June 22nd - the prelude to a storm of celebration as Sarah, Race, Asha, and their friends prepare to graduate from the Pokémon School and go their separate ways to fulfill their dreams. As their Pokémon played together to make the most of their final days together in the school, the heroes contemplated and confided in each other about their finalized dreams and what they'd want to do during their summer vacations and for their futures.
The rest of the gang was impressed when Kiawe told them about his wish to become a Kahuna and how he'll be training with Olivia for the summer to get a head-start on his ambition, particularly Mallow as she breathed in awe, "You're going to help Olivia out?"
"Yeah. But, Turtonator, Pyroar, and I will only be able to work and train with her, Lycanroc, and Saltaar during our vacation," he confirmed.
"Training with a mentor like her is important stuff!" grinned Lana.
Mallow chuckled at her best friend as she recalled her training experiences with Ida and quipped, "I guess you'd know so much about that, wouldn't you, Lana?"
"Guess so!"
Sophocles grinned and nodded before he turned to Sarah and Ash, curious about their plans for summer vacation and their futures, "What about you, guys? Have you made up your minds yet about your summer vacations and the future?"
"Well, about that...… There's something I want to say," Ash admitted as he went first and made his thoughts known. "The truth is, Pikachu and I are going back home to Pallet Town."
The others were surprised by this, "What/Huh/Going home?"
"You see, ever since Pikachu, the others, and I came to Alola, we've met you and we saw tons of Pokémon living here along the way! We learned so many new things here at the Pokémon School... Yeah, it's the best, no doubt! But, now, I think...… I'm going to go back home for a while and after that, I'm gonna go check out some other cool places!"
"Agreed!" Pikachu concurred eagerly as he jumped onto Ash's left shoulder.
"Everything I've learned, I'll remember as I go out and see more of the world along with all the other places I've been to in my previous journeys. Seeing more of the world will give me a new and better chance to meet more people and tons of new Pokémon. And, we'll have a lot of Pokémon battles so we can get stronger and stronger every day! Someday, I'll do what I set out to do since I first left Pallet Town: to become a Pokémon Master!"
Sarah smiled knowingly along with Race and Asha, knowing that Ash made his mind up and that he was ready to see the world with a fresh new view on life thanks to his time in Alola and the Pokémon School. Mallow, Lillie, Sophocles, Kiawe, and Lana were silent about his plans for a moment but the Fire Type student sighed and gave a small smile as he voiced what everyone was thinking.
"So, you're not just talking about your summer vacation. You're really going, then?" he inquired.
Ash nodded with a soft smile, "Yeah...…"
"Ash, I'm sure that one day, somehow, someway, you'll become a true Pokémon Master," Lana praised warmly.
"Mm-hmm! No matter what happens to you, I'll be cheering you on! We all will!" Mallow concurred as the others nodded in agreement, sharing her and Lana's sentiments.
"Thanks, you guys!"
"You're the best!"
"Hit the brakes first, Mr. Pokémon Master! Before you split on your first flight back, there's one more thing we can all do together!" Rotoscope reminded as he and Rotom-Dex showed everybody what they'd do one final time together.
"Rotoscope and I looked it up and we heard that there's a meteor shower going over Adventure Bay on the 29th! So, as part of your graduation escapades, we can meet up with Ryder and the pups again for the meteor shower that night! One last adventure together before we all go our separate ways," Rotom-Dex added.
However, as soon as Rotom-Dex said that, everyone started to feel a little down, knowing this would be the last time they would be together regularly.
"...…Still, I guess this is it, huh?" Mallow began as everybody else nodded.
"Our days leading up to our graduation and the meteor shower over Adventure Bay will be the last times we'll be together," Lana concurred as Lillie went out to the balcony and overlooked the beach outside and the sea over the horizon.
"You know, it's...…. Kinda sad that we won't be together for a while, right?" she quizzed, a little saddened that she won't see her friends again for some time once she and Snowy go on their journey through Kanto.
"Even so, after our time in the school...… We'll be alumni from here on out," Race put in.
Asha nodded as she added, "After we graduate, our true journeys, our futures, our new tomorrows will begin to take shape...…."
The gang looked at each other as they contemplated Asha and Race's words and they all smiled in agreement with Sophocles saying, "You're right, guys. No matter how far apart we are, no matter what we do with our lives, we'll always be together in one way or another. And, even if we're no longer Power Rangers, we'll do everything we can to make the world a better place and ensure a brighter tomorrow for everybody."
"Yeah. Rangers forever, defenders together...… That's how it's been for us; together forever no matter how long, from now until the end of time," smiled Lana.
"And, we won't be the only ones carrying on the legacy of the Power Rangers because, in addition to working on my professions one at a time from now on, I'm going to make use of my talents to help other people, Pokémon, and creatures. And, that's on top of my main dream: opening a Ranger Academy in Dragonstone for Hiccup and his friends and anybody else who has the potential to become rangers and continue the work we and our predecessors started," Sarah nodded, finally deciding to speak her mind out about her plans, making the gang excited for her.
"A Ranger Academy?!"
"Cool!"
"That sounds awesome!"
"Excellent!"
"Sounds great!"
"Yeah, Sarah!"
"Sweet!"
"I had a feeling you'd make the most out of your talents somehow, Island Girl."
"You're going above and beyond the call of duty for real, huh, Sis?" Race and Asha remarked, amused.
"Yeah, sorta like my own take on Space Patrol Delta, in all honesty. But, what's even better, if possible, I might invite the likes of Casey, Zayto, Devon, their friends, or any of our other predecessors to come to the academy once it's completed for special lectures so they can also pass down everything they learned from their times as rangers to the new students I'll be bringing in so they can learn how to be rangers, too, in their own right."
"If that's the case, then we'll help you with your dream and keep the spirit of the Power Rangers alive whenever we can, Sarah!" Kiawe grinned proudly.
"You can count on us to pass down everything we learned from the school and our time as rangers down to your recruits, too!"
"Count on it!" Mallow and Lana concurred.
"At least you won't be losing your head now that you have your dream ironed out and you're no longer having to multi-task your professions to stay alive," Rotom-Dex joked, getting a laugh out of everybody.
