The team made their way back to the old theatre to celebrate their victory. After Colin managed to sneak back in through the back door, the others arrived just as word reached the patrons of the theatre that the bizarre phenomenon that plunged the neon city into near total darkness in the middle of the afternoon had passed. Watching the final scenes of his Uncle's performance from the deserted upper balcony, the teens took the time to rejoice in the accomplishment of destroying Darksoul once and for all.

"So is there any booze at the after party?" Scott asked.

"Oh yeah!" Charisma laughed as she remembered the first time she had been to one of the theatre's after parties and gotten completely hammered when she confused the fruit punch with orange juice.

"There'll be plenty to drink." Colin reassured him. "As long as we don't get too out of hand, he'll have no problem with us joining the rest of the crew."

The night wore on as the teenagers talked and joked about their adventures. It somehow didn't seem real that they would no longer have to rush off at a moment's notice, or sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of the world.

"So what do we do now?" Colin asked as he looked around, noting the last of the heavily drunk actors leaving the theatre.

"I don't know." Dippy commented. "I guess we do what all normal teenagers do."

"Which is?" Charisma joked, leaning in closely to Colin, resting her head on his shoulder. "I don't think anyone could exactly have called us 'normal'. Even before the whole Ranger thing."

"Well rumour has it that normal teenagers actually get to spend time dating their girlfriends." Scott remarked with a laugh. "Which reminds me. Strictly speaking I haven't asked you out yet, have I?"

"Not yet." Dippy recalled.

"Want to catch a movie tomorrow?" He asked.

"No." She teased him, leaving him a little crestfallen. "We've already agreed to go round to Dr. O's for the celebration dinner tomorrow, remember?"

"Oh, right." He stammered.

"I'm free the next night." She reminded him. "Maybe we can go out then."

"Well I wouldn't mind some time to have a date." Colin mused, looking into Charisma's beautiful face. "I also heard somewhere that normal teenagers get to spend time studying and worrying about graduating."

"I also heard that it's in the rulebook that teenagers get to worry about how they'll afford a formal outfit for the prom." Charisma giggled. "I believe it's a small chapter, somewhere in the back."

"Jeez, I never even thought about the prom." Colin stated. "I guess I better start thinking about who I'm going to ask." Charisma blushed a little as he said this and nudged him in the ribs, forgetting she had elbowed him hard earlier, bruising them.

"Oh god, I'm sorry!" She sscreeched as she noted the pained expression on his face.

"I guess I'm doomed to being the victim of domestic violence." He joked. With that, he pulled her across to his chair and held her tightly. "I guess I can live with that." With that, he kissed her deeply, and they both became oblivious to the presence of the others.

"I think I'm going to need another drink if I have to watch this for the rest of the night." Scott remarked sarcastically. "Dippy, could you get me another drink?"

She concentrated on the case of beer on the stage a short way from where they sat, but found to her confusion that nothing happened.

"Guys, I couldn't lift the beer." She informed them, trying again. "I think I've lost my powers."

Charisma tried to ignite her hands, but just like Dippy found that nothing happened. "I can't use my powers either." She replied.

The mood in the room suddnely changed as they all tried again to use their powerrs to no avail. They didn't feel like laughing anymore.

The following evening, they made their way quietly to Tommy's house. He had told them to come to his house for dinner to de-brief them and to give them a little time to celebrate. He knew more than most the sacrifices they'd had to make during their time as Rangers. As Kira let them in, she could already tell that something was troubling their young charges.

"Dr. O, we tried to use our powers last night." Charisma told him as he entered the room, carrying some home-made lemonade. "Nothing happened."

"Yeah, you told us that you and Mrs. Oliver kept your secondary powers when you lost the Dino Ranger powers." Scott chipped in. "What's the deal?"

"In our case the Dino Gem powers combined with our DNA, fundamentally changing our genetic code. That's why we still have those abilities." He told them sitting down. "Unlike the Dino Gems, the Soulfire Crystal actually resided inside you."

"So what are you saying?" Colin asked.

