Prologue

ANGEL GROVE, 2001

Tommy Oliver stood with his arms crossed, frustration evident in his furrowed brows. He watched his best friend, Jason Lee Scott, pack up his belongings, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

"I don't get it, Jase. You don't have to leave just because there's a new villain in town," Tommy said, his voice tinged with concern.

Jason stopped and turned to face Tommy, a determined look in his eyes. "Tommy, I have to do this. I can't let anyone find him. If someone discovers his lineage, he'll become a target, and I can't allow that to happen."

"I understand that, but—"

"Tommy, I was the original Red Ranger. I know the dangers. After what the Rangers from the future told us about my son, I will do everything in my power to prevent that future," Jason said, his voice rising with emotion.

Tommy sighed, letting his arms fall to his sides. He glanced over at a young boy playing with a video game nearby, oblivious to the serious conversation. The boy wore a black t-shirt with a Red T-Rex and green pants with a Saber Tooth emblem. At least, Tommy thought, the kid wasn't paying attention to his father's heated words.

"Look, the future can change," Tommy said, turning back to Jason. "Jen told us about it for a reason. By warning us, she might have already altered the course of events."

"Zordon always believed we were destined to get our powers, including you," Jason replied. "Jen said the same. If my son is destined to become a Ranger, I want him to have a normal childhood first."

"And you think leaving is the answer? Where are you even going?" Tommy asked.

"Harwood County. My investor has been pushing me to open a new martial arts school there. It's a good opportunity, and it means I don't have to separate Jacob from his mother too much," Jason explained.

Tommy nodded, placing a supportive hand on Jason's shoulder. Losing Jacob's mother had been tough on everyone, especially Jason and Kimberly. They had pulled through, largely thanks to Jacob's resilience. The boy had his mother's gentle nature and his father's fierce determination.

"Jase, if this is what you need to do for Jacob, then I support you. But promise me you'll visit from time to time and let us know when you move into your new place. We all care about him, and if he ever becomes a Ranger, we'll be here to guide him," Tommy said.

"You think we can really prepare him?" Jason asked, his voice wavering with emotion.

"Absolutely. He'll never be alone, Ranger or not. Look at all the gifts he has from other generations. Andros and Karone's DECA replica, the necklace from Mirinoi, and Carter and Dana's mini-lightspeed rescue badge. They all care about him," Tommy reassured.

"Yeah... Jen even left a way to communicate with her if things get complicated," Jason admitted.

"See? We're all here for him. Changing your name to stay under the radar won't change that," Tommy said firmly.

Jason nodded, hugging Tommy tightly, trying to hold back his tears. No matter what the future held, they were a family. And the family always stood together, no matter what.

-Megaforce-

REEFSIDE, 2007

Tommy greeted his godson, Jacob, with a warm hug and led him inside. Jacob, now ten but tall for his age, had been waiting for this visit for a long time. It wasn't until Mesogog was defeated that Jason had allowed Jacob to visit Reefside for the summer.

"Conner! Let me introduce you to Jacob Thomas Scott Kwan, son of Jason Lee Scott and Trini Kwan, the original Red and Yellow Rangers," Tommy announced proudly. "And my godson. Jacob, this is Conner McKnight, the Red Dino Ranger."

"Wow! Like my dad!? That's amazing!" Jacob exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.

"Awesome is the word you're looking for," Conner said with a grin. "It's an honor to meet you."

Conner looked Jacob up and down, sizing him up. Tommy noticed the familiar look in Conner's eyes—he was already thinking about Jacob's potential.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Jacob asked, puzzled.

"You could be good at soccer. How old are you again?" Conner inquired.

"I turned ten last month," Jacob replied, still confused. "What's soccer?"

Conner's jaw dropped while Tommy chuckled. Jacob's upbringing had been so focused on training and study that he had missed out on many normal childhood experiences.

"Soccer is a sport, Jacob," Tommy explained. "This is why I asked your father to let you stay here this summer. You need to learn how to have a normal life before high school."