The school day passed in a rush of excitement as Komala rang the school bell and Kukui addressed his students once more, "Our big vacation and our graduation ceremony are almost here! Go Stockpile your own Secret Power and find a Rainbow Wing of your own to pursue!"
"Right!" the gang nodded as they packed up and left.
Just before the gang could go their separate ways, Mallow went over to Sarah with a proposal she had in mind.
"Hey, Sarah, would you mind popping by my family's restaurant later?" she offered.
"Your new Pokémon menu, you mean?" the princess replied, knowing what she meant.
"Mm-hmm. I'm still in the middle of coming up with the new Pokémon menus I have in mind and I have a special menu made just for your Pokémon and your dragons. Would you like to have my recipes?"
"I'd love to, Mallow! That'd be great!"
Mallow beamed as she asked, "Would you make time to come to my place tomorrow, then?"
"I will!"
"Unless...…you end up screwing Mallow over and putting her and her family out of business, Island Girl."
"Shut up," Mallow and Sarah grumbled indignantly at Race, getting another laugh out of everyone before the princess, Asha, Race, and their family took their leave.
However, Mallow and the others stayed behind as they cheekily giggled behind their backs and the Grass Type student gave a thumbs-up as she declared with a whisper, "Mission accomplished!"
Dusk fell by the time Sarah and her family returned home and during that time, while Asha and Race went inside to relax and wash up for dinner, Sarah decided to take a walk with her family on the beach and enjoy the sunset while her younger Pokémon including her new turtle-like Pokémon baby played together. The new Pokémon was curious about anything and everything around it and throughout the first few days it had been with them, they had a rough time trying to keep it out of trouble wherever they went with it. But, eventually, they started to warm up to the strange Pokémon and accept it as part of the family given how it was not only able to help Sarah and Blitz finally beat Tapu Koko but it was also able to make a lasting impression on the little princess and her human family with how cute it was.
"Sure looks beautiful for a sunset today, isn't it?" Sarah asked Silvally as she took in the sunset.
"Never gets old with that kind of magic from nature," the Synthetic Pokémon agreed, smiling softly.
"Hey, Mom, how are you gonna juggle everything you're working on during your summer vacation?" Dusk questioned as he and Luna joined them.
"One profession at a time per day, Dusk. No fuss, no muss if I pace myself and play to my strengths as I go along," she replied.
"Lame," Silvally quipped, looking unimpressed which prompted his human mother to gently rub his head scales.
"Silvally, I'm running myself to the ground by doing too many things at once. If I learn to take each profession I do one day at a time while making the most out of everything I do and whatever I'm learning to help others including fulfilling my duties as a Pokémon Ambassador, I can make out and choose my destiny in time. And, speaking of time, I got all the time in the world to do just that and finally relax, not just my summer vacation."
"But, is it truly within reason for you to open this Ranger Academy of yours to your primitive friends on that island chain you told us about?" Tao questioned, skeptical of Sarah's dream.
"Hiccup and his friends may not seem like much, Tao, but I can tell they have a lot of potential and are more than they appear to be on the surface. I saw that from the moment I met Hiccup and Zenna and we had our first adventure together leading up to when we and the other Vikings their age took the fight to the Red Death Queen and ended the 300-year-long Dragon War in the Barbaric Archipelago. Granted...… Most of them are also smarter than they look but I digress."
"You'll be able to have them somewhat book-smart once you enroll them in your Ranger Academy someday, Mama," Braixen put in as she and her Okuya Jungle siblings and the Jungle Guard joined them.
"Or, have them join you in either the Uva or Naranja Academies should you decide to go to Paldea to continue studying, right?" Gogoat grinned.
"You got me there but, for now, we need a break. After everything we and our friends went through and with Team Eclipse, Team Rocket, and Evox gone for good, we need to unwind now that things will be back to normal for us."
"As Pokémon and students and trainers of Principal Oak's Pokémon School, we all have nothing left to prove. The same can be said for us as Power Rangers so it's time we step aside and let others reach the heights we've already attained, Tao. We need to focus our energies elsewhere," Tai Lung agreed as he spoke to Tao.
"Is that so?" Tao nodded.
"And, everything Blitz's partner said and her new Ranger Academy are good first stepping stones towards our new tomorrow together, right, Sarah?"
"With your Ranger Academy and your new destiny at hand, it's time for us to begin a new evolution of our own," Blitz nodded, smiling at his human mother.
Sarah blinked and then laughed as she told them and held the turtle Pokémon in her arms as it came up to her and cooed cutely, wanting to be picked up, "That's great, you two. But, before we get down on all of that, I was hoping to sleep in for a few days after everything we did throughout our journey."
"You know what we mean, Mom."
At that moment, two shadows came over the entire group and Sarah and her family turned to find Nebby's creators, Solgaleo and Lunala, appearing before them.
"Solgaleo!"
"Lunala!" the princess and Blitz cried in surprise.
"Creators," peeped Nebby happily as he nuzzled the older Sunne and Moone Pokémon.
"Nebby, Princess," replied Solgaleo as he looked between the younger Steel Type and the little princess.
"Good to see you all again," greeted Lunala warmly.
"What are you two doing here?"
"Is there something wrong with Necrozma?" Prinplup and Quilava questioned.
"No, Necrozma is doing fine and so are Naganadel and everyone else in Ultra Space."
"We came here to bring you and your betrothed along with your family for something important. A few, visitors, shall we say, wanted to speak with you," Solgaleo and Lunala answered, surprising the entire group as they didn't know who wanted to talk with them and Race.
The next morning (June 23rd), Sarah's entire human family (blood and adoptive) woke up only to find that their daughter/charge and her family along with Race had gone missing save for their mythical companions. They remembered being told about them going to Mallow's family's restaurant but when they arrived, they weren't there except for the gang and their Pokémon.
Surprisingly, when they got there, they noticed the gang's Pokémon all eating away at their treats happily but Ash and the others were waiting impatiently at their table for Sarah to come despite it being cluttered with all the food Mallow, Abe, Tsareena, and Shaymin cooked up.
"Alola!" Doug called as they entered.
