(Author's Notes: Hey everyone thank you for over 100 reviews on this story. I apologize for the lack of updates recently as I started a new job which has kept me busy. I hope to keep the updates more frequent when I get the time. Anyways, here is Chapter 48 where the Rangers' mission to rescue Tommy and help him restore Kimberly's heart and soul finally gets on the way. However, the Emissary gets whim of their plans and attempt to reclaim their weapon.)
Chapter 48: Hart of the Matter
August 5th, 2009
Rideau Circle
5:30 p.m
Angel Grove, CA
Ashei and Salazar were summoned to Dalia's office and were surprised by the Emissary leader readying for battle. Balor was already preparing their tactical forces briefing them on their latest mission. Their numbers were dwindling after the demises of Malo and Thea and it evident that Dalia still wasn't over what happened to her sister. They sent Pan back to Reefside in order to secure the sarcophagus but unfortunately it sounded like the situation in Reefside was derailing.
"Let me guess things in Reefside have gone sour have they?" Salazar replied. "And it looks like we have to bail Pan out don't we?"
"The Rangers apparently gotten a little tip that Pan was back in their neck of the woods." Dalia explained preparing her weaponry. "Being a little careless as it seems, they are attempting to retrieve the sarcophagus. They get it...we lose the last contingency we have on reserve. Right now we all need to move and get to Pan."
"Why bother boss lady? Besides if Pan's head goes rolling then that's another one of the pillars the Emissary lost." Salazar said sarcastically. "Maybe it's time we all just look out for ourselves if we want to live another day."
"You don't get it do you, Sal?" Ashei said gritting her teeth and then looking at Dalia intently. "If you haven't noticed we're dropping like flies one by one. We already lost Malo and Thea, we're not making Pan's death number three for them. Especially, if it comes to that we're now in a more prone and vulnerable situation. The pulsing presence beneath us stirs and something is reaching beyond the planes of the physical and spiritual world. The unknown beckoning force calls out in the distance."
"Yes and it won't stop especially now our weapon has been compromised and defective." Dalia said in disdain. "With the Scarlet Sovereign's recent "outbursts" it seems she no longer requires the assistance of the substance. She is drawing her power from an alternative source. Unfortunately, it is given her means to resist and manipulate our connection to her..."
"It's not a something, it's a someone and we know too well what that connection means." Balor replied. "We should have finished him off five years ago but Mesogog's ego got in the way. Now, the White Ranger is swearing vengeance on us until he sees the Emissary crumble before his pathetic feet!"
"How can that loose cannon manipulate our connection to her?!" Salazar snapped. "Our lifespans are linked to hers so if one of us bites the dust, she'll get stronger. However, load and behold if we're all wiped out, she goes down with us too. Simple solution is we finish her off first before she wipes all of us out!"
"Unfortunately, Thea found a little minor glitch that can undo the Everlasting Spell we cast upon the Scarlet Sovereign..." Ashei sighed reluctantly addressing the group.
It was obvious that they were now in a bind and there was no way to regain control of their weapon. Either way, they already powered her up to the point she was now beyond their control and anything or anyone was fair game to her. Now, they were paying the price and were scrambling for one last power play move to make against their adversaries.
"What do you mean Thea found a glitch in the spell? Was she attempting to warn us before her head went rolling on the ground?" Dalia asked snapping at her cohorts.
"Given the circumstances, there was one major loophole to the Everlasting Spell according to your dear sister." Ashei explained. "The Scarlet Sovereign's power amplified after Malo and Thea's demises. She doesn't need all of us to be dead to unbind herself from our control. In fact, we were misinformed all this time about the true nature of the Scarlet Sovereign. It is true about Kimberly Hart-Oliver that she is the Scarlet Sovereign we long seek for many years. Unfortunately, there was a major misconception about what exactly the Scarlet Sovereign is."
"Your mystical riddles are growing tiresome Ashei just spill it already!" Dalia yelled angrily. "What did my sister learn about the Scarlet Sovereign? We apparently miscalculated something which was why she grew resilient and defiant. We couldn't sever the connection between the falcon and the crane and both the light and shadow sides of their coins are kindred to one another."
"The weapon our organization has long dedicated its life to for many years is nothing more than the other side of the Winged Lady of the Skies' coin." Ashei informed. "The moment we used the substance on her we reawakened the looming shadow that lingered inside the heart and soul of the original Pink Ranger. Those two...they complete the Bloodline of Power and it looks like history repeats itself. It lingered in her predecessor and now it is making its presence known to its human mate and wayward ladyship. We saw it come to life over four thousand years ago and it manifested inside its respective human mate. Like her mated lordship who homed in the burning rage of a sleeping dragon within him...she too had in her the untamed fire of the scorching wings burning wildly in her."
"Everything we believed in! The foundations of this organization was founded upon many eons ago. What are you talking about?!" Balor demanded angrily. "This misinterpretation of the true nature of the Scarlet Sovereign, what are you saying?! Speak right this instant!"
"...The Scarlet Sovereign is the mystical Pterodactyl Firebird, the looming shadow that resided inside the Pink Crane, the Winged Lady of the Skies." Dalia replied, much to the disdain of the rest of the Emissary. "Tommy and Kimberly Oliver...they complete the Bloodline of Power. We unintentionally restored life to the festering shadow that lurked within the heart and soul of that woman. Even so, should the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies cease to exist, the key of the future, the living remnant of the Great Power is another obstacle we must contend with. That little girl's power is unlike anything we've witness and she can manipulate it to her own whims and wills."
"Which means she can sever the Scarlet Sovereign's connection to us by dispelling the Everlasting Spell?" Balor pointed out. "That was the loophole Thea found wasn't it? So what exactly are we dealing with?! The substance we're seeking beneath Angel Grove is not like the others and those three individuals are the main factor in it."
"Then we find a way to get a hold of the little girl because things will get out of control if we don't make a move." Salazar warned turning to Dalia. "We have seen what those two are like to combine both shadow and light. That girl...the child of the falcon and crane possesses power, raw and untrained power at her disposal. I maybe a critic too like your sister boss lady but you know what is happening to us. Right now, we're at a crossroads and Pan's fate will determine the road we embark on. This particular reincarnation of the Bloodline of Power is very puzzling indeed. They are unlike anything we have encounter."
