Seven months later…

Reefside had been silent since the Rangers defeated Dai Satan in the worst battle any of them had ever seen. Mesogog was also long gone and everyone seemed to be enjoying the downtime except the teenagers who were now only two months away from graduating and were putting the finishing touches on their after high school plans.

Connor had gotten an offer for a soccer scholarship at UCLA which he was tentative to accept. He and Kira had been together for almost a year and he loved her more everyday so the potential for separation scared him. But that was all put aside when he found out that Kira had been offered a partial music scholarship to attend UCLA as well. For once in their lives, everything was working out perfectly and the pair couldn't have been happier.

Ethan had been accepted at Stanford, MIT and Harvard before settling on MIT. The move to Massachusetts was going to be tough on him and his still fairly new friendships with his teammates but he was determined to make it work. There would be plenty of holidays to see them, he decided.

Trent had been accepted at the New York Academy of Art and was moving at the end of July, just three and a half months away. He had also sent in some drawings to a particularly popular comic book company to see if he could possibly get an internship, just hoping to get his foot in the door.

The people at the comic company were so impressed with Trent's work that they gave him an internship, offered to pay for his schooling and guaranteed him a job when he graduated college. Initially they had wanted to hire him right off the bat but the former White Ranger had insisted on finishing school, telling them that his science teacher would kill him if he didn't which the big wigs of the company didn't seem to understand.

In his spot in his oversized black leather recliner, Tommy rocked back and forth as he reflected on the last two-plus years of his life. He had done so many things like creating new Rangers, becoming a Ranger again, saving the world at least thirty times and most importantly, reconciling with, and marrying, Kim.

He allowed the thoughts of his four young protégés to enter his mind as he reminisced on what they had done together. Tears slowly started to fill his eyes when he realized that, in a little over three months, the young people he had grown so close to, that had become another addition to his always growing family of Rangers, would all be going their separate ways.

Kim came into the room and sat on Tommy's lap and leaned back as he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her. She buried her face against his neck and inhaled his scent as she went to work on his neck. Tommy pushed her back a little and made her stop as he explained that a hickey would be unacceptable for him at school. Kim nodded her head in understanding as she went back to his lips before he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

Seven weeks later…

In five different spots in Reefside, all at the same time, five different clocks all turned to 6:00 as five sets of eyes all snapped open and their alarm clocks blared simultaneously.

Connor, Ethan, Trent and Kira all woke up with excitement at the prospect of the day ahead of them. In one week they would be graduating and it was time for their senior picnic, an annual tradition at Reefside High for all graduating seniors.

Tommy rolled over in bed to find that the side of the bed that Kim occupied was currently empty. He groaned a little bit as he forced himself to wake up, pushing himself out of bed and heading to the bathroom which he found was locked. The noises of a sick Kim floated into the room through the door as he knocked on it and called her name.

"Kim, sweetie, are you okay?" he asked waiting for a reply that didn't come "Kim, come on. Open up in there. Is something wrong?"

He heard the toilet flush and the sink turn on as he stood outside the bathroom waiting for Kim. The door slowly opened and an embarrassed Kim stepped out as she dabbed at her mouth with a towel.

"I'm fine. My stomach's just a little upset," she muttered as she walked past him "I already took a shower earlier so you should have hot water now. You don't wanna be late for school."

"Most of my classes are seniors anyway so they're going to be gone at the picnic. I only have one class to teach today, the rest is all getting grades caught up before finals," he replied as he walked past her and into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Tommy let out an exasperated breath as the hot water hit him and started to relax his tense muscles. Ten minutes later he got out and dried off before slipping on a pair of blue jeans and a black polo along with his glasses before heading for the kitchen.

As he entered the kitchen he saw Kim sitting at the table sipping a cup of coffee and he quickly went to her side as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek. She looked up at him and smiled as she pointed to the plate set for Tommy with eggs, toast and bacon. Apparently Kim had started cooking before he even woke up.

"What are you doing today?" Tommy asked.

"Well, I've got some early afternoon classes to teach at the school before you come in for the couples self-defense class with me at five," Kim replied "I was thinking I might go for a run and maybe do a little shopping before all that, though."

