Proper healing chapter since we are not just going to look over what happened. Not much action, but we get some important moments in here! Think of it as a small break from the last few chapters :)

ALSO - NightBax13 has done it again! Since last chapter they have created some *Amazing* artwork that you all should check out! Thanks NightBax13 for the amazing artwork! ❤

I say this at the end as well but idk if people read all my author's notes so...

READ --> Rift Apart reference here, can you spot it? Just make sure to write *spoiler*in the beginning your comment if you do decide to! (So those that haven't watched or read it by now can avoid it!) It changes up the timeline a bit, since Rift Apart didn't happen yet in this story.

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[Ratchet]

Surprisingly, after a good 2 days spent healing in the Medcenter, Ratchet could go back home.

It was surprising, to say the least. Here he was on the brink of collapse just a few days ago and suddenly he was fine. Like nothing ever happened in the first place. It was unbelievable, even to Doctor Yuin. As he spoke to Kaden that, after the whole ordeal, he explained that whatever was in Ratchet's system was completely gone, it was....a miracle, to say the least.

It was also suspicious...

Ratchet seemed to look over the whole situation, and claimed that he didn't remember what happened before he arrived at the Medcenter. It seemed like he didn't care about what happened at all, and just started rolling with it.

Kaden and Phoebe did not like this.

Ratchet was usually so easygoing and open with his emotions. He fought for what he believed in and defended his actions and feelings to no end. While he was evidently reckless, it didn't mean that it was okay to easily accept what happened and just go along with it. Something was wrong. Something went wrong. And nobody knew what. Not even Ratchet himself.

It was a difficult situation to handle, and while Kaden and Phoebe wanted to talk about it, they figured that Ratchet was dealing with it in his own way.

Fact is, they were right...

The morning they got back home, Kaden and Phoebe were prepared to let Ratchet heal from the past day's events. But, instead of laying down and properly doing so, Ratchet presented them with a question.

"Can I...go over to pick something up at Oliver's place? I just remembered that I forgot something."

Kaden and Phoebe looked at each other, having a silent conversation that only they seemed to understand. Ratchet stood there patiently, awaiting an answer,

"If you really want to.." Phoebe hesitantly said, "But...shouldn't you be resting? It's not good to push your body.". Ratchet just smiled reassuringly, "I'll be fine! I promise if I don't feel well I will tell Oliver to call you when I get there! Promise."

They still looked hesitant, but they nodded anyway. They watched as Ratchet turned around once again and put on his boots, waving goodbye before shutting the door quickly.

"He doesn't even have a phone on him." Kaden muttered, "He's acting strange.". Phoebe just shook her head, "He's just coping with what happened, Kaden. There is no need to worry."

"No need to worry?" Kaden asked, "He was just in the Medcenter for...who knows what and everything is just fine now? Something's wrong, and no one can tell me otherwise." he stated firmly. Phoebe sighed, "Trust me, I feel the same way but no one knows exactly what happened, Kade." She replied, "But we can't force anything until we know. Until then, just...let him have time to himself."

The man sighed, but joined his wife in the kitchen anyway, sitting on one of the kitchen table chairs, thinking quietly to himself. He thought back on what Yuin told him, he grimaced,

Should I tell her?

He looked down at the table in silence. Phoebe hummed away as she got prepared to make lunch before-

"Phoebe?"

She turned at the sound of her husband's voice, furrowing her brow, "Yes?"

"I need to tell you something."

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Ratchet knocked on the front door to Oliver's house, tapping his foot impatiently as time went on...

Maybe no one was home? But Oliver usually holed up in his room playing video games...Maybe he had his headphones on too loud and couldn't hear. Both were possible, but there was no way for Ratchet to get Oliver's attention without his-

The door opened.

He looked up slightly to see none other but Arthur standing there quietly, "Oh, hello Ratchet."

Ratchet took a deep breath in, "Yeah, hey." he muttered, "Is Oliver home? I need to ask him something.". The older Lombax tilted his head in question, "Can't you just text him? I'm sure he would've replied to you?"

