Sorry for the wait, finals caught up with me...In this you have all POVs, please read through them all. Important things happen.

As a side note, Nova's POV is set a bit in the past. Clank and Ratchet have both had small time skips. You'll see when you get to those parts...

*Also, this is a very intense chapter, and it is very long. And by long, I mean it. This is the longest chapter to date, totaling at 12325 WORDS WITHOUT AUTHOR'S NOTES. Oh my...

I recommend you sit and have your favorite drink and maybe a snack. This chapter is heavy.

Enjoy!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Oliver]

He was unaware of how much time had passed.

Staring out the window continuously only made him feel worse. It was like he was waiting for something that would never come, no matter how much he wanted it to.

But his brother was strong, right? He would come back, right? Did The Council decide to...get rid of him? No...that couldn't be, right?

Ugh...he didn't know. He just hoped that he would come back soon, because what was he supposed to do with the Official book now that his brother was gone? He didn't know where to even start at this point. Everything has been so messed up lately...everything started to blur together and he couldn't make any sense of it...

But instead of thinking about these things, he continued to do what his brother told him to do. Stay, and be quiet.

He held the book to his chest as the time went on, silently counting the minutes he had been waiting there...

24 minutes.

Just....how long did he have to wait until he called it-

*Creeeek...*

He perked up, left ear rising as he heard the front door open. It could have been anyone. His mother, his father, Arthur, or...someone else.

He tightened his hold on the book as the footsteps got closer and closer to his bedroom door, holding his breath as-

*knock**knock*

"Ollie?" a whisper.

It was Arthur.

With a sigh of relief, Oliver set the book down and went to open the door. Once he did, he looked up at his brother, who looked stressed. Oliver frowned,

"What happened?"

Without replying, Arthur stepped forward and entered the room, Oliver closing the door behind him quietly as he waited for his older brother to finally speak.

"It was just...an update." he kept his voice low, barely audible. "It was about Ratchet."

"What!? What is it!?" Oliver questioned, "Is he okay!? Is he-"

"He is...alive at least." Arthur grumbled, "I don't know the fine details of the situation, but I was ordered to keep it hushed. That, and I had to keep an eye on you."

"Me? Why?"

"Because The Council knows that you were associated with him. So if he knows something, they assume you do too." Arthur shook his head, exhausted, "They want to make sure that you aren't up to something." Oliver scoffed, sitting next to his brother on the bed, "Fucking assholes..." he muttered angrily, "I just...why do they want him so badly?"

Arthur grimaced, "The only thing I was told was that he was a threat but-" he paused, looking away in thought before finally reigning his thoughts in, "-I don't know what I believe anymore. His situation is so fucked up that I can't any sense of it myself. Like...there are so many things that we don't know, but The Council does."

"And they think that they have all the right to control you and others for their own gain?"

"Well, if I am being honest, it is people like me that kind of...give them the control."

Oliver looked at his brother, a mixture of shock and confusion on his face, "What...do you mean?"

Arthur pursed his lips, unable to look his brother in the face. "A few years ago I was...I was stupid." he started, "Around your age I decided that I wanted to be part of the Guard, like Dad is, y'know?"

"So...why didn't you?"

"I failed." Arthur said simply, "Or...picked the wrong path, I guess." he looked at his little brother, who was listening intently, "Dad is a very influential General, one of the best. And I...I wasn't enough."

"But you were a kit. Still are, too." Oliver reminds him, "So what changed?"

"To be in the guard you have to start a bit early. Like, you have to study under someone. My teacher...wasn't the nicest. And to top it all off, my grades weren't the best. At all."

"But Mom and Dad always bragged about your grades...?"

"Well, that was after I devoted myself to what I wanted to do." Arthur explained, "Before that I had nothing to aim for. I had no goals or anything. Hell, Dad tried to teach me how to use a Hoverboard a few times and I still couldn't get a hang of it." He chuckled bitterly, "But...Once I watched Dad train those recruits in the Arena, it was like...a revelation. I wanted to do it, and I wanted to be like him."

Oliver watched silently as Arthur finally leaned forward, head in his hands as he continued, "Then I started studying more and going out more. I started to watch Dad train recruits almost every single day at that point but...I still felt like I wasn't good enough." he hissed under his breath, reliving the memories inside his head, "After a while, things just started getting....I don't know...dull? I guess? Like, I didn't know at that point. I had zero confidence and I felt like I had nowhere to go."

"But...why would you feel like you had to prove yourself so young?" Oliver questioned, "It's not like Mom or Dad would force you into something so early."

"No." Arthur confirmed, "But I wanted to prove it to myself." he said, looking over to Oliver again, "To you."

"Me!?" Oliver gasped, "What do you mean?"

Arthur sighed, "Back when you were born...I swore to myself that I would be the best big brother there was. I wanted to teach you everything. I wanted you to look up to me." he explained, "So what kind of big brother would I be if I couldn't prove anything? Or..what kind of son would I be if I couldn't do anything?" he asked quietly.

"And after all this. After I tried so many fucking times I still couldn't do it." he growled under his breath, frustrated with himself. "But one day, I heard something on the streets, saying that they were taking some recruits to work on the new cargo ships. And I thought, 'Why not? I can give it a shot!' and I did."

"And then what?"

"Someone came up to me with an offer. It was a Council member, but I didn't know it at the time." he grimaced, swallowing thickly, "They offered to give me a space in the guard if I were to do something for them. All I had to do was get on a cargo ship and pick up something."

"And you accepted!?"

"Look, I told you I was stupid, okay? If I could go back and kick the younger me in the ass, I would do it. Wholeheartedly." Arthur exclaimed, "So yeah, I did it. But once I came back, that is when they went back on what they said."

Oliver's brows furrowed as his brother continued, "They said that since I earned a future spot, I was in debt to them. So...they explained that if I did not accomplish whatever they wanted me to do-" he took a deep breath, head bowing in absolute shame, "-they would hurt my family."

Oliver gasped, looking at his brother in shock, "W-What!? Are you serious?" he stuttered out, "B-But...why didn't you tell any of us!? We could have-"

"I was forced not to. If I did and...and they found out you would already be taken in!"

Oliver shivered, looking away in disbelief. Arthur continued, voice quiet, "So...they came up with the excuse that I was on some sort of stupid 'program' that would...I don't know, allow me to see the sights of the outside world so I could pilot my own cargo ship one day? I forget what it was exactly, but Mom and Dad believed it. The Council even gave me a fake paper with their stamp of approval." he frowned, "I-It's been like this for years. Obviously."

He started to tear up, while Oliver just stared at him sadly, "In the process of doing their dirty work, I missed out on everything, haven't I?" he asked Oliver, "Your birthdays, your achievements, you learning how to ride a hoverboard..." he rubbed the wetness off his cheek, facing away from Oliver, "I couldn't even give you gifts or anything. And above all else...I could never find it in myself to at least call you because I was too fucking ashamed that I missed everything!" he started to weep silently, "T-They ruined everything for me..."

Oliver watched helplessly as Arthur wiped his tears away, sobbing quietly while what he said finally sank in.

"None of it was your fault..." Oliver placed a hand on his shoulder, "Yeah...you're still an ass. Like I said before but...but The Council made you do those things."

"It's no excuse." Arthur denied, "I could have attempted to do better, but I didn't. I take all responsibility for that."

"But you feel bad for it." Oliver reasoned, "And you're trying. That's all that matters, I guess."

Arthur looked at his brother in surprise, but then his face softened, "I...guess you're right." he murmured, "But...back to the matter at hand-" he bent down to pick up The Council's Book and opened it. "Everything they were willing to write about Ratchet is in here, but it won't really help us now."