Inside Beyond the Void
Tommy fought to keep his balance and met the sentinel standing in front of him strike for strike. He knew what he was fighting against as the swords continued to clash as the unyielding entity became more relentless and precise. It was the true Scarlet Sovereign that he was combating, the untamed Pterodactyl Firebird. However, he wasn't fully focused on the adversary in front of him. Instead, he continued to glance at the sleeping figure slouched over sitting on the throne chair. He had no idea where he was due to a lack of an exit but the place he was in looked like a grand ballroom. There was a sort of regal vibe to this place as he continued to fight.
For a moment Tommy thought he heard something in the distance. He wasn't sure but he felt he heard the sound of his friends in the far distance trying to reach him. It was as if there was this urgency for him to leave, but part of him refused without beating the Scarlet Sovereign, the Firebird into submission.
"Kimberly!" He shouted hoping to get a response while dodging another array of melee strikes.
He heard Shalimar cry letting out a screech of anguish as if something was troubling the bird. It caught Tommy's attention but unfortunately the distraction gave the Scarlet Sovereign the opportunity to send Tommy flying towards a wall.
"Shalimar, what's happening?" He muttered. "What is going on? Why does it feel like a heavy weight descended upon this place?"
Whatever the sensation the crane felt, it soon too started to have an effect on Tommy. Struggling to keep his balance and evade every attack coming at him, Tommy manage to repel the Scarlet Sovereign back. Unfortunately, the untamed Firebird was not yielding and became more ruthless.
Brennan flew down to check up on his human mate and let out a cry of reassurance to his mate. "The beating heartbeat in the void stirs Tommy."
"The beating heartbeat in the void?" Tommy said looking up at Shalimar who looked like the crane was staggering in her flight. "Shal, is it Kimberly?! What's happening to her?" However, Tommy started staggering again as the Scarlet Sovereign regain its composure and resumed its attack. This time, he found himself putting up an evasive fight but he was starting to feel fatigued. He needed help and somehow he continued to feel the presence of his friends in the distance.
"The wayward ladyship's heart and soul is calling out in the distance." Shalimar looked at him. "Piece together what was fragmented and wake up the slumbering power within you, my lordship."
"How do I wake it up?" Tommy replied in worry. "I don't know if I have the strength to use it! The Scarlet Sovereign, the untamed Firebird won't yield."
"The Bloodline of Power, the heir claimants to the kingdom are completed through the kindred soulmates. Two sides of the same coin that balance the shadow and light. The unbowed, the unbent and unbroken connection of the body, mind, heart and soul. Trust your claimant, trust your council, invoke your mastery of shadow and light to unite in your plight. Beyond the edges of the physical and spiritual plane, your dominion expands from the far reaches. You are the White Falcon, courageous and righteous, the one true Winged Lord of the Skies."
His hands started glowing white as the sword he was using to battle the Scarlet Sovereign changed. He let out a small smile that he was holding his white ranger sword, Saba in his grip once again. Soon, a pink and white glow emitted from Tommy's heart and a light was released from inside of him. Suddenly, the flash produced the legendary Pink Power Bow that was wielded for many years by his pink crane and princess. He took hold of the Power Bow in his other hand and gave a glance at his sleeping ladyship.
"I know you're with me and so is our trusted council." Tommy said in encouragement. "My eternal heart and soulmate, my pink crane, the True Winged Lady of the Skies. I'm calling to you beyond the edges of the void, your lordship is here with you in your plight to yield both the shadow and light in you."
"You must make the looming sentinel inside your lady's heart and soul yield to piece together what slumbered." Brennan and Shalimar replied. "There is an internal plight occurring on both sides of the plane of the physical and spiritual. They answered their lordship's call to arms and are with you. The shadow and light in you white falcon, let it accept their power to aid you. Let it answer to your heart's desire that this plight is not yours alone to partake in."
"You been lurking behind the scenes for too long. I know what I have to do even if it means tapping into the deepest core of my power." Tommy said looking at the Scarlet Sovereign defiantly. "We're one in the same you and I and long ago I managed to make the looming shadow inside me yield." He gripped both the Power Bow and Saba in his hands as he readied himself into another fighting stance. "When this all over...I will make the true Scarlet Sovereign submit, the untamed Firebird that slumbers within. I will make you bend the knee in order to restore the light and shadow inside the beating heartbeat in the void."
Meanwhile back in Reefside
As the spiritual and mental battle continued on, back in downtown Reefside the Dino Thunder Rangers had their own problems to contend with. The moment Kimberly made contact with the Pink Dino Gem she was overwhelmed by an unexplained surge of power. However, it was too late for Pan to prevent the reforge bond between the Pink Dino Gem and that of the Emissary's weapon.
Kira was left to tend to the commotion invading the delicate and fragile state of Kimberly's mind. It forced the other three Dino Thunder Rangers to play the defensive game and keep Pan and the Emissary occupied.
She wasn't sure what was the sensation overtaking her, but it was an insufferable tug of war both physically, mentally and spiritually. The pink Dino Gem continued to glow in Kimberly's hands but despite the agonizing power surge refused to relinquish its hold. Kira had this feeling that the reforge bond with the gem was a sign of trying to reconnect her former mentor to the Morphing Grid and more importantly, the Great Power.
Meanwhile, Pan and the Emissary weren't holding back any punches against the remaining three Dino Thunder Rangers. He found their presence irritating and annoying and only fueled his rage more after the agonizing power surge force the Scarlet Sovereign to flee the scene. One way or another, he was getting the Emissary's weapon back and rejuvenating her inside that sarcophagus.
He knew he could easily outmatch the trio of young Rangers and he waited five years to settle the score with Dr. Oliver's group of Power Rangers. It was because of them Mesogog was destroyed for good freeing Anton and Elsa from their hold. He didn't mourn much for that loss as they mainly served as a means to an end. Under his guise as Zeltrax, Pan made sure to piece together the final touches of the Emissary's masterpiece. Unfortunately, trying to get to the Scarlet Sovereign once the memories of her previous life began to resurface was becoming a mission itself. What he didn't expect was seeing the resiliency and defiance of the Dino Thunder Rangers.
