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?

50. Epilogue: In The End

'Til I Collapse - Part Fifty: Epilogue: In The End
Sequel to: Ordinary World

Summary: A snapshot view of the summer of 2005 of our heroes as they head off into a new chapter of their lives.

Disclaimer: Power Rangers is not mine, because I would have so much freedom to do whatever I wanted, and I seriously would have made this story into a continuation of the series. My view, my writing... well, this is the stuff they don't tell you about the Power Rangers. I want to personally thank TheBlackDragonRanger for beta-reading this chapter and several others in the past. It helped me make it that much more interesting.

A/N: Just read on. Don't want to hint or ruin it for you. And I also want to apologize for the long wait. I just have not had the time to really get a chance to work on this. I have not forgotten about this at all, I just have not had the time. So, I am deeply sorry that you had to wait so long for the conclusion. But I do hope you like it. This was a lot of work to complete. And I do apologize for the length of it, but you won't be disappointed. You won't. I can promise you that..

-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, this is it. We have battled through evil lords who wanted to take over the world. We faced the drama
of being in high school. Of being and dealing with teens. We made new friends. Lost many others. But we
understand that no matter what, anyone can truly be a hero and we must learn to overcome what comes
our way. That is life. This is life. No one said it was easy or ever will be. Face the facts. Expect the unexpected.
I wish you the best in whatever you do. I am proud of each of you." -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

Sunday, May 29th, 2005. 10:54a.m. Hayley's Cyberspace.

It was only a day after the commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2005. The previous day already had a few outings and parties made by several graduates. It would be hard to keep track of them all, and to visit them all. For the next month, weekends would be packed with several different kinds of graduation parties. This was one very such event.

Arriving early to help with the decorations, set-up other events at the cafe, the four teens - Conner, Ethan, Kira and Trent - had been there in the early hours to prep up for the party. They would be hosting the event, and it was open to anyone with a ticket to get in. It only made it fair for the capacity the area could hold, which was a little over 175 people.

The place could only hold so many, and after the events of the New Year's Celebration, many people had wanted to come to the 'Ranger' Graduation Party. They knew it would be off the hook, if not more. Scalping tickets or trying to make counterfeits, the teens where literally like local celebrities after the events of the previous day.

Some people still had no idea - or were not convinced and found it all an act - but for those that did, wanted to get in just to hang out; and to have fun and party as much as they could.

Of course, it was set only for the youth of the city, but it wasn't like Hayley would be there to keep an eye on them. It was her space they had reserved to use. Let alone the elder rangers would be there to assist in any way they were needed.

Trent had been setting up the DJ station alongside Kira to play off the tunes for the event. Ethan was helping Hayley with the decorations and Conner - which the rangers could all mistake to be a younger version of Rocky - was raiding the catered food.

"Conner, get your grubby hands off the food and come help us," Hayley blurted out as she saw him slip a few small smoked sausage links into his mouth.

"Yeah, bro. We've been working the entire morning getting this place set up and you've been sitting there eating up all the food," Ethan added.

Conner groaned as he grabbed a few potato chips and moved over to the center of the room where the two of them were. He slipped them into his mouth before taking one end of a table and shifting it over to where Hayley had directed them. "What can I say? I'm hungry!"

"You're always hungry," Trent called from the music station as he began to reset the wires making sure that no one could/would trip on them.

"You're just like Rocky," Kira couldn't help but laugh from her place on the stage. She was working to keep the microphones in check. A karaoke system was set for anyone who was interesting in singing. She tapped on the mic, and then moved from the corded one to the two wireless ones on the stand that held the karaoke screen. "Testing one, two, testing one, two; can you guys hear me?"

Ethan threw out a thumb's up. "Read you loud and clear, Kira."

The guests would be arriving by the following hour. The tables had been pushed aside leaving more room for a dance floor. The internet stations were still up for anyone who wanted to check those out as well as the TV station and small arcade area in the corner of the room. The bar was open to serve drinks. And on the other side of the room across from the stage, was the line of food. Most of it was finger food, but there were a few items that could stuff a person if need be. The DJ station was right next to the stage where - of course - a karaoke station stood for any singing pleasures. The decorations came in the shades of blue and silver; the Reefside High School theme - had a history of leading people into money.

It had been an idea that Ethan had come up with. Not because he was thinking about the riches, but mainly about how "they had it made" as individuals and as friends. They had created memories that could be priceless, yet rich in their minds to remember. Each of the teens had even agreed to create a collage of pictures - from their days as babies to the present day - for their guests to see. It was a nice setting.

Minutes passed.

Slowly, the people began to arrive. The bouncers of the event were Jason and Adam, who didn't take too kindly to anyone with or without a ticket. It had to be authentic, even if they knew their faces. It was slightly unfair - yet fair - but it would be the only way to keep the event in check. The other elder rangers present were Aisha, Billy, Rocky, Tommy and Kim. The others had gone back to their normal lives, or were too busy to attend.

Many of them, seniors, were mostly there for the free food and just to hang out with old faces. Yet, it was a little hard for the group of people to get along or start a conversation with one of Conner or Kira's friends versus one of Ethan's or Trent's friends. It seemed like they were still on their differences about the other group of people and were not willing to expand their horizons to meet new people, or try new things.

From behind the bar, Hayley had been preparing some drinks for some of the guests with Billy and Tommy in check beside her. Kim had been chilling by the T.V. station talking among those interesting to hear why/how she was lucky enough to marry a Power Ranger. No one had any idea that she was in fact one herself, let alone putting it together that Tommy had honed more than just one color or set of powers.

"So, how does it feel to be the talk of the city?" Billy turned to Tommy as he wiped a glass clean before setting it on the counter.

From his place at the cash register, Tommy could only shrug. "You probably would have done the same thing if you were in my position. Besides, I thought it would be right. They had to know that no one is perfect, including superheroes."

"I never said it was a bad thing," the man in blue replied as he shook his head. "But yeah, that was a good thing that you did."

"This will change everything for them, Tommy," Hayley said as she poured a strawberry shake into one of the cups. She looked across the room, scanning it for the four teens who were hosting the event. Smiling faces on each of them, she couldn't help but smile to herself. She had to admit that they had come a long way, and it was good to know they would have so much more to look for in the future.

The man in black let out a breath as he nodded. He was in their position several years ago, and it wasn't going to be any easier for them to hang up their morphers either. He knew as well as any of them that the teens would have to move on from their time as rangers and move towards something more in their liking. Following their dreams to complete college, or land that huge record deal, or make the U.S. soccer team, or finding a new way to program the biggest and hottest new computer game on the market or whatever the case may be.

But they all had potential and the skills that would bring them so much more than just being superheroes. And that's what Tommy, and all the older rangers - and technical advisor from MIT - wanted them to do.

"So, I'm surprised you never actually said anything about your connection with other rangers in that speech of yours yesterday," a voice stated from behind the trio as they turned to see the yellow bear ninja standing there, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

After collecting the black woman into a hug and shrugging, Tommy looked out at the line of guests in the room. Many of them, he had seen walk the halls of Reefside and knew how much more they could do in their futures. But that was one concern he didn't need to focus on now. It was on what happened in the presence of this celebration. "Well, I didn't want to reveal everything about what I do, or who I knew. Besides, I think I would keep some things a secret still."

"They're really gonna go a long ways," Aisha had to admit as she turned to see Ethan and several other dance team members break out into a small routine in the middle of the dance floor.

"I wouldn't doubt that," Billy nodded as he watched the blue Tricera ranger bust a few moves, a wide smile on his face. "I mean, you look at all of us here. We got an MIT grad who became our biggest ally in this battle, someone like me who went off-planet to save an entire race of aliens from extinction. We got a guy with a degree in paleontology, one in medicine, and another in psychology, though he never uses it. Then we got an Olympic potential coach and performer, a marine biologist, a guy who teaches martial arts as well as a cop at one of the biggest divisions in the country amongst several other things. I mean, we've come a long way as friends, too."

"Welcome to our lives, ladies and gentlemen," Tommy couldn't help but laugh as he spoke in a newscaster's sorta tone. "On tonight's show, interviews with a group of friends, who were once superheroes, and are now trying to live a normal life."

Racing over, Conner and Trent began to pull the science teacher over to the stage. In confusion, he began to protest as they pushed him toward the microphone. Either, they were making him say something to their guests, or they were making him sing. Either way, they were putting him in the spotlight, and he made it clear that this was one day he didn't want to be out in the eye of the public. This was not his day to shine for any reason whatsoever.

"C'mon, Dr. O," Conner urged him on as he dragged him onto the stage. "Everyone - or nearly everyone - wants you to sing us a little something. You know, kind of for the whole last time sorta thing."

Tommy froze a moment as he looked out at the crowd of people who had noticed he had stepped onto the stage. A silence fell over the room, and then there were an uproar of cheering and applaud.

"Don't you just love being a celebrity, Dr. O," Ethan couldn't help but laugh as he made his way to the foot of the stage.

"First I get recognized with a Medal of Honor for my bravery over stopping the gunmen, and now the students and staff of Reefside High - if not the city, or even world - now, know what else I do in my day. Not exactly much for saying I enjoy it," the science teacher sighed as he shook his head.

"Overnight celebrity," Trent added as he moved over to the DJ station. "C'mon. You swooned us yesterday, I'm sure you can do one right now."

The science teacher looked back out into the crowd as some more eyes fell on him. They were urging him. He knew and figured he wouldn't be getting out of this any time soon. And he figured, he felt it was right to do it for those present. Searching the room, he found his eyes lock with his wife. Letting a smile pass between the two of them, almost absently, the man grabbed a mic and moved to stand behind the karaoke screen.

Starting off with a harmonizing note, he caught the attention of more people as they turned to watch the science teacher. It was clear that some of them were still not convinced he was even a singer, let alone some still had to figure out if he was just joking about the whole ranger thing or not.

And then the words flew out of his mouth smoothly as he started off in an acappela. "How do I say goodbye to what we had? The good times that made us laugh, outweigh the bad..."

At the start of the next line of the song, Trent had mixed the song quietly into the mix of his father's smooth and almost mesmerizing voice. "...I thought we'd get to see forever. But forever's gone away. It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday..."

Standing at the DJ station, he had to hold his breath and push away the sadness that slowly rose up in his mind. But it was hard not to. The night before he had stayed in the Oliver homestead, in the very guest room, he had found his way into on some nights. And he knew that he would always find a home in that place. Without a doubt, he could treat both the science teacher and P.E. teacher as the parents he longed to have, but knew could never truly replace his own parents or Anton Mercer.

For many of them in the room, hearing those words, the contents of the song that the science teacher had decided to sing, hit home once again. This would be one of the last times, these people-friends-would really get to see each other.

Months down the road--if not weeks--these guys would be going their separate ways. Some of them would follow each other into college, others will be bums, and others will just be living it up and doing what they could to build the memories.

"...And I will take with me, the memories. To be my sunshine after the rain. It's so hard to say good-bye to yesterday..." the science teacher sung as it seemed to pull those present into a trip down memory lane.

Not that he was trying to create such sadness between the guests, he only thought that the song in itself seemed to hold potential that could carry a message he didn't want them to forget. Slowly fading out, and ending the song, the room fell into a dead silence.

Finally opening his eyes, he looked around the room. Heads lowered, eyes glistening in tears, he seemed to hit home for some of them. Nor did he expect the emotional stamina of these teenagers to be so low...or whatever it was...that he had a way of shaping their thoughts in ways he could never begin to imagine.

Making his way slowly off the stage, there were more cheering and applause. He didn't get very far before he was encased into a huge group hug by his teammates and young friends. Like one big happy family, if one could say, they were bonded by more than their friendship. They were bonded by the power of their gems, of this unique bond they had established right alongside the help of the Ninjetti Rangers. But it was probably one phenomena that would be left in question for a long time. But not like they would be complaining about it.

The rest of the afternoon was centered around holding tight the memories the four teens shared with those present. One set of memories that any of them could/would forget in a long time.

XXXXXXXXXX

Wednesday, June 1st, 2005, 10:00am. Reefside Cemetery.

Gathering on a hill, friends, family and several co-workers who had known the scientist/businessmen joined each other to mourn over Anton Latham Mercer's death. Everyone was dressed in a shade of black under a hood, as the rain fell around them. It wasn't a downpour, but it was enough to say the hood was needed as they all stood or sat over the lone coffin.

Sealed shut in a glossy black coffin, flowers sprinkling the top, it stood on the ropes that would lower it into the hole underneath.

After a small prayer from the priest, Trent had moved over to stand at the foot of the coffin. Looking out at the small assembly of people there to pay their respect, his eyes locked with the eyes of his girlfriend. His third sets of parents - Tommy and Kimberly - were looming behind her with his kid sister, Serena. He took a breath before looking down at the coffin.

For awhile, he had not shed any tears. But at that moment, they seemed to well up in a way that he couldn't stop them from falling. He closed his eyes, falling back on the day he heard those words come out of his father's mouth. Those words were the ones that told him how much he truly cared for his son. That it was no lie and that Trent was more than just a prize to show off. He was the very son that Anton had always wanted.

"I want to thank you guys for coming here to pay your respects. For many of us here, Anton, was a man who found it in his heart to try and change the world. He may not have shown it all the time, but it was his intention to help out where he could. He wanted to revolutionize the world in ways that no one else could. He was a brilliant man. He was intelligent; wise. He held advice that helped many of us out throughout the days and years we have known him. And I know from time to time he wasn't a very approachable guy, but he was serious. He took things very seriously and made sure that things got done or would get done. He was always on the ball, but he wasn't perfect. He had his mistakes - some of them had cost him more than he would have liked - but he won't be forgotten. Without a doubt, he will be missed, but he is in a better place. He has built his own legacy, that's in me and in all of you here. May you rest in peace, dad. We'll see you at the crossroads."

He slowly moved back to his seat, nearly collapsing on it as Kira wrapped her arms around him. His head fell onto her shoulder as he shuddered with more sadness. He felt a hand grip on his shoulder knowing it had belonged to the one man he would never had thought he would call his father, but it was set. If anything should ever happen to Anton Mercer, Thomas Oliver would assume the role as a parent to Trent Mercer - Anton had legally adopted him just before Mindshatter took him, which he never got a real chance to tell anyone. And that's what Tommy was now considered to the teen; his father.

The priest had assumed his prayer to the late scientist/businessman. Time passed slowly, but it was enough to drive the sadness into them. Watching the casket lower to the cool, damp ground it brought them all back to the memories of seeing the departed be placed into complete rest.

To the older rangers present, it brought them back to the painful memories of watching one of their own getting lowered to the grounds of San Francisco years ago. It brought them back together after all the years of never really talking much, but it also built tension and fear in each of them. Their own thoughts on the matter, one thing was clear, none of them had expected that something like this would have happened to their own. To a ranger. To a dear friend.

To the co-workers or those who have been of service to Anton could not believe that something like this could happen. Many of them would never know the full truth to the death of this man, but many of them would sympathize or empathize over the terrible loss.

To the teens - minus Trent - it was clear that they were just as hurt and shocked to see such pain fall upon them again. They had seen tragedy and faced it in ways that no one else could ever understand. But this was one event that had hurt them in ways the scars may never heal. It felt like the pain, fear, confusion and loss for their fallen classmates. This just added to it, considered it was all within a few weeks of one another.

To Trent - who hurt the most - felt that it was one tragedy he would not break out of. As far as he could tell, he felt like he was still outside of himself. He was searching for answers, wanted to learn so much more about why his father just couldn't make it, but didn't need the scientific confusion drilled into his head. He still had so many questions on his mind, but it was clear he would possibly not get out of it right away. Not that he could. He just had to take his own advice. Learn to live without his father. He learned to live without his biological parents. But it was hard. It was really hard. This would be just as hard, if not harder. But if he could do it in the past, he could do it now. It would just take some time; a lot of time.

To Elsa, a woman who got a chance to learn and know Anton like no one else felt the emptiness. Though, she was one of few who could crack Anton like a code, it was clear that he still had locked up several things she wish she could have asked him about. From time to time she knew and felt the tension in their relationship, whatever it exactly was. She had known the man for years. More years than she could have counted as she continued to search for her past, for the gap between her time as a minion in Mesogog's army, to the very day she met Anton and to the present day as a school principal.

It was clear that all of those present were still scarred. They were searching for answers, wondering and hoping that nothing could get any worse than this. But it was clear that it would not be the case. This was one thing that would have far more questions than answers.

Minutes passed.

For those who had bared flowers, moved to place them on the casket. All watched in silence - some in tears, others fighting not to shed one - as the casket slowly lowered to the ground.

One by one - for those who felt it was right - grabbed a handful of dirt and dropped it into the hole. Looking down at the hole, another painful shock ran over Trent as he had to look away from the sight. He was breaking down; he was shutting others out. He had for the days following the party. He didn't really talk to anyone. Even if his friends or - now, official - parents questioned him about it, he would just merely shrugged it off or tell them that it wasn't a problem. But here he was, locking them out. It was clear as he found no words to say to anyone.

The grave diggers shoveled the dirt into the hole to cover the casket as it laid at complete rest. More tears and sobs fell from the emotional crowd. Some had to turn away, or didn't bother to stick around for the painful moments of watching the hole fill with a man who held so many dreams was put to rest.

Dispersing slowly, those present began to leave as the priest had left the area. The ground compacted and sealed with dirt - the hole no longer there - was covered. The remaining people were the Dino Thunder rangers and one high school principal. Each of them had not said much to one another, but all of them were hurting from this event - especially Tommy and more so, Trent.

But none of them would forget the dreams and memories left behind in the wake of this man; Rest in Peace, Anton Latham Mercer.

XXXXXXXXXX

Friday, June 3rd, 2005, 8:00pm. Mercer Homestead.

Trent sat somewhat absently in the huge living room. In that household, it was easy to simply zone out, especially after living in it for nearly five months as the only true being in the household. He sat there looking over into the distance, not saying anything.

Another figure walked over to him and sat down beside him, grasping his shoulder. Looking up to see who the other occupant was, he could only turn away and say nothing at all. He had to admit, he wasn't at his best when it came to the past week and the events of it. No one could have expected any of the things that had happened would have changed his perspective on life forever. It wasn't just him, though. All of them were suffering from this down set. But he was hurting the most.

The other figure set down the two mugs on the coffee table in front of them. Kira had kept her own feelings bottled up inside trying to figure out what to say to her boyfriend. She knew he was hurting extremely bad, especially over the funeral service of his father. And she was trying to open up to him; open him up and try to get him back to normal.

In the beginning, she had remembered the first time she had seen Anton Mercer, she knew he was bad news. She hated him more when she found out that he was Trent's adoptive father. Then was his reason for wanting to take out the cyber café. Next was him taking his place as the extended sub for Dr. O's "sick leave". To stoop even lower, and for the longest time, be the very enemy they were trying to destroy: Mesogog. But after these past few months - these last months of her senior year - she had seen a more kinder and genuine Anton Mercer.

He was no longer a man driven--well, he still was, just not as serious--by work. He could have gotten serious from time to time - he still did - but he seemed more approachable now then he did nearly a year ago. But now, all of that just pretty much went out the window. He was gone, now. Put to rest only two days ago.

Kira looked up and around the room. There were several boxes scattered about. Trent was moving out. There was no point for him to live in that mansion alone. Not that he could turn it into some sorta bachelor pad or whatever with his friends; he just didn't want to stay in a place that held so many good memories and many more painful ones.

The invaluable things would come along with him, but those that he knew would be of no real use for him, he was getting rid of; donating to those who truly needed it.

Trent felt he needed to truly open a new chapter in his life, and this was the best way to start it off; start off as fresh as possible. Heading out onto his own was just what he was hoping for at the age of 18. To be independent, but know that there would always be a place for him with his friends…especially with Kira. All of his friends had offered him a place to crash, which he kindly refused. He had two new loving parents - Kim and Tommy - who welcomed him with open arms.

He was just glad to have so many people looking out for him. And he knew he would be okay without him. He still missed him, without a shadow of doubt. But he had so much more to live for, and hope that the legacy of his line would be remembered with the name of Dr. Anton Latham Mercer also in the mix of it.

Grasping his shoulder again, Trent had looked up to meet the eyes of his girlfriend. It was obvious, and clear, in the last few days since the death of Anton Mercer, Trent had not said much to anyone. He was still locked up in his own zone of trying to fight the pain on his own. He wanted to, but now he knew he wouldn't be able to keep up the act much longer.

As if reading his own thoughts, Kira had opened up her arms and allowed Trent to melt into her embrace. She held him close to her chest, and slowly, but quietly he let the tears fall. There was no used trying to hold in the emotions he was feeling now.

