Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers.

Chapter 15 – Thunderstruck

The Oliver family had about fifteen minutes with their newest addition before their other family members burst through the door unable to wait any longer. Although trying to be quiet, the sound of the door opening with more force then necessary was enough to wake up little Eric and for a glaring Tommy and Kim to pass him off to his godfathers saying they woke him up, they could calm him down. Although they'd held Kira as a newborn, when babies were so tiny and breakable looking, it had been ten years and they handled Eric with as much care and uncertainty as they'd held Kira. Also like the time before, the boys had goofy grins on their faces while Trini cried, though with his own child so near to being born, Jason joined her, imagining a similar scene when it was their turn. Once the proper amount of attention had been heaped about the new baby, Jason turned to his sister.

"How you doing Ptera?"

"I'm good Rex."

"You just had to have a second kid before we had our first didn't you?" He joked.

"Well you know me, I always did like beating you in everything we did."

"He's beautiful. And how's the big sister?" He asked, draping an arm around his goddaughter's shoulders.

"Going through her arsenal for the best way to destroy Mesogog if he ever comes near my baby brother."

"Spoken like a true Ranger." Jason couldn't help by chuckle.

"Forget Ranger, that was spoken like a true Oliver." Trini added with her own laugh. The gang stayed for a bit before stepping out, at Dana's insistence that not too many people were in the room at once, to let other's in. Connor, Ethan and Trent were next though the three appeared hesitantly, giving Tommy, who held the baby, a wide berth. Kira eventually rolled her eyes and took her brother from her father before handing him to Connor. The Red Ranger froze at having a baby in his arms but with Kira's internal assistance managed to not panic and calmly and safely hold the newborn for about a minute before gladly handing him back to Tommy, who, for his and Kim's part, was a little unsettled seeing his ten year old daughter and her mate standing together with a baby. Though both he and Kim knew and accepted that that was probably where their relationship was eventually headed, and though they knew it wouldn't happen while Kira was still so young, the imagery was still unnerving and they once again hoped that they wouldn't see a similar scene, though with Kira's brother replaced with her own child, until she was minimally out of her teen years. Trent and Ethan quickly said no when asked if they wanted to hold the baby, citing there were other people waiting and since they practically lived at the Olivers' house they'd have plenty of time to change their mind, before swiftly making their exit, allowing the Lightspeed Rangers to crowd around. Eventually though, Dana put her foot down, saying both mother and baby needed rest, and kicked the others out. As it was now pretty late, guest quarters were offered to the Originals and the Dino Rangers for the night. In the morning, the Originals headed back home, saying they'd give everyone a call and let them know what happened and that they could visit at their home in Reefside in a few days. Those few days later, Dana cleared Kim and Eric to head home though said that even with The Power helping Eric grow that last month and a half he hadn't had the chance to, she still wanted them to return weekly for the next month just to make sure everything was still ok. Dana didn't expect any problems, and said Eric was healthy if not a little small, but she wanted to be on the safe side. So the Oliver family headed home, Ethan, Trent and Connor having headed home two days ago to head off questions from their parents and to relieve the Time Force Rangers, and found their house invaded by overexcited grandparents.

"They're here!" Vivian cried being the first to see the family coming up from the Dino Lab where they'd teleported to. She then rushed over and took her new grandbaby from her son, cooing over the tiny sleeping child. The others crowded around, though all saying hello to Kira first. Knowing her to be a very mature kid or not, they still didn't want her to think they only cared about the new baby. David was there also, always being included in these kind of family gatherings, having long ago been accepted by the family as Tommy's brother.

"Congratulations bro." He said when it was finally his turn to hold his new nephew. "And sis." He added, bending to give Kim a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks David." The parents and brother stayed for a couple days before heading home and making room for the next group of guests, which proved to be a pattern over the next week. First Ernie showed up with Bulk and Skull in tow, followed by Alpha who teleported in along with Billy and Zack who took the excuse of accompanying Kat and Angela to visit their godson. After that it practically became a free for all with the remaining Zeo, Turbo and Space Rangers showing up without warning whenever they felt like it. By the end of the week, the Oliver family was glad for the reprieve of having to return to Mariner Bay for Eric's check up, even if it was for only a few hours. Mesogog held off his attacks for the most part after a singularly bad ass kicking from Tommy and Kira when he sent Zeltrax to attack the Olivers' house, hoping the new baby would make them weak. After that attack, Hayley came to install a new monitoring system around the house. This was the first time she'd been to the house since they'd taken an unconscious and dying Tommy to the Aquabase. Although not being able to read Hayley as well as he could some of the friends he'd had since high school, Tommy could still guess why she'd stayed away, and was absolutely proven right when he went to talk to her. She blamed herself for Tommy's near death and Kim's early labour, neither of which would have happened had her calculations been correct. It took Tommy nearly fifteen minutes to calm her down and get her to understand that it had been an honest mistake, that no one blamed her, and that everyone was alright. But eventually he succeeded in his endeavour and got to introduce her to his son, bringing a smile to her face when the baby grabbed on to her finger and wouldn't let go.

