AN: Please read the entry of each scene so you can be situated in which timeline and location you are on every scene. The Dark Ranger is based on the Death Ranger from BOOM! Studios Power Rangers comic.


Episode 2: Hidden Truths

SPD Academy – Meeting Room

Jack led them inside the large and comfortable meeting room. It was obvious as the Rangers walked in that the room had been prepared for them, which made many wonder how long they had been planning this meeting. At least, that was the initial thought, because as soon as Cruger closed the door behind him, they noticed something glowing in the center of the table.

Three objects: A video recorder, a red gem, and a samurai sword.

They seemed charged with power as they flew towards Bridge, Sky, and Syd. The three SPD Rangers gently extended their hands to carry each object before the deafening silence of the room brought them back to reality.

"I didn't know they could do magic," commented Nick, standing beside Madison.

"They didn't use any magic for that, Nick, but I can feel something familiar from the recorder," replied Madison, slightly confused.

"You should. The recorder was enchanted with the magic used by you, the Mystic Force Rangers," explained Jack. "It will help us show you memories and events from the past as if you were watching a movie."

Madison looked even more confused but remained silent, not knowing what else to add. It was then that Cruger noticed the Samurai Rangers' mentor, Ji, looking at the sword in Syd's hands. He looked at it as if he couldn't believe it was there, but Cruger knew better. They all knew.

"Excuse me," said Mentor Ji, pointing at Syd. "Is that the legendary samurai sword Masamune?"

Jayden, Lauren, Kevin, and Mia all turned to look at their mentor, while Antonio and Emily looked as lost as the other Rangers. Syd merely looked at him, with a soft smile and nodded, taking a step towards him to present him the sword.

"This sword has been with us for eleven years, and it's exactly like the legend says," said Syd, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "Different from the recorder, Masamune doesn't need magic because it has memories attached to it through the bond of the sword with its master. But staying near the recording and sharing energy with it will allow us to watch its memories too."

Mentor Ji was speechless as Syd took a step back, with the sword still in her hands. He almost wanted to take it away from her, declaring that it was a samurai sword and should be with the Samurai Rangers, but he stopped himself, feeling a sense of dread as he tried to understand why he couldn't ask for the sword.

Finally, Tommy looked strangely at the gem in Sky's hands. It was red and glowing almost as if it wanted to light up the room. For some reason, he felt a need to touch it and understand why the pull towards it was so strong.

When he looked to his side, he noticed that Kira was literally being dragged towards the gem and only stopped walking towards it when Sky looked at her.

"That gem…" whispered Kira, showing her own gem. "It's like ours."

"It is," said Sky, nodding sadly. "The Red Gem is an ancient power now, but there was one time that it gave its owner a power like no other, combined with an energy able to protect the skies from any threats coming our way."

It took a moment for Kira to nod, drawn again by the Red Gem. She took a step back, wondering why she was so attracted to it and the uneasy feeling setting in her stomach. For Sky, her inability to remember the owner of the Red Gem confused him. He looked at the other SPD Rangers, Cruger, and Kat, watching the events unfold with curiosity and worry.

"Does she… does no one recognize this?" asked Sky, showing the red gem to the other Dino Thunder Rangers and Hayley. When they looked at him confused, Sky turned to Kat, the person who always had the answers. "What is going on?"

"Anubis and I were wondering the same," said Kat, taking a step forward and looking at the Rangers. "But I have a feeling. Say who the owner of these objects are, please."

"But Kat…" started Bridge.

"I know, Bridge, but it's time," said Kat, offering him a smile. "This is going to happen sooner or later, and if we want to show them everything, then we have to start with this."

There was a moment of silence that, for the three SPD Rangers holding the objects, was pure terror. But looking at each other, they found strength in their bond. They grew up together, facing hardships, along the owners of this gem, this sword, and this recorder. They were the legacy left for these Rangers frozen in time. They were family.

And family never leaves one of their own behind.

With trembling hands, Syd looked at the Samurai Rangers first, grasping the courage of the Samurai who held this sword before her. The Samurai who did everything to have his teammates, his mentor, and his sweet love here, looking at her with confused looks.

"Masamune was Mike's sword," said Syd, unable to stop her voice from breaking.

Suddenly, realization broke in the Samurai Rangers as they remembered their Green Ranger. Mike was one of their own, the stubborn, hardheaded Samurai often overlooked as lazy, but in reality, he was one of the best Samurais of the team.

And the only Samurai Ranger missing at the moment.

Not far from them, Sky took a deep breath, stepping at the same level as Syd to present the Dino Thunder Rangers and Hayley with the gem in his hands again. This was harder than he thought it would be, mostly because he knew so much about them and about the trust and compromise between them. Sky looked down at the gem and chuckled softly when the gem glowed slightly, as if giving him the courage to do what he needed to do.

Sky took a deep breath and finally fixed his eyes on Kira Ford.

"This was Conner McKnight's Dino Gem. The very first power he had when he became a Power Ranger along with Ethan James and Kira Ford, and later, with the addition of Tommy Oliver and Trent Mercer, with Hayley as their advisor," explained Sky, as firm as he could as he started to see the realization in Kira's eyes and the gasps behind her coming from the other Dino Thunder Rangers and Hayley. But Sky's eyes remained fixed on Kira. "This is your husband's Dino Gem, Kira."

The realization felt like a punch in the stomach as Kira literally took several steps away from Sky, looking around for Conner. Tommy also scanned the area, looking for his student, and Ethan, Trent, and Hayley did the same, but there was no Conner.

He, like Mike, had vanished.

But before anyone could say something, the Rangers saw Bridge walking slowly towards the Megaforce Rangers who were conveniently sitting beside the Mighty Morphin Rangers. He didn't know how to face this or express his feelings, but Bridge had to let it out before it was too late.

"This is… Jake Holling's video recorder. He bought it a long time ago, and it was him who had the idea to share his memories, Conner's, and Mike's with you now," said Bridge, unable to look at the Rangers. "He thought it would be a good idea for all of you to understand what happened… to them."

Bridge didn't hear Emma's soft scream as she remembered who Jake was. He didn't see Troy and Orion getting up or Kat Hillard shaking her head, as if she just knew what Bridge meant by those words. He didn't see Billy's tears or Zack's unreadable expression. He didn't see Aisha and Kimberly hugging and trying to ease Kat's anguish. He didn't see Tommy falling to his knees, the weight of his losses too much for him. Bridge didn't see Noah staring at him, hoping, wishing for Bridge to continue or for Jake to appear at the door with a big smile and laughing at their surprised faces.

But Bridge felt four hands covering his hands and the video recorder. Two were strong and yet, right now, they were shaking with fear and anticipation. The other two were gripping him, denying the unspoken truth.

