Episode 10: Honoring the Past
SPD Academy (2025) – Dinning Area – Next Morning
That morning, Billy, Ethan, Trip, Noah, and Hayley were having breakfast together, discussing a few designs they had been working on in the tech and science labs last night. They were sharing ideas when Kat Manx approached them. After the long night she and Anubis had remembering the loss of their planet, she felt she hadn't done enough to show the Rangers this new world, and she was determined to change this now.
The first step was to show these people what they brought to the future of the academy.
"Kat, good morning!" said Hayley, looking up at her. "Want to join us for breakfast?"
"No, thank you. I was actually wondering if you all had finished," said Kat, smiling at the group. "There is something I would like to show you, if you have time."
The group shared a look, slightly confused but nodded. After collecting their plates and returning them to the kitchen staff, they followed Kat Manx as she walked towards the science and technology areas where there were already tons of people working on different projects.
"As you know, we have the most advanced technology and the best scientists here at the SPD Academy, and I thought this was a good chance to show you what we have here and the part you play in all this development," said Kat, entering the technological area. "Welcome to the most important room in the SPD Academy, the development and creation area where all our weapons and technology are used to protect the Universe, or as it is usually called, the BETNH room."
"The… BETNH? Aren't those the initials of our names?" asked Ethan, confused. Kat chuckled, nodding as she walked towards one of the tables to show them the prototypes of the SPD morphers.
"They are. Your ideas were implemented here from the very beginning, and those, united with human and alien technology, made it possible for us to create incredible devices that help us to stop everything from harmless delinquents to the most dangerous creatures of the universe," said Kat, pointing at the morphers. "For example, these morphers were created thanks to the technology you used for the Dino Morphers, Hayley. Conner allowed us to study the design and the upgrades added after he got his Triassic Powers, and it is thanks to you the SPD Morphers possess not only the ability to allow the Rangers to morph, but also the possibility of future developments we are currently working on. They also come equipped with the same technology you used for communication. A clean job, Hayley, the alliance was impressed."
Hayley looked impressed as Kat brought one of the morphers to her. She could feel the emotion running through her when she touched them, knowing that Conner thought of her when they developed this. Over the other Rangers, she was just a supporter of their cause, but this little piece in her hands, a morpher, this had part of her in it.
"You did more than you can believe for us, Hayley. Your original design and detailed explanation have helped many engineers and experts here at the Academy develop other morphers, and they are all looking forward to see what else you have to bring to the table. In addition, and out of this matter, in the training area, we have a replica of your old café in Reefside that has your name. Conner himself made sure that your café in Reefside is taken care of. I believe it is currently managed by Anton Mercer's staff."
Hayley looked at her and then back to the morpher. She thought Conner didn't see her work, she thought that Jake had many other important things to take care of, but in the end, she was wrong. They both worked with her designs to do this, and she could not feel more grateful. She gave Kat a trembling smile before the scientist nodded and walked towards the set of armors and weapons on the table.
"Billy, Ethan, Noah, I present you the work we have been doing with the plans you had before the Dark Ranger attacked you. The Delta Max Strikers, Delta Blasters, Shadow Saber, and SPD Battlizer. Ethan, your original designs gave our Delta Blaster the power to contain powerful laser blasts to stun enemies. Conner knew you took that idea from the cannons of his Triassic Battlizer and that Trent helped you draw it, so he managed to get the design and we applied it here, giving us a powerful advantage against our foes."
Ethan looked at the weapons, completely marveled with their design. If Kat was right, then they could defeat many enemies with this. He chuckled, thinking about Conner really putting some thought into this, but deep down, he knew Conner was aware of how many things Ethan wanted to do to help future generations. He was working with the Silver Guardians before the attack happened, and now, thanks to him, Jake, and Mike, he can understand that he, as much as the other Rangers, have also been living through these gestures.
