Whew...sorry for the delay everyone! Things got in the way but I'm glad to be back!

Enjoy!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

He stared down at his phone silently, waiting for a response.

It's been 2 days.

He didn't even know if it went through, and if it did, why wasn't he getting a response? He also knows that everyone else sent a message back but...there was nothing. Just silence.

Was something wrong!? Was Clank hurt!? Ratchet!? Was The Resistance defeated!?

"Kaden...please calm down. It's 2 in the morning..." Phoebe grumbled beside him, "Turn off the damn light."

"I can't help it, Pho!" he exclaimed, "Between preparing for the war and worrying about Ratchet and Clank...I can't stop thinking about it!"

"Well, losing sleep won't do you any good." Phoebe said softly, sitting up and placing a hand on his shoulder, "Please rest. Tomorrow you have to help Mags find a suitable dimension, right? You need your strength."

Kaden sighed, turning his phone off as her words finally sunk in, "You're right...as always." he said, "Mags will probably want to get going around-"

"Sleep, Kaden." Phoebe commanded, "Please?"

Kaden shook his head in exasperation, leaning over to turn the lamp off. He doubts he would get any rest at all, but he could at least try.

...

He couldn't get rid of this odd feeling he had....

...

Whatever. Tomorrow they had to continue preparing for the war. There was no time for hesitation or anything. He has to be prepared. They all have to.

....

Before the war really starts...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Nova]

"You despicable rat!"

The robot looked up at the man in fright, but didn't move from their spot. The Creator told them to stay in. The Creator made it very clear to Tachyon not to touch them, after all. He said that they were...needed for something.

So Nova stood diligently with their tail between their legs. They took the insults without saying anything back, not wanting to anger the Cragmite more.

These past few days have been hell with the man. Constant threats and everything else...it was hard to get through, but it's not like they could fight back...

"Emperor, need I remind you of our agreement."

The Cragmite looked towards his powerful ally, smirking devilishly, "I can't help it. This...thing reminds me of the worst rat of all. That damned Keeper of the Dimensionator." he seethed, "I killed his wretched spawn years ago!"

"My servant is from a different dimension, Emperor." The Creator sighed, "And they are important to our plan."

Tachyon groaned, looking back down at Nova, who shifted uncomfortably under his fiery gaze...

"It's not like I'd kill it." Tachyon muttered darkly, "Just...a warm-up, perhaps?"

The Creator shook his head, red eyes narrowed, "No." He said simply, "You do not have my permission."

"Oh? And why do I need that?"

Nova looked back and forth between the two men, gulping audibly.

"Nova. Step out of my office at once. Go to your cell." The Creator demanded, "Now."

And like the diligent robot he was, Nova listened to The Creator, quickly leaving the office. But...they didn't go back to their cell...

They pressed against the wall, ear tilted up....

Tachyon's voice could be heard first...

"I believe you owe me." he growled, "Here I come, helping you defeat your foes and I get nothing in return?"

"You get to kill your own enemies."

"Well, not all of them, obviously. I think...I can do this on my own, correct?"

The Creator was silent for a long moment, "Doubtful." he snapped, "Without me, you wouldn't even be here."

It was the Cragmite's turn to go silent, hissing under his breath, "Hah...I see." he eventually said, "But...are you aware that your little rat could turn on you? I mean...you are about to kill their species..."

"My servant has suffered enough hardship to avoid any unnecessary contact with them. And...well, it's not like they would make it out alive."

Nova stifled a gasp, eyes widening as a pit formed in their stomach.

...

What...did The Creator mean!?

"I see...so you'll dispose of them."

The Creator sighed, "Dispose or not...I feel like they wouldn't survive our war. They are too weak to withstand it."

"So what is the rat doing here now!?"

"I told you." The Creator spat, "It's to trick the Lombaxes!"

Nova peeled themselves away from the wall, slowly walking away as the words started to sink in...and the realization that...

The Creator was planning on killing them or letting them die. That...that wasn't the deal! They were supposed to be set free to live peacefully but yet...

....

They were tricked! They were a fool!

Nova snapped out of it when they entered their cell, staring at the ground...

It was a lie! It was all a lie! Everything they have been through was going to lead to nothing but pain! Clank betrayed them! And now The Creator did too! They were going to have nothing!

After all of this...after all the fighting. After all the pain...they were going to get nothing! They were going to be killed! Thrown away! Made into scraps!

[Warning. Emotional Regulation Systems Unstable!]

After everything....After everything...

They clenched their fists tightly, eyes flickering...

Pain...Emotions...Suffering...

[Warning!]

Suffering...Death...Destruction...

[Warning! Emotional-]

[Warning! System Overheat-]

[0v3rIde?]

Life...that's all they wanted...

[0v3rIde?]

....

If you want something...take it for yourself!

They clutched their head in pain...

...

Gaining the attention of a nearby guard...

If the universe won't give it to you...TAKE IT ALL!

They've been beaten and betrayed and abandoned!

[Warning!]

They looked down at their hands, optics flickering...

What were they doing...WHAT WERE THEY DOING!?

They were stronger than this! They weren't a weakling!

[0v3rIde?]

Why...

...

Why did they let their emotions get the better of them!? Why did they become weak!?

They let it happen....They let this happen!

[0v3rIde?]

....

[Yes]

....

[Processing. . .]

. . .

"Agh!" They went to hold their head again, shaking. Their optics shut tightly as a wave of overwhelming pain crashed down upon them...

....

They...are strong...

They are capable...

...

Enough cowering...

...

ENOUGH!

They registered the sound of heavy metal footsteps approaching, a low whirring sound could be heard.

Ah...the guard bot...

"What are you doing, runt?" they asked, "I wanted to make my rounds in silence. Yet here you are...causing a ruckus. I should report you to the- Hey! Are you listening!?"

Nova gave no response. Instead, they lowered their hands.

A smirk upon their face as they looked down at the oil streaming down their fingertips...

"Hey! I'm talking to you, rat! Turn around, now!"

And Nova did...

"Who are you...to tell me what to do?" they said slowly, "We...are equals, after all."

The guard bot scoffed, "Equals? Hardly. You-"

"I'd watch your tone." Nova warned, "I am...sick of all of these insults."

The guard bot shifted, obviously enraged,

"Stay in your place, rat. You have no right to talk back!"

Nova chuckled, optics alight with rage. They smiled,

"Oh? I don't?" They clenched their fost,

"Let's see who's talking after this!"

Nova surged forward, hand outstretched...

...

They grinned maniacally at the feeling of metal beneath their fingertips...

...

They laughed...as the guard bot was torn to pieces...

Rage...this rage...this power...

...

It was so easy...

*Snap!*

They snapped out of their rage for a moment, looking down as they held the guard bot's head in their hand...

....

Heh...this was...amazing! They did this! They took the guard bot down! They did it!

They started to chuckled again, staring into the lifeless eyes of the other robot,

"Hah! Who's talking now?"

