Episode 16: A Sense of Home

Music Classroom

The classroom was a familiar place for Sky. He spent a lot of time here as a child and even now, he still likes to come when he is not patrolling the city or when memories take too much of him. He smiled softly as he sat down. It was strange to be with them here and yet Sky could feel the familiarity of this team, it was almost like having his father back.

"I assume you like music?" asked Tommy, always the observant one. Sky nodded and looked around until he found what he was looking for and then, he pointed at it.

"When I first came here, I wasn't talkative like Bridge, so Father thought music could help. He showed me Kira's concert and I… I felt connected to the lyrics of the songs. Father designed that guitar for me with Uncle Jake and Uncle Mike," said Sky, moving to get the guitar and then walking back to show the Dino Team the instrument. "See? There is the kanji for music on the back. I have the painting of a White Lion, a Fire Bennu, and a Green Wolf, and here in the front, I have Tyranno, Tricera, Ptera, Drago, Pterodactyl, Brachio, and some tech devices along the guitar's neck."

"It's a beautiful guitar," whispered Kira, and Sky nodded. "Father used to say I would learn nothing from his influence alone and was very adamant about having you all present throughout our lives, not only mine. Syd grew up with your music, Kira, and once Z joined us, she also became a big fan. Syd is also very fond of gymnastics, and Z prefers to learn about paleontology. Jack became interested in physiology, Bridge is all over technology and art, and I'm more into music and development of projects."

Sky smiled softly, touching his guitar, and felt Kira's hand there. He looked at her, feeling parts of his father coming back as they both made Conner more present in this room, and Sky could feel himself getting attached to her and the rest of the team, just like his father said.

"How did you become Conner's son?" asked Kimberly, bringing Sky back to reality. Sky chuckled, touching the fire Bennu on his guitar softly. "I was told that in his time as Rangers, and while he had some kind of dysfunctional family back home, he found three mentors that helped him achieve things he would have never dreamed of. He said one mentor taught patience, as she always heard him. His other mentor taught him to think twice, be more empathetic with the people around him, as she was made to help others. And there was a third one, Father considered a father figure, that taught him all he knew about leadership, honor, and greatness."

There was a moment of silence before Sky took a deep breath. "He said he saw potential in me to face the challenges the future may have in store for me and that he wanted to help me by teaching me all he learned from you three: Hayley, Kimberly, and Tommy. He said if he could pass on to me half of the things he learned from you, I would be the best Ranger ever seen."

The three mentors chuckled, tears in their eyes as they noticed Sky's gentle words with them. It was evident he knew a lot about them but they knew nothing about him or his life with Conner. But looking at the young SPD Ranger, they noticed that Sky inherited some of Conner's gestures. His smile was similar and the shy look in his eyes almost reflected Conner.

"When I developed my powers and became Blue Ranger he was so happy, he cried," said Sky, looking at Ethan. "He said I reminded him of you and like you, my job as Ranger is to work in the shadows, being the mind of the team and sometimes, smack some sense into Jack when he gets too carried away."

"I did that too," whispered Ethan, and Sky nodded, showing Ethan his power as he covered him and Kira with a shield. In response, Ethan covered his skin with his Dino Power and watched the similarities. "Father knew it took you a while to get used to not triggering your powers. The same happened to me, so he taught me the techniques you used the best he could. Now I can use my shield to keep my team safe, and I learned from you."

"I see… thank you, Sky," said Ethan, bumping his fist with the young man. "Your father was a great man, and he became my first friend along with Kira. I will never forget that, and I want you to know you don't have to hesitate. I'm here for you; all of us are."

"Thank you. I'm not very good at this, but I appreciate it," said Sky, and then he looked at Trent, chuckling. "Father did say that part reminded him of you, but in his words, I understood there is no one else he would leave his team to lead than you, Trent. Father told me your story, in many ways similar to mine, and he said one of the reasons he was so adamant to help me at the start was because he always regretted not doing more for you when you were suffering."

Trent looked away, making an effort not to cry. There was a time where he thought he and Conner could never be friends, and then something changed. He took the lead, and Trent followed with no questions asked. He fought for him despite his doubts, gave it all to help save his father, and now Trent discovers he trusted him enough to leave people precious to him in his charge.

"He is still an idiot," said Trent, looking at Sky with a chuckle. "But he has given you everything my father couldn't when I became a Ranger, and I promise you, Sky, that I will do the same for you if you need me."