"Alola, Your Majesties! Help yourselves to one of the tables, everything's ready!" Abe called as he finished a tray of Pinap Juice glasses for the group and the king, Delilah, Donna (former queen), David, James, Nikki, Tsukumaro, and Asha helped themselves to one of the other tables reserved for them and their family. "Mallow!"
"Yeah?" Mallow replied as she went to pick up the tray.
"Haven't Sarah and Race come by yet?"
"No, it's weird. Where could they be? I know she told us they and the rest of their family would be coming here yesterday."
"Your Majesties, did you see Sarah on the way here?" Lillie questioned Doug and Delilah.
"No, Lillie dear, we just arrived and we saw no trace of them when we woke up and left. They're not at home with the rest our our family, either," Delilah replied, concerned.
"You don't think any of them got sidetracked, don't you?" Kiawe pondered worriedly.
"Knowing that girl, I'm sure something is going on in her mind that demands her attention," Nikki sighed knowingly.
"Hmm, then I wonder where that little young'un and her betrothed could be," Tsukumaro quizzed thoughtfully.
"We don't know," Lana shrugged before they heard a familiar echoing roar from outside and gasped.
Quickly rushing out to find the source of the roar, everybody was surprised to Solgaleo and Lunala flying alongside Nebby and Nebula (who had their Ultra Rescue carriages attached to them carrying the majority of Sarah's family and Race's team) with Sarah and Race riding on the pair and their Flying Types and dragons flying close behind.
"Look, up there!" gasped Kiawe.
"Solgaleo and Lunala are back?"
"But, how?" gasped David and Doug, surprised.
"Hey, guys, Mom, Dad! Sorry, we were late!"
"Has the party finished yet?" Sarah and Race called from atop Nebby and Nebula, shocking everybody gathered.
"SARAH/PONCHITA/HONEY/BABY/PRINCESS/RACE?!"
The four Legendary Pokémon touched down on the ground and Sarah (carrying the turtle Pokémon in her arms), her family (piling out of the carriages), Race, and his team rejoined everyone else who had nothing but questions regarding their late arrival and Solgaleo and Lunala's presence.
"Where have you been?"
"We were worried for you!"
"We thought you weren't gonna come, what happened?"
"Honey, what's going on?"
"Why are Solgaleo and Lunala back in our world?"
"What were you doing with them?"
"Mom, Dad, guys, Granny, Gramps, please! It's okay, Solgaleo and Lunala came to see us yesterday evening out on the beach," Sarah replied.
"Island Girl dragged me outside when she told me about them and they said that a few visitors wanted to speak with us. Then, they took us to another world so we could understand everything," Race added.
"Huh?" everybody gawked as they pulled Ditto faces, none of them understanding what they were saying.
"...…It's true, you simpletons," groaned Silvally in annoyance.
"Mmph! A-Ahem, yes, right...… Princess, an explanation, please," Tsukumaro quipped, slapping himself back into reality and wanting to know more about what his charge and Race said.
"Baby, tell us, what happened when Solgaleo and Lunala took you all away?" Donna (former queen) asked.
"Well..."
(Flashback)
After they and her family were taken away by the elder Sunne and Moone Pokémon, the little princess and her boyfriend woke up to find themselves lying on a red, black, and yellow rug of some sort. They soon realized that they were no longer in their world and didn't know what to think as they took in their surroundings and got their bearings after their unexpected trip.
"Mm, what happened?" Sarah moaned.
"Ugh, aw, man... I got one giant headache," Race groaned.
"...…..Uh, Race?"
"Yeah?"
"Where are we?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think we're at home or in Ultra Space anymore...…."
"What?"
The two of them looked around, wondering where they were until the blackened space around them brightened up and they found themselves amidst a series of white dots and lines charged with powerful energy all around them amidst a black and blue void. Sarah and Race were stunned as they looked around, having never seen anything like it.
"Whoa..."
"What is this place?" they breathed, unsure of what to say.
Then, they heard the sound of footsteps coming towards them and turned to their left (where the sound and owner of the footsteps were coming from) to find a small ball of light that shifted colors between green, white, red, and violet (denoting black) approaching them. The light brightened as it got closer, forcing them to shield their eyes, and then it morphed and changed shape until it became a person. But, the person in question was wearing a green ranger suit that looked similar to the suits worn by the Zyuranger and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers except the helmet was modeled after a dragon, a diamond-like chest shield with shoulder pads, golden braces worn around his upper arms, and in place of a Ranger Gun/Blade Blaster, a flute-like dagger rested on the left side of his belt.
Just by looking at the suit and recalling what they had learned in Ranger History class with their friends, Sarah and Race gasped. The person was an actual Power Ranger and not just any ordinary Power Ranger but the greatest Power Ranger of them all: Tommy Oliver.
"You... I remember you, from Ranger History class with Wicke and Burnet," Sarah stuttered, shocked and left speechless.
"Me, too... You're the Green and White Rangers from the Mighty Morphin team, the Red Rangers from the Zeo and Turbo teams, and the Dino Thunder team's Black Brachio Ranger. You're Tommy, Tommy Oliver," Race added, trying to compose himself as his eyes widened.
Tommy (now a spirit and no longer amongst the living) smiled and nodded as he took off his helmet and showed his face to them before saying, "Thanks for coming here on short notice and account of Solgaleo and Lunala. I'm sorry we had to pull you guys from your upcoming graduation, though. But, we must have a talk with you regarding what happened to you and your friends."
"Wait, we?"
"What are you talking about? We're not dead, are we? And, where are we, anyway?"
"On the contrary, you two, you are not dead. And, you're within the energy source of all Power Ranger teams past and present," a voice called out, surprising Sarah and Race as they looked behind them and saw three cloaked beings (two males and one female with the female in all white and the males in all black and all red, respectively).
As if that wasn't enough to leave them dumbfounded, Sarah and Race were also subject to the sight of six strange-looking figures that towered over them like giants and floated in the area they were in as they looked carefully at the pair. The figures were all wearing white and black armor and carried six virtually identical staffs but they were all denoted by their capes of different colors (four of them were male and wore red, blue, black, and gold/yellow robes and capes while the other two are female and they wore pink and green robes and capes).
"Okay, I'm missing something here. We know Tommy but who are you guys?" Race blinked in confusion, looking between the nine figures that joined them and Tommy.