That Wednesday, just over a week after Eric had been born, the Rangers gained a new ally in the form of Elsa. By pure coincidence, Tommy discovered on Monday that Principal Randall was in fact their nemesis Elsa and the two had it out in front of the school, garnering a lot of attention. Thankfully for their identities, Randall had fought as Elsa and not as Reefside High's principal, and blasted Tommy back before disappearing into an Invisi-portal. Tommy was then able to explain away the battle, where he was by no means losing, against one of Mesogog's goons as down to his martial arts skills, the need to protect his students, and the fact that she didn't use any of her powers; he made a point to say that when she did use her powers he lost pretty fast. For the next two days the Rangers searched for Elsa, knowing now with one hundred percent certainty that she was, in fact, human and had been turned evil by Mesogog. After two days of searching the Rangers came upon a powerless Elsa who'd been released from Mesogog's control as he'd taken her powers for himself. She told them what she knew, that he was planning something and that the final battle wasn't far away, and Tommy and Kim offered her a place at their house so long as Mesogog was after her, which no doubt he would be when he realized his mistake of not killing her immediately, for evil or not, she knew too much of his plans.

-C/K-

A day after Elsa joined them, Tommy and Kim got the call that Trini had finally gone into labour, only a couple days from the two week overdue mark; Kim's early labour and Tommy's coma quite obviously not having caused her any problems. That was also the day that Zeltrax, who'd always been obsessed with destroying Tommy, broke from Mesogog and launched an attack with that goal in mind. Knowing both Tommy and Kim needed to be with Trini and Jason, and knowing it would piss Zeltrax off, the other Dino Rangers told Tommy to go and they'd handle Zeltrax. It wasn't easy, especially when their prediction of Zeltrax's rage at not even being able to fight Tommy came true, but the Rangers were able to push him back, though unfortunately he left before they could destroy him. Their only consolation was that he was on his own now; after having broken from Mesogog, Zeltrax would be getting no help from their arch-enemy. After returning to the Dino Lab and having Elsa, who outside Mesogog's control turned out to be a nice, fair person, if not still a bit of a hard ass principal, ensure they were alright, Kira forced the three boys to join her as she teleported to Angel Grove and got her grandparents to let them borrow a car to get to the hospital. Tommy was outside the building when they arrived, pacing with Eric who was crying his eyes out.

"What happened?!" Kira demanded, immediately thinking something bad, though thankfully not the worst, as she would have been told immediately if their enemies were involved.

"He's proven to like teleportation less then you did." Tommy grumbled a bit as he tried to calm his son. "He's been crying since we got here thirty minutes ago."

"That's a long time to cry for." Mumbled Ethan.

"No kidding."

"Here, give him to me." Kira said, taking Eric into her arms. It wasn't instant, but she was able to get him to stop crying a lot faster then Tommy.

"Ok, so you're gonna hold him as long as we're in here." Tommy declared, only half joking, as he ushered the kids into the hospital and up to the maternity ward. As Kira held her baby brother as he slept, Tommy joined the other Originals, along with Lucy and James Scott and Mai and Chien Kwan, in pacing the waiting room; he and Kim wondering if this was the scene that had played out in this exact waiting room almost eleven years ago, though with Kim and Tommy where Trini and Jason were now. Hours passed, and Ethan, Trent and Connor had to return home and make a show of going to bed before being able to return, but even so they got back before the baby was born. It was in the wee hours of May 21st that Jason entered the waiting room with a bundle in his arms and that standard goofy grin on his face. Everyone jumped up, though silently upon seeing the bundle he held, and waited not so patiently for him to talk.

"A girl." He said finally. "Completely healthy at 8lbs 8oz. We named her Lillian Cara Scott, Lily, after both our grandmothers."

"That's beautiful." Lucy murmured as she and the other new grandparents crowded around. "Hi sweetie." Lily gently shifted as if to acknowledge the attention, but didn't wake. After they'd each held their granddaughter and congratulated their son/son-in-law, the four went through the doors to see how Trini was doing, giving way to the others to approach.

"Oh Rex, she's gorgeous." Kim said, tears in her own eyes this time.

"Good thing she got Trini's looks." Tommy quipped, earning a smack from Kim, though she kept it really light for he was once again holding their son. The Rangers cooed over the newest addition to their family until the parents came back out saying they were headed home and would be back when it was properly morning. The Rangers then had the chance to go back to see Trini, Jason leading the way, and Connor, Ethan and Trent staying just long enough to congratulate Trini before they too headed home. They were certainly glad to be considered part of the family and welcomed at times like this, but they were still uncomfortable with these situations, though were getting more and more used to them.