"Get out of my way, you pesky twerks!" Pan snapped as the trio rushed forward. He fired a blast at Ethan and dodged a double team kick from Trent and Connor. His anger only intensified once he noticed the lack of presence of the Yellow Dino Thunder Ranger and the Scarlet Sovereign. "Do you three stooges think you can stand a chance against me? Fat chance, you weak Rangers got lucky the last time. This time, it will be different."
"Yeah and this time, we'll make sure you to put you down for good just like Mesogog!" Connor said. "We got some unfinished business."
"I like to see which one of you fools will make it out of here alive." Pan said smirking maliciously. "Still, you people haven't learned anything from the last time have you?"
"That you're still the same prick you were clad in metal five years ago." Ethan replied shooting a blaster shot at him, but Pan inhumanly dodged it.
"Do you think we can ever forget the hell you and band of insane ninja dudes and cohorts put us through? The chaos and mayhem you wrecked upon Reefside five years ago because there's no forgiving nor forgetting." Trent said angrily as he started unleashing a series of melee attacks. It put Pan on the defense as the trio alternated between incapacitating Pan's underlings and battling Pan himself. "I don't forgive for what you did to my father or the hell you put Dr. O and his wife through. It makes us sick knowing you Emissary bastards are not going to stop in your evil pursuit of capturing Amelia or continuing to put Dr. O through the hellish pain you inflicted in his life."
"Oh look, the little White Ranger all grown up." Pan said in a mocking tone. "Do you have that killer instinct in you, boy? Are you man enough to finish the job the great Dr. Tommy Oliver couldn't do? Avenge all the chaos and havoc the Emissary supposedly inflicted upon his miserable life?"
"Show us what you got." the Rangers challenged him. "We'll see that we're not kidding anymore."
In the midst of the ongoing battle, Kira was on the trail of her former mentor in her power surge struggle with the Pink Dino Gem. Despite it all, it was good to know that the rest of her team had Pan and the Emissary's attention for the time being. Kimberly found herself outside of the building with Kira in pursuit but staggered once her body started glowing unexpectedly between pink and white.
"My eternal heart and soulmate, my pink crane, the True Winged Lady of the Skies. I'm calling to you beyond the edges of the void, your lordship is here with you in your plight to yield both the shadow and light in you." She heard a familiar voice of encouragement calling out to her. It sounded like Tommy's voice, but she couldn't figure out where it was coming from nor why she felt this feeling of dread and worry.
"I feel you calling out to me, out in the void and emptiness. The distant voice from the unknown..." Kimberly said in awe. "Where...where are you? Are you yielding to the echos of light and shadow? I...I...I feel like you been calling to me this whole time. Where are you, Winged Lord of the Skies?"
All Kira could do is watch in confusion and awe seeing the mental, physical and spiritual inner war raging inside Kimberly. However, she was torn between helping the rest of her team in their one-sided battle against the Emissary or leaving her former mentor's side. Kira joined her former mentor who made her way outside of the building as she found Kimberly leaning against the wall.
"Kimberly?! Mrs. Oliver, are you alright?" She desperately asked her former history teacher in an attempt for a response from her.
"I want to let go of this this gem, but I'm compelled not to release it. I need it's power to help me." Kimberly responded breathing heavily from another power surge episode that flooded her. She finally made eye contact with Kira and the young woman saw the internal struggle her former mentor faced. "I...I...I know you, Kira Ford. It's coming back to me in pieces, fragments. It's like puzzles, clips, flashbacks, whatever you call it." Her eyes stared at the Yellow Ranger's Dino Gem around her wrist. "That gem, it's like mine too isn't it? Your friends battling Pan, we were on the same team too in another life? Along with Tommy?"
"You're remembering your life aren't you?" Kira continued. "Listen to me Kimberly, just breath in and out and let it come to you. Don't ignore it anymore whatever it is that sleeps inside of you. Someone is calling to you, to wake up from what traps you beyond the edge of the void." She let out a slight smirk taking a page out of Tommy's book about his mystical and cryptic philosophical speeches. Right now, she was the only person that could help the distressed and disorientated woman.
"It's him because I can feel him somehow. He's trying to piece together the thing I long for..." Kimberly replied closing her eyes. "I'm seeing things, feeling things I can't explain. Power Rangers? A morphing grid? The light and shadow, a balance, eternal soulmates, the falcon and the crane. A bloodline of power. An ancient order, the Ninjetti. The key of the kingdom, the living embodiment of the Great Power. It's me, am I the missing ladyship of a kingdom?"
"It's your old dino gem, it's helping you reconnect you back to the morphing grid. To the life you knew as Kimberly Hart." Kira answered. "It's who you are and there are two people who hold the fragments of your heart and soul. They are trying to restore it to bring you home. The Emissary...they splintered everything that you are when they awoken the shadow self inside of you, the Scarlet Sovereign."
"The looming shadow in the void, the Firebird known as the Scarlet Sovereign?!" Kimberly replied in a state of utter confusion. "The untamed fire that burns..."
"I heard the story because you two are the focal characters. Someone once said you were the exceptional ones. I know about history of Tommy Oliver and Kimberly Hart, the original power couple. The two most powerful Power Rangers in history and your legends don't have to tell us otherwise. You two have been known by many names and titles: the first pink and green/white rangers. You both are the falcon and crane: the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies. The heir apparent of the Bloodline of Power, the ones destined lay claimant to the fabled kingdom of the Ninjetti Order. You two are the legacy and future of it. Eternal soulmates...always and forever."
"Always and forever? It's a promise...I can never forget." She opened her eyes looking at the young woman now recognizing her from her previous life. She was trying to catch her breath, using Kira to help her keep her balance.
She let out a small smile seeing a glimmer of the old Kimberly breaking through instead of the shell of a woman living a half-life and disorientated state of existence. Kira heard the fight inside the building intensifying and she needed a quick getaway plan before the rest of the Emissary showed up.
"It was the last thing you said to Dr. Oliver on that rooftop five years ago." Kira explained. "That promise still holds true to him and Amelia doesn't it? I know they did things to you but we promise you we'll fix it. This war between the Garrison and Emissary started five years ago, we made a promise to Dr. O and your friends to end it."
