Hello! Welcome to chapter 32!

A bit of a longer chapter this time! So...plenty of POV changes here. I tried to make it so it's not too confusing, but there are a lot of characters to keep up with. So I hope this turned out okay...

---> There is A LOT going on in this chapter, my advice is to read it all carefully since this is setting the basis for upcoming chapters<--- (It will help you keep up with events too, of course)

Anyway, in store for this chapter: Talking, *some* Fluff ❤, and some sadness...

Enjoy!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

He picked up the kid immediately, making sure not to jostle him too much in case he had any other unseen injuries.

This kid...he knew Clank. This kid thought Ratchet *was* Clank...he heard his whisper it.

...

Well, it didn't matter now! He had to get him to safety!

He looked around him, resistance members and their enemies fighting head to head. On the ground lay those that have been defeated...mostly resistance members.

This was bad.

He needed to get back into the fray and fast, or else more people would die on his watch. But it's not like he could do anything with the injured kid in his arms. He grits his teeth, running from where he came, avoiding as many hostile bots as he could to get the kid back to safety.

He pressed his back up against a parked ship, peeking around the side.

"Ugh..." the kid groaned in his arms. He looked down, "Everything is gonna be okay!" He didn't know if the kid was really listening to him, but it was worth the shot to give him some sort of comfort while they were on the battlefield, "I'll get you to safety, promise."

And he wasn't going to go back on that promise...

He bolted away from the ship, trying to find a way out of the fray. He looked around frantically, seeing-

"Nefarious!"

The tall bot was currently swiping across a corrupted guard bot's torso, practically slicing it in half. He turned around, angered, "I'm kinda BUSY, Lombax!" he growled, "Can't you SEE that WE are in the middle of a FIGHT!"

"I know! I know! So shut the fuck up and listen!" he scanned the battlefield, making sure no enemies had their sights locked on them, "I need you to take this kid back to the ship and get him medical help immediately!"

"WHAT!? Why ME!? Can't you go by yourself!?"

"Look, I'm a living being and you're a bot! So, I don't know if you noticed but they aren't targeting you as much as me!" he held the kid out, "I'm done if I'm shot! And I don't have claws or anything to protect myself! I NEED to fight! Nef! Please!"

The bot turned away, scoffing. Ratchet became desperate, "Nefarious, please."

Nefarious rolled his eyes and...held out his arms. Ratchet nodded gratefully, "Thanks!" he pulled out his blaster then, "Y'know, you aren't that bad, Nefarious."

"SHUT UP, you rat!" he turned, "When The Creator is dead and I'M in control, you're the first one I'm coming after, Lombax!"

"Looking forward to it!" Ratchet grinned, before turning back to the battlefield. Without another word, Nefarious took his leave.

Relieved, Ratchet set his sights on the first bot in front of him, baring his teeth, "You're going down!" he called out, pulling out his blaster and unloading half a round into the thing before it finally tipped over.

"Help!"

He whipped his head around to see one of the resistance members on the ground, trying to crawl away from a bot as their laser was aimed at their back-

With a shout, Ratchet bolted forward and rammed his side up against the bot's leg, making it stumble. While his side flared up in pain, he aimed at the fragile underbelly of the bot, exposing its wires first. Before it could even get up, the resistance member he just saved took their bat and bashed it in the bat's head, dealing the killing blow. "Thanks, Lombax!"

Ratchet nodded, watching them go as-

"Get back, civilians! The amazing Captain Qwark has got this all under control!" a nearby ship exploded, *Boom!* "I stand corrected! Partially under control!"

Ratchet rolled his eyes, shooting at a bot behind Qwark's turned back. "Watch you're fucking back!" he shouted. Qwark just rubbed his neck nervously, "Not to worry! These muscles are impenetrable!"

Ratchet huffed in exasperation, joining Qwark and the other rebellion members in their fight, grimacing as he heard one of the members get hit and shout in pain. He turned to them, "Are you alright!? I-"

"We have to get off this planet!" He heard someone shout from afar, "T-they're-" *pant* "-Gonna blow it up! We need to get off. Now!"

Ratchet felt his fur stand on end as the words left the other's mouth. "B-But! There are so many civilians here! We need to help them!"

"There's no time!" another rebellion soldier said, "We have to get back on the ship or else we all die!"

Quark looked back and forth between the rebellion soldiers and Ratchet. Warn sweat ran down his neck. He suddenly looked up to the sky when something caught his attention. His eyes widened, "Uhm...I hate to cut this lovely chat off but...is that another sun in the sky?"

Everyone looked up when he said that and they all let out a collective gasp, "I...I think that's a beam...." Ratchet muttered, heart hammering against his rib cage, "They really are going to blow the planet up..."

"That's why we need to get out of here!" The soldiers started to run back to the ship, "We don't have much time!"

Ratchet glared and tried to argue, "But the people!" he looked up towards Qwark, "Qwark! We can't just leave the people here!"

The man looked away, as if ashamed, "I understand. But we are the only ones that are fighting against The Creator and if we stay any longer...more than half of my soldiers will be lost." Qwark grimaced, looking at the (betrayed?) face of the Lombax below. Deep down, he already had an idea of what Ratchet was about to do...

"You have five minutes."

Ratchet nodded, putting his blaster away and running around the destroyed plaza. All that was left were ashes and...bodies. Looking at the people's dead faces sent a shiver up his spine.

Maybe he couldn't save these people, but he had the chance to save others.

"Hello!? Anyone there!? We gotta go!"

Speaking of, he could hear the footsteps of The Creator's forces drawing back. They must have gotten the order to leave as well before this place was blown to dust...

"Hello!?" he called out again, whipping around left and right to see some sort of life. Any life...

He heard no one...

He ran further into the trading market, the stalls and carts scattered about, stained with the blood of people that used to be there. He looked away, not wanting to think about the fear that these people must have felt before they got gunned down. Then again, this is what fueled him to push on and save whoever he could...if there were any survivors.

He stopped as he heard something shift in some nearby rubble, "Hello!? Is anyone there!?"

Nothing.

