Well....would you look at that title...

This chapter--->Hold on to your seats.

Enjoy!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

Clank....

He reeled back in disbelief, looking as if he was about to faint. Arthur steadied him with a hand on his back, pushing him up to sit again. Ratchet couldn't hold back his bright smile as he finally composed himself enough to respond,

"Pal...you can't even imagine how happy I am to hear your voice again!" he chuckled, "It's...been a while...and I have so many questions! Like, how did we get here? How-Wait! Are you crying, pal?"

He heard a few sniffles come from Clank's end, which was odd. Clank was a robot and didn't produce tears so...

...

Clank was talking to someone...

"Sorry...there's no need for you to wipe my tears for me, Phoebe. I-I'm fine..."

"What...?" did Clank just say-

"Phoebe?" Arthur whispered into his ear, "Your mother?"

"Clank...who are you talking to?"

If somehow, someway, this was his mother...he wouldn't know what to say. How are you with them? How are they doing? Just...how!?

....

Do they know that they are my parents....?

He heard frantic rustling on the other end. Clank said something along the lines of "Computer? Radio? Something!" and more movement. Ratchet raised a brow as the volume of the radio suddenly increased.

"Ratchet! Say hello!" Clank implored him, sounding quite excited. Ratchet glanced at Arthur, who looked equally as confused. "Uh...hi? Clank...who am I talking to?"

There was a small stretch of silence as there was hushed whispering on the other end.

"Ratchet?"

That voice...!

"H-Hi, sweetie!"

Phoebe!

"P-Phoebe!?" Ratchet gasped, "How are-No! No! Clank, where are you!?"

"I am currently with the Lombaxes." Clank replied, "Specifically, I am with your family and friends."

Ratchet almost reeled back, "You-"

"I arrived here a few weeks ago, looking to reunite with you. Instead, I was found by your family and have been here ever since."

"W-Wow..." Ratchet was speechless. There were practically no words to convey what he was feeling and thinking right now, "T-That's...insane. I can't believe it! To think that you would get to meet all of them...wow!"

Clank let out his signature chuckle but it sounded a bit different. It was warmer, more human, and not at all robotic. And now that Ratchet thinks about it...Clank's voice sounded a bit off as well,

"I-I can't believe it...and, wait!" Ratchet hit the side of the radio lightly, "If you're with all of them I gotta know! I-Is Kaden safe!? Last time I saw him-"

"I'm more than fine, Ratchet!" and hearing Kaden's voice gave Ratchet such relief, "I'm glad to hear you again, kid! A-Are you...Are you safe?"

Ratchet looked over at Arthur again, who shrugged, "Well...we're in a bit of a...complicated situation right now." he said nervously, "I'm fine though."

"No, he's being a reckless dumbass!" Arthur suddenly spoke up, "On Kerwan he-"

"-Nothing! I did nothing!" Ratchet punched him in the arm, glaring at him, "I-"

"A-Arthur!?"

They both looked back to the radio in shock, Arthur reaching forward to grab it in his trembling hands, "O-Ollie? Is that you!?"

"It's me!" the younger boy cheered, "I...I thought you were gone!"

"Heh...I wouldn't go away that easily." Arthur smiled, "I'm glad I could hear you again, Oliver. Are you doing okay? How's Mom and Dad?"

"We're all fine but..." Oliver's voice trailed off, "The Council has been lying to everyone about what's going on! They just put Mom and Dad on leave and we don't know why...A lot of stuff is happening, heck, we don't even know anything about the war and what The Creator is doing!"

Arthur cursed under his breath, looking over to Ratchet who clenched his fists in anger.

"So...what was Arthur saying about you being reckless?" Phoebe sounded a bit pissed, "You better not be running straight into danger!"

Ratchet and Clank both responded immediately-

"It's what I do." Ratchet shrugged,  "He does this all the time." Clank sighed.

Ratchet glared at the radio, unimpressed, "Yeah...ha-ha. Says the guy that followed me into danger."

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

"Hah! See? I-"

"Okay! Enough talking about running into danger!" Kaden scolded them lightly, "Ratchet...really, what's going on? How did you even contact Clank?"

"Well...long story short, I got help in cheating a...radio toaster...thing that helped me send messages out. I-"

"Wait." Clank cut him off. Arthur raised a brow as Ratchet's ears started to slowly lower...practically to the back of his head. "Clank...pal, look. I-"

"You're broadcasting a message that people can hear!?"

"Well as far as I know we are the only ones-"

"But-"

"Clank, I don't need a lecture right now." Ratchet interrupted whatever else the robot had to say, "I want to get back to..." his voice trailed off, thinking about how to formulate his next sentence, "Do...Do they know?" and he hoped that was enough for Clank to understand he was talking about...

As always...Clank did.

"They do, Ratchet. They know."

An unknown weight lifted from Ratchet's shoulder as he took in the information.

They know...They know...His parents knew about it but...they didn't say anything about it?

...

Maybe they just saw him as a weird, interdimensional son that really means nothing to them...maybe-

"Can I safely assume that you recovered your memories?"

"All of them." Ratchet clarified, "I remember everything and I have so many questions for you but...later. For now...?"

They weren't saying anything!? Why weren't they saying anything!?

"Ratchet."

That was Kaden...oh no...what was he gonna say?

"Learning about who you were and just having you here were the best moments of our lives since...y'know. Even when we didn't know about you or where you come from we wanted to take you in. You were already like a son."

Phoebe continued for him...

"You are our son, Ratchet. I don't know if you think of us like that or not but..."

"I do." Ratchet finished, "I really, really do. I never even thought I would see the Lombaxes, especially since I learned about what happened but...I never thought I would meet my parents. Well, interdimensional parents."

He sighed audibly, able to be heard on the other side. Phoebe picked up from there.

"Well, you better not get yourself into any more trouble, mister. You still have to come back home to us." Kaden laughed,

"And if you have even a scratch I'm sure Phoebe–your mother– will ground you."

"We both would."

Ratchet rolled his eyes, "Okay, okay. Looking forward to it-" he ignored the grumbles of dismay, "-and while I hate to ruin our moment...time to get serious."

"I never thought I would hear you say that..." Clank chimed in, "I never met a Ratchet-"

"Shush, pal. I'm trying, okay?" he sucked in a harsh breath...

"We need your help."

"What is wrong, Ratchet?" Clank sounded worried.

Ratchet grimaced, not knowing how everyone would react. They would freak out, no doubt, but The Resistance needed help.

"We believe that The Creator could be tracking us." He replied, "We assume he's waiting for us to land, which is preventing us from doing so. But we don't know for sure because he caused our communication systems to fail..."

Clank hummed, "I think I understand. You want me to disrupt his communication systems, correct? So he will no longer be able to track you?"

"That's right, pal! I knew you'd get it!"

"I am quite intelligent, yes." Clank chuckled, "However, I will let you know that this won't be easy for me. I don't even know where to start. Why me?"

"I understand, Clank. You're...also the only one that I can trust, right now. Also, the only one that I know that could do this." Ratchet smiled warmly, as if his friend could see it, "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"There is no need for that. I will try my best for you, Ratchet."

"Thanks, pal."

Ratchet found himself becoming quite tearful, so much so, that he had to bring up his hand to wipe at the corner of his eye, being careful of the bandages there, "I have so many questions."

"As do I. Well...all of us here do."

*Boom!*

Ratchet and Arthur turned around, startled by the sudden loud noise. They watched as a flurry of people ran in the opposite direction, passing their cots along the way.

"What's going on?" Arthur whispered, looking at Ratchet worriedly. Ratchet shook his head, "I don't know...but we'll find out."

"Ratchet...?" Clank asked nervously, "Is everything-"

"I-I'll talk to you later, everyone!" He felt so bad for cutting him off, but...they had to go.

So he turned the radio off, following Arthur to the source of the problem.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

The radio went silent.

Clank watched as Mags slowly reached forward to pull the wire out of Clank's neck. The robot looked back over to Kaden and Phoebe, who were frantically whispering to one another. Oliver looked at him hopefully, "You think they're okay, right?"

"With Ratchet around, I assure you that everything will turn out okay."

The lie slipped out easily. That sound didn't seem like a small little accident. It didn't sound like something fell. It sounded like an explosion.

But...he couldn't tell Oliver that. Deep down, he was actually freaking out himself. But he couldn't let the other boy feel that way.

"O-Okay!" Oliver looked away from him, "I should get home now. If anything else comes through, you'll let me know, right?

"Of course, Oliver. I promise."

The boy bid his goodbye, and by the time he did...

Everyone except Mags was gone....