"Where…?" asked Jason finally, when Bridge looked up to face his reality. "Where is my son, Conner, and Mike, Bridge?"

Be the connection between past and future, Bridge.

Bridge tried to gather courage from his father's words before he took a deep breath. Sharing a look with his team, his Commander, Kat, Sky, and Syd, he finally prepared himself to tell the truth.

"Dead, Jason." said Bridge. "Jake, Conner, and Mike are dead."

The deafening silence, cold like a dark winter night, invaded the room. Bridge felt as if their world was crumbling once more.

-L-

The moment of silence was shattered by chaos as Jack had to jump over Bridge to stop Jason from grabbing him. Bridge was pushed back towards Z while Jack held Jason back, using all his strength to push the strong Red Ranger away from Bridge.

"What do you mean dead!? What kind of joke is that!?" screamed Jason, more desperate than angry. "Where are they!? Jacob!? Jacob!"

Bridge closed his eyes, shaking as he tried to hide in Z's arms. His SPD uniform jacket was partially opened from Jason's powerful grasp. Z held him tenderly, trying to protect him from the screams, but it was impossible; Jason was completely out of control.

"Jason, you need to stop," said Jack, fighting to keep him from moving. "Please, you can hurt someone in this state."

"Bring me my son and the others! Now!" screamed Jason.

"Jason!"

It was Kat Hillard's scream that finally stopped Jason. When he turned to look at her, he saw the tears in her eyes, her always gentle face twisted with grief as she took a step towards him, engulfing him in a tight hug as they finally fell to their knees together.

"He can't be gone, Kat," whispered Jason, between sobs. "My boy can't be gone."

Katherine could only hug him as she let him cry for the loss of his son. Jason's biggest accomplishment now lost before they could reach him. Katherine cried for the little boy she helped to raise, the man he became, the hero he was. She cried because she didn't tell him how proud of him she was one more time.

She cried for Jason, for herself, and for all of them because today, their lives just turned into nothing.


Not far from them, alone in her own misery, Gia Moran was still looking at nothing. Her brain had stopped, her body didn't react to the environment around her. She was sure her heart had stopped beating, and yet, she was still alive.

How? Jake was dead. She should not be here.

"Oh, sweetie…"

Gia felt Emma's arms around her and tried to understand how she was still there. She didn't want to be there. She wanted Jake. They had plans: go to college together, get a small apartment, see how they worked living together—simple things, happy future things that now meant nothing.

"Gia…" whispered Emma.

"My life is over, Emma," said Gia, not looking at her. "Everything's over."

Emma shook her head as she hugged Gia tighter and closed her eyes, tears running down her face as she felt Troy's hand caressing her hair. He knelt behind them, hugging both, and Orion came to Gia's other side to hug the three of them. Finally, Noah dropped to his knees in front of his team and started to sob, hugging his team, wishing for this to be a nightmare.

But it wasn't. It was real. It was their worst nightmare.

On the other side of the room, Tommy Oliver, the legendary Ranger who had been in battle more times than most, the one who wore almost all the colors, was now nothing but a small man cowering in the darkness. He could hear Hayley's soft sobs as she tried and failed to come to terms with Conner, Jake, and Mike's passing, but he wasn't strong enough to be there for her. He wasn't strong enough.

Conner was, in many ways, his boy. He met him when Conner was nothing but an airhead jock and saw him grow into a respectable leader—strong, dependable, a true Red Ranger to hold Jason's legacy. Jake was his godson, the boy he promised Trini he would protect no matter what, and the one he taught martial arts with Jason. His strong little Ranger. And Mike—Tommy knew him, knew his stubbornness, but he also knew his devotion to his team despite the obstacles. Tommy found himself missing not having spent more time with the Samurai to know more about him.

"Tommy…"

Kimberly's voice somehow reached him in the midst of his thoughts, and her touch brought him back to the real world as she too, with tears in her eyes, made herself small beside him. They were together in this, that was what she tried to say, and yet, Tommy felt more alone than ever.

He was legendary, the others said, but in truth, he was no more than any of them. He was just a man, and right now, he was a destroyed man.

"I should have been here, Kim, with them," whispered Tommy, grief heavy in his voice.

"Me too…" whispered Kim.

And for the first time in years, hand in hand, the two veteran Rangers decided to remain silent in the middle of the storm that was their pain. Just for now, all they wanted was to disappear.


Kira managed to run out of the room as soon as she heard the news. She didn't really see where she was going; all she wanted was to get out of the room because she was suffocating. She couldn't think, couldn't calm down, and couldn't find Conner.

"You are… you are in so much trouble, Conner McKnight," said Kira as she walked quickly away from the meeting room.

She didn't know what she would do once she found him. She would slap him for sure, and then maybe kiss him. She probably would cry a lot too, but he had to understand that she needed to cry. This was a bad joke, and it felt too real, and…

"Kira!"

Ethan stopped her, grabbing her arm and making her turn around to see his tear-stained face. She fought him, trying to break free, but then Trent's arms were around her too, and she screamed, trying to break free. In the back of her mind, Kira thought about using her powers, but there was enough reason in her to not use it on her friends.

And yet, she had to break free and find Conner.

"Kira, Conner's gone," said Ethan, caressing her face so she could look at him. She didn't realize she had screamed that last thought. "He's gone. Conner's dead."

"No! He's not!" screamed Kira. "He can't be."

"Kira, please," said Trent, his expression broken with tears and grief. "Please, stop."

Kira tried to fight weakly against her friends, but there was no use. She had to face the truth, and slowly, her screams turned into sobs. Finally, she let herself go, sobbing uncontrollably in Ethan and Trent's arms over the loss of her beloved husband.

He was her everything, and now that he was gone… What was left for her?


Back in the meeting room, Mia hugged Emily tightly and looked down at her in worry. There was no reaction from her, no tears, no pain. Emily looked like a broken doll, sitting there with no expression on her face. Mia herself was having a hard time believing Mike was dead, but she had to cry for him later. Now her worry for Emily was a match for her pain of losing her friend.

Not far from her, Lauren held her brother Jayden as he cried, and Kevin was doing the same for Antonio despite having tears in his eyes. Kevin and Lauren both tried to be strong, but there was no use. No one could be strong enough. Mentor Ji was far from them, looking outside at the cadets practicing Samurai techniques by themselves. There was regret in his expression, so much regret…

Suddenly, Mia felt something coming towards her, and soon, she saw a little green paw touch Emily's feet. It must have been a moment of recognition because it was the only time Emily looked down to see Mike's bear zord in its small form. Emily extended her hands and carefully took the bear in her hands, bringing it close to her face.

