Til I Collapse

by eclyptyk neo

COMPLETED. Sequel to: ORDINARY WORLD. A new school year starts for the students of Reefside High. Mesogog and Zeltrax are gone. But a new evil has entered the scene with a shocking past. Can the rangers defeat their newest enemy?

48. Reflections

'Til I Collapse- Part Forty-Eight: Reflections

Sequel to: Ordinary World

Summary: During the aftermath of the day's tragic events, the staff and students of Reefside make some painful discoveries about victims of the day. The week following leaves the teens with many more scars to live with. And a day before graduation, the DinoThunder team reflects on their adventures as Power Rangers and what has happened in the past year at Reefside High.

Disclaimer: Power Rangers is not mine. So, just deal with it. If I owned it, there would be so many things I would change. But I won't. I will just do it through fanfic.

A/N: I had not originally wanted to add the aftermath to what had happened, but figured you guys needed it. It will set up more surprises for our heroes in the future. But getting back on track, I thought it would be a nice way to end the story, right? To see the team refelct. I did it for the end of 'Ordinary World'. So, I hope you like it. Read on. The end is near.

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
"So after everything that has happened it is time to reflect on all that has happened to us. And a lot has happened that no one of us was expecting at all. But we made it. We pulled through and it just brought us so much closer."-Eclyptyk Neo
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X

After Cassidy Cornell had made that report, her composure could not be maintained. She was just as shaken and hurt as any of the people there over the events. She had remembered the day was supposed to be left in happiness and some sadness of leaving, but it would take place in everyone's life. She was finally graduating high school and moving onto another part of her life.

But after what had just happened, it shook her to the core. It all happened so fast. She didn't know how to react. She had been hanging with some of her cheerleading friends walking through the halls when she heard a loud bang. She wasn't quite sure what it was, but only could remember being pulled into a classroom as the door shut behind her.

Sitting in silence with other students and two English teachers, the group had no idea what was going on. They weren't sure if it was only a drill, or if it really meant something. She was on her way to go see her boyfriend, Devin, in the TV Production room, but had never gotten a chance.

The cameraman had cautiously and absently took the microphone from her as she shot back into reality. She had been in too much of a panic to really confront anyone on the situation. She had even attempted to call Devin on his cell phone, but he had not picked up and that was what worried her the most. She walked passed the crowd looking for a group of people she could find comfort in. Anyone who would understand her feelings and provide some support for her own fears. She needed that the most right now.

She had moved out of the crowd to where a line of ambulances winded around the main entrance to the school building. And she had noticed a group of people she knew could help her get through this.

Friends she had come to appreciate for what they had done, not only for her as an individual, but for the city as a whole, the Power Rangers. She slowly approached them, hoping not to intrude or be rude about entering their world.

By the ambulance, the teens had stood in complete silence for a long time. They had not said anything or as much as mutter a word as they watched their science teacher being patched up by one of the paramedics. Hands intertwined tightly with his wife, the P.E. teacher had been dropping tears for a long time.

Trent had been holding onto Kira for some time, who almost seemed like she was in a trance over what had happened only an hour ago. She was just as pale and white as any of them there, being in the heart of the gunmen's attacks. His own shirt had been stained by Dr. Oliver's blood as he tried to push away the thoughts of what had happened minutes ago, but he couldn't.

He had left the rest of the team in the wake of hearing more gunshots echoing through the halls searching for their science teacher. He had followed a sight of blood on the ground leaving the main office outside. And he had frozen in fear when he had seen his science teacher in the wake of another gun leveled at him. Trent had snuck behind the assailant, finally realizing who it was, as he heard the conversation going on between the two men. The gunman had been Carl Lopez, Kim's ex-boyfriend who had taken her away from Tommy years ago.

So, sneaking by, he dropped his chameleon powers and attacked the man. Dr. Oliver had grabbed ahold of the gun as they began to wrestle over its control. But he lost his step, thrown away, and was in the wake of a deadly blow. But by that time, Trent had the gun his science teacher had tucked away, and his mind just stopped. He had no idea what had happened. He just remembering hearing a gunshot go off, his entire body tensed as it hit the back of the gunman. Then Carl had turned to him, a fury unlike any he could have seen in his own fear as the gun was now pointing at him.

But Dr. Oliver had quickly recovered and took down Carl before he could fire the gun. And as they continued to wrestle on the ground, another gunshot rang in Trent's head. And for a moment, he watched as neither of the two men had moved. The moments felt like years, but the science teacher had slowly gotten off the other man rolling Carl over to his back, only to see him swimming in his own pool of blood. Carl Lopez was dead.

And the next Trent could remember was having a set of arms wrap tightly around him from his science teacher as tears rolled down both of their eyes. Trent had to admit that Dr. Oliver had been like the father he almost wished he had despite the one had started to build with Anton.But Dr. Oliver had been there for him in the last few months helping him cope with the tragic of seeing in father in his current state; as Mesogog and now struggling with his life to survive in a hospital bed. Not only Dr. Oliver, but his wife as well and little Serena he had to admit was like the little sister he longed to have. He was after all an only child, which made life a little better but also very lonely from time to time.

Things had changed so dramatically in the last few months, if not two years he had been here in Reefside, and he could not take away any of the memories. Any of them except for this one. He longed to forget this one, but he knew, as did everyone, that this was one that will forever scar his heart and mind.

The paramedic had made some final touch ups for the science teacher. He patted him on the shoulder letting a little smile pass his lips. "You're a very lucky man, Dr. Oliver. I don't know what the count is for injuries or deaths, but you're one of the lucky ones."

Tommy let out a breath as he nodded, thanking the other man for patching him up. He turned to look at his students, who had all fallen silent in the aftermath of the tragedy. But he had not gotten a chance to say much of anything when he felt the warm, comforting lips of his wife lay on his own lips. Lost in the kiss, the two had let passion, relief and other emotions mix in the kiss as it finally broke and Kim pushed herself closer to her husband.

The teens had been in their own thoughts about the entire thing. However, in the wake they had not quite noticed the other teen approaching them. Clearing her throat and catching their attention, the emotions spun and Cassidy Cornell had collapsed into Ethan's arms as tears fell from her eyes.

At first, the teen in blue had no idea how to react about the gesture, but could only wrap his arms around her trying to be a comfort. But he, himself, had been just as scared and freaked about the entire thing.

The events of the day's activities had gone through his head like rapid fire. He remembered reflecting with his friends at a picnic table in the early morning hours, heading to his math class for the final time, watching the news segment. He saw the goodbyes and shout-outs made by the senior class and several staff members. He had made it through his morning classes with some ease, but as he had been walking the halls with his science teacher and two best friends, minus Conner, things just went wrong.

He heard the sound of two loud bangs as if it was a dream.

And he remembered racing around the corner, only to see a spray of his peers on the ground screaming and shouting in fear. In the middle of it was a figure dressed from head to toe in black, his face covered by a ski mask, a gun in his hands.

And he just froze with fear.

"On the floor now!" the gunman demanded as more people sunk lower to the ground.

And he just didn't know how to react. He felt his heart literally stop in his chest, then run at a speed so fast he felt like it would just jump right out. Yet, besides the freaked out thoughts of seeing a gun, he held some dignity and strength. He had taken a step forward, using himself as a shield for Kira, just as Trent did. Not that he knew Kira could hold her own in a battle, it was merely a brother looking out for his sister sorta thing.

He just could not believe it, though. He didn't know how to react or what exactly to do. He only remembered that his science teacher was not backing down, was not following in on the rules and wanted to make sure that everyone got out of there safe and sound. Dr. Oliver was merely pulling the back up aspects of what made him a hero. And Ethan had wished he could have been a whole lot stronger about the situation, but he just wasn't.

And when the assailant had gone on, asked the science teacher where is back up was, he had backed down just like Kira and Trent. They were vulnerable to the sight of the gun. They knew what it was packing, and at such a close range could kill them instantly upon impact. He had thought about his future, knowing he had a bright one. But it was still full of mystery.

And after these past two years of being a Power Ranger, he had almost wished he wasn't a hero in that way. He had hoped that this was all one big dream, but it wasn't. It was a reality. He watched his science teacher continue to reason with the assailant, the gun leveled right at his chest. And Ethan's heart just sunk even more. He couldn't afford to see his mentor get shot down like that, if he did, but he just couldn't move.