And the realization made him (just a bit) upset. He had no lower arms right now and his best friend was (possibly) in danger.

He had to fix it...He had to fix everything.

"Hey, tin-can, everything is gonna be okay." Mags lifted up the lower half of Clank's left arm, "I'm almost...done here."

Clank scanned the part, shaking his head, "I'm afraid...it won't work anymore. All the components failed and the wires were fried. It will be of no use to me." he looked down at what was left of his arms, "I...do not know what to do."

"I'll fix it!" Mags jumped up from his seat, "I don't know where Kaden went but I promise you I'll fix it, alright? I can't have my favorite robot walk around armless, right?"

Clank looked shocked for a moment, before relaxing into a thoughtful smile. He was touched that the man was willing to go such lengths for him

"T-Thank you, Magnesium."

The man raised a brow, as if he was about to say a snarky remark but...he took one look at Clank and calmed himself, a tentative smile on his face.

"Hah! You know I'm not gonna let that go anytime soon, but for now, you're the only one that can get away with that."

Clank let out a small laugh, letting the man pat him on the shoulder, "Well, I'll get to work. You relax, okay?"

"O-Okay..."

Clank watched as the man walked out of the garage, possibly going to get his tools or something but Clark didn't really care. Right now the only thing in his head was the sound that came from Ratchet's end...

....

He had a really bad feeling.

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[Kaden]

"Something happened Phoebe, I know it."

His wife stared at him with a hand on her hip, unamused. Ever since they left the garage, she let him go off and rant. He was a bundle of nerves and he started to rub his hands together. "He was hurt and now they're in danger....what the hell is going on!"

"You need to stay calm, Kaden."

"How are you taking this so lightly!?"

"Because I know we can't change anything, Kade!" the woman smacked her hand on the countertop, "I'm freaking out too but we can't get ourselves worked up about this. All we can do now is help fix things here and support our son from the sidelines."

"I'm not letting that happen..."

Phoebe reeled back, "What do you-"

"I'm not letting our son be alone out there any longer." Kaden spat, "I'm not-"

"You'll never be let off this planet, Kaden, and you know that!"

"So you're okay with sitting here and doing nothing!?"

"I'm being realistic, Kaden!"

"And I'm trying to be a father!"

Phoebe glared at him, crossing her arms, "What's that supposed to mean?"

The man looked away from her, "This whole time...this whole damned time I have been doing nothing, Phoebe! All I've been giving are words and advice and-"

"You helped Ratchet escape The Council. You-"

"But that's not enough!" Phoebe was silenced by his outburst. "I couldn't protect Ratchet...and I still can't. I can't even notice when something is wrong with Clank and help him!" he pointed to the garage door, "I can't even fix his damn arm because I'm so hung up about everything I failed at, Phoebe!"

The woman sighed, walking closer to her husband and taking his hands in hers, looking into his eyes. "You didn't fail, Kaden." she said softly, hand moving up to cup his cheek, "You did your absolute best. You say you aren't a father but look back on what you've done with Ratchet before we even found out that he was our son. You spent time with him. You helped him in any way you could. You did your best. And Clank-" she sent a quick glance towards the garage door before looking back at him, "I am sure that if you ask him, his answer would be the same. You're so loyal and protective of everyone, including him. You welcomed him into our home...even if you didn't trust him at first. Ever since then, you've been caring for him like he's your own, Kaden."

Her husband frowned, "But...it's not just me. We all did that."

"But we're not doubting ourselves, are we? You're the only one that's too caught up in things we can't change. At least I know what we can do and what we can do." she kissed him on the cheek, "I failed too, Kade, but we can't let that bring us down. Not now."

She pulled back, "Ratchet needs us when he comes back safe and sound. He'll need support, not apologies that don't even have to be said. It's up to us to give him the best we can, Kade. That's it."

He nodded before she walked away. While her words were reassuring, he knew that while no one else would blame him, he blames himself. He knows he could have done better...

"What...did I just walk into?"

They both turned to the garage door to see Mags, who stood there awkwardly, "Well...whatever. I'm going to go get some parts for Clank back at my lab."

"Why? Is he alright?" Phoebe immediately fretted, "Is he-"

"He's fine, but he needs new arms." Mags looked toward Kaden, "Will you help me when I come back?"

"Definitely."

"Good." Mags left the kitchen, "Be back soon."

The front door shut softly, and Kaden was reminded of the fact that Hunter and Arc were still here, "I guess...I'll go see him?"

Phoebe nodded, "I'll see how Arc and Hunter are doing. I'll come to see Clank soon!"

Kaden nodded before turning to open the door. He walked in to see Clank...staring at the wall?

"Clank? You alright?"

The robot's head snapped to the side, startled by his presence. He quickly relaxed once he realized who it was, "Hello, Kaden." he said politely, "Is something wrong?"

"No...not really." the man admitted, "I'm just a bit worried but...I think Ratchet will be alright."

Clank was...surprisingly silent at this. Kaden looked towards him, concerned, "What's wrong, kiddo?"

The robot sighed, "I...am quite worried." Clank looked back at him, "I am so used to following Ratchet, and now...I see that I failed." Kaden's eyes widened

Clank looked back down, "This all happened because I couldn't protect Ratchet. To make things even worse, I made more, irreversible mistakes on top of that and...I feel like it is all my fault. No...it is all my fault." He jostled himself, "And now I can't even do anything because...I am like this."

Kaden watched as the boy's eyes trailed from his lap to his arms.

"Clank." he got the robot's attention, "You didn't fail."

Clank scoffed, "You do not know what occurred after I thought Ratchet to be dead! He shouldn't have even been injured in the first place but I was useless. And I still am!"

Kaden never realized the guilt that Clank harbored within him. The boy was usually calm and collected. Yeah, he was also reckless but...he was intelligent. He knew right from wrong and also knew exactly what to do in tight situations. But he never thought about what really could have happened to make Clank feel that way. They knew Clank thought Ratchet was dead but...

How long did Clank go on like this? How did he stay so composed most of the time? How?

"You're not useless, Clank. Don't say that." he lightly scolded the boy, "Without you, we probably wouldn't have gotten this far! Hunter could be dead if it wasn't for you as well. How can you forget all the things you've done to help us and instead focus on some shitty mistakes that you made in the past?"

Clank shook his head, "Perhaps you are right." he admitted, "But that doesn't take away the things that I have done."

"What did you do?"

Kaden immediately regretted the words when he saw the look on Clank's face.

The robot winced, holding out his arms and looking over what was left, "Things I shouldn't have done."

And just like that...the conversation died off. All that remained was the silence between them, filled with regret and sadness.

Maybe one day Kaden would learn the truth. Maybe one day Clank would finally open up. But right here, right now, this silence would have to do.

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[Ratchet]

"The thrusters are failing."

Ratchet looked over to Arthur as he said this, wondering where Qwark and Nefarious were...

They were going to have to land...

"The smaller ships might have a chance...we're going to have to set a rendezvous and meet there." Ratchet started walking, ignoring the confused shouts of the people around him that were panicking." Arthur met his stride with a slight limp, "But how are we going to fix the thrusters? There's no way we could make it to the rendezvous." Ratchet turned to him, but Arthur cut him off before he could say anything,

"And don't say that you can fix it. We don't have the machinery or the manpower."

Ratchet rolled his eyes, "I know that." he said, "I'm just wondering how far we can push them."

Arthur looked at him as if he was crazy, "And we need fuel."

"We'll find out how to get some."

"And parts-"

"We'll make them."

Suddenly Arthur grabbed his shoulder, "Ratchet!"

The younger boy looked at him in surprise, startled by the sudden shout.

"You need to look at reality!"

Arthur gestured around them, "You can't just give people faux hope. You can't just believe that you can fix everything! It's not like that here, Ratch! You're not some dimensional hero here and you need to look at the facts!"

Ratchet started to glare at him...

"The fact is: We're screwed, Ratchet. At this rate, we are all going to be killed or taken prisoner by The Creator. And if we keep going like this, we'll all be killed anyway!"

"So you're saying we give up? Is that it!?"

"Give up trying to stop the inevitable!" Arthur clarified, "You're either gonna get yourself killed or everyone else killed! I don't want to see that."

Ratchet scoffed, looking away, "You're my friend, Arthur. You're supposed to support me-"

"Not if it gets you killed and-"

"You're not my brother." Ratchet said bitterly, "Stop trying to be like one."

Arthur's hand left his shoulder as he walked away. He was left standing in the middle of the empty room, watching Ratchet leave...

There was nothing left to say.

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[Nova]

[4 Days Later]

"This is it. This is just perfect."

Nova looked up at The Creator in curiosity, watching as he fiddled with the device...