"We six are the Legendary Morphin Masters, the protectors and guardians of the Morphin Grid. I am their leader, Master Red," the figure in the red robes and cape announced, introducing himself and his comrades.
"We, on the other hand, are known as the Tribunal of Magic, three beings responsible for the magic in the universe. And, I am its leader, the Neutral Tribunal," the figure in red, the leader of the Tribunal, announced.
"No way, for real?" Sarah gulped.
The Tribunal nodded as the little princess recalled, "Wait, I get it now; you three oversee all sorts of magic in the universe and ensure its existence in the worlds it is present in. The one in black; you're the Dark Tribunal, the one who oversees all dark magic. The one in white; you're the Light Tribunal, the being responsible for safeguarding the good magic in the universe. And, you, the Red Tribunal, you're the chaotic neutral who balances out both forms of magic and ensures that the balance between them doesn't go out of order. I remember Zayto mentioning you guys and the Morphin Masters before."
"That is correct. You truly are an avid learner of magical and ranger history, m'dear," the Neutral Tribunal confirmed with a nod, sounding impressed.
"Greetings, Solgaleo Ranger. And, you as well, Pyroar Ranger."
"You honor us with your presence. This place you're in now is the source of all ranger powers including your own: the Morphin Grid," the Light Tribunal and the figure in the green robes and cape, Master Green, greeted warmly, shocking Sarah and Race.
"Wait, this place here...is the Morphin Gird?"
"The actual Morphin Grid, seriously? And, you know of us...… Does that mean you know about Ash and the others, too?"
"Yes, we've heard much about you and your friends as well as your heroics from the moment your dear girl and her friends first became rangers after rescuing Lusamine from her tragic fate. They truly emphasize everything that makes them rangers despite their unlikely prowess," the figure in blue, Master Blue, noted in confirmation.
"You've fought bravely against the likes of Evox, Team Eclipse, and Team Rocket despite all of your ups and downs throughout your journey for you have shown why you are worthy of holding the power," the pink figure, Master Pink, praised.
"We also came to extend our congratulations to you and praise you and your friends for your actions in protecting the world and the universe," the Light Tribunal added.
"Whoa..." Race blinked.
"As for Tommy Oliver before you, he is dead and no longer among the living following a heroic sacrifice to save the universe sometime after the return and defeat of an old enemy of his. But, after he passed, his consciousness made its way to the grid and is now preserved inside of it; he will be here to watch over you and your crew, his friends, and the rest of the Power Ranger teams past and present for all eternity," the Dark Tribunal continued, noting Tommy's current fate.
Sarah was stunned as she felt sorry for Tommy and said, "...Tommy, I'm sorry. I heard that, you and Kat were married years ago, and your son, J.J., he...…."
Tommy nodded sympathetically as he reassured, "My friends and Kat told him what his dad had been fighting for until the end of his days. He understood what I had to do for the universe and the greater good. They'll be alright, I have no shame knowing that they'll be alright in the end."
Master Blue nodded as he told Sarah and Race, "That is correct; Tommy may never be part of your world again among the living but he is eternal through the grid and everywhere the grid touches, a piece of him remains."
"But, there's one thing I don't understand. What are you guys happy about regarding us, our friends, and what we did as rangers?" Sarah puzzled.
"You two are most intriguing to us because of your magical prowess as well as how you and your friends use your ranger powers and your magic to protect your world and everyone living on it, humans, animals, Pokémon, and creatures alike," the Neutral Tribunal clarified.
"Our Animus magic, you mean?"
The Light Tribunal nodded as she continued sagely, "Even your magic from your godfather and the Wizarding World and your Elemental Magic, Princess. There were many times when even your magic failed during moments when it would've helped that didn't stop you from doing what was right and using it to benefit others including your Viking friends instead of your own."
"And, you surprised us all, Princess, when you decided to pass on everything you've learned to them and others who would follow in the footsteps of you, your friends, and your predecessors in the form of a Ranger Academy in Dragonstone. A recklessly intriguing decision on your part but one that showed your boundless compassion, generosity, heart, and willingness to help others in need. Of course, with your Animus magic, you're just as powerful as us but it's a shame nobody agreed on taking it away from you should you prove to be a threat," grumbled the Dark Tribunal.
"En contraire, old friend, I believe Young Sarah and her betrothed have proven themselves worthy of having such powerful magic. And, just as we already had, you can see that neither have any ill intent regarding that powerful form of magic and their hearts are pure since they used it to help others and defend the weak whenever it is needed. If they do have black hearts and wanted power from that magic, they would've used it to hurt others and destroyed us ourselves," the Neutral Tribunal countered wisely.
"And, as I'm told, Princess, you have different forms just as I did before you and you used them wisely with the same strong will and determination I had. As the leader of your team, you were not afraid to step up to the plate and take charge when needed but you are also humble enough to know when to step aside at times and let someone else lead your team into battle depending on the circumstance," Tommy added as he turned his attention to Sarah.
He then turned to Race and commented, "Race, you've proven yourself to be a fine member of the Ultra Rescue Rangers after becoming a ranger yourself in Adventure City. You learned from your friends and your betrothed well and watched out for them just as you would watch out for yourself. You're loyal, wise, quick-thinking under pressure, fearless through your courage in the face of battle, and a true warrior in fighting for what's right."
"And, as for your friends, while they're young and we agree that like you, they still have much to learn, they've proven themselves and are true Power Rangers in the face of evil. You've all been through a lot when Lothor and Team Eclipse ramped up their attacks on you and your region for the sake of revenge and when opportunity knocked, you saw a chance to do what's right and took it. Not only did you save your world and the universe from them and the likes of Evox and Team Rocket but you've also saved Ultra Space and the Ultra Pillars from them and Necrozma when he was the Black Beast. You all triumphed in your battles because you remembered an important thing about being rangers; to those who hold great power and use it for the good of the world, anything is possible as long as you work together as a team."
"Tommy is right; you were able to triumph over Lothor and Team Eclipse because despite your differences, your unlikely professions, your personalities, anything and everything that defines you as individuals, you all came together and worked as a team. You're a team first and individuals second while Team Eclipse and Lothor are the exact opposite despite being harder, faster, smarter, and stronger compared to you all," the gold figure, Master Gold, agreed.