*Clang!* they dropped the head, kicking it once it touched the ground,

"Monsters...all of you..."

Satisfied...they walked out of the cell...

But...not before picking up the guard bot's blaster...

....

"My turn!" 

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[The Creator]

"Master! There's a problem with the Lombax!"

The Creator turned away from Tachyon, who did nothing but lean back on his throne, a knowing smirk on his face.

"What is it?" The Creator turned his throne to the guard, "Tell me. Now."

The guard cowered, "I-It's killing e-ev-"

The guard didn't need to say anymore as The Creator rushed past them.

"Nova!" he growled out, the legs of the throne loudly banging against the ground, "Where are you, pest!? I-"

He stopped the throne once the doors to the prisoners opened. The wide and spacious room was filled with cries of both humans and robots alike.

Mostly robots...what was going on!?

Beneath the throne lay several bodies of guards. A blaster shot obviously killed them, blasted straight in the head. If things weren't bad enough...

They were torn apart...Pieces upon pieces littered the ground, oil pouring out. Some heads were torn off...others were missing optics or their lower jaw. Some had limbs barely hanging on...wires sparking.

One robot, somehow still alive, twitched, "M-Master...The...Lombax-"

And they couldn't finish their sentence...dead.

The Creator looked around, deciding to follow the trail of bodies.

"Die!" A guttural scream...the sound of metal being hit...a single blaster shot...

"Nova!" The Creator snapped, approaching the scene, "What are you doing! You disgusting rat!"

His servant looked up, oil staining their clothes and face. A sickeningly sweet smile on their face, "Master...hello!" they waved the blaster around, "It's a pleasure!"

The Creator's optics widened, performing a quick scan...

"You...what have you done!?"

He then reached down and pulled out a circular device, pressing the button with no hesitation...

Nova only flinched...

....

The collar...

The Creator pressed it again, watching Nova jerk, but this only served to anger them,

"You can't stop me ANYMORE!"

The Creator reached down to pull a lever, a shield covering the top of his throne as two guns jutted out from each side of his throne,

"You had a chance, pest."

"BETRAYAL!" Nova screamed, launched forward, and avoided the barrage of bullets, "You were gonna kill me! Monster! Monster!"

The Creator huffed, looking around the room...

No guard bots...only humans in cells that were cheering away. He pressed another button to summon backup.

*Bang!*

"You little-" The Creator started, but was cut off when Nova blasted one of the legs of the throne, revealing a wire...

"Die!"

And they clawed at it. It didn't have much of an effect, but it was damaged...

Something The Creator did not like...

He delivered a swift kick, flinging Nova off the leg. They hit the ground hard, but got up a moment later. They loaded their blaster again, still smiling, "Hah! Not even a scratch!" they eyed the guns on the throne as they powered up again,

"Good thing you had your lab slaves repair me...better than I ever was!"

They ran to the side, avoiding a shot. The Creator didn't stop however...

"ENOUGH WITH THIS!"

The Creator growled, chasing after the robot with his throne. A few guard bots finally entered the room, sirens starting to blare to signal an emergency. The Creator started to smirk,

"Now...you're dead!"

Nova looked around, at a loss at what to do but they did not stop running.

Instead, they ran as fast as they could through the scene, shooting down any guard bot that stood in their way...

"Agh!"

A lucky blast grazed their arm but surprisingly...it didn't hurt as much as they thought...

They turned a corner,

"GET THEM!" They heard the Creator scream, "Do NOT let them escape!"

Nova chuckled to themselves, scanning their environment and looking for an exit. It wasn't until they reached the end of the hall that they realized their mistake...

*Bang!*

One of the legs of Tachyon's throne came down in front of them. The Cragmite laughed,

"I knew it! You little rat! You-GAH!"

Nova, without any hesitation, decided not to listen to The Cragmite's pointless rant. They had no time for it, after all.

Also, it was quite stupid on The Cragmite's part. Why talk when you can shoot?

Still, their shot only grazed the man's cheek, stunning him for a moment. Nova turned to flee, guard bot's on their tail. They heard The Cragmite screech, voice echoing in the hall, "Minions! Where are they!? KILL THEM! KILL THEM!"

*Bang!*Bang!*Bang!*

I need to gain access to the cargo bay. Nova thought, There has to be a control room somewhere!

They scanned their environment, a map of the area around them being saved in their memory banks.

Nothing here...

They growled in frustration, taking a good glance behind them.

"Time to die!" one of the guards aimed, "Nowhere to run, Lombax!"

"Oh yeah?" Nova took aim,

"I'd like to see you try..."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

"Why can't I do this!?"

Ratchet's hand shook as he failed to hit his target. The blaster in his hand felt like a heavy burden, there to remind him that...things weren't the same anymore.

His aim was off...

...

He was practically useless....

"Damn it!"

*Slam!* he threw his blaster to the ground and stomped over to his Manifestor. There had to be something he could use. He just needed to find it quick. They were slowly heading to the Lombaxes, and he needed to be at the top of his game.

"Ratchet?"

He grumbled as he looked up at Clank, who approached him hesitantly. It seems like he wasn't doing so well either. Whatever was going on with his systems was taking a toll on him, that much was obvious.

"Hey, Pal..." he greeted, going to sit down instead of sort through his Manifestor for the hundredth time today, "What's up?"

"W-Well..." Clank sat down next to him, "I heard you shout. Is everything alright?"

"Just peachy!" Ratchet rolled his eyes, gesturing wildly to the empty cans he had set up to shoot, "All this time and I can't hit even one of them! I know I could get them all down within a minute and now...now I can do anything!"

He gently brought his hand up to touch his covered eye, "Now I can't do anything because of this!"

Clank winced at his tone of voice, "Ratchet...it's-"

"-Don't say it's fine, because it's not!" Ratchet cut him off, "If I'm not able to shoot properly, how can I protect people!?"

"It's not just you protecting people, Ratchet. We have the rest of The Resistance and the Lombaxes on our side now." Clank explained calmly, "We are all here for each other."

"Doesn't matter." Ratchet growled underneath his breath, "I need to be able to do something. If I can't...I'm just a burden on the battlefield."

Clank wanted to respond with something along the lines of "How many times must I tell you? You're not alone! You shouldn't be on that battlefield anyways!" but he knew that this would only serve to anger Ratchet even more.

And...he also knew their duties. They were heroes, Ratchet even moreso. Clank should really be the one training...

"Perhaps I should practice as well?"

Ratchet rolled his eyes, "Practice? Clank...you're a robot, Pal. You can aim and hit anything you want."

"My systems are in poor condition." the robot reached over to grab the blaster, "Perhaps we can make it a competition."

At this, Ratchet's eyes lit up at the challenge, "Oh? You're on, Pal!"

The two friends went to get up, and once they did, someone else entered their space,

"Whoa...what are you two up to?" it was Arthur, who eyed the blaster warily. His eyes made contact with Clank's own...