He could only find comfort in one person and this one person he could tell anything to, for he knew she would listen to him with open ears. There would be no hesitation there. Sure, he had to admit that his new legal parents were the same way, but the love and support they gave him was that of loving parents; of an older brother and sister, if he could define it in that way.

But there was one person, he could really confide in. Not that he could give the excuse that it was only some high school love, but there was just something about her character, her charisma, and her actions...that he couldn't begin to really describe. There was so much he could say, but then so little. It was so hard to get out in words. And even from time to time, he would have to admit that actions did speak better than words for anything.

The moments passed slowly.

Trent finally found some strength to sit up, but his eyes were still locked to the ground. His face was stained with tears as he wiped them away and let a breath escape between his pursed lips. Then as if by another force, or his own locked emotions, he leaned in and laid a kiss on Kira's lips.

But unlike any other kiss they have shared, this was one that had more heat and passion to it. There was a need there; a want, almost as if he was asking for something more. Kira leaned closer to him, almost startling him, but he didn't seem to object about her gesture. He wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her even closer to him.

Pulling away and looking away with shame, Trent had not expected to let such heat slip from his lips. In those moments he locked lips with Kira, there was a new spark of chemistry. A spark that he didn't want to let go of, could almost picture where it would lead, but felt too rushed. That perhaps, Kira wasn't looking at the situation to turn into something more between them.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what I...I just needed to..." Trent tried to explain as his face began to build with heat. He was blushing; shocked that he had done that.

But Kira could only silence him with a finger to his lips. A small smile passed over her lips before she leaned closer to him almost startling him. "You don't have to apologize for anything, Trent. And you can't blame yourself for what has happened with your father, you just have to deal. And I'm here for you. There are others out there who will always be there for you. You don't have to do this alone."

She leaned over and pushed her lips against his. And this time, he didn't seem to object about her gesture. Her kiss held the same heat and compassion as he had sent her way only moments ago. He wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her even closer to him.

Then she parted his lips a little bit and pulled him deeper into the kiss. It didn't startle him as he could only allow the kiss to deepen between them. After only a few moments, Trent found himself lying on his back as he found his girlfriend press up against him, the kiss continuing.

When both of them were sure they couldn't hold their breaths anymore, the kiss was broken. Just holding each other that much closer was a little shock to them, and when they both finally opened their eyes and looked into the other pair; more wavering questions fell between the two of them.

Kira fell into Trent's embrace, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him. His own arms wrapped around her more protectively as they held each other for several minutes. There was a silence between them, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was in a sight of where they had no real way to say how they felt about each other. That the words they were hoping to get out could get out just didn't. And the best thing they could do at that moment was lay there in each other's embraces.

Trent pushed his lips against her forehead as her eyes fell shut, and she buried the side of her face into his chest. She heard the soft patter in his chest; his heart racing with nervousness. They had not held each other this close, and it had both of their hearts racing just a little bit faster.

Finally breaking the silence, Trent tried to admit to something. To admit how he wanted to confide in her his entire life, but he couldn't find a way to say it. He was stumbling over his words. "Kira, I... every time I look at you ... I ...you..."

Kira sat up and looked down at him as he fell silent. He didn't know what to say or how to say it. She leaned down and kissed him with the same heat and passion they had shared only moments ago. At that point he relaxed a little, and pulled her as close as their bodies could get with clothes acting as their barriers.

She smiled internally when a new rush of emotions ran through her body. The feeling of being this close was something new, but for some reason, she didn't try to avoid it. She liked it. And when she felt a certain organ tighten and grow hard between her, she knew that he didn't seem to avoid what was about to happen between them.

In their little make-out session, she had pulled off his shirt and he did the same for her. As if absently, or another calling, the duo had tugged at the hem of the other's pair of pants, but had stopped when each of them had to catch their breath; to think through the situation and what was about to happen between them.

Would they risk it all? This wasn't just out of sympathy and it certainly wasn't out of empathy. This was a decision they would both be making. And sometimes, one night was all it would take that would change an entire future. But that was the thing. At that moment, it seemed as if their future was already blurry enough. It seemed that hat no matter where it took them, the only thing that mattered in these moments was the present course of their relationship, and if they were ready to take it one step further.

Looking down at Trent, there was a longing and desire in his eyes. From Trent's position of looking up at the girl he wanted to dedicate the rest of his life to, he could see the longing and desire to be loved, to be held, to be one with him so plainly, so clearly, it made him…smile.. But there was a slight fear from it. Mostly from him, as he felt a cold chill run down his back.

"I love you, Kira. I love you with all of my heart. And I'd do anything to make you happy. But are you sure about this? Are you sure you really wanna do this?" he asked, his voice slightly raspy from the intense make-out session. As he thought about it, this was the first time he had a real chance to hold Kira the way he did; to look at her from a different angle. And this was his chance to take it further. That even though they had only known each other for two years, and had only been going out for a few months, there was just something there he wasn't about ready to let go. He wanted to show her how much he cared about her; show her how much he loved her. He felt that at that moment, he wanted the girl sitting over him to be the one he wanted to be with until his dying day. This was his love; his one true love that he couldn't let go of.

But did she feel the same way? What was her reaction to all this? Did she care about him as much as he did for her? And was she willing to take that step forward? Was she going to allow herself to disclose her life into his embrace and into his heart?

She had now for the past two years she has known him. At first, she thought it would only be a loving and caring relationship of a sibling for another. She had thought it was from time to time, even when she had to admit she looked at him more than just a friend - more than just a brother. He was something more to her. He was a love that she didn't want to deny anymore. She had cared and loved him in more ways than just a brother. He was almost like her best friend; she told him things that only she could tell him. There were things that she didn't tell her mentor or his wife, but to Trent. It was him she had disclosed so much to. And she was willing to take it that one step further to show that he meant a lot to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, nodding before pushing her lips against the side of his neck. "I love you with more than I'll ever know or understand. And I am sure about this, Trent. That is if you are, too."

Then Trent wrapped his arms around her back, pulling them both up and off the couch. Leaning into him as she wrapped her legs around his waist for more support, he escorted the two of them out of the room and up to his bedroom. And in that night they had locked themselves in that room, they had proved that some actions did speak louder than words. That they had given each other a gift neither one of them could forget. Giving up their virginity to the person they had loved with their whole heart.

XXXXXXXXXX

Monday, June 6th, 2005, 1:15pm. Law office of Anton Mercer's attorney.

Days later. Dressed slightly to impress, Trent sat at the foot of the huge desk hearing the set of legal lawsuits toward his status as an individual. Michelle "Elsa" Santos, Thomas Oliver and his wife, Kimberly Hart-Oliver had accompanied the teen on his visit to the office. The quad of people knew there would be discussions about what was written in Anton Mercer's will.

Charles Azar, Anton's attorney, had gone over several of the legal issues over for the three to make sure they understood what was written in the will and what could take action if they all co-signed on a new contract toward the business under the Mercer name.

The man looked over the papers in the file again before closing it and looking at the trio sitting before him. "Now, I have gone over this written will several times, Trent. It states clearly that if you sign off on this contract, the business under Anton Mercer will now be in your name. However, I don't doubt you at all, but that must be a lot of responsibly for a teen just getting out of high school."

Trent nodded slowly. "I am aware of that, sir, and I don't disagree with your actions on requesting I get a co-signer or two..."

"Anton has in fact, mentioned both Michelle and Thomas in his will as well. The inheritance he has made as he states here 'shall be split between the three people I entrust my name to - Trenton Jeffrey Mercer, Thomas Anthony Oliver and Michelle Elsa Santos.' Looking at the numbers, that is quite an impressive number for each of you."

"The guy was worth a lot of money," Tommy added as he had looked over the copy and reports in his hand. He had to admit that he was no real expert when it came to lawsuits and information regarding it, but he knew that this was one serious issue. If it wasn't dealt with now, it could be brought to the courts and take an even more brutal charge.

Anton was a very intelligent man; wise beyond his years with so many things under his wing. Without a doubt, it would get him places. It did. He had gotten a lot of recognition over the years. He was one of the most powerful men in the world, there was no lie about that with the money his research was bringing in. He was no Bill Gates, but he could almost be known as the Bill Gates of science and technology research. He was worth a lot. His business was worth a lot. His research was too.

"His research really paid off," Michelle nodded as she looked over at the science teacher, a small smile passing her face.

"Yes, it did. And if I'm not mistaken, you, yourself, Thomas, have quite a big savings account under your name as well," Charles spoke.

Tommy nodded slowly. "Yeah, well, you let me deal with that. We are merely here as Trent had requested. We are willing to sign off on anything to make these legal transactions as simple as possible. We don't want to make it anymore difficult that we need to."

"Well, the big issue here is deciding how and where the business of Anton Mercer Industries will fall under. We can split it three ways, among the three of you here, or however the three of you have discussed it."

Sitting in silence as Trent looked at the two older people in the room he had entrusted a lot to, he knew without a doubt that he could trust them to keep his father's business alive. Not that he was willing to put his name on the contract; he wanted to. His mind set of business was different than what his father really wanted, but he wouldn't forget what he had to do and what must be completed.

Tommy had already signed off on another contract. It was about taking up the full responsibility for any actions of Trent and taking the rights of being his parent. Kim was one step behind to complete the process as she, too, signed off on the contract, to take up her own responsibility for Trent.

After several moments, a silent conversation between those present in the room, Michelle had stepped forward as the name under which Anton Mercer Industries would fall under. They had already discussed it before, and Trent felt that it was necessary, that the best way for him to truly repay for all of her support and guidance was place the business under her name.

Inking the contract with her signature, Anton Mercer Industries, was now officially under Michelle Elsa Santos' name. Trent co-signed that if anything were to happen to her, it would automatically fall under his name. And if anything would happen to either party, Tommy had signed off as the third party witness to upholding the business.

Filing the signed papers into the manila folder and stamping it, Charles Azar rose to his feet, firmly taking Trent's hand in his. "Well, it has been set, Trent. Your guardians are now Thomas Oliver and Kimberly Hart-Oliver. The business is under Michelle's name. The inheritance - a $800million dollar split - goes to you, Michelle and Thomas and if you're lucky, you won't have to step into these offices to fulfill anymore of Anton's farewell requests. Congratulations and Good Luck in your future."

XXXXXXXXXX

Saturday, June 11th, 2005, 2:00pm. Backyard of the Oliver homestead.

Walking around to the back of the house, the teens found a set of mats on the ground. Each of them were dressed in a loose set of clothes. Trent was the only one in an actual karate suit. Today was the day that each of them would face and help Tommy get ready for his martial arts competition the following week.

However, they would be getting more than they would be bargaining for. This wasn't like practicing in the woods against some random attack by the skilled martial artist. This was real contact without the help of the ranger suits. And the dino gem in their possession. This was a straight sparring exercise.

Tossing their gym bags to the ground, they began to look around hoping to find if the skilled martial artist was anywhere in sight. This wasn't looking at him like a science teacher. This was looking at him like a master of martial arts; a master of several different forms of self-defense.

"Do we really want to do this now?" Ethan released a breath as a he took a drink of his gym bottle. "I'm starting to have some regret over all of this."

"I take back anything I said about Dr. O being too old and not being able to kick anyone's ass," Conner added.

Trent could only shrug about it as he walked onto the mats. Almost instantly, he began to do some stretching and warming-up exercises. In a series of a few flips and exercises to get his blood flow moving, the others were slightly impressed to see what the teen in white was doing.

"Just because you have some prior training with the guy makes the rest of us look bad. What do you expect we do about all of this?" Ethan asked.

"Start warming up, that's for sure," Kira said with a breath as she took a seat on the soft grass. She put her feet out in front of her and began to stretch out her leg muscles.

Ethan and Conner began to do their own stretches as they tried to figure out what they had gotten themselves into. They were a little worried to see what could happen or should happen with all of this. It was clear, or they felt, that this was one situation they didn't want to get into.

The moments passed slowly.

"Is it too late for us to bail?" Ethan asked as he lowered his shoulders just a little bit.

"And not get that much wanted black belt of yours, Ethan?" a voice caught him off-guard as he nearly jumped out of his shorts. He turned around to see the skilled martial artist known as his former science teacher decked out in a karate uniform. The belt around his waist had indicated the very level of his experience; a fifth degree black belt with more than twenty years worth of practice.

"Man, I'm serious, Dr. O, one of these days you're seriously gonna make me shit my pants when you do that," Ethan caught his breath as he shook his head.

The man could only shrug as he casually walked off the porch and onto the lawn. He already explained the concept of the day's activities. He would go against each and every one of them on an individual sparring event. From there he would evaluate their performances and decide what rank he would award each of them. There would be no advantage of using a dino gem, and he said he was able to tell if they were using one or not. As far as any of them could tell, they wouldn't want to bother making him upset in that field.

Following only a few steps behind him, was the very impregnated original pink ranger and blue ninja ranger as a judge for the event. Questioning the genius, the teens wondering if they would go against his former leader in a sparring exercise. Billy's clear excuse was that his skill level could not compare to Tommy's and he wasn't the one who was worried about his rank of experience and skills in the field of martial arts.

The first one - victim, as the others slightly snickered about - was Ethan. And like before, he was already nervous about going against his mentor alone. Not that a few exercises for his ranger training consisted of this, but this was a whole other thing. This was really proving how much he had improved in the last two years of his life. The last two years since he was really introduced into martial arts and the benefits with them.

After a bow of respect, Ethan had fallen into a fighter stance. Tommy had kept him moving, though, as he moved all around the outer edge of the mat. The entire time, he was messing with Ethan's psyche and mental stability. It was clear that it made him falter a few times, missing a block or getting a hit by the skilled master.

"Your mind wonders, Ethan. Like I have told you in the past, you need to keep your head in this game at all times. You never know when your enemy will attack," Tommy said in a heed of warning before he swept the teen off his feet.

Ethan groaned as he felt the mat underneath him in one blow. Laying there for some time, he finally let out a breath and pushed himself to his feet. He shook his head as he looked back at his mentor. "I can't do it."

"Don't say you can't, Ethan. Because I know you can. I have seen you in battle, and you've come a long way since the very first day you got these powers..."

"But..."

Tommy shook his head, holding up a hand. "No buts. The very first weakness you can let out is doubt. That will be followed by fear, and it will not get you anywhere. Keep your head up. If you can believe you can do it. You can do it. And don't forget about how far you've gotten in these last two years. Look at what you did when you joined up with the dance team."

Ethan let out a breath and thought about the words that escaped his mentor's mouth. He had to admit the words that came from the skilled ranger were by far one of the most inspirational and meditative set of words he was willing to give a try. They carried with them the very aspects that made him admire the man. It brought with it experience and knowledge about what could be done, what shouldn't be done and how things are set.

Then he launched himself forward putting his mentor on the defense for the first time since his sparring exercise began. It kept Tommy back, driving him farther and farther, closer to the edge of the mat. But at the last second, Tommy had twisted out of a punch grabbed Ethan's hand twisted it and sent Ethan flat on his back.

The man leaned over patting the teen on the chest. "Good. You're getting there, Ethan. Just give it time. 3rd degree black belt." He held a hand out for the teen as Ethan took it and jumped back on his feet.

Slightly discouraged and in pain, Ethan accepted the call and didn't want to argue about it. He made his way back over to the porch where the rest of them waited and watched.

Conner was the next one up. And like Ethan, Tommy had used the same tactics to disrupt the teen in red from sparring with him at full potential. However, Conner was more resilient to his mentor's choice of words. Some of them were slightly distracting, but enough to keep on always on his guard.

"Come on, Conner. Don't hold back on me. I can take a beating," the man rose his voice a little urging the teen in red to advance toward him. "You're trying to prove yourself to me, so do it."

Conner was a little more loose than Ethan as he kept his eyes on his mentor. He made sure to keep his feet moving. His mentor would surprise him with a close attack, but then he would fall back when Conner set up for a block. But it was clear that he was holding back just a little. He was still a little uncertain about wanting to move against his mentor. But Tommy kept urging him on, driving him to attack.

Then Conner couldn't keep his competitive nature under control. He moved forward, throwing a punch or a kick that he hoped would hit the skilled martial artist. But Tommy was already there - a prediction - to stop every blow that came his way.

One final sweep off of his feet, and Conner found himself face first on the mat. He let out a breath as he felt a hand on his shoulder. That was the end of that sparring exercise.

"Good job, Conner. You've come a long way. 3rd degree black belt for you as well," Tommy said as he helped the teen to his feet.

Conner nodded slowly as he made it back to the porch where Kim greeted him with a cool beverage. "I really thought I had him."

Kim smiled at him. "Don't be so discouraged. You have come a long way, Conner. Tommy is only doing all of this to help you guys out. Trust me, it'll be worth it in the end."

Conner nodded again as he embraced the woman in a hug, starting up a conversation that pulled Ethan into conversing with her as well.

Kira was already making her way onto the mats where the skilled martial artist stood and waited for her. She smiled gently as she saw one pass her mentor's lips. "Are you sure you are ready to go up against me, Dr. O? I mean, you've already gone against Conner and Ethan. Shouldn't you take a little break?"

"We're helping each other out, Kira. And don't worry, I'm just fine. My only question for you is you gonna prove yourself to me, or do I have to drive it out of you?"

"Don't worry, Dr. O. I'll make sure to give you my best," she nodded.

"That's all I need to hear. Good luck to you," the man nodded before he bowed before the teen in yellow.

Kira had done the same just as quick before launching herself forward toward the skilled master before her. He had almost missed her first attack when it made contact with the side of his body. But he was there to block her next two shots as he sent them back on her. Almost instantly, the two had engaged in their own sparring exercise.

Trent had been watching on the sidelines along side Billy, watching the moves each made. They made sure what was legal attack and what wasn't. And it was getting a little bit harder to tell who would win and who wouldn't. Either the science teacher was hesitant about his moves since she was in fact a girl, or she was really giving him a run for his own level of skills in martial arts.

"Come on, Dr. O. I thought you would be a little more of a challenge. And don't tell me the reason you're going easy on me is because I am a girl, is it?" Kira asked from her side of the battle zone.

The skilled master took a breath as he slumped over letting out a breath. He had to admit that many of those attacks were least expected, but he did recall that Trent was teaching her a few things of his own. And he had to admit they were working a little on him. He let out a breath again as he stood up straight and looked over at her.

"Ya know, you might actually be giving me a run for my money, Kira. You have become quite a great fighter. But I haven't fallen yet," the man winked urging her forward.

Kira relaxed a little before springing forward and heading back into the battle. But this time, Tommy was ready for her as he moved in and out of her attacks. Blocking and sending a few counterstrikes her way that was a surprise to the teen in yellow. But she was still there to pick up where she messed up, if she missed one attack, she would go about doing another only within seconds of the other. She was fast-moving, quick and very agile.

And that was one advantage that the man had to admire about the teen. Even in his youth, he wasn't as agile as some of the other martial artists, but he was still fast. And his blows were just as powerful, if not stronger than some. And through his years, he had improved, almost mastering the signature move of one of his idols, Bruce Lee. One move that only the legendary and true dragon could perform-the one-inch punch. The amount of power set behind a punch like that would send an opponent flying back and far. But he still had many more years to learn about himself as a martial artist.

And it was through practice like this, and other activities, that helped him move in several directions. In new ways and ways only he himself could really understand. His own spiritual connection with his art and passion. This was his element. This was truly it.

But one mistake sent the teen slipping on the mat, and allowed the skilled master to land the blow that would call the end of the exercise. Holding out a hand for her, the man pulled her back on her feet as she let out a sigh, one of disappointment.

"I really thought I had you going, Dr. O," Kira sighed as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

Tommy smiled back at her and nodded. "You did, actually, Kira. And I did mean it when I said you have become a great fighter. You've also come a long way. I think you might actually have the skills to beat Conner and Ethan. 3rd degree black belt for you," he said, but leaned over and whispered something into her ear. "Actually you're closer to getting your 4th than those two. Good job."

Blushing slightly, she walked off the mat and onto the porch. Kim exchanged a knowing look with her before pulling the teen girl into a hug congratulating her on a great sparring exercise.

Tommy slumped over catching his breath as Trent slowly moved onto the mat before him.

"Tired already, Tommy?" Trent taunted, a competitive tone in his voice as he raised an eyebrow.

Tommy shook his head as he stood up straight, stretching out his back before falling into a defensive fighter stance. "You still haven't beaten me once yet, Trent. So, don't let that cocky nature take over the confidence you have over your skills as a fighter."

