Sorry for the long wait! College work (and life in general) caught up with me! Anyways, I'll stop my usual rambling and let you all enjoy this chapter!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

He was in the interrogation room again, sitting back casually as he stared at the figure straight ahead of him.

Alister...

The man stared right back into his eyes, both refusing to be the one to break the silent conversation. One filled with hate, distrust, disdain, basically every hateful word in the dictionary and then some. But the most prominent one was Betrayal.

Ratchet was practically bubbling with suppressed rage. While he chose to meet with Cyfrin in this room, he was not expecting Alister to bring him here. That was one of the last people he would expect to be there....

And yet, here the man stood in all his glory. Praetorian Omniwrench at the ready. Back as straight as can be. Along with a gaze of pure steel.

He was a rock against the frigid gaze of Ratchet's eyes that tried to bore into his soul. However, he remained impassive.

The room remained silent as the tension rose, seemingly becoming hotter by the second, but neither of them seemed to care. It was only them, and their stubborn gazes of both hatred and regret. An odd combination that stirred something inside them. Making both sick, but defiant in the face of the other.

Finally, one of them cracked.

"You do understand why we had to bring you in, correct?" Alister asked. Ratchet sneered, finally turning away from the man's relentless gaze, "Actually, I don't. Care to fill me in?"

"That is not my job." Alister informed him, "My job is to watch you. That is all."

"But why? Don't you ever question why?" Ratchet asked vehemently, "Or do you just turn a blind eye to everything? What is it, Alister?" Ratchet looked down, voice sounding defeated, "I want to understand."

"I am a General, and I do what is best for my people."

"So keeping lies from them is your definition of doing good?" Ratchet replied angrily, "You're just a fucking puppet."

Alister went silent, not even bothering to provide the kit an actual answer. Perhaps he thought Ratchet was too naïve. Perhaps he thought Ratchet was right. One thing was clear, however, which was that Ratchet would never truly know what Alister thought at this exact moment. He would be left in the dark, stuck in a corner with no way out and no answers to be told. Nothing but all the questions he had in his head.

The thought saddened him. He really was stuck in a corner right now with no way out. He was completely at The Council's mercy with nothing he could use to help himself.

He did not like the feeling of being helpless...

He was better than this, he knew that. He wasn't a coward. He knew that he was capable of escaping the iron grasp he was currently in if he made the right choices. But now he was in the lion's den.

"You're a fucking asshole, Alister. Y'know that?" He spat out, only receiving silence in return. It was when he leaned back after his small outburst that he came to a startling realization,

He was just a puppet waiting for the puppeteer to start controlling him, all strings attached.

He side-eyed the door as it opened, watching as Cyfrin walked in, dark brown fur allowing him to blend in with the ominous shadows in the corner of the room. Alister stood guard right by the door, faced forward and eyes focused.

Cyfrin sat across from him, no papers of any sort in front of him. It was just him and Ratchet at the table. Nothing more.

Cyfrin laced his fingers together, leaning on the table to appear more casual, but Ratchet could feel the daggers of the man's ruby eyes stab into his own. He wouldn't back down, so he stared right back.

The room was filled with an eerie silence as their little staring contest continued. After some time, the man smiled "Shall we begin?"

Ratchet smirked, ready to amuse the man with his flippant answers.

"Sure."

The man dropped his faux smile, "Now...where shall I start?" He seemed to tap his chin, as if he was innocently pondering something.

"There are many things we have to talk about. But I insist that we keep this brief."

Ratchet scoffed, "Really? No, I want answers." He gritted his teeth, "I want to know why I'm here and why you all consider me a threat to your precious little organization."

Cyfrin raised a brow, unamused. "Well, the reason why you are here is because you are a threat. That's all."

"But why am I-"

"Your answers will come. For now, I am the one to be asking you questions." The man snapped coldly, "Do not speak against me. I will remind you that I am the one in control here. Not you."

Ratchet glared, but decided to say nothing.

"That day you arrived in the city was both confusing and enlightening. Your arrival was unprecedented, and, at first, we were unaware of what we should do." Cyfrin said, red eyes continuing to stare at him, "Then, guess how surprised we all were when we found out that you came from an entirely different dimension."

Ratchet felt a chill run up his spine, "So, you did know everything this whole time...." Ratchet mused. In all honesty, it was quite obvious that The Council knew things, considering what The Council's Official Book said inside. He knew this. They all did.

"Correct. And the Memory reader confirms my statements." Cyfrin added, "It seems that you were hiding that knowledge from us too."