"The chain that still tethers me," she firmly stated. "The unknown force that beckons in the distance wants to break it." She took the young woman's hand and guide her away from the building.
"Um I think I may know a place." Kira stated. "You been to it before but you don't remember. Maybe this time, you finally will. Do you trust me to take you there?"
"I believe I did trust you in another life that I can't recall," Kimberly announced. "I'm not fully here, but it's like I'm walking in between two state of existences. I need to wake up if you can lead me to where I have to go Kira. Shadow and light in conflict beyond the edge of the physical and spiritual realm. It beckons to me."
"Don't ignore it no matter whatever struggle it is that brews in you Kimberly." Kira said looking at the gino gem in her hand. "The power surge, let it come to you because that is the thing that is keeping you in line. Trust me, your white knight and little defender is doing everything he can to make you whole again."
"Tommy and Amelia? There is something very powerful stirring in them, just like me." Kimberly replied feeling another power surge coursing through her. "They're what I longed for wasn't it? What I desired? Is it them? Everything is so clouded and jumbled up but them, I...I...can't forget them, especially...my daughter."
Kira reached out and grabbed Kimberly by the arm. "You can never forget the people that captured your heart and soul. Dr. O and your little girl, they're your world and they are the two people that love you more than anything. No magic or mystical spells conjured up can sever the bond and connection with your family or the maternal instincts you feel for your daughter. I know it's what you want...to remember it all again, the life that you had with your husband and daughter."
She reached for her communicator much to Kimberly's surprise. "What are you doing, Kira? Where are we going?"
"Kira, what's going on?" The two heard Hayley's voice on the other end.
"Hayley, I need you to teleport Kimberly and I away from here." Kira said into her communicator. "You know the coordinates I need you to take us there right now!" She immediately took hold of her former mentor's hand and the two disappear in yellow and pink flash of light. There was something mystical hidden deep in Reefside Forest and it was the one place the young yellow Dino Thunder Ranger knew that could help with their mission. That is if time will cooperate with them.
In the Spirit World
"Hello Rangers, did you miss me?" The voice said in a mocking tone and Jason felt the dread through his body standing in the face of the Evil Green Ranger. They were definitely inside Tommy's personal spirit world if it meant dealing with the dark shadow of his best friend's heart, the Green Dragon himself.
"So the Green Dragon still lives huh?" Jason stated as he and the others stood their ground waiting for Dragon to make his move. Obviously, the last time any of them fought the dark side of their longtime friend, it put up one hell of a fight. Yet, somehow over the years Tommy figured out how to master both the light and shadow inside his heart and soul. However, it was mostly because of Kimberly's help and also on the efforts of Jason when he broke Rita's spell years ago. "Guess my goddaughter was right about confronting an old adversary I once made yield and bend the knee."
"Bend the knee you say?! Huh, you Rangers got off easy the first time around. I am simply here to hold the door until the one true lord and lady's "council" answer the call to arms. So, you must be the council sent to answer their lordship's call deep beyond the void? Newsflash Power Rangers, what makes you people think you can fulfill that oath and fealty to the so called Bloodline of Power?" Dragon stated pointing the Sword of Darkness at them. It was as if he was trying to size up the Rangers standing between them and the door. "Your power cannot hold to the wills of those who are unbowed, unbent and unbroken."
The Rangers attempt to advance by force towards the door only to find themselves repelled back by the evil Green Ranger's attacks. He evilly laughed at the group's efforts of a precision strike. However, after seeing him throw Kat back with another attack Jason got furious and went on the counteract.
"He's not making it easy for us is he?" Kat asked breathing hard. "Jason, we have to get through that door to help Tommy and Kimberly."
"I know and that bastard isn't making our jobs any easier." Jason said gritting his teeth as he clutched his fists. "It's always a challenge dealing with the wrath of the green dragon that lies inside of Tommy. He's one adversary that doesn't like to take things laying down but I know him. At the end of the day, it will not recognize us as his council but it will recognize his ladyship, his kindred mate that balances both the shadow and light."
"Shadow and light, two sides of a coin none of you couldn't fathom balancing." Dragon mocked making quick work of the others again, with the exception of Jason.
Just like old times Jason went on the offensive keeping the manifestation of the Evil Green Ranger at bay. He drops into a fighting stance, as they start to circle each other seeing who will strike first. Jason timed his moves countering with a one-two combo that is easily blocked by his opponent. However, he returns with a quick jab that causes Dragon's helmet to fly off and make contact with his lip. There is a small cut left on on his mouth as he wiped the smug look off his face.
"Looks like we're picking off we left off are we Red Ranger? Oh my mistake, change of color scheme huh? What are you called now? The Gold Ninjetti Dragon? Very funny and pathetically ironic that you call yourself a dragon." He snarls taking charge at him.
"Kick his ass Jason you can do this!" Zack and the others encouraged their friend.
"You want to see what this dragon can do, come on bring it on." Jason challenged with a defiant smirk on his face. He had that feeling that the Green Ranger wanted a one on one match with him. Besides, that dark side of Tommy's personality couldn't forget how he was bested by the original Red Ranger years ago. After all, it was because of him he went dormant inside of Tommy's subconscious when Rita's spell was broken. "You want another shot at me, give me your best shot, Green Ranger."
"Let's just see which one of us is the true dragon here." Dragon replied readying the Sword of Darkness and Dragon Dagger he wield. "Let's see if you can take me on Gold Ranger."
"It would be my pleasure." Jason replied getting into a fighting stance. "Don't think I'm going to hold back my true power. Believe me, there is more to me than meets the eye."
Making things more interesting, Dragon summoned a forcefield to keep the rest of the Rangers out and prevent them from interfering. The looming shadow inside of Tommy remained buried for many years waiting for the day to confront the one that caused the dormancy within him. The two former adversaries weren't holding back and met each other with hit after hit.
Jason steps over Dragon as he tries to get back to his feet and in the process he knocks the Evil Green Ranger's helmet off. Jason punches him several times. Dragon dabs at the cut on his face and laughs. He quickly makes way to retrieve his sword ready for another round.
"You know something Jason. Time is of the essence and I don't have time for you."