Trent gestured the man over to him, teasing him with a back flip. The skilled master could only shake his head as he moved forward and toward the teen in white. And with a quick bow - the battle seized due to Billy - the two engaged in their own sparring exercise.

And in the way the two of them battled, it was almost like watching Tommy and Jason spar in the days of their high school years. Back when they were competing over who was the better martial artist. These moves were fast. They could knock anyone off their feet if they hadn't trained with a few lessons on martial artists. It almost looked like they were at each other's throats half the time. They were really into it. Blows came in loud thuds that it almost sounded like it was over something personal.

A blow to the stomach or the head was met with a kick to the side, or a block by an arm. It was as if they were fighting each other like they were enemies. Fighting for what was right and what was wrong with all of this. It had all the other spectators on edge to see how far this was going to go.

After awhile, Billy nearly gave up trying to keep track what was an illegal move or not. Or what counted toward a point or didn't. There was no point trying to figure it out when even if he stopped them from saying anything, they wouldn't listen to him. They didn't, but pushed him out of the way and went back to sparring.

If that is what it was anymore. It seriously looked more like it was a fight. No, it looked more like a fight to the death, than one with feuding sides. And this was the best way to solve it, was in battle.

The moments passed slowly as the spectators held their breaths waiting for a victor from the grueling battle. Another attack sent the two of them flying at each other and landing on opposite sides of the battle zone. For a moment, no one moved, including the fighters. Slowly, Trent and Tommy turned to face each other, forcing air into their lungs.

It was clear that both of them were exhausted and tired from the battle-no, this was a battle; this was no longer a sparring exercise-but there was no clue about who was the victor. Who would falter first? Or would they manage to pull off one final attack that final sent one of them to their knees?

No one moved as they waited to see the results. Slowly walking toward their opponent, the skilled martial artist moved toward the teen in white. Trent winced between his teeth as he took several steps forward.

The two fighters never took their eyes off the other as they walked closer to one another. And once they finally got close enough to see the real emotions running on the other's face, another line of held breaths filled each of them.

Who was the victor? Did the skilled martial artist finally meet his match, or did he prove himself as a more skillful fighter?

Then eyes widened with shock as they watched one of the fighter fall. Watch him fall to his knees before slumping over onto all fours, wanting to just collapse to the ground. The only thing that held him up was hanging on his arms as he let out a breath shaking his head. It was over. And the victor didn't belong to the skilled martial artist, but to the teen that was the very equivalent of him at that age...or as close as it came out of the successors from the huge legacy.

Trent took a few steps back wanting to collapse himself; but it was clear that whoever fell first. Whoever could not continue to exercise was the victim; the loser. He was in pain, but he did it.

He had defeated his teacher. And he was trying. He was working hard to accomplish his goal. To win. And he did it. He didn't want to make something of it; say that he only won because Tommy was tired. But that wasn't the case. He knew how the older man fought. He grew accustomed to analyzing a move, anticipating a shot and predicting where a blow would land. He had gotten better; made sure to protect himself in whatever case that would be.

And he knew that Tommy was giving his all in that battle. He gave Trent a run for his money. And this was like no other ranger sparring exercise. This was their own flesh and bone. No help from the dino gem of any kind. It was a way to prove who would be successful and who wouldn't. They all did great. Had their mentor on the run several times, but they still had a long way to go.

But at that point, Trent had deserved his bragging rights. He defeated Tommy-a legend in martial arts to many-who had skills like no other.

"I won?" Trent breathed as he couldn't get over the fact it was true. But it was as his friends rushed over to congratulate him.

Hugging Kira tightly, the pain began to return to his aching muscles. This was nearly a grudge match and a good rest would do him some good at this moment. He swore that there would be bruises showing up on several parts of his body after this.

Tommy let out a breath as he finally pulled himself to his feet, leaning against his wife for more support. Pushing her lips against his caused her to blush when he wished under her touch. But she also couldn't help to giggle as well.

"You can't win them all, Tommy," she covered her mouth again to keep from laughing again.

Tommy sighed as he nodded laying another kiss on her lips and one on her forehead. "Yeah, well, it was slightly unfair..."

"Look who's talking, Mr. I-Have-The-Strength-To-Take-On-All-Of-My-Rangers," she shook her head before pushing his shoulder as he winced slightly. She giggled again.

"Woo, you got served, Dr. O," Ethan had to point out, but stopped quickly when his teacher's eyes narrowed on him.

Trent held out his hand congratulating the skilled martial artist on a good fight. But for a long time Tommy just stared at the outstretched hand. And before the teen could say anymore, he felt arms wrap around him in a big bear hug, despite the pain each of them were having. Congratulating the teen on a good fight, the grudge that seemed to develop during the fight had left them, and all thoughts of ever thinking this was nearly a battle-to-the-death was all gone.

"Now, I don't know about you guys, but I know this guy is needed to ice down on a few things..." Kim laughed again as she gripped Tommy's shoulder and he winced.

"And so do I," Trent raised a hand and nodded. Kira wrapped an arm around his pulling him into the house.

Conner, Ethan and Billy couldn't help but laugh as they followed the rest of them into the house. And to just hit a day of relaxation.

XXXXXXXXXX

Saturday June 18th, 2005, 3:00pm. Reefside Sports Complex: Martial Arts Qualifications Competition.

Getting situated in the stands that surrounded the huge floor of the sports complex, people came to see the many competitors from all over the city and state. The competitors ranged from wise older men down to the kids who just began their journey in martial arts. The other competitors had several years under their wings. Skilled in several different forms of martial arts, there were several different types of ways to earn their ranks. And several different types of competitions would be going on the floor to the stadium.

They broke it down each part of the competition by skill level and what type of martial arts forms a person knew. The more they knew, the longer time they would have to prep up and get ready. From that, they had divided it by weight division.

Situated among several other competitors, Tommy sat on a beach in the locker room. Several of his friends had coached him along the way; helped him prepare for the day he would earn his next degree under the title of black belt.

Jason, Adam and Trent stood over him as he continued through several breathing exercises to calm his nerves and tension. Watching the man shift a little, his shoulders shrugging slightly, the trio knew he was nervous. Waiting out there on the floor was the very thing that would move him up in the experience and skills that made him who he was.

Encouraging him as he finally came to, opening his eyes and looking straight ahead rather than the ground, the trio of guys made it clear that he had nothing to worry about.

"You'll do fine, Tommy. Just relax, and do what you gotta do," Jason patted his brother on the shoulder by everything except blood.

"You've been doing a lot of rigorous training anyway, especially this past week," Adam added.

"You have nothing to worry about. We aren't doubting you at all, and neither should you," Trent added as he found his hand on Tommy's other shoulder.

The skilled master sat there as he caught his breath once again. For awhile, he wasn't sure if he was ready to do this. It was years since he had gotten his ranks as a fifth degree black belt. Now, he would be moving on to getting his sixth degree. He didn't say that he doubted himself about it; he was just nervous. These years were filled with far more surprises than what he had seen in his past. This was a whole other thing, but he didn't want to look at the mistakes or mishaps of his past. He would make it. He had to.

A lot of people were out there, and it wouldn't look good on him to screw this up. Martial arts was apart of his life; a second nature that could never leave him after all that it had taught him through the years. He had come a long way, and everyone around him knew that. They were counting on him. And he couldn't let them down.

Moving from the bench and out into the hall, he was nearly taken by surprised when he felt someone grab him arm and throw him into the wall. But his anger and confusion at the gesture was lost when he felt a set of warm lips fall onto his. For the moments he had briefly shared that kiss with his wife all tension left him. Pulling her a little bit closer, he was slightly discouraged that the round belly had kept the two of them from really getting any closer.

"Show us you can do it, Handsome," Kim whispered into his ear before laying another kiss on his lips. She straightened out his karate uniform, tightening the belt around his waist. A bandana was wrapped around his head to catch the sweat from landing in his line of vision.

Tommy leaned over and laid a kiss on his wife's forehead before resting his own onto hers. Locking eyes for those moments, his hands intertwined with hers and they stood there taking in the presence of their significant other.

A referee moved down the hallway to call in the next set of competitors; Tommy was one of them. Laying another kiss on Kim's lips he smiled gently before moving away from her and heading out the dark tunnel onto the competitors floor.

Trent had taken Kim back into the stands where the others were. Jason and Adam would be encouraging and coaching Tommy from the sidelines of the floor.

The competition itself was one of the hardest things the competitors had faced. There was a competition between weight class division for each martial arts types. There was a singles demonstration and a weapons demonstration that each competitor were required to perform.

The hours passed slow.

Tommy had to admit that it was one tough competition. He had relied on the use of his dino gem several times before and this was one real time where he couldn't use it. Not that he had felt that loss of power or lack of power or limits of using powers, he was just taken by surprise that he had relied so much on his powers. But this was his element.

And he had proved himself to be a worthy competitor and martial artist. It was clear that the teens were especially impressed by his weapons demonstration. They had no idea that he had been able to use some of the weapons on the list, but not completely surprised. He had used the bo-staff, the katanas, the butterfly swords, the sais, the nun chucks, the tonfas and several other weapons. His blend of martial arts was as he told the judges was his own creation, a blend he would hope to teach others in the future, was known as Toso Kune Do.

After the evaluation, waiting patiently for the results, a judge stepped out onto the floor toward the skilled martial artist. On the outside, Tommy looked as calm as the weather on a cool day. But on the inside he was sweating, kicking himself, for the mistakes he had made. He criticized his own performance as he watched it play back on the screen beside the judges; a panel of five of them.

"After calculating our results, we were impressed with your performance, Master Oliver," the judge proclaimed as he stuck out his hand in a firm greeting and conclusion. Locked in a firm grip with the martial artist, the man pulled out a black belt and handed it to Tommy. "Congratulations. You have proven yourself as a martial artist and have earned your sixth degree black belt. Use your skills for self-defense and to teach others; they will be satisfied with the results, Kyoshi Oliver."

The judge turned away as Tommy forced out a breath looking at the black belt in his hands. The markings of a sixth degree black belt laid across it. Bowing before the panel of judges, he raced off the floor as he was jumped by Adam and Jason for a job well done. Holding the belt high, the stands roared - where his family and friends sat - with whistles, applauds and cheering.

XXXXXXXXXX

Monday, July 4th, 2005. Independence Day.

Weeks had gone by, and it seemed harder to grasp the fact that summer was going by as fast as it was. Despite the fact that the teens had found nothing better to do in their days, they hung around the Oliver Homestead or cyber café to pass their time. If not, hanging at the condo Trent had been now living in for more than a month. There were even possible rumors of Kira moving him with him by the end of the summer, but that was in need of discussing.

Trent was still working at the cyber café until classes started in the fall, if he was gonna go. Kira was still working over at the TV station. Ethan was helping his mentor archive the Ranger history as well as find a place to live by the fall. He felt it was time to be out on his own, and even agreed to have Conner bunk in with him as roommates. Conner had been passing his time trying to find a way to operate some sorta sports camp - if not soccer - for the kids in Reefside. However, the teens themselves had discussed the issue several times trying to decide if they should just go to college or take a break.

Sitting on the back porch at the Oliver homestead just hanging out among friends - the ranger family to be more exact - they were having a little cookout to bring in Independence Day.

"I know I may be slow about all of this, but if we were gonna have fireworks, why are we here among all these trees? Aren't they gonna catch on fire?" Ethan asked before taking a drink of his soda.

Conner and Kira could only shrug. Trent had been helping Tommy by teaching him some techniques on how to cook. It was a long shot and one with great risk, but as far as any of them could tell, he was doing just fine. Kim had been conversing with her old teammates and closest friends, including the Space Rangers. All were constantly joking about the size of her and the expectancy of having twins if not triplets in the way she was looking. Adam and Rocky were teaching Serena a few martial arts moves as well as how to throw a sprial with the football. Most of it was all in good fun just hanging out with friends and family. While Eric and Wes were merely poking fun at Tommy for trying to cook. For a guy of his stature, they had thought he would have learned to cook a few things, but it was clear that it was not his style.

Shane, Tori, Dustin and Hunter were unable to make it merely because they needed to continue their teachings at the ninja academies. Cam and Blake were there hanging out with the young dino rangers.

Jason and Kat were still on their way from Los Angeles, but hoped to get there soon. But they were caught up in the limelight of downtown L.A. and may not be in at all, but sent their regards. They would come to visit when they could.

The hours passed slow. But it was a time to reflect. To hang out, and literally have that much needed ranger reunion as they had hoped. It wasn't much, but it was a start to many more times they would all be meeting to just hang out.

Sitting among his old teammates, the group had talked about the memories they had shared throughout high school. About the very first time they had become rangers to the days when Zack, Jason and Trini had left and Aisha, Adam and Rocky took their place. They discussed the miss-happenings with Bulk and Skull and several other incidents. The list went on and on as they laughed, blushed and nearly cried about their adventures when they were younger.

Time passed.

Sipping on some lemonade in the comfort of the porch, Tommy sat alongside Kim as they watched the others play a little touch football on the lawn.

"Now, this is the life," Tommy sighed as he threw his hands behind his head and leaned back in his lounge chair.

"It is. I mean, we can finally settle down and just relax," Kim smiled over at him before leaning over to lay a kiss on his cheek.

"Well, at least until that little guy is done cooking in your oven," Tommy couldn't help but snicker as he felt a backhand on his shoulder.

"You try carrying this thing around for nine months, Thomas. You wouldn't last one day," her eyes narrowed on her husband as an indication of her raging hormones were taking over.

Before Tommy had a chance to counteract her last comment, his cell phone rang. Putting a finger to his wife's lips, he pulled out his phone and answered it.

"Hello? Tommy Oliver speaking, how can I help you?" He replied as it fell silent.

Tommy listened intently to the other person on the line as his face began to take on several different emotions. Sitting up to look at his face, Kim grew concerned as she saw sadness sink more onto his face.

"Yes... No, I mean...well, yes I did. ...And you are certain? ...No, I'll be just fine. ..No, of course not. ...Yes, sir. ...Yes, thank you, Officer..." Tommy said quietly as he flipped the phone shut and looked down. He felt his heart skip a beat at that moment as he tried to figure out if the news he had just received was true. But deep down, he felt it. Somehow, he did. He felt the loss. The confusion. The pain.

Putting a hand on the side of his face, Kim turned his head to look at her. And where she had just say calmness, a sadness blanketed his face. "Tommy, Handsome, what's wrong?"

Figuring out what exactly to say, Tommy forced air back into his lungs before looking back up at Kim. Tears began to welt in his eyes before he felt Kim pull him into her, hugging and holding onto him as if his life depended on it. The tears fell slowly and his throat felt dry to the very last drop. He could barely breath, but he had to tell her. And everyone else.

"Kim," his voice shook with fear. "I just got off the phone with an officer from L.A. There was an accident.."

Kim pulled away for a moment looking at him with confusion. Tears began to welt in her eyes as she felt her stomach sink. She felt a suddenly line of dizziness, but before she could put her finger on it, Tommy had completed her thoughts.

"Our young Turbo friend, Commander Justin Stewart, was pronounced dead only thirty minutes ago," he managed to say before pulling her back into his arms. His face buried into her chest as he felt the loss.

"How?" Kim asked quietly as she began to rub his back, comforting him.

"Drunk driver. He was on his way down here when he got into the accident. Rushed him to the hospital, but he was D.O.A. by the time they got him into the E.R."

After Kim had digested the news, a silence fell over her as she pulled him even closer to him. "I'm so sorry, Handsome."

The moments felt like an eternity as Tommy tried to figure out if it was fate or something else that brought this up. He had remembered that Wes and Eric had told him they had several close calls from their trip into Reefside. And even as they were patrolling the streets of Silver Hills, they were nearly targeted by robbers. By other sources. They felt watch, almost violated in every step that they took. Jason had also told Tommy that he almost had a close incident with an accident during one of his patrols in L.A. He didn't know if it was coincidence or if it was merely not connected at all.

Tommy pulled away wiping away his tears and letting the air fill his lungs again. He looked over his shoulder as the sun was beginning to set, the game between his friends and family would be ending soon. But would he tell them? He had to. They had every right to know.

Calling it quits and slowly filing toward the porch for some refreshments and more food, the players were too pre-occupied over who won the game to see the black dino ranger standing at the top of the steps.

Stopping only to notice him standing there, a silence and murmur came over the crowd of rangers. Tommy had looked at the ones who had served with the young blue turbo ranger back in their days before looking at everyone else.

"Tragedy has struck the ranger family. I just got word from a police officer... Justin Stewart was pronounced dead nearly thirty minutes ago." Tommy had said as if it was like any other set of news.

People in the crowd shifted and swayed. Nearly collapsing, Andros caught Ashley as Carlos caught Cassie. Rocky and Adam exchanged a look of shock and sadness. T.J. had exchanged one with Carlos before looking over at Zhane with confusion and shock. The mixed thoughts in the crowd had filled each of them with sinking feelings. With sadness. Sorrow. Sympathy. Empathy. Tears welt in eyes, others were already sobbing. Others had sunk into themselves trying to grasp the news that came their way.

"How do we know it is true?" T.J. asked as he felt some of the pressure lay on him. He was in fact the leader of the team after Tommy and the others hung up their morphers. He was the one who paved the way for future generations of leaders. He had particularly kept a close eye on the young ranger during his time in the suit and made sure he didn't get hurt. He was playing the role of an almost overprotective older brother.

Tommy flipped open his phone as he read the text message he was just sent. "Because I just got confirmation from Jason that it is true."

XXXXXXXXXX

Tuesday, July 5th, 2005. Early morning.

Despite the tragic news from the previous day, the remaining rangers knew they just had to get out. Find a way to clear their heads and just try to figure out how to get away from the sadness and confusion. Wes and Eric had returned to Silver Hills while Blake and Cam returned to Blue Bay Harbor. Zack went back to establishing a contract with some landowners over a building in L.A. to start a dance school up by the beginning of September. The Space Rangers had returned to Angel Grove to keep things in line there and prepare for a trip up to space on the Astro Megaship.

Jason had managed to come down, deciding that it was time for a little guys day/night out. The girls were more for staying in and catching up on the latest gossip and romance movies as they sat around in their pajamas. But it was clear some of them were more stubborn to go than others.

Standing before the mirror in the master bathroom, Tommy had looked himself over shaking his head. He was in no mood to go out. He was still stricken by the news of the previous day. And no one could blame him considering what had already happened. He kept telling himself that there was nothing to worry about. This wasn't a bad thing. That it had no connection to a possible new threat the rangers had to deal with. He hoped that by the start of the fall semester he would hang up his morpher - hopefully for good. But with the thoughts of a new threat running through his head it was hard to think of other things.

Splashing cold water onto his face, he looked back into the mirror to watch it drain down like a set of veins. Forcing air back into his lungs, he just couldn't believe that another tragedy had struck the team. It didn't make sense to him. Didn't add up. But the reports - or what he was told by Jason - stated otherwise. They stated that Justin Stewart had been running over the limit by nearly ten miles per hour when a drunk driver had clipped him sending the car into a spin. He had crashed into several other cars before coming to a stop over a bypass. Luckily, he was wearing a seatbelt or he would have flown right over the bypass to the busy street below. But it was bad. Several people were injured and hospitalized. And then there were those that didn't make it; a total of four of them. He was one of them pronounced dead.

Tommy forced himself to not believe that any of this was a series of bad events; events that lead to some possible new threat against the ranger team. They had been out of commission for nearly two months now, and he had hoped that they could finally hang up their morphers and helmets for good this time. But there was no guarantee about that. There wasn't. He just hoped that it wasn't true at all. He just couldn't afford it. He wasn't sure if he was up to battling another enemy before he ever turned 30. He had seen far too many battles. More battles than he would have liked, but he was dealing. Dealing the best way he could, but for how long? How long would it be before he finally broke down?

"This has got to be a bad idea," he said quietly to himself, but apparently it wasn't quite enough.

Footsteps scurried through the bedroom coming to a halt by the threshold of the bathroom. "I think it is the best thing we could ask for right now, Handsome." Stepping into the bathroom, waddling over to her husband, Kim laid a kiss on his cheek before pulling him into a hug.

Though both of them didn't really like the idea of a little outing with their same-sex companions, it was the best way to clear their heads from all that has happened. And it was much needed. Despite the feeling of it being summer, it was still a stressful one. One that was not necessary for any of them.

Encouraging Tommy once more about the benefits of a night as this, he finally gave into it. He could only hope he would have as much fun as Kim was putting it.

And only minutes after that, Rocky and Jason nearly bursted into the house and dragged Tommy out like he was being kidnapped Watching with giggles, Kim waved out to them wishing them a good time as she had hoped to have with the girls on a night in.