"Yeah, that's true. It's mainly because we not only use our powers to help people as you all do but I felt like my magic is best suited for that goal, too. I can't hog it all for myself," Sarah replied.
"Same here, using magic is great and all but it's no fun when you use it all the time since it doesn't solve all of our problems. Plus, many people aren't as lucky as us to experience the joy it brings and they need to see what it's like for them to be happy again," Race concurred, crossing his arms thoughtfully.
"It seems you've learned that the easy way is not always the right way."
"And, you understood that it is important to share your talents with others rather than keep them for yourselves."
"A valuable lesson or two merits a valuable reward for those who are pure of heart," the three Tribunal members remarked proudly.
Sarah and Race looked at each other before the little princess stepped forward and told the Tribunal, "Thank you, Masters. But, really, why would I want more power since I already have a ton of ranger powers and forms along with different types of magic on me? Race deserves it more than I ever could; I'm perfectly fine with the magic and powers I already have when I start training our and our friends' successors and my friends from Berk after opening my Ranger Academy."
The Neutral Tribunal chuckled knowingly as he told her, "We understand, Princess. Your decision is a noble one coming from your heart and love for your betrothed and your modesty and humbleness show no bounds. They're your most admirable traits given your wisdom for a young woman of your age. However, you need not worry because our reward for you two can be accessed directly through your civilian forms."
"Through our civilian forms? Is that even possible?" Race questioned curiously as he joined his girlfriend.
The Tribunal of Magic nodded as they raised their right arms and cast a spell, activating their magic as two weapons from the Mystic Force Rangers' arsenal appeared in their right hands. They were Mystic Lion Staffs akin to the staffs used by Nick, Maddie, Vida, Chip, and Xander when in their Legendary Mode but their staffs were virtually the same size as the ones used by the Morphin Masters.
However, unlike the original Mystic Lion Staffs, rather than having code numbers on the top around a lion head, on Sarah's staff, there are small shapes of her four animal spirits including the African Lion, the American Lion, the Smilodon, and the Phoenix. Race's staff, on the other hand, had the shape of a Night Fury head akin to Thunder's head on its top end.
"Hey!"
"Whoa, what are these things?" Sarah and Race gasped in surprise, examining their new weapons.
"Those are your new Mystic Lion Staffs; these two have the same level of power shared by our staffs that will allow you two to perform the same abilities we have and they can be accessible to you in your civilian forms but they can also be used in your ranger forms whenever you may need them," Master Green informed.
"You two and your friends have proven yourselves to be admirable warriors worthy of being part of the legacy of the Power Rangers. And, even though your time has ended with Evox's end and the defeat of Team Eclipse and Lothor, everything you did will be remembered for generations to come because of the sacrifices you made, your courage in the face of insurmountable odds, the lives of the people and creatures you've touched, your willingness to do what's right, and your compassion to help those who need a hero to help them see the light of day again," Master Black commended.
"We will never forget you kids for everything you've done. And, even if you may not realize it yet, there is more to you children than meets the eye," Master Red finished proudly.
Sarah and Race, humbled by their new gift and everything they were told, could only bow in gratitude.
"We understand."
"Masters, Tommy, thank you for everything. But, what happens to us now?"
"That, Princess, is up to your NightWing Seer should you ask her when the time comes. Whatever lies before you after you and your friends graduate from the Pokémon School will be your greatest challenge yet as rangers but you've overcome odds that were stacked against you before. We are confident as long as you continue to hold on to the beliefs and values that made you into Power Rangers, the power will always be here to protect you whenever you need it," Master Blue reassured.
"Just like your friends with their journeys, you both will discover new things about yourselves and the world around you, together. Your friendships with everyone you meet will be your greatest strength, always," Master Green concurred.
"We understand, Masters!" Sarah and Race replied diligently to the satisfaction of the Morphin Masters, the Tribunal of Magic, and Tommy as they all nodded proudly at the pair.
"Now, it is time for us to return you to your world and your friends so you may all graduate and begin your new journeys. Until we meet again," Master Red announced as he, his fellow masters, and the Tribunal prepared to send them home.
"Goodbye, Pyroar Ranger, Princess, it's been an honor to meet you," smiled Master Green.
Race and Sarah smiled at the Tribunal and the Morphin Masters in thanks and they looked at Tommy as he smiled back, telling him, "Bye, Tommy, it's been great seeing you."
"If we ever run into Kat and J.J. along with your friends, we'll tell them you said 'Hi!'."
"Goodbye, Sarah, Race. May the power protect you and your friends, always," the Legendary Ranger nodded as the young couple were enveloped in a white light and sent home with their new gifts at hand.
(End Flashback)
Everyone was amazed when Race and Sarah finished their story as they didn't know what to think; not only were Race and Sarah greeted by the Morphin Masters, Tommy Oliver himself, and the Tribunal of Magic, but they, Ash, and the rest of the gang were given their blessings for everything they did as Power Rangers and the young couple were given their own Mystic Lion Staffs in the process. They were also curious about what Master Green and Master Blue said before they returned home.
"Wow!"
"You met Tommy Oliver and the Morphin Masters?"
"And, the Tribunal of Magic?"
"Sweet!"
"That's amazing!"
"I never thought the Tribunal of Magic and the Morphin Masters were actually real!" the gang balked in awe and amazement.
"But, what Master Blue said about your greatest challenge... I get what Master Green was saying after thinking about it but what was he talking about, Sis?" Asha questioned.
"Don't know but I'm sure we'll find out someday down the road," Sarah admitted. "Mallow, your recipes?"
"Right here~! Had them printed out especially for you and they're not the only surprise I have for you!" Mallow grinned as she handed Sarah a small book that had copies of the recipes they made for Pokémon and dragons.
"Wait, what?" Sarah blinked in bewilderment before Mallow cheekily winked at her and pointed at the door before she whistled.
"SARAH~!" a familiar happy-go-lucky lilac unicorn burst out from the family restaurant and happily developed her human best friend in a bear hug while laughing, causing her to yelp and groan in surprise and drop the book in her hands.