"Billy, the SPD Battlizer is your work," explained Kat with a smile. "During our research, Jake learned you were working on a Battlizer with Tensou. He gave Jake your complex design and what you already had done, and he applied it to the new Rangers in different ways. First in the Battlizer for the Red Ranger that has both modes you designed, the Cyber mode and the Sonic Mode, and then, for the SWAT armor, an upgrade for all the Rangers. We adapted them for the SPD Rangers, and we are happy to announce that thanks to you, our Rangers are more protected when they fight."
Billy touched the armors with tears in his eyes. This is all he ever wanted, to work and protect future generations of Rangers. He wanted them to be safe. It was impossible to predict anything, he was aware of that, but if he could help them in any way, he would be happy to do it. And he did it, Jake made sure he did it.
You can change the world, Uncle Billy. Billy chuckled sadly, that's what Jake told him when he was too young to understand his work. In the end, he was right, but it wouldn't have been possible without him, Conner, and Mike.
Leaving Billy with his memories and knowing he needed time to process the impact of seeing his work here, Kat finally showed him the last set of weapons. As soon as she did it, Noah remembered a vision he saw a long time ago when he switched bodies with Jake. He looked, impressed, as the weapons were presented to him.
"Noah, the basic design was taken from your original designs to make the Rangers' weapons lighter and more versatile. Now, our Rangers can switch weapons with each other and even morphers if necessary, creating a variation that can save lives in very critical situations," explained Kat with a smile. "That vision you had, the one Bastro and Jake told us about, was from the moment Jake asked me to create this for the Rangers. His faith in your work is represented here in the Deltamax Strikers and the Shadow Saber. Thanks to you, the Rangers have a better chance to always have a powerful weapon at their disposal."
Noah looked at her and then went back to the weapons. He knew Jake would remember this. After all, Noah had been talking nonstop about his progress, but he never thought he would go as far as to apply it for the future Rangers—people that now were able to handle each other's weapons and protect each other better, just like he and Jake did with each other.
Until Noah wasn't there to protect Jake anymore. Noah took a deep breath, allowing the pain to cover every bit of his heart.
"And finally, we have your contribution, Trip. We had the honor of having Alex send us your latest projects from the future as an effort to help Jake, Conner, and Mike in their fight. After studying them with us, we all decided this was the best way to honor all your ideas," said Kat before walking to the biggest area of the lab.
She pulled the rope covering the last set of equipment, and Trip felt his jaw hit the ground. In front of him was a large group of vehicles, all seemed to be done with materials from the future, but they had Trip's design written all over them. He took a step closer, touching one of them, and he noticed all the vehicles had a small 'T' on the side, normally not seen by anyone but the Rangers and the people in charge of their maintenance.
"These are the Delta Cruiser, which is the Rangers' main vehicle. The Delta Patrol Cycles and Delta ATV are used for patrol, quick transportation, and off-road missions. Then we have the SWAT truck, a heavily armed vehicle for combat situations, and the SPD Ship, which mixes your technology with our reports of the AstroShip of the Space Rangers to create our own interstellar spaceship," explained Kat. "Trip, your vision helps us arrive faster and act more effectively in situations where we need our vehicles, fights included. You wanted the Rangers to be able to get everywhere fast enough to save more people, and you got it, Trip. We can do that now. Jake got the idea of putting the initial of your name here so everybody could know who made it possible for them to move at the speed of light."
Trip smiled, looking at the vehicles. Since they started traveling back and forth to see Wes and then, Wes and Jen, Trip had been working hard in different ways to get from point A to point B fast, between fights, to save innocents. And when Jake was born, he put in more effort, knowing that they could be needed at any time.
The same boy Trip wanted to protect is the boy that turned his work into reality for the Rangers.
Kat, seeing the proud look on their faces, smiled before she took the central stand. She knew it was important to Jake, Conner, and Mike for them to know the importance of their work and how much they contributed to this future. Her team surrounded her as she saluted the Rangers and allies that made all their work possible.
"As the lead of the BETNH, I want to thank you for your work and tell you it will be an honor if you decide to work with us in the future," said Kat Manx. "For now, you have free access to all our ongoing projects, and I will be more than happy to allow you to make variations if you think it is needed."