Ratchet sighed, trying not to roll his eyes, "Yeah, it broke. Gonna have to get a new phone eventually but..." He kicked the ground, "Is he home or not? I can always come back later."

Arthur was silent for a moment, "Yeah, let me go get him." Before shutting the door in his face once more. Ratchet huffed, "What an asshole." He mumbled under his breath, waiting for Oliver to come to the door. He was about to sit down on the steps when the door opened once more, "Oh my gosh! Ratch! Where have you been!? I tried texting you and everything!"

The shorter Lombax pulled him into a tight hug. Ratchet, surprised, stood there in shock as it happened. Oliver pulled back, composing himself, "That...did not just happen. You witnessed nothing!". Ratchet chuckled, before he put on a serious face, "I'll tell you everything but-" he looked around, "-Not here. Unless you're busy with a game and-"

Oliver held up a hand, looking unamused, "Really? Do you think I'd just leave you for a video game? C'mon dude, that hurts!" he said dramatically. "I'll just go turn it off and grab some things. You wait here." and with that, he turned and bolted through the front door. Ratchet chuckled in amusement as he heard his friend's footsteps race up the stairs. He reached forward to close the door since Oliver left it open and it was also awkward to just stand there and let it be. Moving over to the side, he sat on the steps to the door, sighing in relief.

It was only morning and he was already tired.

He only waited a few minutes until the door opened once more, this time completely closing. He looked up to see Oliver there, a small, blue backpack over his shoulders, "Okay, let's go! Where are we heading? The library as usual? Maybe we will see Alice!"

Ah, that's right. He almost forgot about the girl and their plan...Hopefully she hasn't texted him about their little plan and he never responded...hopefully.

He just forced a smile, "Yeah! We might!"

Oliver nodded, quietly walking beside Ratchet as they headed to their usual meeting place. Oliver grimaced...this was odd. While the silence between them was no longer awkward, he sensed that something was off while walking beside his friend. He looked around, no one was staring at them or following them. He side-eyed Ratchet, it must be him...

Ratchet looked around the city, distracted enough that he didn't see Oliver's puzzled expression...

Well, whatever happened to him this past week must have been...jarring, to say the least. Ratchet could just not feeling well, or maybe he was drained? He wouldn't know until Ratchet told him.

They arrived at the Library, walking to the usual spot in which they sat. Ratchet sighed in relief as he sat down, Oliver looked at him in suspicion. Yeah, Ratchet was tired...right?"

Nonetheless, he opened his backpack and pulled out his laptop and Ratchet's journal, as well as a folder of papers. Ratchet's eyes widened in surprise, "Whoa...you...did all this research!?". Oliver smirked, "Of course I did! You're my friend after-" he cut himself off, "Hey, what's wrong!?"

Ratchet looked down at the table, ears down. He sighed, "It's just...you have just done more than I did in these past few months. I feel like I should have done more. I hate feeling useless like this.". Oliver winced, "Don't say that! Hell, I couldn't even imagine what I would do if I was in your situation. I wouldn't even know where to start..." he whispered, "You're anything but useless.". Ratchet smiled at that, "I guess..." he muttered, "Thank you, Ollie. Really."

His friend just smiled, before opening the folder and pulling some papers out. He laid them out on the table. He then opened his laptop and navigated to where he kept his files, opening them.

"Look, remember what I said about how it was absurd that you could be from another planet?"

Ratchet thought back...when did he say that...? Before he met The Council...right?

"Y-Yeah, I do. What's that got to do about-"

"You must be!"

Ratchet paused, startled for a moment, before sighing, "I guess...that's the only explanation, huh?" he grimaced, "The Council told me so, said it was some sort of potential accident with The Creator or something...I don't remember that much, but they asked around on different planets and-"

"What?" Oliver interrupted, leaning forward, "You're telling me that The Council told you that? The Council doesn't really deal with outsiders like that..." he grimaced, "Kind of morbid, if you ask me, since there is a war going on and all with The Creator."