Until a guard bot popped out of the rubble, eyes looking over him and lighting up. He stumbled to the ground, gasping as he hit the stone. He pulled out his blaster as their eyes flickered-

"Scan Complete!"

He didn't question it as he fired his blaster, hitting it right in the cranium and getting up right after. His heart raced as he looked around...

... he was running out of time...

There was no way he could go further in before missing the ship back to base. If he wasn't on that ship...

He stared longingly ahead, thinking about all the people that must be stuck or scared or even injured under all the rubble. He could only think about how many must be looking for help...

And he was about to leave them.

It left a sour taste in his mouth and he couldn't help but feel guilty. He knew it was wrong, and if it was up to him, he would spend all the time he could searching. Even if it took hours or days, he would do it if it meant that someone (even one person) would be saved.

But he couldn't, and that is what hurt the most.

He turned back and sprinted as fast as he could to the large transport ship. Hopefully, Qwark was honest and really did give him 5 minutes to try and find survivors...if not...

He stopped suddenly, backing up to check out one of the stalls that were miraculously (somewhat) intact. Probably because it was carved into a stone wall, but he didn't care about that. He cared about what was inside.

He smiled devilishly, pulling out his manifestor and getting it ready...No one would miss this stuff...right? The whole planet was going to blow anyway and this was a great opportunity...he picked up the first, shiny thing that grabbed his attention, chuckling-

Looks like he had a lot of things to add to his arsenal...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Thankfully, he made it onto the ship at the last second.

While he just found a literal goldmine of...valuable assets, his mind was focused on one thing and one thought only...

It was making sure that any survivors they saved were okay. Specifically, the little boy that he saved from imminent death. Valuables be damned, these people's lives were more important than anything right now.

However, before he could go check, he found himself standing near one of the dirty windows on the ship. He heard someone step up beside him, silently watching along with him. He looked up, only to find Qwark standing there in silence. He thought it was quite odd because the man was usually a chatter-box and didn't know when to shut his mouth but here...he just stared longingly at the planet that was almost a pinprick in the distance.

Qwark took a deep breath, "You did a great job, sidekick!" He tried to sound cheerful but ultimately failed. Ratchet continued to stare blankly, "I just wish we could have saved more people." he mumbled, "We were too late."

Qwark winced, looking back to the window, "Sometimes...sometimes things don't go our way. That's the way of the universe." Ratchet looked up at him, "While it feels great to be a hero, the pressure of having everyone depend on you is quite...overwhelming. Nothing I can't handle though!"

Ratchet could tell that was a lie, but didn't call him out on it.

"I guess so." Ratchet replied hesitantly, "I just feel so guilty."

"Don't we all?"

Ratchet bit the inside of his cheek at the man's words and decided not to comment. He supposed the man was right. He wasn't the only one suffering from these feelings on this ship, and it's not like he could do anything about it. Everyone here had their own problems and issues so...it's not like anyone would listen and try to understand.

And then, in the distance, there was a bright light that consumed the pinprick of a planet. It was orange, then blue, then purple until a huge shockwave rocked their ship. Ratchet was mesmerized. The explosion of colors reflected in his emerald eyes as the entire planet was reduced to nothing but dust and ashes.

Qwark turned away then, "We need to go into hyperdrive before he sees us..." his loud footsteps started to phase, "Don't worry, sidekick! We got this!"

Ratchet smiled, but the man's encouraging words did nothing to make him feel any better

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

When they got back, things weren't any better.

Despite this, he still managed to find the boy he saved and took him in his arms, heading straight to the medbay. The medics on the ship could only do so much and Ratchet feared that the boy lost too much blood during transport.

He was still breathing though, so he called it a win in his book...

He got there as quickly as he could, a few drops of blood hitting the floor before he set the kid down on one of the cots, "Hey! He's badly wounded over here!"

One of the medics rushed over, gasping when she looked down at the child. She immediately called over some of the other medics, "We'll take care of him as best as we could!" she said, "You...might want to wash up. You're always welcome to visit later!"

Ratchet nodded, stepping back so the medics could do their job. In all honesty, he would rather stay but...

He needed to get all this blood off him first.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Nova]

"Look at me!"

Nova coughed, looking up from the ground and wiping the oil that trailed down their chin. The Creator stood before them on his throne, scowling at them. "Pity. I thought we would be making some sort of progress by now..."

But it's only been 2 days or...was it more? Their systems were a bit scrambled...

The Creator stood upon his throne, towering even higher, "You do realize that I am the one that decides whether you live or die. I am the one giving you a chance." Nova looked down once more, fear striking them and making them want to turn away and forget it all. But they couldn't.

They can live or die here. No in-between.

The Creator scoffed, realizing that the bot below wasn't listening to him in the slightest, "Maybe we should go about this another way." Nova's head shot up at that, "W-What do you mean!?"

"Did I say you could speak?"

Nova looked down again, clenching their fists.

They heard the tyrant shift up above, "Take them to the lab. I have plans for them and make sure that my workers don't lay a finger on them before I do." The Creator addressed one of his guards, "Go."

Nova said nothing as the guard picked them up roughly, taking them away from The Creator.

And they couldn't do anything about it...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

They woke up on a metal table.

They tried to move their arms and legs, but they were strapped down by metal chains. Sucking in a deep breath, they looked around the room they were in, panicking.

They saw nothing. This didn't even look like a lab. The lab workers must have put them in a separate, empty room. The only object was the table they were laying on.

The door slammed open, and in its wake, the familiar sound of The Creator's footsteps was walking towards them. Their ears angled down as a stool was pushed right up against the table.

...and up climbed The Creator.

They watched as he pulled a strange device up with him, red eyes looking over Nova and giving a little smirk. "Not so tough now, are you?"

Nova said nothing.

The Creator chuckled, and Nova felt their metaphorical heart drop to their stomach. They could feel their hands start to shake a bit as the device in The Creator's hands expanded. Nova's eyes widened, breath caught in their throat, croaking out a question...

"W-What is that...?" they whispered in fear. The Creator must have sensed this, for he only smiled and tilted his head, "This? Oh, it's just a little invention of mine I made to pass the time." he held it up, the light of the room shining down upon it. Nova scanned it...