"He's truly gone, bear?" whispered Emily in a voice so small and innocent that it broke Mia's heart. "I'm not going to see him ever again?"

The bear roared sadly, a small roar so broken that he couldn't even finish, settling for closing his eyes and putting his paw near Emily's cheeks. It was at that moment when Mia saw tears streaming down Emily's face.

And finally, Emily started to cry, holding the bear as Mia held her. Mia took a deep, shaky breath as she realized that every battle they fought, every danger, every moment they shared as Samurai was made so they could get peace. Mike's peace was Emily, as much as Emily's peace was Mike.

Now Mike was gone. So what would bring Emily peace? Mia feared the answer would be nothing.

-L-

SPD Academy -Meeting Room – Hours Later

After bringing Kira back into the office and a long moment of silence to help the Rangers process the loss of three of their core members, the tension in the room, while still high, was more manageable. Now, Wes and Jen were looking at the objects with tender sadness, trying to decipher what memories they might contain. Dana Grayson approached Bridge as Kat took a step back after making sure he was fine.

"Excuse me," said Dana with a soft smile. "I'm Dana Grayson, Pink Lightspeed Rescue Ranger and a doctor. I wanted to know if there is something I can do for you? Are you hurt anywhere?"

Bridge gave her a soft smile that made Dana remember the times when Jake was hurt but played it down to not worry her. She almost turned away to cry but pushed her professionalism first and remained in her place.

"I'm fine, Dana. Thank you. He didn't hurt me," said Bridge, adjusting his uniform jacket timidly. "I was surprised. Normally, it's an enemy grabbing me like that, so I wasn't expecting it, but I understand… he's in pain, all of you are."

"Yes, we are," whispered Dana, looking as her own team tried to hold back their emotions to help the others. "Jake was the first baby Ranger, so he was spoiled by us. Knowing he's gone now is more than many of us can bear. And then there are Conner and Mike. We didn't know them as well as Jake, but we had seen them before, and we knew how important they were. Two admirable men who will always be remembered."

Bridge nodded. For him, it went deeper than that, but he couldn't cry anymore. He had cried a lot these past weeks, and even that morning. Now it was time to be as strong as his father and his uncles and face the truth of their past. He got up, looking at Syd and Sky as they were talking with other Rangers, trying to console them. Bridge stood beside Cruger as Ranger and Commander shared a look, and Cruger nodded, taking the lead one more time.

It was time.

"Rangers, I know the news you received has been devastating for you. We know very well what you are going through because we had the honor to meet Jake, Conner, and Mike through their journey, and that's why now, we have the tools to show you what they went through. But before we start, allow me to tell you something," said Cruger. "Those men you grieve for, were brave and strong. They faced many challenges and hardships with one purpose: to bring you all back here. So while this is a moment of grief, I want you to keep that in mind and remember you were loved enough to have three heroes giving their lives for you."

The Rangers stood there, silent. There was nothing to say, but now they seemed more receptive, despite the grief. Cruger believed it was the best moment to start despite not knowing everything that was in those objects. He looked over his shoulder and nodded, allowing Sky, Syd, and Bridge to walk towards the table. They left the recorder, the gem, and the sword on the table and took a step back, allowing Commander Cruger to activate the video for the first time just in the way the previous Commander had told him to.

"Let's do this…" whispered Cruger under his breath.

He pressed the key, not sure of what they were going to see first, and waited: one, two, three seconds. Then, the room was illuminated with the image of a room and a familiar face that was looking at them with a soft smile.

"Hello everyone. If you are watching this, it means Anubis, Kat, and the kids managed to wake you up," said the voice of none other than Jake Holling. "How are you?"

His smile brought light into the room, even if it was only an illusion. For the first time since he was asked to keep those objects, Anubis Cruger thought that maybe there was still hope to overcome this pain. Together.

-L-

SPD Academy – Meeting Room

Watching him in a video felt different now that she knew he was gone, but Gia couldn't help but feel warmth when she watched him smile. She was aware the video was taken at some point months or even years after the battle against Emperor Mavro and his army because she knew Jake very well then, and this Jake in front of her looked slightly older. His body seemed to have gone through a long and hard training course; his shoulders were broader, his torso muscular. It was evident despite the clothes he was wearing a long dark jacket and black pants. But his body was not the only thing that had changed. As Gia took a moment to look at his eyes, she could see her boyfriend had become a man. His eyes showed wisdom, and his smile, while still keeping some of the childlike Jake that made her smile, was softer, as if he had become more gentle with the world.

It made her heart burst with pride and, at the same time, gave her a painful glimpse of what wasn't hers anymore. And yet, she couldn't stop looking at him.

Jake's team was much like her, unable to stop watching. They could see now the man he was supposed to become. Troy saw a leader, kind and strong. Emma saw the gentle aura present in the room that touched her even through the video. Orion saw the knowledge he must have gained over the years, radiating through his body. And Noah saw his best friend, plain and simple, mature and yet still so Jake it hurt.

"I hope the transition wasn't traumatic. We spent months trying to figure out a gentle way to wake you up, but after all this time, I have no idea how you would react to being trapped inside a Zeo Crystal," said Jake with a smirk. "It seems I'm not the laziest of the team now."

That got a chuckle in response from many Rangers, lightening the mood in the room just enough to allow Jason to see his boy walk around the room in that video with firm steps, almost like when he was a kid and spent hours imitating him and Tommy. Despite his heartbreak, Jason couldn't be prouder to see such a man and have the honor of calling him son. Beside him, Katherine watched with a smile at her little boy, now so secure, as if all their teachings had culminated in the man in that video.

"In any case, I'm sure you already know what happened here or what is supposed to happen, because if I learned something as a Power Ranger, it's that I never know what's going to be the next adventure," said Jake, his gentle eyes going from the camera to the recorder with a sorrowful aura. "It must not have been easy, and I'm really sorry for it, but the reasons for us being gone were something I couldn't change… none of us could."

His words, surrounded by the guilt he felt, brought the Rangers to wonder what had happened that Jake couldn't find a way to stop his demise, Conner's, and Mike's. They were aware that for Jake, this video must not have been easy to make, and yet, here he was, trying to smile for them.

"That's why I need you to see this video and what comes with it," explained Jake, more serious now. "I need you to understand everything that has happened in the time you have been asleep, why it happened, and how we stopped it. There's a new team of Rangers, the SPD Rangers, their Commander Cruger and Kat Manx, and they… they are the next generation. They are mine, Conner's, and Mike's pride, and they need a good support system, just like the one I had. So please, watch these memories and these videos and be there for them. That is our last wish."

Jake smiled one more time, and it was clear he was making an effort not to cry. It felt as if he knew he wouldn't be there by the time they woke up, and it brought new feelings of sadness to see him so sad because of that.

