similar situation years ago during the crisis of Kimberly's missing power coin, except the sensation he was feeling was not an energy drain. Instead, he felt his body being overrun with white energy like he was being pulled towards the edge of the hole.

"Guys...guys...do you copy?" Andros responded on the other end. "The drone is close to the target...depth...but the feed is cutting off..."

"Huh woah I think we got more problems to worry about than reaching the target." Tommy muttered as he bent down for a bit and knelt. He was trying to make sense of why his body was responding weirdly but it was no guess that it involved with what was down that hole. "I can...I can hear the drone down the hole...it's reached it's mark."

"What's happening to him? Tommy, are you okay?" Rocky asked.

"It's a sort of power surge reaction. It seems like Tommy's body is reacting to the unknown power signature down the hole." Billy said.

"I don't feel drained or weak, but it's like this unknown force is trying to sync itself to my power." Tommy replied with thought.

"You can sense the energy readings?" Kat asked. "Are you sure you're alright Tommy?" Kat and Tanya attempted to help Tommy but he was too preoccupied with his own thoughts the longer they were in close proximity to the hole.

"The scanner is running on full power and detecting readings on the computers on our end here." Ashley relayed on the other end. "The analysis reads that the drone is at 40 feet below."

"We're reading the power signatures and energy levels right now." Billy reported as the Rangers focused on the partial visuals they were recording from the bottom of the hole. However, due to the electrical and magnetic disruption, it was difficult to see a clear visual but it looked like the drone landed in front of what looked like a mysterious wall with strange symbols on it. Justin tried to enhance the imaginary from the camera as he had Jason take over piloting the drone to record what was below the hole.

"The imagine is very choppy and the electrical static disruption isn't helping to get a clear visual." Trini replied.

"Something is down there I know it," Tommy said, concentrating and looking down into the hole. "Whatever the Emissary is trying to access it's like it has a mind of its own and it holds no allegiance. It's not bound to either the shadow or light. I can't describe it but it's like it won't stop calling out in the distance to me. I can feel the presence of the ancient Ninjetti spirits from within, but yet I also feel something else...but it's unyielding and untrained. At the same time it feels pure and raw..."

"Are you the Lord with the traversing heart to reach the world beyond the void of light and shadow?" Tommy thought he was going out of his mind but he felt a mysteriously presence talking to him. It wasn't either the falcon or the crane, but presence sounded neutral but childlike and at the same time had a cryptic and maverick feeling in the voice.

"Who are you? Are you the force in the far distance calling out to me?" Tommy asked only for his friends to look puzzled wondering who he was talking to.

"The heart with the power to awaken the beating heart in the void from its slumber. Yet, the Lord with the traversing heart has used it to traverse beyond the void to reach his deepest heart's desire, a fleet so daring that does come with a price for a voyage beyond comprehension. The power that sleeps in you is trying to awaken to free the one that calls in the distance. The lord of power who holds the keys to the kingdom, to awaken his kingdom from the slumber it has partaken in for far too long."

"Why are you calling out to me?! The key to the kingdom?! My daughter?! Answer me, what are you and what do you want with me?!"

"Tommy, who are you talking to?" Aisha asked looking worried.

"Maybe you should take a step back from the hole." Rocky said feeling wary of their friend's reaction.

"Listen to Rocky, man you need to back away." Adam warned.

"The One True Winged Lord of the Skies, the lord with the traversing heart to awaken the beating in the void. I sense your power: unbowed, unbent & unbroken, the spirit that doesn't yield to anyone but its eternal soulmate. A bloodline of regal and royal caliber: a lord of fate and destiny to end a conflict defined by blood and turmoil. If you wish not to drift away into infinity once again and traverse to the edge of the beyond, seek us out. Your power...it is answering our call to grant you your boom."

"Answering a call...to the depths below the surface?" Tommy said in awe as things started to spiral out of control as Jason started noticing.

"Huh guys listen I think we've done enough digging for one day," Jason replied as the guys realized that their video feed on the drone cut off. Justin and Billy were already working on the tablets and computers trying to reestablish contact with the drone only to hear from Andros and Ashley that they lost connection with drone despite it still reading as operational. Tommy was too distracted to hear the commotion amongst his friends over the technical difficulties they were experiencing with the drone. He was still preoccupied with dealing with the unexplained energy surge that continued to radiate through his body. The girls continued to stare at Tommy in awe as they watched their fearless leader suddenly get hit with another wave of energy radiating through his body, this time it was a mixture of pink, green and red. Tommy was puzzled but in awe at the same time wondering why he wasn't feeling weak or drained knowing something like this usually indicates an energy drain.

"Okay this is a first and I can't explain why I don't feel drained." Tommy said in awe looking down at the hole. He felt a sudden pulse deep within him as whatever was lurking below started to channel the power within him. To the others' shock, Tommy's body started glowing and he felt himself being pulled from the edge of the hole. In a matter of seconds, he was levitating above the hole and soon found himself being mysteriously pulled down as his body continued to glow, much to his friends' dismay.

"Tommy!" The others yelled in dismay as they watched their friend suddenly descend down into the hole mysteriously. They couldn't react quickly nor prevent Tommy's descent down into the hole but they were in distress and worried. They already lost their connection to the drone and now Tommy was forcibly pulled into the hole.

"What the hell did we just witness?" Jason growled. The unpredictability was taking a toll on them since they were in enemy territory. "Tommy?! Tommy!"