Ratchet leaned back, crossing his arms. Thinking, "Maybe I am the outlier, though. Nothing like this has happened before, right?"

Oliver shook his head, "Well, no. But if you were captured by The Creator or something you would be dead or imprisoned. No one can escape..." Oliver whispered, "I've heard that the planets under his control are suffering...and The Council isn't doing anything about it."

Ratchet was quiet for a moment, "You're telling me that people are in danger and no one is doing anything about it. That's fucked up..." he sighed, "Even so, why would The Council lie to me?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you're from another planet." Oliver scoffed, "C'mon! You've got to believe me! Look at everything I found!" He pushed his papers forward and turned his laptop around. "Your mysterious writing matches up with this-" he pointed to the paper and the document on the laptop, "-various articles and scans prove that this language is spoken on another planet called "Veldin" and-"

Ratchet held up a hand, "Veldin?" he looked down at the paper, "That...that sounds familiar..." he mumbled. Oliver brightened, "Really!? I found it! Damn, I'm smart.." He chuckled, "It matches up with the writing and everything. But..." he sighed, "It still doesn't explain how you got here..."

Ratchet smiled, "Well, at least we know where I...might be from but. Where is this planet anyway?"

"Very far. Like, Lombaxes wouldn't even touch the place. Hell, I couldn't even find what it looks like..." Oliver grimaced, "Even then...I doubt The Council checked there if they were telling the truth about asking around the galaxy."

Ratchet nodded sadly, "I guess so.." he said, "Maybe I do have someone waiting for me after all..."

Oliver smiled, "Yeah...maybe so. And if you do, maybe you could go back home!"

Home...?

Ratchet felt his stomach tighten. His idea of home now, was here, on this planet.

"Yeah, I guess so...If I remember my past, that is."

They sat there in silence for a while.

Funny how I wanted to go home all this time... Ratchet thought to himself, Now at the thought of it...I freeze up like this? This place isn't my home...But is it selfish to believe that it could be?

Ratchet smiled sadly, "Don't look at me like that! No matter what, we're still best friends, right? That has to mean something.". Oliver smiled at this, "Yeah, yeah it does." he said, "Until then, let's get back your memories!"

They fist-bumped, and Oliver grinned before he composed himself, looking at his friend seriously, "Now, tell me, what happened with The Council?"

Ratchet took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts.

He told him everything.

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"What the fuck!?"

Oliver growled lowly after Ratchet was done, "How fucking dare they? Makes me wanna punch them and-" Ratchet cut him off, "Hey, I'm okay now. Yeah, they treated me like shit but that gives us all the more reason to find out what the hell happened to me and what The Council wants with me."

Oliver calmed down, but still had a frown on his face, "That still doesn't mean that they had the right to do that." he muttered, "And on top of that, you ended up at the Medcenter having no idea how you got there..."

Something didn't add up...

"We have six months to figure this out." Ratchet said grimly, "If I don't have my memories by then, who knows what they'll do to me..."

Oliver looked down at the ground. They both left the library a while ago, and Ratchet seemed keen on walking him home for whatever reason. It unnerved him, but he said nothing. It wasn't like Ratchet was doing anything bad but...he was just off.

When they arrived, Ratchet stopped him at the entrance before he could go in, "Hey, you brought my journal with you.." he said, "Do you think I could have it back? I need to write some things in it.". Oliver perked up, "Oh yeah! Sure." he brought his backpack forward, unzipped it, and pulled it out, handing it over to his friend, "Why didn't you just write it while we were at the library?"

Ratchet took the journal from him, "Well, we were looking at your notes the whole time that I forgot about it..." he mumbled, "Thanks for everything, Ollie. I mean it."