"You are in a new world, Rangers, a world that needs your presence and your energy in it," said Jake. "Please allow the world to get to know you again. Fill it with your experience and teachings, and don't close off to the pain. I know the feeling, and believe me, it is not something I want for you all."

Jake circled his table and walked to stand in front of the camera, his eyes filled with love and longing.

"I hope this message will help you all, my family, to push through what you are going to see and come out stronger. All of you taught me everything I know, and I promise I will never forget any of your lessons. That's why I wanted others to learn the same way I did. And you are at the SPD Academy now," explained Jake with a chuckle. "I did my best, Dad; all of us did. And it's thanks to that we are about to end this threat for good. But I want you and Kat to know I kept you with me at all times, just as I keep all my aunts, uncles, and friends in my heart."

Jason and Kat looked at the video, holding each other for support as they watched their son speak with the wisdom of his mother, Trini. They felt her presence there with him in every step as he finally addressed his team, while the other Rangers remained silent, proud of their little Ranger, now a symbol of pride for many.

"Troy, I'm going to need you to stand tall and lead one more time. I always trusted your ability to be the one in charge, and I need that from you now more than ever. Teach the kids what you know and be there for them, just like you were there for me. Emma, I bet you already saw the classrooms and noticed there are classes about Earth and techniques on how to save the planet in a non-Ranger way. That was for you, as a tribute to your love for the planet. I need you to keep being the kind girl I know and support the others during these times. I know you can do it. Orion, brother, you keep that smile going around, alright? I need you to bring your strength to the others. Keep fighting. I promise you there is still hope out there," said Jake with a smile that then softened. "Noah, a big part of what you see now is thanks to you. Your projects and your intelligence are in every wall of the SPD Academy. I want you to continue the job and continue making sure this world is safe because, believe me, buddy, I may be the Ranger, but you were the hero here. And finally, Gia… I have no words to describe how much I miss you. Your support got me through the worst moments during our Ranger days, and when I lost you, I felt I had lost everything."

Jake took a moment to breathe, closing his eyes as if the pain was too much to bear, while Gia watched him trying to gather his thoughts. She didn't want to imagine what he felt when she fell asleep and the time she had spent in that Zeo Crystal, but she knew now of the heartbroken effect of the loss of the person you love the most. She took a trembling breath and watched Jake open his eyes, looking at the camera with so much love it almost overwhelmed her.

"Gia, look after the SPD Rangers for me, will you? They are strong and capable, but I cannot help but think they need guidance and support. You have the power to protect them and make them feel safe and secure when the world crumbles," said Jake, smiling as he raised his hand to his heart. "… and you have my heart, that will always be yours, no matter where I am."

Finally, Jake took a deep breath, composing himself while Gia did her best to hold back her tears. She shared a look with the SPD Rangers. They were also deeply touched by Jake's words and his request to take care of them, but it was Bridge who, for some reason, got her attention the most as he hid his face in the crook of Z's neck and took a deep breath, as if Z was the only thing keeping him from breaking down.

"Rangers, this world is yours now, and I know you will protect it the same way we did. So please, enjoy every minute of your life and never forget that no matter where we are, we are never too far," said Jake. "Jack, Z, Sky, Syd, Bridge, hold your heads high. You are Power Rangers, and you have the Rangers before you here, so make sure to let them see you and, most importantly, let them be there for you. Same goes for you, Anubis, Kat. I trust you to lead the SPD and to bring peace when it's needed. I know you all will make us proud."

Jake stood tall as he walked to the center of the room, looking at the camera for a few moments in silence before he finally showed his familiar smirk, one that everyone knew too well and that reminded them of Conner McKnight's famous smirk with a touch of Mike's cockiness.

And it was Jake's. All Jake.

"Good luck, Rangers. It's been an honor."

Suddenly the image was over, and the deafening silence of the room was enough to give them a taste of what they had now. Jake's video was a reminder of the truth of Jake not being there, and while that was painful, there was also a sense of determination now, as if with his words, the Rangers were more ready and willing to watch the rest of this adventure.

Sensing this, Cruger signaled Bridge to start the first memory, and the young SPD Green Ranger nodded, walking to the recorder to activate the first memory.

Suddenly, the image of Harwood Beach appeared in front of them, showing them their own bodies in the past, unresponsive, with a tearful and heartbroken Jake holding Gia in his arms as he screamed for any Ranger to wake up, to no avail.

"This is Jake's first memory," said Bridge, with a serious look in his eyes. "This is what happened right after he got out of the water."

And then, the memory started.

-L-

Harwood Beach (2014)

Jake had stopped crying long ago, but now, as the raw pain and solitude took over his soul, he wondered how he was going to overcome this challenge. He was alone, no more family to help him, all of them scattered across the beach, unconscious… gone. His dad, Katherine, his uncle Tommy, and his aunt Kimberly, everyone unmoving.

He caressed Gia's blonde locks tenderly as a sob racked his body. She was gone too, in a world he could not reach. His team lay around her, all of them: Troy and Emma close to each other, Orion on one side, Noah on the other. Gia had been in the center, and that was where Jake was now, unable to move away from her.

Jake didn't understand. They had saved the world; the Armada and Emperor Malkor were gone, defeated. They were supposed to have a happy ending, and yet, here he was, angry at the world for this unfair result. Jake closed his eyes, his nose tenderly caressing Gia's cheek before a rush of anger overwhelmed him, and he looked up at the sky.

"Didn't you have enough!?" screamed Jake, his voice broken. "You took my mom! You took Shane! And now you take the rest of my family! How dare you!?"

The sky gave him no answer, but Jake could feel the rage of his bleeding-heart pounding uncontrollably. They had risked everything for this victory, and now it meant nothing. A sense of guilt took hold of his heart because he had dragged his family into this by becoming a Ranger.

He had dragged his friends into this… he had dragged Gia into this because he wanted to be a hero.

"It's not fair," whispered Jake, looking down at her. "None of you deserved this. You were all so brave, and… and you deserved a happy life."

He looked up at his father, and his whole body shook with a sob as he tried to come to terms with what was happening and his new reality. "You always thought you would lose me, Dad, and look how it turned out."

Jake looked back down at Gia, caressing her cheek, wishing for her to open her eyes and look at him one more time. "I ended up losing you, after all."

Jake closed his eyes, lowering his head to touch Gia's forehead with his as the first drops of rain started to fall. It seemed Earth was in tune with his feelings, and the planet was crying for its brave heroes and heroines who always did their best to keep the planet and its people safe. Silence filled the beach for several minutes while Jake closed his eyes, trying to be swallowed by grief when he felt a warm sensation coming from his chest. Slowly, Bastro appeared in a white light. His regal presence as a Lion didn't match the sadness in the spirit's face, watching the desolation in front of him, but it wasn't this moment that brought him here.

