Disclaimer: I don't own anything, only Ink and Alice who I created myself.

Ranger References: Features scenes from 'The End of Time Part 1' and 'The End of Time Part 2'. This is so hard to write, despite how much I've watched these episodes. Thanks for the great encouraging reviews guys, the end is finally in sight I'm afraid! U lot are all such shining stars! Author shout-outs at the end, hope you enjoy it.

This is dedicated to my White Time Ranger, for her constant support, kind loving words which brought me a little more into the light after great personal darkness and for reminding me that love isn't chosen, its destiny.

BREAKING US APART

The ground had begun shaking a few minutes before and hadn't stopped shaking since. Eric fought to maintain his balance, unsuccessfully trying to calm his mind to try and work out what was causing this. Alarms were blaring in headquarters and he had people yelling in his ear for instructions.

Ink, what the hell's going on?

What could be the end, Quantum Ranger. The Rangers are preparing to defend the city from an attack so strong and devastating that Alex has ordered them home. You are needed here and so are your Guardians to keep people safe.

"Dispatch squadrons to all destroyed areas," Eric barked into his mouthpiece. "Get all injured parties to hospitals and destroy all attacking Cyclobots, mutants or robots on sight. Help the Rangers in any way you can."

"Acknowledged and understood, sir."

"I'll be with one of the squadrons out there, Myers out."

Are you with them, Ink?

Yes, Eric. Alice and I may be needed and you will be too.

There was uncertainty and secrecy to her thoughts which made Eric pause as he made his way rapidly to the car lot outside the Guardians' HQ.

What is it? There's something you're not telling me.

The Red Ranger may be planning his own way to save the timeline. I believe he is planning to send the other Rangers back to where they came from whether they want to go or not. You are going to be needed here to save people, Eric and to aid Wes in his quest.

So it'll just be me and Wes?

And Alice and I. We will not leave you at such a critical time.

Are you telling me that me and Collins are going to be the only things in the way of this attack which could destroy the city?

Possibly.

"Commander! We're ready to go!" Squadron Leader Hayes called from the nearest vehicle which had a door open for Eric to get in and brought Eric crashing out of this nonplussed thoughts and straight into the strict regimented Guardian attack mode.

"Ok, everyone move out now!" barked Eric into his mouthpiece and at the packed vehicles in the car lot.

Instantly, SUVs raced out the concrete lot and Eric leapt into the passenger seat of his waiting vehicle. He had the distinct feeling he was in for the fight of his life.

Irrepressible feelings burbled inside Wes as he ran down the streets of Silver Hills with the other Rangers. He'd said goodbye to his father, told him he was proud to be his son. And he was. Now if only he could tell Jen how he felt before she left. Wes sighed; glad his Ranger helmet masked the sound. He hoped his plan worked and that it would mean the best friends he'd ever had would be safe back where they belonged. They'd told him they were staying here no matter what Alex had commanded but Wes didn't want to take that risk; he didn't want them to die. He stayed a little way off from the others, checking out the surrounding area. Silver Guardians were helping people into vehicles and fighting off Cyclobots which meant Eric had to be near somewhere. That was helpful at least. Wes knew he wouldn't be alone.

"Look, there's Q-Rex!" yelled Trip, getting Wes' attention.

"He's taking a beating!" added Katie.

Ink and Alice appeared in a dramatic gust of purple and silver smoke beside them and they all gazed upwards. Sure enough Eric's Zord towered above the already smouldering city and was fighting against an enormous robot. It didn't look like it was going too well.

"Oh no! And Alex can't sent the Megazord while those Time Holes are open!" gasped Trip.

The Time Holes were growing Wes noted worriedly. This could not be good. Then he noticed something flying through the sky, Circuit was on his way to see them. He only did that if something really important came up. Quickly Wes made his way over to the others.

"Rangers! Listen!" the mechanical owl said as he hovered into Trip's arms.

"What is it, Circuit?" asked Wes.