The Dimensionator...

They knew that this device was dangerous beyond belief, especially in the wrong hands. They learned this from Ratchet's memories that...they were only just accessing them now after repressing them.

It was hard to not think about their savior... who should actually be their enemy.

Ratchet was the reason for their pitiful existence, after all. None of this would have happened if Clank wasn't so obsessed with him...

....

Because...why was Ratchet loved, but they weren't?

"Are you listening, pest?"

Nova's head snapped up, "S-Sorry, Master." they stuttered out, "I am listening now, Master."

The Creator scoffed, but surprisingly, he didn't seem too fazed. Perhaps Nova did this enough that he stopped caring a while ago....

"The device is ready to be used, and I have come up with a delicious plan that would squash the thorn in our sides, The Resistance."

Nova's ears perked up as they fiddled with the collar around their neck and audibly gulped, "Oh? And what is that, Master?"

"I am glad you asked, pest."

Nova watched as The Creator's small stool crawled closer to the Dimensionator, "You see, Clank's little friend may have escaped, but they failed to realize that I have eyes everywhere." the screen below the Dimensionator, a few red dots decorating the planets on the map, "A long time ago, I planted these devices to disrupt communications and keep an eye on space travel. It is how I isolate living beings from each other so they can warn or communicate."

Nova watched curiously as The Creator zoomed in on one large dot on one of the planets, "This is The Resistance."

"How do you know, Master?"

"Because I and my subordinates have been tracking their every move. A small device planted on the back of their ship goes a long way...and now they are right where I planned they would be."

Nova nodded in understanding...

FInally...we can get rid of them...

...

But another voice popped up in their head,

Ratchet....please get away!

They shook their head to get rid of the thoughts.

They needed to do this so they could live, nothing more.

"So...when do we start, Master?"

Surprisingly, The Creator smiled down at them.

"Well, looks like our pest is asking the good questions today..." he mused, "We start now."

"Now..." Nova tested the word on their tongue, "How long will it take to get there, Master?"

"With the Dimensionator...a few seconds."

Nova felt their heart drop, unable to process the information so easily. "I...see." Nova drawled, looking back up at The Creator, "Do you want me to prepare, Master?"

Because last time the man didn't give them anything but blades....

The Creator seemed to contemplate for a moment, "You can try. I am...unsure I would have anything for a Lombax like you. And I also don't want you to have a blaster, just in case."

Nova felt their ears drop...

And here they thought they earned The Creator's favor...

"Alright...Master." they turned to leave the room, "I will be back shortly."

"Don't take too long." The Creator called out, "We have a special guest we have to welcome, after all."

Nova felt a shiver run down their spine...

....

They had a bad feeling...

But they were powerless...

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[Clank]

He watched as Kaden popped the arm in, right where it should be.

It was a perfect fit.

Clank gasped as he looked over the new, shiny appendage. A quick scan would show all enhanced wiring and upgraded tech. He splayed his fingers out and flexed them...

So much better!

Kaden stepped over by Mags and watched fondly as the boy admired his work, covering the steel with his perma-guise. He noticed how there was a small line on his right wrist that had a bit of lighter fur than the rest...

There was an error in processing the perma-guise but...he thought of it as a small mark left by the man who created it.

"W-Wow..." Clank rotated his wrist, "This...is amazing! Thank you, Kaden." he smiled brightly, watching as Mags came forward and grabbed his left forearm out of the box, "It was no trouble, Clank." Kaden watched as Mags held out the arm, the man agreeing with him immediately, "Ready?"

The robot nodded as the next one was installed, looking at it the same way he did with the other one. He marveled at the details and once the perma-guise covered it...he hopped right off the table and ran towards the nearest object he could pick up. Both of the men watched in curiosity as Clank picked up a pen, and then a hammer, and he eventually moved on to dragging a finger along one of the workbenches.

There was no more pain, but there was also more sensory feedback compared to what he had previously....

"I thought I could add some new features while Mags and I were making them. I hope you don't mind..." Kaden stepped forward to grab a hold of Clank's left arm. He tapped the inside of his wrist, a green interface appeared, the perma-guise slipping away as his system status and such were displayed. The information was pending still, but Clank looked at it in wonder.

"Now if anything goes wrong with you and you're unable to tell us, we can see by activating this." he tapped the wrist again, interface dissolving into nothing as the perma-guise took over again, "I don't want you to collapse again on my watch and being left in the dark trying to find out what's wrong with you, okay?"

Clank said nothing as he continued to stare at his wrist. After a few seconds of silence, he looked up and met Kaden's gaze,

He launched forward and brought the man into a bone-crushing hug. Kaden coughed a bit, but hugged him back. Mags just laughed as the man started to get crushed...

'W-Whoa! Y-You got quite a grip there..." he pats Clank's shoulder, "Thank you." Clank repeated, "Thank you."

Kaden smiled, but cringed a bit as Clank's hold got just a bit too tight...

"C-Clank...you're crushing me..."

Clank pulled back but didn't seem to feel bad about it at all. He just laughed it off, rubbing his hands together as he continued to marvel over his new arms.

Kaden just stared as he watched the boy continue to test things out. From touching various objects to tapping at the interface, he looked so happy.

The man thought that maybe after all of this he could repay the boy by giving him even more upgrades. The arms were only one problem, but he had a feeling that there would be many more in the future....

But for now, Clank was happy.

Kaden could settle for that...for now.

Clank finally turned to Mags and approached him, but the man just backed up, "Hey....Uh- I-I don't feel like getting crushed. Hey! Get away you bucket of freaking bolts! I-Agh!"

Now it was Kaden's turn to laugh as Mags was trapped in a hug, but he could tell that the man secretly enjoyed it...

Yeah...he could definitely settle with this...once Ratchet is back by their sides, of course...

...

Whenever that would be....

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Oliver]

"Oliver? Can you come down here?"

He heard his father call from downstairs, which was rare. It was usually his mother that beckoned him unless there was a bigger issue...then his Dad stepped in.

He didn't do anything wrong...did he?

He left his room to head downstairs, coming face to face with his father. He stepped back a bit, "Whoa...what's going on, Dad?" the man's harsh gaze bore down upon him, "Is...something wrong?"

"Lucas..."

"Show him, May."

The woman stepped forward and held out a book.

The Book...

....

The Council's Official Book.

"Uhm...what's that?"

"Don't play dumb, Oliver!" His father said sternly, "Your mother found this in your room when she was doing laundry! How did it get there." he crossed his arms, "This is illegal, Oliver! How did you get it!?"

Oliver's ears lowered, all the way to the back of his head "U-Uhm...I-I-"

"Oliver." Lucas straightened up, "Now."

The boy stuttered, "D-Dad, I-I can explain..."

"How can you explain getting a hold of the most restricted book on the planet!?"

Oliver looked at him and his mother, backing up just a bit, "I-I told you! I can explain! Just let me-"

"Was it Ratchet that helped you!?" Lucas growled, "I knew that boy was trouble from the beginning." he looked over to his wife, "I told you this, May, but you didn't listen!"

"Lucas! You let our son explain first and then we'll-Oliver wait!"

He turned and ran up the stairs into his room, shutting and locking the door as he heard his father shout in dismay. He dived for his phone and picked it up.

There was one person that could help him...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

He came downstairs at the sound of someone by the door.

His parents were still in the living room, only turning their heads once he came down, "Oliver. Who's by the door?"

"A...friend."

He unlocked the door, "He'll explain everything to- Whoa!"

The door burst open and in came a silver Lombax in all his pride and glory. He stared straight ahead and didn't bother to look at Oliver before saying, "I thought you needed serious help."

"This is serious."

"It's a family dispute."

Oliver huffed, "You never had parents so you'll never know."

He stepped back once his father stepped forward, "And who are you?"

The robot stood up straight, hand coming up to his collar as if he had a tie on but he obviously didn't. He brushed it off though and stood as tall as he could. "My name is Clank. I am here to explain what has been going on."

"And why should I believe you?" Lucas raised a brow, "Are you the one that helped our son commit a crime."

"No. I am not. But I know what happened." Clank's gaze hardened, "You have two choices. First, I can explain to you what happened, or...would you rather be left in the dark?"

Lucas looked over to May, who gestured to Clank, "Come now, Lucas. Let them explain, alright?"

The man looked hesitant at Clank, gaze drifting towards Oliver, "Fine. But only if you tell the truth and nothing but the truth. I want to know everything."

Clank smiled, "Then I suggest you sit."

The rest went pretty smoothly. May was the most vocal about her thoughts and opinions while Lucas...seemed to be stewing quietly. Oliver kept looking at Clank for guidance, even when there was nothing more to elaborate on.

