>>Hello everyone! Sorry for the wait! I won't hold you from reading but PLEASE read the notes below before you skip to reading!<<

>>WARNING<< : *mild* violence,  death, and blood and some descriptions of injuries in this chapter. Nothing too graphic, but considerably more than the last chapter! It is war, after all. Don't say I did not warn you! If you wish not to read,  please don't. Instead, PLEASE PM me and ask for a summary! I tried to keep things a bit vague to lessen the burn, but it does get a bit intense!

I hope you all enjoy the chapter!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

He should have been paying attention....

Watching silently as Clank fixed the Dimensionator was one thing, but getting people to stay in a line while entering? That's a whole other thing. He didn't know how long it took for his mind to catch up with his body, but once it did....it was like he blinked awake.

"Where's Clank!?"

He looked over to Mags, who was holding onto the Dimensionator, "I...have no idea!" he beckoned more people forward. Kaden sighed, turning to look at his worried wife. She was looking around nervously, eyes scanning the crowd in front of them.

"He's not here." he whispered fretfully, "He was right behind us."

"He must have gone to help Ratchet." she turned to him then, "Kaden...we knew this was going to happen."

"But he was just here! I could have gone with him or...or stopped him and get him to safety and-"

"The last thing he would do is listen to you right now." Phoebe said regretfully, "He's made his choices, Kaden."

He couldn't disagree with her there. He was the same, after all. He knew that once he made a decision...he was going to follow through with it no matter the costs.

It seems like his own son did the same. And even Clank did too.

....

If only they weren't putting themselves in grave danger.

"Then I-"

"-You are going after them." Phoebe clarified, "I...I want to come with you."

"I know."

"And I'm going to."

"You're not." Kaden turned to her, putting his hands on his wife's shoulders, "Phoebe...I have to do this." he said, "If...anything happens to me, it's better one of us is safe so...so Ratchet and Clank have someone to go home to."

Phoebe looked distraught...

"And...you will be able to help the medics if there are any wounded after...all of this. You need to stay, my love."

And she didn't argue because she knew he was right. He had proper reasoning but...that didn't mean she couldn't be upset. The mere prospect of losing her husband...and possibly her child was enough to reduce her to tears.

She surged forward, bringing him into a desperate, tight embrace that screamed "Please don't go."

But she knew he had to. She knew he was going to go no matter what she said.

"Bring them home safe." she whispered to him, "In one piece." she squeezed him tighter, "I won't be able to be without you."

"You can." he whispered, "I know you can."

"Stop talking like you won't come back." she snapped softly, "You will."

He squeezed her tighter as well.

...He shouldn't promise.

"I will." he said, "I will." he repeated

"And if you see...that murderer?"

"I'll kill him where he stands." Kaden replied, "He'll pay for what he did."

Phoebe nodded, pulling back to look him in the eyes, "I love you, Kaden."

And he kissed her then. It was far too desperate and quick for his liking, but it was a promise nonetheless.

"I love you too, Phoebe."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Not so far away, another farewell was taking place....

"Hunter, you are to go through that portal and wait for me!" Arc had a firm grip on the boy's shoulders, "No arguing with me."

"But it's not fair!" Hunter pointed into the distance, "Ratchet and Clank are out there-"

"-They have experience, Hunter!" Arc argued, "And you're still hurt, mind you! Have you forgotten about your imprisonment already!?"

"And that's all the more reason for me to go! Cyfrin is still out there-"

"-I'll deal with that-"

"-And Ratchet helped me and Clank saved me so-"

"-They wouldn't want you to be in danger either!" he finally silenced the boy, "Please, Hunter. Listen to me."

The boy looked conflicted, eyes a bit teary as he stared at his father.

"But what if I go..." he whispered shakily, "And you don't come back?"

Arc felt his heart clench at that, causing his to squeeze his son's shoulders a bit harder,

"Hunter I promise I'll-"

"-You can't promise!" Hunter wiped his eyes, "I-I can't lose you, Dad! N-Not now!"

And his devastated voice almost made Arc surrender and forget about Cyfrin. About everything. But in reality....he knew it couldn't be done.

"Hunter." he struggled to find his words, "I will come back to you. I can't promise....I know I can't-"

"-Then why go out there in the first place!? Why-"

"-Because I started this all." Arc grimaced, "Ever since the genocide I've been by Cyfrin's side. Until recently, of course. But that doesn't change the fact that I helped that man. It doesn't change the fact that I let myself get consumed in his plans and abandon you. It doesn't change the fact that he had me so under his control that I thought it was right to hurt Ratchet. To...To hurt you. And...many others"

He took a deep breath...