Oliver looked at him thoughtfully, "Of course. It's what friends are for, after all." He mumbled. He waved his friend goodbye and turned to enter his house, but the door opened before he could even open it. Arthur stood right in front of him, before moving to the side. "Welcome back, Ollie." His younger brother did nothing but shake his head. He headed up to his room as quickly as possible. Ratchet was about to turn and leave before-

"Actually, Ratchet. Can I speak with you?"

Ratchet looked up at the older, glaring at him in suspicion, "Is this another threat? Honestly I-"

"No, I want to apologize."

Ratchet paused, analyzing the being before him, "Oh, really?" he asked in disbelief, "sorry if I don't believe you.". Arthur sighed, "I know.." he grimaced, "All this time I saw you as someone that threatened my brother's future. I thought you were a bad influence but I realized..." he looked down, "I was the one that was hurting my brother all these years. I wasn't there for him when I should have been." he admitted.

"If anything, he is so much happier with you around. I personally never seen him come out of his room so much so...I'm sorry"

Ratchet stared at the man for a moment, "I...guess I accept your apology." he said hesitantly, "But seriously, next time you threaten me, I won't take it so easily."

Arthur chuckled, shaking his head in amusement, "I don't expect any less."

He held out a hand, and Ratchet hesitantly reached out to shake it. It was awkward, to say the least. Having someone that despised you before actually apologize? Ratchet...couldn't say that he fully accepted the apology but...it's the least he could do for his best friend's brother. Right?

With that done, he waved Arthur goodbye and started walking home.

It was quiet, even if the streets were packed with people. He was stuck in his head while the world moved on around him. He didn't want to go back just yet, but it's not like he had anything else to distract him from reality. In all honesty, he didn't know what made him so hesitant today. Was it because he was coping with what happened a couple of days ago? Or was it all the events that led up to this moment that were now setting in? He didn't know.

He didn't have time to think about anything while the world was in motion.

Why did everything move while it felt like he was stuck in place for so long?

He huffed, this wasn't something that he should be focusing on right now. Right now, he had to focus on his memories and keep an eye on The Council. He had to keep up this act of being a normal teenager, while trying to figure out his own problems behind the scenes.

Thing is, he wasn't afraid of the future. He was eager about moving on more than ever. He wanted to prove to others and himself that he could face an uncertain future head-on. He didn't want anyone here to be put on The Council's radar like he was. He had to do this alone.

Even so, he still wished he could tell someone though, anyone. But he only had Hunter, he supposed.

He reminded himself to contact Hunter the next time he was able to and tell him about the situation. Perhaps the other found out some valuable information as well? Hopefully.

He approached the front of the house, quietly entering his personal code and pushing open the door once he was cleared. He paused when he heard a familiar voice chatting with both Phoebe and Kaden in the kitchen.

Alister...

He quietly slid off his shoes, taking a deep breath as he looked towards the entrance to the kitchen, and then to the stairs in front of him, uncertain.

Perhaps it was time to talk anyway, and he didn't want to run from his problems either so...facing Alister again will help him get one obstacle out of the way.

He walked forward, walking into the kitchen and waving as he entered. All of the adults were sitting at the kitchen table and were talking amongst themselves. They all stopped to look at him, "Well, look who's back early!" Phoebe exclaimed, "We thought you'd get back later, are you feeling alright?" she asked. Ratchet just smiled in reassurance, "Yeah, I'm okay. I just went to get something from Oliver. We hung out for a bit but there wasn't much to do."

Phoebe nodded in understanding between the two men that sat with her. Kaden looked over to Alister who sighed.

"Ratchet, may I speak with you, alone?"

He looked towards the man raising a brow. He didn't want to have another one of these conversations but...

"Sure. I guess..." He was willing to try

Kaden and Phoebe looked towards each other, "We'll...leave you guys alone." Kaden said, patting Ratchet on the shoulder as they left the kitchen. Alister gestured for Ratchet to sit, and he took the offer, sitting across from the man. Alister took in a deep breath, "I guess I should start off by saying that I have been in the wrong this whole time, Ratchet." he started. Ratchet's eyes widened, "I...should have understood how you felt from the beginning, and I neglected to see things from your perspective. I'm sorry for saying the things I did."