This wasn't like saving a city or protecting the civilians from evil. It was a whole other thing. Or at least it felt that way. When he had seen Conner and Coach round the corner, hearing his P.E. teacher scream, his heart lurched in his chest. He didn't know what to do. But with Conner's quick witted skills, he had pushed himself, acting as a shield, over the pregnant teacher and hit the ground.

Then his science teacher had raced over, trying to pry the gun away. But it was a sheer struggle over the control of it. The assailant had gone on and said that there will never be heroes to save those who live a hard life. That the Power Rangers themselves were not worthy of anything. But they weren't the best. No one was perfect. No one could change everything in the world. And then...

BAM!

Ethan thought he was sitting outside of himself at that moment. He, himself, felt dead. Like no one had really existed around him. His mind a complete blank, in a void. And he watched as his science teacher finally stirred, shaken, he could tell. But it just happened so fast. Dr. Oliver had leveled the gun and fired two shots above him and his friends/teammates.

That's when they had noticed the other gunman in the hallway as he hit the ground beside them. Blood streamed out of his wounds as they slowly backed away. And just as quickly, he and his two teammates had raced over to their mentor just as Conner and Coach followed suit. But it was like whatever came out of his mouth just didn't seem to make any sense to him. He was just glad it was over. Right? It had to have been.

But the other assailant had gone off and said that there were more around the school. That's when his heart shook with more fear. There were more people around the school with guns? And as Dr. Oliver had demanded to know how many and where the assailant had been, the assailant had not said much to help them. And right before their eyes, only a few feet away, he had slit his throat right in front of them, hitting the artery that would kill him instantly.

He just wanted to vomit right there on the floor. He didn't know what had happened after that except that gunshots rang through the school, and Trent had offered his own expertise in cloaking himself to find their science teacher. Trying to be strong, he and Conner had stayed behind to comfort Coach and Kira.

Then he had remembered being escorted by a S.W.A.T. guy out of the building and over to an ambulance where Dr. Oliver had already been starting to get patched up. Locked up in his thoughts, he had not said or could really say anything. He didn't know what to say. Couldn't figure out what he could really say. Then he had heard someone clear their throat and Cassidy had fallen into his embrace as tears streaked her face.

"How could something like this happen?" the science teacher spoke quietly as he rubbed the side of his chest. He winced under the impact as his fingers ran over his soft spot from the wound. "Why do people do this sorta thing?" He turned to look at the news reporter still locked in Ethan's embrace trying to find some comforting words for the teen. "I'm sure Devin wasn't caught up in the mayhem of the actual shooting, Cassidy. But, not that I'm trying to sound rude, but has the police reported anything about deaths or injuries?"

The teen finally pulled her head away from Ethan's shoulder as she cleared her tears trying to control her composure. She shook her head as she caught her breath. "They won't release that information to anyone until they are certain they know the right numbers."

Trent and Kira had reached over to grasp each shoulder of the news reporter providing their own comfort for her. Soon, they found themselves being wrapped into a huge group hug which had included both teachers as they tried to find some comforting words. But they just couldn't. But being in the company of each other was enough to say that they were all right.

Well, for the most part. There were a few missing pieces to the puzzle of their friendship.

The science teacher looked around as he raised his eyebrow scratching his head. "Have any of you guys seen Conner? I thought he was right here."

Trent began to say that Conner was behind him but when he had turned around the red dino ranger was not there. He was nowhere in sight for as far as they could tell.

"But he was right here," Kira spoke quietly as concern fell over her face about her friend in red. She turned back to the main entrance of the building shaking her head. "You don't think he went back in there to look for Krista, do you?"

Trent had pulled her along, making only one conclusion as the two were obviously thinking the same thing. They had to find their friends and hope that for the most part, they wouldn't be finding anymore painful things in their wake.

XXXXXXXXXX

Conner had absently slipped out of the grieving and sorrow that filled the circle of his friends. He had to admit he didn't know how to react. He was doing fine before the tragedy happened earlier that day. He was hoping it would end in happiness, relief and thoughts of freedom coming so close. But now, it seemed like those feelings didn't even exist. He didn't know what they were.

The events of the past day filled his head like a broken record, making his steps falter just a little. It was supposed to be a happy day. It was supposed to. It was a day they wouldn't forget, just because it was their final day as high school students. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It wasn't supposed to be this way.

Earlier in the day, he had told his P.E. teacher that he would like to hang out with her at lunch, talk to her on a one-on-one private basis. It had to do with love. It had to do with relationships. Some personal things that he felt he could discuss with her. And when he had talked to her, she always gave him advice he could understand. And he had felt better about the whole situation. Most of it had to do with Krista, and he found that Coach was the right person to go to about his problems or concerns about his girlfriend and their relationship. He had remembered they would be meeting the science teacher, Kira, Trent and Ethan over in Dr. Oliver's classroom for one final private Ranger lunch. But that's when things seemed to go wrong. For a long time, he felt his stomach churn as if something wrong was going on. He had entered the building with Coach, only to see it literally completely empty.

He had asked the P.E. teacher about it, but she had no straight answers herself. And when he had rounded the corner, his stomach had lurched, making him sick. His heart had stopped and he had seen a man in black attire with a ski mask on who was leveling a gun at his science teacher's chest.

At first, he thought it was some sorta act, but as he looked at the tears and fear of his fellow classmates, he knew that it wasn't. And the entire time, he had sworn he had heard the on-going screaming of fear from the falcon and crane, the very spirits that combined his teachers together in unique ways. He had gotten used to it, but this time it was far more fearful, scared, and painful.

This wasn't a dream, and when Kim had screamed out her husband's name, it had freaked out the assailant. He turned and fired the gun, but Conner was a whole step faster. The world around him slowed down and he watched the bullet break free from the barrel heading their way, slowly. With his skills with super speed, at that moment, he was so glad to have them. He used himself as a shield and pushed Kim out of harm's way as they hit the ground moments before the bullet had struck the wall where they had stood.

He didn't even know how to react after that. He had heard the assailant, watched as his mentor had wrestled with the gunman to get the gun. The assailant had used psychological means to disrupt the teacher, and it had finally hit home when the gunman had said something about the Power Rangers. He was talking about how they were no heroes to the reality of violence on the streets. To the fact, all they could do was protect the city from the harm of evil beings and grotesque monsters. His heart had stopped at that moment when he watched as his science teacher had pushed his own weight against the gunman, forcing them to the ground. And then...

BOOM!

He felt like his entire spirit had jumped out of his body as he watched with tear-streaked eyes at the motionless figures on the ground. It felt like ages, but the science teacher had finally stirred, caked in blood as he moved just as quick, letting the gun he now held in his hand fire two more rounds as it struck another gunman that loomed over his best friends.

The gunman was down, but not officially out and he had raced over with the P.E. teacher to the aid of the science teacher, who seemed just as freaked and confused as any of them. Conner had not expected to see a gun in the possession of his mentor at all, but he was sorta glad that this mayhem was over as some relief fell over him.

But the other gunman had said there were more of them out there. And that's when his heart sunk even more. Conner didn't want to believe that. There were more of them in the school? How many more? And where was Krista? Why were they doing this? Far too many questions went flying through his head and he just couldn't figure out why or shut them down.

Then the assailant had barked out something else, but Conner didn't catch it as he watched the shiny blade swing in his hand. And only a few feet before them, he and the other dino rangers had watched as the other gunman had taken his own life before them. His stomach sunk as he felt a glance from Trent. He could only look at him with some shock, but turned away and could find no words to say.

His throat burned with dryness as he tried to wet his mouth, but it was just too dry. It hurt to think. It hurt to move. It hurt to do anything right now, but somehow his legs were pulling him absently through the halls trying to find something.

A few bodies were sprayed around him...victims. Death all around him. He never felt so cold. Nameless figures, but not that any of them were important. They all had lives. They all had futures. And it was taken away at the hands of some psychotic bunch of gunmen who wanted attention...or revenge. He may never know.

It had created rage in the very depths of his body. If he would have, he would have gladly taken his own life just to have these people live. And that's when he had seen it. Racing over at a speed his dino powers didn't set, he had came crashing to his knees collecting the motionless body into his arms. His entire frame a shrug of emptiness as waterfalls fell down his eyes.