"So you could call me an idiot when I say it's to get back at Cyfrin for all of this. It's just...revenge. But I also don't want that man to continue with his plans. My guess is that he'll be looking for transport off the planet and I can't let that happen. Do you understand me now, Hunter?"

The boy sniffled, "Yeah....I do."

"You understand why I must do this?"

"You don't have to. You asshole."

"Mind your language." Arc chuckled a bit, "I know to you it might just seem like petty revenge-"

"It is."

"Will you stop interrupting me!?" Arc said in exasperation, silencing the boy long enough to speak, "I know it is. But it's also to protect everyone here. To protect you. If anything were to happen again while I could control it I...I can't keep lying and say I'll forgive myself, son."

Hunter looked down, "But...I forgive you."

"Mostly." Arc clarified, "You still flinch when I call you son. Perhaps because you don't believe it. I...haven't been good to you these past years so perhaps I have no right to call you so, but you are my son and I'll be making up for my wrongs for the rest of my damn life."

Hunter said nothing, instead hugging the man tightly as the words sunk in. Arc wasn't expecting this...but before he could even wrap his arms around the boy, he pulled back.

"I-I understand, Dad."

"Good." Arc nodded, finally stepping back. "Now...you need to get on line and to safety, alright? I know you don't have your things but...it's too late." he sighed,

"Stay. On. Line." he said sternly, turning around to leave but before he got too far, he turned around and looked at his son, who stood in place.

"I love you, Hunter."

The boy looked up at him, unshed tears in his eyes.

"I love you too, Dad." he replied, "Come back...okay?"

...

"I promise."

And with that, Hunter watched his father disappear from sight.

....

And no...he wasn't just going to stand back and do anything.

He...was going to help.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

He didn't like the feeling of stepping onto a battlefield once more.

The screams and cries. The shouts of pain and victory. The corpses that were going to be hitting the ground not too long from now. The silence that will descend after all is said and all is done. He never wanted to experience it again...

But here he was.

He clutched his weapon, the familiar feeling of dread starting to weigh down upon his shoulders.

This familiar, disgusting feeling came along with memories he no longer wanted to open for the rest of his days.

...

Would this day add yet another memory to be locked up or...will everything just cease to exist for him. Would this day mark his death? Or the deaths of countless others? For that, he had no answer, but he wasn't eager to find out either.

He had to do this.

"Clank?" he called out, trying to keep his voice steady as the smell of smoke filled the air. He tilted an ear up as distant sounds could be heard, but only barely. Besides the ominous ship in the sky, the ground was barren of any life. Everyone seemed to have evacuated these parts.

But still...why was it so quiet?

...

Something was wrong.

As if his own thoughts triggered something, the ear-shattering sound of metal scraping against metal assaulted his ears. His eyes darted to the sky before he could register what it was and, with horror, watched as a large hatch opened from the bottom of several of the ships. As if on cue, the Lombaxian Air Force flew right over his head, ready to engage.

But it was too late.

He took cover before the first bomb hit the ground. Thankfully, another never came as the fleet was intercepted for the time being but, he swears he would never forget the sound it made when it hit the ground...

A violent crash rocked the ground and sent a wave of soot and ash down the city streets, decimating anything close to the impact site. Windows shattered, buildings toppled, and Kaden was sure he was gonna be sick when the wave washed over him.

He coughed violently as some of the smoke subsided, trying to get some clean air but of course, that was impossible now.

He walked out from behind his cover to take note of the devastation. Further down the street lies nothing but destruction. The building nearest to him suffered some damage, but only the windows were shattered.

He knew that the closer he got, the more danger he'd be in. But his kids were out there in the danger, which meant he was going after them. No matter what.

The further he went down the street the louder the commotion got. His fur stood on end as his ears picked up the sound of rapid footsteps not too far away. Turning a corner, he came face to face with some Lombaxian soldiers, the odd one or two rebellion fighters scattered within the group.

"Keeper! You must head to the evacuation point!" one of them said, "We're being surrounded!"

"I'm looking for someone!" Kaden shot back, "And please tell me...if you're being surrounded, why the hell are you standing around here instead of fighting!?"

It was a good question, he thought. But...they didn't get to answer it in time.

*BOOM!*

Kaden let out a yelp as he flew backward, landing on his side and dropping his wrench in the process. With a groan, he lifted himself off the ground with much difficulty. Whatever was approaching was coming towards him quickly.

Too quick...

He looked up just as a ship crashed straight to the ground. With it, a flurry of soldiers and people running from the mayhem rushed past him. He felt someone grasp his arm,

But he didn't take his eyes off what was approaching...