"Practicing" the heroic duo replied simultaneously. "We have to prepare for anything." Ratchet continued, "Just because I'm injured doesn't mean I'm backing down."

"You're planning on fighting!? With your injuries!?" Arthur looked appalled, "You can't be serious!"

Ratchet didn't respond, only focusing on a singular tin can he wanted to blast. Arthur just shook his head,

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I know who you are by now." and he said it with a slight hint of amusement. Ratchet smirked at the tone, "Yep. You know you can't stop me."

Arthur winced as he fired and missed, ears lowering as his confidence was, once again, brought down by the missed shot. He handed the blaster over to Clank, who took it in his shaky hand.

"Did the Lombaxes respond?" Arthur piped up, watching the robot aim. Clank fired, and, as predicted, the can went tumbling down. Ratchet glared playfully at him. "Show off..." he muttered, but Clank ignored him.

"Not yet." Clank handed the blaster back, "Perhaps they are having difficulty sending a message through."

"Hopefully not." Arthur muttered, "I wonder how everyone will react when they have The Resistance knocking at their doorstep..."

"Shocked, I presume. Also distrustful."

"Well too bad!" Ratchet fired...and missed, "Not like they can stop us. There's too many of us."

"They could." Arthur interrupted, "This this old force field they used to protect the city years after the genocide. They could easily use that to keep us out."

Ratchet and Clank looked at one another. They didn't anticipate that...

"How come I have never seen it before?" Clank asked, "Is it no longer in use?"

Arthur shrugged, "I don't really know. I barely remember it. My father was the only one that spoke about it when I was little. I remember him saying how it was such a stupid idea to get rid of it, but that's all I know. Considering the fact that The Creator and Tachyon are now after the Lombaxes, I can only assume they will put up the shields again."

"Or they will leave."

Clank and Arthur looked at Ratchet, who finally managed to hit one of his targets. He didn't celebrate, however, and his face remained stoic.

"The Lombaxes must have a Dimensionator. I have a feeling they will flee again. And Arc..."

"...Wants The Clock to reverse time." Clank finished, "However, I told you before what happened. I have no doubt that he is dead or imprisoned. I doubt he can do those things now."

"The Lombaxes can still leave though." Ratchet looked over to Arthur and Clank, "What do we do then?"

The other two were silent as Ratchet continued to hit the cans off the crates. Clank grimaced,

If the Lombaxes left...he doubts The Resistance would be able to follow. Then they will all be targeted and left for dead. Tachyon would no doubt go after the Lombaxes and The Creator would follow after killing everyone in the solar system...

This was bad...

"We must get there before The Creator and Tachyon do."

"And Nova..." Ratchet muttered darkly. Clank's ears went down at the name. "Y-yeah..." he said quietly.

He's told Ratchet before...after they reunited but..Ratchet didn't have much of a reaction. Sure, he was a bit...shocked but...he wasn't angry. He didn't yell at Clank or avoid him. But it must affect him in some way! It has to!

....

Realizing that there was a copy of yourself out there that was against them. Someone that looks exactly like you. Someone created from the depth of grief and loneliness.

Someone that was now out to kill them.

"You alright, Pal?"

Clank snapped out of it, grabbing the blaster from Ratchet, "Y-Yes. Just thinking."

Just guilty...

Arthur shifted, crossing his arms as he watched another can go down and clatter to the floor. He sighed heavily, looking at the blaster hesitantly,

"Give me a turn."

Clank looked over at him in surprise, but said nothing as he handed it over. Arthur inspected the weapon, hand starting to shake,

"Teach me."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Nova]

They leaned back in the pilot's seat, legs propped up on the control panel.

"That went well." they said to themselves, "To think...it was all so easy..."

Sure, they sustained some injuries, but they were minor and would soo be healed by their systems...

And The Creator...was so weak.

His guards were nothing. Intimidating, but not strong. Perhaps they weren't prepared for Nova to truly snap, but still...they can't believe they cowered beneath them.

The Creator was too cocky.

Tachyon was too blood-thirsty to think about anything else.

And Nova....Nova was angry.

But what were they to do now?

They couldn't live peacefully with The Creator and Tachyon around. They needed to die.

And since humans hate them...

...

If they all die or kill each other, they would have some nice peace and quiet.

And Clank...well, he could die too. They all will.

They tapped their oil-stained chin, smearing the oil on their hands all over the place...

....

They were reminded of The Creator's words...

Trick the Lombaxes...

....

Trick...

They looked over at their reflection in the window, smirking,

"Time to do some research..." they leaned back to close their eyes, humming to themselves and they searched.

....

"Found you."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

[Midnight]

He bolted up from the floor, exhaustion gone in a flash.

Ratchet stirred next to him, looking up in confusion as he let out a big yawn, "What's wrong, Clank?"

The robot said nothing as he rubbed his head, letting out a heavy sigh, "I...am unsure." he said, "There's this...pressure in my head. I can pinpoint where it is coming from..." he looked towards Ratchet, feeling guilty, "Sorry for waking you."

"Shut up." Ratchet rolled his eyes, "Somethings wrong and I want to be here for you."

A small beat of silence...

"You were always there for me."

Clank looked at him, hesitantly settling back against the wall.

"I'm...hesitant about what we are getting into." he admitted, "Another battle...and I'm not really used to fighting in this body. The only other person I fought was Nova...among other things." he shook his head, "We are wounded and tired, the other resistance members even more so. I..I feel guilty that I'm not able to help more."

"But you do help." Ratchet reassured the robot, placing a hand on his shoulder, "From what you told me, you helped my family and friends to find me and take down Cyfrin, right? You also found me and helped me." he smiled,

"You helped more than you think, Pal. And there's no reason to be scared of fighting."

"I am not scared!" Clank argued, "As I said. I am just...hesitant. I am not weak!"

"I never said you were." Ratchet replied, "Is that what you think?"

Clank went silent, looking away from his friend and refusing to respond.

Did he believe that?

...

He started, voice hushed, "All these years...you've been fighting. I barely did a thing and you got hurt and shot and beaten and I...I could never do anything. I was just a dumb robot that had no real strength or battle experience."

Ratchet shook his head, "Clank...don't-"

"I am not finished." Clank cut him off, "Don't you see how I feel? I-I'm guilty! I barely did anything as long as I've known you. Even when we met, I needed help! I dragged you into everything when you should have been living a normal life."

"Without you, I would be nothing, Clank." Ratchet tried to make eye contact with him, "I would have been alone and stuck on Veldin. I wouldn't have met my mom and dad without you." he nudged Clank with his shoulder,

"I wouldn't have a brother."

Clank finally turned to him, tears in his eyes the longer Ratchet's words sunk in.

"You were by my side through everything, Clank. I couldn't have done it without you. I still can't." Ratchet continued, "You still have my back."

"A-Always." Clank wiped his eyes, "I always will."

"And I will always have your back as well. Don't forget that."