The Rangers looked at each other while Kat hugged Hayley, letting them all know this was their home now if that's what they wanted and that she and her people would do everything in their power to make them regain normality.
These are the brains of the Power Rangers, Kat, like you, and someday, when you meet them, you will understand why I value your work so much.
That day, as Jake named her head of the BETNH, Kat didn't quite understand what he meant, not until she saw all the work these Rangers and Hayley had done for other generations. And now, seeing them, emotional and excited with everything in this room, she could not help but remember the three Rangers that made it possible.
And wish they were here to see it.
-L-
SPD Academy (2025) – Gym Area
Kimberly chose to have her time in the morning to take a look around the training area. She had been told there was a gym, so she decided to check it out and see how everything was set up. As she approached the gym, she found Syd coming out after her early training.
"Oh! Kimberly how are you?" asked Syd with a big smile.
"Hey, I'm good, thank you. I was just walking around," said Kimberly, trying to sound casual. "I heard there was a gym and, well, if you know me, you know I work in the field, so I was curious to see how everything was set up."
"Of course, in fact, I should have shown you this days ago," said Syd, looking away timidly.
"You can show me now," said Kimberly, smiling softly. "If you have time."
"Always, follow me."
Syd opened the door and looked at Kimberly, giving the original Pink Ranger the feeling something was going on she was not aware of. But it wasn't until she walked into the gym that she noticed the name painted in pink and white with a pterodactyl on the side. She froze, stunned, while Syd stood by her side.
"Welcome to the Hart Gymnastic Center," said Syd, looking at Kimberly's reaction. She could see the emotions emanating from Kimberly as the Pink Ranger covered her mouth with her hands, trying to hide the gasp she let out.
It took her a long moment to finally look at Syd. "It… it has my name?" asked Kimberly, her voice broken with emotion as she tried to process what was happening right now.
"It does. As you know, this Academy not only has Power Rangers or future SPD officers, but we also have normal people with normal lives that have nothing to do with this dangerous life. Here, is the place where many come to relax and look at that…" said Syd, pointing towards an specific area of the gym. "…kids here come to have fun, learn, and play. This is a space Jake and Conner created in your honor because they were aware of how much you loved being a Ranger but also how important it was for you to have a normal life."
Kimberly felt her heart break and at the same time become full when she saw little kids, girls and boys running around, practicing exercises, playing, just being kids in a world that was surrounded by many challenges. In her time as a Ranger, she fought for this and she was very adamant to make Jake understand this part of life when she was told he would be a Ranger. Tommy and Jason could teach him a lot about fighting, but Kimberly, she wanted this for him.
She also did this for Conner when Kira was on that mission away from them and later on, in the moments when they were apart or when life got a little too hard on him. Kimberly made it her job to ensure the Dino Rangers felt the peace of the world, and like Tommy, she also took very seriously guiding Conner, who always seemed to be the one putting all the responsibility on his shoulders, like Tommy and Jason.
"There is more," said Syd, catching Kim's attention again. "Look over there, we have the Physiotherapist Room. Since both Conner and Jake are soccer players and Mike is a Samurai, it didn't take long for them to get a hold of your notes about improvements regarding physiotherapy. Also, Mike added his own healing culture, and now this has become the favorite room of athletes and ours, of course. There is nothing as healing as a good session of physiotherapy for us after a long day."
Kimberly couldn't believe it. Everything she applied in her life was here in this room. The decorations were all about her, this place was all about her. She thought once that with her life as a Ranger over, everyone would eventually forget about her. Then, Jake was born and Trini asked her to be the boy's godmother, and Kimberly gave part of her life to that little boy, especially after she learned he would become a Ranger. At the same time, she found Tommy again and the Dino Rangers. She was one of Kira's maids of honor at her wedding, and she was there to calm Conner's nerves when he didn't know what to do before he and Kira got together.