XXXXXXXXXX

Trent and Kira had casually stepped into the school, but once they had gotten in, they had not realized the damage done to it. The floors were caked with debris from the bullet-shot walls and blood. A few empty body bags laid throughout their path.

And it made Kira's stomach lurch again as she doubled over, wanting to throw up. But Trent had grabbed her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, the other around her waist as he gave her some added support.

"Why do people do this!" she nearly cried as her eyes welt with tears again.

Trent could only shake his head as he looked around, seeing the empty body bags throughout the hall. How many people died? Were there more assailants than he had thought? There should have only been ten of them. No more. But maybe even less. He had no answers as he pulled his girlfriend into a hug.

Kira had wrapped her arms tightly around Trent as some relief fell over her. But as she kept looking at the bright side of the situation, the tragic events of the day played through her head like a broken record.

The news segment had hit home and it was hard to make it through the morning up until lunch time. She had been hanging out with Ethan and Trent for some time before they were gonna hit up Dr. Oliver and have one final Ranger lunch in his classroom as students at the school. It was going well, aside from the sinking feeling about leaving.

She had not realized that there were a lot of things she would be leaving behind. She had even thought long and far into the future. Like if she had to give up her rangers powers. She didn't know if she could do that. She didn't know if she was ready to close this chapter of her life.

But then something just happened. Almost like heightened senses, or seeing quickly into the future, she swore she saw a guy dressed from head to toe in black, a ski mask covering his face, was terrorizing her fellow students.

Then she heard the backfire of a gun. She knew that sound from anywhere. She knew exactly how a gun sounded as she raced around with her team to see right before them a man with a gun.

He had barked out an order for everyone to get on the ground, and people had followed suit. But somehow, she didn't want to back down. She wasn't supposed to. She knew all about sacrifice, taking chances and risks, looking death and danger in the eyes and proving she could overcome any of them. And here she was looking at it again, but somehow things were different.

This reality had shook her more to the core. Trent and Ethan had put themselves before her just as their science teacher had put himself before them as a shield. This was a reality that had more haunting scars than ever fighting 30-story high monsters. But somehow, she couldn't put her foot on it and figure out why it was this way. She just felt her heart literally stop.

She had watched as Dr. Oliver had tried every reason, not acting as a threat, to get the gunman to drop the weapon, but he had not. And then she had heard footsteps and saw two more people come into the hallway. It was Conner and Coach. And after that time just slowed down. The P.E. teacher had screamed out her husband's name and the gunman turned around -- almost caught off-guard -- and fired the gun. But Conner was one step ahead as he tossed her to the ground and used himself as a shield. That's when Dr. Oliver had raced over trying to wrestle the gun out of the hands of the assailant but it didn't budge.

The assailant had gone on and said some more words to disrupt the psyche of the science teacher, but the moment the words 'Power Rangers' came out of the gunman's mouth, it struck a chord in Kira. She had heard the whole thing as if in a dream. They were no heroes, but only protectors against monsters and evil sorcerers. They couldn't save the city or nation from the on-going violence in their own backyard; drive-by shootings, highway chases, robberies, etc. She had never felt so helpless as a person. She wasn't perfect. They weren't perfect. Everyone made mistakes, everyone had to fall in order to get back up and learn again.

And that's when time had stopped when she watched as the science teacher and gunman hit the ground.

BOOM!

Motionless, tears welt in her eyes. Was her mentor dead? But he had finally stirred and she had no idea as he raised the gun, now in his hands, over her head and fired. Her heart stopped as she almost thought he was freaking out, needing to get out his anger and rage by firing the gun. But she heard a groan and a cry of pain behind her and watched as another gunman had hit the ground beside her. Trent and Ethan had quickly put themselves between the gunman and herself, but they were just as freaked to see the other gunman. They had no idea he was looming over them. The trio had shook the thoughts away as they raced over to the shaken science teacher. The questions raced through her head, but none of it seemed to make any sense to her. She was just glad it was over.

Or was it? She watched as the gunman that Dr. Oliver had shot pulled himself across the ground, grabbing the science teacher's leg. He had gone on to say there were more of them in the school. That they were not alone and the battle was still going on. Dr. Oliver demanded to know where and how many more, but the gunman refused.

And then he had pulled the knife, the science teacher twisted out of the grip, only realizing that it wasn't intended for him. And only a few feet away, Kira had watched with her dino thunder teammates the other gunman take his own life when he slit his throat. Her stomach lurched as she felt the bile fill her esophagus, burying her face into the chest of her boyfriend as the tears soaked up his shirt.

She had no idea what was going on after that, only that once she heard gunshots echo through the halls again, Trent had offered his own sacrifice to seek out where their science teacher had gone. He had moved away from them several minutes ago, but the fact of being left in the wake of the death of two gunman made her stomach sink even more.

Conner had been a watchful eye for her as he let his embrace melt into hers as they waited for the news. Not that they had some sparks fly between them at that moment, they were just glad, as any of them there, to be alive.

She hung in silence by the ambulance as she watched the paramedic patch up her science teacher. It struck her with some shock to see the teacher had gotten hit in the first place, but was glad to find out that he was going to be okay. That he was alive and kicking it. Now, here she was entering the halls again looking for her best friend in the star soccer player. Feeling a warm brush of her boyfriend's lips on her own, she had shot back into reality, trying to focus on the task at hand. They had to find their friend and hope that they wouldn't find anymore in their wake.

Police and S.W.A.T. team members had already moved to take some of the body bags out of the school, Kira holding onto Trent even more. It was one thing to protect people from 30-story monsters, but this was a whole other thing. Something, she and Trent had wished would have gone better.

Kira froze for a moment as she had noticed one of the body bags had been stuffed with another body. As she moved over to get a better look, she swore that she was dead. Covering her mouth, her eyes welting with more tears she had called Trent over to her. "Trent? ... Is that who I think it is?"

The teen in white had slowly and cautiously walked over to her as she loomed over the body bag. And that's when he felt his knees lock once again as he tried to stand up, but now had to lean against Kira for support. Out of all the victims to the shooting, one name...many names weren't supposed to be on the death list. But apparently, this was one of them.

XXXXXXXXXX

Several weeks ago.

After the final envelope was sealed and stuffed into the package with the zip file full of pictures, the entire yearbook staff had all let out a breath with satisfaction. They were done. They had completed the very last pages for the yearbook before it would be sent off and set for final publications.

"So, how do you guys feel?" Ms. Obie asked as she watched shoulders drop from the tense moment.

"Great that it's finally over," John said with a nod as he patted his friend Caleb on the shoulder.

"I hear you on that, man," Caleb nodded.

"Even though you guys didn't have a whole lot to do this final deadline?" Anika asked with a raised eyebrow.

"All that matters is that it is done. And as done as we could get it. I mean, it won't be completely perfect. But it's pretty damn close," Dr. Oliver nodded as he rolled slightly on the stool he sat on. "Capturing the year like this wasn't an easy task to do, and with all the changes we've made since last year, this will be definitely be worth all of our time and effort."

Being the bunch they were, the students of the yearbook staff had gone on to reflect and bag on the worser times in the class. But they did it. It was complete. This year had been collected up in a book to present to the rest of the school.

XXXXXXXXXX

Blinking slowly, Trent had felt his entire world come crashing down on him. This could not be happening. It had to be a dream. It had to be just some bad nightmare that he longed to wake up from. But it wasn't. He wanted to gag. He wanted to just punch a wall. Kill someone, those who... wait, they were already dead as far as he could tell. His entire being shook with fear as he tried to make sense of what was going on. But it was a reality. It was the truth.

In one of those black body bags was Ms. Obie. The heart of keeping the memories alive at Reefside High. Though, she, herself, was not exactly wanting to do a class like yearbook in the first place, she had only done it for the students in the class. For the members of the team who would captured the moments of this year, if not the past few years. Now, it was gone. Her own future was taken away. Thrown away with the memories of the year. She was dead. Dead. A word that shook everyone in that school more on this day than on any other day the Power Rangers were out there saving the world. This was a new reality to everyone at Reefside High. What made it worse was trying to figure out how to cope with the mayhem. To look beyond all the mistakes and try to find a brighter future. Right now, it seemed no future could ever be bright, for anyone whoever stepped into the halls of Reefside High School.