Carbonox metal. Data ship insertion, electrical-

Electrical!?

"You may have noticed many of my minions and workers wearing this. You see, it's just a precaution I must take. You never know when someone will turn their back on you, after all." Nova watched as he expanded it, "A s-shock collar!?"

"You would be correct."

Suddenly, The Creator leaned forward and the device clamped around their neck, restricting their breathing just a bit. The fear started to set in even more at the realization that their dreams of freedom (and possible survival) are nothing but that. Dreams. Non-existent. Never to be given to them.

Satisfied, The Creator pulled back and admired his work. He then tapped the collar with his finger, "Shall you disobey me in any way. Shall you turn your back on me? You will be dead within moments." Nova froze in terror, "Never forget that there is a kill switch on here. I am the one that decides if you live or die and remember, I am the one giving you a chance."

Nova gulped and finally turned their head away. The Creator shook his head in exasperation, pulling back and turning away himself. He started to climb down the chair,

"I'll have some guards take you back to your cell." he made it to the floor, heading to the door, "Enjoy the day as it lasts. Tomorrow I expect more from you."

...and the door shut

...

Nova clenched their fists even harder, trying to push back the oncoming tears, but it was no use.

They were helpless. They were trapped. They had no hope left. They are going to die here, no matter how things turn out.

Comply or die. Both will have terrible outcomes. But now, they will never have a chance to save themselves.

One thing is for certain...

...

They will never have the chance to truly live.

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[The Creator]

He sat upon his throne, bored beyond belief.

It was funny, he supposed. Someone like him has many things to play with. Lives, cities, planets, and the damned people. If anyone were to look, it would seem like he was quite busy. He had guards patrolling the streets. He had his minions take over plants and even blow some up (which was his favorite part).

But still, for a person like him, he almost felt like there was nothing else to do at the moment.

His little Lombaxian pawn was nothing but a burden now, but he knew they could be a valuable asset later on. Especially if he wanted to infiltrate the Lombaxes.

He doubted Clank would do as he was told. But The Creator didn't have to worry about that. Once the time is up (or the situation calls for it) the chip he had inserted into Clank would kill him. Or, if The Creator had no other amusement, kill him slowly.

It sounds fun.

*Bang!*

His office doors slammed open, one of his assistants rushing in with a paper in their hands. He scowled, "I thought I told you to knock?"

"T-This is urgent, sir! Some robot soldiers of yours just sent back pictures of the resistance members!" They handed the papers to him. "They were the ones that fought against your forces on the...useless trading planet that you ordered us to blow up!"

"The Resistance...always getting in my way..." The Creator looked down at the papers, scanning over each and every one, "I've been looking for their little hideaway for years. Once I find them-" he suddenly paused, "-Captain Qwark?" he glanced at another, laughing at who was depicted, "Dr. Nefarious? I thought I killed the both of them before making my empire here...unless my army was too stupid to make sure they were completely eradicated?" His assistant shrunk back nervously at his words.

"G-Go on, sir." They stuttered.

The Creator scoffed as he shuffled through them, "A Cazar...A Markazian..and a-"

Really!?

"-A Lombax..."

He threw the rest of his papers down at his desk, focusing on this one in particular.

Lombax...gold fur...green eyes...blaster in hand at his side as he started up at the bot before him. The picture caught in an instant.

"He survived?"

"That bot is out of commission now, sir..."

"Hmm...then he is a valiant fighter. A worthy opponent." he mused, "Another Lombaxian thorn in my side. But now that I think about it..." he scanned over the image again. This Lombax looked like a clone of Nova, and since he has viewed Clank's memories...then this could only be-

"Ratchet." he chuckled devilishly, "That's his name."

His assistant watched as his laughter only grew, "Oh! This is great! I have just the perfect idea."

His other pawn, Clank, must have realized by now that his dear little friend wasn't where he thought he was. So...how will he and everyone react-

He handed the paper back to his assistant, "Compose a sketch. Make a wanted poster and...oh, let's say a 1 million bolt reward and free pass through my empire. That will have everyone scrambling at my feet. Send it to my soldiers as well so they know who to look for." his assistant just nodded, "Go, now! Get it done as soon as possible! I want to see that wanted poster on my desk in an hour!"

"B-But, sir! Shall we say that you want him dead or alive, sir??"

"Alive." he replied, "I want to make an example of him first."

His assistant nodded and ran back out of the room. He leaned back, excited for once in this otherwise boring week. Oh...this situation was absurd, but he could easily make it in his favor.

The thought made him smile. With this information spreading around the holo-net, planets, and cities. It will be easier to gain control while people are distracted. Not to mention Clank, who will most likely have his heart broken by the fact.

Still, he could say that, come the time this "Ratchet" is captured, he could use him as a pawn to get what he wants from both Clank and the Lombaxes. Having them under his thumb is all he needs to take control of all of them. It will make them fearful.

It will be a wake-up call. The Lombaxes have eluded him for so long and refused to get deep into the ongoing war that it made him excited to advance forward and possibly take over.

Fear will be his greatest tool, and he isn't afraid to use it.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

[The Next Day]

Clank flipped through Ratchet's journal that was placed in front of him.

To him, it was very, very obvious that Ratchet suffered from a strong form of amnesia, but towards the end, he seemed to remember some things. Like Clank's name. In some entries, he describes his dreams (that he assumed) were memories but wasn't one hundred percent sure about it.

"Does anything look familiar?"

Clank looked up, remembering where he was at that moment...

Kaden sat across from him, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. He was quite impatient, Clank thought to himself, just like Ratchet himself when it came to certain things.

The similarities were jarring, but he couldn't dwell on that right now.

Some of it. Most of his dreams were correct. He was obviously on the path to remembering his past." Clank set the book down, "The Council's actions are what prevented him from focusing on regaining his past."

Kaden scoffed, "Of course. Those bastards had to ruin everything..."

Clank winced, "If I may, I suggest we-"

Something was placed in front of him on the table. He looked down in surprise to see a plate of food laid out. He looked up to see Phoebe, who smiled as she placed one in front of Kaden as well, "Can't you two take a break from all this stuff, even for a few minutes? I swear, you two were up all night!" she sent a playful glare towards Kaden, who frowned. "Phoebe...he wants to figure out what's going on and find Ratchet."