"That's funny you don't have a lot of time *left* and the longer we stall, our lordship remains flightless beyond the void."
"Coming on kind of strong, don't you think? You're playing some deep odds here. Do you really think you can take on what lies beyond the void?" Dragon questioned intensely staring at the Gold Ninjetti Ranger. "What makes your council worthy of serving the one true lordship and ladyship? Two dyads of the Great Power that wield two sides of the same coin, shadow and light. I am part of that same coin that is held by your Winged Lord of the Skies, but yet I don't submit or yield to the council before me."
"No. I know for you you won't submit or yield to our council. However, I sure as hell am going to make you realize just who the hell we are because you will submit. You will recognize this council and you will let us pass through that door." Jason replied.
Dragon moves forward and stabs the Sword of Darkness into the ground and grips the hilt. A blindingly bright light emanates from it, and with a few telltale sparks the light is suddenly gone. Jason whips the sword around in his hand and holds it up to look at it. He grips his own sword and notices the magnitude of power emulating from his foe. Jason holds up his sword and faces off with Dragon. He holds his own ready to fight again.
"You almost made it, Jason." Dragon scoffed.
"It's not over yet, not by a long shot!" Jason replied defiantly. "As I said...when this is all over, I'll make you submit. You'll bend the knee to the council that stands before you."
"That sounds like a challenge there, old friend." He said in a mocking tone.
It was hard for the others, especially Kat to see Dragon toying with Jason. However, Kat knew that her husband has faced many trials and challenges on and off the battlefield over the years. The worst thing was being unwilling spectators as the duel continued on. The two adversaries knew each other inside and out and it only made Jason's pursuit beyond that door more desirable.
Jason knew he had to dig deep, especially battling inside the personal spirit world of his best friend. It was then it suddenly came to him how he was going to survive this battle with the Green Ranger, the green Dragon. He concentrated and focused on his Ninjetti Powers. Dragon was puzzled and confused the moment Jason stopped and closed his eyes putting himself in a meditative state.
"Tommy, my brother in arms, my lordship and one true Winged Lord of the Skies. We're here, your one true council that has pledged to fulfill their fealty and oath to the heir apparent of the Ninjetti Kingdom and order. Your fellow brethren have answered the call to aid our white falcon in his hour of need." Jason replied deep in thought. "Our power is yours to aid you in your plight. Hear our voices and hear the call of the ancient spirits, the ones who serve the Great Power. Hear the call...let them be with you, with our wayward ladyship, with your little defender. Let it be with us, the Ninjetti. Guide us to balance the shadow and light...lead us to reach you beyond the edge of the void."
Dragon watched as Jason's eyes snapped open as he felt a sudden rush of energy through his body. It wasn't painful nor it didn't feel great. The Green Ranger ran over to Jason and took a swing, but instinct took over and Jason dodged it.
"What's this little parlour trick?!" Dragon exclaimed.
"You want to see the true power of a dragon?" Jason taunted. "There is more to me than meets the eye. Guess someone learned a few new tricks."
The Green Ranger grunted and got up, but Jason didn't give him a chance to counterattack. He launched his adversary to the corner of the hallway. Jason's whole body began to glow gold as he landed punch after punch at lightning speed. The others watched as Jason's body continued glowing and his arms were moving at an inhuman speed it was hard to keep up with the movement. Eventually, he did the one thing no one ever imagined to do...he managed to force the infamous evil Green Ranger, the green Dragon to submit.
"So tell me, Dragon." Jason said grunting and ceasing his attacks. "What say you? Do you submit and yield? Or do you not?"
"...I...I...will yield to the will of the council that serves the Bloodline of Power." Dragon reluctantly said in defeat. "...I have...yield to the...one Golden Dragon of the Ninjetti..."
"Now then onto business." Jason said in a commanding tone. "Let us pass through to the edge and beyond the void so we can aid the white falcon in his plight."
"If it is the will of the council...then so it shall be done." The Green Ranger got up and scoffed as he brushed himself off. He casually stepped aside as the door was unlocked and it opened up. Peeking inside, the Rangers firmly stepped through the door. In a rare moment of mutual understanding, the Green Ranger gave a nod of acknowledge to Jason as the door behind them closed. "Good luck Power Rangers...soon the kindred dyads will take flight once more for one last plight."
Meanwhile...
Back in the Village of the Whills, Quinn and Amelia kept watch over the Rangers. However, the young girl felt a massive shift in the air overcome the area. There was something about the shrouded lore and mysticism of the village that kept Quinn on edge. It was evident that the spirits of the deceased residence of this sacred and hallow ground were restless. He remembered long ago the trips embarked to these lands in order for the Bloodline of Power to lay their claimant to the Ninjetti kingdom.
He watched Amelia wandering the area as if the power and force of the village was calling to the young child. The Great Power, the great spirits of the ancient Ninjetti somehow reincarnated its power into the offspring of the falcon and crane. Whereas her parents' mastery of skills laid in balancing the shadow and light within, Amelia was a representative of power itself untrained and raw. Yet, the power the little girl possessed yield and bend to the will of the wielder.
It was why her conception in the eyes of the Garrison was an enigma to them but one riddled with mystery. Somehow, her existence maintained the tether needed to keep the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies bonded. Suddenly, they noticed a strange black glow coming from Tommy's hand as the two investigated it. Quinn opened Tommy's hand to discover the source of the glow and to his surprise saw what it was...the Black Dino Gem.
"Well I'll be damned..." Quinn said astonished and surprised. "That little trinket somehow found its way to its power source. A little insurance policy that was implemented a very long, long time ago. All it needed was six pieces of a puzzle to reconfigure itself when the time came. Unbeknownst to your mommy and daddy the other four pieces of that puzzle they inadvertently gave it to their brigade five years ago."
"Is that why the dead people in the village are speaking a funny language? It sounds weird but they keep saying that its inside the stones." Amelia said looking bewildered at the Black Dino Gem continuing to glow. "What did those dead people hide inside of stones?"
"You crafty sons of bitches you knew?" Quinn replied talking as the pyreflies continued to swirl around in the village. "How will we know it will work? You hid it in plain sight right underneath the noses of our greatest adversaries. If it will work is an understatement, a theory we haven't tested in eons. Yet, to piece together what was splintered and fragmented is a fleet beyond their testament." There was a slight pause before he continued. "We're going on that theory again are we? Trust in the power itself and everything else will manifest by the will of the power itself."