"Trini she's beautiful." Kim gushed as she hugged her friend.

"Thank you." Trini replied, taking her daughter back once she'd been passed around.

"A brother and a cousin all in under two weeks." Kira said happily; there was no part of her that wasn't excited about more additions to their family.

"Kim's already got the bunk beds picked out for when they get older." Tommy warned the room in general. "She's determined these two will be as close as she and Jase are."

"Good thing we got the extra large crib then." Jason joined in the joke, though they all knew that it was the words that were the joke, and not the sentiment behind them. "If there's gonna be two babies in it."

"I'm sure you and your big head alone would have needed the extra large crib Jase." Said Zack with a smirk. "To quote Tommy, 'good thing she got Trini's looks.' "

"Funny guys." Jason deadpanned.

"So anyways," Trini spoke up, changing the subject before more insults could be said and a fight could break out. "Kim, Billy, we were hoping you guys would be Lily's godparents." Although Kim once again began crying as the two nodded their heads, Trini and Jason's choice of godparents weren't a surprise. Kim was practically a given as she and Jason were raised together while Trini had grown close to Billy from the time they'd first met and she became 'Translator Trini'. Not caring that it was three in the morning, the gang stayed for a bit longer until both babies had woken, been fed and changed and fallen back asleep, along with Trini and Kira, before they headed out. The Olivers' arrival back home, however, was not what they expected. Instead of a quiet house with Elsa asleep on the pull out couch, the Olivers returned to a trashed Dino Lab, and no Elsa in sight.

"Dammit." Tommy muttered seeing Zeltrax's handiwork in this as he recognized the damage was caused by Zeltrax's blade. "Guys come in." He said into his communicator calling the other Rangers along with Hayley. It took some time given they were all asleep, but eventually all four responded and said they were on their way, though Connor didn't sign off fast enough and a muttered "I only got an hour and fifteen minutes of sleep…I'm so going Triassic on his ass" was heard. Tommy then woke his daughter, who'd been nestled in his arms as Kim held Eric, and relayed the bad news, though it proved unnecessary, for the moment she opened her eyes and saw the destruction, she was on alert. It didn't take too long for Connor, Ethan and Hayley to arrive, all three muttering some form of expletive when they saw the mess, but Trent remained conspicuously absent. Calling him on the communicator did no good and so they all resigned themselves to clearing up the mess and getting the main computer working so they could search for him. Kim went upstairs and put Eric down in his crib before returning with the baby monitor to help. It was dawn by the time they got things up and running again, though they knew it would take a lot longer to return the Dino Lab to what it had been only a few hours ago.

"I'm not finding him." Hayley said when her search for Trent came up negative.

"What does that mean?" Ethan asked.

"It means something's blocking his Dino Gem's energy signature."

"But he's ok?" Hayley shook her head.

"I don't know. Until I can locate his Dino Gem I won't be able to say what kind of shape he's in"

"Well keep looking." Said Tommy. "As we take care of Zeltrax." He added when Zeltrax's Zord like machine, which they'd fought on occasion, came up on the screen.

"Ready?" Connor asked not a second after the screen lit up.

"Ready!"

"Dino Thunder, Power Up!"

Four Rangers sped out of the cave on their respective vehicles as Tommy commanded the Brachiozord to meet them downtown where they formed the Megazord. While Ethan, Connor and Kira piloted the Megazord, Tommy infiltrated Zeltrax's machine and began looking for Elsa. He met no resistance as Zeltrax had no minions of his own and Mesogog wasn't helping him anymore, and arrived pretty quickly at the cockpit, seeing Elsa tied to some pole, but no Zeltrax.

"Tommy look out!" Elsa cried as Tommy began moving towards her. He turned in time to block what would have been a direct hit as Zeltrax made his presence known.

"Finally I shall destroy the great Dr. Tommy Oliver!" he cried.

"Not likely." Tommy returned as the two engaged in battle. With Zeltrax not piloting the machine it was pretty clear that it was on autopilot and a blast from Tommy's Brachio Staff saw the control panel, and thus the autopilot, destroyed. With the machine now just standing still and the Megazord no longer really needed, Tommy asked one of the others to come get Elsa out of there and take her back to the Dino Lab. Ethan joined him and got Elsa out of the line of fire allowing Tommy to go more on the offense. But with Tommy getting more hits in, Zeltrax began to get more desperate and upped his game. After two hard hits on Tommy, Kira left the Megazord to go help her dad, arriving in time to stop a third hit.

"Kira get out of here!" Tommy said.

"No way." Father and daughter fought together pushing Zeltrax back but neither of them were willing to let him get away this time.

"I will not let you destroy me…" Zeltrax growled when he'd been knocked back again.

"I don't think there's anything you can do to stop us." Kira growled right back, months of fighting this guy having gotten on her nerves.

"Not even if I was like Elsa?" He asked, a plan forming in his head.

