"This is about family."

Cam told himself as he stared in the mirror. Adjusting his kimono in the mirror, he remembered how this had always been the hardest part of the holiday.

Hard, but also important.

Every year since he was a child, this had been much of a Christmas tradition as hanging mistletoe, or putting up a tree. No matter what, Cam and his father had never let anything stand in the way of their annual task. Not even Lothor.

Nodding in approval at his reflection, Cam walked out of his bedroom. He knew this time, things were going to be different.

Everything was different now.

Approaching his grandfather's room, Cam tapped lightly on the door. "Grandfather?", he called out. "It's time."

The door slowly opened. Not surprising to Cam, Kanoi appeared in the doorway beside Hiro. He knew that including Hiro in this might be hard for the elderly man, since this is his first time making the trip. Cam had insisted though, and Hiro had agreed without hesitation.

Together, the three of them made their way down the stairs, silently making their way towards the exit. As they entered the doorway, Cam looked back at the scene in the living room. Marah and Kapri were trying to teach CyberCam to sing Christmas carols, while Blake and Tori were snuggling close on the nearby sofa. Nearby Shane and Dustin were going through Shane's CDS, attempting to help Mei Lien decide on the best one to play next. Everyone was so happy, and having a great time.

Then there was Hunter, whose eyes locked with Cam's the minute he saw him.

Cam had neglected to tell the others where they were going. He didn't want to disturb all the fun that everyone was having. He knew they would insist on going with Cam, especially Hunter. And after all they had all been through in the past year, they deserved this time to be happy.

Besides, this was about family.

Without a word, Cam turned and walked through the exit, catching up to his father and grandfather. Together the three men made their way into the forest behind the Academy. None of them said a word as they walked through the rows of trees. The journey always seemed so long to Cam, even when he was a child, walking along the same path with his father holding his hand. Given the events of the past year, Cam was glad for the distance. It meant things would remain undisturbed.

Finally, the three came out of the forest into a large open meadow, filled with lilacs. She had always loved lilacs, his father had told him on their first visit. Since then, Kanoi, and later Cam, always made sure there were lilacs growing here. The very scent reminded Cam of when he had finally met her in person. He smiled at the memory, still very fresh in his mind.

Walking through the field of lilacs, Cam and Kanoi lead Hiro to a large headstone. As they approached, Cam couldn't help but read the words carved into it.

"Merry Christmas, Mom." Cam said, kneeling in front of the stone. He felt the hands of his father and grandfather on each shoulder. He was glad for the support. This had always been the hardest part. But as much as Cam missed his mother, he knew, wherever she was, she was smiling. For the family that had come apart while she was alive, was finally coming back together. That was the best Christmas present he could have ever given to her.

Standing, Cam turned towards his father, and simply nodded. Kanoi knew that his son wanted to give them time alone. As the older men knelt together, Cam started to make his way back towards the woods. Looking up, he saw the last thing he expected to see.

Hunter.

"What are you doing here?" he asked quietly.

"I followed you." Hunter looked back. "I was worried."

"I know," Cam agreed. "And I'm sorry."

"It's Okay," Hunter told him. "If anyone can understand things like this, I can."

"Right," Cam had forgotten about Hunter losing both his parents. Looking back, he was even more grateful that his father and grandfather were in his life.

"Listen," Hunter said. "I won't intrude. I just wanted to make sure you got this." In his hands was a present, perfectly wrapped in green paper with a crimson bow.

Cam couldn't help but smirk. "You didn't wrap this yourself, did you?"

"Hey, it's the thought that counts," Hunter shot back. "Open it, will you?"

Cam complied and tore open the gift. In his hands was a picture of the six Rangers, taken on the day they had all graduated. Cam's Samurai Star symbol engraved into the frame.

Cam was speechless. "Hunter, I..."

Hunter just smiled. "Just something to remind you of your other family."

"Thank You." Cam smiled, pulling the elder Bradley into a hug. "This does mean a lot."

"Anytime." Hunter motioned over to Hiro and Kanoi. "I better go. We'll all be waiting for you when you're ready, okay?"

Cam nodded in agreement as he watched Hunter disappear into the woods. Turning back to his father and grandfather, Cam felt an overwhelming surge of happiness. He really was lucky.

As the three headed back to the Academy, Kanoi whispered to his son. "Perhaps next year, Cameron, you can invite Hunter to come with us."

Cam couldn't help but laugh. His father did always seem to have eyes in the back of his head. He was right though. Maybe next year, Hunter should meet his mother.

After all, this was about family.