"I just found out actually. Why would you-"

"I am the one asking questions now." Cyfrin scolded, "May I continue?"

Ratchet swallowed thickly, sitting back as the man continued speaking,

"I assume that you are unaware of the specifics about how you arrived here. But, I am prepared to offer you that knowledge."

Ratchet was silent, "As you told me before..." he mumbled, "But what do you gain from it?"

"Satisfaction." Cyfrin gave a sickly sweet smile, "Think about my perspective. An individual arrives from an Alternate Dimension with no memories to speak of. Yet, it is us that now holds the key to your memories." He tilted his head, "And after all this time, you failed to remember them yourself. It seems like we are the only ones that have what you want. Are you prepared to have it, I wonder?"

Ratchet glared down at the cold, metal table before him, practically snarling at the man's condescending words. "If this is the deal I-"

"Won't do it? Then you and your little friend will rot in here." Cyfrin interrupted him, "No one will be able to come for you, and you will live out your days with no memories of who you are."

"Why won't you tell me who I am already!"

Cyfrin scoffed, red eyes wandering away. His fists clenched and Ratchet felt an odd sense of apprehension. Even so, he refused to back down and look away.

"As I have told you numerous times, you getting answers is part of our little deal. Is it really that hard to understand?"

"So, you're expecting me to make a deal with you when I don't even know any of the basics?" Ratchet huffed, exasperated and highly frustrated at the same time. "You must think I'm an idiot."

"In some aspects, then yes. As for the deal-" he made eye contact once more and Ratchet hated to admit that he wanted to shrink back in the chair, "-We all have to take risks every now and then, correct?"

Ratchet frowned, stuck in thought.

Deep down, he knew that he already bit down on way more than he could chew. But he also knew for a fact that this man wasn't trustworthy at all. This man before him seemed to be the definition of corrupt.

He had to be careful.

"I guess that's true...." Ratchet answered, contemplating his answers, "But is the risk worth taking?"

"If you want the answers you seek, then yes. If you decide to decline, then you and your friend will be stuck here for...for a long time, like I said before." Cyfrin explained. Ratchet perked up, back straight as he finally leaned forward, "So, you were going to let me go if I complied, is that what you're saying?" Cyfrin shook his head, much to Ratchet's obvious dismay, "Not quite." he replied vaguely, "Your compliance will change things, but it won't completely fix our issue. Do you understand?"

Ratchet nodded slowly, "You know, this conversation feels a bit one-sided, y'know? I barely know what I am agreeing to, and you call this a fair deal?" he raised a brow, "You sound like a real, manipulative asshole. No offense."

Cyfrin chuckled darkly, "None taken. But it's nice to know that both my presence and words alone have such a profound effect on you."

Ratchet stayed silent, the only sound in the room was Cyfrin tapping his foot every few seconds.

"I...want to make sure my friend is okay first. Then I will decide."

"That won't work for me." Cyfrin denied him, "Comply, and then see him."

"Then I won't agree." Ratchet shot back. "I won't be going anywhere until I know he is okay!" and then added, voice quiet "I want to know that everyone is okay."

The man glared at him, seeming to be lost in thought as he analyzed the boy closely.

"This could work...if I played his cards right." Ratchet thought to himself.

Cyfrin decided, "Fine. But I need you to commit your compliance after."

Ratched frowned, biting the inside of his cheek as his fists clenched in both anger and apprehension. This could end in his favor, or this could mess everything up. But...he didn't have a choice, did he? This place was like a jail cell, and he had no more cards to play to try and bargain his way out of this twisted situation.

"You have my word."

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Alister's grip on his arm was unyielding.

Cyfrin walked in front of them, leading them into an elevator that made Ratchet feel just a bit uneasy. He watched silently at the code the man entered.

6 1 3 1 4 5

He swallowed thickly as the elevator started to move. He tried to shake Alister's hand off his arm, but the man stood in place. He was stuck.

Before he knew it, the elevator dinged and Alister practically dragged him forward into the dark hallway. Ratchet walked forward, ignoring the feeling of uneasiness that settled upon him and shook him to the very core.

But here he was, walking forward as if he was on auto-pilot, staring ahead as the frigid air sunk into his skin, making his shake ever so slightly, but his determined gaze was unwavering in the face of defeat. At least, it felt like defeat. He couldn't quite pinpoint what he was feeling.

But this passive facade would soon give way, as nothing would prepare him for what he was about to see.

Past the immense door was nothing but a dark and cold room, and the sight before him made him ignore everything else in favor of yanking himself out of Alister's grip and falling forward. His head almost hit the steel bars in front of him as he stared in horror, collapsing onto the dusty, stone floor.