No one could look at the day of May 20th, 2005 and say it was a happy day. No. It was not at all. Not after such a tragedy as this.

Then they heard some sorta cry, maybe a mournful cry, that rocketed through the hall. And it was followed closely after by a mix of the roar of the tyranno zord and a faint cry of the ape. It made their knees lock as they raced around the corner and saw Conner McKnight embracing something in his arms up the hall.

Only looking at each other briefly, they raced up the hall, but were stopped by another figure. It was Devin, his face and life were drained of any color. His clothes were stained in blood as he shook his head. The two rangers asking him if he had gotten shot, but he had not. He was merely trying to save a life, but there was just no chance at all. Tears seemed to streak his face as he tried to keep his composure and figure out exactly what had happened that day. But he seemed just as lost about the entire situation as any of them.

"Devin what happened?" Trent asked as he tried to keep his cool. But his heart was racing at a hundred miles per hour over the thought of what he would find up the hall. Another dead body. And not just any...

The teen known as the expert cameraman of the school shook his head as he turned away. "It all happened so fast. I don't know how... I was in the AV room when I heard lots of screaming and noise. ..." he was stammering over his words, trying to stay calm. "Then I heard a gun go off several times, and Krista hit the ground. I rushed over..."

And as he spoke those words, it pierced through all of their hearts. No one had expected it. No one could have really done anything to stop them since they were unarmed themselves.

Kira had offered her condolences as the other teen shook with more fear, collapsing into the arms of the independent singer. Trent had wrapped his arms around both of them knowing that Devin couldn't really say anymore with the painful memories of the event playing through his head. And he just wanted to get out of there. He just wanted to forget any of this ever happened like the rest of them. But it was so hard to do.

"Did she say anything before she...?" Trent asked as the trio had broke the warm and comforting hug.

Devin wiped away his face and let out a breath. "'Tell everyone I'll miss them greatly. And tell Conner I will always love him.' Then her eyes just fluttered shut and..."

The duo of rangers had silenced him before allowing him to speak again. They knew it was far too painful to recall anymore than that, so they had not wanted to drive it out of him. And they knew he was in desperate need to get out of there, find some freedom of getting out of that building and find his girlfriend.

"She's outside with Dr. Oliver, Coach and Ethan by one of the ambulances," Kira said before pulling the teen into another hug. "Will you be all right?"

Devin shook his head, but then nodded it. But had to turn away as he fought to push back the tears that wanted to form in his eyes. "I don't know. I hope so."

"We'll help each other get through this. We all will," Trent tried to sound reassuring. He had always found Devin a little on the weird side, especially during his hunt with Cassidy over the identity of the White Ranger -- himself. But never had anything against him, especially since he had beaten Ethan at his own master game of Demolition Man months ago. And he knew, just like any of them, they all needed to help each other get through this.

"Thanks, man. Tell Conner that I'm truly sorry about Krista..." Devin began to say, but was cut off by Kira.

"You did all you could have done. Just know that you're a hero for that, Devin," the yellow ranger spoke.

Devin allowed a small smile pass his face before embracing his friends in one last hug and raced out of there, trying to push away as much of the painful memories as he could. But he knew as did any of them that it would take some time to get over this. He could only hope, as any of them, that it would just end as soon as possible.

Trent and Kira had slowly moved up the hall to where the red dino ranger had seemed to melt into a state of fear, sadness, emptiness and a new line of mixed feelings. But none of them were happy, and they both knew that. They both knew he was struck down. He wouldn't be able to get up from this without help from his friends. And was gonna take a lot of will-power to get him up off the ground and back into the reality of life. Whatever reality that really was at the moment.

Standing a few feet before Conner and the motionless body in his arms, the two other dino rangers couldn't find any words to say. Their eyes welt with more tears as they tried to make sense of what was going on. They wanted to just close their eyes and hope to God that it was just a dream. That this was no reality at all. Any of this, let alone seeing the dead and injured people.

Crashing into the ground, the two rangers had pulled their leader into their arms trying to comfort him. He tried to push them away, just to be alone with the girl he had loved with his whole heart, but they had refused. They may have been boyfriend and girlfriend, but Krista Johnson was also a close friend to the team. They held onto him, despite the motionless body between all of them, they had not wanted to let go of their friend. He needed their comfort. Their strength and sympathy over the entire situation. And it wasn't going to be easy, but they didn't want to give up on him.

Conner's entire body had just shut down. At that moment, he felt like he didn't know how it was like to breathe. To move. To think. To feel. All of his senses had gone numb as he tried to fill the emptiness that now seemed to cut through his heart. It could never be healed, and he knew that. He could feel it.

Nothing else seemed to matter. The tears just continued to fall. His two best friends had been right at his side, holding onto him, comforting him as he held the motionless body in his arms.

A life that wasn't supposed to hit the darkness this soon. A life that had a bright and wonderful future. A life that had a man who cared about her in ways no normal guy could. She had looked beyond his figure of being a jock. Gave him a chance and a relationship. She wanted to make a difference in the world, let her thoughts and good-will spread through it. She was also intelligent, funny, and a slew of other feelings and descriptions that made her so unique. For awhile, she had not judged or could have imagined her boyfriend was one of the world famous Power Rangers, and for awhile it crushed their relationship, but they had gotten out of it. They fixed their differences and it brought them closer as lovers and friends. But, now it was gone.

Time had just stopped. And the future he thought he, Conner McKnight, could have shared with her was now gone. His girlfriend for not even a full year in Krista Johnson was dead. Dead when he had gotten to the scene. And probably a long time ago when the shooting took place. She was gone and he wasn't there to hear her dying words. To possibly turn back the hands of time, and replay those moments. He would have gladly allowed his life to be taken over hers. He wanted to do it now. He had seen and been through so much more than she did, and had not deserved this. No one did.

"Why? Why did this have to happen?" Conner continued to cry, continued to question why she was laying motionless in her arms. Trying to talk to her, hoping it was just some twisted joke she decided to pull on him, but it wasn't. She was in fact gone.

Trent had confirmed it when he reached over to her neck trying to feel a pulse. Nothing. Not even a faint beat. He placed a hand on her back hoping to feel her breathing, but nothing. She was gone. She truly was gone. She was dead. "I'm so...no, we're so sorry, Conner. We really are."

Conner had looked up as the fiery heat of anger, rage, sadness and other feelings danced in his eyes. He was in pain. Sheer pain and hurt that no one may not be able to get him out of. They knew he will forever be scarred, even changed by this event, but his friends weren't gonna let that stop him at all. "Sorry! You're sorry? Krista is dead. She is dead, damn it! And she won't be coming back. If I could have been with here earlier, none of this would have happened..."

"No, but that could be you wrapped in her arms dead or either dying," Kira had to force out, trying to keep her tears back. She had to be strong for him. Tell him that things would be okay and that they could get through all of this, if they allow each other to help the other out in all of this. "Do you know what her last set of words were, Conner? She said, 'Tell everyone I will miss them greatly. And tell Conner I will always love him.' Don't get me wrong, Conner. I feel for you. I do. Krista is dead, but you gotta move on. She would have wanted that for any of us here."

"What do you guys know about death! You have each other," Conner growled as he pushed his friends back. "You guys can live happily ever after. I lost one of the most important things in my life..."

"Conner, my father is struggling with his life in a hospital bed!" Trent stated feeling some heat and pain escape his lips. It had been nearly a week since the final battle, and there had been no progress on his father's condition. And he was getting more worried about it. "And don't think this is gonna be one happy ending for us, 'cuz it ain't. It won't be. It never will be. But we are here for each other. We still care about you, Conner. We want to help you get through this..."

Conner had shoved Trent to the ground, his own frustration, anger and mixed feelings danced in his head. Nothing seemed to be making sense to him at all. All that seemed to be going on in his head was that his girlfriend was dead. And here he was holding her lifeless form in his arms trying to tell himself that it was a dream. But he had to break out of this state and just accept it. A small part of him told him that. "Don't even bother with me right now, rich boy!"