"Why not?"

"Because apparently they are planning to transport him off of the Planet."

"Really!?" Oliver practically shrieked, "B-But-"

"I don't know why exactly, but I feel like they are up to no good either way." He looked Oliver in the eyes, completely serious, "No matter what, we can't believe anything that The Council says, this includes this book but...I just want to know...something...."

Oliver nodded in understanding, "If everything could be a lire then why sit here and read when we can do something?"

Arthur huffed, "What do you mean?" he was met with silence. A look of horror showed on his face after he realized what Oliver was implying, "Going after The Council is suicide, Ollie! You can't just risk it all for-"

"-My best friend!" Oliver cut him off, "I am not just going to let The Council do whatever they want with him! I...I can't let that happen!"

"This situation is out of our hands, Oliver. I am not going to let you risk your life for someone that you don't really know." he argued, "For all we know, he could be some villain-"

"He is from a different Dimension, Arthur." his brother was taken aback at the words, "Mr.Callisto told me some things."

"But we can't believe anything from The Council. That's what I am trying to tell you!"

"But we can't believe that everything is a lie either!"

"We can." Arthur affirmed, "The Council is deceptive."

"Yeah? Well that doesn't matter to me." Oliver growled, "My best friend is going through who knows what and I am not going to let them hurt him anymore! I am not just going to let them ship him away to who knows where and quite possibly get him killed! He is my friend!"

"But would he want you to get killed in the process? I don't think so." Arthur replied, opening the book and flipping through the newest pages, "Anyone in their right mind would want to stay away after realizing the length they will go to get what they want."

"Good thing I'm not normal then." Oliver replied bitterly, "And even if Ratchet is some psychopath that kills people and shoots guns for sport, it doesn't matter to me. I know him. I know the person he can be! I know my best friend! And I know he is not that type of person"

"You really don't!" Arthur tried to reason with him, "Just think, Ratchet is from an alternate dimension, and he lost his memories. He doesn't even know who he is, so what makes you think that you know who he truly is!?" Oliver went silent, "Yeah, we don't know what The Council wants, and we don't know what's true and what's not. But we can't be so reckless, Ollie. Please understand that." Arthur practically begged, "I am just trying to protect you!"

"And I just want to save my friend!" Oliver retorted, "I know you want to protect me, but you can't stop me from being a fucking idiot..." he chuckled sadly. Arthur just sighed, "No...I really can't" he sounded defeated, closing the book, not even bothering to attempt reading through it.

"At least let me help, then. The last thing I want is you getting caught."

"What about you?"

"I could care less." Arthur said firmly, "My goal was to keep my family safe, and that includes you, you idiot."

Oliver scoffed, muttering something under his breath but it was inaudible to the other boy in the room, "I guess...the only problem is what we do."

Arthur nodded, but then he smiled, "Well...I guess this is a good time to tell you another thing I have been told tonight."

Oliver perked up, "What is it!?"

"Well, I was to keep an eye on you to make sure you weren't going to do anything. But...once Ratchet is being transported to the cargo ship-"

"-You're going to be on the ship!" Oliver finished, but his excitement faded once he realized what Arthur was getting at, "But...I don't want him to leave...and...wasn't he going to be put there in the first place!?"

"That doesn't mean that I drop him off where I am supposed to." Arthur explained, "I can help him get somewhere off The Council's radar."

"But...wouldn't you be blamed then? I-I can't lose you too!"

Arthur frowned, feeling terrible for his brother's inner turmoil, "Ollie, no matter what happens to me or Ratchet. No matter who he is. I think it's right that we give him a chance and let him go so he can find out who he is." he explained, stepping forward to place a hand on his shoulder. Oliver looked up, tears in his eyes, "You want that for him, right?"

Oliver grimaced, looking down again, "Well...yeah! Of course I do but...but he is my friend!"

"Friends do anything for each other. And, need I remind you, you are ready to risk your life to get him out of The Council's grasp? If you succeed, would he be able to stay?

"No..." Oliver answered regretfully, "No, he wouldn't"

Arthur sighed, watching as a tear or two fell, "I'm sorry, Ollie." he muttered, "But there is always going to be a consequence for what we choose to do. And for this, the safest thing for Ratchet to do is leave."

"But there's a war going on, right!? He could die out there! Wouldn't it be better if we just took down The Council?"

"Easier said than done." Arthur replied, "Like I said, going straight to them, trying to bring them down, it's suicide. That, and with most people in this city oblivious to their actions you won't have many people trying to save you."

Oliver nodded in understanding. While it was a tough pill to swallow, he knew his brother was speaking the truth. What he was planning on doing was risky, and Arthur was right when he said that the safest place for Ratchet to be is off the planet. If Ratchet does escape, Oliver believes that they will catch him again, and this time, they will never let go. That, or they would go as far as to harm their own people.

"I...I know." Oliver mumbled. Pulling out his phone as he did so,

"But I am going to need some help."

He dialed Kaden's number, Arthur watching him silently as the man picked up. This was it.

Oliver was about to start something that would put him in so much danger. All for a friend that he hasn't even known for that long....

Whatever. It's not like he could change his little brother's mind now...

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

The other side of the line was silent for a few seconds, Oliver practically held his breath,

"Tell me."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

[The Next Night]

His blaster felt heavy in his pocket.

They all approached the intimidating building, looking up at the steel pillars and dark, tinted windows. Kaden to Phoebe's right, both standing tall as Oliver and Arthur stood behind them in the few seconds of silence. The icy air sank into all of their bones and leaving behind an almost painful chill.

"The plan is simple." Arthur started, "Go in, try not to be seen, get out." he glanced over to Kaden, "Your keycard will help you, at least."

"Easier said than done." Phoebe piped up, "I doubt we won't run into anyone. We are going to have to split up."

"Or cause a distraction." Kaden added, "Our only goal is to get Ratchet out safely and-"

"-bring him to the cargo ship." Arthur interrupted him, receiving a glare in response, "I know that you do not favor that decision, Callisto. But I promise to deliver him somewhere safe. Different from where he was going."

"Like I should trust a Council member..." Kaden scoffed, looking back to the building with a menacing glare, "If it were my choice, I would just bring them down now."

"I second that." Phoebe agreed, "What The Council has been doing is unforgivable. I don't want to let them get away with that."

"Well then you'd cause mass hysteria and would probably be imprisoned by The Council. And then what? Not like you have anyone to save you." Arthur reasoned with them, "I have no control of what you will choose to do inside but you should know that you will be risking it all if you do something too reckless."

The adults were silent, thinking over what they were just told, "As long as we get Ratchet out safe, that's it." Oliver finally piped up, "I don't think we want him in there any longer, so why are we wasting all this time talking!?"

"There is no way you are coming with us." Kaden said sternly, "You're just a kit. You stay with your brother."

"Like you can stop me." Oliver replied, "I will go in there and that's final."

Arthur shook his head, "No, you will come with me and make sure that we take Ratchet from Kaden and Phoebe safely. That was our deal."

"B-But-"

"No buts, you are coming with me."

Oliver sighed as Kaden and Phoebe finally stepped forward, Arthur told them one last time, "Oliver and I will be waiting in the cargo bay. Don't go in over your head."

Kaden rolled his eyes, scanning his card at the entrance and entering the building with Phoebe. She shivered, rubbing her arms. How was it colder in here than it was outside?

Shivering, she scanned the empty room as Kaden walked forward. It was oddly quiet...too quiet.

"W-we need to get to the cells, Kade. That is probably where he is."