"What?" Tommy asked, not sure where he was going with this.

"You see, Tommy, I am not a monster of Mesogog's creation, not in the literal sense. I was born a human and spent my life dreaming of a time long forgotten. I began learning everything I could about dinosaurs and a few years ago it seemed that I would get my wish to go on a real excavation, only to have my life stolen from me by you!"

"Me?"

"Your experiments, and finding the Gems, saw to Mesogog pursuing you when you were on an island with several others. If you had not involved yourself in matters beyond you then I would not have been on that island when it exploded! I would not have nearly lost my life and been forced to serve Mesogog when he turned me into this!"

"Who are you?" Tommy asked, knowing it could be anyone of the several people who'd been on the island.

"You knew me as Smitty."

"Smitty?!" Tommy cried. "But…you died right before my eyes."

"Evidently not!" He yelled and launched on the attack once more. "I know the code you Rangers live by, knowing I was once human, you cannot destroy me. But I can destroy you!" Tommy and Kira went back on the defense, wondering what they should do beyond pleading with Zeltrax, or Smitty, to snap out of it and let them help him. But Smitty seemed to be in no mood to let them, not even when the self-destruct on his machine was activated.

"Three minutes to self-destruct." The computer's voice said.

"Come on!" Tommy cried, grabbing his daughter and motioning for them to help Smitty outside. "We gotta go!"

"No one's going anywhere! This is the end for you and your precious daughter, Tommy."

"We can continue this battle outside." Kira told him. "But this place is gonna blow!"

"And you shall blow with it!"

"You will too!" Tommy countered, hoping he had a self-preservation instinct.

"Two minutes to self-destruct."

"It is a price I pay willingly knowing I take you with me." Apparently not, if he was willing to die just so Tommy could.

"Kira get out of here." Tommy told her, wanting to protect his daughter no matter what.

"Not without you."

"That wasn't a request!" Connor snapped both through their bond and through the communicator, feeling nothing but fear the closer that machine got to exploding with his mate inside.

"I don't care. I'm not leaving him!" Tommy growled at his daughter's stubbornness, blaming it all on Kim like she'd blamed it on him when Kira had shown her mother her stubbornness.

"One minute to self-destruct."

"Kira-" Connor growled.

"You give me an order right now and it's just gonna make things worse cause I'm not leaving so I'll just be here useless and in pain." She growled back.

"I'll get her out Connor." Tommy promised before begging Smitty once more. "Smitty…please." He was preparing to leave as he said it for there was no way he was gonna let Kira die, even if it meant leaving an innocent, albeit one who was still evil, behind.

"Thirty seconds to self-destruct."

"Let's go!" Tommy yelled when Smitty said nothing and began pulling Kira towards the exit.

"NO!" Smitty roared jumping at them with his sword raised. Kira turned and kicked him while he was in mid-air, sending him flying backwards. Realizing they literally had fifteen seconds to get out, Tommy sent a blast at the side of the machine, blowing a hole in it and jumping out with Kira by his side. The machine blew before they even hit the ground, taking Smitty with it, but leaving them unharmed.

"I had no idea." Tommy mumbled as pieces of debris continued to fall. "I had no idea he was anything but one of Mesogog's goons."

"You couldn't have known." Kira said. "He was in a suit and didn't let on at all. Until he told you there was no way you could have known."

"He's the first one we've lost. I mean people have died because of our battles, we all know that, but he's the first being turned into an enemy that we haven't been able to save."

"He may have been forced to serve Mesogog, but once he was free he could have changed, instead he sought revenge. He chose his own destiny, even if it cost him his life." With a solemn nod Tommy said they needed to get back to the Dino Lab and continue to look for Trent. Connor had dismantled the Megazord, sending the Zords back to the Brachiozord, and had joined them by this time so Tommy sent the Brachiozord back to hiding as the three hopped on their vehicles and sped out of there. Returning home, Tommy was met by Kim who had naturally heard everything they had said and was there to comfort Tommy. A cry was heard over the baby monitor and the two excused themselves to take care of their son, and take a moment alone.

"You ok?" Connor asked Kira finally, pulling her into a hug. Kira nodded, feeling sorrow over Smitty's loss, though not nearly as bad as her dad. "Good. Now don't you ever do something like that again!" Though it was Connor who said the words, the Lion's power was behind them and Kira felt the power of an order wash over her.

"Take it back." She and the Cheetah growled at their mate. Connor did a double take, not having realized he gave an order, but rather having spoken the words out of fear.

"I take it back." He murmured, pushing down the Lion's protests. His Animal Spirit was all for ordering her never to go into battle again, while Connor took into consideration Kira's feelings on the subject and her duty as a Ranger. The Lion's narrow, primitive view was not that of a human and Connor found himself explaining the difference in their thinking.