"Conner!" Kira nearly screamed as she turned the red dino ranger to look at her. "We know you're hurting! We know you're crushed! Okay? We know! We wouldn't have come back into this building if we didn't care. If we didn't want to help you cope or any of that, we would have just waited on you to just come out. But we didn't. And you know why? We want to help you. Don't worry. This is a tragedy to all of us. It is..."

"She wasn't supposed to die," Conner cried as he lowered his head to the cold one of his girlfriend's. Looking down, she had been shot nearly three times as far as he could tell. One in the arm, one on the leg and one to the stomach. But her entire being had literally been caked with blood. And despite the red soccer jersey Conner was wearing, it was stained with her blood. The only thing that wasn't bloody was her face, which only looked pale and drained.

"Of course not. No one should truly die unless it was really their time to go," Trent stated as he tried to find some dignity to keep his head high about this situation. "And it wasn't for her, but she would have wanted you to move on. That is nothing new to anyone. You can mourn, you can sympathize, and go through a whole lot of other emotions, but eventually you got to move on. You just have to. It's the best thing anyone could do after something like this. Look back on the good memories you had with her, Conner. Don't dwell on the bad."

"But she is gone," Conner whispered quietly. But he was beginning to see eye-to-eye with his friends. But right now, he didn't want to even though they were trying to help him.

"We know. And we're sorry. We are here with you for this, Conner. We won't let this tear you down because it does hurt. I know. Keep your head up, Conner. You have to," Kira said more calmly watching as his shoulders dropped from their tense position.

"I'm not trying to bring back bad memories, but for awhile, I was in pain over the death of my parents. But now, when I look back on it, I look at the good things, at being happy and at peace with it, just knowing that I will see them again some day. I know I will. And I know they're like angels helping out others and looking over me. And I am sure Krista will do the same thing," Trent said with a gentle smile.

It fell silent as the red dino ranger slowly loosened the grip around his girlfriend. It shook him to the core that she was gone. There was no doubt about that, but he had to move on. He had to be the stronger one in this and push on. Look at the good memories he shared with her and take the advice of his friends. They were here to help him. They wanted to help him.

A police officer had casually walked over to the teens, telling them it was time to go. That they needed to clear up the hall and get everyone out of the building before they make one final scan of any survivors, and dead, to report. Trent and Kira had slowly pulled their friend to his feet. But for a long time, he had still carried the motionless body in his arms. Laying one final kiss on her head, and for his own sake one against her cold lips.

But then he had turned to look at his friends and teammates as he held the body in his arms. The very words that struck him to the core as a Power Ranger shook him up. They were no heroes at this moment. They were merely human beings with lives just like anyone else, and they had failed. They were not perfect. They just weren't.

"Could you give us a few moments?" Trent had asked the police officer.

The man nodded slowly as he took a step back. "Sure. I'll be checking the rest of the building, but I expect you guys to be out of here when I return."

The teens had thanked the man and watched him head up the hall. Trent and Kira had fallen silent as they watched their leader pull up his bracelet, watching it change into his morpher. For a moment, they were confused at his gesture, not quite sure what he was getting at with it, but knew what it meant.

"This is for Krista. For all the lives lost after this tragic event," he spoke quietly.

"We're not perfect. No one is," Kira nodded as she had followed suit watching as her gem had changed into her ptera morpher.

"We may be Power Rangers. But we're also human. And that's what the world needs to see," Trent let out a breath as he followed suit, his drago morpher revealed.

And as one, they had turned and headed up the hall. As they walked, their civilian forms were dropped and they all stood in their ranger suits, heading into the light of day. The motionless body of Krista Johnson rested in the arms of the red tyranno ranger.

XXXXXXXXXX

Meanwhile, during the silence that fell over the two teachers, the computer gamer and the news reporter, something seemed to disturb the black dino thunder ranger. He heard a faint cry in his head. A cry from the tyranno and a faint one from the ape that now resided in the red dino thunder ranger. He tried to shake it away as he let out a breath trying to make sense of what was going on. The way it had sounded was of pain, a mournful cry unlike any he had heard. And his shoulders sunk. It only meant one thing as far as he could tell. Krista Johnson, Conner's girlfriend, was dead.

He rubbed his head gently as he turned to look at the blue dino ranger who was still holding the stricken Cassidy in his arms. He knew, as did Ethan, what had happened. They could hear it and sense it with this new unique bond they shared as dino rangers. It was almost like the same feelings and connections the science teacher had shared with his fellow Ninjetti Rangers.

Then they heard footsteps, hearing the name of Cassidy peak out over the running. And with a tear-stained face, she had looked up to see Devin running their way, his clothes were drained in blood. She had raced into his arms as her boyfriend held her closely. Relief had fallen over the two teachers and computer gamer as Ethan had moved closer to his science teacher's side. It was clear that this was bothering him just as much as anything else.

"Do you hear what I hear, Dr. O?" Ethan asked not wanting to sound like a complete idiot. "This whole new spiritual bond... or whatever it is... with Conner? And even Kira and Trent?"

The science teacher nodded slowly as he looked over at the teen in blue. "I do, Ethan. And it isn't a good cry, either. I know Conner's hurting right now, and he needs his friends to help him cope with what he just discovered."

"When you know all about loss -- have gone through it -- you finally realize that life has to be cherished in new ways," the P.E. teacher had said sorta absently. If they weren't mistaken, they knew that she could hear it, too. With her short time as a dino ranger, she was still apart of their bond. It wasn't as strong, since she didn't have the gem in her possession, but it was enough to say it was there. She had heard the faint cry of the tyranno. "That the time you have is precious no matter how little there is of it."

Then muttering and confusion fell over some of the police officers that exited the building. Catching the attention of the two teachers and computer gamer, they turned to the main entrance to see three people donned in the colors of the dino thunder rangers walking out.

In the arms of the red tyranno ranger was a motionless form that sent more tears to the trio by the ambulance. This motionless form was none other than Krista Johnson, the red tyranno ranger's girlfriend. A body bag had been set a few feet before them as the red dino ranger placed it into the bag before them. The white drago and yellow ptera ranger stood over him, their shoulders dropping with more sympathy and sadness.

"Thank you, Krista, for everything you've given to me as a friend and lover. I love you with all my heart. I'll see you on the other side," he whispered quietly. For a moment, he had not moved, looking at the body. But with enough strength, and help from his two teammates, he rose to his feet.

And they had turned briefly to the trio at the ambulance. But had not said anything. The suits and gesture they had made was enough to tell them exactly what they were thinking.

They were not perfect. They were not God. They were merely human beings. And they could only do so much before it comes tumbling down. Then the trio of suited rangers had turned away and disappeared into the shadows as the computer gamer and science teacher had followed suit. In silence, the five rangers stood as their mentor had offered one last request of them before they left the area.

He had pulled his morpher out as Ethan had done the same, and the duo had joined their teammates as they suited up in their protective ranger forms.

As one, the five rangers had emerged from the shadows and walked out into the opening where many police officers, paramedics and lingering students and staff of the school. And to pay their own condolence and respect, the five rangers had showed their spirited kata for all to see. A tribute, one could say, to the victims and their families and falling to their knees before the police officers showing their vulnerablity to the entire situation. They were no Gods. They made mistakes. They could only do so much. They were after all only human beings, their spirits running freely through the physical normality of life. They were different, but not by much compared to the rest of the human race. And they wanted everyone to know that.

XXXXXXXXXX

One week later. May 27th, 2005, 8:30pm.

They could not believe it. The teens just could not believe it. It had been one week since the tragic events that hit Reefside High School, and they weren't even there for the past week. It was one of the longest and hardest weeks of their entire life. Shutting out nearly everyone, but each other, the four teens didn't seem to leave the others side one way or another. Ethan and Conner were hanging out like two brothers who couldn't seem to get tired of the other's company. Trent and Kira had been on each other's watchful eye the entire week. But during the night, the four teens would hang out in the Mercer homestead trying to cope with what had gone on.

Trent had also been at his father's side nearly day in and day out, talking to him about his day or almost questioning him about what had happened on Friday, May 20th, 2005 as if he could provide some answers for his son. But there was no progress. Anton Mercer had laid dorment and motionless on that bed with tubes and I.V.s entering into his body from several different angles. But there was no progress. The only things they could monitor were his heart beat, his brainwave patterns, his breathing, among other vitals.