Clank nodded, letting Ratchet bring him into a quick side hug, "Good." he said, "Now...do you still have pain?"

"Y-Yes." Clank muttered, "I...think I am picking up some radio signals."

"Really?"

"Yes. And-"

[Incoming Message]

. . .

[Kaden] Clank? Are you okay? What's going on?

[Kaden] Can you see my messages?

[Kaden] Did something happen? Are you hurt?

[Incoming Message]

[Oliver] Clank? Are you okay? We all received your message...

[Oliver] Hello?

[Incoming Message]

[Phoebe] Is everything alright, Clank? What's going on?

[Incoming Message]

[Magnesium] Clank? Are you alright?"

[Magnesium] "I swear, if anything happened to you...

[Magnesium] Please be okay...answer us, please.

And finally...

[Hunter] Clank? Please respond!

[Hunter] You said you were coming....why aren't you responding? Where are you?

It stopped there...

Clank looked towards Ratchet, who seemed worried, "What happened, Clank?"

The robot started to smile, "It looks like everyone received my message, but it took a while for them to reply." he said, "Since my systems are quite poor at the moment, perhaps I can see into fixing the ship's radio. I will be able to contact them better."

"Then let's do that!" Ratchet stood up, "Arthur is going to be excited!"

"Yes, he will." Clank stood up with him,

"Let's fix it."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

[The Next Day]

"Any luck, Mags?"

"Nope!" the burgundy-colored Lombax popped the 'p' as he said it, shaking his head, "We looked through 6 already. This could take days!"

The two of them currently sat in Kaden's lab, working their asses off trying to find a safe place. Kaden groaned...

"We don't have days." Kaden sighed, "Before we know it, Tachyon will strike with The Creator and we'll all be doomed."

"Unless we actually fight back." Mags replied, "We can't run."

"Mags-"

"I'm not running." Mags cut him off, "I'd rather not see anyone else die, not if I can help it." he said confidently, "I've seen my family die. Before, during, and after. My father died protecting all of us. I won't let his sacrifice be in vain."

Kaden shook his head, "But-"

"-No buts." Mags silenced him, "Look, we need to focus on finding a safe place for people who can't fight. I'd rather not talk about our impending war, alright? The people are depending on us."

Kaden nodded, looking at the dimensional map that Mags was looking at.

"How about we try this one? It looks-"

*Ping*Ping!* Both of their phones lit up. And on it...

"It's Clank!" Kaden swiped at the screen, accessing the message and-

"It's nonsense again..." Mags said, "Just number and...wait a second!"

Kaden nodded, pulling over a sheet of paper-

[Clank] 20 5 19 20 9 14 7....20 5 19 20 9 14 7...11 1 4 5 24?

"Yes!" Kaden quickly wrote down what Clank said, "He's testing it!"

"Answer! Answer!" Mags chanted, looking over Kaden's shoulder.

[Kaden] Clank? I can see it!

There was a slight pause, and for a moment, Kaden thought the message would be delayed...

[Clank] Affirmative.

[Clank] I have received all of your messages.

[Clank] The Resistance, Ratchet, and I are all okay.

"Thank the stars..." Kaden said, finally relieved.

[Kaden] That's great! Are you coming here?

Another pause...

[Clank] Yes. However, some of us are wounded.

[Clank] We also don't know if The Creator and Tachyon are tracking us.

[Clank] Before we arrive, I suggest you be prepared.

"Damn..." Mags whispered, "Ask him when."

[Kaden] When would that be?

[Clank] Whenever we are ready.

[Clank] I have a feeling they will strike when we are all together.

[Clank] It is an obvious trap.

[Clank] But we can trap them too, if we play our cards right.

A pause...

[Clank] As they say, kill two birds with one stone.

Kaden shivered at the words.

"He's talking as if he's fighting." Mags looked at Kaden, worried, "Do you think-"

"They will." Kaden replied, "As much as I hate it...I have a feeling both he and Ratchet will join the fight. We all saw what happened in Ratchet's memories. They aren't going to back down."

He hated the thought of it...

[Kaden] I understand.

[Kaden] Mags and I are currently looking for a safe dimension for those who can't fight.

[Kaden] We need time.

Another pause, this time longer.

[Clank] I see...

[Clank] Ratchet and I may be able to buy you some time then.

Kaden shook his head rapidly.

[Kaden] No way. Don't put yourself in danger before the fight.

[Kaden] Please.

[Clank] We will do what we must.

[Clank] Ratchet and I will not let anything happen before you are ready.

[Kaden] You'll die before you even get here!

[Clank] Doubtful.

[Clank] We can and will stop this.

[Clank] We have done it so many times. Tachyon will fall, and so will The Creator.

"Are they crazy!?" Mags exclaimed, "We need to find a dimension and fast, or else Ratchet and Clank will intervene before us!"

"I'm not gonna let that happen." Kaden growled, frantically typing at his screen...

[Kaden] We will find a dimension before then

[Kaden] Until then, you two better stay safe.

[Kaden] Or you two are grounded.

"You're such a dad..." Mags teased. Kaden smiled, but he was still tense.

[Clank] Ratchet said no.

"Pfft. Of course he did." Kaden rolled his eyes.

[Kaden] We'll see about that.

...

And the messages stopped coming...

"Hm...I wondered why he stopped." Mags said, "Do you think something happened?"

"He'd say something." Kaden clutched his phone harder,

He was trying to convince himself...

"I guess so..." Mags agreed, "At least we had contact with him, but I'm still worried. What if they are reckless and get hurt?

Kaden shook the thought out of his head. Mags' concerns made sense but...he didn't want to think about it.

"Let's...just find a dimension. We'll contact Clank later."

Mags looked at him for a while longer, before looking back down at their work, "Just...let everyone know, I guess. I'll look while you do that."

Kaden grimaced at the sad tone of voice, but pulled out his phone once more.

This wasn't going to end well...was it?

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[The Creator]

"I told you so..."

The Creator glared at the Emperor, red eyes glowing brightly. He shifted his throne, "How many times do you have to say it?"

"As many as it will take to get you moving!" Tachyon snapped, "It's been days. DAYS! And we're still no closer to the Lombaxes. And now that we don't have your little pawn...what are you planning on doing now!? Any longer and I'll just take my minions and burn them all to the ground!"

"The plan can still work."

"Why plan when you can just KILL!?" Tachyon shouted, "Plan this....Plan that...where's the killing!?"

The Creator just shook his head, moving his throne away, "I have told you countless times...there is no need to be hasty." he said, "Nova may have escaped our clutches, but we can still use them if they do what I predict them to."

"Oh? And what's that? ESCAPE EVEN MORE!?"

"No." The Creator shook his head, gesturing over to the holo-screen in his lab, "You see...that pest of mine wants one thing: Freedom." a map of the galaxy displayed on the screen, "There is only one way for them to achieve this. The Dimensionator."

"Yeah, and?"

"Well, we have one and I have no doubt The Lombaxes do as well. Since they must know of us by now...well they must be prepared to flee."