"My theory is that the power always did reside in the Soulfire Crystal." He explained. "When you sacrificed the Crystal, the powers were destroyed along with it."

"So you mean it really is over." Dippy sighed a little sadly. "We're really back to normal."

"No." Tommy explained. "This experience has changed all of you. Even without your Ranger powers, your lives have changed in ways you would never have been able to imagine. Your lives will never be the same. They'll be better than you could have hoped."

"It's so wierd." Charisma commented. "When I first got these powers, when I first got all these responsibiilities thrust on me, I hated it." She brushed her hair from her face and leant a little closer to him. "I felt like...like I didn't ask for all of this. I felt like I had my life taken away from me, like I couldn't live my life anymore because someone else just woke up and decided 'hey, guess what? You're a super hero, prepare to have your entire life taken up fighting some guy who'll try to kill you at every turn because of these powers you never even asked for'."

"And now?" Tommy asked her, already knowing what she was going to say next.

"Now it's over, I really miss it." She concluded.

"It's just like, how are we ever meant to go back to a normal life now?" Colin asked. "We've seen and done so much in these last few months, and now we have nothing."

"It's a mourning process." Tommy told them. "I've been through this more times than anyone, I know what it feels like. I felt it every single time."

"It just seems really depressing to think we'll never do anything like this again." Scott interjected.

"I've now been a Ranger on and off for the better part of fifteen years." Tommy told them. "In all that time, I've learned two things. Never say never, and nothing is impossible. If fate has it in mind for you, you will be Rangers again."

"So what do we do now?" Colin asked.

"Well the French Onion soup should be ready by now." He remarked. "Personally, I say we eat."

They moved through to the kitchen, taking their seats around the table. As she sat down, Dippy noticed something odd in Kira's purse, sitting on the kitchen counter.

"Mrs. Oliver, what's that envelope?" She asked, pointing to the package barely visible sticking out of the bag.

"That's the package Barry's lawyer gave me at the funeral." She answered, pulling it out. "With everything that's happened recently, I completely forgot about it."

She opened the package, tipping the contents onto the counter. Inside was a car key, an envelope and a DVD with the words 'play me first'. Written on it.

"Give me a second would you?" Kira said, moving through to the living room as the others began their first course. She loaded the DVD into the player and pressed play. She couldn't help but shed a tear as Barry appeared on the screen, sitting in his office.

"Hello Sparky." He began. "Obviously if you're watching this, then I'm no longer in the land of the living. Sucks for me right?" Kira nodded her head as he said this. He had only been dead a couple of weeks, but she already missed him dreadfully. "Anyway, I know you better than you'd like to think, so I know you'll most likely have skipped the reading of my will. Naughty naughty Sparky. Anyway, I just wanted to discuss a bit of business and let you know the short, non-lawyer speak version of what happened. Needless to say, my money's been split among my surviving family, but I did leave you and Tommy a little something."

"I'd prefer having you back." She breathed gently.

"I know Tommy always liked my beamer, so surprise!" He threw his arms open wide as he yelled this with enthusiasm." The car key is in the package. He can pick it up from my lawyer whenever he likes." He moved a little closer to the camera, leaning on is desk as his expression became a little more serious. It was uncharacteristic of him to take anything seriously, so this caught Kira's attention. "As for you Kira." He began. He only ever called her kira when he was talking about something important. "You are by far the most amazing person I've ever met. Ever since I signed you, you have never failed to amaze me. You have come through every challenge put in front of you, which is why I know you'll be able to handle this. Open the envelope."

She opened it, and pulled out the document, almost collapsing as she realised what it was.

"That's the ownership deeds to Goldsteins." He confirmed. "That's right Kira, I'm giving you my company. I know you'll make me proud Kira."

With that, the screen went blank as the message ended. Kira made her way through to the kitchen worldlessly, tears in her eyes as she came back to the table.

"What is it?" Tommy asked her. "What's upset you like this?"

Kira handed Tommy the deed as she sat down. "Barry left it to me in his will." She told him. "He gave me his company. What do I know about producing?"