"Hopefully." Kaden muttered, hedging down the most familiar hall as quiet as they could, pushing open the cold, steel doors. A dark, empty hallway was laid out in front of them. "This seems like a trap or something..." Phoebe muttered as they started to walk forward, "Don't you think there should be a couple of guards?"

"The Council is too confident for that. They always believed that they could control everything. But...it is too quiet."

At the end of the hall there was an elevator, and 2 other halls. Kaden took the left, "The holding cells can be down here..."

"Do you know for sure?"

Kaden hesitated at the question, "No...but I'm trusting my gut."

And right when he said that, a familiar face rounded the corner, Omniwrench at the ready. Kaden reeled back, arm extending to the side to push Phoebe behind him just a bit. The woman still glared at the other man, however.

"Alister." Kaden greeted coldly, "What are you doing here?"

"I was guarding the prisoner." The man said simply, "You two aren't supposed to be here."

"Yeah, well we are." Kaden straightened up, looking his friend in the eyes, "I am here to get my kid out of that fucking cell, and I won't let you stop me."

"Kaden, please listen to reason." Alister insisted, eyes practically begging his friend to listen to him, "There is a reason why he is in there, Kaden. You can't just go against the truth!"

"And what is the truth!?" Kaden asked, voice rising in anger as Alister started to glare at him. "I don't think The Council really told you what's going on, Al! You're just blindly following them!"

"Because I believe in them, Kade! I am loyal to the Lombaxes!" he argued, "I am doing this for us!"

"Oh, so imprisoning a kid is the answer to all of our problems!? That's sick, Alister! How can you think that's right!"

"Because The Council has a good reason for it!"

"And how do you know that!?"

"Because-"

"Kaden!"

The man turned at the sound of his wife's frightened voice, seeing her being grabbed from behind by a Council member, stark white hair falling out of their hood as their arms wrapped around her. He growled, bolting forward before he was pulled back by Alister,

"I'll escort her out the back exit." The Council member said coldly, pulling Phoebe away with a struggle as Kaden managed to get free-

"Not so fast, Kade."

He turned around angrily, pausing at the sight of the lit-up Omniwrench,

"I need to escort you out of here."

Kaden scoffed, turning fully towards him,

"Then come get me."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Oliver]

"Ollie, I swear if you leave-"

"I can't just stay here with you, Arthur!" he shouted, "I am going in there to get Ratchet and you can't stop me!"

"But Kaden and Phoebe-"

"-Arthur, please. Let me do this."

His older brother looked at him, a sour look on his face. Of course he didn't like what Oliver was about to do. He was risking his life, after all. But...he knew that he couldn't stop him. Not now.

"...Okay, Ollie." He said regretfully, "Be safe."

"I'll try..." was the last thing Oliver said before turning around and bolting back to The Council's headquarters, feet beating against the stone as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him.

He didn't want to waste any more time...

He finally made it, thankful that the door was unlocked before he stepped in to survey the area.

It was....way too quiet....

He shook his head. He couldn't care about how quiet it was now, he was on a mission to save his best friend and get him out of here.

He just hoped Phoebe and Kaden were okay...wherever they were.

He looked around the corner, scanning the area before bolting down the hallway. Unfortunately, he heard some sort of scuffle ahead and forced himself to stop, hoping that he didn't get caught.

Oh...it was Kaden and Alister....

The two men seemed to be in a heavy debate while they were fighting each other. Kaden had a tight grip on Alister's wrench as they growled at each other. Thankfully, they both paid him no mind as he slipped by, quickly heading to one of the doors at the end of the hall, opening it as quietly as possible so he wouldn't alarm anyone....

"Holy shit..." he whispered to himself as he looked down the dark and gloomy hallway before him. This looked to be the holding cells....

He was thankful for his luck that he picked the right door but...how could they put anyone in this place!? It was dirty and cold and...and the air just smelled...stale.

He scrunched up his nose, walking down the center of the room while looking inside all of the cells. Grimacing as most of them he looked into were empty...

Empty...empty...empty...emp-

"Ratchet!"

He stopped outside of the cell, gripping onto the bar as he looked over his friend inside, slumped against the wall with his head hanging down. He felt his heart drop to his stomach, banging on the bars desperately. "Ratch! Ratchet! Get up! I'm here to get you out!"

No response.

He banged again, a bit harder this time, "Get up!"

After he was met with more silence, he shoved his hand into his pocket, taking out one of his "secret tools" that he took with him just in case.

He just hoped that after his years of playing video games that his skills would finally pay off...

He took out the paper clip before bending it, shoving it into the lock as he pressed his ear against it, trying to hear the little clicks of the lock as he worked. He just hoped the paper clip would snap...

*Click..*

"Oh hell yeah..." he cheered to himself quietly, sliding the cell door open as he did so, immediately bending down onto one knee. He then placed a hand on Ratchet's-

Why was he wearing a...Council cloak...?

He shook his head. That was a thought for another time. For now, he had to get Ratchet awake so he could get him out of the damned place...

He shook his shoulder, "Ratch...Hey, Ratchet! Wake up!"

The other boy grumbled, lifting his head weakly, eventually making eye contact with his friend. "O-Ollie...? I-Is...that you?"

"You betcha, pal!" Oliver smiled, lifting Ratchet by the arm and putting Ratchet's arm around his own shoulder, helping the other walk out of the cell alongside him. "I'm gonna help you get out, okay?" He asked his friend, Ratchet stumbling forward, "Okay..." he whispered out, voice slurred and almost inaudible. Oliver winced, but pulled him down the hall as fast as he could. It wasn't easy, with Ratchet taking shaky steps at first, slowly getting the hang of walking again.

Just...what happened to him?

Oliver growled under his breath as Ratchet tugged on him, "O-Oliver...What are you d-doing here!?"

"What does it look like? I am saving your fucking ass." he pulled Ratchet along, more forcefully this time. Ratchet didn't respond, head hanging as he was pulled along. It was obvious that he wasn't retaining anything from their conversation or the situation at all. Whatever happened to him, he was still way out of it.

Oliver pushed open the door, looking back and forth down the hall before pulling Ratchet through. They were almost to the main exit...

"Clank..."

Oliver huffed, ignoring his friend and his mutterings. "Where...is....Clank?"

"I don't know what the fuck you are talking about..." Oliver mumbled, "I'm sorry. But I need to get you out of here." he said, grunting as Ratchet jostled his arm, "I...can't leave him b-behind...."

"Yeah, well I am not leaving you here to rot."

Ratchet went silent after that, actually attempting to keep up with him this time as Oliver kept him balanced. Oliver made it just outside of the main room, setting Ratchet down by the wall for just a moment, "Stay quiet." was all he said before opening the door just a crack, looking out at where Alister and Kaden were arguing. He didn't pay no mind as-"

"Oliver?"

He jumped, turning around quickly until his eyes laid upon the woman before him, a bit worse for wear,

"Phoebe? Where were you?"

"Ah...A pesky Councilwoman tried to carry me out."

"Really!? How did you get out!?"

"Hah! I still got it! I just gave her a few punches and that was that."

"But...Kaden-"

"-Is distracting Alister." she smiled sweetly, "But...I thought we told you to stay with Arthur?"

"I couldn't." Oliver said, "I had the chance to leave, so I took it."

Phoebe hummed in understanding, "I see. Well it doesn't matter now. Let's get out of here before we get caught."

They each grabbed one of Ratchet's arms, pulling him up, he seemed a bit more coherent this time. He looked at them in confusion, "What's going on?"

"We're getting you out of here, sweetie." Phoebe said calmly, but it was obvious that she was trying to stay calm herself. "We got you."