Hunter, currently laid on the floor, passed out as his breathing was rapid yet shallow at the same time. Ratchet baked his teeth, enraged at the sight right in front of him.

"What. The. FUCK!?" he yelled, turning to the two men, "What did you do to him?"

Alister stayed silent, lips tightly sealed while Cyfrin grinned, "This, child, is what happens when one turns against The Council's wishes." he informed him, "Worry not, he is just sleeping. You can wake him up easily."

And without a second thought, Ratchet banged on the bars, eventually reaching his small arm in and tapping Hunter forcefully. "Hunter! Hunter, get up!" he practically pleaded, "Hunter!"

Suddenly, Hunter's eyes fluttered open. His eyes made contact with Ratchet's own, frowning.

"R-Ratchet!? What are you doing here!?" he asked frantically, "Are you-"

He then saw the two men standing behind Ratchet. He looked back at his friend...

"Hey, what's going on!? Are you okay!?" Hunter leaned forward, weak hands clenching the icy steel bars as Ratchet grimaced, "I'm the one that should be asking that." Hunter tilted his head as Ratchet looked up at him,

Defeated, fear, and longing....what was wrong with his friend?

Hunter was about to say something, but cut himself off with a violent cough, Ratchet winced as he tilted his head down. "You drugged him too." he directed his question to the two men behind him, "You drugged him and left him to die."

"Well, not exactly." Cyfrin chimed, "I had no plans for him to die-" Anytime soon...he wanted to add, but refrained. "He is a valuable pawn, however. I have to keep him in check."

"Just like me." Ratchet finished. Cyfrin, however, just scoffed, "Well, you're a special case. You just received a lower dose of punishment. I just needed you to comply. I need Hunter to stay here at my mercy for another little...deal that has yet to be fulfilled."

Ratchet growled under his breath as Hunter finished his little coughing fit, "You are one sick bastard." he seethed, "How...How fucked up can you be? Using people as nothing but pawns in your sick and twisted games!? How do you even call yourself a leader when all you do is manipulate your own people!?"

"Because what my people don't know won't hurt them." Cyfrin replied calmly, "And for those that do know, I make sure to keep them under my supervision. And, if they are to defy me, or the rest of The Council, I will make sure that never happens again."

"It's just business," he finished.

Hunter stared at the man in disbelief as Ratchet sat in front of the cell, unmoving. Alister, for once, settled his gaze on the floor.

Finally, Ratchet spoke up, "I-I just came here to see how you were doing." he whispered to Hunter, "I never wanted to get you in this situation."

"And I never wanted to see you in this situation." Hunter retorted, "I...I got you into this when all I wanted was to help you. Not get you caught."

"It's not your fault." Ratchet reassured him, "I think...I think I was the one to get us into this mess." he admitted, "If you never helped me you'd probably be free."

"No, I wouldn't." Hunter drawled, "Helping you was my decision. I chose my path, not you."

Ratchet nodded solemnly, looking down to the floor. Hunter narrowed his eyes, "What made you all come here?"

Ratchet grimaced, "You don't need to know that." he replied. Hunter huffed, "Well, I want to know."

The younger Lombax sighed heavily, looking back up into Hunter's eyes, which begged him to answer, "I agreed that if I was able to see you, I would...commit myself to a deal."

Hunter was silent, before looking at the other boy in despair, "No...no you didn't! Why the fuck would you do that! You should have left me in here! Why would-"

"And that's enough." Cyfrin piped up, "A deal is a deal. I let you see your little friend here, and now you can come with me to discuss the details." he explained coldly. Hunter spoke up, "Fuck off! What makes you think that you can just control him!?". Cyfrin smiled darkly at that, putting his hands behind his back, "Well, you see, I didn't exactly force him to come here. He had a choice. Decline and rat in here with you, or agree on the terms that he got to see you."

"So you made a deal you didn't even know about?" Hunter asked Ratchet angrily, "I thought you were smarter than this, Ratch!"

"I just wanted to make sure that everyone was okay!" Ratchet shouted, "All I wanted to do was keep everyone safe and look at what happened!" his breath picked up, "You're trapped, and who knows what the fuck is going on outside..."

Hunter was silent, watching as the man behind Ratchet shifted. "Well, such a selfless act. Very heroic of you..." he mused, "Perhaps, I should tell you what you got yourself into,"

At this, Ratchet tilted his head down once more, fingers poking at the dust and dirt that littered the floor. Probably because this place has never been cleaned before...