"The will of the power itself? What do you mean by that?" Amelia asked curiously.
"It was never about the damn sarcophagus five years ago. The contents were encoded inside the Dino Gems." Quinn started running around the village retrieving various objects from the derelict abandoned structures. Amelia wasn't sure what was happening except the Garrison member was mumbling about the Dino Gems. "There was a reason why it bonded with their crew and them."
The last thing he wanted was to put Amelia on the spot knowing the unpredictability of her powers. However, she was proving to be an essential asset and she was demonstrating that she was a force to be reckoned with. He was looking to ask her to push the boundaries of her powers beyond her limit.
"You're talking about daddy's former team aren't you? Can...can they help bring my mommy back to normal?" Amelia closed her eyes as if she was sensing something. "I can feel the other Ninjetti Rangers. They made their way to the empty place where daddy is trying to wake up mommy. It's beating because it calls out in the distance. The heartbeat it beats...in the empty place." She suddenly opened her eyes and stared at Quinn. "What do I have to do to put my mommy back together?"
Reefside Forest...
The minute Kira was teleported to the forest with Kimberly she released her hold on her former mentor. She saw Kim double over clutching her midsection letting out an anguish cry of pain. However, she saw that the pink Dino Gem continued to glow in Kim's hand and Kira noticed her own dino gem began to glow. They were already by the waterfall and she had this feeling something was hidden here.
"What's happening to me?! I feel something tearing me from the inside out." Kimberly grunted as she felt another unbearable sensation. "This gem...it's doing this to me. But, it...it feels like I need this to help me. You...you and your friends...those gems...something about them..."
"Our Dino Gems?! Kimberly?! Kim?! What do you mean by our gems?" Kira asked as Kimberly suddenly fell over laying on the ground. She was panting erratically as if she was having a panic attack trying to make sense of things. "I don't know what you mean by our gems."
"It calls in the distance...the unknown force beckoning me...trying to make me whole." It was as if the unknown beckoning force continued to call to her. Somehow, something was happening to her and she knew that her time was limited. However, her eyes were fixed on the waterfall as if Kim knew what lies beyond it. Wherever it led to, she had to go or else her chances to unbind herself from her current state of existence would be futile. "I know...I know what lies beyond there and they're waiting for me. You need to help me get there. You and your friends maybe, somehow are the key to it. From the inside and from the outside...it has to work. The little defender...her power is at work."
"Tommy and Amelia?! You need to get to them don't you?" Kira was frantic and hoping that the powers that be somehow would reveal itself to them. Their Dino Gems continued to glow as the young woman inadvertently found herself supporting her former mentor. Whatever unexplained power surge Kimberly was feeling only intensified the closer they were edging towards the waterfall. However, as their gems continued to glow Kira thought she saw something flicker inside that looked like ancient runes or an unknown dialogue unfamiliar to them.
"I see it...don't you see it?" She asked the young Yellow Dino Thunder Ranger. "They used it to pull me back from beyond the edge of the void. I...I...was lingering between here and beyond the void." Going on the whims of fate or the unexpected, Kira had no choice but to make the trek behind the waterfall with Kimberly in tow. Part of her hoped that the guys were having better luck than she was.
"Just stay with me Kimberly you're going to make it," Kira said, her voice laced with determination. "I don't know what lies deep within this forest. However, something tells me I have to get you beyond this waterfall for it to fix this." Before anything else could transpire, a sudden bright white flash of light overtook the area engulfing the two women.
Downtown Reefside...
Things haven't changed much after five years and the rest of the Dino Thunder Rangers struggled with their former adversary. It didn't matter what form Zeltrax took, or if he was known as Pan of the Emissary, the fight remained the same. He was still a challenging opponent and he wasn't holding back against the guys in particular Trent. Pan let out a sarcastic smirk relishing in running rough shots on his former rival's old team.
However, they were a persistent bunch of young people, in particular Trent. There was always something about Anton Mercer's adopted son that irritated him. If it were possible five years ago, he wished that fate didn't make the young man the White Dino Thunder Ranger. In an ironic twist of fate, Trent inadvertently put a damper in Pan's original plans in Reefside. Tommy and Kimberly weren't the only ones Pan held animosity against, but also to Trent. He wasn't holding back and he was easily running circles around Connor and Ethan, but his former underling wasn't yielding.
"Why don't you give me your best shot, boy?!" Pan said mockingly taunting Trent. "There was always something peculiar about you the moment I met you. I ran rough shots on you loathsome Rangers time and time again. But you...you were a bane in the Emissary's masterpiece, boy."
"Always with this business of calling me "boy" all the time." Trent spat back angrily. "Some puppet master you are."
"Guys, take a look at that?!" Ethan called out drawing their attention to the sarcophagus. The stone etchings carved on it started glowing much to the Rangers' surprise. To the Rangers' shock, they started noticing their Dino Gems glowing in sync.
"Huh, since when did our Dino Gems have some sort of secret coded message built in them?" Connor asked seeing what looked like weird ancient runes identical to the sarcophagus. "It has something to do with that freaky stone sarcophagus."
"You pathetic fools don't understand the true meaning behind those Dino Gems that made you Power Rangers five years ago." Pan explained angrily as he continued his assault on the Rangers. This time, the trio weren't holding back and whatever was happening with their gems, it was providing them with some renewed strength. "Those meddlesome Garrison always manipulating things behind the scenes. For them to turn the tide for the heir apparent, their precious Bloodline of Power. Unwillingly entrusted those gems to a group of reluctant soldiers. The sarcophagus was only one half of the puzzle, the Dino Gems they were the other."
"Well whatever you're rambling about in terms of your conspiracy theories one thing for sure is this." Ethan defiantly replied. "When this all over...someone is not going be walking out of here alive."