"But...The Council-"

"-Will leave you alone now." Oliver finished, trying to reassure him.

They both pushed open the doors just in time. Kaden smiled in victory as he finally had Alister down...for just a bit at least.

"Oh my- Are you all okay!?" Kaden asked worriedly, looking over all of them. His gaze stood on Ollie for a split second, "You were supposed to stay outside."

"Yeah yeah, sure old man! I'm the one that got him out!"

Kaden huffed, instead looking at the unsteady boy in Phoebe and Oliver's struggling arms due to the strain of keeping Ratchet up on his feet. Kaden sighed, reaching forward to place his hand on the boy's shoulders to help keep him steady, "Oh Ratchet..." he looked over his boy, "What did they do to you in there, bud?"

"They must have drugged him." Phoebe said,. Oliver decided to add in his own two cents "They probably forgot to feed him too. I was able to pick him up alone!"

Alister stirred on the floor, making Kaden look back and forth between the two of them, "You two go on ahead. I will be able to carry him faster. You two help Arthur get the ship ready." he looked over to Phoebe, "I doubt he knows how to pilot well. You know the basics." the woman nodded, looking over to Oliver, "Let's go quickly now!"

Oliver nodded, following after the woman as they exited the building.

Kaden held Ratchet up, "Can you walk?" he asked quickly, words almost jumbling together. Ratchet shrugged his shoulders, "Not well." he replied honestly. And because of this, Kaden turned his back on the boy and crouched slightly, "Get on, we have to get out of here."

Ratchet complied as quickly as possible, looking over to Alister who grasped onto his Omniwrench to help him stand up. "He's getting up."

"I know. I know." Kaden replied, rushing over to the door and pushing it open with his side. He was surprised at how easily he was able to run.

Looks like Oliver was right. Ratchet was very light and Kaden regretfully admitted that this made things much easier right now...

He got pretty far when he picked up an enraged voice from behind them,

"Kaden!" It was Alister.

He picked up the pace just a bit, grimacing as Ratchet tightened his hold on his shoulders. He assumed it was from fear...he didn't know...

But he knew that it was time to get him somewhere safe. No matter what

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Arc]

Cyfrin paced around the room angrily, mumbling darkly to himself as the time passed.

Arc stood there in silence, grimacing to himself. This was absurd, "If we just-"

"No. Listen to me." Cyfrin placed his two hands on his desk, glaring at the man in front of him who seemed to stiffen under his gaze. "You are to tell them this : They just let out a dangerous convict that simply posed a big threat to the Lombaxes." then suddenly, his eyes opened wide, smirking devilishly at his idea, "Or...even better, you can tell them that he was affiliated with The Creator."

Arc held back a gasp, "But that's-"

"-That's an order, Cordero." Cyfrin said coldly. He then went to sit down on his chair, fist holding up his chin as if he was in deep thought, "Hurry up. We wouldn't want to leave them waiting. They are probably out of headquarters by now."

Arc nodded wordlessly, turning and exiting Cyfrin's office. Walking down the hall towards the elevator, pausing in front of the only other door down here.

Hunter...

He shook off the incoming thoughts, continuing on his way down the hall. If he were to defy his orders now, Hunter would surely be punished for it...

And he didn't want that.

...

He never wanted that.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

They were about halfway there when Ratchet tapped his shoulder.

"I-I can run now." Ratchet said, "I'm just slowing us down to....well, wherever you're taking me.". Kaden grunted, slowing down a bit. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Yeah."

Kaden tilted to the side a bit, Ratchet sliding off and steadying himself. He looked behind them at that moment, "Looks like Alister fell behind..."

"Well...he's an old guy so..." Kaden chuckled, trying to light the moon as he grabbed Ratchet's hand and pulled him along. He heard Ratchet chuckle too, "Hah! I guess so..."

Ratchet kept up with the man, panting in exertion as they turned a corner. He looked around in curiosity, "W-where are you taking me?"

"To the cargo bay."

"What!? For what?"

"You'll see when we get there and-"

"Kaden! Stop! You don't know what you're doing!" It was Alister. He caught up to them and it sounded like he was beyond pissed off...

Kaden cursed under his breath, taking his arm and wrapping it around Ratchet's lower back, pushing him forward as they continued to run. Ratchet refused to look back at the point, just focused on getting where Kaden wanted him to go-

He heard Alister growl loudly,

"STOP! DO YOU HEAR ME?"

But Ratchet caved and then turned for just a moment to look back at the man, before Kaden pulled him forward, booking it towards the ship, "C'mon! You need to-"

"I. SAID. STOP!" Suddenly he heard something smack against the ground, ears flinching as he turned back for a split second, eyes going blind as-

"NO!"

He was shoved to the side, a strong electrical current grazing his cheek. He gasped as he hit the ground, shouting as he landed on his arm, shoulder flaring up in pain. He then looked towards the side to see who pushed him out of the way only to see-

"KADEN!" he heard a voice call out

Phoebe came on the scene, running over to her husband that lay on the ground, holding his shoulder in pain. Ratchet blinked rapidly, trying to blink the image away, but it stayed. This was real. This was happening.

On auto-pilot he got up, running over to the man to check him and see that he was on the ground, motionless as the smell of burnt fur filled the air. He choked on a sob, "K-Kaden!? Kaden wake-"

But another shot rang out, this time from behind him before Alister shouted out in pain. The man must have been stunned from just hitting his friend if he was now shot...

Ratchet quickly turned around on instinct, eyes widening in shock as he saw who was holding the gun,

"A-Arthur!?"

The other boy reached out without another word, grabbing his arm tightly as he started pulling him away from the scene, pocketing his blaster. "No time to explain. You need to come with me."

"W-wait! I need to-I...I need to check Kaden! He-" he turned back around, Arthur hooking his arms under Ratchet's and pulling him back forcefully as he fought against him. Ratchet continued to struggle, looking over Phoebe, who had tears in her eyes as she stroked her husband's cheek. Kaden made no movement, but Ratchet swore that he could see the man still breathing...

"Let me go! Let me the fuck-"

Another pair of arms grabbed him, making him growl before he saw who it was.

"Oliver!? Let me go!"

"No." his friend said sternly, "We have to get you out of here. Now!" The two brothers pulled Ratchet away from the scene and he kicked and fought against them. They ignored the anguished cries that he emitted, his words turning into sobs, "H-He could die because of me!? Y-You have to let me go! I need to see if he is alright!" But the brothers ignored him, finally making it to their destination. Oliver let go as Arthur stopped just shy of the ramp to the ship.

Ratchet, exhausted, slumped forward, most likely in shock. Oliver started to tear up, "L-Look, we did what we had to do, Ratch. Y-You'll be safe and out of The Council's way now." he wiped at his own eyes, "Arthur is going to take you somewhere safe."

"B-But what about you!?"

"We'll be fine." Oliver tried to assure him, "I promise." but he could tell that Ratchet did not believe him one bit.

Arthur motioned Oliver to hurry it up, pointing to the ship behind them. They had to go.

With that, Oliver crouched down onto the ground, looking into Ratchet's eyes. "I-I think...this is goodbye, Ratch."

Ratchet looked up, shaking his head, "N-No! I can't leave! I have to-"

"You have to get to safety." Oliver insisted, "Y-You have to find out who you are, Ratch. Please."

They both started to cry at this point. Arthur seemed to be looking away, hiding his own face. Oliver sniffed, "I-I'm sorry for what I said a while ago...I-I didn't mean it, Ratchet."