Nonetheless, he perked an ear up to listen to the man behind him, "You see, your dimensional escapade revealed a concerning...possibility that could threaten the lives of our race." he started, "The Lombaxes, and, quite possibly, everyone in our galaxy."

"Well, I haven't been seeing much destruction or anything lately. What makes you think that I will be the cause of something so bad?"

"Child, you have yet to see what happened off of this planet." the man's tone made Ratchet shiver, "Ever heard of the Dimensionator?"

Ratchet's ears lowered, "...Yes, I have."

"Do you recall it being in your possession at one point?"

"No, not really."

Cyfrin hummed thoughtfully, "Well, my request is simple." he said, "But...I would prefer that we were alone to discuss this."

"But you said-"

"I said you could see your friend. Now you saw him." Cyfrin replied, voice cold as ice, "You accepted this deal to be made once you saw him. Are you going back on your word?"

"Y-You're just gonna harm him again!" Ratchet exclaimed, "I won't-"

Suddenly, Cyfrin pulled his hand out from behind his back, revealing a blaster pistol in his hand-

-aiming right for Hunter, who glared defiantly.

Ratchet panicked, "What are you-"

"I told you what happens to those who turn their backs on their word." Ratchet watched in fright as he put his finger on the trigger, "I offer you this once chance. Concede, or he dies."

"Don't do it!" Hunter called out. Ratchet turned to him, eyes alight with something akin to fear. "He is just using you! You can't let him do this!" Hunter begged. "But if I don't, you're gonna fucking die I will be stuck in here anyways, Hunter! I can't let that happen."

"Why not? You'll live!"

"You're my friend. I would never let you die." Ratchet insisted, "Hunter, I need to do this. I need you to trust me."

Cyfrin kept his blaster pointed forward, but both of the kits didn't pay any attention to it as they tried to convince one another, "But what will happen to you after this?" Hunter questioned, "I will just be sitting here without knowing where you will go."

"You don't have to worry about that." Ratchet told him, "I'll come back."

Possibly...

"B-But.." Hunter started, unable to formulate a response. Ratchet smiled sadly, "This is my choice, Hunter."

Hunter stared at him for a few seconds longer, before looking up at Cyfrin, and then turning his gaze over the Alister, "One day you will both get what is coming for you." he hissed, "Just wait until people start to catch on. You'll be dead."

Cyfrin chuckled, "I doubt it. But I applaud your defiance in the face of danger. Impressive." he looked over to Ratchet then, "What is your choice? We are running out of time and I must know if I need to clean up a mess on this floor or not. Speak up."

Ratchet, without hesitation,

"Deal."

Cyfrin smiled, putting the blaster away and looking over towards Alister, who was staring into space, face devoid of any emotion.

That, or he was stunned into silence.

"Let's escort him out of here to my office. We are on a tight schedule."

Alister nodded quietly, going to grab Ratchet by the arm and lift him from the floor. Hunter banged on the bars, "You fucking assholes! Bring him back right now or so help me-" he coughed, "-I'll kill you myself when I get out of here!"

He received no response as Ratchet just smiled at him, before being pulled away by Alister.

And Hunter was left in that cold, damp cell. Helpless.

His hands clasped the bars as he willed himself to keep some sort of composure. He looked down, pausing when he saw something written on the floor, right onto the dusty stone that Ratchet sat on just moments before

6 1 3 1 4 5

He gulped, vowing to remember the numbers for...whatever reason. This was right where Ratchet was sitting...

Knowing Ratchet, this was the key to something important. And while Hunter didn't know what it was for, he would surely find out...

...

He sat back against the wall, thinking about what just happened right before his eyes. He thought about the words that were exchanged. About the cold glares he received from both Cyfrin and Alister. And the look on Ratchet's face as they looked at one another.

Looking down the barrel of a gun, his life in the hands of a corrupt man who would go great lengths to achieve what he wanted.

And for all he knows, Ratchet could have given his life for him. Ratchet was that type of person, he had a weird savior complex that Hunter would never fully understand.

But as he sat there in the silence, he realized that he could only sit back and watch things unfold. He had no power, and now, he had no one on his side. Ratchet was gone. His father could care less, and he doubted that anyone on the outside was looking for him.

He was alone, waiting to meet his inevitable fate. Sitting right here in this cell...

Waiting...

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"Now, with that settled. I can finally tell you what is expected from you."

Ratchet glared at the man, waiting for him to speak.

"You've heard about the war, correct?"

"Just a little bit."

"Well..." Cyfrin pondered for a moment, "We have heard of a possibility of a collaboration between numerous...threats. These people want nothing more to destroy and conquer whatever they can get their hands on.". Ratchet grunted, "And what does this have to do with me?" he asked.