Tommy smiled at her as he chewed his food and rubbed the top of her hand which he held in his toast-free hand. After finishing his breakfast he went into the kitchen and cleaned up the small mess that Kim had made during the cooking process.

He picked his glasses up off the coffee table and slipped them on before bending down to kiss Kim goodbye. He made it all the way to his Jeep before he realized he left his keys inside and Kim was waiting in the doorway holding them for him as he sprinted up the walkway and thanked her before kissing her again and taking off.

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The four teenaged Rangers all sat together on an outstretched blanket as they chatted and picked at the food that had been barbecued for them. Kira was picking at her guitar and Connor leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, catching her off guard a little bit. She smiled at him and kissed him back while Ethan and Trent made fake vomiting noises.

Kira tried not to giggle as Connor's cheeks turned bright red. Ethan and Trent each reached over and slapped Connor lightly on the shoulder as they showed that there were no hard feelings.

Connor nodded his head and smiled as he put his hand behind his back, grabbing the water gun he had hidden and began spraying the two teens with it while Kira burst into fits of laughter. Ethan and Trent managed to roll out of the way eventually and took off running, not coming back until they were sure Connor was out of water.

When they got back to their friends the three young men declared a truce as they sat back down and continued their conversations. About twenty minutes later Ethan and Trent looked at each other, nodded, smiled and dove for Connor. Ethan hoisted him over his shoulder as Trent helped him carry the Red Ranger towards the pool that was around the corner.

Connor was begging for the two to put him down and it only got louder as he saw the pool come into sight. Kira was caught between a rock and a hard place because she felt bad for Connor but Ethan and Trent were putting on an entertaining show. Deciding that it would probably be best to save Connor, she took off running towards the pool to catch them.

"Guys, stop!" Kira yelled just before they threw Connor into the pool "Put him down. You know how he gets when he's wet."

Ethan and Trent looked at each other and smiled as they turned their heads towards Kira and smiled at her evilly.

"We know," Ethan answered "And we can't wait to see it."

"Bon voyage, amigo," Trent replied as they tossed Connor high into the air and laughed as he landed in the water flat on his belly with a smack.

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Back at the house, Kim paced nervously back and forth as she twirled the small cardboard box in her hands. She had gone to the drug store right after Tommy had left and purchased a home pregnancy kit. Morning sickness had been attacking her for the past couple days and she was feeling increasingly tired earlier in the day and this was the only thing that would explain it all.

She went into the bathroom and locked the door even though no one else was home besides her. As she followed the instructions on the box she took a deep breath as she began to wait for the results.

A little while later Kim's hands were shaking as she held the small blue stick in her hands, reading the results of the home pregnancy test. Tears started to fill her eyes as she realized that she was indeed pregnant. She had to tell Tommy as soon as possible and also make an appointment with her OB/GYN for official conformation.

She ran into her room as she grabbed her car keys and took off for her car. Tommy had third period off and if she hurried she could make it their to talk to him. She knew it probably wasn't a good idea to go to the school to talk to him but she felt like he would want to know as soon as she did.

The small Honda Accord that she had recently purchased pulled into a parking spot marked "Visitor" as she climbed out of the car and headed for the office. She smiled at the secretary and explained that she was Dr. Oliver's wife and had an urgent message for him.

"Is it urgent enough to interrupt him during school hours?" the middle aged lady asked as Kim nodded her head that it was "Sign and date this page here and put on one of these badges."

Kim smiled and thanked the lady as she put the sticker on her shirt and headed towards Tommy's classroom. She pushed the door open and peaked her head in to find Tommy sitting alone at his desk typing away on his computer. He heard the door creak and signaled for Kim to come in as he got up and greeted her.

"Hey, Beautiful," he said as he bent down and kissed her softly "What brings you down here?"

"There's something I need to talk to you about," she said nervously "I don't know how you're going to react to this but I hope it's what I'm expecting."

"Kim, what's going on? What happened? Is it bad?" Tommy asked curiously as Kim shook her head that it wasn't.