"I don't give a shit about that, Ollie." Ratchet wiped at his cheeks, trying to hold back his tears. "I-I....I just don't know what I am going to do without all of you and...and Phoebe and Kaden-"

"I'll keep an eye on them, I-I promise you that." Oliver said, "I'll make sure we'll be okay."

Ratchet looked down to the ground, breath stuttering. Oliver sighed, "You guys gotta go." he mumbled out, "This...T-This is goodbye, Ratchet."

"No, it's not." Ratchet swallowed thickly, holding back his sobs, "I'll come back, I swear on it."

"Awe...don't let us hold you back, pal..." Oliver whispered, "You gotta find out who you are first. Don't worry about us."

Arthur tapped his foot on the ground then, both boys standing up.

Without waiting even a second, Oliver surged forward and hugged Ratchet tightly, the other not hesitating to squeeze him right back.

"G-Goodbye, Ratch."

"See you, Ollie."

And with that, Arthur pulled Ratchet out of Oliver's grip, pulling the boy onto the ramp quickly. He glanced behind himself, making eye contact with his little brother, "Stay under the radar for the time being, okay?"

"But what about them!?"

"If The Council finds out that you were in on this they will hurt you." Arthur said, pushing Ratchet forwards into the ship. He got ready to close the hatch. "Stay safe, Ollie."

"R-Right back at you, Arthur..." he called out. And just before the hatch closed..."D-Don't get hurt, okay?"

But Arthur didn't respond, the hatch closing shut before he could. Oliver backed up, watching in silence as the thrusters powered on...

He only stayed a bit longer before turning his back, growing as he heard the ship blast off to who knows where...

...

He supposed it was time to get home....and cry from the loss of a friend...and his brother.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Arc]

He arrived at the scene about 5 minutes later, scoffing at what was laid out before him.

Two wounded men and one inconsolable woman. Who, after hearing him arrive, growl viciously. "You!" She screamed out, "You were part of this! How could-"

"-Well, it couldn't have been me. I wasn't here the whole time." He looked to one of the men on the scene, the General, who held his bloody knee in his hand. "And to see such a renowned General down like this." he scoffed, before looking over to the other man, Kaden Callisto who seemed to be awake, upper back being held up by Phoebe as his left shoulder still smoked lightly.

Oh...

"And to think that Alister would even hurt his own friend...Surprising."

Nonetheless, he ignored the looks that he got and plastered a fake smile on his face, hiding his own emotions as he held his shaky hands behind his back. "Do you all understand what you did today?"

They stayed silent,

"You all made a big mistake. I don't know where the child is now, but it doesn't change the fact that he is dangerous."

"You're just lying!" Phoebe shouted, "You-"

"-You just let out a convict that has been affiliated with The Creator himself."

They all looked shocked. Kaden grunted as he tried to sit up more, but was held down by Phoebe. He grimaced in pain, "Y-You are a liar." He spat, "The whole Council is corrupt, and that includes you. I won't believe it until I see it but my son is a fucking psychopath that goes around killing people."

Arc stayed silent, just tilting his head and staring at the man, "Well, you believe what you want to believe then. But The Council wouldn't go such lengths without a proper reason, Callisto. You must understand that."

He stopped speaking once he heard Alister hiss in pain. "I would love to chat more but it seems like you all have other things to attend to." he turned back towards Kaden, "I would get that looked at soon. It could still kill you."

Kaden grunted, heart racing in both rage, and from his electrical burns. As the man left, he heard his wife shout out,

"Yeah, and fuck you!"

She looked back down at him, "C-Can you get up, Kade? You need to get to the Medcenter."

Kaden frowned, looking over towards his injured friend that hung his head in shame. He sighed, "I-I'll try."

He was just glad that his son was safe.

...

That was all that mattered to him.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Arc stood in front of Cyfrin once more, face blank as he stared at the grimacing man.

"So...the child is gone. Great." the man muttered, "I have decided our next course of action, Cordero, and you will be the one making the announcement tomorrow."

"What is it?"

"We are going to shut down the city." Cyfrin explained, voice cold as ice, "No one leaves, and no one enters. We will stop all cargo ships and halt the ones that are already out. And we will do all this under the guise that the war is becoming too tense for the Lombaxes and explain that this is for the safety of the people."

Arc swallowed thickly, "When shall I tell them?"

"You will broadcast an announcement tomorrow at noon." Cyfrin replied. Arc nodded silently, "And then?"

"I will try to find out where that little pest has gone."

Arc watched as the man leaned back in his chair. He decided to speak up, "If I may be so bold, why do you want him so badly?"

His boss stared at him for a moment, before smiling "Well, I suppose I could tell you considering what I am about to do..." he muttered. He stood up again, staring at the other across the desk, "I need that child because he will help the Lombaxes gain control once again."

Arc tilted his head, a questionable look on his face, "Gain...control?"

"Yes...you know about the Dimensionator, yes? Well, have you ever heard of The Great Clock?"

"It was....in The Official Book...it keeps time, correct."

"Yes. The Keeper himself theorized its very existence. But...this child...his memories are the key! He proved that it does exist! Do you know the power that we could hold!?"

"But...we can't! If I am right about my assumptions, it could cause disaster!"

"No if it is used correctly. Unlike how it was used in the child's old dimension."

Arc grimaced, "But-"

"Are you going against my word, Cordero? I will have you know that I could whisk you away like nothing."

Arc shut his mouth immediately, looking down,

"Now...about this other issue I had to speak to you about..."

"What is it, sir?"

"Your mistakes."

Arc went cold, backing up slightly, "What? I did everything you asked and-"

"You were careless and let the child's family and friends get him out, correct? You overlooked the obvious! And for that...well, I had to think of a punishment."

Arc grew cold as Cyfrin walked passed him to the door,

"Follow me."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

"No, NO! What have you done to him!?"

Cyfrin smiled, voice sickly sweet, "Oh...just gave him a little something that would quiet him down, no big deal."

Arc ignored him, getting onto his knees and clutching at the bars, "Hunter? Hunter!? Are you there!?"

Thankfully the boy looked up, eyes a bit foggy as he stared at his father, "D-Dad? What are you doing here?"

Arc's eyes widened, looking up at Cyfrin, begging, "Please, let me in!"

The man, for some odd reason, seemed a bit merciful today. He slowly stepped forward and took out the key in his pocket, unlocking the cell and almost getting pushed aside by Arc, who immediately crouched down by his son and held him close. Hunter, though confused, let this happen.

It has been so long since he got a hug like this from his Dad....he missed it.

"Oh..I'm so sorry..." Arc muttered to the boy, cupping the back of his head as a tear or two slid down his face, "I'm s-so sorry."

Hunter buried his head into his father's chest, shaking his head slightly, "I-It's okay, Dad. I'm okay."

"No...you're not." Arc whispered to him, "You're not okay, and this is all my fault. I-I never wanted this to happen to you..I-I just wanted to protect you and look at what I did!" He clenched his fists,

"The biggest mistake I made in my life was leaving you alone all these years. And...and I can never make up for it. Ever. I...I'm so sorry."

Hunter sighed heavily, only managing to let out a small, "It's okay..." to his father, before shutting his eyes and loosening his hold on his father. Arc realized how exhausted the boy was and-

"I am afraid that I will have to cut this meeting short. You understand, yes? He has to receive a meal soon, after all."

Arc frowned, laying his son against the wall gently and standing up. He walked out of the cell and watched how Cyfrin locked it, both of them walking back to the elevator. Once inside, Cyfrin stood next to him, seeming just a bit eager. Arc couldn't fathom why...

"After your speech tomorrow, I have decided to give you time off."

Arc glanced at him as the doors opened, following the man to one of the back exits, "What? What do you mean?"