"Is this really necessary?" Tommy protested as he tried to break out of his friends' strong grips.

"Sorry, we know how you are, T. You aren't in a good mood about any of this, so we have to force it upon you in order for it to work," Rocky said.

"Relax, it isn't too extremely out of the way. Just remember, whatever goes on stays between just us guys." Jason said as he pat his friend on the back.

"Then how come I have a bad feeling about this?" Tommy raised an eyebrow.

"It will be a relief off your shoulders. And you'll thank us for this someday," Rocky nodded back.

Rocky and Jason continued to drag Tommy down the driveway and shoved him into Rocky's truck before taking off like a bat out of hell. On the road, Tommy questioned the two about where they were gonna take him, but they had not said anything about it.

"Where are we going?" Tommy demanded as he raised his voice a little bit more.

"That's for us to know and you to find out, bro. Relax. It's nothing too out of the ordinary," Jason said as a smile passed his face patting the man in black sandwiched between him and Rocky.

"I was afraid you were gonna say that," Tommy murmured to himself.

The drive had consisted of some more memorable moments in their young lives, but also of Rocky's terrible singing that had both Jason and Tommy ready to jump the car at the next intersection if it got any worse. But as far as Tommy could tell, they were on their way out of Reefside and heading east.

In a parade behind them followed the rest of the guy rangers - those that had personally served with Tommy for a good part of their ranger careers. Adam and Billy were next in line, with the teens following behind them.

Meanwhile, back at the Oliver homestead, Aisha nearly stormed through the doors with Kira and Tanya. Kim was in no real mood to have anyone over, but it was clear that Aisha wasn't gonna accept a no from her. She paraded in with sweets, popcorn, make-up and several romance and a few horror movies for their viewing pleasure.

"Well, since you can't come out of the house considering you're more on bed rest than you need to be, we'll bring the party to you," Aisha stated as she tossed the line of movies on the coffee table.

"C'mon, 'sha, I'm tired. I was just going to head to bed..." Kim started to move out of the room, but Kira and Tanya grabbed her.

"Nice try. Since the guys are having a night out on the town - or whatever the hell they are doing - we're having a night of our own, too," Tanya protested pulling the pregnant woman back over to the sofa.

Kat and Hayley had arrived some time later. All crashing in the living room, the girls had settled on popping in a movie and piling up on the gossip they managed to muster about celebrity couples and other things.

-XXXXX-

Hours had passed.

Clearly on the outskirts of California along the border of Nevada, the trio of cars had come upon desert from all sides. It was now night and more confusion fell on Tommy's face as he finally realized they were no longer driving on paved road but the smooth sands of the desert.

"Where are we?" Tommy asked as Rocky pulled the truck to a stop. A plateau stood before them but it was clear there were lights coming from the other side of it.

Getting out of the truck, Tommy could hear the engines beyond the plateau. There was a line of loud bass-boosting music and screeching of tires as if someone had peeled out of a parked position. The other guys gathered around before walking up the plateau to see what was on the other side.

In the wake of their sight was what looked like a huge desert party blaring with techno music, flashing lights and racing. Street racing from not only cars, but motorcycles, A.T.V.s and several other forms of ground transportation. It was one big Street Wars desert party. And it was clear they could be getting more than they bargained for on this trip, but it was just one way to clear out their heads, even if something like this was illegal to host. It was a source of a huge black market sale, racing other men and women with decked out imported street cars. About learning the difference between straight throttle racing and the use of nitrous. And even seeing how creative some people have gotten with their rides from the high rolling Cadillac Escalades to the crotch rockets and the All-Terrain Vehicles. And who knows what else.

"I thought these things didn't exist," Ethan breathed as his eyes widened with shock. "And I thought these things were illegal, too."

"We're not here to crash it, are we?" Tommy looked over at Jason with a raised eyebrow.

Patting Tommy's shoulder, Jason only smiled. "What happened to living life in the fast lane? Sometimes you just gotta live a little, right? This is just apart of the thrill of the game in life."

"Now, you do realize if the girls find out where we are at, we're all dead, right?" Billy asked.

Adam and Rocky jumped on Tommy's back, nearly making him lose his balance. Despite some of the fear that ran through all of them, it was a thrill they were needing to experience.

"Let's go, T. Show these guys what you're rollin'. And we know you know how to run with it, Mr. Former-Race-Car-Driver," Rocky proclaimed as he pointed to an unattended tent close by.

"And I know these guys have been working on making their own little speed demon, isn't that right?" Adam looked over at the trio of teens in the mix of their circle.

Looking away, the trio had took a step back before following Jason down the hill. This was one thrill that these guys were not gonna forget.

-XXXXX-

Back in Reefside, the girls had all finally crashed for the evening. Well, more like early morning of the next day.

Kim slowly found her way heading up the stairs, but for the longest time she wasn't feeling too good. Quickly, peeking into Serena's room to make sure she was still asleep, a small smile passed her face when she moved away to catch her breath. She was feeling a little dizzy and lightheaded the entire evening. Letting out a painful breath before clearing the last set of stairs, she started to rub her stomach. Using the rail, she pulled herself toward the master bedroom. She moved passed the bed and into the bathroom nearly collapsing onto the sink counter to keep herself up.

Sweat filled her face from top to bottom as her breathing came more suppressed and short. Her entire body felt a little bit lighter, slightly warm as she reached over and turned on the faucet. Reaching over to cup the cold water in her hands, she took it and splashed it onto her face. But then she felt something else was wrong, or different about all of this. She looked down to see a pile of water underneath her as her underwear began to soak up with water.

Kim's water had just broke.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Kira had snuck into the bathroom. For the last few weeks she was feeling a little sick and dizzy at times. And her appetite wasn't where it was. She had refused to eat from time to time. She didn't say a whole lot the entire night nor anyone quite noticed the number of times she left the room. She was sitting on the toilet seat hugging herself before reaching over to take a drink from the water bottle she brought in with her.

Letting another breath escape her lips, she didn't want to think that all of this sickness had to do with what she was thinking about. But one time was all it took. One time to change everything. She shook her head, not wanting to think of the consequences of the decisions she had made only weeks ago.

She had thought about it from time to time, about the offer that Trent had made to her throughout the passed few weeks. He knew that she was in need of finding a place to stay as she moved onto a new chapter in her life. Onto getting a higher education and possibly landing that huge music contract. She didn't want to rush into it, but during the course of the last few months of their relationship, it had gradually gotten more intimate. More compassionate. More personal time between just the two of them.

But as she thought about the feelings of moving in with her boyfriend, she heard a shrieking cry echo through the house. She raced out of the bathroom and headed toward the cry that could almost match her own ptera scream. Running up the stairs and into the master bedroom, she met the startled and pale face of Kim.

"Kim, oh my god! Are you okay?" Racing over to catch her before Kim's legs nearly gave out from underneath her, Kira noticed the puddle of water in the bathroom. She looked over Kim again as she wrapped an arm around the teen in yellow. "Oh, shit!"

More footsteps echoed through the hall as the girls came to a halt in the master bedroom. Aisha raced over to support Kim's other side looking over at the puddle of water in the bathroom. Serena pushed passed all of them to lock her mother into a tight and worried hug.

The look on their faces turned to more shock and worry as the news finally fell over each of the girls present.

"Kim's having the baby," Aisha stated as Kim let out another painful breath.

-XXXXX-

Several hours later.

The first thing to come to Trent's ear after such a peaceful sleep was the blaring sound of his cell phone going off. Groaning and reaching over to where his phone was, he nearly fell out of the bed as he pushed the receiver to his ear. "Hello?"

"Trent! Thank God! I was getting worried..." but Kira's voice was a little too frantic and worrisome for Trent to fully grasp.

Calming her down and getting to his feet, Trent moved over a snoozing Rocky pulling the curtains free to see the bright blaring sun shine down on him. Kira continued to flip out as she was saying that she was trying to get a hold of him for hours. And as Trent stopped her again, she straight out and told him the news.

"Kim's water broke. She just went into labor," Kira said.

Nearly dropping the phone, Trent gasped as he shook his head. "What! Are you sure?"

"Trent, we just got to the hospital. And there is a puddle of water in their bathroom that likes to say otherwise. She's having the baby."

"But she isn't due for another month!" Trent protested as he nearly shouted. At the brink of that news, it made his stomach sink with surprise and shock. He knew that Kim wasn't due for at least another month, but it was never uncommon for a premature baby to come into the world. But he didn't expect the baby for another few weeks if not closer to the due date. But not now.

"Trent, where are you! You'd better get Dr. O and the others down here right now, or I swear there will be hell to pay..."

Trent was wiping the sleepiness out of his eyes as he continue to hear Kira freaking out on her side of the phone. He opened his eyes again as he met the brightness of the land. That's when his eyes widened with shock, and he dropped his phone, but caught it before it hit the ground. He was looking at the jungle and tropical paradise of the Mirage...in Las Vegas!

"Trent, where are you!"

Trent grumbled under his breath before looking back into the room, where it appeared as if nearly everyone looked a little wasted and out of it. Scattered throughout the suite, the guys found a place to crash on the floor, in chairs or the bed. "Kira, you wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Well, you'd better get your asses down here before we come find you."

Then the call ended and Trent let out another breath. He looked back out the window, and his eyes were not playing tricks on him. He was really looking at the strip of Las Vegas, Nevada. Smelling his shirt, he could smell the gasoline, smoke, alcohol and other substances that mixed into a unique odor. An odor that would need a lot of explaining when they got back to Reefside.

"But, how the hell did we end up in Las Vegas?" he asked himself trying to remember what happened the previous night. But he had no idea. He had no clue how the hell he got there...or any of them in this case.

Running through the room, trying to wake the guys up, not a single one of them was responding. Looking around the room, he could see the scattered sheets and other garments on the floor. He didn't even want to ask what happened, but he knew he had to get these guys out of there and on their way back to Reefside.

Looking around the room again, he had noticed that someone was missing. Letting out a breath, he headed out of the door looking for the man that was missing. "Adam."

He found Adam in the little zoo watching the dolphins getting fed in the early afternoon of the day. Calling out to him, the Korean man turned to look at him.

"I assume you just got the news about Kim?" Adam asked as a means of greeting.

"Adam, what the hell are we doing in Las Vegas! The last thing I remember was being in the desert racing down it at 120 miles per hour and the next thing I know we're here," Trent protested as he looked at the man. It appeared as if Adam was rather calm about the entire situation. That he didn't seem to mind any of this and that it wasn't a big deal. "Wait! You knew about Kim?"

"I just got the news a few minutes ago. Now, if you ask me about how the hell we got to Las Vegas, I won't be able to answer that. I don't think any of us will be able to."

"Well, I do know if we don't get Tommy and the others on their feet and back to Reefside, the girls are gonna come find us. If they find out we're here in Las Vegas, we're dead," Trent took a breath as he shook his head. He didn't want to think about what Kira would do to him if she heard about his night out with the older guy rangers. Let alone, he didn't want to think about what Kim would do to Tommy if there could have been some female companions along for their wild ride.

"We could be dead either way, but let's move before they decide to sniff us out."

Returning to the top floor of the Mirage, the duo began to wake up the line of guys in the suite. But it was clear that they were all nearly out of it, if not drunk too. They had to make sure they were all sober by the time they got to Reefside, or it would be hell when they got to the hospital.

Hours passed.

Crammed in two vehicles, Trent and Adam made the trip back to Reefside. And it was clear the guys were still out of it. But it was only gonna get longer when there was a reported accident on the interstate they were on.

-XXXXX-

Arriving at the hospital, the line of girls were screaming and yelling at a panic that it was really hard to understand any of them. One of the nurses had raced out of the sliding doors with a wheelchair as Aisha and Hayley helped the pregnant woman out of the car.

Despite the fact that Kat had already given birth to two kids, she was in a huge panic for her friend. For once, she was one the opposite end of the spectrum and she didn't realize how much nerve and panic came with it.

Kira was doing her best to calm them down, but it was hard on her own sake. She hadn't need to deal with someone really giving birth for a long time. And she was young when her own little brother came into the world, but somehow things were different. These people were like her second family. They meant a lot to her, and she would do anything for them. She carried Serena in her arms as she tried to keep her calm as well.

Tanya was also in a panic. That, though, she had not formerly worked with the original pink ranger, she knew exactly how much Kim had meant to her former leader, Tommy. She knew as any of them, that the heart of the team came from Kim. And if anything bad happened to her, she knew that Tommy would not take to it that well. She saw it when Kim had broken up with him years ago. He was a mess. He would shut down and not let a whole lot of people in.

Aisha had been pushing the wheelchair along with the heaving woman seated in it, but she was also leaving a message on Adam's voicemail informing him of the news. Hayley had been coaching Kim, telling her to relax and take deep and calm breaths, but it was hard for her to grasp what was going on. She was going into a panic. Kim was screaming in pain, whining and crying about where her husband was, but none of the girls could provide a straight answer.

Trying to tell her to calm down again, Hayley had looked over to Kira hoping to get some answers from her. She had just gotten off the phone with Trent, and she knew that she was the only one that was able to get a hold of one of the guys.

"Where did they say they were?" Hayley asked.

Kira shook her head as she raced alongside the wheelchair taking Kim's hand as she reached out for hers. Looking over at the technical director, she could only shrug trying to calm her senses. "Trent didn't say. But I told them, if they didn't get down here soon, there would be a lot of hell to pay."

"That's for sure," Aisha said. "I don't care what they were doing, they're still gonna have a piece of my mind."

Two more nurses had raced over to the group of women, taking the wheelchair along with them and racing down the hall with her. Following close behind, Aisha and Kira grew a little weary about whether or not the guys would be there on time.

-XXXXX-

Sitting nearly bumper to bumper on the highway, Trent was already getting more frustrated from behind the wheel of Conner's car. It would take a miracle if they ever got to the hospital on time at this rate. They had been on the road for nearly two hours now, and they had finally cleared the border of Nevada going into California. And at the speed they were going, they would be lucky if they even made it by midnight.

It was already running late into the afternoon, and he was too scared to call up Kira to hear what the status of Kim was. He knew that she would be asking too many questions. But he, as all of them, had agreed not to speak of that night to no one else but each other. Outside of their circle, this bond that they had created would have no right to know what went on that night. The only problem was, he didn't even remember what happened that night.

Situated in the car, Conner, Ethan and Billy were still passed out around him. Trent figured it was no good from Adam's own car. He figured the guys were just as wasted up there as they were in this car. And that's what worried him more; if they wouldn't be coming to any time soon.

Before they had left, Adam had slipped a pill into each of the guy's mouths. The hang-over pill - his special blend - that should hopefully clear out their system by the time they got there; if they got there on time.

Adam, himself, was getting more frustrated, knowing that waiting on this highway any longer would drive him mad. Tommy was sitting in the passenger seat, still passed out. Just like Rocky and Jason in the back. Gesturing out the window toward Trent behind him, he was only making the best suggesting they could come up with. Take the back roads back into Reefside and hope that they could get there faster.

Following Adam's lead, the two cars had took an exit onto the desert plains of eastern California and began their journey back to Reefside at top speed.

-XXXXX-

Situated in one of the hospital beds of a room where pregnant women were waiting for their cue to give birth, Kim had been slightly sedated to keep her nerves calm. But tears were still streaking her face in sadness and fear. Fear that her husband wouldn't be there to witness the birth of their son. And she knew she would kill him for missing it. Let alone, he would probably hang himself for missing his son's birth.

Knocking on the door quietly before entering, Aisha and Kira walked in to meet the lone Kim on the bed. They walked over to her, each taking her hand as Kim opened her tear-stained eyes. A light smile passed over the two yellow rangers as they tried to find the words to say to keep her calm.

They had been waiting for hours now, and the doctors had come in, checked how big she was, and shook their heads simply saying she was still not big enough to allow a baby to pass through. To make matters worse, there was still no word from the guys. Where there was worry, there was also frustration, some anger, and a need to beat up the guys when they showed up. It was clear the women wanted some explanation from them, and if they wouldn't get it, they would find a way to get it out of them.

"Where is Tommy?" Kim managed to say calmly. But as her husband's name escaped her lips, tears began to fall from her eyes. "I want my husband."

Aisha had pushed a stray of hair away from Kim's face as she smiled. "He'll be here. You know, he's probably out there saving the world, home girl. But he'll be here."

Kira leaned over and hugged the original pink ranger. "Yeah, you know how he can be from time to time. Always gotta show off just a little. And he always likes to make an entrance. But he never lets anyone down."

Kim had to smile, despite the fact that she knew her friends were lying. They didn't want her to worry and say that they had not gotten a hold of the guys in hours, but she was worried. How could Tommy do this to her? Was it just some sick twisted way to avoid seeing the birth of their son? Or was it merely just some untimely consequence that no one had expected? It was hard to say.

She knew, as any of them, that she wasn't due for another month. But it was nothing new to hear about premature births. She just wished that it wasn't by this much. But apparently, she was wrong. She just couldn't hold on anymore and this baby just had to come out.

They had already been waiting for a total of a day and two hours now - 26 hours - and still no sign from the guys or the okay to go into the labor room. She laid there turning her head away as she let out a sharp painful breath.

"Find him, guys," Kim pleaded as she looked up at them with more tears. "Or I swear, I will kill him if he doesn't show up soon."

The two yellow rangers nodded in turn before leaving the room. They walked down the hall to where the other women were waiting. Hayley had been there beside Katherine and Tanya to keep them calm. Serena had fallen asleep not too far from them on the couch. They had been in a panic the entire time, and they weren't sure what to do. As far as they could tell, they would hurt each and every one of the guys when they showed up.

They had been waiting for far too long, and it was almost a wonder how Kim's water broke nearly a day ago and she still wasn't ready to go into the labor room; especially since she was a tiny person.

Hayley had been trying to track the guys' cars or energy readings but for some strange reason, she couldn't. As the women looked on for more information from the technical director, she could only shake her head in sadness. She couldn't find them and she had no idea where they were.

During the entire time, the guys cell phones were shut off. Every single one of them. Including Adam and Trent, the two guys that the girls were managed to get a hold of. And that's what worried them even more.

Four hours later.

The doctor had come into the room and woke the sleeping Kim. Then he checked Kim once again. With a light smile on his face, he nodded in turn. "It's time, Kimberly. Are you ready?"

Looking around the room, she fell into a panic when she had seen that no one else was in the room, but her and the doctor. Shaking her head, there were more tears there. Her husband was nowhere in sight and she didn't want to go into the delivery room alone. She just couldn't.

"Has my husband checked in yet?" she pleaded as she began to shake with fear. At that point, she wasn't mad that he wasn't there. She was upset to find him not there. She had hoped that he was there, somewhere. Anywhere. And she really wanted him at her side. She needed him to comfort and console her.

"I'm sorry, Kimberly, but he has not," Dr. Walsh replied in a bit of sadness. "But I am sure he will be here. If it is okay with you, shall we move you to the delivery room to begin?"

Kimberly let another tear escape her eye before nodding. The doctor called in several nurses to help the woman out of the room and into a wheelchair before getting wheeled passed her friends and down to the delivery room.

-XXXXX-

Coming to a screeching stop beyond the emergency vehicles, Adam's hard braking skills finally awoke the two men in the back of his car. Groaning in confusion and looking around slightly dazed, Adam had moved around to the passenger door where Tommy was still sleeping.

Trent was only one step behind him with a confused and dazed group of rangers. Looking slightly frustrated, he moved over to Adam's side who was still trying to wake up Tommy. "That's the last time we decide to take the back roads back into town. I think it took us a whole lot longer than if we would have stayed on the main road."

"Well, we're here. If we're lucky, we could get this guy upstairs and into the delivery room before the girls find out we've been gone this long," Adam said as he began to tap at the other man in black's face. "I give you nearly a day to recover and you're still out like a light? Damn you, Tommy! Wake up!"

"What's going on? What happened?" Ethan groaned as he looked around confused. "Why are we at the hospital?"

But before he could finish saying anything else, Trent had stabbed him with a syringe given by Adam. Wincing in pain, he smacked Trent's hand away just as he pulled it out. Moving quickly to drive another syringe into Billy and Conner's arms the duo winced in pain and confusion. Adam had stuck Rocky and Jason with another set of syringes that made them groan as well.

"Apparently, those pills didn't work. But I've given each of you guys an adrenaline boost, and something to clear out your system. You should be back to normal in less than 15 minutes. But we need to get this guy..."

Footsteps had echoed through the parking lot toward them as they heard the clamoring yelling from several women. Looking over his shoulder only briefly, Adam finally saw Tommy's head move as he drove a pill into his mouth and stabbed him with another syringe.