"I know. And I want to find him too! But you can't burn yourselves out. You won't be able to do anything if you make yourself sick over it." She then went to grab her plate, walking back over to the kitchen table. Clank stayed silent, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed for whatever reason.

"You alright there?" Kaden asked, leaning forward to pick up his fork. His eyes widened in realization, "Oh...you're a robot uh...can you eat?"

Clank swallowed. He did model Nova and himself after Ratchet, down to every single detail.

That included eating. So that wasn't the problem. It was that he never ate before until now...

Hopefully, his systems work properly...

"I just...never ate up until now. I was so busy searching for Ratchet that I didn't find any time. Not like I needed it anyways. Which was kind of untrue. He needed to replenish his oil somehow...one day. And if he built his systems right, the food will do it for him. Hopefully...

"I modeled my current form after Ratchet."

Phoebe looked at him, confused. Kaden coughed, almost choking on his eggs, "What...do you mean?"

Clank sighed, "My old build was less than capable of finding Ratchet on my own in a dimension like this. I needed to blend in somehow. So I modeled myself after him."

Kaden nodded, a bit surprised that a robot could replicate the intricate systems that made up the human body. He continued to eat anyway. Clank silently speared some egg on his fork and hesitantly brought it up to his mouth, chewing before swallowing. Phoebe watched with a smile, "How is it?"

"It's amazing," he said simply. He was met with a laugh.

It was a nice distraction, but even the delicious meal wouldn't fix the sense of dread and urgency in his chest.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Unfortunately, the break didn't last long at all.

Kaden immediately dragged him into his garage right after, Phoebe looking on with a frown. It seems like she wasn't in favor of what was going on, but it's not like Clank could do anything about it...

He watched from afar as Kaden pulled out some blueprints and put them in a box, along with a few scraps and notebooks here and there, "We're going to be meeting Mags at my lab." he said, "Hopefully no Council Members are keeping their eyes on me..."

Clank grimaced, "If it will help, I can always scan to see if there are any individuals following us."

"You can? Well...that's quite handy." he muttered, "We should probably keep you covered as well. I'm sure The Council will be looking for who came out of that wreck."

"That is possible."

While the man was getting ready to leave, Clank's eyes averted to one of the walls of the garage. Curious, he stepped forward to get a closer look at what was on the shelves. A ship model, an old communicator, a stuffed robot plush, and below the shelves was a pristine hoverboard with a signature of Skid McMarx himself. He was about to comment on it when Kaden approached him, "These are most of Ratchet's collectibles."

"He put them here?"

"Yeah...he said that it was a way of remembering him when he leaves." Kaden frowned, looking away, "I guess that's the only piece we have of him right now." Clank nodded.

"Except for you."

Clank was taken aback, "What...do you mean?"

"Well.." Kaden shifted the box in his arms, "You've known him all your life, right? And while we lost him here, you came to help. Even if you didn't mean to."

"I came to find him."

"Same stuff, kid." Kaden looked exasperated, "The point is, is that you are a connection to his past. None of us really knew he was really from a different dimension until recently, and you being here means that we will bring him back to safety sooner, right?"

"Absolutely." Clank replied without missing a beat, "And speaking of different dimensions-" he looked back over to the hoverboard, "I find it utterly fascinating that there are such similarities here. It makes me wonder how many dimensions are like the one where Ratchet and I came from. We even have our own Skid Mcmarx."

Kaden chuckled, "Ratchet got that from the man himself after joining a hoverboard race. He won." and Clank couldn't help but notice the man beaming with pride,

"Certainly sounds like something he'd do. He had his fair share of races in the past."

"He raced? No wonder he was so good at it."

Clank didn't respond to him, instead, he looked at the hoverboard still laying against the wall. He couldn't even fathom what was going on in the robot's mind at the moment, but it was probably too complex and deep for Kaden to even understand it anyways.

Nonetheless, he smiled when an idea came to his mind, but he pushed it back for later.

"Let's get going. Mags is probably complaining that we are late."

Clank looked back at him, nodding, before going to follow the man out of the house.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

"It just doesn't make sense!"

Mags practically slammed his head down on the desk, "I mean, I knew they wanted us to make a dimensional map but-"

"I think we know by now why they want us to. With the oncoming war, the Lombaxes want to flee again." Kaden said bitterly, "Not surprising." Mags huffed, looking back at their blueprints. He then turned towards Clank, who was sitting in the chair next to him, lime green eyes thoughtful, "You've been off-planet, have you seen how bad it is?"

Clank frowned, "Not...good." he said, "I've seen people die within the first few weeks of being in this dimension. The Creator seems to be ruthless in taking things over."

"What was it like when you were detained?" Kaden leaned forward, now interested in the conversation, "Did he...hurt you?"

"He made me battle with...someone to even get here. My goal was to find Ratchet, so I had no choice but to comply."

Mags sighed, "Fuck. That's crazy."

"Indeed it is." Clank agreed, "No wonder why the Lombaxes wish to leave. But...there are so many out there suffering that it's hard to ignore." Kaden shook his head "The Lombaxes don't want to get in any wars. We lost enough people to Tachyon. We don't need to lose anymore."

"Understandable." He then looked down to the blueprints, "If you wish to stay in good graces with The Council, I recommend that you comply and make the dimensional map they want."

"That would require us to go and visit these places to make sure they are somewhat habitable. That's not as easy as you think. A robot like you could do it no problem, not us." Mags said, "Then again, it will take us so long to document these dimensions. Even if they permitted us to build another Dimensionator!"

"We'll have to make it from scratch." Kaden added, "I think they removed the blueprints a long time ago without my knowledge."

"Perhaps they already have one in their possession?"

Mags and Kaden paused, looking at the boy like he was crazy, "Not possible. I destroyed the Dimensionator myself. It was against their wishes, even then-" Kaden tried to hide his smirk, "If I remember correctly, I do have a sketch of the blueprint in my lab."