Still...the robot did manage to de-escalate a situation for him. He owes Clank a lot...

"So after all this time..." Lucas spoke up for the first time since they started, "All of this happened and you didn't tell us?" he looked towards his son, "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Well...it's not like you two are home most of the time!" Oliver reasoned, "And you work in the guard, Dad! Considering how you acted before....I'm glad I didn't tell you sooner."

Lucas winced, "That's because I didn't know the full story, Oliver." he said, "I...I would have tried to take the burden for you. Kits like you aren't supposed to be involved in this crap." he looked towards May, "Oliver...honey, I still don't understand why you didn't tell us but...we can't let this go on."

"And you say the Callistos are involved? And they didn't tell us!?" there was a twinge of anger in his voice. Clank held a hand up, "Well...Ratchet was The Council's target. It wasn't until after he was captured that they were involved. At that point, everyone was unsure as to who should be involved and who shouldn't. I promise they had no ill intent."

"And Arthur?" May asked, "What about-"

"He is safe with Ratchet."

Hopefully...

"The Council has lied to all of you." Clank explained, "Everything that you know is mostly a lie."

Lucas held his head, "So long as he is alright..." he breathed a sigh of relief, "But The Council...they lied about him and his situation."

"And...they also haven't been teaching him either....Like you think."

Lucas startled, "What...?"

"Arthur told me that they said it was some work-study...thing or whatever, and they lied about giving him training in favor of doing things...In reality, they were just putting him on cargo ships and threatening him by using us. He...told me everything." Oliver sighed heavily, "He wanted to be like you, Dad. They promised him a place in the guard but they used him instead. He was tricked. Like all of us."

Lucas growled lowly, "This whole time..." he looked towards May, "I've been blind. What kind of parent am I?"

"You're a great Dad." Oliver said, "If you weren't, Arthur wouldn't go to such lengths for you. He would have wanted to be like you so bad." he tried to comfort his father, "He wouldn't have wanted to join the guard so badly."

Lucas looked up at the two boys, "I get it..." he nodded his head, "But that doesn't take away that fact about what they've done to him. They need to pay for it!" he glared at Clank, "Why was nothing released yet!?"

"It would cause hysteria." Clank said simply, "Besides. There is so much more to discuss but...you might want to do that when the whole group is together."

May nodded in understanding, "Then I think we need to go have a talk with the Callistos huh?"

Her husband nodded as he stood up, going to get ready. Oliver looked at Clank, "Are you leaving or walking back with us?"

"I...think I'll head back now. I should let them know beforehand and they want me back before dinner. I wish not to worry them." he stood up, "Safe travels, Oliv-"

Oliver shot forward to hug the robot, feeling Clank return the hug. "Thank you, for helping me."

"No need to thank me, Oliver. Talking things down is my specialty. You have no idea how much I had to do with Ratchet."

Oliver smiled warmly, "Still, you barged in like a badass." he chuckled, "Remind me not to make you angry."

"Noted."

Clank went to the door, "See you soon."

Oliver watched as he opened the door...

Why...did he have this feeling...

"A-Are you sure you don't want to walk back with us? I mean...it's getting dark and I would hate to see you found or something."

Clank looked confused for a moment before his eyes softened...

"Don't worry, Oliver. I promise I will be fine."

And that was that.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

"Something is off."

Ratchet sniffed the air as he looked around, "It's way too quiet here."

"Ah! Sidekick!"

Ratchet turned around to see the Captain approaching them. He seemed happier than usual, even puffing out his chest with all his glory. Ratchet looked up at him curiously, "Uh...hey Qwark. What's up?"

"Well, you see, Neffy says that we may be able to fix the thrusters! And guess what!?" Ratchet tilted his head, "We found food!" Quark held up...some sort of leg, "It tastes like jerky!"

Ratchet looked away, slightly gagging, "A-Agh...Uh! Good to know, Qwark!" he turned away from the man, "But I think I'm gonna go out and scout the perimeter, okay?"

Quark took a bit of his food, "Okay! Be careful, Sidekick!"

Ratchet waved as he left, quickly hopping over a rain puddle as he sniffed the air. It smelt damp but...there was also this faint little buzz in the air that made his fur stand on end...

Something was wrong...

He stopped under a tree, looking around and listening to the sounds around him...

The buzz...was getting louder.

Being who he was, decided to follow the trail that unknowingly led him farther and farther away from the ships...

He jumped over some rocks, looking into a nearby cleaning and-

"No..."

A pole stuck right out of the ground, and he knew enough to tell that it was some sort of beacon or tracker...

They need to get off....Now!

He turned and ran back from where he came, feeling the ground shake halfway there. He turned to see the sky light up blue and purple. He heard the ground crack before him. "Go!" he shouted, but he doubts anyone could hear him, "We gotta-whoa!" he tripped, pushing himself back up as quickly as he could.

He looked down at his wrist, looking at his Manifestor and the weapon that could come in handy...

They were all in danger.

He waved his arms once he was close to the ship, "Get to the ships!"

Hopefully one works...

"You have to-"

"Ratchet!"

He whipped his head to the side, "What's going on!? Arthur came up to him, "I've been looking for you!"

"Arthur...Arthur! You need to get out of here!"

"You mean we." Arthur grabbed his arm, "Just-Oh...my...stars..."

Ratchet turned to see what was over his shoulder...

"It's The Creator!" Someone shouted. People already left them in the dust as they fled...

"It's him..." Ratchet pulled out a blaster, "Arthur, go!"

"No! I'm staying!"

"Arthur-!"

"Well...look what we have here." The Creator came close to them, his minions coming out of the portal not too far away but...they weren't aiming at them...

They were aiming at the other survivors...

Ratchet pulled Arthur close and held his blaster up, "Come closer and I'll blast that head right open."

"Oh...I'd like to see you try..." He turned his head to the side, "Separate them, pest."

Ratchet couldn't react in time as someone came from the side to pull him away from Arthur. A leg from the throne separated them right after and Ratchet lost sight of his friend. He looked to the side, arms being pinned by a strong grip, "You..."

The person that restrained him was his twin, or Nova, he assumed. Nova refused to look at him and instead stared right at The Creator, "You...traitor." he growled, "Don't you know who you're helping?"

Nova said nothing.

"Well...now that we have you...you seem as useless as the rest." The Creator stared at him, "It's a pity...."

"What do you want?" Ratchet growled, "Is it just me? You want to kill me? Go right on ahead." he looked to his right, where Arthur was just on the other side of the metal leg, "Leave him and you can do what you want with me."

The Creator tilted his head, tapping his chin as if he was in thought, "Hmmm. No." he shifted, "I have bigger and better plans for you and the rest of the Lombaxes." Ratchet bared his teeth as tHe Creator brought out the-

Dimensionator....

"H-How did you get that!?" Ratchet heard Arthur stutter out. The Creator just laughed and waved it around. Ratchet was mostly surprised his little stick arms could even do that...

Now that he thinks about it...if The Creator falls off his throne...he is defenseless...

Hmmm....

"Let's just say someone from your pitiful planet handed it over for a deal but...it's a shame that he would trust me in the first place. Your race is surprisingly cowardly...and naïve." he tapped at the device, "Now...there is someone I'd like you to meet. You'd know him well and-"

"Ow!" Nova let Ratchet go as he took his blaster and hit them right in the face with it. He charged to the side, around the throne's leg, and grabbed blindly at Arthur's arm, "Come on!"

He heard the throne shift as they ran. "Get up, pest! You had one job and-"

Ratchet pushed Arthur down as a stray blast flew right overhead. All that he could hear now were the screams of terror as the ship's damaged thrusters powered up...

They needed to make it...

"Ratchet! He's gaining on us!"

Ratchet stooped, pulling out his blaster and shooting two nearby bots in the head, saving one of the survivors, "Go! Go! Go!" he called out desperately, "We have to hurry!" He pulled Arthur along.

*BOOM!*

The throne's leg smashed into the ground, leaving a crack between the two Lombaxes. The ground cracked more...and more...

"Dimensionator." The Creator's voice was high above the rest, "Find Tachyon!"

Ratchet panted as he picked up the pace, Arthur struggling to keep up.

The ship...The ship...

Ratchet looked down at his feet...seeing some enemies retreat as the thrusters lit up and-

The sky flashed.

"Arthur..." He looked over. Arthur made eye contact with him,

He smiled, "Stay safe for me, okay?"

Arthur had no time to question him as he shoved him forward with all his strength. Arthur shouted as he hit the ground, Feeling his body shift as it cracked open. He looked behind himself and then-

And then-

"Ratchet!" He held a hand out to try and pitifully stop what was about to happen....