Helping the dazed man to his feet, Adam and Trent pulled Tommy out of the car only to be stopped by a line of angry women rangers.

"Ooh. Um...hey, guys. Look at who we found," Ethan smiled but it was dropped when Kira glared at him.

"Where have you guys been?" Kat back-handed Jason's shoulder as he was making his way out of the car.

"Better yet, why the hell was your phone off!" Tanya glared at Rocky.

"Hey!" Adam yelled over the screaming and clamoring of the ranger women. "Look, I'd like to stay and hash this out right now, but we need to get this guy up to his wife's side, right now."

"You're lucky, they just took her to the delivery room," Aisha said as she tossed Adam a doctor's jacket.

"But I ain't delivering the baby, am I?" Adam raised an eyebrow.

Aisha pushed Adam aside and began to fit the jacket onto Tommy. "No. But if Kim doesn't see him right away, maybe she'll calm her nerves a little before she decides to kill him. As well as the rest of you guys for being late. If he steps into the room looking more like a doctor, she should ease up."

"'Should' being the operative word," Ethan exclaimed a little too loudly that had the other women glare at him again.

"Oh, you got a lot of explaining to do, Ethan," Kira smacked him on the back of the head.

"Hey!" Ethan shot back slightly upset. "You can't just put the blame on just me..."

"And I wasn't," she exclaimed as she looked over at Conner. "Do you have something to say?"

Conner looked away and shook his head. "No. Not at all."

Then she looked over at Trent who couldn't stand to look at her at that moment as she walked over to him. "Or you? How dare you turn off your phone when you knew that Kim's water broke? I told you..."

"You told me to get the guys here as soon as I could. And I did," Trent countered but kept his voice leveled. He didn't want to raise it to her, let alone he couldn't help but notice she was in a more bad mood for the last month or so. And he didn't quite understand why, but had hoped that it was nothing too extremely serious.

Kira pulled her hand back. And by the look of it, it looked like she was about to strike him much harder than they would have seen from her. It was apparently obvious that she was pissed off, but they didn't think she would be this upset. Unless it was something else, as Trent exchanged a look with his two best friends. She sent her hand forward, but stopped inches from Trent's face. "You did. But I want some explanation for why the hell it took so long. It's clear that you guys weren't here in the city."

"No doubt about that," Kat sent her own glare over toward Jason. He could only look away.

Aisha and Adam had already moved back toward the hospital entrance with a slightly dazed Tommy. He was finally coming to, but he was also still in the states of getting out of a hangover-like headache. As the trio raced through the hospital, the duo managed to slip more doctor-like items onto the man expecting a child.

By the time they got him up to the third floor where the delivery room was located, they had slipped him into a doctor's mask and a set of gloves before shoving him passed the E.R doors.

Aisha had pushed Adam forward telling him that he was going along to watch the progress of the situation. As well as assist Dr. Walsh in delivering the baby as Aisha informed him. Adam had clearly stated he was not certified in that field, but the yellow ranger gave him a look that merely told him he would have to go along with it or feel her wrath.

He knew he couldn't argue with that as he followed Tommy into the delivery room. Already prepped for the delivery of the child, Kim was in tears over the fact her husband was still not present. Or so, she thought.

The two men joined Dr. Walsh and the two nurses by Kim's side. Still feeling the aftershock of the medicine Adam had administered, Tommy still looked a little pale and confused. However, he was coming to, which was a good thing.

Kim whimpered in pain as she felt the contractions come in closer together. And according to the doctors – Dr. Walsh and Dr. Park – they both knew it was time as Adam began to explain the situation to the other doctor. Nodding in turn, Dr. Walsh looked over at the other man in the room and winked.

Dr. Walsh walked over to Kim patting her gently on the arm as the other man – this mysterious man – took her hand in his. But she had pulled away as a set of tears fell from her eyes. It was clear that she couldn't tell this man was really her husband at her side moments before she would give birth to their first child.

"Where is Tommy? I want my husband here," she cried quietly. But winced in pain again as another contraction fell over her small frame.

"We need to begin, now. These contractions are right on top of each other and we can't wait any longer," the doctor replied.

The mysterious man took her hand again, but this time Kim didn't refuse as she clasped his hand. Getting fitted to help in the delivery, Adam was also gloved and masked to protect himself and the woman from any penetrating disease or germs.

As Dr. Walsh moved to his position, Adam had moved to her other side, pushing a pressure point to cause her to relax just a little bit more.

"Okay, Kim, you ready? I'm gonna give you the count of three to start pushing..." the main doctor announced.

Kim shook her head pleading to wait it off just a little bit longer. It was clear she was fighting the urge to just give birth. She refused to do it without her husband there.

The man who had locked his hand with hers had pulled it up to run down the side of his face. Kim turned to look up at him with some confusion. The confusion was soon turned to relaxation and relief as some fear fell over the man. He wasn't sure what type of punishment he would get for being late, but he was there now, and that's what mattered most. Pulling down the doctor's mask, the man revealed his identity to her. Leaning down, Tommy pushed his lips against Kim's forehead as she relaxed under his touch.

"I'm here, Beautiful. Sorry I'm late," he whispered.

"You always like to make an entrance, don't you?" she smiled up at him, running a hand down his face. Pulling him down to place a kiss on his lips, they shared a passionate moment. However, it ended quickly when Kim bit down on Tommy's bottom lip. And this wasn't a tease. It was one way to say she was upset and that he would be getting it when this was over.

Licking his lip and rubbing it, Tommy could taste the blood as it filled his mouth. Now, finally alert to the situation, he didn't blame her for that, but had hoped she could show some compassion for the fact she managed to wait it out until his arrival.

Kim pulled him down for another soft kiss, sucking a little on the cut she made on his lip. "Sorry, baby, but you've just left Earth and now entering Hell."

Looking slightly confused, Tommy had not heard Dr. Walsh give Kim the count to begin pushing. Feeling Kim's grip tighten around his hand, it took him off-guard as he almost collapsed to the ground. The pain shot through his hand and up his arm, making his knees buckle. And Kim was beginning the first set of stages to childbirth.

Screaming out in pain, Kim started to push Tommy away as the tears became more evident in her eyes. "I hate you! I hate you, Tommy! Get away from me... aaahhhh..."

Tommy looked at her confusion as he looked toward the two other men in the room. "But, baby..."

Almost in unison, the two doctor's replied as a smile passed under their masks. "It's completely normal."

Breathing and heaving hard against suppressed screaming, Kim nearly crushed the bones in her husband's hand. Not that she was trying to do it intentionally. But, she was just in pain. In major pain for pushing this little life out of her.

"Okay, you're doing great, Kim. Just keep breathing and pushing," Dr. Walsh said with a light smile as he watched the process of it.

Forcing air into her lungs again, Kim forced out another huge push as she felt the shift and pain running through her body. During the process, she had crushed down on Tommy's hand again.

With the constant yelling about how much Kim hated him, it was almost hard to tell if she was just lying. But as she continued to crush down on his hand, it was clear that she didn't want him to go anywhere. Tommy tried to keep his cool, but it was clear that after this, his hand might just get cut off or wrapped up for the damage done. Suppressing his own screaming from the force Kim had, he was almost surprised she could have such strength.

Tears fell from Kim's eyes as she shook her head. She was already getting exhausted and she didn't want to push anymore. She just didn't have the strength.

"I can't...I can't...I just can't push anymore..." Kim cried as she shook her head.

Tommy laid a kiss on her sweaty head, wiping it as he tried to pull his crushed hand from Kim's. But she wasn't letting go. It was as if they were glued together or stuck together. "C'mon, baby, I'm here right beside you..."

The other two doctors also continued to encourage her as she let out a breath giving another big push.

"I see a head," Dr. Walsh announced as he nodded toward the other medical doctor.

Adam had moved to see the progress, nodding and confirming the results. There was a head. And that was a start.

Kim's eyes bursted with more tears again. She looked over at Tommy, pulling her closer to him. These weren't tears of happiness but of fear. "Baby, I'm so sorry I yelled at you... I just can't..."

"Tommy, would you like to see the progress?" Dr. Walsh offered as Kim let out another small push.

Stunned, Tommy only made a brief peek as he felt his stomach churn. He might have been a science teacher, but being in the actual presence of watching a baby being born made him sick to his stomach. The grip around his hand tightened again as Kim gave out another scream pushing with all of her might.

Not being able to hold in his own screaming from the pain, his yelp had matched that of Kim's as she pushed again. "Owww!"

"We got shoulders," Dr. Walsh confirmed with a nod. "Now, Kim, one more big push and you should be done."

Feeling no circulation coming back to his hand, Tommy laid a head on Kim's shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. He thought if it was this much effort for childbirth, he wasn't sure he was really wanting another kid. And he was also worried about Kim's small frame. She was much bigger than he would have known for a woman of her size, and it was clear there had to be some problem with that.

Taking a breath, he pushed another kiss to Kim's forehead. "Okay, baby, just one more push. Okay?"

"Okay. Okay." Kim whimpered as she reached over, clinging to her husband for dear life.

"Breathe. Just breathe," he whispered.

Taking in several breaths, and under a pressure point push from Adam, Kim relaxed a little before giving out one last push. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she had grabbed Adam as well, squeezing down on both of the man's hands. Not expecting it at all, Adam had joined Tommy as they screamed in pain nearly matching her own.

Then it was over as the echoing cry of a baby filled the room.

The tears of pain had turned to happiness as Dr. Walsh had pulled up the baby that had just come from Kim's womb. Letting go of Adam's hand and moving over to hug Tommy, they all let out a huge sigh of relief. Kim's hand loosened around Tommy's own as he slowly felt the blood rush back into his hand.

"Congratulations, guys. It is a boy," Dr. Walsh nodded in turn. Holding out the scissors for Tommy, he took them as he caught his own breath. "Would you like to do the honor's, Tommy?"

It was finally over.

He laid another gentle kiss on Kim's lips. Then she had pushed him forward as he cut the umbilical cord from the little life. Crying quietly, the doctor set the little baby boy into Tommy's arms. He moved over to Kim's side as a weak smile fell over her lips.

Adam patted Kim on her shoulder, looking at her. It was clear there was something going on, but Tommy wasn't paying attention. He was too overwhelmed and happy to see his son lay in his arms. This was his son. And not that he could have appreciated Serena in any way, but this was the first birth he had witnessed. And he can clearly say that this was his. His own flesh and blood with whom he had created with the woman he loved with all his heart.

"Have you chosen a name for him?" Dr. Walsh asked as he walked over to one of the nurse's recording the information on the birth.

Looking over at Kim again, Tommy saw the smile on her face. A little nod came from her. And in unison, the two replied. "David."

"David Thomas Anton Oliver," Kim replied in a small voice as she reached over to touch the baby boy's arm.

The other nurse took the child from Tommy as she moved to clean him up. And relaxation fell over the husband and wife.

But then Dr. Walsh had slipped on a new set of medical gloves as did Adam moving back over to Kim.

"Are you ready for round two?" Adam had finally spoke up before looking over at Tommy.

It didn't register right away until every set of eyes fell on the science teacher. He finally felt the eyes on him as he looked around. Confusion and a raised eyebrow met Adam as Kim took Tommy's hand again.

"Surprise, Handsome," she pushed his hand to her lips. "We're having twins."

"What!" Tommy nearly jumped, but the grip Kim had on him told him he wasn't going anywhere.

"Okay, Kim. Now, this shouldn't be as bad as the first one. Are you ready? Start pushing," Dr. Walsh announced.

"Whoa. No," Tommy shook his head. He was clearly not believing this. It had to be a joke. It just had to be. There was no way he was expecting two babies, nor did he ever noticed them in the ultrasounds. He only saw one baby in there. He knew. He saw it. "There is not another one cooking in this oven..."

"Oh yes there is, you horny son of a bitch," Kim cried as she winced in pain and screamed.

Tommy let out another painful yelp as he felt the blood circulation leave his hand. And the process of labor fell over those present in the room once again.

The moments felt like an eternity since Kim was so exhausted from pushing out the other baby.

Hearing encouraging words from the men in the room, the small woman pushed herself to continue. She had to get this out. Once she did, she could finally relax and think about getting back into the cute clothes and outfits she had missed out on for nearly nine months.

"Okay, Kim. Just one more big push and she should be out," Dr. Walsh nodded.

Kim nodded as Tommy looked at her with confusion. It was clear that the medical doctors in the room knew about Kim having twins. And the gender of each one. Kim could only let out a small smile to delay the shock she had seen in her husband's face. He was still getting over the fact that there were twins. And that Kim didn't tell him about it.

Squeezing Tommy's hand with all of her might, the small woman gave one last push as the echoing cry of a baby filled the room. Relaxing and catching her breath, Kim's grip loosened only a bit as her head fell back. She was exhausted. She was tired. She was weak. There was no doubt about that.

But where shock and dismay once sat on Tommy's face, it was soon gone and a smile fell over his face. He was a father...again. And not to just one, but two. Twins. Adam handed Tommy the scissors as he cut the umbilical cord of the tiny little girl.

Dr. Walsh had handed the nurse the little girl as the other nurse returned with little David. Placing the sleeping baby into Tommy's arms she smiled and congratulated the married couple on the delivery of the twins.

"And the name for your daughter?" the other nurse asked in a soft tone.

Looking over at Kim, Tommy didn't know what to say. He didn't even know that he was going to have a little girl. And he didn't even quite think of a name for her. The discussions were made, but there was no confirmation on what to name the little girl if they had one. And now they did.

Kim gave a weak smile. "Trini. Trini Krista Ann Oliver." Then she looked up at Tommy and their son sitting in his arms.

Tommy couldn't help but smile as he leaned over to let Kim see the baby in his arms. He laid a kiss on her lips before laying a head on her shoulder. "There aren't anymore in there are there?"

Kim giggled quietly. "No, Handsome. There was only two in there. How is your hand?"

Pulling it out and flexing it, he winced a little. He had to admit that it still hurt, but he didn't want to break it to her. "I think its fine. But I think I'll have Adam look at it later."

Adam couldn't help but chuckled to himself as he pulled down the doctor's mask. But as he moved over to the other side of the room, he had noticed the stream of blood that seemed to continue to fall. Looking over at Kim, he saw her eyes grow a little heavy and her heart rate had dropped a few beats.

Kim winced quietly as her eyes grew heavy. And the world around her started to turn dark. Looking over at Tommy, she lightly touched his hand, but her eyes couldn't stay open. "Tommy..."

But the words had escaped her lips so quietly it was almost hard to understand. The other nurse had moved to place the little baby girl into Kim's arms, but by that time Kim's eyes fell shut. And her heart rate dropped down another set of beats.

Dr. Walsh slipped on a new set of medical gloves directing instructions to the other medical people in the room. "We gotta move, now. We need to get her into surgery. Stat."

Unable to move from his spot, Tommy stood there with the twins in his arms alone. The rest of the people had already moved into the emergency room. Fear ran through his bones as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. Things were just fine only moments ago, and now there was turmoil.

And if he feared the worse, he hoped that it wasn't true. He had read numerous reports about how mother's would give birth to their young, but didn't have the strength to live after childbirth. It would be due to lack of oxygen, or blood, or other means. And he didn't want to make anything of it. He couldn't. He wouldn't. But as he stood there alone with the twins, he just wanted to hit the floor and cry desperately for help. And support.

Hours passed slowly.

And Tommy found himself in the waiting room among his friends, his hand wrapped up due to the damage done. Just a sprain, and would be taken off in a few days. Still in shock over the news, the other rangers and technical director could not believe the news. It was twins. Somehow, they all knew. But they didn't think it was possible. But Adam was still back there with Dr. Walsh in the emergency room.

And when they had gotten word that Kim was taken into surgery, worry fell over all of them. Eyes would fall on Tommy, but no one found the words to ask him if he was okay or not. They knew he just needed some time to himself. Occasionally, a hand would touch his shoulder and congratulate him, but sympathy and empathy fell over them as well. They wanted to tell Tommy that things were okay, but couldn't quite find the words to say it.

The hours felt like an eternity as they waited. Not a single one of them wanted to even go and see the twins without knowing if Kim was okay first. Sitting off away from the group, Tommy kept to himself the entire time. He didn't know what to say. As far as he could tell, he was upset. Felt that there had to be some blame put on him about this entire situation.

But no one was blaming him, but himself. The others were merely trying to encourage him. To tell him that things were gonna be okay and that there was nothing to worry about at all. There was nothing. He had to push himself to believe that. He had to push himself to believe a lot of things, especially at times like this.

Echoing through the halls beyond the operation area were footsteps. People rose as they saw Adam step out before them. Looking away, it was hard to tell what his initial reaction was. The man moved over to Tommy as everyone followed hoping to hear some good news about the situation.

"How is she, Adam?" Aisha was the first to ask as she was holding onto Rocky's hand.

After forcing air into his lungs, Adam had looked up and pushed open a small smile. "She's gonna be okay. She lost a lot of blood, but she will be just fine. She's stable now. They're moving her into a room at this very moment."

Relief fell over several of them as they fell onto chairs, or embraced each other in a hug. But there was still another cloud lurking in the room. There was something else that they were missing. And Jason was the first one to figure it out as he had clasped Tommy's shoulder. Tommy, himself, had relaxed under the good news, but he, too, had felt the cloud over what was about to happen next.

"But…" Jason could tell there was more the medical doctor wanted to say.

Everyone stopped and looked over at the medical doctor again. But he didn't say anything as he pulled Tommy to his feet, pulling him out of the group of people. It was clear that it was only fair he heard the news first, and no one could blame him for that. Still being nosy, however, the rest of the team had leaned in hoping to hear the news that Adam was about to tell Tommy.

Putting a hand on his arm, Adam forced Tommy to look at him. "I'm not gonna lie to you, Tommy. She did loss a lot of blood, and the aftermath of giving birth to twins for such a small woman as herself raises a lot of issues."

Tommy looked away at the moment trying to muster what was about to come out of his friend's mouth. He could feel his throat dry up and tears begin to form in his eyes, blurring his vision. He blinked them away as he looked back at Adam, hoping to hear the news he needed to hear.

"Kim may not be able to conceive again," Adam said simply, catching the other man as Tommy's legs buckled.

Shaking his head, he didn't want to believe that that was true. But he wasn't so sure. He didn't know what to believe. "No. It can't be true. It can't…"

"Tommy, listen to me," Adam rose his voice a little as he looked over at his friend. "I said 'maybe'. That is the operative word. It doesn't mean that that is true. So, don't get your hopes down about any of this. She is just really tired and exhausted. And no one could blame her for that. She pushed out two kids simultaneously on top of the fact, the huge difference in their weight. That's not exactly what one could consider normal, especially for twins."

At that moment, Tommy didn't realize that that was true. He had to think back to the moments he had held the two babies in his arms. These babies which he had created with the love of his life. David was in his right arm, while Trini was in his left. And it was clear you could see the difference in their size. Trini was in fact smaller than David. And as he looked at the report Adam handed to him, it was true.

"'Certificate of Birth. Name: David Thomas Anton Oliver. Sex: Male. Born on: July 7th, 2005. Time: 05:04 p.m. Height: 21 inches. Weight: 9 pounds, 14 ounces. Eye Color: golden-brown with hazel patches. Hair Color: dark brown. Place of Birth: Reefside Memorial Hospital. City: Reefside. State: California. Country of Birth: USA. Father's Name: Thomas Anthony Oliver. Mother's Name: Kimberly Ann Hart-Oliver. …."

"'Certificate of Birth. Name: Trini Krista Ann Oliver. Sex: Female. Born on: July 7th, 2005. Time: 05:18 p.m. Height: 17 inches. Weight: 6 pounds. Eye Color: deep dark blue-purple. Hair Color: honey-golden brown. Place of Birth: Reefside Memorial Hospital. City: Reefside. State: California. Country of Birth: USA. Father's Name: Thomas Anthony Oliver. Mother's Name: Kimberly Ann Hart-Oliver. …'"

"And the twins? What about…?" Tommy looked from the files to his friend he knew as one of only medical doctor's he could really trust.

"They are both healthy. Devoid of any birth defects or side effects that I know of. They are fine." Adam pushed Tommy up the hall. "Go. She'll expect to see you when she wakes up. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."

"Thanks, man." Tommy clasped his friend in a ranger handshake before making his way up the hall.

"I got your back, T," Adam called out before looking over the other set of notes and records on his clipboard. Turning to see the anxious eyes of the other rangers, he knew he had to tell them the truth as well.