And while she didn't know Mike well enough, he must have known her work to be able to apply his samurai medicine to her notes. She wished she had known him better because she realized now, more than ever, that her path as a Ranger and as a person, stayed here while she was gone. Her essence remained in those three men that fought for peace, and that is something Kimberly will never forget.
She couldn't bring them back, but she decided in that moment she would do whatever she could to make sure their memory was not lost. Kimberly looked at Syd with a smile and took her hand. "Thank you," whispered Kimberly.
"No, Kimberly, thank you," said Syd. "You may not believe it, but you are the heroine of many kids here that dream of a life of peace. You started the journey with your friends, and now, we follow the path as SPD Rangers."
Kimberly nodded and looked one more time at the location that was created in her name and smiled, feeling the peace of the love in this room and taking a deep breath. "We should go, the meeting is about to start."
Syd nodded, understanding Kimberly had to leave for now, not only because of the meeting but because the emotions were crushing her, and she needed to breathe. So, taking her hand, Syd guided her out of the Hart Gymnastic Center and towards the meeting room, knowing that maybe for the first time, Kimberly knew exactly what her journey meant to the ones around her.
It wasn't the best way to find out, but maybe it was enough to start healing.
-L-
SPD Academy (2025) – Meeting Room
When the Rangers reunited in the meeting room, Tommy noticed Kimberly was crying when she came in with Syd. But the Pink Ranger quickly smiled at him and took his hand, promising a talk later about why she was in that state. Cruger greeted the Rangers, and they sat down.
"Rangers, today we are going to show you how the SPD Academy was created from the inside. You have seen how Jake, Conner, and Mike were granted new power, how they fought the Dark Ranger and his army for the first time, how they constructed this academy, and how they saved Bridge, Kat, and me. Now, you are going to see how we work internally," explained Cruger.
"I was curious about that," said Adam, thinking. "You call the students cadets, and you are Commander. We learned you are some kind of special force, but I was wondering how that worked out. Is it you who controls everything here, Commander?"
"You can call me Anubis, Adam, and yes, now I am. But there was a Commander before me, and you are about to see how he was chosen," said Cruger. When he saw the Rangers' confused faces, he chuckled. "He had the same face."
Before someone could reply, Cruger activated the recorder, and a new image appeared.
Eltar (2014 – End Of The Year) – Meeting Room
Jake couldn't believe how far they had gotten. In a few months, they managed to rebuild a big part of the city, and the Command Center was completely equipped to receive students. He smiled, walking through the passages, hoping to see new people soon, and noticed that all the classes, for future Rangers and normal civilians who wanted to live here, were ready.
His smile fell a little thinking about Earth, but he also wondered why the Dark Ranger had not attacked again since Sirius. Maybe he had to recharge, or maybe he was plotting something, which worried him the most. There was also that thing that happened in Sirius that gave him nightmares because it meant there was a big chance they would have to face it again, and Jake was unsure if they were ready for that type of fight.
And yet… they would try their best if that was the case because their family, friends, their loves, and the whole universe were depending on them.
Jake sighed, arriving at the meeting room. He had been called here by Conner and Mike to continue their planning, so it was a surprise when he opened the door and found that apart from Conner and Mike, Anubis, Kat, Alpha-5, Rico, and Bridge were also there.
Jake closed the door, feeling all eyes on him. Something was going on, he was sure of it, but he did the same trick he used when he had an important soccer match. He took a deep breath and turned around with a big smile full of confidence to look at the people in the room.
"Everybody decided to surprise me today?" asked Jake, walking until he was in front of Bridge. "…and I was wondering where you were."
"Sorry, papa, I got kid…k…" said Bridge, confused because he couldn't say the word properly. "…Uncle Conner called me to help him and Uncle Mike with a very big important mission."
"Oh, impressive," said Jake.
Bridge gave him a goofy smile before he turned to look at the adults, aliens, and robots in the room. They were all aware of Bridge's status in his life and were more than happy for them. Even Conner and Mike enjoyed being Bridge's uncles, and Cruger and Kat made sure to connect with him—not that Bridge left them room to escape.