"Thank you." She murmured back when she felt the power of their bond wash over her once more, this time dissipating instead of settling in. All three other occupants of the Dino Lab had observed the exchange, one with complete confusion. Elsa was about to ask what was going on, but Trent chose that moment to teleport with his father clutched in his arms.

"Trent!" Kira cried as she and the others rushed to their friend's side. Hayley set up one of the med tables and Connor and Ethan helped Trent hoist his father onto it as Hayley and Elsa began checking him over.

"You'd better get Dr. and Mrs. O." Ethan said and Kira ran up the stairs yelling for her parents. She and Tommy came down moments later, Kim still feeding Eric but so happy that their bond existed for she'd know exactly what was going on.

"What happened?" He asked when he saw Anton lying prone on the table with Trent pretty banged up standing beside him, holding his father's hand.

"Mesogog." Trent mumbled.

"Mesogog attacked you?"

"Mesogog was my father." He elaborated.

"I think we're gonna need a bit more then that." Said Connor after a moment of shocked silence.

"I was leaving the house when I got your call and I heard a strange voice coming from my dad's office. I went to spy on him a bit and saw him turn into Mesogog. He was saying how he didn't need my father anymore so when he disappeared through an Invisi-portal I went with him. I couldn't let him hurt dad."

"Of course you couldn't." Tommy agreed, wrapping an arm around the younger man who was trying not to cry.

"I waited until Mesogog separated from my dad then tried to get him out. Mesogog did a number on him…he got hurt trying to protect me…"

"Trent, your dad loves you." Tommy said with certainty. He may have only known Anton as Trent's dad when he was under Mesogog's control, which really relieved him cause Anton had turned into kind of an ass, but it was still obvious that even evil Anton loved his son, Mesogog couldn't take that feeling away completely. "He wasn't going to let Mesogog hurt you. Just like I won't let anything hurt my children."

"Trent your dad's gonna be fine." Hayley said, having finished her tests.

"Really?" Trent asked hopefully. Hayley nodded before snapping her attention in the direction of the computer when the alarms blared, closely followed by Eric's cries when the noise disturbed him, the soundproofing having been destroyed by Zeltrax.

"Though the city might not be." She added, seeing Mesogog himself attacking downtown.

"This is it guys." Tommy said. "Mesogog has no minions left and if he feels like he doesn't need his host then he must be feeling powerful and ready to try and kick some Ranger ass."

"Which isn't going to happen." Ethan said as he and the other Rangers gained hard looks on their faces.

"Agreed." Said Tommy, falling into line behind Connor.

"I'll look after him Trent." Elsa said when Trent hesitated to join the others, knowing he needed to go, but not wanting to leave his father. With a nod in thanks, Trent too fell in line, ready for what they all hoped to be their last morph as active Rangers.

"Ready?"

"Ready!"

"Dino Thunder, Power Up!"

"White Ranger, Dino Power!"

The Rangers took their cycles and ATVs back downtown to finally face their arch-enemy.

"Let's end this once and for all." Connor said.

"You can try." Mesogog hissed.

"Why don't you give up and save us the trouble of destroying you?" Tommy suggested, trying to get him riled up, their enemies never made more mistakes then when they were riled up.

"You have messed up my plans for creating a perfect world for the last time. However, I have absorbed enough energy to complete my transfiguration." Calling on his power, Mesogog began glowing a sinister greenish-yellow and grew in size as well as ugliness. The Mesogog they now faced was certainly not the one they knew previously, this one certainly gave them the creeps.

"Let's power up guys! Super Dino Mode!"

"Tyranno Power!"

"Tricera Power!"

"Ptera Power!"

"Brachio Power!"

"Drago Power!"

"Power Rangers Dino Thunder!"

"This is it." Said Connor as Mesogog powered up an attack.

"You will give me those Gems!" he said before launching his attack. The Rangers charged, Mesogog's blast missing them by inches, and the battle began. It became clear pretty fast that this super powered Mesogog was too powerful for them. He knocked the Rangers back one by one before hitting Tommy hard.

"Dad!" Kira cried, getting incensed as Mesogog laughed at her dad's expense. "Hey! Back off!" She charged Mesogog before he could hit her dad again, only to get hit herself.

"No, Kira!" Connor yelled as she slammed back into a wall. "My turn! Triassic Ranger!" Calling on the Shield of Triumph he took it up another notch then to the final stage. "Battlizer engage!" The others held Mesogog off as Connor's Battlizer appeared and he powered up his attack. "Now guys! Super fire power!" At Connor's command the others jumped away and he fired, hitting Mesogog dead on and blasting the creature back. But still it wasn't enough. Not only did he get back up, but he multiplied.

"Great as if one wasn't bad enough." Said Ethan.

"How do we fight him now?" Trent asked.

"We have to use all our Dino Gem power, it's the only way." Said Tommy.

"Right…he wants our Gems' power. We'll give it to him." Kira agreed.

"Right!" The others said.