"You appeared here from...unconventional means." Cyfrin replied. "And, you see, The Council has deals of their own to take care of..." at this point, the man sat up straight, a dark look on his face, "Have you ever wondered why us Lombaxes have been unaffected by the war going on?"

Ratchet looked at the man questionably, "I thought you were all fighting against it..." he mumbled, "But...you don't help anyone..."

"Correct." Cyfrin confirmed, "But...there is also another...regretful reason.". And...Ratchet started to connect the dots, "No...No you can't-"

"The Creator has been a thorn in our side since the beginning of his reign." Cyfrin continued, "He killed quite a few of us, I'll admit, and things are getting a bit hectic off-planet."

He paused, before smirking devilishly, "So...I struck a deal."

Ratchet paled...

At this Cyfrin stood up, coming over to Ratchet's side of the table, glaring down at the boy who was shocked beyond belief. " You coming here has caused many problems for us, but you have also given us some valuable opportunities that we can not pass up."

"So...what!?" Ratchet replied, looking up at the man, "You want me to clean up your fucking mess that you got yourselves into!?"

"No." Cyfrin scoffed, shifting at his side,

"I am ordering you to. Lest you want others to die from your selfishness."

Ratchet stared down, contemplating the words, "You're willing to hurt your own people for this..." he whispered in disbelief, "I don't understand..."

"You don't have to understand. You just have to listen." Cyfrin's voice was harsh, "Do what you are told and everyone you hold dear on this planet is safe."

"How do I know you'll hold up your end of the deal, then?" Ratchet asked skeptically, "I don't want to put my trust in a psychopath like you..."

"Surprisingly, I keep my word." Cyfrin replied, "I hold up my end, as long as you hold up your own. No one else needs to be harmed."

Ratchet frowned to himself, biting the inside of his cheek again, tasting a faint trace of blood as he bit down hard enough. Cyfrin looked at him expectantly while Alister continued to stand diligently by the door, Omniwrench still at his side.

After a while, Cyfrin pulled out a pocket watch, checking the time and frowning,

"I do not have all day, child." He said. He looked towards the General, nodding his head and watching the man exit, "Let me give you what I promised and get out of here, yeah?"

Ratchet said nothing, squeezing his hands together as the door opened once more, Alister's heavy footsteps approaching. Cyfrin approached the man, grabbing something from him. Ratchet looked up,

The Memory Reader...

"Wait...but I thought you said-"

"Just take it and put it on. As I said, I don't have all day."

Ratchet looked at the man hesitantly, playing a bit with the device before holding it up to his head, ready to wrap it around and clip it until-

He jumped when he heard a loud stomping noise, he was about to turn-

"Wait! What are you-" Alister called out. The sudden shout made Ratchet bolt from his seat, looking at Cyfrin in horror,

The man had an ominous needle in his hand.

And without another word, Ratchet bolted.

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He didn't make it far.

"What are you looking at!? Stop him!" Cyfrin ordered Alister, who stood in place as Ratchet bolted out of the room. He glared at Cyfrin, "I didn't know that-"

"Didn't you hear me!?" Cyfrin growled, "STOP HIM!"

The General nodded, running out the door and running down the hall, trying to keep up with the fleeing boy.

Meanwhile, Ratchet made it to the end of the hall, entering the passcode that Cyfrin entered before and pressing the button repeatedly for the doors to close. He looked up, watching Alister come closer and closer, hissing under his breath and pressing the button again.

The doors started closing slowly. Ratchet hoped it would make it...

It did.

The doors shut and the elevator started moving, heading upwards to the main floor. He sighed heavily, collapsing against the wall as the elevator slowly approached the upper floor.

He still had the Memory Reader on...

He pulled it off his head in disbelief. He still had it...He still had it! He had it! His memories were right here in this device and he had it! Right here in his hands!

He felt an immense spark of hope ignite within himself, practically giggling as the thought of getting out of here made everything seem-

But...what about Hunter?

He froze. Fuck...fuck fuck fuck! This was bad. What did he just do?

He ran from danger...but what was the consequence?

He didn't have time to dwell on the thought because the doors opened and he ran out into the hall, looking left, then right, then left again. He didn't know the way out, but he had to be quick and try not to alert anyone else...

He turned left, running down the hall as quick as he could, feet pounding on the smooth, dark floors as he panted heavily.

Gotta get out...Now!

He turned down another hall, recognizing the hall immediately.

This was where he had his first interrogation with The Council!