The first thing he did was to take off his gloves and take their hands, experiencing their turbulent emotions. Then, with those big innocent eyes he had, he hugged them both. It was impossible for Cruger or Kat not to like Bridge then, and now that they interacted with him, they loved him even more.
Bridge was a bliss. He understood everything with a simple word or touch. He was a little goofy, and he probably learned it from him, Conner, and Mike. He was extremely gentle in sensitive matters. Jake was grateful Bridge wanted him to be his dad because he was more than honored to have him as his son, and he was wondering what face his family and Gia were going to make when they saw him.
Jake almost chuckled—they are going to love him. He had no doubt.
"Stop daydreaming, we have work to do," said Mike with a knowing smile. Jake gave him a look and then looked at the documents on the table, taking a quick look at them.
"Are these the last reports?" asked Jake, looking very interested. "I talked to Jordan yesterday, and they are planning to move to the east side to finish rebuilding the commercial area outside the forcefield. I was planning to go and help."
"Well, that's if you can," said Conner.
Jake looked up to Conner and saw they were all smiling at him now. Jake was slightly confused and more curious about what they had done that he still didn't know because even Bridge was looking at him, expecting a reaction.
"Alright… what happened?" asked Jake.
"After our talk the other day about everything you wanted to do, I have a proposition to make," said Anubis, and Jake nodded, allowing them to continue. "As I understood, in your academy, you want to allow future Rangers and also civilians to study and live here. You are also working to expand the forcefield so it can cover the whole planet, correct?" asked Cruger.
"Yes," said Jake, still not following the plan.
"You also said you wanted these new Power Rangers to be highly trained, and they would gain the status of protectors of the universe following the steps of the Time Force Academy and Lightspeed structures. That's why you want the future Rangers to receive more strict physical and mental training, and the civilians would have more freedom, correct?" continued Kat Manx.
"Exactly," said Jake again, but he could feel they were getting somewhere; he just didn't know where.
"Well, that's why we thought maybe we should follow a rank status, like Time Force and Lightspeed did. The school needs to be structured, and we need to be part of it as much as we are in our fight against the Dark Ranger," said Mike, sharing a look with the room before adding. "That's why we thought of calling the future Rangers cadets like in a military rank. That would help us and the rest of the planet to identify them easily."
"Of course, they can be civilians when they are off, but this could be a chance to teach them the importance of their rank. We also believe that the scientists and technological experts and their students could be divided into two buildings: a lab, of course and a testing room, to test new weapons, morphers, and armors for the Rangers, with them having a chance to use them so we can improve them or make any modification needed," added Kat Manx. "What do you think?"
Jake nodded, understanding the need for a status. It could give civilians peace to know Power Rangers were in the area, even if they were in training. They could be like the police here in Eltar, and for their allies, it would be easier and would show them as a strong planet, protected from threats. Then, he also liked Kat's idea. It would allow scientists, engineers, and other experts to work more freely. He had seen Noah too many times frustrated for not finding a place for his experiments to understand how important it was for them to have a separate building, just for them.
"I agree with your ideas. It would be helpful for everyone to create a status, and the scientists and experts would feel better if they were allowed to work freely without pressures and in private. I've seen Noah before—privacy apparently is greatly appreciated while they are working," said Jake, serious, not even noticing that he was talking like the leader of the whole thing. "Anything else?"
"Yes, we also thought there would be a structure between us, Friend Jake," said Rico, looking at Alpha-5. "Friend Alpha and I would like to continue being the support for the Rangers and the connection between this planet and the rest of the universe."
"Ay-yi-yi-yi, Jake. We also can assist you, Conner, and Mike in your classes with the cadets," said Alpha-5. Then Kat took a step forward. "As you requested, I will lead the scientific and technological areas. With our experts here and your allies, I'm sure we will be able to create many things for you three and the future Rangers."