Sky chuckled as if he was expecting that answer and nodded. Finally, he looked at the woman holding his hand. Sky didn't know what was going through her mind, and he was terrified of what she could think of the idea of being Conner's adopted son, but all he needed was a smile, and he felt relief washing over him.

"Kira is like a volcano, kid. She can be calm, silent, observing the situation, or she can explode and send us all into a roller coaster. I've never seen something like her, and I'm thankful somehow, she ended up falling in love with me too."

"He loved you very much… well, he loves you very much as his presence is still here, all over the Academy," said Sky, and Kira nodded, stroking Sky's cheek. "Now I have a girlfriend too, but it was Father who convinced me to tell her my feelings. He said he spent years being an idiot and it took him learning you disappeared to help the Overdrive Rangers to understand he couldn't let you go. It was thanks to your story I was able to confess, and it made my life ten times better since then."

"Love can do that to you, and he wasn't the only one blind, even if it took me a lot less time to understand what was going on," said Kira, smiling at the young Ranger. "I remember we talked about having kids at some point not long after Jake became a Megaforce Ranger. We saw him train and fight, and while part of us was scared to see our own kid being a Ranger or if he or she would have powers like us, I was looking forward to it, and I know Conner felt the same way…"

Sky looked down, ready for the rejection, but he was surprised when Kira made him look up to her again. "I never expected to be asleep inside a crystal for eleven years or having a grown-up son now. I always thought that no matter what, Conner would be right there by my side, like he has been since we became Dino Rangers. But life has changed, the future is different, and I… if you allow me, Sky, I would like to know you more and maybe let me be your mother in the same way Conner was your father."

Sky took a few minutes to analyze what was being told to him, showing a dumbfounded expression that made the whole team chuckle because it was unmistakable Conner. "You want to be my mother?" asked Sky, still dumbfounded.

Kira smiled, stroking his cheek. "Of course. You are the last piece of Conner and hold everything he was in you. We have a long road, Sky, but nothing would make me happier than to be your mother."

Sky nodded quickly before surprising Kira with a hug. For someone who didn't show many emotions, Sky was a different man right now, much more relaxed, and Kira understood that this was a weight he had been carrying for a long time. He was scared of their reaction, but there was nothing to be scared of. He was Conner's son, and she could feel her protective instinct for this young man already growing inside her.

This was her son too.

"Now, I'm going to guess and say your girlfriend is the Pink Ranger, Syd?" asked Kira, making Sky jump back. "I want to meet her."

"I…" said Sky and then laughed, remembering his father's words. "Father did say you would want to know her. He called it being overprotective."

"Being a mother is what it's called," said Kira, smiling at him. "But I will let her be free for now, just keep in mind I want to know my son's girl." Sky nodded and then got up, putting the guitar back in its place.

"We should go back. There is a lot more you need to see, and apparently, there are things I have to see too," said Sky.

The Dino Rangers nodded, but before Sky could walk to the door, they all tackled him, giving him a hug that made him laugh. Conner was gone, that was true, but Sky was there, and with him, there was a part of Conner that would never leave.

While the pain was still there, it made things a little bit easier.

-L-

SPD Academy (2025) – Meeting Room

Meanwhile, Bridge laughed when RoboKnight tried to put his hair straight. There was no arguing with the robot, who took his job of looking after Jake's son and the other SPD Rangers very seriously. RoboKnight pointed at Z before she could steal a cookie and looked at Jack, who stopped laughing when he saw RoboKnight acting like a worried grandmother.

"I'm still a protector of Earth, young man," said RoboKnight, and Jack stopped laughing, understanding the meaning of those words.

"Dude is this the same robot we met at the Megaforce Command Room?" asked Max, surprised.

"I am, Wild Force Ranger, but I have a duty. I promised Jake, Conner, and Mike I would look after the SPD Rangers, and that's what I will do," said RoboKnight, shaking his head when he saw Bridge's hair could not be tamed. "Maybe I should try with electricity."

"No!" said Bridge, raising his hands. "No need, last time I touched something with electricity, papa had to come bring me down from a tree, remember?"

"True," said RoboKnight, and he made a sound like a chuckle. "He laughed so hard seeing your face he almost passed out."

Bridge laughed. He remembered that day. It was a break between fights when Z chimed in, laughing. "Oh, your papa was so funny. Remember when he used to make gestures being Chancellor Crock? He was so funny."

"Who is Chancellor Crock?" asked Carlos, and Z laughed, still remembering her Commander before answering. "Chancellor Crock comes from a planet on the far side of the Universe. He believed we were inferior because we weren't taking down the Dark Ranger as fast as we should, so Commander Scott used to make faces behind him when he came to visit. It was a challenge to keep our faces serious those times."