"It's not bad, Tommy. I'm…," Kim began and then stopped before blurting "TOMMYIMPREGNANT!"

"Huh?" he answered confused "You're what?"

"I'm pregnant, Tommy," she replied softly "We're gonna have a baby, Handsome. How does that sound to you?"

Tommy beamed proudly as his hand creeped towards Kim's abdomen area and rested there gently. He bent down and kissed her again and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

"That's great, Kim. This is amazing," he muttered "I can't believe we're going to have our own little family now. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Tommy," she answered "I'm so glad you're happy. I was afraid you weren't going to like the news."

"How could I not like it?" he asked "This is one of the best things that's ever happened to me…to us. This is what I dreamed our future would be like when we were kids. It's everything I ever wanted."

"Well, I still have to see my doctor to confirm that I'm pregnant so don't get too excited until we know for sure. But the home test said I was and they're pretty accurate from what I've heard," she replied with a smile.

"Do you think the classes are still okay to teach and participate in?" he asked with a look of concern.

"I'm sure I'll be fine for a day or two until I can see my doctor, but I'll be careful, I promise," she answered.

Tommy held onto her and smiled until the bell rang, signifying the end of third period and the first students began to trickle in just as Tommy kissed Kim goodbye. The handful of sophomores giggled a little bit at their teacher and his wife but Kim just smiled at them as she walked out the door on Cloud Nine, turning around only to wink at Tommy before leaving his classroom for their dojo/gymnastics school.

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As Tommy's sixth and final period ended, he saw the yellow school buses carrying the seniors pull up in front of the school. He smiled to himself as Connor, Kira, Ethan and Trent all stepped off their bus with their arms around each other.

"Just like old times, huh?" Jason asked from the doorway with Kat as Tommy turned around and nodded towards them.

Jason's last government class had just ended as well so he had decided to pay Tommy a visit with Kat.

"Yeah, man, it is," Tommy answered quietly "I feel like I'm being completely selfish but I don't want them to leave. They're family now, even if they are ten years younger than all of us."

"I know, bro. But we all had to leave at some point when we were their age too and now look at us. We went our separate way but a few years later we're all back together just like when we were kids," Jason replied "You did a great job with them and you should be proud of yourself. I know Zordon's proud of you too, wherever he is."

"I hope you're right, man," Tommy muttered "Let's get out of here and go to the dojo. Kim has something that I think she wants to tell you guys."

Jason nodded his head and Tommy turned off his computer and picked up his briefcase as the trio walked out of his classroom.

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Kim was helping one of her students in her attempt at a back handspring when Tommy, Jason and Kat walked in together. She looked at the three and waved, hoping that Tommy hadn't already spilled the beans. They stood off to the side and waited for Kim's class to end before approaching her.

"Hey gorgeous," Tommy said with a smile as he kissed Kim "How was class?"

"It was good. I'm a little tired though," she replied as she gave Jason a hug "How are you, Jase? To what do I owe this meeting with you oh-great-one?"

"Well, we have some news for you guys that we wanted to deliver in person but Tommy told me you had something to tell us as well," Jason answered with a smile "So what's the deal, Kim?"

"How does being a godfather sound to you?" Kim asked quietly as Jason's mouth opened wide.

"You're kidding, right? You guys are gonna have a kid? That's awesome," Jason replied "Have you told anyone else?"

"No, we were going to wait until everyone was together but that's okay. What's your news?" Tommy asked.

"Well, I don't know if our news lives up to that," Jason replied as he lifted Kat's hand for them to see "But we're getting married in May."

"Guys, that's great news," Tommy said as he clasped Jason on the shoulder and gave Kat a hug.

"Yeah guys, congratulations are definitely in order," Kim added and gave Jason and Kat both hugs.

"Thanks guys," Kat answered "We're really excited for all of this."

The four friends chatted for a few more minutes until it was time for Tommy and Kim to begin teaching their class. Jason and Kat waved goodbye to their friends as Tommy and Kim took their place at the front of the group.