Ratchet was silent for a moment, "I'm guessing that Kaden told you what happened to me, then?". Alister nodded. "What do you think of it?"

"That whatever happened should not have happened in the first place." Alister immediately replied. "I am not sure what got you in that situation in the first place, but The Council shouldn't have done whatever they did to you.". Ratchet nodded in understanding, "If you know what you said was wrong, and you admit that The Council was in the wrong, then I guess I can forgive you. For now, that is."

The man nodded, smiling slightly, "Trust me, I wouldn't let it happen again. If anything, I will have your back, Ratchet."

And for the first time today, Ratchet genuinely smiled.

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Alister left just after dinner.

Thankfully, things weren't as tense as before, and Ratchet was thankful for it. Now that he had Alister on his side, as well as everyone else, things started to look up. But even then, he still felt uneasy for some reason.

He couldn't shake the feeling at all. Not even when he was getting ready for bed. Something was off....

He sat on the edge of his bed, counting the seconds as they went by. Just what was he missing now? He felt like he forgot something? Maybe he-

Someone knocked on the bedroom door, which was cracked open slightly.

"Come in." He said, watching as Kaden peeked his head through, "Hey, kiddo. I have a question for you." Ratchet raised his ear in interest, "I gotta stop by my lab tomorrow to pick something up, if you come we can stop and get you a new phone too. Can't go around without one now." He smiled as he leaned on the door frame, "So, wanna come with?"

Ratchet thought for a moment. He did need a new phone, and it was nice to hang out with Kaden every once in a while...

"Sure!"

The man smiled, "Alright, I'll come to wake you up in the morning then." he went to shut the door, only to pause, "Goodnight, Ratchet."

Ratchet smiled tiredly, "Goodnight."

Kaden shut the door, and once he did that, Ratchet moved to his bedside table, taking his journal off of it and opening it to the back. After what Oliver told him today...and after what happened to him, one word stayed in his mind. He wrote it down,

"Clank"

...And he circled it several times with the pen he laid upon the desk.

This could just be a sound...a word without any meaning. But he still felt the urge to write it down...it was a start. He supposed. He sighed, shutting the book and laying the pen right next to it on the bedside table, turned off the lamp, and laid down on the bed. He closed his eyes...and waited...nothing...

He didn't get any sleep, the small drops of rain hitting the bedside window was the only thing that disturbed the midnight silence.

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"Ugh...you wake up wayyy too early.." Ratchet groaned as he followed Kaden.

Kaden chuckled, amused, "Yeah well, once you're older you'll most likely be doing the same thing." he said. Ratchet just sighed, "I guess you're right about that..." he said, "Depending on what I wind up doing. Maybe I can be a pro hoverboard racer!". Kaden smiled at the boy, who tried to match his stride, "I guess you're right in that regard. We'll only find out when you grow up, huh?" he asked. Ratchet only hummed in acknowledgment, "Who knows, maybe when you walk into my lab you'll change your mind."

Ratchet brightened up, "I get to see inside your lab!?" He asked excitedly. Kaden hummed, "Yeah, that is, if you want to?". Ratchet was buzzing with excitement, "Of course I do!"

With that, Ratchet had a small skip to his step, excited to finally see what Kaden's lab looks like. While his garage was interesting to work in, it was somewhat of an "organized disaster". Perhaps the lab will be better to see what Kaden does at his job.

He followed the man inside, looking around the building once more. He last saw this building a week and weeks ago, near the beginning of his stay with Phoebe and Kaden. It was nice to see this place again, maybe the view was just as great up top as it was when he saw it all those times ago.

He stopped when Kaden laid a hand on his shoulder, "C'mon, let's get up there."

Kaden led him to the elevator, both of them hopping in and waiting for it to take them to the top floor. And once they arrived, Ratchet was the first to step out, Kaden amusedly stepping out and leading him down the hall. He could tell Ratchet was excited, and he was as well. He wanted to see how the kid reacted to his work...