"Yes," said Bridge, smiling.

"Tell us more about it," said Zhane before Karone gave him an affectionate look that was supposed to be serious. "C'mon, babe, that's my legacy right there."

"Oh yeah, he told us you were the one who answered the question, 'Where should we kick a monster when the situation is desperate?'" asked Bridge.

"The nuts," answered the other SPD Rangers, including Sky, who had come back with the Dino Rangers. That got a victory dance from Zhane while the other Rangers laughed. It seemed that despite the hard times, they managed to have good moments too, and these young Rangers were now holding onto those moments.

"It seems you had fun," said Gia, and Bridge looked at her, nodding. "There were times for everything. It wasn't always easy, but at least in our childhood, we managed to be ourselves as we discovered our powers and trained, right, Syd?"

Syd nodded, and Sky walked towards her. It was evident now to the Dino Rangers who Syd was to Sky, and Syd got a knowing smile from Kira before Sky hugged Syd, leaving a kiss on her head. He knew she was shy and mostly scared of getting near the Samurai Rangers, but he was sure they would love her as much as Mike did.

She was the SPD Princess, after all.

"So, RoboKnight, you made a promise and guard all the SPD Rangers?" asked Xander from where he was playing with his morpher.

"Yes, Mystic Ranger, it is one of my duties along with being Earth's ambassador. They tend to be as troublesome as the Rangers were. It seems they got that from them," said RoboKnight, making all the SPD Rangers roll their eyes. "But they are very good Rangers."

"We get in trouble? Papa is the king of…" started Bridge before RoboKnight stopped him. "Your father was problematic, but you follow his path pretty well, young Bridge. Or do I need to remind you how many times you had to use my battlizer?"

"You use RoboKnight's battlizer?" asked Noah, surprised. "Like Jake?"

"Yeah, well, I'm not the only one. The battlizer divides into five parts, one for each one of us," said Bridge, giving Kat Manx a smile.

"I only did what I was asked and allowed to do," said Kat, touching RoboKnight's arm. "He has been protecting these kids since their very first mission together, even when Jack and Sky did nothing but argue with each other."

Sky and Jack shared an annoyed look at each other that made Trent laugh, reminding him of his interactions with Conner. RoboKnight took a step towards them, and the two Rangers smiled brightly to show they were actually friends, which made the Robot stop.

"Very well."

As soon as RoboKnight turned around, Sky and Jack shared another look, and the rest of their team chuckled. Meanwhile, seeing Syd standing beside Sky, Emily looked at her slightly confused because normally, in these interactions, Syd should be more talkative. Yet she was mostly silent, so being the good-hearted person she was, Emily was sure Syd was trying to make herself small and decided to approach her.

"Hi, Syd, right? Are you alright?" asked Emily, making sure the others were distracted. Bridge and Sky seemed to notice, especially Sky because he felt Syd tense in his arms. But he looked at her and smiled, allowing her to go to Emily while he and Bridge continued to entertain the Rangers.

"Hi, yes, sorry about being silent. It's just… the boys like to take the stand too much," said Syd.

Emily nodded, looking at Bridge making everyone laugh. "He is just like Jake."

"Yes," said Syd. "It is good to have moments like this. For a long time, there was nothing but sadness here, and it is good to see some happiness."

Emily nodded. She wasn't sure why, but she was drawn to the girl beside her. Syd wasn't innocent, not like Emily was when she first became a Samurai Ranger, but she still had that dreamy look in her eyes when she looked at Sky. And now that she remembered, Emily was sure she saw Syd touching Mike's Masamune.

"You can wield Mike's sword, right?" asked Emily, and Syd looked at her surprised. "Yeah, it takes some work, but I can touch it sometimes."

Then, to her surprise, Emily and the other Samurai watched their zords come together around Syd. They seemed to be familiar with her, and she treated them like they would. Syd petted the lion and kissed the dragon. She allowed the turtle to sit in her lap, and finally, the ape and the bear both stood in her hands. It was clear now that she had a connection to them, and when Emily looked down, she could see it in Syd's eyes, even if they didn't say a word to each other.

"You…" whispered Emily, and Syd nodded, while a tear ran down her face. "I'm sorry. I should have told you, but I was so scared and I…"

There was nothing else to say when Emily gave her a tight hug that brought tears to the SPD Pink Ranger's eyes. Around them, the room became silent as a knowing look went from Gia to Kira, both having the same experience Emily was having right now. Meanwhile, Sky stood near them, and the rest of the SPD team watched the scene with soft smiles.