Jake nodded, giving them thankful smiles. He knew Alpha-5 from his younger years, and Rico had the potential to become a robot as helpful as Alpha-5. On top of that, having Kat Manx as the lead scientist, knowing now her skills in science and technology, was almost like having a mix of the Rangers' brains with a little alien exposure.
"For our part, I'll be teaching the new Rangers to handle their weapons and to be disciplined," said Mike, and everyone looked at him. Mike rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "Alright, maybe not too disciplined, but they will know how to use their weapons."
"Good save. What about you, Conner?" asked Jake.
"I'll teach them the history of Power Rangers," said Conner, and when everyone looked at him surprised, he blushed, looking away. "Well, I… look, I had Tommy Oliver as my mentor. He is legendary, and I wouldn't be who I am today without him. So I thought if I could make one of those future Rangers feel like they can achieve everything if they believe in themselves, like Dr. O did with me, and I'll do it using their history, it's worth it, right?"
Jake nodded, and Mike patted his new friend's arm, giving Conner a little courage. He was not the best to teach history, but he was Tommy Oliver's Ranger, and this was the best way he knew to honor him. Finally, Anubis took a step forward, smiling at Jake.
"I will be assisting you. As an Emperor, I have experience dealing with leaders of other planets, and I can help you deal with them in any capacity you need. I will also carry most of your work while you are fighting the Dark Ranger. You can think of me as your second in command here at the Academy," said Anubis.
Jake nodded, obviously distracted until he heard the last part of Anubis's statement. He looked up to him and then to the rest of the people there. He looked so lost that both Mike and Conner couldn't hold back a laugh.
"Wait… what do you mean assist me? And my second in command? What?" asked Jake.
"What he means, hardhead, is that we want you to be the Commander of the Academy," said Mike. "Our leader, in and out of the battlefield."
Jake was completely dumbfounded as he looked at them. That was not possible. He was not a leader. His dad, his Uncle Tommy, Andros, Wes, many others, and Troy was the last ones… he was nothing like them. He couldn't be a leader.
"But… but all of you are better than I am. You, Conner, were a Red Ranger, and you, Mike, are a Samurai, and… and Kat is a brilliant scientist. Anubis, you are an Emperor," said Jake, his hands shaking from the pressure. "…Alpha-5 guides us all the time, and Rico helps us with everything. And you want me to lead this?"
"Yes," said Anubis.
"Of course," commented Kat.
"No doubt," said Mike.
Conner was the one who took a step forward and put his hand on Jake's shoulders, making the young man look up to him. Conner had a serious expression, and for a moment, Jake wasn't sure if he was in front of his friend or in front of his Uncle Tommy. But then Conner smiled.
"Look, I understand. I've been in your place several times through my team as Red Ranger and after that. But you are Jason and Trini's son. You are the legacy of all the Rangers before you, and you are a Megaforce Ranger. All that has brought you here today, and it has kept you alive, making you stronger every day and leading us in battle," said Conner, looking at Jake with all the conviction he felt in this choice. "I wouldn't be alive without you, neither would Mike, Anubis, or Kat, even Bridge. Can't you see? It was you who saved us."
"And you won't be alone. We will be with you," said Mike, also taking a step forward. "We are here to catch you if you fall, Jake, but there is something all of us agree on, and that is that we will follow you till the end of time."
Jake looked at them, feeling tears in his eyes, and then looked over his shoulder, seeing Anubis and Kat nod with the same conviction. Even Alpha-5 and Rico were nodding, excited at the idea of having him as leader. For the first time since he saw his friends and family on the ground unconscious, Jake allowed himself to be a young adult one more time, and he threw himself at Conner and Mike's arms, crying and allowing himself to let go of the constant tension and pain he was in.
Both Rangers shared an understanding look before hugging Jake back, keeping their promise of catching him no matter what. Soon, Jake was surrounded not only by them, but by Anubis, Kat, Alpha-5, Rico, and little Bridge, all in a silent promise.