"That was more than just an average power surge that we saw Tommy undertaking." Kat said warily. "We need to work on trying to get the last feed recorded from the drone and fast. It was as if some unknown force pulled Tommy down to the depths of the hole."

"Something was talking to him and whatever "it" was literally dragged our friend to the center of Angel Grove." Zack replied in dismay as their communicators went off.

"Billy?! Justin?! Anyone do you copy?" It was Andros again on the other end. "Are you guys alright? What's the status report? From the lab the drone is still operational but it looks like the connection is still compromised. Unfortunately, there is something else that has come up..."

"Well Andros if you and Ashley haven't notice the drone is the least of our concerns right now." Jason responded. "Whatever was that unexplained energy signature that was detected, it worked its magic again and somehow lured Tommy to the bottom where our malfunctioning drone lays."

"Tommy went down that hole alone?!" Ashley and Andros replied shock.

"It was more like "it" beckoned him down the giant rabbit hole to whatever lies in wake at the bottom." Billy muttered. "We can only gather from the partial feedback and visual that there is something that is sealed beneath Angel Grove. Maybe, if by some sheer luck if Tommy is up close and personal with whatever lies lurking beneath, he can finish what we were trying to gather up."

"Well unfortunately things are about to go from bad to worse." Andros said as there was a deep sigh coming from the other end. The last thing the Rangers needed was for things to get worse and Andros' statement was a glooming example of it. "Look we already had one too many mishaps tonight with sneaking behind enemy lines but Carlos and the others just informed us that things have escalated topside."

"You're serious aren't you?!" Jason argued. "Are you suggesting we abandon what we're doing right now and leave Tommy down that giant crater underneath the city?!"

"We wouldn't suggest it unless if it was an emergency," Ashley spoke up. "Unfortunately, since you guys are behind enemy lines either way...they'll know you're in their territory. Especially, when they have something that you guys hold dear."

Something in Ashley's vague statement triggered a fear of panic and distress among the Rangers, especially for Kat, Jason, Rocky, Zack and Aisha. Reluctantly, it was Kat who broke the momentary silence among the group. "Tell us what is happening?" Kat reluctantly said. "It's about the kids isn't it?"

A few moments ago...

Dune Lion Records

Back at the lab, Ashley and Andros attempted to reestablish contact with the original veteran Rangers after the connection to the drone was disrupted. There were facing multiple electrical and static interference due to the influx power signature readings they were getting from the hole. The partial data they were compiling about the power readings and energy levels coming from the hole couldn't be accurately read. They even attempted to improve the visual imagines they received from the drone.

Although they figured that the depth of the mysterious hole was reached by the drone, communication and visual contact was compromised despite the rest of the Space Rangers' efforts on enhancing contact topside. There were moments where they got communication back only to hear what sounded like hysteria and panic coming from the group underneath Rideau Circle.

If things beneath Rideau Circle were spiraling out of control, it didn't help when their communicators went off only for the couple to get more bad news.

"Carlos, tell us you guys are having some luck out on the field keeping contact with Tommy and the others." Andros replied.

"Well things are going from bad to worse because right now I'm at Adam and Rocky's dojo." Carlos reported frantically. "Guys we got a situation and it's not good. Zhane, Karone and TJ are keeping an eye on things outside Rideau Circle, but Cassie and I are here with Angela Taylor, the wife of Zack's cousin, Curtis. She was saying that there were some guys lurking around the place tonight, I think they were Emissary agents."

"The Emissary hit the dojo?!" Ashley asked shocked. "What the hell happened?! How are Angela and the kids?!"

"Angela and her son Malcolm were unharmed thank goodness along with Rocky and Aisha's kids Bianca and Robbie. Also Kat and Jason's twins Matt and Liv alongside with baby Hazel are safe and sound." Cassie reported, sighing. "However, unfortunately there were two kids that weren't accounted for and are missing. Tommy's daughter, Amelia is missing, along with Jason and Kat's oldest son, Henry."

"Son of a bitch!? They got snatched during the whole commotion didn't they?" Andros said slamming his fists down on the computer panels. "There's only one place we know those bastards will take those kids and their parents are right in the heart of it."

"But Amelia and Henry's lives depend on it." Ashley sighed. "Their parents need to know even if we risk exposing their plans to the enemy. If the Emissary are taking the kids to Rideau Circle we need confirmation that they're in the building."

"It's already been confirmed according to Zhane. He saw two young children hooded and be carefully escorted into Rideau Circle." Carlos replied on the other end sighing. "They seemed to be unharmed but the question is what do they want with Henry and Amelia?"

"Tell Zhane and the others to be on standby and prepare to provide backup." Andros reluctantly said. "These people have the tendency to make things personal and I believe they picked the wrong group of Power Rangers to make things personal with. Question is, what are they going to do once they find out?"

Underneath Angel Grove City- Present

The Rangers were speechless after hearing Andros and Ashley's recap of what happened, but Kat spoke. "You're right, these bastards like to make things personal."

"If I know Tommy the power inside will only magnify since we're right behind enemy lines." Jason said, clenching his fists trying to keep his emotions in check. He knew that in his best friend's absence, the others will look to him to take charge during a time of crisis. "I know we can't leave Tommy here by himself but he never forgive us if something happens to his daughter." He then turned to Kat. "They have our son, Kitty-Kat and I'll be damned if those bastards use our boy for their sick and twisted plans. It is what they want, they're using our kids to bait us out and reveal our hand."

"Either we go back topside and kick down the doors of Rideau Circle or finish our mission here." Zack replied. "One way or another, we'll still be fighting behind enemy lines."