"He wouldn't have given it to you if he didn't have confidence in you." Tommy reassured her. "You'll be fine."

The assembled party then raised their glasses in a toast to Barry's memory as they enjoyed the rest of their evening.

Charisma admired herself in the mirror as she tried on a flowing red off-the-shoulder ball gown for the Prom that evening. She knew she should really be getting ready for the graduation ceremony, but even she had to admit enjoying the difference it made to her usual appearance. Her father knocked the door gently, opening it and coming in. Standing behind her, he couldn't help but admire his daughter as she stood there.

"You look beautiful." He told her.

She turned to him, looking into his face. They still didn't see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but in the last few months, things had begun to thaw between them a little. The screaming matches were less frequent, and now they actually talked about things instead of just carelessly throwing hurtful words at each other. "Thanks dad." She whispered. "I really apreciate it. I'm sorry for all the things I've said to you. I know I haven't been the easiest person to live with."

"We were all hurting honey." He told her. "I know I didn't deal with things that well either. I may not understand the things you do, or the way you think, but I just want you to know that I'm proud of you."

The two hugged briefly, taking comfort in the beginnings of their reconciliation. "Get ready for the ceremony." He told her. "I'll be waiting."

She arrived at the school, finding Scott and Dippy enjoying a warm hug. She came over to them with a bright smile on her face, her graduation robe flapping madly around her as she ran.

"Do you two ever let up?" She asked.

"This is a celebration thing." Scott told her. "Dippy made valedictorian!"

"That's amazing, I knew you'd do it!" Charisma shrieked. "Has anyone seen Colin?"

"He's helping with the decorations for the prom." Dippy informed her. "So, what's the plans for after graduation?"

"Colin got himself a bike, and we've decided to take a year or two to travel." She told them with a grin, trying hard to hide her face.

"I thought you lost your powers." Scott commented.

"I have." She said a little confused.

"Well you still seem to be the RED ranger!" He laughed, pointing out her blushes. Charisma drove a fist into his chest playfully as she laughed back.

"Hey guys." Tommy greeted them from the driver's seat of the beamer. "Aren't you waiting inside?"

"Since you're giving the opening address, we figured we had time to kill." Dippy told him.

"Hey, Dippy, I heard from my colleague at the teacher training college that you've been accepted, congratulations."

"Thanks Dr. O." She replied. "I'm really looking forward to it."

"Please, call me Tommy." He told them. "You've all earned it. Anyway, when you graduate, give me a call. I can always do with good teachers here."

"I will." She responded.

"How about you Scott?" Tommy asked. "Have you decided what you're doing yet?"

"Well, my results came out a little better than expected, so I'm going to College to get some more qualification." He began. "I'm hoping that next year I cna begin training as a grief councellor."

"Scott, I know that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." Tommy told him. "Anyway, inside you three, I'll just park the car and then we can get started with the ceremony."

The ceremony seemed to blur past without incident, and the teenagers rushed home to get ready for the Prom. Colin arrived at Charisma's house to pick her up. Kira had leant him the use of the limo for a couple of hours, thinking it was unwise to allow him to use his motorcycle to run Charisma to the prom. He had joked that he couldn't have anyway, since he'd be wearing a kilt outfit and refused to be seen riding side-saddle.

"You must be Colin." Charisma's dad greeted him warmly. "I've heard so much about you."

"All good I hope." He joked, stepping inside.

"Any man my little girl sees fit to date must be a good person." He replied. "I haven't always said so, but I know her judgement's usually pretty good."

"I'm ready." She announced, coming down the stairs. Colin couldn't catch his breath as she came over to him.

"WOW...You look...Amazing!" He finally forced out. She kissed him gently with a small giggle.

"You look quite pretty in that skirt too." She joked. She knew damn fine it was a kilt, and that it was traditional formal wear in Scotland, but she knew it would wind him up.

"Don't start that crap." He chuckled as he presented her with a corsage. "The limo's waiting."

"Have fun." Her father yelled as he watched them go.