They arrived at his lab door, entering his passcode and stepping aside to let Ratchet in first. Ratchet looked a bit hesitant at first, but then walked forward into the room. Kaden watched as Ratchet took a deep breath in, looking around the room in wonder.

It was cleaner than the garage, that's for sure, but it was bigger. Book bookcases ran along the left side of the room, holding rolled-up blueprints, papers, and big books that looked to be filled with some heavy, complicated knowledge. The walls were white, and the floor was a smooth, shiny tile. There was a desk on the left-hand side of the room with an expensive-looking holo-computer on top of it, next to it seemed to be an empty box with stacked up papers inside, pencils and pens alike scattered upon the desk.

And at the far side of the room, right in front of them, was a big open window. You could see over the walls from here. The view was amazing, to say the least. Kaden's main workbench was situated right in front, some covered projects piled up underneath it. Ratchet turned to the man and smirked, "Well, better than your garage, at least." he snickered. Kaden acted like he was offended, "Hey! Gotta keep the space clean in case my boss comes in!"

Kaden walked forward towards his workbench, sorting through the pile of discarded tech he had stored underneath it. He looked over and saw Ratchet marvel at one of the displays, "That...is a miniature model of my invention. It's called the CryoMine Glove. Not used much anymore but years ago it was cool."

Ratchet nodded absentmindedly. It sure did sound familiar...

While Ratchet looked around at the shelves once more, Kaden pulled out one of his papers, laying it on his desk. He analyzed what he wrote on it, before looking over to see-

Ratchet, looking over his pin-board, one specific picture pinned at the bottom right corner. Kaden sighed, he didn't feel like talking about it now...

"That picture was taken years ago...I look young, don't I?"

Ratchet hummed, "No, you look kind of the same." he smirked, and Kaden gasped in mock anger. But Ratchet continued, "Who is this...?" He hovered a finger over the picture, making sure not to touch it, since it did look a bit worn. This...baby looked exactly like him...in a way...

Kaden grimaced...

The picture was of him and Phoebe holding their son in their arms. It was one of the few pictures that they had of their child...

"That's...my son."

At that, Ratchet was silent for a moment, "You have a son?"

But he looked back at the man when he received no answer, watching as Kaden refused to look up, glaring at the table.

Ratchet could tell what that meant,

"Oh...I'm sorry. For your loss, I mean..." he whispered.

He received no response for a while, until Kaden looked up and smiled, bittersweet, "Thank you." was all he said.

Left in the silence, Ratchet figured he would distract himself with other things rather than dwell on the fact of what he just learned...

Kaden looked over a while later since there was nothing but silence for a while.

Ratchet made it to the other side of the room, by the bookcases. He squinted at the writing and leaned forward. Kaden sighed, looking back at his work, "I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to understand most of that stuff, kid. It's pretty...complicated."

Ratchet huffed, "You think so...?" he mumbled, "Can I-" Kaden interrupted him, already knowing what he would say, "Knock yourself out."

Ratchet gazed over all of the books, picking out the one that looked the oldest. The edges were worn. He flipped it over, looking at the cover. All it said was : Kaden Callisto in neat handwriting. So, it was a journal...

He opened up to the first few pages, a couple of sketches were there with Lombaxian writing. He flipped some more and found some other mysterious writing...runes, perhaps? He couldn't read them anyway. He jumped when Kaden came up next to him, holding a rolled-up sheet of papers in his hand. He looked at the book in Ratchet's hand, "Huh, interesting choice. What do you think of it?" he asked quietly. Ratchet shook his head, "I don't know, can't read most of it." he shut the book, "What is it?"