Tommy moved up the hall to the room where his wife was resting. In those moments to himself to grasp the news, he could feel a pain running through him. He was still hurting over the news of what had happened. He was looking at the 'what if's' about the entire situation. And it was not a good thing. Guilt filled him as he walked up the hall and stood outside the door to the room. Feeling his grip tighten around the doorknob, he opened it and stepped inside.

Beside the main bed, he saw the two small figures sleeping in their respect bed. Then he saw the woman he had loved with all his heart. He didn't know what he would do if things could have been worse. And that's when he had looked at the 'could have's' about the situation. Things that could have happened, but didn't. And it let some of the burden fall from his shoulders. He didn't have to worry. What mattered was that everyone was okay.

Walking over to the bed where Kim laid, he pulled up a seat beside her, taking her hand into his. The last time he had been in the hospital with Kim was when that accident happened on the balance beam. Now, here he was, years ago. A different man. A whole different situation. They were there for the fact that within that room was two babies they had brought into this world through their love.

Stirring quietly, Kim turned her head as she felt the warm lips of her husband land against hers. Her eyes fluttered open and a weak and tired smile fell on her lips. "Hey, you."

"Hey, Beautiful," he whispered before laying another kiss on her forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. And a little tired," she shifted a little as she pulled Tommy's hand up to her lips.

"I don't blame you. And after…" he tried to say.

"Shh…" she shook her head. It was clear she didn't want to hear any bad news at the moment. And Tommy didn't blame her for that. "So, where are my babies?"

Tommy got up and walked over to the small bed stations that housed David and Trini. Pulling up Trini first, he walked over to Kim and placed the baby girl into her arms. Then he moved to get David, who was a little more squirmish for being moved. But as he found comfort in his father's arms, he relaxed and fell back into a deep sleep.

Making room for Tommy on the bed, he sat beside Kim looking at the twins within their embraces.

"He's so big. Must take after his father," Kim giggled quietly as she touched David's face.

"And she is so small. Seems like she's already like her mother," Tommy said before laying a kiss on Kim's forehead. "I love you, Kimberly."

"I love you, too, Handsome," Kim poked at David's tiny nose. "He looks so much like you."

"Not really. I don't think so. She looks more like you then he looks like me," Tommy ran his hand down Trini's soft face.

After sitting in silence for a moment grasping what was theirs...what they had… a small knock came to the door. The door opened as Serena peeked into the room followed by Trent, who was pulling Kira along. But it was clear she didn't want to intrude. She wasn't exactly of family, but Trent had said otherwise as he joked the two of them would act like a married couple from time to time.

"Hi, mommy, hi, daddy," Serena whispered as she walked into the room. "Can we come in?"

The two nodded in turn as she pulled Trent into the room, who in turn pulled Kira alongside him. And though Kira was still feeling just a little out of place, Tommy and Kim had insisted that it was okay she stayed.

"We agreed and said that family would be in first to see the two of them," Trent said as he moved to one side of the bed. He placed Serena on the bed as she crawled over to greet her new little brother and sister.

It was clear the trio was just as shocked and confused to see the difference in the two newborns. And it was clear no one could blame them. But with one look from Tommy, they didn't want to ask why or how. They would get more details later. They could tell that Kim was tired and needed some time to rest.

The moments they had grasped being a family, the world around them seemed to enlighten. Things were gonna be okay. No matter what, with friends and family there, they knew they would all be all right.

Kira invited the rest of the ranger family in, as the room crowded with not only them, but gifts as well. Flowers, balloons, and even some new toys, clothes and items for the twins.

On a day like this, nothing bad could happen. And they would all make sure of it.

XXXXXXXXXX

Saturday, July 30th, 2005, 1:00pm. The Oliver Homestead.

Despite what had only happened weeks ago, things around the homestead had slowly settled down. It was time for some fun. This would be Serena's first birthday in the states, so to her, it was almost re-living the memories of having a birthday for the very first time.

Let alone, no one could blame her parents for nearly pulling out all the stops to make it a really special day for her. They put in a lot of effort to make it a special day. Not only was Serena turning seven years old, but it would be the first birthday she got to spend with her father. It was also special in the sense that she was turning seven in the month of July-hence the seven-lucky number seven for her. Despite the fact that her official birthday was two days ago, it was for the sake of her friends.

The theme in itself was no real surprise to the older guests with a Power Ranger-oriented theme. In a general sense it blended in several different teams, but the focus was more on the current team, the Dino Thunder team.

The teens were the coordinators of the festivities since they knew that both Tommy and Kim would have their hands slightly full with the twins. Trent manned the sound station. Kira was in charge of the entertainment while Ethan and Conner were the emcees for it.

This was Serena's day. And it was clear that she had every right to getting as much attention as possible. And the teens made sure that it was one day she would not forget. They all knew she was slightly discouraged by the amount of attention her parents had put on the newborn twins, so it was up to them to make the day well worth it.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tuesday, August 9th, 2005, 11:30pm. Los Angeles, CA.

In LA, doing some business for her musical career, Tanya Sloan had pulled another long day at the studio. Not that she had gotten used to the long days between her singing career and her life as a lawyer, she had to add the small role of playing a Power Ranger in all of this.

"Once a ranger, always a ranger," she had told herself quietly as she moved out of the studios down the hall.

It was quiet as she tried to reflect on the last few months of her life. It was full of surprise and shock. It took turns that nearly surprised her in ways she could not believe. But her entire life was one filled with lots of surprise, mystery and hardship. But she got by. She managed. She proved herself time and time again.

She had her friends to keep her going. But she had to admit that her relationship with Rocky was on the rocky side, especially during these last few months. Not that she could say she cared for him-she did; he was becoming more like his old self. More of a player, almost, a guy who lived by the code of single-life. Of being a bachelor for as long as possible. But as long as the friendship was still there than she was willing to let that keep them close. If they couldn't get anymore intimate then they have, at least they still had their friendship to live on.

She said good-bye to one of her producers and headed out of the door. Even on a summer night, it was rather chilly. She pulled the coat up closer around her looking into the quiet night. She walked down the stairs onto the sidewalk and up the street hoping to find more life than the darkness of the street she was on. She had to admit she was a little shaken up with fear for the silence, and it took her by surprise from time to time, but she dealt with it.

Then she heard voices as she rounded the corner. Looking at the two people up the sidewalk, her eyes narrowed to see if she could see them better. She swore the voices sounded familiar but what she was looking at just didn't make any sense to her. It couldn't be. Could it?

Walking hand-in-hand, was Aisha and Rocky. And that just didn't make sense to her. She knew that Aisha was up in Angel Grove visiting family for a few days. And Rocky was down in Reefside trying to find a place to crash. It was clear that it was now a temporary resident for the other rangers, and they needed to find places to crash on their numerous visits down. Especially with the newborn twins from the power couple of the legacy.

Or was it all a lie for the two of them to see each other? To two-time both Tanya and Zack for some sick and twisted cheat session between ranger friends? Tanya's heart sunk and her stomach churned as she watched Rocky lean over and whisper something into Aisha's ear. Aisha could only giggle as she pushed him aside for a moment, but that only made him collect her into his arms and lay a kiss on her lips.

Tanya's heart sunk again in anger and fear. She didn't know what to believe or expect. She never would have thought they would have done that. Despite Rocky was a flirt, he still had a code to follow as a ranger. They all held a respect that being a ranger brought to the table. They knew their limits and how to control it, or at least they should. And did.

But this just didn't make any sense to her at all. It just didn't. But what was she supposed to do about it? What could she say? What if it was just some other couple that looked strangely like them? It was late after all, and she was tired.

But when Rocky had pushed Aisha against the wall, pushing his lips against hers, it was all that she needed to set her off. She couldn't hack it anymore. She walked over to them, a line of tears fell from her eyes.

"How could you do this to me!" she came out to say. Tears fell down her face as she shook her head.

The man pulled away and looked over his shoulder to see Tanya standing there. A line of shock fell over Rocky's face as if he had no clue what had just happened. As if his reality had come crushing down on him, but when he looked back at Aisha - to see some lust fall into her eyes - he only looked back at Tanya and smiled.

"I thought you knew," he said simply before enveloping Aisha's lips in another heated kiss.

Tanya couldn't take it anymore as she pulled her hand up. It balled into a fist, but came down as a huge slap across Rocky's face. Her entire body shook with fear as she couldn't even look at the woman who was her predecessor. She had looked at Aisha as a role model and a friend, but now, she wasn't so sure. She just couldn't see it anymore. She felt empty. Confused.

"And how could you do this to me? To Zack?" Tanya finally looked at the other woman.

"In the eyes of the beholder, they must learn to know the difference between the truth and deception," Aisha merely replied as she walked over to Rocky.

He was rubbing the pain from the slap as he let out a breath and shook his head. He didn't know what to expect…well, he did. He just didn't expect it to turn out this way. To be completely out of way for him to do. But his feelings, they were treading on thin lines. On several lines. He was just as confused about all of this as the two woman. But did he regret it? For some strange reason, he didn't.

"Yeah, well, this is for the times you decided to sneak over to Adam's room and do who knows what? This is payback, Tanya," Rocky protested. "Payback for two-timing me!"

Tanya looked at him with shock. For the times she had went over to their place, hung out, she had never looked at Adam as more than just a friend. Maybe years ago, but that time had passed. That was another part of her life. And there was no sense in trying to say that there will be anything between her and the unique and mysterious Korean man. "Oh, that's a whole lot of bull, Rocky! I would never do that to you guys. You guys are like best friends."

"Funny how friends can turn into lovers, but then into enemies, right?" Rocky shot back.

Tanya looked at him with confusion. He had never acted this way before. And in a sense, Aisha was either the neutral party, or siding with Rocky more on this situation than need be. And that's what bothered her. Despite the fact she was a lawyer, Tanya was at a stand still at this moment. She didn't expect this. Didn't know how to react. Didn't want to destroy a friendship with anyone. But what could she say? What could she do? She was lost in her own confusion.

"I don't understand," Tanya nearly cried as she took a step back. "Why would you do this? To us? To each other? To..."

"To prove a point," Aisha said, her hand was sitting behind her. But it was clear she was either hiding something or trying to find something in the wake of this heated dispute.

"And what point is that?"

"That you lose." Aisha replied.

And in the light of the cool night, an echoing ring of a gunshot filled the air. And within moments, the two figures loomed over the motionless body. The figure of Aisha Campbell began to flicker out and soon vanished into thin air. The figure of Rocky DeSantos began to fade and take on a darker image, still resembling the Mexican man.

"The game has been set. The prizes have been announced. Welcome to my world, Power Rangers. You won't be escaping this time," the man replied. His voice was a dark and phantom-like feel to it.

And the figure turned to leave the motionless body of Tanya Sloan to lay in the way of her own blood. She was dead, and there were no witnesses or suspects to support the cause of it.

-XXXXX-

Reefside, CA. The Oliver Homestead.

Tossing and turning in the wake of his own sweat, Tommy Oliver began to shudder with a cold fear. All of a sudden he felt his world around him turn to black. The peaceful nature of dreaming about the love of his life was haltered and covered in a darkness. His stomach churned. He felt the bile fill his throat.

Groaning, he felt arms wrap around him shaking him awake. He could hear the distance voice of Kim call out to him, telling him to wake up; to come back to reality.

Then his eyes flashed open and he sat up in a flash. He let out a yelp as he finally relaxed. The coolness of the room let the sweat slow to a halt. He caught his breath wiping the sweat from his face as Kim collapsed into his arms.

"Handsome, what's wrong? You were having a nightmare," she replied before laying a kiss on his chest.

He looked around the room looking at the clock. It was a little after midnight as he shook his head. Something was just not right about all of this. In the back of his mind, he felt that something terrible had happened. He didn't know what, but when he saw his cell phone light up and a call coming through, his body shook with more fear.

Kim reached over to grab it, knowing that he didn't have the strength at the moment. She looked at the incoming call as she saw the name of who it came from...it was coming from Jason.

Tommy took the phone from her and pushed it to his ear, listening intently to the news from his best friend. The look on Tommy's face turned to fear and sadness. Tears welt in his eyes and when he ended the call and placed the phone back on the nightstand, he collapsed into Kim's waiting embrace.

"Handsome, what is it?" Kim grew concern as she began to rub his back.

Catching his breath before laying a warm kiss on her lips, he finally looked up into her eyes. Her eyes glistened with tears ready to fall. And he knew he had to straight and tell her the truth about all of this. "Tanya was brutally murdered on a street corner in LA."

The tears finally dropped from her eyes as Kim pulled Tommy even closer to her. And all they could do at that very moment was hold each other close.

XXXXXXXXXX

Friday, August 12th, 2005, 8:00pm. Downtown Reefside, five minutes from Reefside High School.

In the wake of the last few weeks of trying to play off a normal life, no one could have expected it to be this hard. But it was. It was harder than it really looked. The teens especially were having a hard time adapting to just worrying about being a normal teenager. They had to admit they had looked behind them time and time again with fear. Fear of someone watching them.

With the untimely death of so many people, it was hard to determine if it was fate playing out a harsh deck of cards, or if it was really something else. The school shooting at Reefside High had changed everything. It changed a lot of people. It had changed some people almost for the worse, others for the act of self-defense; for hoping to get a boost of stamina and charisma from the tragic events.

But beyond the shooting, a lot more had hit home for the rangers of Earth. At least, for those that were still alive. They felt watched from every angle, almost as if they were being analyzed; like they were a part of some sick and twisted experiment to eliminate them one by one. Or was it by strength? Or was it merely by the liking of who this being was and who he/she wanted to annihilate? They were on their guards waiting for a move of attack. They had already lost more than they could have bargained for.

And they had no straight answers to make sense of what was going on now.

Walking through the alley to the back end of the building, Tommy had walked into the building with his ranger protégés. No matter what, they would always be his apprentices - his students - but they had come a long way. In the future they could pass their own teachings to those they felt deserved to learn what they have.; to obtain the same knowledge as they had received. If not that, then more.

The teens had followed their mentor into the building not saying a whole lot. They knew why they were there. They were making last minute check-up and set-up to the karate academy.

For weeks now, Tommy had been searching around town for the perfect place to put his dojo. With the money he was rolling in, there would be no problem to set it up and keep it going for awhile. And citizens from around the city were up for supporting him in any way possible. And there was no joke about how he would be running it. He would run it rather strictly. Make sure that his teachings and his fellow teachers at the academy - the teens, along with his friends from time to time - would be passed on to a great deal of people.

The paperwork had been set. He had control of the property and what to do with it. And without a doubt, it would become the very martial arts school he was dying to start.

After all these years, he had never expected he would follow through on his dream of creating his own martial arts school. For a long time, it was one dream that had been shelved. He was too locked up into his dino research, the thoughts of starting up a dojo never crossed his mind. But when he heard about Jason and then Adam and Rocky...it made him think back to when he wanted to create one of his own; how he wanted to present his knowledge and skills as a fighter to others.

And now, here he was. He had done it. He had followed through on another dream of his. He just could not believe that it was happening. The building in which he was in, alongside his students and teammates, would be a place where he can really shine. Sure, he was a great science teacher, but this was his element more than the scientist inside of him. This is where he could define himself in ways that people would really appreciate.

Known as the Rising Sun Karate Academy, it was the talk around town. Many people pondered about the success of the place, while so many wanted to be enrolled into its teachings. The four teens, credited and certified to teach at the school, would be running it for the most part. The highest teacher and man running the place would mostly be working behind the scenes; during the night after he was done teaching at the high school. And it would begin to open its doors starting the following day.

A few weeks before the start of regular school, they thought it would be nice for some people to bring some of their teachings with them into their education. The way the teens were taught to be rangers had been also viewed as becoming teachers with the knowledge of martial arts on their side.

A set of mirrors lined the walls of the room for the students to watch how they moved. There was a punching bag in one corner of the room for anyone who needed some time out to themselves. One the second level of the dojo were places were someone can be taught privately or work in smaller groups. Down one hall was the set of locker rooms for the students, another was a small gym to build up and strength muscles. And in the near future, with control of the entire lot, Tommy was hoping to extend the school beyond the storage beside the building into a branch of gymnastics work as well.

He had discussed it time and time again with his wife, but it was clear that Kim was strictly based on worrying about their family at the moment. That if things died down, if they did, she would gladly join up and spread her own teachings of gymnastics to others. He didn't blame her for that, he had almost wished in some cases that they didn't settle down and have a family so soon. But in many cases, he was glad that he did. He could settle down just a little bit, because up to this point, he felt like his life just kept moving. It kept going with no stops. And with a family he had to take care of, he knew it would allow him to stop for a few moments and lay down his life for the people that meant the most to him.

The teens had seen it, too; the changes that had gone on with the man in black. In the last few years they had known him, they had seen him evolve and change in ways that could surprise anyone. He had faced so much, fought through so many battles, but they were apart of this legacy. It was a legacy that taught them more to be a team, but to be apart of something bigger. And have a responsibility to show what they can leave behind for the future.

In the last few months of their lives, there were a lot of changes in the teens. A sense of maturity and growth from their time in high school. They no longer were as senseless, as immature, or as cocky as they were in high school. They did, in fact, look a little different, too. In the way they dressed and appeared. In the way they stood their ground.

Conner was, of course, no longer the typical dumb jock he was only a few years ago. He knew his place on the team and represented leadership in ways that his preceding red rangers would be proud of. He was, after all, under the wing of one of the greater rangers any one of them had seen. His appearance had also matured quite a bit. His hair was no longer in the mess of control on his head. It was a little more in control; a semi-spike mess that could be worn forward or back. He still wore the clothes that made him and indicated his rank on the team as the red ranger. Still athletic, he was a whole lot more faster, aware and open to the environment around him. He wasn't some self-centered jock who wanted attention from any girl he saw, but molded in ways that being a ranger would do to a person. Molded by the scars of losing the love of his life and the battles he had gone through, but his head was still held high. He was still holding his ground, which made him a model for future generations of rangers.

Ethan had grown more as an individual himself. Though in the wit of still being a computer genius, he was a different guy. Built more tough, and not afraid to fight any battle he got into. In the years he held the legacy in his hands as the blue ranger, he had left his own mark on all of them. He was shaped by the people he was around. And for getting involved with the school dance team, it built up his confidence. His character. His attitude toward other people. Not that he was really an all around guy, it was just that no one wanted anything to do with him since he was considered a 'computer geek.' But in the months of this summer, he had taken on a more tougher image. Thug-like in a way, but had a side where he guarded things that meant a lot to him-like a wolf was to their territory. His appearance consisted of the baggy clothes, rolling around in skull caps and fitted baseball caps and even a few bling-bling chains, earring and necklaces. His hair was closely cropped to his head, with a thin line of sideburns running down the side of his face. But on other occasions, he dressed down from the more gangsta look to his usual gear that made him look more like a friendly guy. But like any of the other rangers, he had been shaped by all types of events. Events that have left scars, events that will, and times where he just had to down right figure out what was the best thing to do in a situation.

Kira was also a step up from her past appearance to the public eye. Still rocking out in a style all of her own with a blend of punk and rock in the mix; she herself had changed in more ways than she could begin to describe. Not that she was trying to sound like she was some social outcast, or she was much for making conversation with other people, she just wasn't one who could as easily start a conversation in the past. Now, it was easy to do. She was a whole lot more approachable, and a whole lot more people were finally feeling her music. Giving her support. Hoping she could and would pursue that musical career she wanted to land. Where she would have doubt, it was covered up by confidence, a strong self-esteem, and a great deal of control, attitude and respect not only for herself, but for others. Her hair was worn mostly straight now, in a darker shade of brown with a mix of honey; a shade that was similar to Kim's own hair color. She took trust seriously, didn't want to break a friendship with anyone without figuring out exactly what to do about it. Hoping she could fix something before it got worse or there was no real way to fix it. And she was very resourceful and reliable when it came to a lot of things. Without a doubt, her own actions would build in the legacy she was apart of.

Trent, himself, was shaped by so many different situations and adventures. He had seen things that no one else would know. He had been on both sides of the battlefield; of being an evil the rangers wanted to destroy to becoming one of the biggest allies in taking down their enemies. He had constantly been moving around nearly his entire life due to the research his parents got involved with. His own biological parents and his second legal guardian. Now, here he was, living in Reefside. He had seen so many things. Faced so many challenges. Watched people die right before him, some at his own hands due to the power of evil in his dino gem. He was so much like his now current legal guardian and his own past. He was similar to Tommy in a lot of ways than none. He had lost his parents just like the man he now addressed as his father. He was an evil ranger before joining up with the real and rightful side. He had faced so much, and came out strong. Grew from each experience, but many of them held a lot of scars. Scars that he locked himself into. He was reserved, still quiet at times, and would speak only when he felt it was right. Much like Ethan, he had dressed down to a more thug-like/gangsta look. His clothes were loose-fit and baggy. He would be wearing a baseball hat from time to time, and his hair was similar to Conner's but shorter. He could wear them as a semi-spike look, or he could wear it forward for a more slightly sophisticated look. He was always on alert, never hesitated to look behind him even if no one was there. He never let his guard down and made sure that whatever he learned was something he would carry with him and cherish.