"Welcome, everyone," Tommy said as he looked at Kim and smiled "Today we're going to discuss the importance of protecting those you care about most."

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The next week flew by and finals came way too quickly for the teenagers as well as their teachers. The teens had been lucky and had gotten Jason for Government and Tommy for Earth Science so they knew at least two of their teachers would go somewhat easy on them but they still had English and Math to worry about.

Ethan had insisted on study groups which Connor initially resisted even though the group work ended up helping him to pass his Algebra final with a "B." Friday afternoon arrived which meant it was time for the graduation ceremony.

The class of 2006 was separated alphabetically as they all sat in fold-out chairs that lined the football field. A small stage had been erected on the fifty-yard line with chairs occupied by the superintendent, Principal Adams who had replaced Randall after her "disappearance" and Tommy who was fidgeting with his tie under his gown. Ethan also occupied a seat on the stage as the valedictorian of their class. Slowly, Mr. Adams got up from his chair and walked to the podium.

"Good evening students, faculty, family and friends. We are here on this day, August 12th to celebrate the hard work of Reefside High School's newest graduating class," he began "It has been a long four years for these young people and I am proud to announce Ethan James as this year's valedictorian."

The crowd that filled nearly all of the bleachers burst into applause along with the students as Ethan made his way to the podium. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and set it on the stand as he prepared to read it.

"Well guys, we did it. We finally made it here after four years of prison…I mean school," he began as some laughs escaped the students and faculty "I stand here today as your valedictorian and look at our class with pride. We have accomplished many great things together and you all deserve this day. As a class, I feel we owe a great deal of thanks to the teachers who have put up with us these last four years. I know it wasn't easy but you have helped mold us into who we are today. So to everyone who has helped us on our way, I say thank you and to the students who share this day with me, I say congratulations."

Ethan stepped down from the podium and shook the hands of the faculty members on the stage before he took his place in the vacant seat in the student body that was reserved for him. Tommy looked into the cheering crowd and caught the glimpse of a pink sun dress and saw that Kimberly was wiping tears away from her face.

Jason and Kat sat on either side of her and they beamed proudly at the group of people they had been given the privilege to teach in the past year. Then Tommy stood up and made his way to the podium, pulling out a speech of his own as the crowd died down.

"For those of you who don't know me, which means you were lucky enough to not have me as a teacher, my name is Tommy Oliver and I teach science classes here at Reefside," he began as the crowd laughed a little "Over the past few years it has been an honor and a privilege to work with these young people, some of whom I look at as my own kids."

The four teens all shot winks at him as he smiled back at them before continuing with his speech.

"It has been a long and tough road for most of you to get to this point," he continued "But no one said it was going to be easy, just that it was worth it which I know you all understand now. As a teacher at this school I can look at the students sitting here and tell you with certainty that this class is going to do amazing things."

The crowd applauded lightly as he went back to his seat and smoothed out his gown. Principal Adams got up again and approached the podium with a list of names for the graduating class. He began to call their names and they all made their way to get their diplomas before returning to their seats.

"It is an honor to introduce to you, for the first time, Reefside's graduating class of two-thousand and six!" he said into the microphone.

They all stood up at one time and threw their hats into the air as the crowd burst into applause. Slowly, the group of students began to make their way back to the "Senior Square" to greet their friends and relatives. Eventually the four veteran Rangers managed to round up the four teenaged Rangers in a small area away from the crowd where no one could hear them.

"I just…we just want you all to know how proud we are of you guys," Tommy began "You all have turned out better than any of us could have predicted and it's truly been an honor to teach you as well as 'work' with you. You guys couldn't have done better if you tried."

The four teens were all smiles as they thanked their teachers and teammates with hugs.

"Tommy and I made something for each of you but they're at the house," Kim said "Swing by tomorrow afternoon and we'll give them to you."

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Okay so I know I crammed a lot of different things into just one chapter but I didn't want to make each little event a whole chapter on its own. Sadly, there is only going to be one more chapter which is an epilogue. I hope you all have enjoyed this story because I have enjoyed writing it and entertaining you all. Thanks for all your encouragement and support through the story.