"Dino Power!" they all cried, waving their arms in a circle, bringing them in front of them and calling on their Gems' power. The five of them began to glow their respective Ranger colours as the power gathered in front of them between their open hands. "Dino Gems unite!" They released their power sending it upwards where their individual colours melded together into a gold one, forming into the shape of a dinosaur, which they then sent towards Mesogog. This time the monster didn't stand a chance and all four versions of him exploded in a great fireball. Once sure that he was indeed gone for good, the Rangers relaxed, which gave way for their powers to disappear. Worried their powers were lost, the Rangers raised their communicators and looked at their Gems.

"Is it gone?" Trent asked.

"I don't think so. I can still feel the Gem's power." Said Tommy. "I think we just really weakened it, using that much of its power."

"But it'll re-charge or something…right?" Asked Ethan.

"I believe so. But we'll get Hayley to double check." They all nodded, happy at least that the power probably wasn't gone.

"Hello Rangers." A voice said from behind them and they all turned to see two of Tommy's students, and Connor, Ethan and Trent's classmates.

"Cassidy? Devon?" Trent asked as the five Rangers hesitantly approached them.

"So you know." Connor stated unhappily. They'd been so busy this year that Cassidy's in your face personality, and her ever-present sidekick Devon, hadn't garnered their attention more then a couple times.

"This is like the greatest thing ever!" Cassidy gushed, hugging Devon who said he'd known for a couple weeks now, but hadn't had the right moment to tell Cassidy till now. "And we've got it all on tape. You know a reporter could make a whole career out of this." It was then that those who attended Reefside High on a daily basis remembered that Cassidy had become an intern reporter for the local news station.

"Cassidy…" Tommy started, hoping to convince her not to tell anyone, but prepared to hold her and Devon for Lightspeed so they could erase their memories if she wouldn't. "Do you know what our lives would be like if that tape gets out? The number of people this information becoming public would put in danger? I have a newborn son…" He wasn't against using guilt in this matter.

"Yeah, I do." She said, her joyful smile turning understanding. "That's why I'm giving this to you." She held the tape out to Tommy who tried not to take it too quickly.

"Wait. Cassidy passing up the scoop of a lifetime?" Connor asked, confused. "Why?"

"Because it's wrong. And you're my friends; you've helped me out a lot this year. It wouldn't be right to ruin your lives just to make mine better. Especially not after everything you've done for Earth." Although not sure what she was talking about, they didn't fight it.

"I knew there was a heart deep down in there somewhere." Joked Ethan.

"Yeah, I just needed someone to help me find it." She said, grabbing Devon's arm and smiling at him. "Now if you'll excuse us, Devon's taking me prom shopping." The Rangers stared after them until they were out of sight, shocked expressions on all their faces.

"We helped Cassidy…?" Connor asked in pure surprise. "I can't remember saying more then ten words to her all year."

"I don't think any of us can." Trent agreed.

"Hey, don't knock it." Tommy said. "When you're Rangers you sometimes get selective memory. Sometimes it's hard to remember anything to do with non-Ranger things. That first year we were Rangers we barely said anything to or did anything with your Uncles Bulk and Skull. Next thing we know they're no longer bullies and are suddenly our friends. Then they found out we were Rangers and they became some of our best friends."

"So you're saying Cassidy and Devon are gonna become our best friends?" Ethan asked hesitantly.

"Not necessarily. I'm just saying don't discount things they remember you doing even if you don't remember them."

"Alright we won't. Can we go home now?" Kira asked. The others quickly agreed and the five Rangers teleported out of there. Everyone, baby Eric included, was waiting for them in the Dino Lab, wanting to see the final battle; Anton even waking up in time to see the end of his tormentor.

"Dad!" Trent cried upon seeing him awake and well. Anton met him half way and the two hugged for the first time since Mesogog had gained complete control, meaning last September when he'd launch his attack.

"Trent, I'm so glad you're ok." Anton murmured. "Tommy, thank you for taking care of him when I couldn't."

"No problem. I'm just glad you're ok." Tommy replied, shaking his old partner's hand.

"Your son is adorable." Anton said smiling at the baby who, at two weeks old could keep his eyes open for extended periods of time and stay awake for just as long, was staring around at all the people. "And it's nice to see you again Kira."

"Dr. Mercer." Kira greeted. She'd met the man a few years ago when he and her father had started working together, and a few times this year but she supposed that this year's encounters didn't really count for he wasn't himself.

"So it's finally over?" Kim asked rhetorically for she, more then anyone else who stayed in the Lab, knew that it was most definitely over.

"Yeah, it's over." Tommy said, coming over and pulling Kim and Kira into one-armed hugs with baby Eric held in the middle.

"I guess it's time to get on with our lives then." Said Connor, coming to stand near his mate, though still kept his distance from the family moment.

"Yeah, and you know what Cassidy reminded me of?" Trent asked.