"Oh is that what you think?!" Pan continued. "I have lived many lifetimes and I have fought many wars. You people can't fathom the true power of the Emissary. We have existed for eons across the galaxy. This war you are all participating in will come to a head." Unbeknownst to them, no one didn't see Trent coming in for a blindside as Pan continued to get the best of Connor and Ethan. "If it weren't for me, your precious pink crane wouldn't have found her true calling as the Scarlet Sovereign. A Lady with two kingdoms laying at her feet...both in the shadow and light. However, your meddlesome Dr. Oliver has been a thorn in the Emissary for over two decades. If it wasn't for him, the tide would be turning in our fortunes, not being known in unpredictability."
"That unpredictability you're referring to is a seven year old girl and her parents that is family to us." Connor mockingly said. "After the stunt you people pulled with Amelia, it comes to show that some things come in small packages."
"Is that what you think? That little girl is the remnant of power itself." Pan stated. "She has no master for she was created by two dyads who yield both light and shadow. Sooner or later the power itself will beckon and demand a reprieve from its dyads. We are the Emissary and we serve life itself and what stands in our way for immortality is the heir apparent to the Ninjetti Kingdom, the Bloodline of Power. Our foundation stands firm while theirs will crumble from beneath them and lay in ruin and ash. That is the reality that is set upon the stage for them once this final chapter is written..."
Pan paused for a moment before letting out a gasp of shock and bewilderment. Soon he saw the tip of a sword pierced right through his heart. Connor and Ethan stared in disbelief of what looked like a floating sword sticking right through Pan's chest. Soon, Trent revealed himself using his Dino Gem ability of camouflage to his advantage.
"Talk about reality setting in, Pan." Trent gritted continuing to grip the pierced helm of the sword. "I don't know what reality has in store for all us, but it sure doesn't include your reign of terror." Something in the White Dino Thunder Ranger's voice showed a sense of relief and satisfaction. He continued to stare down at his bested foe. "I want you to look at me. I want you to look at my face and that of my friends. I want you to look at me straight in the eyes. I am mere moments away from forever ending your miserable and delusional existence."
"Do what your set to do and welcome in the dark side you've been trying to hide for years, boy." Pan mocked weakly as he smirked with blood coating his lips. "Here I thought I was going to meet my end at the hands of Dr. Tommy Oliver. I didn't expect it...I didn't expect to be bested by a bunch of schoolboys."
"Schoolboys, we're more than just schoolboys." Ethan stated angrily.
"We're men and we were mentored by two of the greatest Power Rangers to have ever taken the mantle." Connor said looking at Trent as him and Ethan stepped aside. "How does it feel knowing in a matter of seconds you'll fade away again? However...we'll give the pleasure of sending you on that highway to hell to our pal here."
"Go ahead, boy and unleash that dark side in you." Pan weakly mocked. "Between you and your weak father, I never would have guessed it was you that had it. That killer instinct in you. Dr. Oliver and Kimberly had taught you well, boy. Never imagine I'll be sent to damnation by a boy."
"Oh by the way, Zeltrax." Trent said as he raised the sword up in the air. "If you happen to come across the devil on your trip to damnation, make sure you have your thirty pieces of silver. Let him know...who sent you on your way. Oh and not to worry, I'm sure you'll be expecting some company very, very shortly." In a matter of seconds, a swift and instant swooshing sound of a sword slash was heard. What followed next was the sound of a severed head rolling across the floor, much to the dismay of the Emissary minions. Trent stared at the bloodstained sword coated with Pan's blood and stared blankly at the decapitated body of their former enemy.
"Dude, you just went all Kill Bill on him." Ethan said looking in awe. "Trent, are you okay?"
"I...I didn't know I had it in me to do that," Trent replied watching as the rest of the Emissary retreated abruptly out of fear. "Guys, we just...we just took down a member of the Emissary. I...I finally ended him. Pan, Zeltrax, whatever the hell he calls himself. He didn't see it coming. Boy, all I can say is we got to watch our backs. The Emissary will have us in their line of fire since we took out another one of their pillars for the original Power Rangers."
"So it's three down, four more to go." Connor simply stated. A few moments later, the three men noticed their Dino Gems abruptly glowing. To their surprise, they notice what looked like strange looking ancient rune language etched on their gems as the glowing continued. "Okay...this is something way beyond the normal. Does anyone notice the strange weird language glowing on our Dino Gems?"
Before the three men had time to process the strange occurrence with their Dino Gems or their victory, a blinding white light engulfed the area. Without any warning, it overtook the area and suddenly whisked them away to the unknown.
Inside Beyond the Void
Exhaustion and fatigue was beginning to take its toll on Tommy. He wasn't sure how long he was stuck beyond the edge of the void but it felt like he was slipping deeper and deeper. He glanced over at Kimberly who remained unconscious and unresponsive on the throne chair inside the battle arena he ventured into. The Scarlet Sovereign wasn't yielding and it wasn't showing any restraint or signs of stopping.
But he wasn't going to show any signs of submission or giving up. He came too far just to be bested by the manifestation that has haunted his dreams and nightmares for the last five years. Something was willing the fighting spirit within him to continue despite the odds stacked against him. Despite the warnings of testing his powers beyond its limits he knew he had to be here. There was a power he unwillingly mastered but the mastery of that power came with a hefty price and cost should be push himself over the brink.
Still, he continued on the offensive attack against the Scarlet Sovereign, the untamed manifestation of the Firebird. As the combat continued on, Tommy began to understand exactly what was done to Kimberly. In the distance, he continued to hear the cries of Brennan and Shalimar as if the falcon and crane were calling out in the distance for help.
"I know why I'm here and this is what I've been searching for," Tommy replied dodging another array of punches and kicks. "I've been going beyond the edge of the void and traveled between the planes of existence. You've been sleeping all this time and it took the power of the ancient spirits of the Great Power to bring you back. You're the last piece of the puzzle I need to put my wayward ladyship back together. You are her too, her the shadow and light."
Something told him inside he wasn't alone in the limitless darken battle arena he found himself in. There were times he found himself alone in that darken void wallowing in the despair, anguish and trials that plagued his life and his loved ones. He had a focus and he was staring straight at her slumped over on the throne chair. Tommy knew somehow his physical body was safe back in the physical world.