"What else is it supposed to mean?" Cyfrin raised a brow, "You can stay home and do whatever it is you do. Someone will be watching over you from time to time, but otherwise, your service is no longer needed at the moment."

Cyfrin opened the exit for him. Arc walked out slowly, turning around in confusion. "But...what about my son!? I can't just."

But then Cyfrin glared down at him, eyes dark and cold. Arc's heart dropped,

"You little fool." Cyfrin growled out, baring his teeth slightly in intimidation, "You think that after your mistake I would let you and your son go free? Hah...so laughable." he chuckled.

"So now you can go home and be alone, wondering where your boy is and how he is doing. Sounds fun, right?"

Arc was taken aback, marching up the stairs in anger. "No you fucking-"

*Click.*

A gun was now held just underneath his chin, those ruby red eyes staring at him, "Touch me, see what happens, Cordero. I will let you know that it wouldn't be an easy cleanup."

Arc didn't move however, he stood his ground, "You touch my fucking son and I'll kill you, I fucking swear it."

"Oh, really?" Cyfrin practically giggled, having way too much fun with this situation, "Well, your son always went home cold and alone, wondering where his dear father was all this time. So what's the problem?" Arc frowned, knowing that what the man said was true, "No you can sit alone and think about what you've done, that is my first punishment to you."

He pushed Arc back, watching as the man fell to the cold, stone ground.

"And the next time you will see your son-" Cyfrin turned away, ready to slam the exit door shut.

"Will be during his execution."

Arc yelled out in anger and despair, getting up to bang on the door in fury and despair, "You fucking-" he reached into his pocket desperately, pulling out his keycard and scanning it beside the door-

Access denied.

"No...no no no no no...Please no! How- how can-" he tried to calm himself down but...after what he was told? No...no he-

He banged on the door-

*Bang**Bang**BANG!*

"You let me in you fucking bastard! I'll fucking kill you before you even lay a finger on him! I swear! You hear me!? I'll make sure your fucking dead! I'll kill you with my bare hands! I-

But his words had no effect. For the man walking back down the hall had a satisfied smile on his face. Knowing that he was about to have every single person in this city under his finger...

...

This will be fun!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

Ever since the encounter with The Creator, things have been...more than awkward, if Clank had to describe it.

Ashby seemed to be giving him the silent treatment, and Clank could not fathom why. He saved both of them from getting killed and yet Ashby wasn't grateful for that?

Perhaps it was because Ashby was still a young kid, and did not understand the decision between life and death had serious consequences no matter what you would choose. He couldn't possibly understand what was going through Clank's mind at that moment. He didn't understand what was on the line.

Clank didn't like this silence though.

The kid was quiet most times, but this was ridiculous. Clank tried to start up a conversation numerous times, but the boy remained quiet. He was stubborn beyond all belief.

Even while he was receiving this childish silent treatment, he managed to land them on a random planet that he could find, far enough away from The Creator. At least, he hoped it was far enough away.

He really, really hoped.

A few hours after they landed, Clank woke up to an empty ship. Ashby was nowhere to be found.

"Ashby?" he asked, looking around the small ship before realizing that the boy wasn't on it like he feared.

"Damn it..." he muttered under his breath, pulling on his own jacket and opening the hatch to the outside, scanning the environment as he walked out. Ashby surely wasn't near, but there were footprints in the dirt, slightly disturbed due to the slight wind.

He zipped up his coat silently, following the footprints as they led him deeper and deeper into the woods, getting pretty far from the ship before he picked up a heat signature. He found himself coming upon a pretty serene natural lake, the water having a dark purple tint to it. It would have been a beautiful sight if the air didn't turn tense when Ashby turned to him, glaring.

Then he turned away, Clank sighing heavily as he did so. Despite the obvious disdain for his presence, Clank walked forward, stepping up on the small, rocky incline that Ashby sat upon, going to sit next to him. Not too close, however. He could tell that the kid wanted some space between them by the way Ashby tried to scoot away just a fraction. Clank winced, looking out to the horizon, the water gleaming from the fleeting sunlight.

"Ashby...can I know why you are angry at me?"

"You know why!" The kid shouted, "You got all those people killed!"

"You don't know that for sure."

"I do." Ashby spat, "How could you be so selfish!?"

Clank glared down at the boy, "Selfish? I saved both of us from getting imprisoned and killed! Would you rather die than-"

"B-But one life is nothing compared to hundreds..." Ashby whispered out, wiping at his eyes. "Those people got killed or...or hurt because of us! Why did you do it?"

"Because I wanted to protect you, Ashby." Clank replied simply, "I could care less about what happens to me, Ashby. You are my number one priority right now, do you understand?"

The boy didn't respond, which made Clank sigh in agitation, "My mission is dangerous. And the last thing I want is for you to get hurt."

Ashby huffed, "W-why though? Why do you care about me so much!? You haven't even known me for that long..."

Clank hummed in thought, "Perhaps...that is just the type of person I am, Ashby."

They sat in silence after that, just enjoying the view that was in front of them. Clank looked back over to the boy, a fond smile on his face, "For what it's worth, I am sorry for upsetting you."

The boy sighed heavily, "I'm not happy about it, but...you did save us both so, thank you."

Clank nodded, happy that things were finally cleared up between them. He wasn't exactly used to this whole "emotions thing", so he was glad that he fixed things between them.

"Hey Clank?"

He looked back over to the boy, "Will you ever leave me alone?"

Clank shook his head immediately, "No. Not unless I have to do it to keep you safe."

Ashby grimaced at the answer, slumping his shoulders as his thoughts ran wild.

"When do you think this whole war will end? I...I miss home."

"I know you do, Ashby." Clank replied, "But as for the war, I can not tell you when it will end. It can be days, or years from now. But things won't be like this forever, I assure you."

"How do you know that?"

"I am confident it will." Clank told the boy, "Where I come from, this war seems like nothing."

"What!? Really? What do you mean!? Where are you from?"

"Well...very far away." Clank tapped his chin, "It's too complex for one as young as you to understand. But, if this war is to end, I will do my utmost best to see it through."

"So...like a hero?"

"If you put it that way....We'll see once everything is over. But for now-" he looked towards the horizon, going to stand up as he saw that it was getting darker, "-Let's get you something to eat." he held his hand out to pull the boy up.

Ashby nodded excitedly, taking the offered hand and getting pulled up onto his feet and walking right beside Clank.

Not letting go of his hand the whole way to the ship.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

After a light dinner, both Ashby and Clank went off to sleep without worries. This planet was extremely quiet, and left no room for any sort of distraction.

At least, Clank thought so...

*Bang!*

Clank sat up immediately, scanning the environment as the noise continued in the distance. Reaching back, he grabbed his jacket and hit the button to exit the ship, looking around in the dark.

And then...when he finally looked up to the sky...

The Creator...

And by the looks of the lights shining down from beneath the main ship...they were looking for them...

He immediately ran back into the ship, going over to Ashby and waking the boy up, "Ashby, get up and buckle in."

"W-What!?" The boy barely shook himself awake, "What's going on!?"

"The Creator followed us." Clank responded simply, "We have to-"

A bright flash of light blinded him from outside, shining through the cockpit window.

They were getting closer...

He clenched his fists. What to do....What to do....what could he do!?"

He sucked in a deep breath, turning on the ship's power and accessing the holo-board that showed all of the planets in this solar system. He selected the trading planet they were on prior before turning to the frightened boy next to him.

"Ashby...I need you to listen to me."

"W-What is it, Clank?"

"I...I am going to go out there."