So the exit wasn't that far!

He started running again, reaching the end of the hall and turning the corner before-

*Thud*

He bounced back, only to be brought forward again and finally feel the painful prick in his neck, something slicing into his palm as he gripped the Memory Reader tightly, unwilling to let go. Eventually,  he opened his eyes, only to see the calm and collected face of Cyfrin himself.

Fucking bastard....

And his body fell to the floor, a heavy thump sounded out after his body made contact.

Cyfrin looked down in surprise, the kid was quick. That's for sure. But not quick enough.

He wiped his hands off on his shirt, the spent needle on the ground.

That should keep him down for a while...

He bent forward then, picking the Memory Reader off the ground.

Good, now I can-

He heard someone stop behind him, only to turn around and see that it was the General, who panted while he leaned on his Omniwrench. "Why...Why would you want to do that!? He was going to-"

"I couldn't just let him have his memories now. That was a false promise." Cyfrin interrupted, "I thought he would be much harder to persuade, but I guess he was desperate."

"That's because you threatened to kill another kit!"

"It's all in business, Azimuth. That's all." He pulled out his watch again, smirking. "It's what's good for the people, after all." He walked forward, passing Alister as he headed back to his own office, "Bring him to his cell. I need to let my contact know that I am about to send some precious cargo to them..." he stopped, glancing back, eyes alight with anger, "I will talk to you about your hesitation later. For now, do as I say and take him out of my sight."

Alister nodded, hearing the man make his exit. He looked down to the crumpled body at his feet, bending down to lift the boy into his arms.

This is for the Lombaxes...

He chanted in his head as Ratchet's practically lifeless head lolled on his shoulder...

This is for the Lombaxes...This is all for the Lombaxes...I am doing the right thing....I am doing the right thing for the Lombaxes...

So when he finally arrived at the cell a few minutes later, he ignored the way he gently placed Ratchet against the wall, regretting letting the kit go before stepping back and shutting the cell once more, looking at the boy.

He wasn't sorry....was he?

He turned down the hall, refusing to look back.

No...no he wasn't...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Cyfrin sat at his desk, legs crossed as he looked down at his holo-pad, smiling to himself after notifying his contact.

Things were going smoothly...

Leaning back, he thought over his options,

He had a kid in his personal cell block, on the brink of being pitifully sick yet outwardly defiant. He had another pawn to use in defense of the Lombaxes. He had a loyal General who was too oblivious for his own good. He had another Head Council Member with obvious regrets and unpaid debts that were way past due.

He had many others under his thumb, and he was just sitting back, waiting to press down on them.

He hummed, hovering his finger over a button on the side of his desk, before pressing it.

He supposed he had opposing forces as well. Ratchet had plenty of connections out there on the streets. The people loved him,

Especially the Keeper and his wife. And not to mention the kit that Ratchet was friends with. What was it...Oleander? Oliver? Something like that.. it didn't matter...

Good thing he could have one of his lackeys look over Ratchet's friend. He can't have anyone turn now. Because things were finally lined up and ready to go.

The doors opened, and in walked one of his personal assistants. He smiled, words sickenly sweet as they stopped in front of his desk, "I have a mission for you." He started, "And this must be done with the utmost care, understand? No one shall no of this."

"Yes sir?"

"I have a special shipment in the coming days. I need you to oversee it. And-" he watched as they looked up, hood obscuring their face, "I need you to keep an eye on Arthur Abletress' family, as well as the Callisto's. Any odd behavior and you shall return to me and report it, understand?"

"Yes, sir..."

"Good. You are dismissed."

He watched as they turned to walk out, steps soft and barely audible. He called out once more, "Oh...and don't make any mistakes like last time..." he smirked. The assistant scoffed, continuing on their way.

Once he exited, Cyfrin leaned back once more, eyes glancing around the room, until he stopped to stare at the Memory Reader on his desk.

He smirked, going to pick it up and-

Found the side of it to be cracked....a large portion of the side missing...memory chip is gone and broken...

....

It was broken

....

He stood up, enraged, slamming his fist on the metal desk one, twice, and then a third time, threatening to make a small dent in the desk. He growled.

"DAMNIT!"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

He sat in his garage, staring off into space...

He tapped his foot on the ground, eyes seeing, but not registering anything in front of him. The silence in the room felt deafening and suffocating at the same time as the events of the past few days caught up with him...

Why the fuck was this so hard to deal with?

He should be overjoyed. He should be sitting in this garage right now with Ratchet, building away and adding to their shelves that now lay abandoned on the wall.

The thought left a hole growing in his chest once more...