"Doomtron and the Q-Rex are both powered by Trizirium Crystals. Activating the crystals causes the vortexes to open," Circuit said quickly, his chest blinking showing he was double calculating things quickly.

"So you're saying the Q-Rex is only making things worse?" guessed Katie worriedly.

"Exactly! You've got to stop him before it's too late!" urged Circuit.

All Eric could see was destruction. Everywhere Guardians were taking people away from the carnage and buildings were crumbling. This city which had become his home was being blown apart. The Q-Rex wasn't faring much better against the Doomtron. Eric gritted his teeth and lifted his Morpher to his lips.

"Q-Rex…."

But before he could finish the command, a gloved hand yanked his arm out of voice range.

"Eric! Wait!"

It was Wes and the other Rangers. Ink and Alice stood patiently beside them; worry filled both of their eyes.

"What? Let go of me!" replied Eric, angrily pulling his arm back.

"Listen! You've got to stop the Q-Rex from fighting. The Trizirium Crystal that powers it is making the Time Holes open faster!" insisted Wes, desperation in his voice.

"What? Are you kidding me? You're crazy if you think I'm just gonna sit back and watch the city be destroyed!" answered Eric in disbelief. "Q-Rex! Attack!"

Ink just looked at him. No words of wisdom filled his mind, no one told him to stop. She stood unmoved, a mere spectator in what happened around her.

Ink, are you ok?

This is all out of my hands now, Quantum Ranger.

"Eric! You've got to listen! I'm right about this!" Wes tried again but Eric shrugged him off.

Suddenly the sky darkened and more whirling vortexes appeared in the sky.

"Huh? What's going on?" muttered Eric utterly confused.

There were still no answers from Ink and he watched as a small building was sucked whole up into one of the portals. Eric blinked, it had really gone. This would keep happening if he didn't call the Q-Rex off? But then without the Q-Rex was there any way they could win? Eric knew what he had to do.

"Look! It's gone!" gasped Katie.

"But more will come if you don't stop the Q-Rex! When they fight, they use Trizirium Crystals and that makes the Time Holes stronger," spoke up Circuit again.

"But without the Q-Rex, how can we win?" argued Eric.

"I don't know," Circuit replied sadly, shaking his head.

Eric! Look out Ink screamed in his head

Eric looked up only for a split second to see Doomtron blasting its weapons down at the Rangers. Instantly Eric flipped backwards, avoiding the blasts but the others weren't so lucky. When the smoke cleared, they all lay unmorphed and cut and bruised. Eric looked frantically for Ink and Alice. A second later, they rematerialised at his side.

"Thanks for the warning," he said out-loud.

Ink nodded, her skirts astonishingly clean and her face so calm. Eric turned his attention to the fallen Rangers who were slowly beginning to move.

"Until you have a better solution, there's only one hope of stopping that thing," Eric declared seriously.

Eric tapped a button on his Morpher and leapt high in the air, landing on the Q-Rex's head. Here he could give his Zord full power. Down below, he could just spot Ink and Alice.

We will not leave you, Quantum Ranger; we will stay here to help you

Be careful.

Alice will see to that.

Eric nodded once. The Rangers weren't going to help; it was all up to him. He was the only one who could do anything. He was going to be the hero.

The Rangers were on their feet and staring at the Time Holes growing and gaping dangerously above the city. All around them destruction and chaos ravaged what had become familiar to them. Wes glanced around. Ink was staring serenely at him. He had a fair idea that she knew what he was planning to do. She nodded once at him. Now was the time to act.

"Guys! I have an idea; we'll use the Time Ship!" Wes called quickly before he lost his nerve permanently.

"How?" asked Jen confused.

"I'll show you, come on!"

The Rangers started to move when Trip realised Ink and Alice had stayed put.

"Aren't you coming with us?" Trip asked, causing the others to slow and turn around as well.

Ink smiled prettily and walked slowly towards him, her skirts flapping in the dusty winds.

"No, Green Ranger, I must stay here to be by Eric's side. Today is the day he will need me most," she replied softly.