-L-
SPD Academy (2025) – Meeting Room
Cruger knew by experience that Jacob Oliver Scott Kwan didn't cry often, so he understood when the Rangers were unable to look at the young man, crying like a baby, allowing himself to release the tension he had been holding on to since he lost everything he cared about.
He didn't have to look to notice Troy Burrows getting up and leaving the room, followed closely by Emma Goodall. This matter, related to Jake, was always hard on Troy, as he too had doubts when he became Red Ranger, and he always looked up to Jake for advice.
Watching this must have broken something inside him, so Cruger focused on the rest of the team. Orion had an arm around Noah as the Blue Ranger once again did his best to hold back his emotions. From all of them, Noah was probably the only one who saw Jake cry, but that didn't mean it affected him any less. On the other side, Bridge was holding Gia. She didn't want to look, and Cruger could not blame her.
Gia was protective of Jake, more than anyone else, and seeing him like this broke her heart. Bridge knew this well, so he allowed her to hide her face in his chest while Z supported both of them, squeezing Gia's hand and resting her chin on Bridge's head when she hugged him close.
Not far from them and hidden by Jack and himself, Cruger knew Sky and Syd weren't in better shape. He could almost see from the corner of his eye, Syd's smaller frame curled against Sky's, who was watching the images, focusing all his attention and strength on not letting a tear fall from his eyes. They weren't there at the time this happened, and since they were all family, this wasn't easier for them than it was for him or Kat.
Even the composed Jack was having a hard time.
"Take a moment. We have to wait for Troy and Emma to come back," whispered Cruger.
It was a good choice, he decided as he turned off the recorder. They all needed a moment.
-L-
SPD Academy (2025) – Outside the Meeting Room
Emma managed to stop Troy while he was walking lost outside the meeting room. The images had been impactful for them, mostly because they barely saw Jake breaking down like that, and she briefly remembered extending her hand towards the image before she heard Troy getting up, almost as if she could reach Jake and give him a hug.
But she couldn't because that happened eleven years ago.
"Troy."
Emma grabbed his arm gently, stopping him, and when she looked at him, she could see the tears in his eyes. From all of them, she knew these images were hard on him. Troy always looked towards Jake during their times as Rangers because Jake had the knowledge Troy was lacking, and yet, Jake chose him as Red Ranger with no doubt in his mind.
"When I became Ranger, I always wondered why me and not him," said Troy, his voice breaking as Emma caressed his cheek, and both of them sat down on the ground, their backs resting against the wall. "He believed in me, and when he needed me the most, where was I, Emma? Where?"
"You were trapped, honey. You couldn't have predicted what would happen or what Jake went through," said Emma, whispering consoling words to his heart. "Remember what you answered when he asked the question about who would you save, if him or Earth, and you said both? That's what he believed, always."
"I couldn't save him," said Troy, looking down. "I had a vision, there was the war. I tried to save him but…"
"Troy, the future changes. It changed at least three times before this happened," said Emma, kissing his cheeks to make him look at her. "And you saved him. We all did in our ways. We changed his destiny of dying before this happened, and you were his leader then. I'm sure you were his leader even while he was Commander."
"That's true."
Both Rangers turned to look at Anubis Cruger walk towards Troy. When they got up, Anubis put something in Troy's hand. It was his Dragon Sword Card. Troy looked up with tears in his eyes as he looked at Cruger.
"During one of his most difficult battles, Jake used his sword to defeat his enemy. He believed in its power then because it was the sword of one of the greatest Red Rangers he had ever seen and had the power of someone he admired," said Cruger, giving Troy a soft smile. "He had you there with him. Even if you weren't physically there, you were with him, Troy. He knew that."
Troy looked at the card, clearly used, and with no words to say, he turned towards Emma, hiding in her arms so he could cry for the friend he lost. Emma hugged him closely and looked at Anubis, whispering a 'thank you' as she focused on consoling Troy the best way she could. Anubis turned away.
This was all he could do, even when he felt it wasn't enough.