"You had nothing to be scared of, Syd," said Emily, looking at her, marveled by the beauty in front of her. "You are so pretty. I can't believe it!"

"What is going on?" whispered Antonio, and Emily looked at him with a big smile. "Just like Bridge was Jake's son, Syd is Mike's. You know I'm right! Look at her with the zords and her being able to use Mike's sword. It is her!"

It took a full minute for the Samurai Rangers to understand what that meant, and then they quickly ran towards Syd, engulfing her in a hug as the SPD Pink Ranger finally found her home. Surrounded by laughter, Syd looked towards the door where she could see a shadow of her dad, smiling at her as he always knew this could be the result.

"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Tori, looking now at Bridge and Syd taking their side by the Megaforce and Samurai Rangers. They quickly connected Sky's lineage as they saw him sit with the Dino Rangers.

"Dad always said you guys would accept us, but it has been a long time, and there are so many things you still don't know. We were scared you wouldn't want to know anything about us," confessed Syd, and Emily shook her head.

"That would never happen. You are Mike's daughter, and we will always be here for you. I will always be here for you. I promise."

"Same with all of you," said Jayden, giving the other Rangers a nod. "You are part of us and this legacy, and we couldn't be prouder."

The acceptance in all the Rangers' eyes was enough to bring tears to the three SPD Rangers, who finally found their place in these families. Meanwhile, Kat Manx pushed Z and Jack forward, smiling at them. "These two are also part of the family."

"Of course they are. Come here, you two," said Ashley, bringing Jack and Z close. "Welcome home!"

"Welcome home!" cheered everyone.

They were finally home, and if they had looked closely, they would have seen Masamune, the Dino Gem, and the recorder glowing softly in their colors, like an acceptance of this new future opening in front of them through these stories.

-L-

SPD Academy (2025) – Museum

Meanwhile, in another part of the Academy, Cruger received a message and smiled. He was happy to know his Rangers were finally opening up when he saw Tommy and Kimberly join the rest of the group as they approached one of the rooms.

"Rangers, you must know that all your experiences were documented for future references. Thanks to the preserving efforts of the Commander and his guardians, we were able to study your experiences, providing us with an extended knowledge of enemies and weapons that made the Space Patrol Delta Academy a reference throughout the Universe," said Cruger with a soft smile. "Here is where we keep everything."

Cruger opened the door of the next location and, once they were in, they found two men there, reading several documents. Both sets of Rangers, original and Zeo, shared a surprised look as the men looked up to them and got up.

"Oh my God…" said one of the men.

"You are back!"

The men ran, one hugging Billy while the other threw himself at Jason and Tommy. Bulk and Skull seemed so happy to see them that for a long moment, the Rangers stood there, paralyzed until the two men took a step back, noticing Cruger.

"Sorry, Commander?" said Skull. "Is there anything we can do for you?"

"There is no need to be so formal, guys. The Rangers are learning about everything they missed, and I wanted to show them the museum. Would you be our guides?" asked Cruger.

"Sure!" said Bulk, still hugging Billy. "C'mon, there is much to show."

The Rangers, still confused, followed Cruger, Bulk, and Skull into the room only to find all their equipment, the same ones they used for years: replicas of their suits, weapons, descriptions of them with pictures and battles, even mini versions of their zords. Cruger brought them to one section, but it was clear there were many others, probably showcasing the other Rangers.

Yet, this seems quite different.

"With Jake's knowledge, Conner's research, and Mike's building skills, we were able to create the biggest database in Power Ranger's history," explained Skull, turning on the lights to show the replicas light up with each Ranger color. "Mike designed the container for the replicas to preserve them in perfect state so the students could have a chance to see the powers you wielded once upon a time."

"Conner's research for his classes allowed them to fill the museum not only with suits, equipment, and zords. It also brought your actions and contributions to keep the Universe safe, which inspired a lot of cadets here," said Bulk. "We were asked by them and little Jake to move here years ago to help and preserve this place."

"So, you have been here… all this time?" asked Adam, surprised.

"Yes, our job here is to help cadets when they come here looking for a piece of history. We also guide them through the many aspects of your duties. It is not easy, but it's fun to see others light up when we talk about the famous Power Rangers and how everything started," said Bulk.