The numbers weren't officially in about the deaths and injuries on the shooting, and that's what frustrated the teens even more. Keeping tabs with their science and P.E. teachers, neither of them could provide any information themselves. For the entire week, they had to go through a security check before entering school grounds as well as the building which at times was a very tedious process.

Lounging in the living room of the Mercer homestead, the four teens sat in silence for awhile. They had gotten better about the situation, about talking to each other and trying to get things back to normal. But it wasn't easy. They had to be careful about what they said or it could trigger more sadness in one or the other.

Yet, at that point it seemed like they wouldn't be able to get out of thinking about the sadness they had left in their hearts. It was something they were fighting to break away from, but it was not going away as quickly as they would have liked.

Finally breaking the silence, Trent cleared his throat as he looked up at each of his friends. "So, tomorrow is the big day."

After a brief silence, Kira had answered. "It is. And up to this point, I am not so sure I'm ready to do this. After waiting for it for so long, I almost feel like I no longer deserve this."

"I know. I mean, this entire week has been one of the hardest weeks I have been through," Ethan admitted as he lowered his head. "Has it really been a week since that happened?"

"Unfortunately, it has," Conner said sorta absently. It was clear that none of them could fill the gaping hole that laid in his heart. For a long time, he had not spoken to anyone but never said anything about their company. He was still trying to cope with the emptiness despite the talks he would have with his friends. He just didn't feel like the same. Up to this point, he never felt like a bigger failure in all of his life, and his friends had told him that he wasn't. Yet, somehow, he couldn't register what they were saying into his head.

Trent had turned to look at his leader in a red T-shirt and black sweat pants. "I know it hasn't been an easy week for you, Conner. But sometimes falling will help you become a stronger person in the future."

"And how long do you think that will be, Trent?" the teen in red asked as he looked up. His eyes began to water, but the tears didn't seem to fall.

"It's up to the individual," Ethan replied for the teen in white. "We can only give you advice about how to move on, but it is up to you to decide how you take our advice and apply it to your life. We're showing you the door, but you have to walk through it."

Conner had dropped his head as he began to think through the words of his friends. He knew they were helping him. He knew that they wanted to stop dwelling on his mistakes and failure. They wanted to break him open, push him back up to the Conner they knew. Not some mindless being who felt like he had no real point in living anymore. "It hurts. It just hurts so much."

"We know that, Conner. We know that you're fighting between these emotions. Trying to find yourself again. And it will never be the same. We got that, too. But look at everything we've already overcome. Look how far you have come as a person," Kira said.

Another silence fell over the teens. The blue, yellow and white dino rangers had exchanged a look before looking back over at their leader. Ever since that day, one week ago, each of them had suffered with the nightmares of it becoming another reality on graduation day. They had hoped that it wouldn't.

They had hoped that this was not going to get any worse than it was. They had hoped that by tomorrow, they could hold their heads high. Talk had gone on about the Power Rangers. Some of them were bad, most of it good. People had to comment over the display of respect the team had done for the victims, confused but respected their gesture. Others had gone on about what the gunmen babbled about as their place as heroes to the city versus the darkened alley of violence on the streets. There were so many things, but none seemed to be fully understood. And that's what was bothering them. They had to keep telling themselves they were human. That's what their mentor had told them over the course of the week since they had paid their tribute to the fallen students and staff at Reefside High.

After the silence had passed, Trent had changed subjects once again. Trying to push it more towards the excitement of the next day's festivities. "I hear that there is gonna be a special guest speaker as our commencement speaker tomorrow. Anyone have any idea who it is?"

Ethan thought for a moment. "I thought it was supposed to be Dr. O, or did he decline? Or wasn't Elsa supposed to do it?"

"Well, Elsa told me that they had to change the program. She won't be giving us the speech, she's still emotionally stricken by the events. Plus, her injury has her in that wheelchair for another good week or two so standing up or even giving a speech in her state, she felt it wouldn't be right. And I heard nothing about Dr. O doing it," the teen in white replied.

"Don't you have a speech to give, too?" Conner asked, the life of the jock was beginning to return to his voice. It had shock the other teens, but they had not commented on it. They were glad to hear more life returning to their leader.

Trent had looked away sorta blushing. He was not one who had really been big about doing the whole big public-speaking speech. But after Elsa had learned what had happened to Anton, going to visit on days she could, she felt that the teen needed to apeak to his fellow classmates about facing battles, beating darkness and other situations throughout his life. So, he had agreed. "Yeah, I do. And quite frankly, you guys know how I feel about speeches. I am not too big on them. I just hope I don't screw up too badly. It wasn't easy to write down what I was gonna say."

"Well, I'm sure it's good. I don't want to ruin the surprise and have you recite it for us now," Kira said as she patted his leg sending him some encouragement. "I'll wait until tomorrow."

Trent had looked away blushing again. It was not easy for him to come up with the right things to say, and since the events of what had happened the week before, he had changed much of the content. He even thought about admitting he was, in fact, the White Dino Ranger to his classmates, staff, family and friends tomorrow, but felt it wouldn't be a good thing, so he dropped that idea.

Ethan had scratched his head as he showed evidence that he was bothered by something else. His friends had looked over at him, wondering what was going on in his head. "I know that this is way off-topic, but is it just me, or does Coach look a little bit bigger than usual?"

"What do you mean?" Conner chuckled thinking that his friend in blue was thinking crazy.

Ethan had imitated the shape of their P.E. teacher as he created an imaginary dome over his stomach. And according to his gesture, it looked big enough to say that something was up. "Dude, I am serious. She looks like a balloon. Not that I'm trying to be mean. But she looks like she is gonna explode."

"Well..." Conner looked over at the teen in yellow. He had known, like any of them that Kira was the person to go to about the dirt on the condition of the pregnant former pink ranger. "What do you think, Kira? Lay it on us. You seem to know these types of answers."

Though Kira had to admit, she had shared a rather close-knit sisterly bond with the pregnant P.E. teacher, she had not talked much about the pregnancy with her. And from time to time, she would like to avoid pissing the teacher off more than she needed to. The downside to all of this was all of the raging hormones that ran through Coach's blood and knowing when to talk to her and how so she wouldn't blow up in your face. She could only shrug. She had no answers for them. "I don't know. I mean, I've noticed it myself actually, but I thought it was because she was small."

"But that big!" Ethan shook his head. "That's not normal. Either she is gonna have a really big baby, or we could be expecting twins."

"Twins!" the trio breathed as they raised their eyebrows with confusion. The trio exchanged a look before laughing.

"I'm serious. Have you seen her?" Ethan made the gesture of a huge dome over his stomach. "She is big."

The trio of rangers looked over at the blue dino ranger as he nodded his head. He was serious, and he wasn't gonna change his mind on it any time soon. They had exchanged another look before getting a little more serious themselves.

"Well, okay if they do have twins, do you think Dr. O knows about it?" Conner asked.

"I think he would have freaked out about it if he knew. So, I don't think he has any clue," Kira stated as she shook her head.

"Could you imagine if they did?" Trent breathed as he raised an eyebrow. "I mean, even Serena can be a hassle from time to time; but twins are a whole other thing."

"I think it would be cool, but do you remember Dr. O's initial reaction when he found out he had a kid? And if Coach knows about it, and hasn't told him yet, could you imagine how it's gonna be the day she goes into labor?" Ethan said.

The other teens shuddered. They all knew exactly how their science teacher could get sometimes. He was grumpy from time to time, not in any mood to talk to anyone, and other days he was laid back and cool. They almost swore he was bi-polar or something close to that nature, though they knew the type of stress he was going through. They were only surprised that he hadn't gone completely insane. And glad to have the original pink ranger to keep an eye on him. They didn't even want to really think about the day Kim falls into labor, but they could only hope that it would go as smoothly as possible, but they highly doubted it.

"So, tomorrow is the big day...any last confessions before we move onto a new chapter of our lives?" Ethan asked as he broke the silence of his friends.

"What is there to say? I mean, we have just been through a lot," Kira let out a breath.

"These last two years of our lives haven't been one of the easiest to face since we ever became juniors or seniors, let alone Power Rangers," Conner sighed as he dropped his head again. He seemed like he was going to shut himself out of the conversation again, but when he had looked up, his friends had not questioned his motives.

"We have gone through a lot of things," Trent had to agree as he let a breath escape his lips.