It was the smell.

Curious about the strange smell, and while Jake remained unmoving, Bastro walked around the area where the Rangers lay. One by one, he smelled them, trying to identify if the energy he was sensing was truly the one he feared. His investigation was thorough, especially when he noticed two Rangers missing. While it took longer than he expected, by the time he returned to Jake's side, he was completely sure of what had happened here, and it wasn't good.

"Jake. I know what happened to them," said Bastro.

At his words, Jake looked up, his hair and face wet from rain and tears, his eyes unfocused but paying attention to Bastro's words—the first indication that Jake wasn't completely lost to grief yet. Bastro took a deep breath, taking one more look around before sitting in front of his master.

"Jake, this is the Dark Ranger's doing," explained Bastro, his voice low and almost angry. "He is my mortal enemy and the reason why I first chose you as my vessel. This is the challenge I told you about when I gave you my full power."

Jake looked confused. "If he wanted you, why did he attack them? Why not come after us?"

"Because we weren't here. He must not have felt my power while we were underwater, or maybe he did feel it and thought it would be easier to defeat me if he weakened your resolve. But Jake, this is good news—it means my Rangers are not completely gone yet," explained Bastro. "There is still hope."

"What do you mean?" asked Jake, now a little more hopeful despite the dire situation. "Can we bring them back?"

"I believe so, but it's not going to be an easy journey, Jake. Their energy has been drained, and right now, they are barely alive. But we can fix that. I can call upon the ancestral power of the last Zeo Crystals to keep them safe while we embark on a journey to retrieve the necessary power to defeat the Dark Ranger. That would give the Rangers their energy back and reestablish our victory."

Jake smiled. Despite the rain and his tears, he could feel hope growing inside him again. He looked down at Gia's sleeping face and then focused his eyes back on Bastro. "If there is a chance, we must take it. I have to bring them back."

"Very well, Jake," said Bastro. "Allow me to call for the Zeo Crystals to contain and keep the Rangers safe, please."

"Of course… wait, where are we going to place them until we finish with that Dark Ranger?" asked Jake, looking at his family. "We can't leave them here; someone could find them or try to remove the Crystals."

Bastro chuckled, as if the idea of trying to break through a Zeo Crystal was a joke. "Don't worry, my friend. We can leave them at your Command Center for now, in Tensou's care."

Jake nodded, taking one more look around him. It was extremely hard to say goodbye for now, but it was the only chance to bring them back, and he would do anything to bring them back. Jake took a deep breath, nodding to himself, and finally, he looked down at Gia, caressing her face tenderly.

"I'll be back as soon as I can, Gia. I promise. Stay strong," whispered Jake. "I love you."

He looked at her, wishing she could open her eyes, and after a moment, he finally put her on the ground with the others. Jake wasn't ready to leave, and yet, he had to walk away, passing his friends and the rest of his family as he stood in an area where Bastro could not reach him with his powers. Bastro looked at him and nodded before closing his eyes. Engulfed in a white light, the white lion spirit took the form of the familiar face of Zordon of Eltar—the first mentor of the Power Rangers.

"Rest well, Rangers," whispered Zordon, moving his hands as Zeo Crystals started to cover the bodies of the unconscious Rangers. "We will see each other again."

With a swift movement of his hands, Zordon trapped the Rangers inside the Crystals that would keep them alive from now on. Jake took a deep breath, knowing that this was the right choice, no matter how much it hurt.

"It is done, Jake, but we still have much to discuss," said Zordon.

Jake nodded, walking to his Command Center as the Crystals disappeared. "You are right. Let's go," whispered Jake.

Zordon nodded, and while he followed Jake, his form changed again, from the legendary first mentor of the Power Rangers to the loyal white lion that would be beside Jake in this new challenge.

-L-

SPD Academy (Present) -Meeting Room

Cruger eyed the oldest teams of Rangers carefully. Tommy was speechless, unable to say anything as he watched his mentor walk in lion form with Jake. Andros, too, was completely dumbfounded, since he believed he was responsible for Zordon's death in the first place.

"How is that possible?" asked Karone, looking at Cruger. "Zordon sacrificed himself to bring peace. My brother had to destroy the tube where he was kept alive."

"Andros' intervention was always believed to be Zordon's demise, but it turns out that you saved him," said Cruger, looking at Andros. "By breaking the tube, you freed his energy, and the healing properties of the universe, mixed with the particles of energy that scattered through the galaxy, helped to give him back some of his life."

"Unfortunately, that was not enough for him to be fully back or to contact any of you. For the longest time, Zordon remained just an energy, part of the universe," explained Jack. "Until Jacob Holling, the first son of two Rangers, was born. Jake's energy as a baby attracted Zordon, and he became your son's loyal lion even when he was a baby."

"Even when…? Wait, you mean Zordon has been with Jake all the time?" asked Katherine, finding these news hard to believe.

"Yes," said Cruger. "Bastro was always part of Jake, which is why Alex offered Wes and Jen Collins the chance to explain to Jason that Jake would become a Power Ranger. Alex had this information and was told by Bastro himself what he needed to do."

"I knew it!" said Lucas, looking at his Time Force teammates. "I knew Alex wouldn't give that information just because. He knew Jake was different, but he never told us it was Zordon."

"Alex had a hard choice here. He could have kept it and allowed the future to happen, but that would have ended with Jake unable to wake Bastro's power and losing to Vrak and his minions," explained Kat Manx. "So he let Jen know, knowing she would tell Jason. Didn't any of you notice no one from the Time Force in the future came to ask questions or enforce memory adaptation after you and Wes told Jason about Jake, or when Katie announced Jake was going to die? It was all calculated, movements made by Bastro and Alex to ensure Jake and all of you were ready because if he didn't do it, there would be none of us right now."

The Time Force Rangers shared a look of discomfort despite understanding very well the stakes of what Cruger, Jack, and Kat Manx were saying. They knew what it meant to change the future—Wes did it, Eric too, and Jen changed her whole timeline to be able to be here with Wes. They knew if Alex did it, it was because there was no choice. That made them wonder what kind of future was there for them before Jen received Alex's call about Jake years ago.

"So what? Zordon decides to use my son as a warrior now?" asked Jason, feeling the anger take hold of him again.

"In all honesty, at the time, Jake was different, and you know this too, Jason," said Cruger. "You knew it since the first time Trini told you she was pregnant. Your son was the first born of the two first Rangers, and even before he was born, he was being spoiled non-stop by the rest of the Rangers. He was hope for you all. The next generation."