As the Rangers walked around their section, they could see stories about their fights against Goldar or Rita… against King Mondo and Queen Machina, their efforts along with their mentors until they noticed something in the center of the museum. It was three containers that inside, had the morphers of the three Rangers that made all this possible.

"We didn't want to make replicas as many kids knew them personally," explained Cruger as Skull lit up the containers. "Skull and Bulk did a good job along with Kat's team to restore most of the morphers and equipment, but this is the last we have of them."

Jason took a step towards his son's morpher, shining under the soft white light. On each side, there was his Megaforce morpher and his Super Megamode morpher, all of them proving he was here and he fought for this Universe as much as all of them did before him.

He felt Kat hug him, and he looked down at her. Jason was not a man of many words lately; feeling the loss of his only son was a devastating blow for him. But everywhere he looked in this academy, he could see him here, a constant presence for everyone. He chuckled as a tear ran down his cheek.

"My boy is a legend," whispered Jason, and Kat nodded, looking up to him. "He is, and he never forgot us just like we will never forget him."

"I didn't want this, Kat. I wanted him to have a normal life," whispered Jason, touching the container where Jake's morphers were.

"I know, Jase, look at me," said Kat, and Jason looked down at her, sadness present in his face as she stroked his cheek tenderly. "This was Jake's choice. Everything he did here, everything he was… it is here, and he's a hero. He saved many people with his choices and everything we taught him. He saved us, and despite the pain, I know there is a part of you that couldn't be prouder of that."

"I am… I am very proud of him," said Jason, taking a deep breath. "He really was our baby Ranger, wasn't he?"

Kat nodded and put her head back on his shoulder while Jason took a look around the room. Tommy and Kimberly were quietly whispering comforting words to each other near the container of Conner's morpher, and Billy, Rocky, Zack, Aisha, and Tanya were around Mike's morpher and the other armors, talking to Bulk and Skull about how this all was created.

The only one silent was Adam until Cruger approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder. The veteran Black and Green Ranger looked at him and took a deep breath. "Sorry, I was thinking."

"I know. It seems there is much here that catches your attention," said Cruger, and Adam nodded, standing near the container with his own armor replica as Green Zeo Ranger. "Yes, it's just… I taught Jake Ranger history, and now Conner is doing the same for other cadets, and Mike took the time to learn, and I… don't know, it makes me feel closer to them."

"I can see that, and that's why they wanted you to run this museum when you woke up, Adam," said Cruger, surprising Adam. "Jake never forgot you were an important part of his learning, and he wanted you to continue teaching others. That's why you have a position here, being the director of the museum and helping Bulk and Skull in preserving the memory of the Power Rangers for the next generations."

Adam was left speechless as Cruger presented him with the keys to the museum. When he looked at them, he was overcome with emotion as he could see the keychain had a mix of all his stages as Power Ranger: the symbol of the Mastodon and the Frog, a Green Zeo Crystal, and his Turbo zord. It was all there, as if this was always meant to be for him.

He realized it was or at least, that was what Jake, Conner, and Mike had in mind. He nodded, looking up to Cruger with tears in his eyes. "Thank you."

Cruger didn't say anything when the veteran Ranger hugged him, but he could see Adam was deeply touched by this gift, and he was unable to stop himself from returning the hug, feeling his own emotion taking momentary control of him before Cruger took a deep breath, reminding himself someone here had to be calm and think clearly.

Once Adam calmed down, the two noticed the other Rangers around them. They were smiling, clearly hearing what Cruger told Adam, and the Green Ranger returned to his team, receiving hugs and pats on the back from his friends before Cruger chuckled. "It is time to go back. We still have much to see."

Cruger started to walk towards the door, but he was stopped by Rocky. "Thank you for showing us all this, Commander. You don't know what it means to us."

Cruger nodded. "I know, Rocky. We were lucky to spend eleven years with them. It is only fair you get to see everything that happened since you fell under the Dark Ranger's spell until now and how much your loss affected and inspired them. All those feelings went to our cadets, and they now hold the powers that once were yours to continue keeping the Universe safe."

Rocky and the other Rangers nodded, feeling that all their work paid off in the form of this Academy. It had pieces of them scattered through the walls, telling stories about their life and their fight, and all of them told by three men that now are the legacy of many others.

As they said goodbye to Bulk and Skull and closed the door of the Museum, the Rangers felt for the first time that all the years of sacrifice brought them to this moment where something bigger was created, something that held not only power but peace and love.

Even if it wasn't enough to heal them. It made them feel better to know they live in a future like this.