"I still cannot believe that we are apart of something as big as this legacy of super heroes, ya know," Ethan added as he began to reminisce over the last two years of his life. "Man, I can almost remember the very first day we got those dino gems."

"And we met Dr. O's wrath," Conner pointed out as he recalled the very day they had found the dino gems. "Remember, he didn't look very happy."

Ethan cringed as he sunk in his chair. He could never forget that. At first, he thought it was weird, yet cool that their new science teacher had taken him and two other students out to a museum for detention. Back then, he knew so little about Kira and Conner, and would never be caught in their presences, or at least they wouldn't in his. And now, two years down the road, they were literally inseparable. They were the best of friends. "Yeah, I swear he wanted to just kick our asses right there for intruding. I don't think I could ever forget that look in his eyes."

"Are you serious? I thought he was cool with it?" Trent asked. He was never fully answered about how his friends had gotten their powers, but knew that it had come from their science teacher. And some time later, Dr. O would join them as a member of the team, and then he would as soon as the evil spell was broken.

"Oh no. He was pissed off. We told him what happened with Kira when she got captured by the tyrannodrones and even showed him we had the gems in ours possession and he just freaked," Conner said.

"But he told us the deal with all those dino experiments he was working on, or at least most of them," Ethan shrugged.

Kira had to shudder at the thought of that day. She had not wanted anything more to do with Conner or Ethan after their little detention, nor the gem she held in her hands, so she had given it to Conner.

And she just walked off, only to be attacked by the tyrannodrones and taken away to the island fortress. Being the first to meet the very menace they would be going up against, she could never forget those memories. That though, she had not been harmed, she found herself safely out of the fortress and landing right on top of Dr. O's jeep. "Yeah, I don't want to go back to that day again."

Then a knock came to the door as Trent jumped over the couch to answer it. And as predicted, or as he had thought, their mentor had been standing there at the door. He had grasped his 'son' in a firm ranger handshake before stepping into the house and greeted his fellow teammates before moving across the room to the other side where he took a seat on an open lounge chair.

"Sorry, guys, I would have brought Kim along, but she was really tired," the science teacher said apologetically. "But shouldn't you guys be getting to bed? The big day is tomorrow."

The teens groaned as they shook their head. They knew he was going to ask that. Not only, from time to time, did he actually sound like father to them, they hated that he did.

"Dude, Dr. O, this is our last day to reminisce about all that has happened to us in the last two years," Conner said.

The science teacher raised an eyebrow as a serious look fell over his face. The teens fell silent, but relaxed when their mentor smiled and could only laugh. "So, is this what it is all about? Being up at a late hour to reflect on all that has happened to you?"

"Not just us, but with you, Dr. O," Kira added.

"And it's not that late," Ethan protested. "It's a little after 9:30pm."

"We were just talking about the first day we got our powers, and how you reacted when you found out we got them," Conner said as he watched their mentor cringe slightly.

"Yeah, don't remind me," Tommy shook his head as he looked at his former students. Yet, they would always be his students and he would be their mentor, he knew.

"Not that I'm trying to sound rude, Dr. O, but has it always been to your nature to be grumpy?" Ethan asked sorta cautiously hoping not to find his teacher lash out on him.

The black dino ranger could only shrug. "It depends mostly on the situation. I guess I should really think about what I say, but for a long time I have not had that many good days in my life. But I've gotten better about it."

"Yeah, because you finally got a girl in your life to keep you sane," Kira said. "Was this last day that bad on you guys?"

"If I would have, I would have left the school right along with the other students. Those meetings were driving me up the wall. They were all talking about the same things; how good the educationally system is, testings scores for the SATs, ACTs, and standardized state tests, safety precautions, and other pointless things. They even actually made the suggestion I open up a Martial Arts club, or even a school, during the summer for people to learn self-defense."

"Are you gonna do it, Dr. O? I mean, you said you wanted to actually open up a school of your own," Conner seemed rather anxious about it.

"You make that sound like you want to help me out with that?" Tommy raised an eyebrow as he looked at his fellow teammates.

The teens had exchanged a look. Over the course of the week, they got a real chance to look at their lives and what they wanted to do for the rest of the summer and upcoming school year. Though it was still in the process of being confirmed completely, they had all seemed to agree they would be taken at least a semester off before actually heading off to college.

"Well, after all that has happened, taking a break sounds like a really good call for us," Conner spoke for his friends as their mentor appeared more interesting in learning more about their decision as a whole. "We haven't forgotten about college, we just feel that we need to take this break."

"I mean, you're not gonna lecture us about saying that's not a good thing, are you?" Ethan asked as he leaned back on the chair, but made it look like he was getting ready to bounce on up out of there before he knew what was coming his way.

The science teacher looked down for a moment then shrugged absently. "Well, that is up to you guys. I can't choose your path for you. Personally, I would suggest it. I was actually burnt out by the time December came along. I was packed busy my freshmen year of college."

"Yeah, but weren't you also doing all that basic training stuff in the army, too?" Trent asked.

Tommy shook his head. "If you're gonna go the military way, do the military first before you go to school, unless you're doing Air Force. They are probably the most flexible when it comes to studies. But I was doing literally overtime on my studies and training. It was rough, but I got by. I'm still here."

Ethan shook his head as he looked at his mentor. "You know, to tell you honestly, Dr. O. I don't think I could ever look at you as an army guy."

"Not a lot of people did. But like I said, I made that choice, and this is what it got me. I mean, in life you'll face a lot of difficult decisions. I had to decide between racing, an education, serving the country as a soldier, among other things. It was a rough time, but I don't think I would ever really trade it all back for something else."

A silence fell over the dino rangers as their thoughts began to mix with sadness. The black dino ranger sat there and watched as his teammates looked over their past year, their memories, their flaws and triumphs and the feelings of graduation. They were starting to freak out about it again. And not only that, the very day of the tragic school shooting.

And it also rung in Tommy's ears. He felt his heart race as the backfire of a gun going off several times rang in his head. The impact of a bullet striking his side. He felt his hand come to the side of his chest as he winced under the band-aid that was still wrapped around his waist. It had been one week, this day, since the events and he had to admit, he had not slept much these past few nights because of it. He almost felt like he was being watched, so, he had been up, meditating, protecting his family from harm. But nothing came, he just felt it though. "How are you guys holding out today? Doing better?" the science teacher finally spoke, asking the same question he had asked them over the course of the week.

The teens had not answered right away with words, but could only nod in turn. The black dino ranger had not wanted to rush them knowing how sensitive the subject was for them. And not only them, but him as well. After he had joined his teammates that day, suited up in their ranger suits to demonstrate a graceful kata for all to see, it was clear that their status as rangers had changed in many different ways. Some of it was good, others were bad. But they knew that they had every right to do what they did.

"It's so hard, Dr. O," Ethan said quietly as he felt the dryness in his throat. The thoughts running wild in his head as he tried to push them away.

"I know it is, Ethan. They had confirmed that 27 were reported dead and 14 injured, or at least that is the report that Elsa had given us," the teacher spoke quietly as their eyes rocketed with tears and shock over the news. But they were eager to hear more of the report. "Two teachers, a custodian, all twelve assailants; five of them were seniors and two were juniors, the rest of them were relatives to one of the students, but didn't go to the school and twelve students; six of them were seniors, four were juniors, one sophomore and one freshman dead. All of the assailants are dead, so we will never know exactly what their motives were or why they decided to it, everyone taking it to their grave. But it will forever shake and rattle the halls of Reefside High."

"Do you know the names of those dead?" Conner had to ask as he felt a lump return to his throat. He had not been doing good about the entire thing. Every time he would hear about the shooting at Reefside High on the radio or see it in the news, he would turn away. He wanted to just punch a wall, and a few times he had. Luckily, he had not busted his hand because of it.

"They won't release them to the public until they are sure all of them are identified. I do know that Ms. Obie, and Mr. Reeves, from P.E., and Mr. Roberts of the custodial staff are also among the dead. But you know I am eternally sorry about Krista, Conner. We all are," the science teacher nodded.