"But we can just follow!" Tachyon sounded excited, "They can never escape!"

"Precisely. But The Dimensionator is the only way for Nova to escape. And since Nova is a Lombax..."

Tachyon scoffed, "You think your little rat would stop them? Hah!"

"Not necessarily." The Creator chuckled, "You'll see, Emperor. For now..." he started to move his throne towards the exit,

"We must prepare."

Tachyon watched him leave with a devilish smirk, teeth clacking together as he started to laugh,

"Finally!!!"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

"Gah!"

Clank held the side of his head in pain, immediately trying to find the source of it...but nothing was wrong with his systems. He looked around to make sure no one saw his moment of pain...

Good...no one...

He went back to sorting through the crates, looking for anything to build a weapon or something. Sure, the Lombaxes will have weapons, but how much time did they all have to prepare? Hell, The resistance can touch down into a war right away!

This was so nerve-wracking....

"Clank? What are you doing?"

Arthur...

"Ah...just looking for anything useful." he picked up a metal rod and turned around to face the boy, "Do you have any weapons?"

"A blaster and some things Ratchet gave me...but I still don't know how those work. He was excited to teach me though."

Clank let out his signature chuckle, "Ratchet is a bit of a gun enthusiast, if I do say so myself."

"Yeah...he is." Arthur scratched at the back of his neck, "Anyway...I have to ask you something."

Clank tossed the pole over his shoulder, putting it back in the crate. "Is something wrong?"

"No." Arthur replied, "I just wanted to ask...about my family."

Clank nodded, letting Arthur continue,

"How are they doing? I know Ratchet and I were told they were fine a while ago but...Oliver."

"I assure you, they are all alright. Your mother and father have learned about the whole situation and have offered their help in stopping Cyfrin. They...also know about your situation."

"Mine?"

"With The Council." Clank clarified.

Arthur's ears lowered, "Oh..." he looked away, "Did they-"

"They are upset they weren't told, but not angry at you."

Arthur breathed a sigh of relief, "And...Oliver?"

"Is trying to get you and Ratchet back from afar." Clank replied, "He believes in you."

"I don't know how. After all those years of barely being in contact....I missed so many birthdays and events, even his high school graduation! I'm a terrible brother..."

Clank hummed, "Well, I don't think Oliver holds it against you. He loves you."

At that, Arthur smiled, "I'm glad he still does after all of this." he said, "Funny...Ratchet was the one that brought us together. Without him arriving, I don't think The Council would have ever called me back to watch him. Well, also if he didn't make friends with Oliver..."

"The universe works in mysterious ways." Clank said simply, "Perhaps it was fate."

"Maybe. Or maybe it was just being in the right place at the right time." Arthur mused, "Whatever the case may be, I owe him."

Yes...but this could have all been avoided in the first place. Clank wanted to say...

"Yeah..."

Arthur tilted his head at the change of tone, watching as Clank turned back around to examine the contents of the crate.

"Something wrong?"

Clank was silent for a long moment, before sighing heavily, "If this never happened....The Lombaxes wouldn't be in this situation."

"No, we would be worse." Arthur corrected him, "Cyfrin would put us in danger and imprison us all."

"False. It was Ratchet's memories that gave him the idea to use The Clock. Ratchet was only a catalyst that made things worse....if I never made the mistakes I did, everything would be better. The Lombaxes wouldn't be involved in such a war and-"

"We gave up on it." Arthur cut off his rant, "We ran from this war and hid. The Creator and Tachyon would have come for us anyway. Kaden and Phoebe wouldn't have their son...Oliver wouldn't have a friend, and we wouldn't have the help we need from both of you."

Clank went silent again, lost in thought before finally deciding on his words, "I still have much to make up for." was all he said, reaching into the crate. Arthur said nothing, shifting uncomfortably at the ominous words.

Until Clank stiffened...

"Clank?"

The robot fell to his knees, shaking uncontrollably as he tried to get some words out. Arthur rushed forward and placed a hand on his shoulder,

"Clank? Clank!? Do you need me to get Ratchet!?"

Clank shook his head rapidly, finally getting some words out...

"G-Go...have...to go..."

"Go? Go where!?"

Clank clutched his head, whispering under his breath,

"Nov...a...they're...No...that can't be...how did they find...? No! I have to...before I-"

"I'm going to get Ratchet! You stay here!" Arthur stood up, running out of the room to find Ratchet. Something was wrong...something was very, very wrong!

Meanwhile...Clank stood up on shaky legs...

[Incoming Message]

[XR] Clank....

[XR] I didn't think you'd leave the Lombaxes so vulnerable...

[Clank] Nova? What do you mean?

[XR] I knew Ratchet was valuable...but not worth sacrificing thousands for...

[XR] Your obsession...

Clank started walking mindlessly to the cargo bay...

[Clank] Again. What do you mean?

[XR] It would be terrible if something happened...

[Clank] Nova?

[XR] I want something from you.

Clank looked up from the ground, realizing that he was in the cargo bay...standing in front of Ratchet's ship.

[Clank] Do you really think I'd help you? You are with The Creator!

[XR] Not anymore.

[Clank] What do you mean?

[XR] None of your concern.

[XR] Now...come to my location.

Clank watched as coordinates flashed on his screen...

[Clank] No. Stop contacting me.

[XR] Oh?

There was a slight pause...

"What are you doing, Lombax?" one of the soldiers approached, "Looking to leave?"

Clank turned around, a bit startled. "There is a threat on the horizon." he replied, "I may need to take this ship..."

"It's yours anyway..." the soldier grumbled, "Hop in and I'll open the hatch so you can leave."

Clank nodded, hesitating as he stared at the ship...

[XR] Well...how about this...

[XR] You don't come to me, I'll pay the Lombaxes a nice visit.

[Clank] And if I do come to you?

[XR] We'll have a nice little chat...

Clank growled under his breath, looking around himself...

...

Should I get Ratchet?

...

[Clank] Fine.

[XR] And don't you dare bring him

The communication ended there...

Clank frowned, stepping forward as he made his decision.

He couldn't put anyone else in danger...

....

But he wasn't going to leave Ratchet behind again.

So he turned on his heel and walked off, leaving the soldier waiting by the terminal to be confused as he walked out of the cargo bay, but Clank paid no mind.

He could be making a big mistake but...

...

Ratchet comes first now.

"Clank! Clank!? Where do you go, pal!? I-Hey!" Clank looked up at the sound of his friend's voice, "Clank are you okay!?"

Ratchet's eye looked him up and down, analyzing him. Arthur was out of breath behind him, looking concerned as well. Clank just smiled nervously,

"Ratchet..."

"Clank! What's going on? Are your systems giving you trouble again? We can go to Louie! Maybe he'll-"

"-I am fine, Ratchet." The robot stopped him, "There is no need to worry."