But anyone could agree. They had seen the changes in the four teens. They had seen how they evolved and became even better people. And no matter where they would go, they would find a way to put what they had learned to the test. To pass what they could and prove they could come out stronger. They were hurting, but in time, they would fight through the pain and become so much more stronger. Prove themselves mostly to their own being, but to the rest of the world.

Stopping in the center of the room, the teens looked at their mentor as they watched him circle around the room. "This is it, you guys," the man turned to look at the teens he had fought alongside for two years now. "This is a start to a whole new level of responsibility, respect and attitude. Not only toward your own actions, but the ones you will be teaching."

Conner looked around the room, the main room where a line of mats covered the ground. But he could find no words to say at that moment. Nor could his teammates as they looked at the man again.

"Are you sure you guys really want to do this? I mean, with college and everything...I don't want it to overwhelm any of you," Tommy had stated as he looked at his teammates again.

A silence fell over the four teens. They had shifted a little, looking at one another, before their eyes fell on the floor between their mentor. It was clear that had been discussing a few things; and one of the biggest decisions was if/when they would continue on with their higher education.

"It won't, Dr. O," Conner finally spoke up as he shook his head. "We've all decided what we wanted to do. Well, as far as I could tell, we have. We're not going to be going to college."

Before the news could completely sink into the science teacher and he had a chance to say something, the blue Tricera ranger had spoke up.

"Not right away, anyway. We'll be taking a break. Hopefully, just a semester," Ethan said.

"Well, except for me, that is." Trent spoke up as he took a step forward. "I've decided to get as much of my basic classes done at the community college, and hopefully by the start of the next year be transferring over to an art school, either here in California or New York. But then again, we're all leaning toward so many sides it is hard to decide on a few things."

A silence fell over the science teacher. He had not said much as his eyes shifted to the ground. It made the teens nervous by the initial reaction he was giving them. They weren't sure if he was sadden by their decision, or could careless about it, or just trying to get over the fact that it was after all their lives, and he was not the all-powerful God who controlled what they did and didn't do.

The man finally looked up as he locked eyes with his students. Fear ran over them when they weren't sure what to make of his facial expressions. He didn't have any. His face held a straight and stern look that showed little emotion to them. But after only a few moments, his eyes danced with some light. And a small gentle smile passed his lips.

"Hey, whatever works for you guys, I'm okay with," the man nodded in turn as the teens breathed a sigh of relief. "Just as long as you guys know what you are doing, then I'm okay with it. I'm not offended in any way. But just know, if you guys ever need help with anything, don't hesitate to let me know. I got your back. I mean, we are bonded by more than our friendship, despite what people say about a relationship a student has with their teacher."

"But aren't we your equals on these grounds? I mean, we will be teaching here during the day while you do the science teacher gig and stuff," Conner thought about it for a moment.

"You guys proved you are exceptional teachers. And I would never doubt or could have chosen any other group of people to teach the rest of those interested to learn more about martial arts than you guys."

Looking away, it was clear that his last comment had made them blush. They were glad to know that they had been taught under one of the greatest people. He may not have been some huge celebrity loved by millions-well, he was, in some sense-but he definitely knew how to impact the people whose paths he had crossed with. Whether it was big or small, he always left an impression on someone. And they were apart of that circle he would never stop talking to. Apart of something greater than them. They were apart of a long legacy that may never end.

"Wow, I never thought you looked at us like that, Dr. O," Kira looked away, still surprised to dwell on the words their mentor had left them with.

"You guys have come so far in the last few years of your lives. You faced many challenges and proved yourself over and over again. I am impressed. I will always be because I know you guys will make a difference when you finally step out into the real world. You will have your place to shine, to grow, and develop, and you will leave your mark. And trust me, I look at you guys in a lot of ways. And I'm proud of each and every one of you."

Blushing at his words again, the four teens shifted looking away. He was like their loving father...or perhaps, brother...but he was a man that none of them could forget if they had gone their separate ways. Move on with their lives. He was one person they would never want to lose touch with. He had made a difference in their lives in more ways than any other person really has. And it brought them back to the memories of graduation day.

They all knew what the other was thinking as they had exchanged a look with one another before looking away again. The man had left the four of them alone to head into the very office where he ran the place. He knew they needed a few moments to be alone, to bask in their place as teenagers in this world. A place only they-as young people-could cross and understand.

Tommy had moved out of the room, into the office he would be conducting a lot of business meetings in. Talk personally with the students of his school. And doing what he had to keep the business running, or a possible update on any ranger-like activities. Taking a seat in the executive like chair, he had looked over the office. The office was already filled with the evidence of his ranks in martial arts. In a style he had created of his own blending several different forms of martial arts, he could claim being the founder of Toso Kune Do. A blend of eleven different types of martial arts that included: American Karate, Judo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, and several other forms. His skills as a weapons' master was also extraordinary. And his demonstration nearly two months ago impressed many viewers. There were even photos of family, friends, and several martial arts competitions he had been in all over the place. He even had a desk nameplate that said 'Master Thomas Oliver.'

Outside this place, he was known as Doctor Oliver, but within these walls he was under another title. Not that he wanted to really put himself a step up from others, but it was merely all out of respect. People would direct him as Master. As Kyoshi. Or even Sensei. Then there was also Renshi. He was after all, a sixth degree black belt. One of the highest ranks a person with no real prior martial arts knowledge would be impressed about. Either way, he would have to get over the fact of hearing one of his former students being addressed in the same way.

Chuckling to himself about hearing something like 'Sensei McKnight' or 'Master James' he knew that these teens, his teammates in action, would do quite well in their futures. And their start for an even more higher line of responsibility would be coming from teaching their knowledge of martial arts to others.

XXXXXXXXXX

Friday, August 19th, 2005, 5:00pm. The Oliver Homestead.

Tommy was treading around the house slightly dazed and tired, despite the fact it was late afternoon. Though it had only been a little over a month since the birth of the twins, there were constant visits from the other rangers. He didn't blame them when they wanted to see the progress of David and Trini. They were just simply irresistible. But they were also a hassle. Menaces, if one could say. But this was finally one night he could really grasp for himself and his family.

Stepping out from the study, he heard a knock come to the door. Kim had walked right passed him, but not before giving him a kiss, to answer the door.

"Oh, did I forget to mention that Kira and Trent were coming over tonight, Tommy? We were gonna have a big family dinner together," she said before pulling the door open.

Tommy shook his head. He didn't forget, nor could he, when Trent had called him up earlier that day about something. It was somewhat of a personal note, yet it wasn't. As far as he could tell, it was a big deal though when he could hear the urgency in his oldest son's voice. And as he stood there, there was also another urgency in his wife's voice. It was clear that something was up, and he knew it. Yet, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Throughout the entire summer, Trent and Kira would constantly be coming over. Not that he had anything against that, but it was almost clear they were almost observing how the married couple would react to certain situations. Take care of the kids. Run the house. That sorta thing. But he had also noticed from time to time, when it would just be Trent or Kira coming over to talk to either him or his wife, more personal issues would be addressed.. Secrets, if one could say. Personal matters that only a loving parent or even mentor…or in the context of an older sibling, from time to time… could understand.

After greetings were exchanged, they had all moved into the living room where Serena was watching the twins. And despite it only being a little over a month since their birth, there was a significant observation toward how smart they were. They could easily respond and communicate what they wanted from their parents. If they were hungry they would rub their tummy, or if they were tired they would lay down and look like they were. Or if they did need a diaper change, they would pat their butt.

None of the other rangers had really seen it, but the immediate family had seen it several times. And if any of them could be mistaken, they would be far more intelligent as the years would go by. Occasionally, Trent would joke that they would surpass Tommy's intelligence and rule the world with an iron fist with as smart as they were. And Tommy would respond with some humor about only if they got the approval of their mother first.

Kira was sitting somewhat of a distance from the rest of them, but all the easier for her to run out of the room if she needed some air. She had merely said that it was just a cold that was going around in her own family and she didn't want to get Serena or the twins sick with it. And it was left as that.

Trent had been bouncing little David on his knee beside Tommy trying to get over the fact that he was now the brother to two other siblings. Not that he had gotten used to Serena, he was just still overwhelmed that he had gone from being a single child to having siblings in a matter of months.

Time passed slowly. But Tommy couldn't help but count the numerous times he had seen Kira step out of the room. This time, however, Kim was one step behind her. He turned to look at Trent, who was a little pre-occupied with David.

"Trent, are you sure that Kira is sick? She sure doesn't look like it," Tommy shook his head. "It looks like something else."

Trent let out a breath as he sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know. I think when I brought up the fact she was moving in with me, she got all quiet. Been acting a little weird or whatever. I'm not so sure she likes the idea too much anymore. And then I was just joking about if I married her, would she think otherwise about all of this."

"Maybe you shouldn't have looked at it in that sorta context. I mean, Kira isn't one to take things seriously, especially from you guys…no offense…but an issue like that is definitely a step up from where you guys were. You guys just came out of high school. The thoughts of marriage is out of the question for some couples. Not that I could say it would be nice to see you get hitched..."

Then Trent dug into his pocket, pulling out the small jewelry box. "Do you think it's too sudden?"

Tommy could recall the hours earlier in the day when he had went to go see Trent. Kira was not within the proximity of their presence, but the topic was, in fact, on tying the knot. On closing the deal and hoping that Kira would find the guts to muster up to the feelings she was still denying about her boyfriend. On asking for her hand in marriage. Tommy could tell on the visits she would make to their house to talk to Kim. He didn't eavesdrop, but he knew there were a lot of issues that the young woman had asked his wife about. Topics about relationships. Friendship. And even marriage.

"Like I told you before, Trent, if I could have done the same thing and sealed the knot with Kim years ago, I would have. And many times I even regret that I did wait so long. That I let her go the way I did. But it also made me a better person through the years, too. I say, go with what your heart is telling you."

Nodding in turn, Trent had looked down at the box before opening it up. There was a huge white diamond around a silver band. In certain light, if one could shine it right, there were hints of yellow and gold in the diamond. A rare find that Tommy managed to pull for Trent months ago. On each side of the diamond was a series of smaller diamonds riding on the back of what looked like the ptera and drago zords, but to most people would be mistaken as birds – almost like the crane and falcon. "Did I mention that I feel that Kira has been the only girl who could and will look at me more than for just my money?"

"You have, actually," Tommy nodded in turn to his son's question. "Do you think if she would have known you were the son of a millionaire, she would have looked at you otherwise?"

Trent sighed as he looked at the ring again before closing the box. "I don't know. I mean, she seems to make it sound like it isn't a big deal about the riches I got. That was never a factor in our relationship at all. Just our feelings for each other."

"And isn't that the love that you want from someone for the rest of your life? To look at you for your personality and looks? Not how much money you're rollin' around in your wallet?"

Trent nodded again as he pushed the box back into his pocket. "But now doesn't seem like a good time…"

"Why not?" Tommy turned to look at the teen in white with more anxiety.

"I mean, I'm starting up classes on Monday and she's gonna start teaching at the dojo. I mean, personally, that is a lot to come by."

"But you did tell me she did take up that offer about moving in with you. And you guys have already moved most of her stuff into your place."

"Yeah, that is true. We just decided to take a break from all that and come here. You know, doing the whole family thing," Trent nodded again, not having to deny that. After some time, and patience, Kira had finally accepted Trent's offer about moving in with him. Not that Trent wanted to drive her, but it was good to know that they could finally find more private time to themselves without anyone nagging them. Tommy had personally said that by being out on their own – and he spoke to all four of the teens – they would begin to realize a lot more about responsibility and what they want out of life. Or at least, in his eyes.

"But that wasn't the only reason you guys came here for, is it?" Tommy said with a small smile. He knew that Trent did, in fact, set this night aside to make the move. To ask Kira's hand in marriage. And he had also known that Kira had set this day aside to discuss something else. He didn't know of what, but he could almost put his finger on it as he got to his feet. "I'm gonna go check on the ladies."

"Okay. Thanks for the advice, dad," Trent didn't oppose, but knew that his father – which he was still getting used to calling his dad, but had to admit liked to say – was giving him some space to think about his situation. Looking down at the drooling mess of David, Trent groaned in frustration. "David not all over my new shirt!"

Trini was sitting some distance away playing with the plush toys beside Serena. But the two of them couldn't help but giggle and laugh over the fact that David was taking a personal liking to slobbering all over Trent's shirts…and even Tommy's.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the guest room, Kira had been sitting some distance away from the side bed table. There was something there, a thin strip that would determine the future for the teen in yellow and her boyfriend. Kim wasn't sitting too far from it as she looked over at the silence following Kira after the results. There was little conversing, but for the times they did manage to say something, the two were discussing the decision Kira had made about moving in with Trent.

"Do you think he is happy that you've made that decision?" Kim asked quietly as she reached over to touch the teen's shoulder to get her attention.

"I would think so. Yet, I still think he's putting a barrier between us," Kira had to admit as she recalled the days they were moving things in and out of the condo that Trent found months ago.

"Because of his father?" Kim could only conclude as she had heard briefly about when she walked passed closed doors of conversation between her husband and his newly adopted son.

Kira nodded again as she finally looked over at the P.E. teacher. "I don't want to say that he should move on, because I don't think he's quite ready to let go of Anton. I know as much as they weren't close, they still were, ya know."

"But this should be a good move. For both of you. It will give you a chance to see if you're really ready to take your relationship that much further."

Kira had to look away again. She had to admit that, though, she had been in denial about her feelings for the white drago ranger, she didn't want to lose what she had with him. If it was a friendship, or even a loving relationship. "You know, he was the only real guy who supported me with my music outside of the Ranger circle? And after he drew that picture, too, I really thought he cared about me. I could never find the words to tell him, even now, but I feel like he can really relate to me."

"And you've kept him sane. You helped him cope after he was broken from the white dino gem's evil spell, and you gave him a chance to really feel part of the team. I can understand why he disclosures so much in you."

"And yet he doesn't. I mean, what do I tell him about this?" Kira asked sadness filled her body. Her music career would have to be put on hold. And he was still going to college, what would he do now, if he heard this news. "One time is all it takes to change everything…"

"And it was a decision that the two of you had decided on together. You both wanted this. So, don't think of it as it was some sorta badly fated choice to tease you guys to think more about your future together. It is a blessing."

"I just hope he will understand my decision about it. How do you think Tommy will react to this?" Kira had to ask, knowing now that she was looking at her mentor as more than just a mentor. He was the father-figure that was watching over Trent now. Not that Trent could have gone the root to emancipate himself, he just felt that it wasn't a good time.

"I don't know. I really don't know, Kira. But I'll have a talk with him about it," Kim nodded as she collected the teen into a warm hug.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Tommy couldn't help but laugh to himself as he left the room. Walking down the hall, he was hoping to find the two ladies in the study, but they were not there. Then he heard small and quiet voices coming from upstairs. He began to climb the stairs as he heard that one of the voices had turned into quiet sniffling and tears. Walking passed the guest room, he had seen his wife talking with the teen in yellow.

Knocking before completely entering the conversation – or room – a silence fell over the two women as Tommy peeked in. "There you guys are."

"Is there a problem downstairs, Tommy?" Kim asked as she walked over to him laying a quick kiss on his lips.

"No, just thought I would check up on you two. Been gone for some time." Shaking his head, he saw the sloped shoulders of Kira. Concern fell over his face, but as he began to tie things together in his head, it was almost a smack in the face. "Is everything okay up here?"

"Yeah, just fine," Kira said almost quickly as she got to her feet. She started to move out of the room. "Well, maybe we should go and check on that cooking."

Tommy looked over at Kim, who could only shake her head in turn. But the certain look in her eyes had told him what he needed to confirm about what he thought was true. And seeing the little strip on the side bed table, he knew what it meant. Reaching over to collect the teen in a hug, Kira didn't refuse as she melted into her mentor's arms. The tears began to fall again as she let it soak up on the older man's shirt. He didn't oppose as he rubbed her back comfortingly.

"How long have you known?" Kira asked, knowing exactly at that moment she couldn't deny the truth from her teacher and mentor.

"I think it occurred to me a few weeks ago. The biggest hint came during Serena's birthday party when you weren't in the mood for eating a whole lot despite the fact you love Filipino food," the man replied as he pushed a kiss to the girl's forehead. He wrapped his arms around her like a shield and protection. "We'll help you get through this, Kira. You know we're always here."

"But what about Trent?" she shook her head as she buried it into the man's chest. "What will he think? How will he react? What if he leaves me?"

"He won't." Tommy shook his head as he found himself wrapping his arms around Kim as she collected the teen into another comforting hug. "He isn't like most guys."

"Yeah, Kira. He is a rare find. And you should hold onto him as long as you can," Kim said as she looked up at Tommy. A light smile fell over her face. "Don't make the same mistake we did."

"And my parents? They'll make something of this. They still didn't approve of me moving in with Trent as much as they think he is a great guy. And…" Kira protested. She shook her head pulling away from the caring nature of her mentors/friends. It was hard to really say how she could describe the two of them. They were like older siblings to her, yet they held great advice like mentors. And at times, they were great friends, and even better parents. She didn't have to doubt how Serena, David and Trini would be raised because Kim and Tommy were great with them. But she had wished her parents were like them, understanding and caring. Not that they were, but she could relate to Tommy and Kim better than her own parents. But she never denied the love and care her own parents gave her.

Kim walked over to her, hugging the teen again as she let the tears fall against the older woman's shoulder. "They love you, Kira. Your mom called me a few hours ago. She said she was nervous about letting her little girl out in the world, but knew that she was in good hands. She had thanked me and Tommy greatly for what we've done for you and the other teens. She thought that without our guidance, you might have turned out a whole lot more different. But they will always love and support you, no matter what you go through."

Kira had looked up to meet the eyes of the original pink ranger. She knew that Kim was telling the truth, and just hearing those words were enough to inspire her. To help her relax and cope with this situation. She pulled Kim into a hug as Kim smiled back at her. "Thanks, Kim. Thank you for everything."

"We're always here if you need us, Kira. Just remember that," Kim nodded in turn before clearing her own eyes of some tears. They were for happiness, but they were also for relief and a little on fear, too. She didn't want to think that the future didn't look bright for the future singer and artist, but it was hard to tell.

Kira pulled away only to see the man open his arms waiting for some attention from the teen.

"Forgetting about me? After all that I've done for you and the others?" Tommy seemed slightly hurt, but could only laugh as he collected the girl into a warm and comforting hug.

"No, Dr. O, I didn't forget about you and what you've done. I truly owe you a lot," she said as a smile passed her face.

"You don't owe me anything more than to just make me proud. And I know you will. And like Kim said, we're here whenever you need us. We got your back just as you got ours."

"So, this is the basis of every ranger relationship?" Kira asked pulling away to look at the two of them.

Kim and Tommy exchanged a look. And before Tommy could say anymore, Kim had stopped him short with a finger to his lips. Shaking her head, it was clear that his inspirational lecture would have to wait for another time. "Sorry, Handsome, I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. And I'm sure the kids are too."

Kira could only giggle as she walked out of the room, leaving the two to vast in their own little private time.

Time passed slowly as Tommy and Kim finally made their way downstairs to where the kids were. All getting anxious, it was clear they were all wanting to get some food into their stomach. Tommy didn't have to complain as his stomach growled loudly causing everyone else to laugh, including the twins.

"Looks like someone is a little hungry," Trent looked up from where he stood. He had an arm wrapped around Kira's waist as Trini was pouncing between their laps.

"Yeah, well, you know how I can be from time to time," Tommy looked away slightly embarrassed.

"You are the equivalent to Rocky on days where all you had was some coffee and a bagel or two mixed with some Cup O'Noodles for lunch," Kira couldn't help but laugh as Trini whimpered with her own need for food.

"Well, all right, let's move this party into the dining room, then," Kim directed as she pulled David into her arms.