Kaden placed the rolled-up paper on the bookshelf, taking the book out of Ratchet's hand, "Usually kits these days shouldn't know about these things but...I'll make an exception." he opened it, flipping the pages until stopping somewhere near the middle, "Basically, this book is about some of my theories that I have come up with over the years." he pointed at one page, which had the same mysterious writing that Ratchet saw before, but translated into the Lombaxian language, "Found these runes on a planet called Quantos when I was doing some fieldwork for The Council."

Ratchet looked at the man, somewhat shocked, "You worked for The Council?"

Kaden gave a low chuckle, "Not anymore. Sometimes my team here is commissioned by them, but nothing else."

Ratchet hummed, looking back down at the book that Kaden held, "The runes speak of some sort of...clock, per se. Something of high importance. Something called "The Great Clock." he explained, "A 'Keeper of Time' is mentioned but...Never really got so far." he mumbled as he handed the book back to Ratchet, "My theory is that there is something out there keeping track of time."

"So...like, a time travel device?"

Kaden hummed thoughtfully, "Probably...not. I mean, If someone were to alter time, it probably wouldn't do any good. There has to be repercussions..." he tapped his chin, "It's just a long-gone theory now. There is no need to find such a device anyways. It was probably absurd, to begin with..."

Ratchet watched as the man picked up his paper once more, ready to leave the room. But before he could, Ratchet spoke up, "I don't think it's that far-fetched."

Kaden looked back at him in question, raising his brow, "Oh? What makes you say that?"

Ratchet thought for a moment, "Well, traveling between...galaxies is possible. And even dimensions." Kaden paused, surprised, "An idea of something keeping time in check is entirely possible. Something has to be keeping all these galaxies and dimensions in check, right? If you assume that-" he paused, collecting his thoughts,"-that...time works the same in each of these places. Something has to be keeping it in check." he nodded at his own words, "I think it's possible."

Kaden stood there, "Between...dimensions?" he said slowly, "Are you talking about the-"

He was interrupted when there was a knock on the door. They both turned towards it. Kaden went to open the door. A man, who was a tiny bit shorter than Kaden, smiled as the door was opened. He had light burgundy fur and blue eyes. He wore a simple black tank top with a worn brown coat over it. He had dark navy jeans on, complete with a pair of dark brown boots. His tail swished back and forth happily. Kaden's eyes widened,

"Mags! What are you doing here?"

"Well, I have to check in on our team sometimes..." he said, smiling slightly, "It's good to see you again, Kade."

"Likewise, it's been a while." Kaden smiled, giving the other a side-armed hug.

The man was about to speak but then he looked over at Ratchet. He stood there in shock, "Whoa...did you manage to clone yourself or something cause-"

Kaden chuckled, while Ratchet kept staring at the man awkwardly, "Hah! No, no. This is Ratchet, I'm sure you heard of the whole situation." he said. However, Mags just shook his head, "I came right here after getting off the scouting ship, haven't heard from anyone in a while..." he said, "What is it that I am missing? Cause I swear he looks like-" he sighed, "Nevermind, what exactly happened that I missed."

Kaden just pulled the man inside, shutting the door. Mags turned to Ratchet, and he smiled warmly, stepping forward and holding out his hand. "Name's Mags! Nice to meet you, Ratchet!"

Ratchet shook his hand, "Nice to meet you, too."

Ratchet turned to put the book back on the shelf, listening as Kaden and Mags spoke loudly about his situation. Ratchet found it hard to keep up about it...Mags seemed like a fast talker...

When Kaden was done, Mags turned to him, "Wow...pretty tough kid if you ask me." He smiled warmly at ratchet, "Fortunately, you have some pretty cool caretakers, I'm sure you'll figure things out soon!"

Ratchet was stunned for a moment, before he smiled too, "T-Thanks"

After the men finished speaking, Ratchet showed himself out of the room, moving to the side and waiting for Kaden to exit.

Kaden paused when Mags tapped his shoulder, "You need to see this.." Mags whispered lowly, "From The Council..."

Kaden took the small card from the man, glancing over it. His eyes widened, "Really?"