The sky was dark...

People were dead...

The screams assaulted his ears...

And a leg of the throne came down...

He called out again, but lost sight of him once the meg was down, impaling the ground. Everything went silent...

Blood started to run....a portal was still open...

And Arthur....Arthur ran...

"You won't be able to run forever, Lombax!" He heard a...different voice call out, "You will all be dead in days!"

Arthur gasped, running past bots and corpses alike...

The ship...The ship...The ship...

....

He...needs to...make it...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Ratchet couldn't feel his arm...

He lifted his head to peek through a small gap in the throne's leg, seeing Arthur fleeing in the other direction....towards the ship.

Good...hopefully they make it in time.

"Hah! Look at this pathetic little rat!"

Tachyon...

"Easy, Emperor. You must-"

A single claw plucked Ratchet right off the ground. He lifted his head up to meet the beady eyes of Percival himself.

"You look...familiar." The Cragmite mused, "Well, not like it matters. I'm about to tear you in two and-what's that one doing down there!?"

Ratchet became dizzy when the claw jerked to the side. Tachyon pointed down to Nova, who held their cheek.

"I assure you, this is just my little servant." The Creator said, watching as a claw approached Nova, who was about to grab onto one of the throne's legs to avoid getting picked up, "Please, refrain from touching them. They are useful to me, after all. And...you wouldn't be here without me, would you?"

So...The Creator wanted to take charge....Interesting. Ratchet thought.

He was brought down to eye level again, staring into the Emperor's eyes. Tachyon sneered, "You disgust me." he lifted Ratchet higher, "You know...those other little vermin are escaping."

"I am aware." The Creator said, "We'll get them in time. For now..." he gestured to Ratchet. Tachyon needed no more words. Another claw came to grab Ratchet by the ankle and dangle him upside down, "You remind me of that despicable, unbearable Keeper of the Dimensionator. Ah...I can't wait to give him a visit! But for now..." he chuckled devilishly, "Now I can do this-!"

A claw grabbed at Ratchet's inner arm, squeezing it as he gritted his teeth to not cry out. "Stubborn...Just like him." The claw dug in more and Ratchet saw stars.

*Smack!* then it tossed him to the ground. He shakily pushed himself up, casting a glance towards Nova, who watched in horror.

The claw came down again to slam his head into the ground. He swore that something impaled from the force of it because once Tachyon pulled him up by the neck again he couldn't see anything out of his left eye.

Tachyon chuckled, "Oh, look at you- Ah!"

Ratchet, while being pulled up, managed to grab hold of his blaster....

Shooting blindly, and hitting his target...

He smirked at the cry of pain...

"You...insolent...little, RAT!"

*Swoosh!*

The claw tossed Ratchet away and into the trees. He could faintly hear a twig or something snap but... couldn't register anything else before he hit the ground. Though, he fell down and rolled a few times, and also landed in a murky water puddle...

He heard the faint voices, "Hmph...I would have played with him longer..."

"You will get your chance, Emperor." The Creator said, "For now...let's have a chat at my headquarters, shall we? I have the perfect plan."

"But what about the Lombaxes!?"

"Give it time." The Creator said sternly, "What I am about to show you will give you the opportunity to do more than kill those rats." there was a small stretch of silence, "Pest, go make sure that thing is dead and report back here to me. I order you."

"Y-Yes, Master!"

Ratchet closed his eyes, clutching his bloody fists as he heard someone approach and hop down next to him. He opened them once their shadow was cast over his face,

"Fuck you." he muttered. But...Nova said nothing.

Instead, they bent down to place something by his side. He eyed it curiously...

Nanotech...

"It won't heal your...worse injury, but it should help..." they whispered.

"Where are you!? Pest!"

Nova stood up then,

"I'm sorry...."

...and they left him alone.

...

For a moment he just laid there in the bloody puddle, feeling a few raindrops on his back. He swallowed down the dirt and grime that managed to get in his mouth and he reached for the Nanotech....

He cupped it in his hands as it started to dissolve, Healing most of his injuries...except a few...problematic ones.

....

He looked up at the sky then, exhausted and in pain but...alive. So very alive.

He survived....like he always does...

But now...what would happen to everyone else...?

Well...he wouldn't have the answer to that for a while. For now, he tore off a piece of his dirtied shirt and brought it up to his face.

Time to fix himself up...and find a way off the planet...

...

Before it was too late.

...

Maybe he could start after he finds shelter...maybe after he falls asleep against the wall...maybe-

...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

He faltered in his steps...

Static....

An incoming transmission!?

He stumbled to the nearest wall, holding his head in pain and shock. The pressure mounted until he couldn't even keep his eyes open any longer...

His vision swam...

"C-Cla-*static*-nk...a-are you t-there?"

It was...Arthur?

"A-Arthur? What is going on?"

He thinks he heard the other sob,

"I-It's Ratchet..." he said, "H-He's-"

"What happened!?" Clank tried not to shout, "What did he-"

"T-The Creator...W-We left him and-"

"Where is he?"

"I don't know!" Arthur shouted back, "He-He saved me and I'm hurt and now he didn't make it back in time! Fuck...!" Clank heard him suck in a painful breath,

"C-Clank...I need to tell you something."

Clank wiped a tear as his optics flickered,

"W-What is it?"

"H-He's back..."

"Who is?"

A beat of silence,

"Tachyon."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

He could tell something was amiss.

"He's late." Kaden set down his fork, looking over at his wife and their guests, Hunter looked up shyly, "Maybe him and Oliver decided to hang out..." he slowly pushed the glass of water (given to him by his father) away from him, "I think he'll be o-okay."

Kaden nodded his head, "I hope you're right."

But time went on.

Kaden's knee started to bounce, even as Phoebe placed a hand on his shoulder and kissed his shoulder.

Something was wrong.

"I think we're going to head off."

Kaden looked up from his seat on the couch, "Really? You two are going home? I thought Hunter was supposed to be hidden..."

"He'll be covered." Arc took his son's hood and pulled it over his ears, "Besides, it's not that long of a walk." He stepped forward to shake Kaden's hand, 'Thank you for everything, Kaden. I'll do everything in my power to help get your boy back, I promise you that." he squeezed Kaden's hand, "Keep in touch, yeah?"

"Yeah, we will." Kaden gave him a strained smile, looking over to Hunter, "You stay safe."

The boy nodded, "Tell Clank I said thank you." he mumbled, "And I will help find Ratchet as well. This is far from over."

Kaden watched as the two started to leave, Phoebe handing a bag of leftovers for them and hugging Hunter close. Kaden didn't bother to listen to what she said, unable to get Clank out of his head....

Come on, kid...where are you?

Once the door shut, Phoebe came over to him and sat next to him, "Perhaps you should call him?"

"Maybe I'm just overreacting?" Kaden reasoned, "Clank's smart Maybe-"

*Knock*Knock*

Phoebe got up again, peeking through the shades, "It's...Oliver and his parents."

Kaden looked startled when she opened the door. Oliver stepped in first, "Hi Kaden! Hello Phoebe!"

"H-Hi Oliver." Phoebe stepped aside, "What is the occasion?"

May greeted them first, "H-Hello Phoebe, Kaden." she started, "We just came to talk about...what's been going on."

"We found out." Lucas said bluntly, "We want some proper explanations."

Kaden sat up straight, "Look, I would love to but...it's kind of a bad time and-"

"Where's Clank?" Oliver interrupted him, "He left my house a while ago..."

Kaden was alarmed, "What!? How long?"

"Maybe an hour..."

Kaden looked toward Phoebe. May also looked quite alarmed, "W-What's going on!?"

"Clank is probably in trouble." Phoebe shook her head, "I-It's a long story. Why don't we-"

*Ring*

Kaden held up a hand to get everyone to quiet down...

He then slid his phone out of his pocket, "It's Mags." he answered it and put it on speaker, Mags' breath blowing against the speaker, "Kaden, we have a problem..."

Everybody in the room stiffened...

"Again? What is it?"

There was a slight crash on the other end...

"It's Clank."

Kaden and Phoebe didn't need to hear any more in order to get their coats on, heading out the door just as quickly...

"Wait! We'll come!" Lucas stepped forward, "I'll-"

"No! You three stay here! Something could happen to all of us." Phoebe looked toward Oliver, "You explain everything to them, okay? We'll get Clank."

Oliver hesitantly nodded, but he looked like he was on the brink of tears...

"O-Okay..."

Kaden pulled his wife outside before shutting the door, "Let's be quick!" Phoebe jogged ahead of him...Kaden followed soon after.