"Oh really? Then why did Arthur come get me because you collapsed on the ground and-"

"-There is a perfect explanation for that, one that you both need to hear." Clank looked between them both, "It's an emergency."

Ratchet, still caught up on the fact that Clank may be hurting, just glared, "Clank, you-"

"-Just listen!" Clank held a hand out, "Nova is after the Lombaxes, and I don't think that they are with The Creator."

"What!?" Ratchet exclaimed, "But...where are-no! How did they contact you!?"

"We're robots. We can communicate in easier ways." Clank said, "My...systems had a tough time handling it, which is why I collapsed, but Nova made contact with me."

Ratchet's brows furrowed, lost in thought. Arthur looked even more confused, not knowing who they were talking about...

"And...what did they tell you?" Ratchet asked, "Where...where did you go?"

"They told me..." Clank hesitated for a moment, "They...told me to meet them."

Ratchet's ears immediately lowered..

"And they said if I didn't, they would go after the Lombaxes."

"What!?" It was Arthur who spoke up this time, "Who the fuck does this person think they are? If they can-"

"-You don't know the full story." Ratchet cut him off, silencing him before moving on to Clank, "And you were about to go, weren't you?"

"I can't leave you." Clank said firmly, "Not anymore."

Ratchet nodded, looking away from the robot, "Alright...but doesn't that mean they are going after the Lombaxes right now!? We have to get there before they do!"

"I told them I was going to meet them...I don't know how long it will be until they realize that I lied."

"Which means we have time to get there, then." Ratchet said, turning around and gesturing for them to follow,

"Time to get everyone prepared!"

"Prepared!?" Arthur echoed, "You mean...it's starting?"

"It's inevitable." Clank said, "Nova will find out, we'll all be by The Lombaxes, which will trigger The Creator and Tachyon as well." he looked towards Arthur,

"Be ready to fight."

Arthur took in a harsh breath, looking down at himself and feeling unprepared. He looked lost..

But Ratchet and Clank looked at each other, sharing a silent conversation that only they understood. Ratchet looked away, entering the main room,

"QWARK! NEFARIOUS!" he bellowed,

Everyone in the room turned to stare at him....

"EVERYONE! GET READY!! WE ARE GOING TO THE LOMBAXES!"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

[One Day Later]

"This is perfect!"

With a huge grin on his face, Kaden wrote down the dimension they just discovered on the list, "Breathable air...food and water source, even some caves for temporary shelter."

"It's the best we have for now." Mags agreed, "We should get Lucas to brief the people as soon as possible."

"Yes. You contact him." Kaden handed the papers to Mags, "I need to have a chat with Arc. Apparently, Cyfrin wants to speak with me."

"About?"

"I have no idea. Arc said it was urgent though."

Mags frowned, "I...would like to come with."

"I promise to tell you later." Kaden patted his shoulder, "Just...call Lucas and tell him what we found, alright?"

"Got it." Mags agreed, "Now go see that asshole."

"Will do." Kaden replied, making his way out of the lab. Sure, he was mentally exhausted, but he has a feeling that Cyfrin was about to drop a bombshell. Not only was he anxious, but this pit in his stomach grew. He knew something was going to happen,

More answers? Or was the man just going to taunt him?

Either way, Kaden was going to find out. The man asked for him for a reason, he assumed, and knowing Cyfrin...

Yeah...this was going to be big.

He avoided most crowds, especially the ones that stared at him as he passed. He was always a bit of a "celebrity" but this...

Everyone was looking toward him...

But he ignored them. He didn't have time for idle chatter or explanations. He didn't have time to tell the people what was wise to take and what wasn't.

So thankfully he arrived at Headquarters without any issue. The air was cold and stale, not a sound could be heard. He idly wondered how Arc could stay sane in here, especially with Cyfrin, Alister, and that odd woman as company.

The man was certainly determined....

He found himself opening the doors to the cell block without another thought...

Arc was the first to turn to him, arms crossed as he sat in a chair, a holo-pad in his hand, "Kaden." he greeted him with a nod, "Have your efforts paid off yet?"

"They have." Kaden smiled, "Mags and I believe we've done it."

"Good..." Arc muttered, looking back down at the holo-pad, "Anyway, this...bastard here-" he gestured to Cyfrin, who smirked knowingly, "-Wanted to speak with you."

"Yeah..." Kaden looked over to said man, "And I'm here to listen."

Cyfrin chuckled, "Eager...I see."

Arc sighed heavily, standing up from his seat. "I'll be back in a few." he told Kaden, "If there's any trouble-"

"-I'll tell you." Kaden finished, "Let me have a word with him."

Cryfrin watched Arc leave, looking up to Kaden as the door shut. The other prisoners said nothing as time ticked by....

"Callisto." he started, "I assume you've seen the memories?"

Kaden's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "How did you know?"

"It was inevitable." Cyfrin said, sounding quite bored, "I'm surprised. You don't have much of a reaction. You've come to your senses, I assume?"

"My senses? What do you mean?"

"That Ratchet is not your son, and that he and his little friend are threats to us all!"

"They were heroes." Kaden said sternly, "Selfless heroes that did what they had to do."

"Whatever you say, Callisto."

Kaden almost snarled at his tone, "I'm right. Now, what did you really call me here for?"

Cyfrin leaned back a bit, "The rest of the truth." he said, "Maybe it will finally make you realize that what you are doing is wrong."

"We are bringing the people to safety, Cyfrin. How is that wrong!?"

"You are missing an opportunity!" Cyfrin argued,

"Don't you want your son back!?"

Kaden stiffened, glaring at the man as he took in a deep breath.

"My son is dead." he grits his teeth, "I can't fix that." he admitted. Cyfrin smirked, but it didn't last as Kaden continued, "But my wife and I are still connected to Ratchet by blood. Even if he wasn't...he is still our son. If none of this ever happened...we were going to fight like hell for him."

"Foolish." Cyfrin spat, "You could replace your son so easily!?"

"We are not replacing." Kaden spat, "We are adding to our family."

"Including that cursed robot of yours?" Cyfrin raised a brow, "What about that thing?"

"That 'thing' is Clank, and of course he is."

"Despite what he did?"

Kaden tilted his head, "What do you mean? He came looking for his friend and was willing to help us stop you."

Cyfrin tsked and shook his head in amusement, "I've seen his memories before your little group can for him. It was enough to convince me that what I was doing was indeed right." he chuckled, "Perhaps I could have even used him to get to The Clock...if only Kazandra's device worked harder to control him..."

Kaden assumed that his 'Kazandra' person was the woman a few cells down, but he didn't bother to ask, "Well...good thing it didn't." he said,

"The Clock isn't a time machine."

Cyfrin glared, "It can be, if used correctly."

"You are delusional." Kaden stated, "Nothing could fix what happened. The past stays in the past."

Cyfrin chuckled bitterly, "Whatever you say, Callisto." he muttered, "At least I know I never gave up on my family..." he glared up at Kaden, "I'll fix it all."