"That he was," said Tommy with a soft smile. "Always running around in his little red and yellow pajamas, playing with all the toys we brought him. The whole Power Ranger line was his."

"Future changed when we were told he was destined to be a Ranger; he became more serious, disciplined," said Kimberly, taking Tommy's hand in hers before looking at the Dino Thunder and Samurai Rangers. "It wasn't until he met Conner first and Mike later that they brought the kid in Jake back to life, and since then, he always enjoyed life more."

Bridge, feeling the sad aura in the room, took the device to activate another video from Jake, and he appeared again in front of the Rangers, exactly the same as the last time but with a worried look on his face.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I know you must be mad at Zordon, but to be honest, I knew who Bastro was. He revealed himself to me during one of the battles and warned me about my choices. But in that moment, and in all of the battles we went through, Zordon always helped me to protect my friends, and that's a debt I cannot repay," said Jake, with a soft smile as he touched the object on his wrist. "You may not agree with me, Dad, but if there is one thing I learned from you, it's to never give up, and that's exactly what we did. So I hope that even if you are angry, you don't give up either."

Jake looked at the camera with a smile until the video ended. While there was silence, Bridge looked at Jason. He knew how much the Ranger was hurting, and he would like nothing more than to approach him, but he didn't know how. After all, Jason just lost his son.

But at the same time, Bridge lost someone important too.

"The pain never heals," said Bridge out of nowhere, looking at the device while everyone else looked at him. "It stays with us always, but we can take solace in the fact that they did everything to get to this moment. From all the routes they could take, this was the one they took. And you must know, Mr. Scott, that your son was happy at the end. They all were happy."

Jason looked at him, suddenly remembering he was the kid he almost punched and feeling bad for his attitude but unable to apologize at the moment. He still had too many emotions inside ready to explode, and he needed time. But something told him, in the way Bridge smiled at him timidly, that they were going to be fine.

Somehow, Jake was still there.

Sky watched the interaction, proud of his best friend, and took a step forward, putting a hand on Bridge's shoulder to get his attention. Bridge nodded and passed him the recorder. Then, Sky took a deep breath and placed the gem beside the recorder, watching it glow with a soft red energy.

A moment later, a famous smirk appeared in the video, and the Rangers saw Conner McKnight smiling back at them.

-L-

SPD Academy (Present) -Meeting Room

Watching Conner again was unexpected, and Kira felt a little unbalanced as she took in the video with her husband in it. He was somewhere outside, sitting in the grass and dressed in a crimson shirt and dark pants, similar to the ones the SPD Rangers were wearing now. His hair was shorter, and he had a well-defined beard. He was wearing sunglasses due to the bright sun in the sky, and Kira noticed he must have been training because his body was more muscular than she remembered.

But it was his smirk that almost made her pass out. Despite all the changes, that smirk was Conner's, and nothing could replace it, not even years.

"Look at this beautiful day. I admit, it would be better if you all were here, especially you, babe. But despite our current situation, I have to admit this is one of the few moments where it seems everything is possible," said Conner, looking towards the camera. "It makes me remember that there is always tomorrow, even if sometimes I wish I could be back at home with you, Kira, or with our friends. I miss you more every day."

Conner looked down, and his body lost the initial happiness. It was so unusual to see him like this that it actually hurt the Dino Rangers. Everyone who knew Conner knew him well enough to understand that if he had that attitude, the situation must have been very difficult.

"I don't remember much of what happened, to be honest. I know I was there, fighting with Trent when I started to feel dizzy. I thought maybe something seriously hurt me, so I tried to call for Trent, and then I ended up walking exactly to the opposite side, towards Kira," said Conner, chuckling. "Do you ever notice we are always orbiting around each other? I was on the other side of the battlefield, and the moment I felt sick, I was looking for you."

Kira smiled despite her tears and extended her hand as if she could touch him when Conner put a hand on the camera. But soon, his smile disappeared, and his expression turned serious as he looked down, remembering the events on the beach.

"As I tried to get to Kira, I saw Ethan and Dr. O fighting the monsters near Kimberly. Then I saw Hayley there too, and I panicked because you weren't supposed to be there, Hayley, but you couldn't leave us out there unprotected. You were carrying something… maybe one of Billy's inventions to help us, because Billy was there too," explained Conner. Then, he sighed. "I tried to help when I felt my body being pulled in all directions, and before I knew what was happening, everything went dark."

The sunglasses hid Conner's eyes, but his expression was enough to tell the Dino Rangers about Conner's worry for them during the battle, how he tried to reach them, and how ultimately, whatever happened took him away, saving him from the attack of the Dark Ranger.

"It turns out having the Triassic power was something big, Dr. O, more than we could ever imagine. And while it kills me to have to see you and the others in those crystals, I am happy you are safe from the dangers we face every day."

Conner looked up at the sky with a soft smile. "I have a chance to guide others like you did with me, Dr. O, and that's something that fills me with pride because I had the best teacher. The SPD Rangers need the best to win their own battles, so I try my best. I remember your teachings and Hayley's never-ending patience and I use it to guide them through the hardship of being a Ranger. At the same time, I try to make life easier for Jake. The boy is having a rough time, and it seems we are not making any progress, but Mike and I make a good team, and we will make sure Jake is fine."

Conner looked down again at his hands, as if he was showing Tommy in that video that he was strong enough to support Jake and that he would do whatever was necessary to keep him safe. But Tommy didn't need evidence; he already knew. Conner was his boy. He was the one Tommy had to guide more when Conner became a Ranger, and the results were the transformation of a guy who only cared about himself into a leader who pushed his friends' happiness in front of him and a man who understood love with respect and passion.

"Talking about Mike, you guys are not going to believe what he can do now, so pay attention when you see us in action because you don't want to miss it!" said Conner with emphasis. Then he relaxed, showing a much softer smile. "Seriously, watch everything. You will understand more about us, what we did, and why we did it. While I know there are moments there that I wish never happened, all is necessary to achieve peace."

Suddenly, the Rangers heard a voice calling for Conner, and he looked at the camera with a chuckle before he instructed the group calling for him to wait. Then he looked at the camera one last time. "It seems my time is up. Hayley, Kim, please don't let Dr. O blame himself. You have always been our support when everything was lost, so please, one more time, support my team during this difficult time. Ethan, your technology has helped us along with Hayley's and others like Noah's. All of you made the Academy possible, and I am honored to be able to say to the cadets that my best friend helped me to create a place where they feel protected and are able to expand their skills. Trent, you are in charge now. Be strong as I know you can be and show your true self. Despite our differences, I know you are worthy of the power given to you. If there is a moment you feel bad, remember you are Trent Anton-Mercer and nothing can stop you."