The red dino ranger looked away as a lone tear escaped his eye. But he could not seem to keep them from falling as he kept playing out that tragic day in his head like a broken record. Of him walking out of the school, in his ranger form, with his girlfriend, motionless, in his arms. And she had quickly been put to rest the following day, with not so many questions asked. He had been there with other friends and family who mourned and paid their respects. And it was not easy to see that casket slowly being lowered into that darken hole as he grabbed a clump of dirt and dropped it onto the casket. One by one, family and friends joined him and watched in tears as the hole was covered. And as the images faded, he found himself rushing over into the comforting and protective arms of his mentor as the tears fell like waterfalls down his face.

Despite the pain that Tommy was still in from his own injury, even with the painkillers, he had been a shoulder to cry on by many students. Not just the seniors, who had found themselves in those halls over the past week, but the students he had in class or knew of his courageous work. The rest of the teammates had fallen into line as they shared one huge group hug, set with tears, sadness and other mixed emotions.

Tommy Oliver had been considered a hero, commended for his bravery and courage. He didn't want any special award for his deeds, nor recognition, but word had gotten out fast. He was almost like an overnight celebrity since he was responsible for stopping a majority of the gunmen and calling up the police about the shooting. So, in a private meeting at his house on Wednesday, the chief of the police presented him with a Medal of Honor for his heroic deeds.

After several good long minutes passed, and the team had finally calmed down a little, they returned to their seats, clearing away the thoughts of the past week. Tears cleared and returning to a cool, collected state, the team had gotten back to conversing.

"So, they say you're the big hero in all of this, Dr. O. Do you agree or disagree?" Trent had to ask as he watched his mentor blush slightly.

"I was only doing what I thought was right. Disarm the assailants as quickly as possible. I had no intention in wanting to kill any of them, I just wanted to protect those around me. Now, I don't like that everyone is calling me some big hero, getting a Medal of Honor and everything, but if that's how the city sees me, than I guess they'll see me that way."

"Well, it's not like they can commend you, or any of us, for our deeds as the Power Rangers," Ethan had to state. Though, his status as a Ranger had been big not only in the city, but around the world, he had not gotten any real recognition for it. But it was just about doing his job – their job – as heroes; about being able to help mankind.

"Guess not. The shiny medals do not mean anything to a ranger, but the benefits you get for helping out others," Tommy replied, though he knew they all knew that. He just had to re-iterate on it and make it clear to them.

"But now, more people seem to support your idea about the whole Karate Club/Martial Arts school thing, right? I heard you've been getting some fundings both from the citizens of Reefside and the school for that. But doesn't that mean that you would also have to hand over teaching at the high school because you'll be busy with this?" Kira asked.

The black dino ranger could only shrug, but then nodded. "That what I've been told. People are willing to help open up a Martial Arts school here in town. I mean, there are like one or two around, and I am not trying to run them out of business, but if people want to be taught by me, I guess I'll make the time for it."

"And we can help," Ethan added with a smile. "I mean, we said we were probably gonna take the semester off, if not year. So, it'll give us a right to do something productive. I mean, you can classify us as black belts, right, Dr. O?"

Tommy shook his head as he chuckled. "Just because you have the belt doesn't mean that it says anything about how good you really are as a martial artist. It takes time to understand the discipline around it..."

"But we've practically been training under you for the last two years, and we've come a long way," Conner added.

"Come a long way fast, and that also included the help you had from your dino gems," Tommy corrected as he nodded his head. "Now, unlike Trent here, who was already a black belt before all of this ever began, none of you had any real previous training until I came along."

"Well, what about Shane and them over at the Ninja Academy? Didn't they become teachers only after like a year and a half or whatever into their training?" Ethan countered.

"You guys really want this, don't you?" the skilled martial artist raised an eyebrow as his teammates nodded in turn. He sighed as he gave up with them. "I'll think about, which could very well be yes. I'll have you guys teach them during the day, and I'll take the night classes. And I will also grant you guys as black belts."

"Ooh, so, what? Are we like 3rd or 4th degree black belts?" Ethan hoped to get more out of his mentor.

"Don't push it, Ethan. I'll decide on that later when I take a look at the status you guys can present to me."

"Meaning we have to fight against you?" Conner seemed slightly worried.

"On a one-on-one basis, too," Tommy added with a nod. "None of this team work stuff. And since you guys think you got what it takes to go against me, I am willing to test your skill level."

"Yeah, and shouldn't you be practicing yourself, Dr. O? I thought Coach said you got a martial arts competition in a few weeks that will determine if you move up to a 6th degree black belt," Trent asked.

"I do. And I have been practicing, but being able to practice with different skill levels will help me. They usually do it under karate, kung fu, or tae kwon do, but it depends on which one I decide to register under will determine how much work I have to put into my training," the science teacher nodded.

"Stop bragging. But you'll get that belt easily, Dr. O. I mean, you're, by far, one of the best I have seen," Kira said.

The black dino ranger blushed as he shook his head. "Yeah, let's just hope it is. But before we get completely off topic...what about you guys? Ready for the big day tomorrow?"

They shook their heads as they began to protest about the entire thing, speaking over each other. Their mentor had to silence them with a whistle as they grew quiet waiting on one or the other to speak. But it seemed they were getting jittery over the whole thing.

"Actually, one question, Dr. O. Do you have any idea who our commencement speaker is? I thought it was you," Trent said.

The science teacher shook his head. "If I was supposed to, no one told me about it. But, no I don't have any clue. I just don't understand why they are making the staff members wear a gown. I mean, I know some high schools do that, but personally, I always felt it was more appropriate for a college graduation. But maybe that's just me."

"I didn't realize they were making the staff where a gown to the ceremony," Ethan said as he furrowed his eyebrows.

"Well, they thought it would look more professional and formal if we did, so yeah. I liked that you guys managed to do it outside. I mean, personally, not that many people get to have it outside in high school. Oh, and before I forget, Operation: Salt the Field was a success. Most of the staff actually wants if covered, but the custodians refuse because it will take too much work to try and cover it. They've been doing it for the last week now; setting up for the graduation. And it took them awhile to realize what was on the field and what it said. But it does say 'Class of 2005 was here,' just like we planned it."

"Is it nice? I mean, the ceremony itself, not the salt idea," Kira asked.

"Yeah, I think it is. There is a balloon arch where you guys will be going through as your names will be called, and a good floral arrangement through the stadium. And they'll also be releasing balloons and the Thunderbirds will hit the skies once you guys are dismissed. So, I think it'll turn out well."

"So, where is the staff stationed?" Conner asked.

"Why are you asking me all of this? Can't you wait until tomorrow?"

"We're anxious, Dr. O. C'mon, it's us," Trent could only shrug.

"At the front on both sides of the stage. I thought you guys went to rehearsal yesterday?" he said.

During every graduation day, a rehearsal had to be done. They had come, seen their classmates, who many they had not seen for a week, and ran through the process of the ceremony. It was long and tedious since they had to go through the names of each person, but it had gone smoothly then. They could only hope that it would go smoothly tomorrow.

But unlike last year, and for a few years now, the graduation class at Reefside High was stuck celebrating it inside the gym. Not that it wasn't big enough to invite close friends, having it outside just seemed more appropriate. And they fought the system long and hard to have them do their ceremony outside. And they won. They didn't know how, but they did. It was gonna be at the football stadium which seemed a hold a lot more people than their gym could.

"We did. But I was half awake when they were doing it," Ethan had to admit as he yawned.

"Well, it seems it's time to wrap things up. You guys need to get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow," the science teacher got to his feet.

Telling them good-night, he had let himself out and left the teens alone. Not that the entire week had been around crashing at Trent's place, this was one night the others had to get home and sleep in their own beds. Their families would want to get as many pictures of their teenager in their cap and gown.

And this was the long run. Less than a day before the ceremony, and though they were excited, they were also worried and confused. But they had waited far too long for this moment. It was their time to shine. Their time to grow. Their time to be recognized. The graduating class of 2005 at Reefside High School was about to step out into a whole new world.

To be continued...

A/N: So, at times it was extremely sad. I bet I got some of you crying. At times it was rather nice and bright, but no one said that after a event like a school shooting would be easy to overcome. So, what do you think? Ready to see how their graduation is gonna turn out? Well, I hope you like it. I know that was supposed to be done a long ways ago, but I've been busy...had writer's block...etc. You know how it is from time to time. See you later. And may the powers always protect you.