"Yeah...well, you're in a cell now so...I'd like to see you try."

Cyfrin went silent at that, finally looking down to the ground,

"You'll see..." he said, "You'll all fail."

Kaden rolled his eyes, "Doubt it."

"And you'll realize you made a mistake trusting them."

Kaden didn't need to ask who...

"Ratchet and Clank did nothing wrong and they sure as hell aren't part of some sick and twisted plan." Kaden retorted.

"Not yet." Cyfrin added, "Everything will fall into place..."

Kaden shook his head, deciding to turn and walk down the hall, arriving at Alister's cell. It seemed like Yuin did a good job at patching him up but...the man still looked weak. He lifted his head to look at Kaden, but said nothing.

Kaden stood there in silence before moving on to the next cell...

The woman paid no mind as she fiddled with something in her hand, it almost looked like a stone.

"You must be Kazandra." Kaden started, "What do you have there?"

The prisoners shouldn't have anything! Has Arc even seen her have-

"Take the damned thing." she threw the...device(?) out of the cell, making it clatter just beneath Kaden's feet. As he bent down to pick it up, he heard Cyfrin laugh once more, "Give that a look...if you dare."

Kaden scoffed, picking up the small, silver device and analyzing it.

Maybe later....

"What's on it?"

"You'll see."

Kaden just shook his head, sliding the device into his pocket, "I'll destroy it." He said, "You prisoners aren't even supposed to have anything on you."

"Do what you wish." Cyfrin said, "As you said...I can't do anything while behind these bars."

Kaden stared at the man, contemplating his words.

He sounded so...condescending...

....

Whatever.

"Whatever you say, Cyfrin." he shot back, "I see that this little...meeting was just pointless. You wasted my time."

"If that's how you see it, Callisto. I found our little chat here to be quite amusing."

Kaden decided not to entertain the man any longer, finding it in his best interests to just leave with the device and say no more, he had to get back home anyway.

He stepped out, passing Arc as he left, making a silent promise to speak with him later. They were all planning their next move, and assuming that Hunter would be moved to safety...Arc had to plan his own moves accordingly.

They were all going to fight...but what if they end up leaving behind those that need them?

That was another question to plague Kaden's mind at night. He wanted nothing more than to kill Tachyon and have Ratchet back in his arms but...what if he can't do it? What if he fails and he leaves his wife and son all alone?

What if he fails...and his son-

No!

No...can't think about that. Not now.

He shook the thought off, the strange device in his pocket jostling as he zipped up his coat.

Time to go home...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

Something was happening...

>>Clank!<<

He jumped at the shout in his head, a sudden wave of nausea hitting him as he rocked forward. He felt Ratchet catch him as he finally fell forward. "Clank!? Clank are you-"

His voice was drowned out by another shout...

>>I KNEW IT!<<

>>I KNEW IT!<<

>>YOU LIED!<<

"Clank!" Ratchet looked around at the soldiers surrounding them, "What are you looking at!?" he spat, "Help me or leave!"

Out of all the soldiers, only two helped Ratchet lean Clank against the wall without dropping his heavy body. Once they pulled away, Clank held his head in pain...

>>YOU LIED!<<

"What's going on!?" Arthur approached, "Is he-"

"-Clank! Pal, talk to me!"

"I-I-It's-" Clank's optics flickered,

>>NOW THEY WILL ALL SUFFER<<

>>BECAUSE OF YOU<<

Clank whimpered...

>>BECAUSE YOU HAD TO CHOOSE RATCHET OVER EVERYONE!<<

"N-Nova..."

Ratchet's eye widened at the statement. He looked over to Arthur, commanding the other boy to get something or....or someone so they could help Clank but-

>>I'M GOING TO MAKE SURE THEY ALL SUFFER LIKE YOU!<<

Clank reached out to grab at Ratchet's hand, squeezing it to ground himself. He faintly heard Ratchet say something, but he couldn't make it out. His head felt like it was about to explode...

"Clank!" Ratchet shook him lightly, "Look at me! Look-"

....

Clank's optics shut...body going slack. He felt the back of his head hit the wall.

Warn....he had to warn...the Lombaxes....

And before he could utter another word, Clank slouched over, finally going still. He was still breathing but...this was enough to make Ratchet freeze. It felt as if his heart dropped all the way to his stomach at that moment...watching Clank basically turn lifeless...

...

No...

"Clank?" He whispered out again, voice shaky with disbelief...

....

He got no response...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

Meanwhile...

"No. You're not looking into any more mysterious devices or...or memory...thingy you have there!" Phoebe sat across from him, crossing her arms and looking away from their meal, "I am not watching any more of that!"

Kaden sighed, setting his fork back down, "I know....I was going to destroy it but..." he looked down and over to the left, the device laying on top of the table, "I think it's up for Clank to decide."

"Good." Phoebe stood up then, half-empty plate in hand, "I don't want to see any more of that in this house!"

He watched her walk away, a slight frown on his face. Deep down he knew Phoebe was right to feel that way, but another part of him wanted to try and convince her otherwise...

But he also knew....he was scared to see what was on it too...

So he got up too, ready to pick up his plate when-

*Ping!*Ping!*

He immediately went to grab his phone, sliding it out of his pocket just as he heard Phoebe's phone chime as well. With a quick swipe, he opened up a message that came from Clank.

"What..." his voice trailed off as he looked at it...

[Clank] D-NT TrU– N–A!

[Clank] NO- -ATc-E-

"What...the hell?"

He heard Phoebe set down a plate in the sink before coming back over to him, "What does this mean?"

"No idea." Kaden said, "Maybe...he's having trouble connecting or something?"

He sounded like he was trying to convince himself as well...

"Maybe..." Phoebe said uncertainly, "Hopefully everything is alright..."

She slowly walked back to the sink, leaving Kaden with his own thoughts on the matter. The man frowned, only typing back a quick response that would get some other sort of reaction from Clank...

[Kaden] Clank? You okay?

He left it at that, picking up his plate and going to join Phoebe by the sink.

The device remained on the table...untouched.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Phoebe]

[6 Hours Later]

*Knock!*Knock!*Knock!*

Phoebe groaned, turning over to peek at the holo-clock on the bedside table.

"1...in the morning?" she drawled, sighing heavily as she turned to tap Kaden's back, "Kade...Kaden!"

"Wha' is it?" the man slurred, "It's too late for this..."

"More like too early..." Phoebe whispered, "There's someone by the-"

*Knock!*Knock!* more insistent this time...

"Coming!" she called out, sliding off the edge of the bed and rushing as fast as she could down the stairs. She could faintly hear Kaden call out behind her, but she didn't wait.

She unlocked the door...opened it slowly...

....

And froze in place...

"W-W-What!?"

In front of her stood Lucas, along with one of his soldiers. The man, though tired, looked as shocked as she was at the moment....

And just beside him....

"R-Ratchet!?" she asked, both relieved and shocked at the same time. She felt her heart beat rapidly in her chest as Ratchet looked up at her, eyes brighter than she remembers but...