Mags' eyes widened, "No way!? Kaden that was against the deal you had with The Council! Remember? They promised another would be made and you promised to never bring it up again!"

"Well, that all went out the window if they are telling us to make the dimensional map. How else are they expecting us to?"

Clank sat there, deep in thought. Something...something wasn't making sense here and he didn't know what it was. There was a missing piece of the puzzle that Kaden, Mags, and himself were not seeing. That, and he doubts The Council will answer any question anyways from what he heard about them.

He decided that enough was enough. If he wanted to help and contribute to the cause (and save Ratchet in the process) he had to do something.

"Perhaps I can fix this issue." Kaden and Mags turned to him once more, "You want answers? I can give you them if you give me a computer that has access to The Council's database...if they even have one."

"They do. And...you can do that?"

"I can try." Clank clarified, "And I can tell you that I have a high success rate at getting the information I need." he giggled, "With this, I can help give you answers and find out what The Council is doing if they are documenting it."

"Damn...you really are a walking computer. But...will they be able to figure out that you infiltrated their systems?" Mags asked.

"No. I can protect myself using my firewall and system alone."

Mags whistled in amazement, genuinely impressed, "Wow...a walking computer...you're cool!"

Clank chuckled at this, flashing a smile, "Now, where can I find a computer like this?"

Kaden looked down, fingers tapping at the desk while he was in thought. "There...may just be a computer like that where Phoebe works." he frowned. He never wanted to get his wife involved so much..."Whatever medicines or concoctions they come up with must be reported to The Council to authorize them. I assume this computer or database may be heavily guarded there."

Clank hummed, tapping his chin, "Worst comes to worst, we can find a way to copy the hard drive and insert it into my systems manually."

"Cool! Then you'll become a walking USB stick!"

The other two Lombaxes in the room turned to him, unamused. He looked back and forth between them, "Oh, c'mon! It's not like I'm wrong!"

Kaden pinched the space between his eyes, but nothing could hide his growing smile. Clank just gave Mags a deadpanned look.

"Let's discuss this tomorrow. But as for you, Clank, I have something planned."

Clank looked up to Kaden, raising an ear in question, "Oh...what is it?"

"You'll see!"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

"You got it, Clank! Stay steady!"

Clank used his arms to stabilize himself as he looked down to his feet, "I don't know how this is supposed to help our situation!?"

"It's not. But it is quite funny!"

Clank glared at him, the hoverboard threatening to fly away from underneath his feet. His systems tried to keep balanced with the swerving board but were having immense difficulty due to the unpredictable movements.

"Well, I d-don't find this amusing, Gah!" he almost fell back, righting himself in a moment. Kaden tried to steady him, "Ratchet had a bit of trouble too..." he said, "It takes time, Clank just relax!" and that was easy for him to say. Since they were in the backyard, it was a bit of a tight squeeze and Clank felt like he had little room for error.

The man's soft voice only comforted him a little bit as he got used to the motions. Kaden places his hand gently on the side of the board as he watches Clank's face light up with understanding. "See? Easy as-"

The slight distractions caused the board to slip from underneath Clank's feet.

He fell on his ass in no time.

He only received a small scrape on his forearm, and thankfully, Ratchet's signed board didn't get scratched.

Kaden, however, looked guilty as he bent down to check on him, "Shit! Are you alright! I should've caught you!" Clank watched as the man took his hand and poked at him to check if he had any injuries. He was about to say that there was no problem until-

"You're leaking oil..."

Taken by surprise, Clank looked down at his injured forearm, "It's not bad at all. It's only some-"

"That's not the point." Kaden pulled him up to his feet as he led them back into the house, "If I paid more attention I could have stopped you from falling. Clearly, I should have been more serious." he berated himself. He then made Clank sit on the kitchen chair as he pulled out a cloth from underneath the kitchen sink. Clank was a bit baffled, "My systems can eventually close up the injury because it's so small. There is no need to be concerned about-"

"I heard a crash outside, what happened!?" Phoebe walked into the kitchen then, looking back and forth between them. Kaden sighed heavily, already knowing that he was in trouble, "Just...uh-"

"I seem to have sustained a minor injury when I fell off the hoverboard. No pro-" Phoebe gasped, glaring at Kaden, "You let him fall off the hoverboard? I told you to be careful out there!" she stepped forward, hooking a finger under Clank's chin to move his face back and forth, "You okay?"

"As I have said, I am in perfect condition."

She narrowed her eyes, finally looking down to see his injured arm. Kaden came over to hand the cloth to her. He quickly grabbed it and started to wipe the oil away, "Poor thing. Tell me, what else did Kaden do to you?" Kaden groaned, "Hey! I didn't do anything!"

"He was very encouraging while I was learning how to balance. It was just an accident."

Phoebe rolled her eyes, looking up to Kaden again, "You need to be more careful!" Clank watched as she continued to glare. "In all fairness...I did not think a bot like you could be so fragile." Kaden muttered. Clank shook his head, "I am made of...the best metal I could find here. Some spots are of poor quality. All it takes is a hit to the right spot. However, this was just a topical injury, and should not cause any stress."

"That would have been nice to know before I let you on a hoverboard without a helmet..."

Clank was about to reassure the man that it was okay, but Phoebe pulled away and huffed, "Okay then! Now it's my turn to spend some time with him because you managed to get him hurt in the span of 20 minutes!"

"It wasn't 20...more like 30!"

Clank smiled as they continued to bicker. He couldn't help but notice how little bits and pieces of their personality matched Ratchet's own. It seems like even if Ratchet is from a different dimension...they were still alike.

The thought made him smile.

He knew that if his and Ratchet's dimension was gone, he would be sure to bring his friend back here to safety. Even if Ratchet didn't want to admit it back then, Clank knew that he wanted to find the Lombaxes. Ratchet wanted that at the beginning of all their adventures together. So while they didn't come here voluntarily...Clank knew that this was the right place for his friend.

He could settle down and enjoy his family. He could do what he wished and, above all else, be a kid.

If their dimension did exist...that would be all up to Ratchet.

For now, Clank decided to stay positive. They had to save Ratchet first before anything else.