"Keeper! He is-"

"Go!" he pulled himself out of their grip, "I'll hold him off!"

He didn't bother to see where the owner of the hand went as he stood there, watching all hell break loose. He ducked for cover, but by that point, it was already obvious who the attacker was targeting.

It was him.

Before he could make his next move, the rubble he was hiding behind was flung away, and he too was pushed to the ground. He looked up at his attacker, noting the beady black eyes and murderous glare. A harsh cackle left their mouth,

"I've been looking for you..." Tachyon cooed sickeningly, teeth clacking together as he broke into a laugh. "Finally...oooh, how I longed to see your disgustingly, fearful face, rat." he growled. The leg of his throne slammed into the ground as Kaden got up again, wrench at the ready.

"You-" he startled when one leg smashed down, almost grazing his arm. The other came to the side and-

Kaden closed his eyes, wrench faltering as he prepared for the incoming strike

"DAD!"

Ratchet flew forward, pushing Kaden down as the claw swiped over them...

Kaden looked at the boy currently getting off over him, pulling him up by the arm. The breath left him as he realized who this injured kit was...

"R-Ratchet!"

"No time! You have to-"

"HAH! Isn't this precious? Keeper of the Dimensionator and the copy of his dead little rat..." Tachyon cackled, "Now you BOTH can DIE!"

The two Lombaxes stepped back from one another as Tachyon sent a blast, and then another. He then activated a laser, sweeping in across the ground. Kaden made sure to jump-

"Agh!" but Ratchet didn't, due to his obvious blind spot...he didn't see it coming. Kaden spared a quick glance at his son...

A perfect, burning slice cut through the armor on his legs, ring below the knees...

"Ratchet!" He called out desperately, dodging a blast. The boy paid no mind as he held out his hand, a modified blaster manifesting in his hand. He took aim-

Kaden finally looked back at the monster before them, clutching his wrench tightly...

Time to end this...

As if they communicated prior, the two Lombaxes launched forward and attacked the throne's knees. Tachyon shrieked, as the throne swayed. The hits from the blaster and the swings of Kaden's wrench threatened to cut through the metal.

Suddenly the legs shot out, Ratchet managed to dodge as Kaden got hit right in the gut, knocking the air out of him. He fell to the ground a few feet away, landing on his bad shoulder.

He wasn't going to go down that easily.

He looked up as a shadow was cast over him, Tachyon's menacing glare making his blood boil as he pushed himself up, "I've been waiting for this, Lombax. I've been craving this..."

Kaden snarled, taking his wrench and getting ready to swing. Tachyon just cackled, "You think that will kill me!? You really are a-" He was cut off as a violent swing hit the side of his crown. Kaden's eyes widened as his gaze shifted to his son who managed to hop on the throne.

"Leave him alone, you asshole!" He swung down again, stunning Tachyon at the attack. Kaden's eyes widened as he flew forward to help the boy, fear striking him at the thought of him-

"GET OFF!"

Getting hurt....

He paused on his swing, watching helplessly as a claw from the throng reached up to pick Ratchet up and swung him to the ground. The throne shifted to finally turn to the boy,

"I did it once and I'll do it again!"

Kaden used the distraction to swing as hard as he could at one of the legs, wires now exposed and sparking, causing it to malfunction. The throne tilted to the side, causing the Cragmite to let out a loud screech.

He could have attacked Tachyon right here but...his son was struggling to get up and he was his priority...

"Ratchet!" he ran forward, sliding onto his knees beside the boy that lifted his face from the ground, "H-Hey...don't worry about me! He's-"

"Enough. I'd rather die than leave you vulnerable on the ground." he placed a hand on his back, heart sinking as he heard Tachyon growl behind him, "Can you walk?"

"Yeah!" Ratchet shaking pushed himself up, "I-I'm fine. Let's just finish him off!"

He said it so casually that Kaden almost believed this would go off without another hitch, but deep down he knew this would be difficult.

....

He needed to protect his son now. He was in danger, heavily wounded, and he seemed exhausted beyond belief. He couldn't let anything else happen to him, even if it cost him his own life.

"You...Lombaxes..." the father and son looked up to the Cragmite, seeing him wiping the blood streaming down his face, "I...had...ENOUGH!"

To their dismay, two more turrets came out from the side of the throne, firing up and aiming at the two of them. Kaden's ears lowered, "I'll kill you both this time..." he seethed, "I'll kill your son in front of you! Just like I did last time! And you won't be able to save your-"

"Shut your damn mouth!" Kaden stepped forward, "I'd kill you before you even lay a claw on him!"