"The mind controls the body. My body is my strongest weapon at my disposal." He said to himself as continued his sparring battle with the Scarlet Sovereign. Tommy saw that the floor beneath him began to slowly illuminate and the walls in the room began to pierce slowly with light. With each step the floor began to reveal what looked like stained glass flooring. "The connection, the mind, the body. The mind controls the body and the body controls the enemies. The adversaries don't control anything unless they're done or they yield to one in control. The mind and the body are one half of the connection. One has to have heart and soul to drive the fighting spirit and make the connection whole."
In the midst of the neverending sparring match between Tommy and the Scarlet Sovereign, Jason and the others continued journeying towards the battleground. Crossing through the threshold they gained access to after their encounter with Dragon, they found themselves ascending up a spiral staircase. The higher they were climbing they noticed the changing interior of the space they were in.
"Okay this is definitely out of the ordinary." Rocky commented warily. "Even by standards of the Ninjetti."
"Wherever it or where we are, it is the only way to get to Tommy and whatever lays at the top of those stairs." Jason said as the Rangers continued to climb up.
"Jason has a point." Billy replied. "Remember, whatever this space beyond the edge of the void we are in, it represents something of a deeper depth to Tommy's self being. He wouldn't have travelled beyond the edges of the physical and spiritual realm unless he was seeking out the one thing his heart truly desired."
"...You don't think...maybe...you think..." The others questioned once they finally reached the top of the stairs. What they came upon was what they expected: an epic showdown between Tommy and the Scarlet Sovereign known as the Firebird. However, their eyes were diverted to the other side of the room staring at the slumbering figure sitting upon the throne. "...Kimberly?!"
Tommy snapped and turned around upon the sight of seeing his friends. Stunned, surprised but also grateful beyond relief he couldn't believe his friends took a risk to dive into the unknown for him. However, the additional presence of the other Ninjetti Rangers didn't faze the Scarlet Sovereign and the battle instincts kicked in once again. This time, it went on a ferocious frenzy coming after the Rangers.
"Tommy?! Oh man thank god you're still in tact, well technically somewhat in tact." Jason replied greeting his best friend and brother. "Sorry we're late but we had a minor hiccup to deal with your personal bouncer who wouldn't let us through the door."
"I knew you guys were coming for me. Still I can't believe you guys took a huge gamble to dive into the unknown to find me." Tommy smiled panting. "Timing was what I needed."
"Well you pretty much didn't give us much of a choice oh fearless leader." Kat slightly smirked. "With the exception of dragging your body back to the Ancient Ninjetti Kingdom and into a mystical village that bridges the physical and spiritual realm, I would say we're just peachy."
"Oh an FYI your little defender lighting up like a Christmas tree again." Adam replied looking at Kimberly. "I guess...we could figure out why."
"Then you know what the real Scarlet Sovereign represents right?" Tommy asked the others. "The Emissary's prized weapon the Scarlet Sovereign...it is untamed and mystical Pterodactyl Firebird. It laid dormant and slumbered within the heart of our Winged Lady of Skies, our pink crane and ladyship. The true looming shadow that slept. Like Brennan and Dragon represent both the light and shadow within me, the Firebird is the shadow to Shalimar the light within my soulmate. The last piece of the puzzle needed to restore the heart and soul of our wayward ladyship."
Unfortunately, the power of the Scarlet Sovereign was resisting anything that the other Rangers were throwing at her. They needed a new tactic and something made them think back to Tommy and Kimberly's lesson about connection. It was a very long shot, and somehow they needed to do their job to pull off what they were told would be humanly impossible. However one lesson the Ninjetti learned was to those who were Ninjetti, anything is possible.
"Tommy, you told us once that there are four elements to the connection. Fighting was just the start." Trini said. "You guys mentioned about controlling your feelings, your deepest feelings. The emotion inside drives and enhances your focus acting as motivation."
"Yeah and you said that motivation guides you to stay the course and maintain the connection to keep it in tact." Zack replied.
"And yet you knew the risks over and over again about venturing beyond the edge of the void?" Jason asked. "The price you were willing to pay in order to make that trip? But we knew what we got ourselves into because we believed in our hearts that your plight wasn't weak of heart. You weren't the only one that believed in the impossible, bro."
"Even if it's possible we pull it off, then I know somehow I'll have to pay up eventually." Tommy said with a bit of wary in his voice, but also with a sense of acceptance and understanding. "I am here because I have to face the fear that is standing in front of me, in front of us. I have to face the fear of the unknown and the uncertain future that lays ahead. It is the only way to write out the final chapter of this story. And...we need our crane in order to write that chapter."
"Then use it by mediating on your feelings and channel it into positive energy." Justin said. "The mind, the body, heart and soul are connected as one. The power of the fighting spirit and emotions channel our thoughts. It is the focus of our concentration that helps us open ourselves up to make us stronger and focus."
"It can help heal the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wounds we burden ourselves with." Tanya added. "The connection keeps us in control..."
"...Without the connection, the unhinged fire burns within us." Tommy said staring back between the Scarlet Sovereign and Kimberly. "Find the focus and concentration to keep the connection in balance: the mind, body, heart and soul." He then made his way towards Kimberly despite the Scarlet Sovereign's attempts to halt his advance towards the slumbering figure upon the throne. He managed to find himself standing before his beloved pink princess as he signalled to the others to do what needed to be done.
"My focus is right in front of me." He murmur bending down before the sleeping maiden. "My Beautiful eternal heart and soulmate, my pink crane, the True Winged Lady of the Skies. I'm am with you beyond the edges of the void. Your lordship is here with you in your plight to yield both the shadow and light within the heart and soul of the one my heart calls out to in the distance. I am here now and now...the connection is whole again."
Tommy reached out grabbing a hold of Kimberly's hand and suddenly a blast radius shatters the darkness that engulf the confine space. The floor beneath them reveals a stained glass flooring as the Rangers stare down what looks like a visual stained glass image of the Ninjetti legacy with the Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies the main focus of the visual. The dark interior of the walls disappear revealing a white regal wall colouring splashed on the walls.
What startles Tommy the moment he took a hold of Kimberly's hand he felt a grip come from the slender hand he grabbed. He wasn't focused on the changing of interior of the room they were confined in. Instead, he found himself focused on the eyes that suddenly snapped open upon his touch. What he was glancing at was the doe brown eyes that he fell in love with many years ago looking right back at him.