The looks...the face...it had to be him!

Ratchet said nothing, only looked down at the ground, gaze weak, and yet....was that oil!? All over-

"He arrived at the city gates just like this..." Lucas said, "Hasn't said a single word. This is out of protocol but..." he looked over to Ratchet, trying to convey the rest of his words silently.

Phoebe understood....

She walked forward, reaching out to touch Ratchet's cheek. He flinched violently, causing her to tear her hand away before it could even make contact, "R-Ratchet?" tears started coming to her eyes, "I-It's alright! W-Why don't you come in so we can talk about how you got here, a-alright?"

Ratchet's eyes widened, but stayed silent as Phoebe gently pulled him inside. She bid Lucas a quick goodbye....

And when the door shut....she finally let herself cry.

"O-Oh look a-at you!" she stuttered, "A-All covered in- oh my! L-Let me go get a t-towel I-"

"Phoebe!? What's going on down there?"

"O-Oh, Kade! Get a towel!" she looked back to her son, who looked more bewildered than anything...

My son is back!

...a small part of her said.

Something is odd....

...another part of her said.

She placed her hands on his cheeks and moved his face around, examining him.

"I got a towel! What is...." Kaden finally made it down the stairs, towel in hand as his voice trailed off into nothing. Phoebe watched as Ratchet's head whipped around to stare at the man...

And Kaden....

Dropped the towel and launched forward, bringing Ratchet into his arms,

"Ratchet! Oh my..." he pulled back, a teary smile on his face, "Thank the stars you're safe!" he said, "Right? He asked hopefully, finally pulling his hand back to look at the oil that stained them. His ears started to lower,

"W-What..." Kaden looked over to Phoebe, then back at Ratchet,

"W-What happened!?" he asked fretfully,

"Where's Clank!?"

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Ratchet still didn't speak....

They thought he was in shock or...or injured in some type of way but...he never uttered a sound. He didn't say anything as they hugged him close and cried. He didn't say anything when Phoebe cleaned him off with a towel. He didn't say anything when they forced him to go and take a shower to wash off all the....all the oil on him.

...

The oil...

"I-It makes sense..." Kaden whispered to her, "C-Clank's message..."

"I won't believe it until Ratchet tells us." Phoebe replied, "Until then I-"

*Knock!*Knock!*

Phoebe watched as Kaden got out of his seat, walked over to the front door, and opened it.

"Is it true!?"

Ah...Oliver...

Phoebe smiled at the boy who looked like he just jumped out of bed. He looked around the living room, as if expecting his friend to appear right then and there.

But of course...he didn't.

"He's getting...cleaned up." Kaden told the boy quietly, "Did...did you sneak out?"

"Of course I did! I wasn't going to wait until morning to see my best friend!" Oliver defended himself, crossing his arms, "And I think he'd want to see me first!"

Kaden and Phoebe shared a knowing look....

"Wait...is there something wrong!? Should I-" a sudden gasp, "Ratchet!"

Phoebe's head snapped to the side as she watched Oliver bolt across the room, straight into Ratchet who...surprisingly didn't fall over. Oliver laughed happily, throwing his arms around Ratchet and crying tears of joy, "Ratch! Y-You're back! I-I can't..." but his voice trailed off, unable to stay steady,

"Where's Clank...?" he asked,

"And where's my brother?"

Ratchet pulled back then, green eyes filled with....worry(?)

No....

...

Confusion?

"I-It's....a long story." Ratchet whispered out, "Very long."

Oliver and Kaden both nodded, and once the younger went back in for a tight hug, Kaden glanced over at her..

Surprised to find her glaring suspiciously at...Ratchet!?

And when he turned back, Phoebe looked down at the cursed device that Kaden left on the table. She poked it with her finger, biting her lip in contemplation. She heard Kaden call out "Alright now, you two, let's settle down and get everyone else over here, alright? We need to go over...everything!" he explained, patting Ratchet's back, "Right?"

...Phoebe shut them out after that.

The looks...the eyes...everything...

...

it was all her son.

...

But....why couldn't she believe it?

She looked back up to see Kaden enveloping Ratchet in a hug, the boy refusing to even wrap his arms around the man...

....

Something was wrong...

She wrapped her hand around the device and put it in her pocket...

And she was going to find out what it was.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

"I'm sorry...I don't know what else to do."

Ratchet looked up at Louie in disbelief. Clank laid on the table between them, motionless...

Practically lifeless...

"Fuck..." he cursed under his breath, "Nothing?"

Louie nodded, a slight frown on his face. Ratchet sighed heavily, his grip on Clank's limp hand getting tighter. He looked down at it, and rubbed his thumb against the back of Clank's hand...

He felt powerless....so powerless.

"So...who did you say did this to him? I could've sworn I heard you mumble-"

"-Sorry Louie....not now." Ratchet let go of Clank's hand and stood up, "I...I need to get ready."

"Ready? For what!?"

Ratchet stared at him as if to say, "Really? Are you serious?" but refrained from doing so. Instead, he took in a deep breath and puffed out his chest,

"For the fight." he said simply, "I'm not letting them get away with hurting Clank...and I'm not letting them harm the Lombaxes or anyone else. Not anymore."

Louie watched helplessly as Ratchet left the room going to...well, who knows where. He was left staring down at the robot on the table, a grimace on his face.

Well...what was he gonna do with Clank now?

He was about to turn away when Clank's entire body jolted. He jumped, startled, almost shouting when Clank's eyes shot open. The robot just started at the ceiling, eyes staring blankly ahead...

"U-Uh...Clank?" Louie stuttered out, "A-Are you-"

Suddenly his eyes flashed...

....

Red...

"C-Clank?"

The robot's head snapped towards him, sending a deathly glare towards him before...

....

They shut once more.

Louie let out a huge sigh of relief, shaking off the slight feeling of fear that washed over him just now.

Maybe he was just seeing things...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Arthur]

*Step...*Step...Step...*

He approached his friend from behind, watching as several cans flew off their perches as Ratchet hit them with his deadly accuracy.

*Clink...Clink...* the can dropped to the ground, nothing but scrap now...

"R-Ratchet?" he asked, rubbing his elbow in nervousness,

"Are you okay?"

The other Lombax said nothing, reloading his gun before...finally turning to him.

...

His green eyes held no remorse. They were just filled with determination...

"Of course I'm fine..." Ratchet smirked, "Because now-"

In the blink of an eye, armor started to fade into existence around him. It covered his feet...all the way up to his hips and then his chest. His arms and finally...his face.

Arthur stared in wonder....

Ratchet chuckled, placing a hand on his hip and puffing out his chest,

"-It's time to end this."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

It's time...heheh...what do you think will happen next?

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, sorry for any spelling or grammar errors here...I will come back to fix them in the future if there are any!

I don't have much to say here, but I hope you're all doing well! Have a great day/night! See you next time! ❤