He felt like he was running out of time, and there was nothing he could do at this moment, despite the fact that he really wanted to. So badly.

His eyes roamed over the ship model, the first thing he built with Ratchet. His eyes then wandered to the old hoverboard leaning on the wall, next to the one signed by Skid McMarx himself.

His eyes finally landed on the small plush that he and Phoebe gifted to Ratchet the day they officially met him...

...

When he thinks about this situation, he realizes that it is way out of his comprehension. He was....it..it felt like he was still in shock while others moved on so quickly with the news.

Specifically, Phoebe.

The woman was able to adapt and overcome, but this? How could she accept this so quickly when...

When Kaden still had his own thoughts to sort through...

To think that the boy who weaved his way into their life was an...interdimensional counterpart to his son, who was dead. Considering the facts, Ratchet was still related to him and Phoebe by blood...

That was still a tough pill to swallow for Kaden.

But...but he knew that he couldn't let anything happen to the boy that he cared for more than his words can describe.

He wouldn't let a repeat of what happened to take place...

His son was ripped away from him because he was too late. Because he failed. Because he was too late.

His son was dead all because of him...

And now Ratchet was in the clutches of corrupt people that planned to do something with him and Kaden was just sitting in his garage thinking the time away!?

He berated himself for his choices...but what could he do without a solid plan?

At this rate, he was going to lose Ratchet before he could make his move...

He refused to let that-

*Ring*Ring*

Kaden looked over to Ratchet's phone that lay on his workbench. He looked at the caller ID

Oliver.

Kaden reaches forward, picking up the phone without a second thought.

"Oliver? Why are you calling at this time? Are you-"

"Mr. Callisto...W-We have a huge problem..."

Kaden tightened his grip on the phone, fingers threatening to bend the casing...

"Tell me."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Oliver]

He has been working relentlessly.

His eyes were burning after looking at his computer screen for hours without a break. He was pretty sure that he hadn't eaten either, but the sour taste of the warm, syrupy soda on his desk made his empty stomach churn.

He grasped his pen with shaky hands, looking over his notes in despair.

All this time and he wasn't one step closer.

He researched countless articles. Outside databases, anything he could find about The Council and still turned up empty-handed!

In a fit of frustration, he slammed his notepad down, throwing his pen across his room. He growled, holding his head in his hands as he started to pace.

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing...

He couldn't go on like this. Either sit in his room all day and grasp for straws or risk it and take his chances out there on the streets to see if he gets any leads.

His options were slim, and he was running out of time...

Ratchet was rotting in that despicable building and...and Oliver can't even do anything about it! He was useless! Useless. Useless. Useless! He can't-

*Knock*Knock*

He turned to his door,

"Ollie? Are you...okay?" Arthur asked from the other side, "I...heard something fall...in your room. What's up?"

"Nothing, asshole. Mind your own business."

"Oliver, please." Arthur pushed, "Please...let me in."

Oliver sighed heavily, rolling his eyes as he walked forward and unlocked his door, opening it to reveal an exhausted-looking Arthur who held something in his shaking hands.

"I need to show you something."

Oliver groaned, "C'mon! Can it wait? I'm kind of busy right now!"

Arthur just shook his head, "No." Then he proceeded to push Oliver out of the way, walking into his room and sitting on the bed. Oliver glared at him, annoyed. "This better be good." Oliver growled, "Or I will kick you-"

He paused, watching in astonishment as Arthur held out a book...

The...Council's Official Book!?

"What....the...fuck..?" Oliver felt like he could faint, "H-How did you get that!?" He asked, before connecting the dots, "You...You stole it! H-How-"

"Ollie, listen." Arthur interrupted. The younger Lombax shut his mouth immediately, "What I am about to tell you, you need to keep it a secret, alright? And...and try not to kill me..." he winced. Oliver raised a brow, "Okay...what is it? And explain why you have the book!"

"I am working for The Council."

It was silent for a split second....

Before Oliver decided to tackle his brother to the floor with bottled-up rage...

"You motherfucker!" He tugged on his brother's ear, "Why would you!? You fucking-"

"JUST LISTEN TO ME!" Arthur snapped, kicking his brother off, "Just...Just fucking listen to me before you throw your little fucking tantrum..." Oliver glared at him, "I-I know what The Council is doing is wrong. I realized that, okay!? I...I took this book from the Callistos because I needed some answers!"

Oliver remained silent.

"I....After what I saw in there, I wanted to know what was going on! I was sick of being left in the dark!"

"But why did you join them in the first place!?"