....

He knew something was wrong!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Mags]

"Clank..."

He turned his phone off, bending down to get Clank off the ground, which was impossible for him right now...Clank was dead weight...

"Ratchet..." Clank whispered, "Ratchet is-"

"Shush, Clank. You're...something's wrong."

And it wasn't a lie. Clank's eyes were flashing on and off. Everyone so often, they turned an eerie red. His body jolted every so often as he started to cry. And for once, Mags didn't know what to do...

"Clank..."

"Stay away!" Clank clawed a bit at the ground, "Please." his voice became a whisper, "You can't see me like this."

Mags looked desperately around his apartment, "You're leaking oil..."

Clank's hand came up to wipe at his nose, "No...too soon."

Mags didn't have time to question him as there was a knock on the door. He raced over to open it, Kaden running in and seeing the boy on the ground. All he could register was the oil leaking and the tears running down Clank's face.

The flickering eyes...

"Clank!" Phoebe beat him to it, "Clank!? What's wrong?"

"Ratchet..." Clank grasped at her hand, "Ratchet. Something happened to- agh!" he held his head as his eyes flickered more. Phoebe placed a hand on his back, "T-Take your time..." she looked toward the men

Something happened to Ratchet....

Clank caught his breath, "I-I...I c-can't..." Mags bent down to hold the rag against his nose. Clank reached up shakily to hold it for him. He pulled it back and grimaced,

"Ratchet...something happened to R-Ratchet." he looked up at them all, "H-He's-"

He jolted then, "S-S-Something."

Kaden stopped his head from jolting so much, "C-Calm down." and while the thought of something happening to his son was jarring...he still had Clank to look after...

And right now...Clank was suffering before his very eyes...

Clank suddenly tried to push himself up, "I-I have to go." he stuttered out, "I have...to-" Phoebe caught him, "You're not going anywhere in this condition!"

"Need to...save...Ratchet." he said slowly, "...Creator-" his voice cut off into static, "You..."

Mags went forward then, lifting him up and surprising the others with his strength, "I'm not letting you lay here anymore, tin-can." Mags dragged the boy to the kitchen, "Get everything off my kitchen table." Kaden and Phoebe pulled off the cloth and anything else on the table as Mags (with some difficulty) laid Clank down. He took a hand and placed it on Clank's forehead, wincing,

"You're burning..."

Clank looked at him, swallowing, "I need to help-"

"You need to rest!" Mags retorted. Phoebe came over on the other side and wiped the oil off Clank's face, "It's okay, sweetie. You-"

"You don't understand!" Clank snapped at her, "Ratchet is missing!"

Missing!?

"A-Arthur t-told me t-that-" his eyes flickered again as he pushed himself up, "I have to go! I-I have to get out of here!" he went to step off the table before Kaden stopped him, "You're not going anywhere." he said firmly, "We'll figure out Ratchet's situation later but you are in no condition to-"

"I need a ship!" Clank pushed the man back lightly, "I-I need to get off the planet and find him! I-I have to!"

Phoebe grabbed his arm, "Clank, you-"

"I don't have much time!"

A beat of silence.

"What...do you mean?" Mags asked, "What do you mean by that!?"

Clank looked down, lighting up the interface on his hand, "I mean...I can't hold it off for much longer." he whispered, "I-I need to go before something happens to me."

"What's going to happen!?" Kaden took him by the shoulders, "What are you talking about!?"

Clank said nothing as he just stared at the man. His eyes flickered for a moment,

"Who are you?"

Kaden stepped back then, shocked at the monotonous voice. But it left just as quickly as it came...

"Kaden...I need to." Clank looked at everyone, "I-I need to go. Please."

"No. You are going to tell us what you mean, Clank." Kaden looked at him, right in the eyes, "Please."

Clank looked away from all of them,

"I need to go." he repeated, ignoring the question entirely. It looks like he has given up on even trying to hide his lies...

"Please."

Phoebe stepped forward, unsure what they should do. Mags was equally as clueless, just staring at Clank longingly.

And Kaden....Kaden didn't know what to do except-

Tap at the interface on Clank's wrist.

Clank tried to pull away but Kaden's grip was like steel. It lit up and Kaden could only see a flash of red before Clank violently pushed him away-

*Thump*

-straight to the ground. He held his injured shoulder as he smacked against the floor...

"Clank! Wait!" Mags called out, chasing after him as he made it out the door. Phoebe bent down to check on her husband who was a bit dazed. He looked up from the floor to see Mags walk back solemnly, "He...he left." he whispered, "I-I don't know what way he took."

Kaden slowly pushed himself up, "We...need to find him." he collected himself,

 "Let's go."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

He ran as fast as his legs could take him.

The static of the radio and the pinging of messages assaulted his head, making him feel lightheaded and out of it.

He didn't want this.

He didn't want this.

He didn't want to face the truth...

He never wanted this!

All he wanted was to get Ratchet back. He didn't ask for people to help him. He didn't ask for others to care about him. He didn't ask for anything but Ratchet!

He didn't ask for conflict!

He didn't ask for wars!

All he wanted was his friend back!

"Whoa!"

He tripped and landed face first on the ground. He was sure something cracked but it's not like he cared anymore...

He had no time.

He had no time.

It was too late...

He pushed himself off the ground and ran, not caring about the warning messages and pain in his face. Not caring about anything except-

"Stop!"

Clank paused in his tracks...

He knew that voice...

He slowly turned, eyes making contact with ones that were so familiar...

The eyes of a...friend.

The eyes of a monster.

The eyes...of his best friend's killer.

His eyes flashed a sudden red before they stood, he chuckled, "Alister Azimuth."

The man looked surprised, but he easily looked away. "You are under arrest." he said firmly, "For conspiring against The Council!"

The robot shook his head, smirking, "I'd like to see you-"

*Bang!*

He fell down to his knees, down but only disoriented. He looked up in confusion, "What-"

The chains were around him before he could say anything more.

...

Something cold was placed on the back of his neck, and he was out cold in the next instant.

...

The last thing he heard was "Take him away..."

And he knew no more.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[The Next Day]

He woke up feeling cold and damp.

He was sitting against the wall with his hands tied behind his back, something he could easily get out of but...well he wouldn't until he had the chance to escape.

He slowly lifted his head up and looked around the dark room. Surprisingly, he wasn't behind bars just...strapped to a wall. Looks like whoever put him there was either an idiot...or overly confident.

He turned his head once he saw something shift to his left. He made eye contact with a woman. Her white hair nearly blinded him as she stepped forward to take the device off his neck, "How interesting..." she mumbled, "A metal bat to the head won't put you down by my device could...huh." he smirked, "Looks like my experimental incapacitator works on even the toughest little guys!"

She didn't know he was a robot....good.

"And...you are?"

"Call me Kaz!" she grinned, "I was the one that hit ya' over the head. No hard feelings, I hope?" but then her smile turned into a frown, "Then again, I am getting paid and you're conspiring with low-lives."

Clank scowled at her, "Oh? And what makes you think that?"

"Because they are planning on getting us into this mess, not out of it!"

"You mean the war?" Clank raised a brow, "What do you know of it?"

"I know plenty! And I wouldn't have helped your little friends if I knew what they were doing!" she pointed a finger at him, "Cyfrin is trying to give us all a better life away from all this conflict!"

"You don't understand! He-"

"-Wants everything to change!" she cut him off, "He told me that with The Clock, we can go back and fix everything! Imagine! No genocide! No war!" she turned away, gesturing to the empty room,,, "With that...I could bring my family back instead of rotting on this planet and be used for my knowledge and intelligence!"

"You're wrong." Clank caught her attention once more, "The Great Clock is not a time machine! You'll destroy everything!"

"And how do you know that? You're just a kid that doesn't know what is going on! You-"

"Enough, Kazandra."

Clank froze...

Cyfrin...

"Let me have some alone time with our...guest here."

The woman nodded, sending one last glance towards Clank before leaving the room. The robot was left watching the mysterious man approach, glaring down at him. "To think...you would be the one to infiltrate my walls." be bent down to Clank's level, "I wonder...what have you been up to?"

"Nothing of your concern." Clank muttered, "You-"

His head whipped to the side as Cyfrin put his hand underneath his chin and turn it forcefully, "I would be quiet if I were you." he warned, curiously looking at the injury on Clank's cheek, "No one speaks to me like that and gets away with it."

"Perhaps people are afraid of speaking out against you." Clank kept his eyes on the man as he stepped back. Cyfrin gave a dark chuckle as he smeared the oil on his fingers, "Well, that is what I'm aiming for....as for you." he wiped his fingers off on his cloak, "You...are such an interesting little oddity...Clank?"