Mags nodded but said nothing as he exited. Kaden pocketed the card and left the room as well, entering the passcode to lock the door. "It was nice seeing you again, Mags. Keep in touch, yeah?" Kaden said. Mags nodded, "Definitely!" he turned to Ratchet, "See ya' around, Ratchet!"

He waved the man goodbye, and Kaden turned to him, a hesitant expression on his face. "Well, since that is over with, shall we go and get you that new phone?"

Ratchet brightened up, his ears perking up, "Yeah!"

When Ratchet turned, Kaden forced a smile onto his face, following Ratchet into the elevator.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Ratchet held his new phone in his hand, finally having a way to communicate again.

"I'm gonna have to manually transfer everything..." He sighed, watching as Kaden smirked. "Yeah, but at least you have a way to communicate with people again." he side-eyed the boy, "Especially if you get into trouble.." He muttered. Ratchet winced, "Yeah, I guess so..."

Kaden shook his head good-naturedly. When they made it home, he opened the door, entering the warm house. He sighed in relief, it was good to be home.

He looked towards Ratchet, who was in the middle of taking off his boots, "Why don't you go and transfer the stuff on your communicator to your phone while I make some lunch, sound good?"

Ratchet nodded up at the man, watching as he left to go and walk into the kitchen.

In the garage, he went to pick up his communicator, looking at some of the messages he missed.

*[New Message]*

Hunter : I found something.

Hunter : Let me know when you get this message. We need to talk.

Ratchet was shocked, already? Hunter found something already!? Or was it about what happened to him at the Medcenter?

This was important.

He quickly navigated to his contacts, typing in everyone's numbers on his new phone and putting their name in. He sighed...there was no way he could transfer the photos though...

Whatever, the communicator will be staying on the shelf anyways...

After he was done, he left the communicator on the shelf, holding up his new phone, quickly replying to Hunter,

Ratchet : This is Ratchet. Got a new phone.

Ratchet : What did you need to tell me?

It took a while for Hunter to respond...

Hunter : Great.

Hunter : I have some news about your new little...stalker...

Hunter : Listen to me very carefully...

Ratchet read the next few texts intently

.....

When Hunter was done, he responded

Ratchet : So, now they are following me...

Ratchet : I guess this means it's time to lay low

Hunter : Yes...and no.

Hunter : We can use this to our advantage in the future.

Hunter : Until then, keep an eye out.

Hunter took a while to type his next message

.....

Hunter : Now about what happened to you...

Hunter : We have a big problem...

Hunter called Ratchet, and started their conversation...

.....

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Ratchet stood there for a moment, in some sort of shock.

Really...? Did this have to happen to him?

Did The Council really have to do this to him?

"So...you're saying that whatever is going on with me...can kill me?" He whispered into the phone. Hunter sighed, "No, not really. But it can have pretty adverse effects..." He said, "Fortunately, I have a solution for you. I have a contact that can give you serum to battle its effects for some time. Eventually, whatever is in your system should go away. Until then, however, you need to take this serum I have every so often so you don't...well...forget or whatever. This is a serious situation. We have to be vigilant...Am I clear?" Ratchet sighed, stunned, "Y-yeah. Got it."

Hunter hummed, "Good. I'll stay in contact with you."

Before Ratchet could speak, Hunter hung up. He looked around the garage in a daze. This was a mess, a big one. And now his psyche was at risk?

Just...what was happening...?

He was startled out of his thoughts when Kaden shouted from the kitchen, "Lunch is done!"

Ratchet stood there for a moment, before walking forward slowly.

And what's even worse...he couldn't tell anyone...

....

What was he going to do?

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Currently creating 3D models to use as a reference while writing. I'll most likely post them in a separate book in...well, a while. I ain't a pro and it takes some time to make! But I'll let you all know when! 😉

So...about that reference...

It may or may not be...part of my next story! Yes! Excitement!

Not anytime soon though, gotta finish this one up eventually 😊

Anyways, take care of yourselves! See you next time! ❤