"Prom."

-C/K-

The end of the school year was indeed upon them. June began, which also meant the beginning of final exams, causing Ethan, Trent and Connor to buckle down and study. Connor and Kira saw each other rarely over the first two weeks of June, and the last two weeks of high school, and when they did it was often sitting at the Cyberspace or the Olivers' house in silence as Connor studied. The Friday with the last day of finals was also the day of prom and the weekend before found the three boys at the mall renting tuxes, thankful that the small town allowed for last minute prom shopping; for the guys anyways.

"So neither of you have dates?" Connor asked surprised.

"Nope. We were kinda busy this last month so we're both flying solo." Trent answered.

"What about you Connor?"

"Dude of course I don't have a date." Connor said when Ethan asked. "I have a mate." The salesman wasn't around but he still lowered his voice to be almost whispering. "She's ten so it's not like she even could be my date, that would just be too weird, but she's still my mate. No other girl interests me."

"And that little fact isn't weird at all." Trent quipped, earning a glare.

"Of course it's weird. But it's the truth. If I want a date for prom I'll have to wait eight years and go to hers."

"Yeah cause a twenty-six year old at a high school prom wouldn't raise any eyebrows." Ethan deadpanned, earning his own glare this time. Their conversation cut off as the salesman returned.

"Excellent they fit perfectly!" He said happily. "And now for the bowties…"

"Red."

"Blue."

"White."

-C/K-

The end of exams came and with it the freedom of knowing they were done with high school forever, no matter how they did on their exams, which they wouldn't find out for at least a week. That Friday the boys prepared for prom and arrived at the hotel it was being held at, taking in the balloons and twinkling lights with a critical eye they knew they wouldn't have if there was a beautiful awestruck girl on their arm. The three quickly found Tommy, who they knew was chaperoning, but he wasn't alone.

"Mrs. O, hey, we didn't know you were chaperoning too!" Cried Ethan with a smile, but he wasn't the only one.

"Kira?!" Connor gasped, seeing his mate standing between her parents.

"Hey Connor." She smiled. Staring at her for probably a second longer then would make her parents comfortable, he had to admit she looked beautiful. Her mother had clearly had a hand in it as her hair was curled to perfection and she wore a floor length pale yellow dress and a sparkly bracelet. She was by no means pretending to be an adult, the dress was clearly a child's, but she still looked beautiful and it was the first time Connor had consciously realized that.

"W-what are you doing here?"

"We couldn't find a sitter." Tommy said louder then necessary, obviously for the benefit of the eavesdroppers and those not trying to hide their curiosity at the presence of a child at prom. "I had to give Randall the choice of losing a chaperone, or letting her come. Our principal seemed to think you could use all the chaperoning you could get so said she could come. I also think a part of her hopes a little kid being here will tamper any rowdy behaviour…but we know better."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Muttered Trent.

"What about Eric?" Ethan asked, though was smart enough to catch on that their cover story wasn't exactly the truth and so kept his voice down.

"We called Zack in for his first duties as a godfather." Kim said. "Most of the students don't remember I was pregnant, it wasn't that high on their radars, so we can get away with it this once."

"And the real reason?" Connor asked.

"With a newborn this is as close to a big celebration we'll get for the end of Mesogog." Said Kim, waving to Hayley, the final chaperone and celebrant to arrive.

"And Kira would never forgive me if I didn't find her a way in once she learned who the band was." Tommy muttered to Connor who smiled in understanding once he caught on.

"So Trent, what's next for you?" Tommy changed the subject. Given his dad's previously vocal aversion to him attending art school like he wanted, Trent had yet to make a decision on where to go. He and his dad had only just begun discussing it sans Mesogog, but Anton was still trying to convince his son to attend a 'real' university, he was just a lot nicer about it now.

"Actually I'm really excited. Heading to art school in the fall." Trent said happily, looking to his father, another chaperone; Elsa had rigged the chaperone list in their favour.

"Yeah?" Tommy asked surprised. "You ok with that Anton?"

"Couldn't be happier." Anton answered truthfully, having come to terms with it this past week. "What about you Tommy? What's next for the man who's done it all?"

"I've hardly done it all." Tommy chuckled. "But we're staying here." He looked to his wife and daughter who smiled up at him. "It's a good, calm, quiet place to raise kids, now that that mutant freak is gone." Everyone stifled a laugh, knowing no matter where they lived, the lives of the Oliver family would never be calm and quiet. "Got a good job here too." He added spotting Elsa approaching.

"You sure about that? I hear the principal's a real hard ass."

"Maybe, but I hear she'll be brilliant." Elsa smiled at him, still shocked at how much her life had changed in a few short weeks.

"Would the principal like to dance?" Anton asked, clearing his throat. "With an old friend…" He ended kind of hesitantly.

"I'd love to." The Rangers watched as the two went out onto the dance floor, Trent with an amused expression.