The robot's eyes widened...

"It's not that hard to piece together and I am anything but an idiot." Cyfrin smiled devilishly, "To think...you'd fall right at my feet. Then again, I wonder how you even got here?"

"None of your business." Clank turned his head away, "I have no intention of cooperating with you."

"Oh really?" Cyfrin came close again...something that Clank did not like, "Even if it could fix everything for you?"

"Even then."

"Even if it could save your friend?"

"You are powerless." Clank snapped, "The Clock isn't a time machine and even if it was, you have no way to get there!" he made it look like he was struggling in his binds, Ratchet's voice in his head...

"Make it look like you're weak. Make it look like you are clueless. Then...hit em' where it hurts. But...don't let yourself be hurt in the process..." he would mumble to himself...

"You know nothing." Clank sneered.

"Hah...I wouldn't call myself powerless, you piece of scrap metal..." he smirked, "I have much more planned."

"You're running out of options." Clank replied, "It won't be enough. Once The Creator has more power he'll-"

"We'll be gone before then..." Cyfrin walked out of sight, "Because I have this..."

The Dimensional Map...

...

It won't work though! Mags and Kaden-

"I had Kazandra make sure there were no locks. It was obvious, you see? After all, I know Kaden is against me. Why would he willingly hand over such a device?"

"How'd you get it?"

"It's easy to access labs, you know? I thought you'd be smarter, Clank." Cyfrin smiled, "So...once the people inevitably find out, do you really think they will want to stay and fight, or run with their tails between their legs?"

"Many lost their families. Children, brothers, sisters...more." Clank glared, "People will rise against you and The Creator."

"Doubtful." Cyfrin turned the device over in his hands, "Besides, The Creator will give us a head start."

Clank's ears peaked, "What...do you mean?"

"Let's just say we both had a favor to ask."

Cyfrin bent down to his level again, "You know...you like just like my son. It's a pity his life had to be cut short. The world isn't fair." he stood back up, "I can't even look at you any longer...I'm going to fix things, and you won't be here to see it."

"Y-You're making a mistake!" Clank called out as the man started to leave. "You can't-"

"Fix him." he heard Cyfrin whisper. This was when Kaz stepped in, a new device in hand. He stared at it, becoming uneasy. So he performed a quick scan...

"What is that?" he asked, "A-"

"Another little invention of mine!" she cheered, "I'm eager to test it out. Boss may give me a small raise and ticket out of here!"

Clank leaned back as she came forward,

"Ready?"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

"Okay...is everyone ready?"

He looked around the room. His wife stood next to him confident and ready to go. Oliver stood proudly in front of his parents who...were quite hesitant.

"I ordered the guards to stand down." Lucas said, "They should cause no trouble."

"Are we...really doing this?" May asked hesitantly, "Lucas, me, and the kids will stay here but-"

"No! I'm going!" Hunter butted in, "There is no way I'm letting Clank get hurt in there! He saved me!"

"But Hunter-"

"There's no talking me out of this, Dad!" Hunter glared at the man, "I'm going and that's final!"

"And...I guess I'll stay here to get things ready for Clank when he comes back." Oliver looked toward his parents, "Okay?"

"Definitely." May nodded her head, "The rest of you...be safe."

"We will." Kaden zipped his jacket up a bit, "We'll be back."

Hunter was the first to head out, pulling his hood over his head and limping slightly, he didn't seem to care.

"Let's go get him!" He pulled his father along, "Right, Dad?"

"Right..." Arc muttered.

If he sees Cyfrin again...

...

The blaster weighed heavy in his pocket.

And Kaden was in the same boat...

Phoebe reached down to grab his hand, "He'll pay for everything."

Kaden nodded, "I'll make sure of it."

....

"Let's get that ass!" someone shot past them, "You almost left without me!

Kaden shook his head, "Mags. Quiet down already." he glared at his friend, "And you were taking too long..."

"Shut up." Mags rolled his eyes, "I'm not gonna miss the opportunity to save the tin-can."

And while Mags seemed to be in good spirits, he actually wasn't. He was by no means a fighter but...he could be if he wanted to...

The device he had in his pocket could come in handy, after all. Not like anyone else knew about it.

We're coming to get you, kid.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

If only it was that easy...

"It's quiet." Mags said, "Wayyy too quiet."

"That means that they are anticipating us." Arc grumbled, "It's not gonna be long before we run into someone." He casually walked forward, being hissed at by Kaden, "What are you doing!?"

"They know we're here, Kaden." Arc pressed the elevator door, "So I don't really care what we do now. We just need to find-"

"Stand down."

"-them..."

They all turned to who called out, Kaden quicker than the rest. He bit the inside of his cheek at who it was, "Alister." he started, "You're still helping them!?"

"Only so we can fix things, Kaden!" Alister banged his wrench against the ground, "Imagine. No genocide. No pain from losing loved ones in such a horrific way. Everything going back to normal..." he kept listing more and more things but at the end of it all-

"Imagine Orion being alive."

"Get his name out of your mouth, you asshole!" Phoebe shouted, "All that stuff is in the past, Alister! We can't fix anything!"

"But with the help of The-"

"The Clock isn't a time machine, Alister!" Kaden stepped forward now, "Why can't you just listen, Al!? For once! Just listen to what I'm telling you!"

"Kade-"

"You tried to hurt him, Alister. You helped them hurt my son!" Kaden pointed an accusing finger at him, "You almost killed me....I thought we were friends! Family!?"

"Kaden I still-"

"You are not." Kaden cut him off, "You are not. Not until you see what's right!"

"I am doing what is right! For our people!" Alister looked offended, "If you-"

"That's enough, General."

Everyone whipped around,

"Cyfrin." Arc growled, "You finally show your face."

"And I'm surprised to see you here." His eyes drifted to the small hooded figure behind, "And I can already assume why."

"You won't get him again, asshole." Arc pushed Hunter behind him, "I won't let you touch him, or anyone anymore! Where is the boy!?"

Cyfrin hummed, seemingly enjoying the confrontation. There was a satisfied smile on his face as he spoke once more, "Who? The robot?" he chuckled darkly, "Would you really like to know?"

"Where. Is. He." Kaden hissed, "Where-"

"So you've become attached? How....adorable." Cyfrin's eyes zeroed in on the man, "You moved on from your first replacement to your next? Hah...that's laughable."

"Ratchet is our son." Kaden corrected him, "Clank is our family."

"Really now?" Cyfrin raised a brow, "Well...I wonder if you'll still be saying that after this-"

The man stepped aside as someone else walked into the room. They staggered forward and landed on their knees...

"Clank!" Hunter shouted and almost ran forward, but Arc held him back, "What did you do to him!?" the boy said instead, "You-"

"I did nothing. Honest. In fact, when we found the poor thing he was already going off the deep end..." he went forward to tap at Clank's side with his foot, "This things been broken since it came in."

"Don't touch him." Kaden stepped forward,

"Don't you dare touch him!" Mags added darkly.

But Cyfrin didn't seem fazed at all. He looked very, very amused at them all. He shook his head, "Heh...if anything, you're gonna hope he doesn't touch you..." everyone tilted their heads at that.

Cyfrin kicked Clank in the side, "Wake up."

And...Clank stood up from the ground, eyes opening to reveal two, deep red optics that had no pupils...no life at all...nothing.

Clank wasn't Clank anymore...and that was obvious.

"C-Clank...?" Phoebe stepped back, "What's going on...?"

Kaden held a hand out in front of her, and Arc did the same with his son. Alister shifted uncomfortably behind them as Clank eyed them all.

Cyfrin put his hands behind his back, "Clank." he started,

"Get them out of my sight."

The group stepped back, but once they saw Alister there...

"We're trapped." Phoebe whispered to her husband, "There's nowhere to-"

"Clank!" Kaden held a shaky hand out, "Clank, you have to be in there, kiddo."

He couldn't believe this...He couldn't believe Clank turning on them...

He couldn't...

*Click*

Kaden turned to see Arc pointing a gun directly at Clank, "W-What!? Don't shoot him!" Mags cried out, "You-"

"It's kill or be killed, Magnesium!" Arc grit his teeth, "I'm not going to take any more chances. The Clank that you knew is gone."

Clank pulled out his blaster that he has been given, a shaky hand ready to fire it...

"I wonder...who will win? The living beings or...a supercomputer with one-hundred percent accuracy?"

Arc was ready to find out...

Clank remained stoic as he approached...

Kaden went to meet the boy in the middle, Phoebe trying to stop him...

Mags' hand slid into his pocket...

And Cyfrin just watched...and waited.