"And I'm staying with Ink, she'll need my protection today," added Alice firmly.

"Are you sure? It's really dangerous out here," asked Katie worriedly.

"Take heart, Rangers. When a team such as yours is nearby, there is always hope," Ink declared. "We will see you soon."

Wes frowned at her confused but the others nodded reassured. As they all turned to go, they heard Ink and Alice speak together.

"Good journey."

They turned just in time to see the end of the Eltarian gesture before the sisters began walking away towards where the battle had moved to. It was Jen's turn to frown this time and turned to Wes who stared hard at the ground.

"Doesn't she only say that when she's not going to see people again?" the Pink Ranger asked carefully before turning back to where Ink and Alice had gone. "Ink! Alice! What are you talking about!"

But the sisters were slowly fading from view, leaving behind wisps of purple and silver. Nothing more than memories. Wes was the first to recover, snapping his head up. Ink had given him a chance.

"Come on! We've got to get going!" he ordered quickly and began running off.

Lucas, Katie and Trip quickly began following him but Jen was the last one to leave, staring still at where Ink and Alice had been and puzzling over their words before realising she was alone and hurrying off after her team, her questions left unanswered.

They weren't there anymore. Eric tried to focus, hone his thoughts as he pressed another button on his Morpher which caused the Q-Rex to lurch forward again in an attempt to hit Doomtron. Ink and Alice had disappeared. He could just make out the other Rangers running off somewhere, probably to find their elusive solution to this destruction but his Guardian was nowhere to be seen.

Ink! Where are you!

Do not worry, Eric, I am nearby. Merely hiding to await when I shall be needed. Her voice was even and pleasant.

Don't scare me like that.

I am touched by your concern my Quantum Ranger but return to the job at hand, one that I cannot aid you in since Alice nor I have any knowledge concerning how to better Zord battles. These are Ranger matters. We will be here if needed on the ground.

A shudder from beneath him immediately gained Eric's full attention and Ink was instantly silent, her presence a ghost in his mind. Faintly he could still feel her and her encouraging smile. It made him a feel a little unknowably stronger and he was glad Alice couldn't read minds. With a smirk, he focused his attentions on Doomtron as it stormed towards him.

The Rangers dashed into the Time Ship and Wes practically launched himself at the control panels. The way he began frantically and efficiently pressing buttons unnerved the others, causing Katie to step forward.

"Wes, how do you know what those do?" she asked softly, confusion obvious on her face.

Wes didn't answer, continuing to focus on the buttons in front of him. He had to put in the right code; he had to get the sequence right. He was only vaguely aware of the others' presence behind him but Lucas' cool suspicious tones immediately got his attention.

"Come on, guys. Let's go."

Just at the right moment, there was a loud beep confirming the correct sequence had been inputted and a countdown appeared above the panel. Wes rapidly pulled the automatic pilot keycard out, shoving it into his pocket out of the others' sight and rushing to stand in front of them.

"Lucas!" Wes quickly plastered a smile on his face. "Whoa, hold on a minute there, Lucas."

Before Lucas could say anything, Wes suddenly shoved him backwards into the others. Hurt, betrayal, anger, confusion played out on all their faces as they stumbled at Lucas's unexpected weight barrelling into them. Wes tried not to focus on Jen but as he lingered for a moment in the doorway, he couldn't help but see her pain and puzzlement. Then he bolted out the door, slamming a panel with his hand as he did to make the door shut behind him. He could hear the team's muffled protests and their hands beating against the door as he ran through the corridor and eventually out of the ship. It was only when his feet hit the soft sand of the beach outside that he realised he could only hear them in his head now.

He moved to where he could see them through the ship's glass panel and slowly lifted his Morpher to his hand so that they could hear him.

"You have to go back to your time," he said slowly, carefully. "You'll be safe there. Trust me, it's for the best."

Jen's face was heartbreaking, tears rolled down her cheeks in torrents. Wes inwardly swallowed hard, this was tougher than he thought it would be but he knew he had to do this. It was the only way to guarantee their safety.