The boy's eyes widened in terror, "What!? No! No you can't! You're gonna-"

"I promise I won't die, Ashby." Clank said sternly, 'But I must distract them in order for you to get off this planet and away from danger."

"B-But you can come with me!" the boy begged, "Please! You can-"

"They would simply shoot us out of the sky right now, Ashby. It would be too dangerous."

At this, the boy started to hyperventilate, "B-But...No! You can't leave! You just promised you wouldn't leave me! Why are you leaving me!?"

"I am leaving you to save you, Ashby. Please understand that" Clank turning on the auto-pilot, "The auto-pilot will engage in 5 minutes. After that, it will take you back to that trading hub we were at before, alright?"

The boy sniffled, tears falling down his face, "B-But...I'm scared, Clank."

"I know you are, Ashby. But I need you to be strong for me, alright?" He asked the boy before walking to the back of the ship and pulling out the bag of bolts, showing it to the boy before putting it back in their supply chest. "I will leave the bolts and everything here for you, alright?"

The boy nodded tearfully before unbuckling his belt, running right over to Clank and pulling him into a tight hug, "C-Clank! Please don't go!" He sobbed out a plea, "I...I can't do this on my own! I'll be all by myself and...and you'll never come back!"

"I will, Ashby." Clank put a reassuring hand on the boy's back, crouching down to be eye level with him. "I will come back. And until then I need you to be strong for me and stay safe, alright?"

He took one last look at the boy before walking out of the ship, making sure Ashby shut the hatch.

Time to meet The Creator

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

And he walked...and walked...and walked.

He was actually debating going back to the ship and getting back on. At this rate, it seemed like his enemies would look right over-

"Ah!" he shielded his eyes from the bright lights overhead, watching as a big ship started to descend. He made sure to back up so he wouldn't get crushed...

He watched silently as the ship finally landed and turned off its engines. He tried to appear confident, but in all reality, his hands and legs were shaking in both fear and anticipation.

But finally, the ramp to the main ship extended and out walked a version of his old self (well...his old form) but it seemed that The Creator had glowing red optics instead of green...

Those evil optics bore into his own...

He could tell that this bot before him was scanning him. However, he didn't feel that intimidated. It was actually embarrassing to realize how short he was compared to everyone...

Can't he just...like, kick this Creator like a ball and have everything be over with? That seemed plausible...

"Well...look what we have here." The Creator's optics narrowed as he tilted his head, "Another one of you...how intriguing."

Wait...another!?

But before Clank could say anything-

"Take him back onto the ship. I have just the perfect prison cell waiting for him back at my headquarters."

The bots from behind him lifted him from the arms. Their claw-like hand gripped onto him firmly as they walked him into the ship...

He failed to notice the cargo ship in the distance blast off...one crying boy aboard it dreading his future.

And just like that...the hatch finally shut, the rising sunlight fading before his very eyes in the blink of a second.

...

And when he was finally thrown into one of the cells on the ship, Clank realized that getting out of this situation would be a lot harder than he thought...

...

If only Ratchet was here.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Nova]

[Two Days Before]

"Nova!"

They were violently yanked away from the wall, gasping as their arm got tugged as they were pulled down a random alleyway before they could process anything. The cries of the humans that were heading in that alleyway beside them flooded their senses...

They tried to ignore the cries of pain and the sound of their bodies hitting the ground as they were pulled away from the scene.

They looked at their savior,

"N-Nolen!? What are you doing here!?"

"What the fuck does it look like? I'm saving your stupid ass!" He growled, looking behind them as he continued to run, two guard bots were following their trail, not too close, but they needed to get out of sight and back into the hideout. He growled, gritting his teeth, "Why did you not listen to me! I said to stay inside!"

"I didn't want people to die, Nolen! I couldn't just let that go!"

"Yeah, well. You almost died in the process." the man retorted, pulling them down in a different direction, "You scared me..." the man admitted, "Once Louie told me that you left...I couldn't let you go alone. Listen to me next time, okay?"

"No guarantees." Nova replied, letting a small smirk plaster itself onto their face.

Nolen said nothing as they kept getting closer and closer to the hideout. Just a few more strides and they would be down the familiar alleyway and-

"Enemy detected. Commencing eradication sequence."

Nova gasped, pulling Nolen away as the guard bot shot at them a few times. The man fell forward with a yelp as Nova took the bullets for both of them, grunting in pain as they made contact.

A few messages popped up in their vision,

[Error! Left Knee Component Damaged - Seek Assistance]

[Warning : Air Filtration System 1 - Compromised. Seek immediate Assistance]

They gasped as they were pulled forward once more, Nolen finally taking out his blaster and shooting the offending bot straight into the optic. It went down in a heap, but by the vibrations underneath their feet, more bots were coming for them. Nolen pulled them forward,

"Okay...Okay, we're gonna get you back and fixed up!" He tried not to panic, seemingly ignoring Nova's wheezes of pain. He would have turned to pick them up and carry them the rest of the way, but it would have slowed them both down.

He looked back quickly, glancing over their condition, pausing for a moment, before stopping entirely. He let go of their hand and watched as they fell forward. Nova looked up at him, wincing as they tried to cover the would in their chest, "N-Nolen? Why did we stop?"

But the man's face was stoic, deathly silent as his eyes scanned over the wounds. Nova looked down at what the man was looking at, pausing in fear,

They were leaking oil from their injuries.

It was like they were frozen in place, only looking up in fear once they saw the man move to grab something. They stared in horror as it was a bent beam from one of the many collapsed buildings around them. Nova shivered, systems working overtime to handle both the stress, and their overheating components.

"N-Nolen! Please, I can explain!"

The man looked down at them, dark blue eyes filled with fury, "What? Explain that you're a bot!? That you're just like them!?" He pointed in the direction they just ran from, "You...YOU! I trusted you! I believed in you and you...you just- You just played me like a fucking fool!? What did you even want to gain from this!?"

"N-Nothing! I promise! Nolen, I am not like them! I swear!"

"And how do I know that!?" He started to raise his weapon, ready to strike and let all his pent-up anger out on the crumpled form at his feet, staring down in disgust as he spat out his next words, "You could just be lying to get me to put my guard down! Then you'll kill me! And...and it all makes sense now! You came out here to join your little friends in killing everyone, right? Is that what it was!?"

"No! I just wanted to help! Please, you have to believe me!"

Nolen chuckled, and Nova just thought that the man was laughing the situation off as a joke. As if to say 'Don't worry I was just kidding! I wouldn't hurt you!'

But they were wrong.

The swing came without another word, and Nova didn't know where it exactly hit because a whole plethora of error messages flooded their vision. They gasped when more oil cascaded down, some even landing on their hands. They looked up, only to realize that their right optic was no longer working.

"N-Nolen..." they pleaded to the man, "Stop!"

But the man must have ignored them because he hit them again, the strike hitting their left shoulder, not even making a dent. It still hurts, however, and Nova gasped as the next swing hit their already damaged knee, delicate wiring being exposed, followed by a hot spark from the damage. They covered it with their hands on reflex.

"W-Why are you doing this!?" They asked desperately, "I...I didn't do anything to you!"

"You didn't do anything to me?" Nolen repeated in disbelief, "Your kind ruined everything. You ruined my home, my family, everything." He spat, "You killed thousands of us and would gladly do it again!" He shouted. Nova cowered,

"But I wasn't the one to do those things! It was the other bots, not me!"

"But you are still a bot, Nova..." the man glared, "Or should I call you XR? You disgusting bot..."

Nova didn't react as he raised his weapon, prepared to strike again. It wasn't that they were afraid anymore. No...they were pissed. How dare this man before them blame them for everything that has transpired even though they weren't a part of it? How...how dare he!?