"DACK, IZZY?!" she squealed in pain before the unicorn released her, allowing her to catch her breath before she composed herself and smiled brightly at her before returning her hug. "IZZY! HA-HA-HA-HA! How in the world did you get here? What are you doing here, anyway?"
"Duh! Why wouldn't we be here? We're here for your party!" Izzy grinned, leaving Sarah baffled.
"My party?"
"And, much, much more! I'm not the only one here to celebrate you and your friends' graduation! Come on!"
Izzy quickly dragged the startled Sarah inside the family restaurant while the others followed (just as Blitz remembered to pick up the cookbook Mallow gave to his human mother while doing so) and once inside, they were in for a surprise. Joining them and Izzy were the Viking teens, her friends, the Eight Queens, Marena, the Mane 6, Sparky, the Guardians of Harmony, the Princesses of Old, Edge Blade, the Fillies Three, Novo, Skystar, Rutherford, Rain Shine, Grandpa Gruff, Thorax, and Pharnax (the interior of the restaurant having been enchanted to fit them all and become a giant ballroom for the party).
"TA-DA~!" Mallow and Izzy chirped excitedly as the party guests cheered, "ALOLA SURPRISE~!"
"Glad you made it!"
"Lively Sarah!"
"It's party time!" Kiawe, Sophocles, and Lana grinned.
"WAAAAAAAAH! Whoa! Guys, Izzy, everybody, is all of this really for me?!"
"It's for all of us, silly!" Izzy laughed.
"Yak happy for little princess and her future!"
"Congratulations on your graduation, Sarah, kids."
"You deserve it."
"We're all happy for you!"
"You've done so much for all of us, too, despite Opaline's return."
"Yeah, thanks," Rutherford, Thorax, Pharnax, Rain Shine, Novo, and Grandpa Gruff congratulated as the other guests concurred happily.
"Thanks, everybody. We were just glad we could do something for you all," Sarah replied warmly.
"Now, with all that mushy stuff settled, LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" screamed Pinkie Pie as she brought out her party cannon and let out a flurry of confetti, allowing the party to start with a bang.
All around the restaurant's enchanted ballroom dining interior, everybody was having fun nonstop; from the games and the happy mingling between the guests and the graduates and Sarah's family to the food being served by Latias, Latios, Kit, and Ella (despite Latios and Kit having to restrain their sisters to prevent their sweet tooths getting the best of them), everybody was having a wonderful time celebrating the gang's graduation from the Pokémon School.
Out of all of them, however, Petunia and Sparky were having the most fun as they happily flew around the room with Sparky pulling a little prank on his father figure in the form of turning his mane and tail into a rainbow, horrifying the Maretime Bay sheriff and getting a laugh out of everybody. It was a party worth celebrating with everybody gathered for one final time before Ash and Pikachu had to leave for Kanto.
The following day (June 24th), after the gang's graduation party ended, it was time for Ash and Pikachu to return home. As the dawn broke, Burnet and Kukui were driving them over to the airport where they would drop them off and they would board the first flight taking them back to their home region. But, it was bittersweet for them because not only would Ash and Pikachu be returning home alone but they would also be leaving their Alola team in their care.
"Remember, you want the plane heading for Kanto," Kukui reminded as they prepared to part ways with Ash preparing to head for his intended flight and the married Alolan Professors heading home shortly after.
"We all know that!" Ash agreed before he fell silent for a moment. "...…Professors?"
"Hmm?"
"What is it?"
"Take care of Rowlet and my other Pokémon, will ya?"
"No worries, they're all a part of our family now just as much as you were!"
"They sure are! Kukui's going to bring them to the Pokémon School, too!"
"So, they'll be ready to help all of Alola out at a moment's notice, right? As full-fledged Power Rangers themselves like the rest of us!"
"Yeah!"
Ash nodded before he sighed and gave a sad smile, telling Burnet and Kukui, "Well, you guys... We'll be seeing ya. Take good care, okay?"
"Come... Come back soon, Ash!"
"Good luck!"
"Thanks!"
Kukui smiled warmly as he lovingly told the Kanto Trainer, "But, always remember... Even though we'll be far apart from here on out and even if you do return home to Kanto, Burnet and I will be here for you in Alola for the rest of your life! No matter where you go or what you do, right?"
"Kukui speaks for both of us and if Sarah was here with her family, she'd speak for us and all our friends," Burnet added, crying as the three of them shared a tender parting embrace.
"Thanks..."
"You're the best..." Ash and Pikachu replied, feeling grateful to Kukui and Burnet for their parental love.
"Okay, go get 'em!" Kukui grinned one final time.
"Right!" Ash nodded, finally making his way to his flight home.
Moments later, he found the plane he was looking for, and just like that, with warm memories of the good times they shared with everyone in Alola and feeling a lot stronger and wiser than they originally were, Ash and Pikachu were on their way home to Pallet Town. All the while, Burnet and Kukui happily watched their plane take off, knowing that they would someday see their young boy/student again.
"Hey, thanks, Alola," Ash whispered as he and Pikachu looked over the region one last time.
"Hey, what's that?" Pikachu blinked in surprise as they looked out the window to find their Alola friends riding on the Ultra Rescue Ride Pokémon joined by Rotom-Dex and his Alola Team with Melmetal riding atop Elder and Alder, Incineroar soaring on Garchop, and Lycanroc (Dusk Form) and Rowlet on Sarah's Altaria.
"ALOLA SURPRISE~!" the gang called out, the former Ultra Rescue leader in question atop Winter and Race riding alongside her atop Thunder.
"Hey, you guys!" Ash gasped excitedly as tears of joy came out of his eyes.
"See ya later, Ash!"
"You take care, Ketchum!"
"COME BACK AND SEE US AGAIN SOON!" Kiawe, Sophocles, Mallow, Lana, and Lillie called a final time.
"GOODBYE, ASH, PIKACHU!" Melmetal, Incineroar, Lycanroc (Dusk Form), and Rowlet cried with bittersweet and happy smiles.
"SEE YA!"
"BYE, EVERYBODY!" Ash and Pikachu cheered back as they made their way home and disappeared into the horizon.
(Epilogue)
And so, once again, a new adventure is taking shape!
The next morning, Molayna and Sophocles were the next ones to leave Alola as they made to catch their plane bound for the Hoenn Region.