"But we're a team!" protested Katie loudly, her distress clear in her voice and expression.

"I feel like this is my home," added Trip miserably, looking like he was about to start crying too.

"No, that's not possible," cut in Wes.

"Why?" Trip's cry was pure grief.

"Because this is my time, not your's," replied Wes firmly. "Your lives are waiting for you in the future."

"But Wes, you could be destroyed!" exclaimed Lucas, his own distress the most surprising of all.

Wes nodded, touched by the expression on the Blue Ranger's face. Lucas never let himself get emotional but now, he looked like his world was ending.

"Maybe, but I won't stop fighting until I've taken my last breath," spoke Wes at last.

There was a quiet boom and Wes looking up abruptly to see a Time Portal widening high above them. As punctual as ever. He could rely on Alex to unknowingly do that for him. Sharp pain lanced through him. He was sending Jen back to Alex. It was the right thing to do, he knew that, but it didn't stop the hurt and it didn't stop him wanting her for himself. He snapped his attention back to the ship.

"The vortex is opening," he told his team.

"I'm not leaving! Let me out of here!" screamed Katie suddenly, her superhuman fists slamming against the glass in front of her but having no effect.

Jen began shaking her head and then suddenly disappeared from view. Wes knew she'd be trying to stop the countdown. He pulled the key-card from his pocket and kept it safe by his side. He'd made sure no one could stop it. His heart leapt when Jen reappeared by the others and futilely tried to squash his feelings down.

"Wes, I wanna tell you something," Jen said quietly.

Wes' heart ached for her. Her voice was full of sadness, her face coated with tears. She looked so beautiful and he wanted to wrap her up in a hug, tell her everything was alright. He wanted to show her he understood.

"Don't worry, everything you've ever wanted is waiting for you in the future," he said reassuringly, trying his best to smile for her, to show her it was going to be ok.

"No! Wes, please! I want you to know that………"

Before Jen could finish her sentence there was a blast of furious explosive fire and the Time Ship lifted up into the air. Wes threw his hands up in front of his face as the sand began swirling and flying around him but he squinted to desperately catch sight of Jen. Her hands were pressed against the glass and she was mouthing something but he couldn't catch what it was. Finally the shutters went down over the glass and he saw her no more. Slowly the Time Ship turned towards the portal and disappeared through it. The portal swallowed them and closed up, leaving clean blue sky behind as though nothing had happened.

There was silence.

They were really gone.

Jen was really gone.

Wes lifted the key-card to look at it. There was no way they could stop from getting to their destination now. He wrapped his fingers around the card, squeezing it tightly. He tried to pack all thoughts of the others and Jen out of his head, knowing he'd have to deal with the magnitude of what he'd done later. Now Eric needed him. Ink and Alice needed him. He still had a purpose even without his team. Quickly he began running across the beach, unaware of another Time Hole forming in the sky high above him.

AUTHOR SHOUT OUTS

White Time Ranger: Thanks! I'm muchly proud of the last chapter; it seemed to work pretty well. I'm glad you could feel the tension there. There's a few more chapters to go now, maybe 6 or so and then it's all over. This story arc is so hard to write so I'm thrilled you're enjoying it! Thanks for being so loyal, a wonderful friend and hope you enjoyed this one too.

TF Princess: LOL yes sweetie I'm afraid that soon this story will be at an end. Its sad for me too, I've invested so much into it but I know I can't continue it much after the season finale. I'm glad the last scene worked with Ink and Alice present, it was hard fitting them in so I'm thankful u think it worked! Thanks for being such a fab reviewer:- )

Cmar: It's always great to hear from you as you always give me a fresh perspective. Thanks for your insightful comments and suggestions. I also think that the additional scenes featuring Ink and Alice are better than the ones from the season with them added in but I have to include season scenes so that everything is put into context and correct sequence. The scene between Eric and Mr Collins was one of my faves to write and I thought it turned out great so I'm glad you enjoyed it! Hope you liked this chapter :- )