"You're nothing but a monster that takes and takes-"

"A monster!?" Nova cut the man off, shouting out in all his pain and frustration, "You have the balls to call me a monster!? Just look at what you have done to me!" They looked right into the man's eyes, making sure that he saw their broken, horrific face in all its glory.

Nolen didn't break eye contact until the small bits of gravel on the ground started shaking from the return of the ominous vibrations. The bots must have called in reinforcement or something...

Nolen's grip on the bar tightened.

He could end them. Right here. Right now. He could kill a bot that was a part of those that took everything from him. He could feel the satisfaction of having a dead bot at his feet...

But Nova's eyes stared at him, begging for mercy. Or was it hatred? He couldn't really tell.

He convinces himself that he doesn't care as their dead optic flickered one last time. He doesn't care when the oil drips down their face to the cold pavement below. And he certainly doesn't care when a single tear runs down their damaged face.

He didn't care.

His grip on the bar loosened, scoffing at Nova's look of relief as the man released his tension.

Or so they thought.

Nolen made eye contact with them one last time, "You deserve this."

Because they would eventually die from their damages...right?

"You deserve to be cold and alone until you finally fucking die." he spat, ignoring the look of despair on Nova's face.

He turned his back, walking away from the scene as the bots came closer. He heard Nova shift, and then grunt. Unable to get up due to their damages. He tried to plaster a satisfied smirk on his face, but for some reason...he could only frown as his own heart seemed to drop into his stomach...

Why? Why did he feel bad?

"N-Nolen! Where are you going!?" Nova called out, voice desperate. Nolen ignored them, "W-Why..." they whispered, "Nolen! Don't leave me here! They'll kill me!"

But still, he didn't turn.

"Please! D-Don't leave me!" their voice was filled with fear, and he could've sworn that he heard them crying,

"Please!"

Nolen looked over his shoulder slightly, quickly turning back when he saw the scene taking place behind him.

"Scanning....rogue, unidentified bot."

Nolen grimaced at the cold, robotic voice of the guard bot that finally reached Nova. Perhaps it will take them in for repairs or-

"Subject must be brought in for termination. Conducting Protocol 495" one of the bots said, "Affirmative." said another...

Nolen paused, turning back. It looks like the bots haven't seen him, too focused on Nova. One of them started to reach down with their clawed hand Nova still looking at Nolen in fear. They saw that Nolen finally turned back, the fear in their eyes replaced by hope.

"Nolen! Please! T-They-"

And it grabbed them, lifting them by the waist. Their damaged leg was hanging by a few wires.

And....and Nolen forced himself to turn away, eventually turning down the alleyway to the hideout.

And Nova...Nova's metaphorical heart dropped, watching as the man they've come to care for just abandon them to get killed by the other bots.

"After all I did...after I saved you.." they muttered to themselves. Body overheating as their oil started to bubble. Their hatred grew by the second.

"I hate you...I hate you!" They screamed, hoping Nolen could hear them as they were carried away, "I fucking hate you! After everything you...you motherfucker!" They shouted until their voice went raw, the voice modulator cutting them off, voice cracking.

They tried to struggle themselves out of their enemies' harsh grip, giving up as they started to sob, "Why is it like this...I didn't do anything..." they whimpered, letting their body hang limp as the oil loss finally got to them. Growing weaker and weaker by the second.

Their world suddenly went black.

And...Nova couldn't care less.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Nolen]

He entered the hideout silently.

It looked like the scouts were in their rooms and doing their own things. Perhaps they were trying to ignore what was going on outside so they didn't have to think about all those people dying...

Either way, his mind was occupied by the events that just happened. Nova was a bot. Nova was a bot.

He didn't understand. How could that be!? They were so kind and gentle most of the time. Sometimes sarcastic and brash, but they were so human-like that if Nolen never found out he would have never been able to tell the difference.

As he walked down the main hall he tried to forget these thoughts and head to his room for some rest.

"Nolen?"

He stopped, pausing by the lab door as Louie stood there, looking at the man with a questionable expression, "Where is Nova?"

Nolen grimaced, shaking his head as he contemplated whether or not he should tell the other man what he just found out...

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me."

"Nova is a bot." Nolen stated simply, "I left them out there."

Louie continued to stare, which made Nolen raise a brow. His friend was taking this information well it seemed.

"Oh..." Louie whispered out, looking down at the ground in a mixture of sadness and contemplation. "Nolen I...I kind of already knew that."

The man froze in place, shocked beyond belief, "W-What!? You already knew!? How-"

"I just found out too." Louie explained, "And...and I was seriously going to kill them or tell you but...I don't know why I stopped, okay? I think...I just saw the fear in their eyes and I just couldn't go through with it. So, I gave them a chance and...and then they had to go outside to save people like a fucking idiot." he shook his head, frowning. "I am sorry I didn't tell you, but what does it matter now? They're gone, right?"

Nolen nodded, "I...left them with the other bots. It sounded like they were going to terminate them."

"Damn...they would even kill their own kind..." Louie muttered, "What sick monsters."

Nolen nodded wordlessly. For some reason, his stomach sank at the thought of it...

"Well, maybe it was for the best, Nol."

The man looked away, licking his dry lips as he forced out an answer,

"Yeah...maybe."

Without another word, Nolen walked away, ignoring the knowing glance from Louie. The other man knew how the kid grew on him over the period of time that they spent together. Bot or not, it seemed that Nolen wanted to grieve. Perhaps it was because he felt somewhat betrayed, or maybe it was because his heart hurt because of what he did.

Louie didn't know. But he knew that he had regrets about the things he said and done to Nova. But...it's not like anything could be done now.

He turned and headed back into his lab as Nolen finally reached his room, walking in and immediately going over to his desk to take out a bottle of alcohol and made sure to grab his last pack of cigarettes off the top of the desk. He then went to sit down on his bed, popping the cork on the bottle, growling under his breath.

Why was he still going over it?

"A monster!? "You have the balls to call me a monster!? Just look at what you have done to me!"

They looked up, Nolen taking in the look of anger and despair on their damaged face....he did that to them. He did it. He did it...

"You deserve this."

...and those were his own words that he spat out, watching the hope leave Nova's body as they seemed to slump more into the ground...

Then he turned away, ignoring the cries for help...

"Nolen! Don't leave me here! They'll kill me!"

He ignored it. It wasn't like he cared. Nova was a bot. They deserved this. They deserved this...

But sitting here on his bed right now...he could remember their cries so vividly. It was on repeat in his head no matter how much he tried to push it away. It just didn"t make sense! Why were these thoughts tormenting him? Why was he having second thoughts!? Why was he feeling guilty in the first place!?

He didn't know...He didn't fucking know anymore...

"Please! D-Don't leave me!"

And he ignored the voice in his head, tilting his head back and taking a big swig of alcohol, grimacing at the sting in his throat and the sick bitterness on his tongue.

He tried to convince himself that he didn't care...

...

But deep down he knew he did.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

I made myself cry when I wrote each of their parts and I actually had to take a few breaks while writing it...I wonder how this chapter affected all of you?

Anyways....I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know it took a while to come out, but I am pretty happy with it! Sorry for any spelling and grammar errors by the way, it is a very long chapter and I probably overlooked a lot of things...if you point out any extreme errors I will fix them.

AND, I am planning on making some sort of holiday Oneshot for the holidays as a little gift from me to you! It will center around this story, and will probably be included in this book as a tiny little interlude to give you all a break from all this intense stuff!

I will keep you all updated on the status of the next chapter. Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!❤