"I'm so glad I've graduated if they're gonna get together." He said with a shake of his head before turning to Hayley. "So boss, would you care to dance?"

"Sure." Hayley answered with a laugh and an indulgent smile and the two went off as well.

"Ethan!" A voice called closely followed by the appearance of a blonde girl about the same height as Ethan.

"Anna!" He cried back. "Guys this is Anna, she's in computer club with me. Anna this is my friend Connor, you know Dr. O, and this is his wife Mrs. O and their daughter Kira. They couldn't find a sitter and Randall let her come rather then lose a chaperone." He explained before any questions could be asked.

"Nice to meet you guys." She smiled before turning back to Ethan. "No date?"

"No…you?"

"No…would you like to dance?" It was obvious asking him had taken a lot of her courage, but she needn't have worried for Ethan smiled brightly and accepted, leaving Connor and the three Olivers behind.

"Kira, sweetie, I promised your mother this dance." Tommy said loudly, again for the benefit of others. Kira looked up at him confused for she'd not asked him to dance. "But Connor will dance with you. He still owes me a detention anyways. Consider this it." With a wink Tommy led a laughing Kimberly onto the dance floor leaving Connor to shyly lead Kira after them to the combined 'awws' and sniggers of his classmates. The great height difference made dancing awkward but neither of them tried to really dance, more Connor lifted Kira till she was standing on his feet and then swayed on the spot.

"I think your dad's really accepted me now." He murmured once he was sure that the novelty of Reefside High's star soccer player and ladies man, well former ladies man, dancing with a kid had worn off.

"I think he has too." She agreed. "Took him nearly a year, but he's now making excuses for us to be close."

"Well I think it helps that we're in a very public place and if I step one toe out of line all of Reefside High's senior class will know and I'll be brought up on charges of pedophilia."

"Pedophilia?" She asked, not knowing that word. Having a wider vocabulary then a regular ten-year-old or not, it still wasn't complete.

"Um…bad…wrong feelings towards children." He said kind of awkwardly.

"Oh…well I'll give you the public place part, but not the pedophilia. We all know that's not true and I don't like it when you even joke about it."

"Sorry." Connor said and they swayed in silence for a moment.

"The Cheetah and Lion are happy." Kira said when the silence began to get to her.

"Yeah they are." Connor chuckled in agreement. "We've barely seen each other in the last two weeks and when we have we sat in silence as I studied."

"Well exams are over now."

"But training starts next week." Kira nodded, hoping his soccer training schedule would allow him more time with her then they'd had in the last two weeks.

"We'll make it work." Was all she said. The song came to an end everyone's attention was drawn to the stage as Tommy walked up to the mic.

"Hey guys, I just wanna say it's been an interesting year. We've been through a lot, more then any school should have to go through, and Principal Randall and I, and the rest of the staff, are very proud of you all. But we made it and we're ok. That's what's important. So let's have fun tonight! And to help us do that is a special guest. Here she is…Kira Ford!" From her place at Connor's side Kira screamed along with the rest of the class, not having known her favourite singer would be here. The crowd surged forward to get closer and Kira was left unable to see until Connor lifted her onto his shoulder. The bright look in her eyes had Connor smiling and also very glad that Tommy had brought her for he was right and she'd never have forgiven either of them otherwise, even if she could have seen it through Connor's eyes.

"How you guys doing tonight?!" Kira Ford called into the mic as her band prepared to play. "I know most of you from all the way back in elementary school and though I haven't been here these last two years, I'm glad I could be here tonight. This is a new song I've been working on and I hope you like it." The music started up and an upbeat song played, it's lyrics resonating with Kira and Connor.

"You give me something more, then I've ever felt before, we could be falling in love, oh baby, I can picture you and me, more then coming closer, just a little more time and, just a little less thinkin', just a little more time is all that I need, just a little believin', just a little more breathin', let's give it time." With a look as if to say 'does this kind of thing really happen?', Connor and Kira laughed at the absurdity of having a song that matched their life so well play not a moment after they'd been talking about it; both hoping it was a good sign, and feeling like whether it was or not, they could move forward onto the next chapter of their lives.

A/N - There you have it, the end of Dino Thunder! I was listening to Emma Lahana's songs from the show as I wrote this and realized that 'Just a Little' really did fit with Kira and Connor; knowing something could be there but needing more time.

Next up is is a bit of a time jump to the S.P.D. team-up, followed by the second S.P.D. team-up and then Once a Ranger. I could have ended this fic here, had a few oneshots then finished up with a third sequel, but I decided against it...largely because I didn't want to have to deal with trying to think up new story names and summaries. So you get a couple larger time jumps instead!

It'll be a bit before you get the next chapter, that's why you're getting this one now. Of course when I say a bit I mean I'm just not gonna updating every second day. It'll probably be Tuesday when I next update.

Review please!