"See ya later, guys!" the Electric Type graduate grinned.
"Take care, Sophocles!"
"Good luck!" Mallow, Lana, and Sarah wished happily.
Next, it was Kiawe's turn to part ways as he gave Mallow a delivery of Moo-Moo milk before he had to return to Akala to begin his Kahuna training with Olivia.
"It's almost time, Kiawe! You're finally going to start training with Olivia to become a Kahuna just like her!"
"Good luck!"
"Take care!"
"Right! Bye, girls, and thanks!" Kiawe grinned back as he and Charizard left to return to Akala while the girls waved goodbye to him.
Then, after Kiawe's departure, Lana and her father were ready to leave and begin their search for Manaphy and their ocean research with Mallow and Sarah seeing them off.
"I know just what to bring back for you guys, a real Manaphy ink print!" the Water Type graduate grinned.
"Wow! You mean it?"
"For real, Lana?"
"Yep!" And, with that, Lana jumped into the boat with Sandy and Primarina by her side as she spoke with her father while her best friends watched over them in silent happiness.
A little later, Mallow, Shaymin, Abe, and Tsareena were busy getting ready for another busy day in their family restaurant as they cleaned and set up the tables and the kitchen for any customers coming for a meal. To their surprise, however, when the door opened, they saw that it was none other than Ulu and Lickitung who had returned home after their journey.
"Welcome-huh? Ulu!" Mallow gasped.
"Alola, Mallow! It's good to be back home!" Ulu grinned as he brought over a bouquet of Gracidea flowers for her.
"Whoa, those flowers...! Those are Gracidea flowers, where did you get them?"
"On my way back after Lickitung and I wrapped up our time at the Alola League and were heading back, I found a bunch of these in bloom. So, I figured I'd gather some for you," he replied, giving the bouquet to his sister just as Abe appeared and smiled, seeing his son back home.
"Thanks so much!"
"Ulu," Abe smiled as he approached his children.
"Hey, Dad, I'm home."
"Are you back here to stay?"
"Yep!"
"Well, what do you know?"
While everybody was happy about Ulu and Lickitung's homecoming (with the Licking Pokémon and Tsareena happily catching each other up on what's been going on with each other and their partners), Shaymin saw the Gracidea flowers and pawed at her partner's legs as she squeaked, "Mallow! Flowers! Gracidea flowers, I need them!"
"Huh? What is it, Shaymin?" Mallow pondered before she noticed Shaymin taking in the pollen from the Gracidea flowers Ulu brought for her and changing into her Sky Forme.
After she changed forms, much to Mallow and her family's surprise, she soon felt a familiar presence outside and hurried out the door.
"Shaymin?" puzzled Mallow, following the transformed Mythical Pokémon as the two of them and Tsareena saw three more Shaymin in their Sky Formes waiting anxiously for her (which were her fellow Gratitude Pokémon).
"Hey, Shaymin! There you are!"
"Where've you been? Come on, Migration Time is now!"
"Time to go, pal!"
Realizing that it was time for her to leave for her species' Flower-Bearing Migration, Mallow's Shaymin turned to her beloved trainer/partner/human mother, "Well, Mallow..."
Immediately, Mallow gave a bittersweet smile as she knew it was time for them to say goodbye, "Of course, I understand. You need to go and migrate with your friends, it's all part of your Flower-Bearing Migration...…"
Shaymin sadly nodded as she added, "**You and Tsareena will be okay without me, will ya?**"
The Grass Type graduate nodded as she gently hugged her beloved Mythical Pokémon, knowing they're forever connected in their hearts no matter how far apart they are, "We'll be fine. Shaymin, thank you... For staying with me for so long! If I see Sarah and Seth, we'll tell them you're off on a long journey. And, if he joins you, we'll wait for you to return. Alola will always be your home..."
"…Thanks, Mallow. Take care of yourselves," Shaymin smiled as they parted, joining her friends as they left Alola with the promise of returning once her Flower-Bearing Migration was complete. "I'll be back before you guys know it! Big Bro, too! I promise!"
"Have a safe trip!" Tsareena called sweetly as she, Mallow, Abe, and Ulu watched the sweetest member of their family leave for her migration.
Finally, it was time for Lillie and Snowy to leave Alola for their journey across Kanto as Sarah and her family, Kukui, Burnet, Wicke, Faba, Hala, Hau, and her own family joined the pair at Hau'oli City's Marina to see them off. It was an emotional moment for them all as they knew all of Sarah's friends were finally setting their own journeys in motion.
"Oh, Lillie, my daughter...… Take care of yourself when you and Snowy get to Kanto," Lusamine sniffed as she cried for her daughter.
"You and Snowy have fun out there, Lillie. Make sure to call us wherever you are and in your own time just to let us know how you're getting on," added Mohn, feeling proud of Lillie for taking the first step on her journey as a Pokémon School graduate.
"Tell Ash we said 'Hi!' if you meet up with him in Pallet Town," Gladion informed.
"I will, we both will! Thank you, Mother, Father, Gladion," Lillie grinned, now in her Z-Powered form as she and Snowy prepared to leave.
"Don't be gone too long, Ms. Lillie!" sobbed Faba.
"We'll miss you dearly!"
"Good luck when you and Snowy get to Kanto!" Wicke and Burnet added.
"Indeed, enjoy yourself, watch over Snowy, and learn all that you can with all your heart!" commended Hobbes to his charge.
"It's gonna be a bummer without you guys since you'll be gone and having your own journeys for a while, Lillie. Don't you feel sad about leaving your home region?" Hau questioned curiously. "But, if your journey through Kanto takes longer than expected, we'll be sure to send really, really long letters for you. Just wait, you don't have to worry about us knowing what we're doing."
Lillie giggled as she replied, "I know, Hau. Of course, I am sad to be leaving Alola for a time but just the thought of going to Kanto and seeing the world beyond our home fills me with excitement! There's so much that I want to see and do, so many regions for me to discover, what we don't know yet about Pokémon from the likes of Kanto, Unova, Kalos, Paldea... Now, that I know all that there is to know from the school, I'm going to put my knowledge to the test and become a real trainer, meeting all kinds of different Pokémon just as Ash did when he first started his journey, starting with Kanto! And, no matter what happens to Snowy and I on our new journey, we'll be ok!"