He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Kaden grumble and headed into his garage without another word. He watched the door shut before looking back to Phoebe, who had a satisfied smile on her face.

She clapped her hands together, "Now, it's time you hang out with me!" he walked forward, grabbing his hand and dragging him out of the seat, "Up you go!"

Clank stumbled, trying to protest as the woman brought him further into the kitchen, "Uh...what are we going to do?"

Phoebe smirked, "One of the first things Ratchet and I did together." she pulled out a bag of flour, "Baking!"

Clank watched in uncertainty as Phoebe placed the flour bag on the counter, some already spilling on the countertop...somehow...

Ratchet tried baking before in their shared apartment. Of course, the kitchen looked like a tornado swept through after the whole affair. That, and the cookies came out half-burnt. Clank could only assume that things were going to go the same way now...

Phoebe clapped her flour-coated hands in front of his face, making him flinch as his air filters made him want to sneeze. "Wake-up! We're not done until there are edible cookies on a plate!"

Her smile was infectious, and Clank couldn't help but join in with her. He could also feel this underlying sense of...desperation? He wasn't exactly sure, but he could assume why...

Clank was probably filling in for where Ratchet should be at this moment. Clank was a distraction from the stress and problems that seemed to be growing every single day. He couldn't really blame her. When he lost Ratchet, he was willing to find anything to pass the time and ignore the obvious pain and realization that his friend was gone. Unfortunately, that grief became something more. Something that filled the "Ratchet shaped hole" but failed to bring any sort of closure or relief.

He didn't say anything though, and just went with the motions....

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

"I'm impressed. These actually turned out good."

Phoebe sent a playful glare toward her husband, "Hey! They were edible last time too!" she took a bite while Kaden just shook his head. "You threw one at me."

"Doesn't mean they weren't edible! Why don't you give it a try next time?"

"I'm good." Kaden chuckled. Clank looked between them both while taking his tentative bites. There was still some flour dust in his fur, but a good shake would take it off. He was more tired than anything. Perhaps he didn't install his power supply correctly and felt quite tired. (Well...as tired as a robot could be).

"I bet Clank loves our cookies!" Phoebe looked at him, "Right?"

Clank swallowed, "This is the first one I have ever had, but it tastes amazing. I also assume that it is way better than Ratchet's own. Whenever he made them, even with my guidance, he always managed to mess something up."

"He gets that from Phoebe."

The woman took a piece of a cookie and threw it at Kaden, "Shut your mouth!"

Kaden let out a boisterous laugh while Clank looked on in amusement.

He was grateful to have some sense of normality after all he has been through. It was obvious that Kaden and Phoebe wanted to settle his nerves as well as their own, and he found himself welcoming it. These two adults reminded him of Ratchet, and it helped ease the burn just a little bit. He just hopes that they can find and save him soon...

If The Creator doesn't make any sudden moves, that is.

Clank didn't notice Kaden watching him as he ate his cookie on auto-pilot. Clank's eyes were somewhat dimmed and his movements seemed a bit sluggish. The paternal part of him started to berate himself for keeping Clank up and running for so long. While the other part of him wanted nothing more than to get things done as soon as possible and save Ratchet.

All while avoiding The Council's wrath on top of that.

Phoebe seemed to notice this as well, giving a side-eyed glance towards Clank and then looking towards Kaden, eyes darting back and forth.

He understood without her having to say anything.

"Well, I'm gonna clean this mess up." Clank's head shot up, "Why don't you two get that hoverboard from outside and go to bed. Both of you have been up for hours."

Clank did not have the chance to speak before Kaden went to drag him out to get the board, nor did he have time to say anything as he was dragged into the garage.

They placed the hoverboard back in its spot, Kaden looking at it quite longingly as he thought of the owner of the board. Clank frowned at the thought, but simply had no time for it as he yawned on instinct, eyes widening at his own reactions to his low battery. Kaden chuckled, and laid his hand on Clank's shoulder, "Let's get you to bed. You must be tired."

"But...shouldn't I be working on-"

"I told you, we are doing this together." Kaden interrupted him. "Look, kid. You may be an 'all-knowing-robot' but that doesn't mean you have to do everything. I am not expecting you to do everything. No one is." Clank looked down at his words but Kaden continued, "We need to take this one step at a time and not rush into things. I want to find Ratchet as much as you, but we have to play it smart. Our goal was to free Ratchet and allow him to find himself but if things are as bad as you are saying, we need to bring him home safely. We can't do that if we get ourselves caught or killed."

Clank nodded at this.

It was weird receiving advice. He was usually the level-headed one. He was the one to take a problem and break it down, solving it one step at a time. He was calculating and smart.

But...now it seems like that all went out the window after he lost Ratchet. Now he has been reduced to this...a desperate robot that will go to any lengths and ignore reason to save his friend.

It was scary how much he changed, but he needs to do this.

"Thank you, Kaden." he said, "Ratchet and I have been on so many adventures together that all this conflict feels a bit normal. I am usually Ratchet's voice of reason but...Thank you, for helping me."

"Thank you for helping me as well. With you on my side and everyone else's...I think we can do it." He reassured Clank, "Everything will be okay."

Clank was overjoyed at the reassurance.

"Yes, it will."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

"Now this will be your room."

Clank stepped inside the room, looking around as he scanned his surroundings. An unmade bed, clothing, a bag, and some books scattered about. He could obviously tell who had been in here prior,

"I can tell who stayed here." He said to Kaden, who was leaning on the doorframe behind him. "Yeah...it's quite obvious."

Clank walked further in before turning around, "Thank you, really. Tell Phoebe that as well. I...truly am grateful for you letting me stay."

"Well, why wouldn't we?" Kaden stepped forward, smiling, "You're Ratchet's best friend, and we wouldn't let you out on the streets. Phoebe and I are delighted to have you."

Clank smiled back, but before he could respond, Kaden nudged him back, "Now, go to bed. I can barely see the green in your eyes so you need rest. We'll talk in the morning."

Clank yawned as Kaden turned to leave, "Like a holo-phone on low battery..." he teased. Clank glared at him playfully before laying on the bed, ready to finally enter stasis for the first time in a while.