The prom was already in full swing when they arrived. They found Scott and Dippy slow-dancing to "Lady in Red" when they got to the party.

"Want a drink?" Colin asked.

"Fruit punch." Charisma told him. "Try it for me first though OK?"

"I'll make sure it isn't spiked." He told her. He made his way over to the refreshments table where Brad, his nose now surgically repaired to his pre-injury state, stood swaying slightly, clearly drunk.

"Good night?" Colin asked sarcastically, noting his state.

"Mind your own business paddy!" He spat aggressively, re-filling his cup with fruit punch. Colin made a mental note that it definately was spiked.

"I already explained this." Colin told him. "But obviously some people never learn. Enjoy the rest of your night."

"You think your better than me, don't you?" He roared, standing as upright as he could in his condition.

"Frankly, Yes!" Colin answered. "You're an idiot, and always will be. Have a nice life Brad."

As he turned to leave, Brad grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him back round before swinging a massive punch. Colin ducked, cuasing Brad to miss him, and instead strike Coach Andrews squarely in the face.

"I think it's time you went home." Tommy commented, grabbing Brad and pointing to the door. Brad stormed out of the gym in a foul mood.

As the evening wore on, the four friends shared fond memories of what was to each of them, a very memorable year. Tommy got onto the stage, taking his position by the microphone.

"It's the speech!" Dippy yelped with excitement. She was about to rush to the stage to get a closer view, but Colin stopped her.

"I would watch from back here if I were you." He said with a knowing wink.

"I'd just like to say that this has been an amazing year." Tommy said with pride as he looked out over the graduating class. "We've all been through some really difficult times, and many challenges lie ahead for each and every one of you. But I want to say that I have faith in all of you. Congratulations."

A round of applause filled the theatre, and many of the students cheered. Tommy looked up to the nets full of balloons hanging above the gym. Grabbing a chord, he prepared to release them.

"Anyway, enjoy the rest of the night." He concluded, pulling the chord. With that, the balloons come down, though the ones above the stage plummeted much more quickly, drenching Dr. O as they burst upon impact.

"I told you." Colin said with a far-from-innocent look on his face.

The following morning, Colin and Charisma stopped outside Dr. O's house, dismounting from the bike and approaching their assembled friends.

"Good luck you two." Kira said, hugging them both. "I know you'll have a great time."

"We plan to." Colin stated. "If we make good time, we should be in New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras."

"Well just remember to check in once in a while." Scott told him.

"We will." Charisma responded.

"Anyway, before you go, there's something I want to give you." Tommy told them.

"What's that?" Colin asked as charisma slowly side-stepped away. Suddenly, Kira, Dippy, Scott and Tommy all pulled water balloons from behind their backs and bombarded Colin with them.

"Payback's a bitch isn't it?" Tommy laughed. "Anyway, seriously. Have a great trip. Let us know when you're back in town."

"You know it Dr. O." Colin said, pulling on his helmet and getting back on the bike. Charisma took her place behind him. "We'll see you guys later."

With that, they blasted down the freeway. Colin took the time to skid to a halt by the sign which read 'You are now leaving fabulous las vegas.'

"It's strange you know." He said, pulling off his helmet and looking back at the neon city. "I never wanted to come here, but now that we're leaving it seems wierd."

"I know what you mean." Charisma told him. "I guess all that's left to do is find new adventures."

"I guess so." Colin answered as he replaced his helmet and gunned the engine, taking them into the unknown.

Fin.

Well there it is. Everything turned out alright for everyone in the end. I always thought it would be an interesting challenge to write my own "series", and I enjoyed seeing how it turned out. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed, especially the ones who commented on my O/Cs. It's good to know they were well received. On that note, another thanks to SSJ-Jolt for co-creating the character of Scott with me. It's the first time I've ever done a collaberative effort with anyone, and I'm pleased with how it turned out. Anyway, no doubt I'll write something new soon, but please continue to enjoy and comment. If anyone wants to hear more from my O/Cs, feel free to tell me, I take it as a compliment.

Sincerely,

Knightwood