The Dino Rangers, along with Hayley and Kim, watched as Conner smiled at them, complete conviction in his movements every time he pointed at the camera and said their names, as if he was talking to them directly. Hayley stood firm, her eyes full of tears but confident in the task Conner gave her. Beside her, Kimberly nodded, being the closest of the Dino Thunder Rangers who wasn't part of the team. Conner always held a special place in her heart, mostly because of the many times Tommy talked about him and his accomplishments and what she had seen in that Red Ranger—a mix between Jason and Tommy that made him not only a good leader but also a good person.

For Ethan, it was different because Conner wasn't just his friend; he was the only one that Ethan never thought he would befriend. Conner was the popular guy; he never looked Ethan's way until they became Power Rangers. Once they did, Conner and Ethan found understanding and compromise in each other, making them close friends through their adventure and long after that day.

Trent was also conflicted in a similar way to Ethan but with different thoughts. Conner and Trent never got along, and at first, when Trent was evil, he understood Conner's issues. He learned how protective Conner was of his friends and how far he was willing to go for them. But then, he also learned that Conner could be forgiving, and despite their differences, they knew they could be there for each other when needed. That's why Conner asked Trent to lead the Dino Thunder Rangers now, and Trent made the silent promise to make him proud.

Just as Conner made him proud.

Conner took a deep breath in the video, walking towards the voice. But before he reached them, he turned towards the camera one more time. His soft smile giving away the receiver of his next message. "Tommy don't blame yourself. You are a legend, and without you, I wouldn't have a clue how to deal with this or how to help Jake. It was you who made me the Ranger I am today, and I am honored to say that I was your Red Ranger. So stay strong, lead the others when it's time, and take care of the SPD Rangers. They are still young, and I worry—they have been trained by Jake, Mike, and me, and you know that screams trouble everywhere," said Conner, making the Rangers gathered around the table chuckle. "Keep fighting, Tommy."

Tommy felt a tear running down his cheek and nodded, trying to be strong even when he felt Hayley's hand on his shoulder and Kimberly circling his waist with her arms. Tommy never thought it would be like this, not with Conner. For the longest time, when they became Rangers, he thought the gem chose the wrong guy, but Conner showed him how wrong he was by growing into a worthy hero.

And Tommy never told him how proud he was of him. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tried his best to remember Conner's words. Despite his guilt and the pain, he would do what Conner asked him to do and fight because that was what Tommy was born to do, but mostly because that's what would honor Conner's memory.

Finally, the video showed Conner caressing the camera as he took a deep breath. It was clear that it was hard for him to say that last message, and he was fighting to get the words out. "Kira, if there was something I knew for sure the day you went on your mission to help the Overdrive Rangers, it was that if you came back, I would leave my fears behind and tell you my feelings for you. I was tired of hiding, tired of having to put my feelings for you behind me. I wanted to be the one you wanted to come back to, and when I told you and you smiled… I think I've never seen something as beautiful as that smile."

Conner chuckled, pushing away a rebellious tear as it ran down his cheek. "When we started this mission, I didn't want to do it. I didn't want a life without you in it, but Jake convinced me, and well… here I am, running into danger one more time. I know you hate it, but I would walk the depths of hell for you in a second. I hope that if something happens, if… if I don't come back to you, you remember the vows I wrote to you the day we married. You are my voice, my soul, and my heart, and nothing, no one, can take that away from you. I love you."

Kira looked at the image, lost in her thoughts as she touched her wedding ring. Those were the words he told her that day, and they were the words that carried her since they got together. She chuckled sadly. Back when they became Rangers, nobody would have thought wannabe singer Kira Ford would end up with soccer star Conner McKnight, but they defied all the odds, and their love was one for the books, right down to the tragic end.

Kira looked down. Her soul was taken with him now that he's gone, but her heart stills beat with the promise of honoring his legacy and his life. That, she could do, because nothing would make her prouder than to scream to the world that she, Kira Ford, was Conner McKnight's wife.

And nobody could take that away from her, ever.

"Rangers, I know we haven't spent a lot of time together, but you can rest assured that we did everything in our power to pass on to the SPD Rangers everything you fought for, and the rest… the rest is up to you. So keep your head high because you are the real heroes and heroines of this story," said Conner with a chuckle. "And you, baby Rangers, respect your elders, or Cruger and Kat will have full power to use the special training I left on my desk for you."

The SPD Rangers laughed, all of them sensing how their mentor tried to lighten the mood despite the pain he must have known he was causing with his message. They looked at Conner as he sent them a kiss, and then, the video ended, leaving a silence in the room that seemed darker without his smile.

It was then when Syd decided to bring up the last video after Sky put the recorder in her hand and gave her a kiss, giving her the strength to walk to the table and finally put the last piece of the team in place. Syd touched Masamune with reverence and then put the recorder beside the sword, waiting for the green glow to connect with the device.

And then…

"Ladies and gentlemen…" said Mike, looking at them with a big smile on his face. "Welcome to my dojo…"

-L-

SPD Academy (Present) – Meeting Room

Mike's image was impressive, completely different from the carefree guy they were used to seeing. He looked stronger, his body had been subjected to intense training, and his expression was now more mature. The beard surrounding his face made him look slightly older, and the faint scar on his left eyebrow gave him the aura of a warrior, emphasized by his light samurai armor.

Still, Mike was Mike, and his mischievous smirk was still there, giving him a childlike vibe that resonated with the young man the Samurai Rangers knew.

"I bet someone is surprised over there. Believe me, I am too. If someone had told me that I would be here today, holding this sword and the power that came with it, I would have wondered if they hit their heads. But it seems that Masamune has its own mind, and there is a lot more story between us than I knew."

Mike smiled at the sword, touching the blade with reverence before looking back at the camera. His expression, softer now, cut through the Samurai Rangers like a knife. This Mike had the same vibe and, at the same time, looked like a much bigger version of himself—a version only a few had seen.

"I'm not going to lie. It has been hard over here. I felt lost many times without Jayden leading me, and it's not like Jake is bad. On the contrary, he is a natural leader despite what he thinks about it. But I always looked up to Jayden, and him not being here was… complicated," said Mike with a chuckle. "Almost as complicated as not having that Blue Samurai know-it-all."

Jayden and Kevin chuckled at the same time. They knew Mike always saw himself as inferior, and while he lacked in skills, he was more than a match in heart. He was a good man, temperamental, but still, he was one of their own. Knowing that Mike looked up to him gave Jayden a new sense of responsibility for his friend.

Mike was family, and Jayden lost him.

Meanwhile, Kevin was going through the logical part of grief. He understood Mike was dead and that he must have fought hard to bring them back. He understood his sadness and pain, knowing that a good Samurai fell in battle. He understood a friend was gone, and yet, that pain in his chest could not be rationalized because, deep down, Mike and Kevin found common ground during their time as Rangers. That respect had grown into a friendship that carried them to this day.