Kaden smiled fondly and shut the lights off. Tomorrow will be a new day.

He walks back downstairs to see the kitchen (mostly) cleaned. Phoebe was currently washing a bowl in the sink while humming a nice little tune. She heard Kaden walk into the kitchen, "Is he asleep?"

Kaden shrugged his shoulders, "He should be. By the time he laid down, it already looked like he was a second away from sleep." Phoebe smiled, taking the clean bowl out of the sink to dry it. "Hopefully he will be well-rested in the morning. Hopefully, robots work somewhat the same compared to humans."

"I'm sure he'll be fine. He is quite lifelike." Kaden said, "I have found myself forgetting that he's a robot."

"Well, it doesn't matter, does it?" Phoebe walked over, "He's helping all of us and is giving us a better chance at helping our son." she placed a hand on his arm, "I feel bad that he was caught up in all of this. From what he told us, he thought Ratchet was dead and long gone. He was going through grief and he had the chance to see Ratchet again. Unfortunately, he's not here, it would be nice to see those two reunite."

"They will." Kaden said, "I know they will. With Clank we have a better chance at fighting off The Council and helping Ratchet."

Phoebe hummed, "You're right, but if The Council finds out about Clank-" Kaden went stiff, "-It will be the same thing all over again, Kade."

She was right...how could he forget!?

"I...I haven't thought about that." he paused for a moment, "We...can't let him be found. And since the guards at the gate may have seen the crash-"

"They are looking for someone that doesn't belong here."

Kaden felt his fur stand on end. First, it was Ratchet that he failed to keep protected from The Council. Now Clank was at risk...

"I won't let that happen." Kaden said seriously, "I won't let that happen again."

"We won't let that happen. We just have to be careful about our next steps but...until then-" she kissed his cheeks, "I love you."

Kaden smiled, returning the kiss, "I love you too, Pho."

Tomorrow would start talking about their plans but for now, it was time to relax and be in the embrace of someone you loved...for a while.

Hopefully, they have no problems. Hopefully, they aren't caught formulating and acting on their plans, and above all else...hopefully, they could stop The Council and help Ratchet.

...

Hopefully...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

In the early hours of the morning, Clank bolted up from the bed, sirens blaring in his head. His HUD displays information in bright red letters.

[WARNING - WARNING]

[WANTED INDIVIDUAL]

[WARNING]

...

Suddenly the picture of a wanted individual pops up, and Clank froze in terror. He scanned the image...

That was Ratchet. He was certain. One-hundred percent. He knew his friend like the back of his hand and the sketch of his face matched him.

...

No...No! This couldn't be happening! Ratchet already got himself in trouble!? How could this-

[ALL RESISTANCE MEMBERS ARE WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE INCARCERATION]

Clank watched as more photos were displayed behind Ratchet's enlarged one.

Captain Copernicus Qwark...Dr. Nefarious...and every single resistance member they had sketches for...

...

And they wanted 1 million bolts and a free pass from The Creator himself.

This was bad, so very bad!

Clank bolted up from the bed and scrambled down the stairs. Kaden and Phoebe looked alarmed as he approached, all disheveled and flustered. Phoebe put down her cup of coffee and looked at him, very, very concerned, "Clank, honey, what's wrong?"

He looked towards them, stuttering out "D-Do you have a printer!? S-Something came up and-" Kaden cut him off, practically jumping off the stool as he dragged Clank back upstairs and to his (barely used) office down the hall. He opened the door and ushered both Clank and Phoebe inside. "What do you need it for?"

He sounded serious and calm. It helped ground Clank just a little bit...

He didn't bother to respond as he placed his hand on top of the machine, immediately turning it on as he accessed it. He took the image of the poster and sent it through. "The Creator...sent this out. It must have gone out to all bots and...m-maybe the holo-net!"

Kaden took the paper that was just printed before Clank could even go to hand it to him. He flipped it over, and he and Phoebe gasped in sync. Phoebe clutched onto Kaden's arm as they read everything.

This can't be happening!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Oliver]

*Beep!*Beep!*Beep!*

Oliver woke up to an alarm on his phone (Which was odd...he never set one before falling asleep...

He lifted his phone, pressing the "Urgent" notification he received, yawning as-

Wait...

No...

"R-Ratchet!?"

The photos were posted on the holo-net for everyone to see, obviously a message sent out by The Creator himself. The news stations were going crazy and everyone seemed to be in a state of shock according to the comments below the pictures...

He read them...

{Captain Qwark!? I haven't heard of that guy in years!}

{No one has! I thought he was dead}

{I didn't even think he was real?? Ever see the comic books??}

{This "Nefarious guy" looks like he could be a villain himself...}

{Guys, can't you see? THESE ARE RESISTANCE MEMBERS!}

{Oh, my stars...you're right! And look at the biggest picture! That's a Lombax!}

{How was he let off the planet?? And look at that reward!}

{A million bolts!? A free pass!? That sounds too good to be true!}

{I may just go after him myself...}

He averted his eyes from the comments and scrolled back up to the photo, enlarging it. His heart started to heat rapidly the longer he stared at it.

Ratchet...was now part of this...Resistance? And he was wanted by The Creator himself!?

"No...No...this can't be..." he started mumbling to himself. There was no way...and-

Did this mean his brother was part of the Resistance as well or...or was his brother-

No! He couldn't think that way! He had to remain positive! The poster says he is wanted alive so...the worst-case scenario was that he would be detained. Right? Yeah, he can't just up and die. Not now! No, he can't die, ever! Including his brother...they can't die. They can't...

He dropped his phone to the ground and held his head, tears running down his face.

He would face the music later but for now...he could cry...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Arthur]

He grimaced as the next gulp of lemonade practically burned his throat.

He puckered his lips and looked towards one of The Morts, who stood with a whole jug of it, "Do you Morts drink anything but lemonade?"

Mort laughed loudly, "Who would do that? Us Morts love having a fresh glass after work. It takes off the edge, y'know?"