Time passed slowly as the family had moved out of the living room and into the dining area located somewhat away from the rest of the house. Tommy was at one end of the table, while Kim took her place across from him on the other side. To the right of Tommy sat Trent and Kira. And on his left side, he was busy feeding David while Kim was busy with Trini on her right. Serena was sandwiched between the twins. And for once, the twins weren't being restless or trying to make a huge mess with their food. Getting settled with an entrée of Italian-based and French-based foods, they had all settled on getting their grub on. And despite the fact the twins were only a few months old, they somehow managed to eat some solid food as well.

Conversing quietly about the upcoming weeks and months, Trent had to admit he was getting a little nervous about settling into the college environment.

"But you are only going into a community college, Trent. Trust me, it isn't as bad as it sounds," Tommy said before he took a bite of his breadstick.

"Well, maybe so. But I mean, it is a step up from high school," Trent added as he let his shoulders drop just a little.

"You'll do just fine, baby. If any of us were ready to go into college straight out of high school, it was you," Kira reached underneath the table to interlock her own hand with his.

Looking over at her, he couldn't help but let a smile pass his face. In the wake of all this mayhem, he always seemed to find a comfort in those eyes. In her words. And that's what managed to make him cope with his loss. To cope with the things that flew through his mind. He leaned over to lay a kiss on her cheek, but it was slightly short-lived when she had pushed a breadstick his way.

"No. You have garlic breath. That's just nasty," she pushed his face away with a giggle.

"No PDA at the table," Serena protested as she slurped up on a stream of spaghetti on her plate.

Kim and Tommy, sitting at both ends of the table couldn't help but laugh internally at the gesture. If they weren't a distance away, they wouldn't have hesitated, even if it was a simple kiss on the cheek.

By the time dinner was done, the family had settled with stomach filled, it was time for some dessert. Ice cream sundaes of their choosing where they could decide from the numerous toppings to put on their sundae. But it was almost clear as they had made it back to the table to eat, there was some slight tension between the young couple in the room. It seems they were both trying to calculate when was the best time they were going to say what they needed to say, but it was also hard to figure out if they would go along with it in the first place.

Slightly bumping into Trent as he moved back to his seat, Tommy urged the teen in white to go along with what he needed to say. It was clear the tension had moved to the married couple as they watched with curiosity over what would happen next. Serena was too into her sundae to notice. And Kim had returned from upstairs after putting the twins to bed.

Trent peered over and could see Kira's bouncing leg from under the table. Reaching over, he took her hand into his as her leg stopped and the nervousness left. Looking up to meet his eyes, Kira could almost see the anxiety and nervousness where only moments ago she saw happiness and relaxation.

Trent's grip tightened a little bit more over Kira's hand as he looked into her eyes. And where he thought there was nervousness, there was only happiness. There was relaxation and a comfort that he just couldn't look away from. He couldn't walk away from, and he knew that he had to do it.

"Kira, you know that I care about you in ways I may never quite understand, right?" Trent began as eyes were averted to the young couple with some more curiosity.

Looking away, slightly blushing, she nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"And how I would do anything for you?" he asked, a shaking tension built up in his voice.

Kira nodded in turn again, but had kept her face away as she felt the tears welt in her own eyes. "Well, yeah..."

Before he continued, he had turned her face toward his. But she still couldn't find the strength to look up at him. But the only thing that mattered was that she was listening to him. And he knew. "Well, I've been thinking a lot about us. About what we've been through and what we will be going through in these next few months. And there is no one else I don't think I could ever begin to dream about but you. Years ago, I was in a huge dilemma. I felt like I couldn't fit into a place like this. I thought I would be some huge outcast, but when we had met, I could almost feel a longing to learn more about you. To see if you were that angel I had prayed for. You were. And I never wanted to hurt you. Not intentionally at all. You were someone who could understand. Someone who was willing to give me a chance. To show me more about myself and how I could fit into this world. And I really want to thank you for that."

Pausing for only a moment, he could see the trail of tears running down her face, landing onto her lap. She was still scared to look up into his eyes, but she had heard everything that came out of his mouth. She wasn't about ready to zone out. Not that she ever did when he needed to tell her something. But this time he was serious. He was really serious about the words that came out of his mouth. And she could almost tell he was just letting them come out without any much of thought. It took her back to their graduation day and he had given that speech. Not from some words he had on a piece of paper. But from his heart, where it really mattered the most.

"Oh, something is about to happen," Serena couldn't help but giggle. But it seems as Tommy and Kim had moved over to where they were now across the table from the young couple, both of them sorta covered her mouth before she could say anymore. Apparently, they didn't want her to ruin the moment.

"And I've also thought about that night. The night where we really gave our love to one another. It was amazing. Really something that can't be describe in words and..."

"What! You did..." Serena protested but her words were muffled as Tommy grabbed her placing her into his lap and covering her mouth.

"Don't ruin the moment, baby," he whispered into her ear as she continued to squirm around in his embrace.

Trent and Kira had looked over at the trio looking on, but had to look away, slightly embarrassed as Trent tried to search for the words to say. He just couldn't quite figure out what needed to be said. He lost his train of thought. And as he was about to say something else, Kira had put a finger to his lips to silence him.

"Let me say something first, Trent," she offered as he nodded in turn, wondering what she was about to say about this. "When I look back at these past few years, I never regretted a single day of it. There were just so many memories that I could never forget, and one of them was getting a chance to meet you. To see who you really were as a person. Did you know the first time I saw you at the cyber cafe, it was so hard to really find words to describe how I felt at that moment? Ethan picked on me for weeks about that because I was crushing on you the moment you stepped through the door. I think you could almost tell when you came over to us and asked us where Hayley was. And when I found out you were gonna work there, there was even more tension building up in me. Even at those performances I did, I had to find ways to impress you. To have you look at me, and you did. There was a connection there. Some sorta connection that I couldn't deny or forget about. And when we finally were open to going out, I never felt any more happier than I am now. You gave me strength. You understood me. Gave me a chance. Supported me. And I want to also thank you for the memories we've had together. And I don't care where the road will take us because I want us to stay in those moments where its breathtaking. Where only you and I can go."

"I love you, Kira," Trent managed to say before he felt his own tears well up in his eyes.

Pulling Trent into a tight hug, the tears became more evident in Kira's eyes. "I love you, too, Trent."

From the other side of the table, Tommy and Kim were trying to keep their own emotions bottled up. But as a small sniffle escaped from the man, another silence fell over all of them as they turned to look at him.

"Oh, daddy's crying," Serena couldn't help but giggle.

"No, I'm not," Tommy denied as he got up. "You know, why don't I clear up these dishes?" He began to grab the plates and bowls on the table.

"Yeah, lemme help you out, Handsome," Kim nodded in turn, getting to her feet and clearing away the own set of tears that fell from her eyes. "C'mon, Serena. You wanna help mommy and daddy with the dishes?"

"No, I want to see Trent ask her..." Serena began as she leaned over the table. But before she could finish her words, Tommy had swept her into his arms covering her mouth. It was clear that the little girl had figured it out on her own, but no one could blame her when she was rather advanced for her age.

"Cute kid. Assumes way too much because she watching too much T.V. Now, Serena what did I tell you about watching all those soap operas?" Tommy moved out of the room.

Kim cleared up the rest of the dishes as she moved out of the room. It was clear the trio had wanted to leave the two of them alone. And it was even more clear that that was what Trent was wanting from them. Not that he minded their company, he just needed those moments alone with the love of his life. But as the married couple had put the dishes into the sink, they hurried back over to the threshold that split the kitchen from the dining room peaking in and eavesdropping on the young couple.

From within the dining room, a new silence fell over the young couple. Trent was feeling more tension build up as he felt his heart pounding in his chest. He looked over at Kira and interlocked his hands with hers. He forced air into his lungs as he found some courage return to him.

"I have to admit that this is a whole lot harder than it looks," Trent had to say before he could find more words to say.

"What is?" Kira asked, a new tension building up in her about what was about to happen.

Reaching into his pocket, Trent had pulled out the small black ring box he had kept in his care for months now. Holding it out to her, Kira could only let out a small gasping breath as a hand fell over her heart. He opened up to reveal the ring inside. Another shocked breath had escaped from her lips as she tried to make sense of what was about to happen. Her head was spinning with thoughts she couldn't quite understand. See what looked like their future, only this time it was full of happiness. Not of the fears she had lived with for so long, not of the fear that Mindshatter played with.

"They always say that there will be other fish in the sea if things don't work out between the one you love. But that's not what I want. I don't want to be fishing for someone else. I found my catch and that was in you, Kira. I don't want to sound like I'm rushing it, but for weeks now...probably even months...I've dreamed about us. About our future together. About where we could go and where we've gone with this relationship. And from a great man, who personally, I can almost admire, Alex Hitchens. 'Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, liein the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.' Kira, you've been the only girl I feel I can fly with. I can hold in my arms. And sometimes, we must leap for what we want. We can fall. But you haven't done that for me. You made me soar. You make me feel like I can truly fly. So, I ask you from the bottom of my heart, Kira Emma Ford, will you marry me?"

Looking away for a moment, Kira didn't know what to say. She had to admit, in the pit of her stomach, she had seen this coming. Had felt it coming, but somehow, now that it was a reality, she didn't know what to make of it. It was truly a step up in their relationship and it was also a step up towards the confidence she needed to tell him her own set of news.

"Isn't that a little too 'Hitch-like' for you?" she couldn't help but say quietly. But she still couldn't find the words to say what she needed to say to give him a straight answer. Her head was spinning.

"What can I say, it was a good movie. And we are getting hitched, are we not?" Trent countered her remark with a smile of his own. Looking at her, he can tell there was a smile on her own face. But she was only trying to make it difficult for him. So, he would do the same thing.

"I don't know, are we?" she pushed her hand a little bit closer to him.

"I thought I was the one who popped the question here?" Trent asked in confusion. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to take her hand, or if it was merely just her way of teasing him more. He wanted to hear a straight answer from her.

"You did," she nodded in turn. After pushing air into her lungs, she finally looked up at him. Looked up into his dark brown eyes and saw the sparkling character she had loved to see from him. And in the blink of an eye, she had seen their future together. Distant. But it was still full of happiness and love that could match that of the original power couple. "I don't want to lose what we share. What we have. I may never quite understand what it is all about, but I can't deny that I want to see how far it can go..."

"So, in simple terms that would be...?" Trent knew she liked to make things difficult at times, but that was not her intention at all.

As Trent's own eyes had locked with that of her girlfriend, a bright and huge smile fell onto Kira's face. "You mean it isn't that obvious?"

"I take that as a 'yes'?" he could only conclude. But he didn't have a chance to say anything else when Kira fell into his arms, pulling him into a tight hug.

"Of course I will, Trent," she replied as more tears seem to fall from her eyes.

Pulling away, only to give him some room, Trent had pulled Kira's left hand closer to him and slipped the ring onto her finger. And in another flash, he had pulled her into a kiss and a hug. That even though the two were closer, they were still a little conservative about their actions as a couple. No one could blame them. And knew exactly how the two of them were about their relationship. Whatever went on between them would usually stick between the two of them unless they had stated otherwise and wanted others to know about what they did.

From beyond the threshold, the trio had been cheering quietly. But it wasn't quiet enough when the young couple had turned to look their way. Apparently, they were all relieved that something like this happened, and if they could find a way to hide it, they wouldn't be able to. In the eyes of Kim and Tommy, they were seeing almost themselves re-living the days when they were engaged. In the eyes of Serena, she was watching her big brother gear up to marry the girl of his dreams.

After the young engaged couple grasped what had just happened to them, they had invited the trio back into the room. Almost tackling them, the trio congratulated Kira and Trent on the recent engagement. This was no longer a dream, but a reality. Tears of happiness seemed to be evident on everyone's face.

But for only a moment, Kira looked down at the ring on her hand then placed it onto her stomach. Despite, this good news, she still had news of her own. Speaking quietly, no one could hear her over the clamor of congratulations.

As Kim collected Kira into a hug, the tears in her eyes had turned into fear as she shuddered in Kim's embrace. She wasn't sure how she was going to put it. Reaching over to grab Trent's hand, she knew she would have to come out and say it. There was no more holding back.

Trent turned to face his fiancee noticing the tension that seemed to create a barrier between them. Only a step behind Trent, Tommy stood over him. His eyes had met briefly with Kira's as he nodded a gesture to continue on.

"Trent, you know I love you with all my heart. And I know this was hard for you to do. But now, I have some news of my own," pausing only for a moment to see if he was paying attention to her, Kira forced some air into her lungs. "I'm pregnant."

As the words escaped her mouth, a new silence fell over the room. Despite the energy found in Serena, she had stopped short of any discussions or thoughts. Blanked out in shock by the news, it had matched that of Trent's. Kim and Tommy had exchanged their own looks as they tried to read the emotions running on the young man's face.

And though Kira was glad to finally get that off her chest for so long, she felt a wall grow between her and the man she loved. She was always able to read his emotions despite the steady look he can hold. But this was one time, the one real time, she had no idea what was going on in his mind. And how he was taking the news. She could only hope that this didn't change anything between them. She didn't want anything to change between them. She could not afford to let things change between them...well, not that it already did. But not for the worse. But for the better.

Finally, Trent made a movement. His eyes falling to the ground between him and the woman he would call his wife. And all of a sudden, his heart sunk. His stomach churned. His thoughts displaced. He was sitting outside of himself. He was happy. Wasn't it? He was confused. That was no lie. He was angry. How could this happen? He was sad. What about our future? Too many questions would fly, but he had no answer to any of them. And as he tried to search out what he needed to say or how to react, it didn't come out. He really didn't know how to react.

Kira reached over and took his other hand into hers. His eyes fell on the very ring he had placed onto her finger only moments ago. Was it a mistake? Was it a blessing? Was it all a sick and twisted way to keep them together? "Trent, please..."

Kira was caught on her words. She didn't know what to say or how to say it. But she could almost feel his rage take the most out of him, and that's not what she needed or intended to see. She didn't. She stammered, trying to find a way into his heart and soul. "I-I-I didn't know how to tell you. ..I'm sorry. Please, don't be mad with me."

"But you're pregnant," Trent finally spoke up. But it was so quiet. The voice unchanged almost as if he didn't care.

"And this is yours. This is ours..."

"And our future?" he finally looked up just as she had met his gaze. There was hurt. Some betrayal. And lots of confusion that Kira was hoping to fix. But she just didn't know how. She wasn't ready to just walk away from all this and act like none of it happened. It happened. There was no way to deny that.

"It's always in motion. No one's future is set in a way we hope it to be. That's life," she found some strength to back up her own fear. She wasn't about ready to hear him speak of all the misfortunes. She was told this was a blessing. And she was going to make sure that Trent saw it, too.

"But you're pregnant," he had said again as his eyes fell to the ground.

"You can't run away from this. You won't run away from this because you know that you want to be apart of this child's life. This child needs a father. And I want it to be you," Kira spoke up. Her voice rose a little, hoping to speak a little over the doubt that ran in his head. But her eyes were streaming with tears. She feared the worse in how he was reacting to all of this.

But at that point, Trent just wasn't having it. Or he lost it. One way or another, he had walked out of the room. Kira collapsed into the waiting arms of Kim as Tommy had moved only a few steps behind Trent. There was no way he was going to let his son walk out on this, and everyone else in the room knew that. Kira buried face into Kim's chest sobbing.

With the front door flying open, Trent jumped from the porch out onto the darken land. The sun was nearly setting and darkness filled the area almost quickly at that hour. Stopping at the threshold, Tommy caught his breath before he felt his own rage build up. He had thought Trent was better than this, and he had hoped he could change his mind.

"Trenton Jeffrey Mercer, you may be able to walk out on me, but you will not be walking out on her!" Tommy called out to the teen.

Trent had stopped, catching his breath. He had hated for anyone to use his full name. Anyone could say that when they knew they were in big trouble. And at the very sound of his name–the name he was certified under due to the adoption papers–it struck a cord in him. He had not heard the name of Mercer in such a long time over the course of the last few months. His stomach churned. He wanted to throw up, but somehow it wouldn't come out. His second legal guardian, Anton Mercer–his adopted father for several years–would not be able to see his grandchild in the flesh. Sadness fell over him.

The only words that escaped his mouth at that moment was... "I'm not running. I needed some air."

Turning slowly, he saw as his third legal guardian–his new adopted father–was moving toward him. He didn't say much of anything else as he looked away. But in the light of the moon, Tommy could see the glistening in his eyes. There were tears there and he knew instantly from what it was.

Tommy had to find a way to encourage the teen. He needed it greatly at this moment. "Trent, I know this had come unexpected. A lot of things this year alone presented so many unexpected turns and tribulations. But that is life. This is life. No one knows exactly what will happen in it. But what you and Kira have is something that does not have to fall into the category of hardship. Or struggle. Or any sorta negativity. When I look at the two of you, there is–without any doubt–love that will keep you together. So, don't let her go. You need her as much as she needs you right now. And you know that we're here to help you get through this. We won't let you go through this alone. And I'm not talking about just me and Kim, but everyone. Your friends. And the rest of your family. We're all here for you, okay?"

Another silence fell over the two of them. Trent was slowly soaking up the words of the other man. He knew that he would have to take it and use it to help him grow as an individual. The messages Tommy had carried were a real inspiration. And one that he had needed greatly.

From the threshold of the front door, Kim watched intently at the two conversing. She couldn't make out facial expression in the dim lighting, but she could see the silhouettes of her husband and son out there. Occasionally, Kira would look up, but she was still in a state of fear and panic that Trent would in fact take back the ring and leave her.

Tommy had moved so that he was right in front of Trent's path. And he knew if he was, Trent would have no choice but to listen. Running would be no option because Tommy would be one step behind him instantly. "Don't walk away from this, Trent. I know how much easier it is to run away from something like this, but don't. Be the bigger man in this and prove to everyone else that you can be a man. I would have done the same thing if I knew about Serena. But I didn't until only recently. But you know. You knew right when it really mattered the most. Kira needs you especially right now. She can't do this alone. And she won't. And out of everyone she had chosen to make this decision with, it was you, Trent. The two of you agreed on it. This isn't a twisted fate to destroy your futures. This is a blessing that you should cherish. Both of you."

Where Tommy was hoping to hear something come from the boy's mouth. It didn't, but Tommy knew very well, that the words he was speaking was getting to Trent just as he had hoped. And before he knew it, Trent had collapsed into his arms, letting the tears fall.

"I don't want to leave her. But I don't know..." Trent couldn't keep it in anymore. He was falling into his father's arms like a hopeless little boy. He was shaking with fear. Fear of failing to make Kira proud. To be a good father. And to be an even better role model to others as well as his younger siblings. He was at a loss.

"Doubt is the first thing that leads to fear. You'll do just fine, Trent. As long as there is love and care, you'll make it. And you know, if you ever need any help, you know how to reach me."

Nodding into his chest, as the tears fell, Trent knew that things would be slow and rough. But he wouldn't let that stop him. He would make it. He would show them that he could do it. "Thanks, dad."

After a moment, Trent had pulled away, turning to the door where he had saw the two figures watching them. Taking a few steps back, Tommy waited as Trent opened his arms. Kira raced over, nearly tackling him as she ran, crushing against him as he hugged her tightly.

"I love you, Kira," Trent whispered into Kira's ear. He pushed his lips to meet hers and she had to admit that she was glad he had changed his mind. Or if he merely did need air, and he was accepting all of this. He pulled her as close as he could not wanting to let go of the moment.

"I love you, too, Trent. Please, don't leave me..." Kira whispered as she felt the tears fall from her eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here and we'll get through this, okay?" he said.

But at that moment, he felt his stomach churn even more. Their future was already put into jeopardy the moment he had proposed to her and she had accepted it. It even changed back when Kira had took up his offer to move in with him. Now, there was this issue. There was this problem. This blessing. He didn't know what to make of it. He didn't, but he didn't want to doubt anything at all. He would be there for Kira. That didn't matter. No matter what, he loved her. And she loved him. And they were going to get married. This was just something to add to their agenda. To their list of accomplishments if one could say.

I'm gonna be a father. Trent thought to himself.

Kira could sense the confusion and loss in her fiance...a light smile fell over her face from that word–fiance...but she too was worried about their future. It had been tested on several different scales and she didn't want to make anything of it. She didn't want to say that this would make her weaker, but make her stronger. That no matter what, she had so much support from her friends and family she would be okay. So, a few things would be put on hold for awhile, but all that mattered was that he wasn't going to leave her hanging. That he still loved her with all his heart, if not more. And she thought the same thing about him. But she felt fear coursing through her veins, and it would be hard to face up to them.

I'm gonna be a mother. Kira thought to herself.

THE END

to be continued in...

THE POWER OF REALITY

...may the powers always protect you...