It was a shame, Kevin thought rationally. It was a shame that only now he realized Mike was an important piece of his life, and that something as final as death had given Kevin the final push to understand that this was everything but rational.

"I remember being on the battlefield. I could watch all of you fight, but I was closer to Antonio, remember? I was going to help you with a group of monsters when I felt a sharp pain in my head. It was as if my brain was breaking in two, and I couldn't think of anything but the fact that I had to get to Emily," said Mike with a look of guilt. "I'm sorry, Em. I didn't make it in the end, but I saw you fight. You were with Mia, both together, strong, and I remember smiling, watching you do one of the techniques we used in training. I remember feeling proud of you before everything went black."

Antonio remembered too. He was there; he saw Mike fight with him. They were a good match, switching weapons and keeping enemies away from each other as they tried to reunite with their friends. But then, Antonio lost Mike, and he didn't see him again.

It was his job to look out for him, and he failed.

"Don't feel bad, Antonio," said Mike, as if he could read his mind. "I know you, and there was nothing you could do. Believe me, if it wasn't for you, I would have been killed at least twice in that fight. You are stronger than you think, and don't let anyone say you are not a Samurai because now I can tell you, you are one of the best ones I've ever seen."

Antonio smiled despite his tears. He and Mike had bonded over their worth in the team. They were always the outsiders and the lazy ones, but they stuck together, fighting their way through everything throw in their way. Now that Mike wasn't here, Antonio felt a little more alone.

"Mia, thank you," said Mike sincerely. "Thank you for always doing your best for me. Thank you for helping everyone when they needed it the most. You are kind and strong, and I hope you know I admire you for the woman you are as much as I admire you for the woman I know you can be."

Mike smiled. "Lauren, you know what you promised me… show them what you are made of."

Lauren nodded solemnly, a promise she wanted to keep now more than ever. Mike trusted her more than she thought he would, and she would not fail him, not with this. Meanwhile, Mia, who had been trying to keep her feelings hidden in order to help others, could not stop the tears hearing Mike. He was, along with Emily, the person Mia wanted to protect the most. Knowing he thought that about her made her think of all the fights they won together.

Mia wished to have been there with him, fighting his battles one last time.

Mike looked down, thinking about what to do next. Then he sat in front of his sword. Masamune was complex and didn't accept everyone, but with Mike, it was the legendary lost sword that accompanied him in battle.

"I'm pretty sure you are shocked, Mentor. I was too when I understood why Masamune was choosing me, but I hope you see I've been taking my lessons seriously. The Academy has a full Samurai program that helps others get the discipline needed to become Samurai," said Mike with a sad smile. "I know I wasn't what you expected as a Samurai, much less as a Ranger, but I want you to know I carried your lessons and Jayden's, one by one. I did my best to bring them to the students, and I hope someday you can see it for yourself and feel proud of me."

"I already was…" whispered Mentor Ji, looking at the video. "I knew your hardships, but you showed courage, Mike. You brought the name of your family higher than I could ever dream of. My only regret is that I never got the chance to tell you in person."

Mike smiled as if he heard his mentor's words. Finally, he sat and took a deep breath, looking away from the camera to gather his thoughts. His smile felt sad as he focused on the camera again, his eyes showing unshed tears.

"Emily… I'm so sorry," whispered Mike, his voice breaking for the first time. "You were the only thing I was looking forward to once I understood the depth of my feelings for you. Here, in the middle of this mess, you are the thought that makes me fight harder, train more, be someone able to do the same for you as you did for me, because you saved my soul, Emily. I was lost before you but once you looked at me I knew my soul was yours, and it will always be."

Emily looked at the video with trembling lips. In her hands, Mike's samurai zord in its small form looked at its master with longing, but it remained in Emily's hands because that was its duty now—to protect the person its master loved the most. Emily looked down at the zord and kissed its little head, allowing a tear to fall onto her hand.

Mike always thought she saved his soul, but he didn't seem to realize that he too saved her from herself and her loneliness. Now that she had lost him to whatever this situation took him, she didn't know what to do. She felt hollow, as if she was still in that crystal, trapped and unable to fully understand what was going on.

She was drowning, and he wasn't there to save her. She looked up at his closed eyes as he tried to get control of his emotions because he, like her, felt the same. He felt the same before, when she was lost and he kept fighting. He kept doing everything he had to do to bring her back or at least keep her memory alive.

Shouldn't she do the same? She had to, Emily decided as she watched Mike take a step back from the camera to grab his sword. Finally, just like a Samurai, he tied the sword to his side. He rested his arm over the sword, and she smiled because there he was, the man she loved, all Samurai and still Mike. Her Mike.

"Rangers, for those who don't know me, I'm Mike, Green Samurai Ranger. I was brought here to help Jake with his mission and to bring back all of you along with Conner. You can be sure we will do everything in our power to get you back safely," said Mike, firm and with a sense of duty that resonated with Rangers like Carter and Eric. "I give you my word as a Samurai that we will defeat this new evil and bring you back to a world of peace. Conner and I will protect Jake, and he will become the beacon of hope we know he can be."

With one more movement, Mike bowed to the camera, presenting his respect to the Rangers who would someday watch that video.

"The SPD Rangers are our legacy, but they are also yours. Your stories, your battles, your laughs, and your tears are all in them. Trust them, let them trust you, believe in Cruger's leadership and Kat's expertise. Believe in them like we do, and I promise you, everything will be fine."

With respect and a soft smile, Mike's video ended, giving closure to the message Jake, Conner, and Mike wanted to give the Rangers. One more time, the room watched silently as the image disappeared, leaving only the sense of a journey that already had an end.

"They have a lot of respect for you," said Cam Watanabe. "You must be really important to them."

"We were," said Z, looking at the objects sadly. "We were chosen by them to be SPD Rangers, knowing very well the legacy we would carry on our shoulders."

"Each color is unique, represents a lifestyle common in the Rangers who wear it," said Jack with a soft smile. "Every cadet here knows the importance of those teachings and the importance of the values you held high."

"That's why we ask to accompany you on this journey you are about to see," said Cruger, taking a step to stand front of the SPD Rangers. "For us, Jake, Conner, and Mike were friends, family, and mentors, and it would be our honor to join the people they loved the most in this difficult moment."

The Rangers shared a look, as if coming to the same decision at the same time. Then, with the same determination and respect the SPD Rangers were showing them, the Rangers nodded, allowing this new bond to be created.

"Very well…" said Cruger. "Let's start."

And this time, he activated the recorder to show them the next video.