Arthur frowned, setting down his glass at the sound of a bunch of Mort's shouting. "Whoa...what's going on!?" He didn't wait for Mort to respond before getting off his chair and sprinting to the main room of the factory. A big announcement screen was lit up, and all The Morts were talking to each other.

Mort walked up to Arthur, "Hey, isn't that your friend?"

Suddenly his head shot up to the screen, eyes widening at what was on there.

"Ratchet..." he found himself whispering out in disbelief, "No..."

"That's a hefty reward...he is in real danger!" Mort said. Arthur nodded, heart dropping the longer he stared at the screen. "This can't be..."

As the Morts talked to each other, Arthur clenched his fists...

He couldn't let this happen...

He turned to Mort, who looked up at him expectantly, "Do you have another ship I can borrow to get me off-planet?"

Mort stared at him for a moment, before smiling, "I'm sure we can fix one up in a few days...if you're willing to work for it, that is?"

"Yes. Anything. I'll start right now! I need to go and...and find out where he is."

Mort nodded in understanding. They then turned to Mort, who was also listening. They nodded as well and beckoned Arthur forwards, "Come. Let's get you to work while we get that ship ready for ya'. I promise, your friend will be fine!"

Arthur wished he could believe them...

"T-Thank you!"

He sent one last glance to the screen, filled with determination,

"Hang in there, Ratch."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Cyfrin]

"What the hell is going on..."

He looked at the papers his assistant just handed him, looking through them frantically.

This...this wasn't what he was expecting! This wasn't the deal!

In a fit of anger, he ripped all the papers to shed, except one. The little nuisance that refused to leave his side and went to cause even more trouble. They should have detained this boy right when The General found him and took him into custody. But no, Azimuth was too good of a man.

He slammed his desk and stood up.

The people will be asking question after question now and demand a public announcement. The problem was...he couldn't do that.

And it's not like Arc would do it either, considering his son was currently on death row. He would probably demand his son's release in exchange for it...

...

For once...Cyfrin didn't know what to do and...

He wasn't in control of the situation anymore. The thought made him both sick and outraged.

He stomped out of his office, going to find someone to speak for him before the public starts demanding a speech from The Council on what to do next.

But he did no one thing...

Somehow, someway, he was going to turn this situation in his favor.

...

He was going to be in control. No matter what.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Hunter]

A small plate with a sandwich and cup of water was dropped in front of him.

He looked up in surprise, letting out a low, weak growl, "You fucking bastard."

The man standing before him was none other than Alister Azimuth himself. His eyes remained cold and unfazed by the boy's hostility. "Take it before I take it away, boy." but his words seemed to have no heat. It seems like the man himself was getting tired of doing this and...looking at the sad state the boy was in.

Hunter reached out a shaky hand, grasping the cup of water and drinking greedily. That serum only made him weaker by the day, it seemed. It was getting harder and harder to hold the cup and eat while his stomach churned. He got no relief.

The blankets on the floor in the corner did nothing for him and he couldn't sleep. His knees were raw from crawling and kneeling and he was sure he had sores on his ass from just sitting all the time.

He was offered no outlet. No holo-pad. No puzzle. Nothing. Just nothing.

Alister watched, wincing a bit but composing himself soon after. "I will come back later." he started to walk, "There's a napkin underneath your plate."

Hunter looked up in confusion, but the man was already gone. He picked the plate up a bit and there was a napkin but...

A paper?

He picked it up and unfolded it, crying out weakly at what he saw.

"No...No..." he repeated, folding the paper and then unfolding it several times. He was in shock.

He was terrified for his friend.

"Fuck!" He kicked the bars of the cell in anger. There was no way this could be happening right now and...and here he was! Stuck in a cage!

Useless.

"I swear...I swear. I'll get out of here and everyone will pay!" He picked up the paper once more, tracing his finger over the photo, the feeling of determination coursing through his veins.

"I'm gonna get out of here and help you, just you wait"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

"Hey uh...sidekick? We need to talk."

Ratchet sat up from his cot, looking up at Qwark in confusion, "What is it now? Another mission?" he asked. Quark frowned, looking away, "No! No...uh...not exactly. Just...The Creator put a couple of bounties on our...our heads but, no biggie! W-Why don't you look for yourself!"

Ratchet opened his mouth to speak but Qwark shoved a paper into his hands and left in a hurry.

That was...odd.

He unfolded the paper in front of him, surprised at what he found.

Was...that a sketch of him? He was...wanted!? A million bolt reward along with a pass? Damn...that's...that's crazy!

But...instead of picnicking like a normal person, he leaned back to think. Why was he such a big target? Was he that much of a problem that The Creator needed him locked up? Was he really such a threat or-

Was The Creator afraid of him?

Hah! Whatever it was, it made things a whole lot harder, but it also meant that he was seen as a threat. A force to be reckoned with. Someone actually worth stopping.

The question is...could he be stopped? He doesn't think so. Not with so many people's lives at stake.

He folded the paper again, putting it in his pocket to save for later. One thing was for certain, this stupid little bounty wasn't going to stop him from saving people. He may have lost his memories and...yeah...his goal before all this was to remember but this was way more important! This filled him with the desire to defeat this corrupted Creator and end him. No matter what.

He stood up, chuckling, "Two can play that game, Creator."

He opened up his arsenal, wondering what weapon to clean first... a smile on his face as he ignored the looming danger over his head-

Let the games begin...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Poor Nova 😥I feel so bad for them. Sometimes I ask myself why I hurt my characters and make them suffer a bit but I need to add some sort of ✨Spice✨ along with the fluff.

A little recap! (If you have not read it fully, turn away if you don't want to be a bit spoiled)

-Ashby is saved. -A planet explodes. -Ratchet is suffering a bit. -Nova is suffering...a lot. - Ratchet is put on the wanted list. -Clank is relatively okay...at first. -Then Clank gets worse (haha). -Everyone is shook 😱. -The Creator is *satisfied*. -And...more characters suffering just a tiny bit 😥 I think that's pretty much it lol

Besides that, what did you all think? I hope you enjoyed it!

That's about it for now. I know we are all going through stressful times right now, and I really hope you are all doing okay! ❤

See you next time, everyone! ❤