Arthur frowned, sitting back on Oliver's bed, "I...I wanted..." he trailed off, looking to the ground, "I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't join them. I wouldn't be out there doing cargo work. I wouldn't be the word on the street whenever I came back. I wouldn't..." he paused, biting his lip, "I wouldn't have the power to do anything."

Oliver looked at him in disbelief,

"They...they cut me a deal. One I shouldn't have taken"

"But why?"

"Because...Because it puts you all at risk." Oliver froze, looking at his brother in fear, "But if I leave now...they could hurt you, Oliver. I don't want that."

"So...that is why you were against me hanging out with Ratchet." Oliver realized, "You knew what was going to happen the whole time!"

"Not really..." Arthur sighed, "I didn't know their actual intentions. I only knew that he was a problem to them. That's it."

"So you let them get him? Is that it!?"

"And what else was I supposed to do!?" Arthur yelled back, "Let you get hurt!?"

"Better than whatever they are doing to Ratchet in there right now!"

"Don't you fucking say that!" Arthur growled, getting up to point at Oliver in the face. The younger Lombax stepped back, intimidated, "Don't you dare fucking say that!" Arthur repeated, "Everything that I am doing for them now is to keep you, Mom, and Dad safe from them! That's all I want!"

Oliver was speechless, staring at his brother as he continued,

"I...I hate that I had to do what I did. I hate that I just had to stand by and watch what happens to people who go against The Council!" He said regretfully, "I never wanted things to go this far, Ollie! I-I never wanted to-"

He was cut off,

When Oliver went forward to hug him close...

"I-I still fucking hate you." Oliver admitted. Arthur frowned sadly, but hugged back anyways, "But...But we need to do what's right, Arthur. I'm not just going to let my friend be left with The Council." He pulled back, "Are you with me, or against me?"

Arthur looked away,

"I-If you really, really care, you'd do this." He said, "The old Arthur would do what is right."

Please. Please. Please Oliver begged in his head, Please help me.

Arthur looked towards him, face blank. "I will tell you everything I know, and then some." He whispered out, "A-As long as you promise to...to be careful, okay?"

"But won't you help me after?"

"I-I..." Arthur looked at the floor, "I-I don't-"

"You said you wanted to keep me safe?" Oliver smiled sadly, "If I do something reckless, you need to be there to keep me safe." He said, "You can't just tell me and leave, you asshole! I...I need my big brother more than ever now. Please."

Arthur finally decided to make eye contact with him, gaze determined,

"Of course, Ollie. I promise." He said,

"I have a lot of time to make up for."

Oliver smiled, "Okay, well let's-"

*Knock*Knock*Knock*

They both paused, Arthur immediately going rigid at the noise,

"That...was the front door...." Oliver whispered out, "Mom and Dad are at work and-"

"Shhh!"

Oliver stepped to the side as Arthur pushed aside the curtains and peeked out the blinds, frowning at what he saw.

Whatever it was, he turned to Oliver, reaching over to grab the book off the bed, "Listen, take this." He shoved it into Oliver's hands, "Stay quiet while I go down and talk, okay? Don't make a sound."

"But who is it!?"

"A Council Member." Arthur answered. He noted the fearful look on Oliver's face as he went to leave the room, "I'll be okay, I promise. Just stay up here."

Oliver nodded at him, and Arthur opened and shut the door quietly. Oliver immediately went over to shut his computer monitor off, sitting down by the door and tilting an ear, trying to listen to what he heard...

And the front door finally opened, Oliver praying for his brother's safety as The Council Member started to speak,

"Abletress. Come with me."

And Oliver gasped, throwing his hope out the window when he heard the front door close, running over to the window and peeking out, hands starting to shake once more...

Arthur had his back turned to the house, walking just alongside The Council Member, keeping close....

And taking his brother away...

....

The book grew heavy in his weak grasp, clutching it closer to his chest as if it was a lifeline...

Oliver could only hope that his brother would return....

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Uh oh things are getting worse and I don't even know how I am handling this intensity but I am doing it. I hope I am doing well with it hahah...

also, I'm probably gonna change my username soon, so I can get rid of this cringe one from years ago...idk what it will be, but I will keep the same profile pic for now so people don't get confused when I change it and you all know it's me  

And this chapter got a bit out of hand so I decided to split it. I don't know when it will be out, but I am coming up on winter break so I have a lot of projects to prepare for...(I actually have 2 unrevised essays to hand in tonight...heheh) so I'm gonna do that and then crash...

Anyways, I hope you all have been doing well! I will keep you all updated on the next chapter, and I will see you then! Have a great day/night! ❤