"I see. Good luck, Lillie," Kukui smiled.
"Well, all right, then. Just try not to get into too much trouble to make me and my family have to come over and save you," Sarah quipped, getting a chuckle out of the Ice Type graduate as they shared a final embrace and everyone else followed with more hugs and handshakes (with her partner sharing loving nuzzles with her trainer's best friend's family), wishing her and Snowy the best of luck.
"Well, I'm off," Lillie said after she and Snowy heard the horn of their ship leaving for Kanto and they turned to climb aboard.
"Ms. Lillie, just remember that no matter where you go, you'll always be welcome in Alola should you return home."
"And, once your journey is complete, we'll be ready to welcome you home with open arms," Doug and Delilah reminded as they prepared to board.
"Thanks, Your Majesties, I'll remember," Lillie smiled warmly as she and Snowy finally boarded their ship and it left the dock for Kanto. "Alola, everybody! I'll see you later! Goodbye!"
"Bye-bye!" cried Snowy happily as she and Lillie watched and waved goodbye to their family and friends who did the same in return.
The months passed and life in Alola continued as normal but with some noticeable changes along the way for a few well-known stand-outs; Team Rocket, for starters, was blissfully enjoying their new life in Alola with Bewear and Stufful as they watched them play while Mimikyu and Marenie enrolled in Nanu's police force despite his unorthodox way of teaching them his squad's methods (which they didn't mind surprisingly).
With Hau, he continued with his Island Challenge alongside Decidueye with their most noteworthy battle to date being a Grand Trial with Nanu and his Persian while Hala oversaw the Grand Trial as the referee. Asha, on the other hand, began her Island Challenge after Purrloin, Helioptile, Nickit, and Arctibax evolved into their final forms over time, starting her new journey in her family's home island of Melemele just as her sister and Ash once did.
On their private island, Guzma was training a few members of Team Skull in his battling style while the others and Plumeria watched eagerly and proudly before them. With Rotom-Dex, now that his duty as the gang's living Pokedex had ended, he was assigned to work with Wicke and Faba and their crew at the Aether Foundation and he adapted to his new role swimmingly. All the while, Wicke scolded Faba for rushing their work as he was about to fall while carrying a large stack of papers regarding the results and notes of their latest assignment.
Lusamine, Gladion, and Mohn stayed together in their family estate to further catch up on the time they lost with Nihilego Lillie, Bones, Umbreon, Shiny Magerna, and Absol for company. And, as for Lillie, she and Snowy were happily traveling through Kanto together and stayed with Ash and Delia for a short spell after meeting them and Pikachu again in Pallet Town during their journey (before news broke out about a peculiar lab in Vermillion City sometime later which would eventually set the course for Ash's final and ultimate journey).
And, finally, with Sarah and her entire family, the little princess was true to her word regarding her plans for the future and her dream; for starters, she was finally pacing herself with her professions and balancing them out one at a time per day, taking the time she needed to adjust to her new roles as a Pokémon/Dragon Nurse, a Junior Pokémon Cop, and her roles in Equestria, Dragonstone, Alola, the Quest Team, and as a Pokémon Ambassador with help from her friends and family involved including Race. This also allowed her to focus on her wish of using her gifts and talents to help people and have her family contribute greatly to the ongoing mission of maintaining peace in their world.
Also, the little princess was finally able to open her Ranger Academy and begin passing down the lessons she and her friends learned from the Pokémon School and as Power Rangers to a new generation of heroes.
The end of Opaline and the demise of the Dragon Hunters resulted in everlasting peace for Equestria and the Hidden World during that time and with a burden regarding both of them finally lifted off her shoulders, she assigned her roles of safeguarding them to a new team of Power Rangers that would be responsible for carrying on the work and legacy the Ultra Rescue Rangers and their predecessors started (consisting of the Viking Teens and a guy and his crew named Tom and the Rakke Town Riders who all trained diligently in her Ranger Academy despite a rocky start for both teams after they enrolled with a large platoon of new students who contributed to its success along with their Legendary Ranger friends).
Sarah even found time to create her Pokémon Hospital, Pokémon Trainer Center, Ohana Sanctuary, and Dragon Center somewhere in Kanto and they proved to be very successful with some dragons (a handful of the survivors who had escaped the Red Death before her death) appearing in either of the latter two facilities, accepting them as their new homes which were manned by Pyrrhia and Pantala Dragon workers.
The little princess even went through the trouble of reforming the abandoned Crystal and Cyber Dimensions and making them more hospitable for anything and anybody to live in, the Cyber Dimension now primarily being the home of her new DinoZords created by her Imagination Manifestation ability (after some training in the ability by Reader). This enabled her to create brand new DinoZord eggs similar to the eggs that once held the BioZords belonging to the Dino Thunder Rangers (including or mainly the Stegozord and Dragozord) and create Auxilary Zords with them along with new Zords based on the Pyrrhia and Pantala Tribes.
With Doug, Delilah, David, and Donna (former queen), when their birthdays came, there was a massive celebration held in all of Alola, the people honoring their last royals as Doug and Delilah turned 48 and David and Donna (former queen) turned 51.
There was even more change to come as dragons from the Barbaric Archipelago began showing up in Sarah's world and Alola, prompting her and her family to make some changes to their kingdom to accommodate their new subjects (which they didn't mind as well). In fact, during that time, the princess also gained a few more family members during the length and bread of her continued mission including a female Altaria she named Claudia, a male Shiny Sceptile whom she christened Evergreen, a second male Torterra she nicknamed Tectonic, and a female Meganium she gave the name of Sakura.
As for Kukui and Burnet, while continuing their married life and watching over Ash's Alola team, both professors were out on their front porch together with Lycanroc and Rowlet sleeping beside them. The most noteworthy change in them and their family consisted of Burnet having a rounded belly as she became pregnant with their firstborn child, someone (whether it'd be a boy or a girl) whom they would welcome with open arms as Ash's official younger brother should he ever return to Alola as they held her stomach lovingly.
As the dream continues...….
Vol. 3 - THE END
Next Up: Epilogue