...

All it takes is one...little....shot...

But Kaden didn't seem to care as he walked forward, Clank holding up the gun and pointing it at him as he approached.

He knew he was being stupid...He knew that he was being careless...

But....Clank-

*Nudge*

He walked right into the gun, pressed into the center of his chest. He didn't bother to look down...only at Clank.

"Clank." he whispered, clenching his fists at his sides, "I knew something was wrong...and I was too late to notice it. And to see what you have become..." he shut his eyes, not wanting to look at the red optics anymore...

"Please...this can't be you." He opened them again, looking over Clank's emotionless face, and tilted-

Huh...?

Kaden looked closer...

"Clank...?"

Cyfrin shifted, "What are you waiting for!? He's right there!"

But the robot didn't move, only blinked once...twice...

"You are correct." he responded,

"He is there-"

*Bang!* *Bang!* *Swoop!*

2 shots...one hit....3 different victims.

Kaden looked over his shoulder to see who Clank hit, only to see Alister doubled over in pain...

He then looked over to Arc...

Who stood menacingly over a fallen Cyfrin, who held his chest,

"Got you, fucker..."

He looked over to Mags...

Who stood over a tied up, white-haired woman in a...net?

"Well...I had a feeling it would come in handy..."

Suddenly he jolted forward as Clank stomped past him, heading straight for Alister, "You..." he seethed, "You!"

His voice sounded pained. It sounded guttural...

He sounded furious.

Kaden chased after him as Phoebe stepped back in shock at everything that just occurred in less than a minute...

"You took everything from me." Clank's eyes flashed red again, "You ruined everything!"

The shout was enough to make everyone pause in their tracks, "C-Clank...wait!" Kaden launched forward, only to be swatted off like a fly.

Clank had enough....

He was going to say what he needed to...

"You ruined everything." he repeated,

"You ruined my life...You ruined Ratchet's life. You ruined our whole lives!"

"I-I think you got the wrong guy..."

Clank held the blaster to his head, "Same thing." he said coldly, "You ruined mine. Now I will ruin all of yours."

And all he did...was blink.

...

*Ping!* *Ping!* *Ping!*

Everyone looked down at the pockets, Hunter and Mags reaching in to pull out their holo-phones. Hunter audibly gasped, pulling his father (who was still towering over a wounded Cyfrin) down to see what was on his phone.

"Everything." Mags whispered, scrolling through the new data, "Save a few details about Arc but...you did it. You crazy bastard!" he looked towards Clank, "You exposed everything!

Kaden was speechless, but it seemed like Alister had the most intense reaction, "Do you know what you did!? You're going to cause widespread-"

"-That's my plan." Clank's eyes flashed green again, "Gives me time to get out of here, and you time to get comfortable in a cell."

*Bang!* Clank shot a bullet, one that missed Alister by a few centimeters, "This is what you get after hurting my family." he pocketed it, "I won't let anything like this happen anymore."

He turned around to gaze at each and every one of them, "I am done watching from the sidelines."

...and bolted.

Hunter chased after him, leaving the adults to try and find a way to clean up the mess and deal with new information...

But still...

"W-Where is he going?" Phoebe whispered to Kaden, "Is he-"

"He's going to find his place." he said, "With Ratchet."

And while he was satisfied with that remark, Mags was the one to ruin it (regretfully)

"Actually...I think you should see this..." he held his phone forward for them all to see. He scrolled down for them, "Kerwan...everything about the war and-"

"Ratchet." Kaden finished, "He's-"

"Hurt."

....

"So does this mean-"

"Y-Yeah...it's safe to assume that The Creator is coming for us...and-"

"We need to get ready then." Kaden said, ignoring the sudden pain in his chest at the thought of his kids being out there and willingly putting themselves in danger but...

"We have work to do." he told them, 

"Let's get ready."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Meanwhile...outside....

"C-Clank!"

The robot turned to see Hunter limping after him. He caught the boy in his arms when he stumbled forward, "Hunter...you need to go."

"Not until I find out what you're doing now!" Hunter said, "You can't just do that and walk away."

"I'm not walking away." Clank denied, "I am going to be flying away." he corrected. Hunter's eyes widened, "What!? But-"

"Hunter. I need to do this." Clank said seriously, grabbing the other boy by the shoulders, "I need to find Ratchet and save him. I need to bring him back to us. And together we'll stop this. I promise."

"You can't do everything alone!"

"Sometimes the universe calls for it." Clank said, "I didn't understand that at first either but the time I spent without Ratchet...I've come to realize the power I have myself." he smiled at Hunter, "You too. You helped Ratchet all those months ago and he wouldn't have been out and about without your help!"

He gestured towards where they came from, "Every single one of us holds the power to change something, Hunter. And I think that with Ratchet..." he looked towards the sky, eying a bright cluster of stars, "---we'll get out of this. I promise."

Hunter nodded, understanding what Clank really meant, "So...what do we all do without you?"

"You all will find out." Clank said, "Please, tell everyone that I said goodbye. I will be back soon."

"Promise?"

"I promise wholeheartedly." Clank smiled, but then he faltered, "Uh...do you know where there is a ship I could possibly borrow?"

Hunter rolled his eyes, pointing down another street, "Cargo bay." he grumbled, watching as Clank ran off before he could say anything else...

...

You better keep your promise, Clank...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Arthur]

He couldn't stop sitting by the radio...

"Kid...you need to sleep." The man, Aaron said, "I bet you that Ratchet is just fine."

"He's not." Arthur said shakily, "I know he's not..." he laced his fingers together, "Oh my stars..." he hung his head, " He saved me...He died saving me..."

Aaron placed a hand on his back, "Arthur-"

"I-I have to go!"

The Lombax stood up with the radio in his bruised hands. He limped forward, "I-I knew it...I knew it..." he repeated, "I knew he'd die...I knew it...oh my stars..."

A few people avoided him as he moved on slowly. He ignored all the worried and pitiful looks...

There weren't many of them left but...the loss of Ratchet meant the loss of hope...

He still hasn't talked to Qwark or Nefarious, if they were even alive. He didn't even have the guts to see Ashby and or even Nolen. But he was sure Aaron would tell his son or...maybe not.

The kid deserved to keep whatever innocence he had left...

Then again...did they even survive the ship transfer...?

....

He couldn't think anymore...

"His family...oh no...Oliver..." he whispered as he sat down in a corner, radio clutched to his chest, "Clank...they'll all kill me....I did this."

He stared down at the radio, "Then again...we'll all die here...won't we?"

....

It was all just one big waiting game...

...

He doesn't know how long he sat there, mourning the loss of his friend and thinking about his own inevitable death. He looked at the people that passed by, equally as miserable.

He wondered if he would die along with them...or would he be alone?

So he just closed his eyes, trying to get the image of the large claw encasing his friend...the blood...the screech of metal and nothing more...

His back hitting the ground...

And just...running...

He opened his tired eyes when he heard a voice coming through the radio. "W-What..." he looked down at the device, whispering the words out in disbelief, "W-Who...?"

"Arthur...are you there?"

His ears barely perked up, still in shock,

"Clank?"

"Correct." the robot replied, "I need you to listen."

"W-What is it?"

Clank was silent for a moment,

"I am on my way." he said firmly.

Arthur's eyes widened,

"Where did you leave Ratchet?"

"O-On Novalis b-but-"

"Fine." Clank cut him off, "I'm heading there."

"But...C-Clank, he's-"

"Too stubborn to die." Clank snapped, "I know him, Tachyon, and The Creator, and I know for a fact that he's not dead. The Creator is too confident, Tachyon would do anything to make it a slow and painful death, and Ratchet has a weird knack for escaping dangerous situations. Also-" there was a slight pause,

"It looks like he set off one of The Creator's beacons."

Arthur felt his heart skip a beat, "H-He's alive!?"

"Most likely." Clank replied calmly, "I'll find him and we'll fix everything." He said confidently, "We will make sure that no harm comes to anyone. Not anymore."

"Clank-"

"I will make sure of it." there was tapping on the other end, "I will see you soon, Arthur. Please...hang in there."

And the radio went silent.

Arthur stared at it, hands shaking as he started to sweat. The shock from the past few hours started to weigh heavily on him...

"Hey, kiddo..."

He looked up to see Nolen standing over him, "Are you alright?"

And Arthur...feeling so desperate and hopeful and hurt...just collapsed into the man's arms...

When would this end...?

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

It's happening...oh my gosh it's happening!

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! It was a roller-coaster while writing it and I hope it came out good! What do you all think will happen next?

I don't have much else to say here, so I hope you've all been doing well!

See you next time, my dear readers! ❤