Jacob nodded, though Conner still looked stunned when the rest of the Dino-Rangers—Ethan James, Kira Ford, Trent Fernandez-Mercer, and Hayley—walked in.

"Oh look, your boyfriend is broken," Trent teased Kira, pointing at Conner.

"What happened?" Kira asked, approaching Conner. "Hey, jock boy, wake up."

"Did he see another front-page magazine with you in it, Kira?" Ethan joked.

Kira tried to snap Conner out of his daze while Jacob, worried, gently grabbed Conner's arm. Kira smiled at the boy.

"You must be Jacob, right?"

"Yes, and he broke Conner because Jacob doesn't know about soccer," Tommy explained, amused.

"For real!? Even I know the basics of soccer," Ethan said, laughing.

"No wonder he's broken," Trent said. "You probably broke his heart too, poor McKnight."

"Stop teasing Conner," Kira said, amused. "Babe, come on, wake up. Jacob, don't worry about them. Conner will be fine."

"And he'll want to teach you all about soccer when he wakes up," Hayley added, handing Tommy a coffee.

Conner finally snapped out of it, kissed Kira, and turned to Jacob with a smile.

"I have a soccer ball that's special to me, but if you want, I can share it with you and teach you a few tricks. I believe you have potential," Conner said.

Jacob nodded, determined to learn this new sport. He had his father's spirit animal, so it couldn't be that bad, right?

"Basics first, coach," Kira said with a smile.

"Of course, babe. I'll make sure he loves this sport by the end of the day," Conner replied.

Jacob looked at Tommy for confirmation. Tommy nodded, knowing his Dino team would have a positive influence on Jacob and help him open up to the world.

"Kick his ass, kid!" Trent encouraged.

"And don't call me babe, McKnight!" Kira shouted.

Tommy chuckled. Jacob was going to love them.

-Megaforce-

HARWOOD COUNTY, 2012

"Jake!"

Now 15, Jake turned to see his mentor Mike approaching him with Emily. He smiled brightly. It was summer, and with his best friend Noah away, he had been feeling bored. Seeing Mike and Emily was a pleasant surprise, signaling that the Samurai Rangers had won their battle.

Jake ran to them, nearly knocking them over with enthusiasm. They hugged him back with equal excitement.

"It's over? For real?" Jake asked.

"For real," Mike confirmed. "We won, and we can have our lives back. Kevin is training for the Olympics, Antonio is taking it easy, and Mia got into a cooking school."

"Oh, thank God," Jake sighed in relief.

"Yeah," Mike laughed. "Lauren is enjoying her free time, and Jayden is staying with Mentor Ji at the Shiba house."

"I see... what about you two?" Jake asked, noticing their joined hands. He laughed when Mike looked away and Emily blushed. He was thrilled that Mike had found someone to ground him, and there was no one better than Emily.

"Oh... so congratulations are in order?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, thank you, buddy," Mike said. "We're heading to Emily's place. Hopefully, I'll make it back."

"My dad won't hurt you," Emily chuckled. "My sister, on the other hand, might be a different story."

Mike looked momentarily worried but relaxed when Emily kissed his cheek. Then he turned to Jake, pulling something from his pocket and placing it in the young boy's hands.

"A Samuraizer?" Jake asked, surprised.

"Antonio adapted it for you," Mike said seriously. "The whole team agreed you should have one. If you're ever in trouble, don't hesitate to use it. We'll be by your side in seconds."

Jake looked at the Samuraizer, then back at Mike and Emily, and nodded solemnly. He knew enough about Jen's warnings to understand the gravity of the situation. He also knew he wouldn't fight alone.

Taking a deep breath, Jake hoped his future team would be as strong as the previous ones. If they were chosen, they had to be.

"It also allows us to stay in touch," Emily said, hugging Jake. "No matter what, we are family, and we will always be there for you."

Jake nodded, hugging the Yellow Ranger. He did the same with Mike and watched as they left for the train station. Holding the Samuraizer, Jake thought about his legacy.

If he becomes a Ranger, he won't fail them. He won't let them down.