Tachyon just laughed, "Too late for that, don't you think? You're weak, Lombax, and you can't even protect your spawn! Not then, not now!"

From the corner of his eye, Kaden saw Ratchet bolt away, taking the right and leaving Kaden to take the left. Tachyon would have to try and focus on them both at this rate...hopefully they could catch him by surprise again...

Ratchet fires at the Cragmite, blasts grazing him and almost getting in some heavily damaging hits. Unfortunately, Tachyon's jerky movements and the shifting throne made it difficult for him.

Kaden resumed attacking the legs, not able to do much else without-

"Dad!"

His head whipped to the side at the sound of his son's voice. Without another word, a blaster was tossed his way. He caught it without hesitation, switching it to his right hand and aiming upwards, blasting the underside of the throne. A large burn mark now marred the underside, a few more blasts and it would go right through he assumed.

He huffed when he felt Ratchet run up beside him, reloading his blasters, "We got more of them!"

Suddenly, a cool substance that Kaden wasn't unfamiliar with was shoved into his palm. A small wave of relief washed over him.

Nanotech

"Ratchet..." he hissed a small warning. The boy elbowed him, "I have more."

Kaden shook his head, only wondering for a second as to why Ratchet hadn't healed himself yet, but he ran out of time as he heard something shift out of place...

Kaden looked around, pushing up against the boy as the blasters on the legs of the throne aimed inwards.

They were trapped...

"Fuck..." he cursed under his breath, trying to think of what to do next.

More of Tachyon's minions were closing in, and now his son was in even more danger. Whatever he does needs to get Ratchet out of-

*Whoosh!*

...a blast of light-

*Bang!*

...the impact of metal-

They both looked up at the noise, even Tachyon paused in his attacks. What Kaden saw made his eyes widen.

"Alister!" He called out, surprised and somewhat relieved from seeing his friend again. He had so many questions and so much anger against the man but...he was still his childhood friend.

That just possibly saved them.

The man took his Omniwrench, slicing through enemies without a second thought, effortlessly cutting them down. Even though he was still injured, he was experienced. His friend looked at him, grunting in exertion, "Well!? What are you waiting for!?" Alister's troops along with a few rebels joined the fray. Kaden paused in disbelief and...well, relief. They came just in time...

Ratchet was the first to snap out of it, running back out from underneath the throne, and helping Alister take down some minions. This left Kaden to attack the one thing that plagued his memories...

Tachyon...

He ran out then, turning to look up at the frazzled Cragmite that started to fire up his turrets again. Hopefully, the other two Lombaxes heard the sound, because they were aiming for all of them...

For good measure, he called out, "Watch out!" He dodged the blasts and kept running. Tachyon turned his throne, following him.

"Come back here, pest!"

Kaden almost stumbled over, a bullet knicking his ear, out of breath already...

This was going to be a long battle...

...

Or so he thought....

With Ratchet taking the initiative and giving Kaden the time and space to focus on nothing but Tachyon, Kaden wasn't going to miss an opportunity...

With Alister and Ratchet providing a distraction...he had a clear view of the monster before him.

"Time to end this." he muttered to himself, reloading the blaster and charging forward. Ignoring the twinges of pain from his body. He couldn't waste this chance. Not now. Not while his people were on the line.

A familiar cackle reached his ears as the throne shifted towards him, but Tachyon was surrounded. Fallen bots at his feet as more soldiers arrived, Ratchet and Alister working as a team. As if they had done this battle countless times before. While Kaden loathed the thought, Ratchet was good. The perfect distraction to keep both Tachyon and his army occupied. Alister helped, sure, but even with countless injuries, Ratchet was fluid on the battlefield.

"Dad!"

Kaden glanced to the left, eyeing Ratchet warily as the boy held the attention of a warbot. He pointed to the bot, then the throne. Hand turning downwards to convey his silent message, all while dodging his enemy. Kaden was utterly confused at first...until Alister whipped around from Ratchet's back, pushing his activated Omniwrench forward. Ratchet gave a swift kick to the knee.

And the warbot clumsily toppled down from the blows. The blaster in its hand fired a large blast into the air, coming down not long after striking the ground. Everyone jumped back, but Kaden didn't care about that...

...because the warbot fell right into the throne. A leg sparked as the weight of the bot started to crush it. Tachyon tumbled to the side, holding his scepter high.

"No! You won't-"

Kaden aimed his blaster and fired, grunting when Tachyon deflected it with his scepter. Another shot, same outcome. No blood spilled.

Kaden grit his teeth, walking closer and closer to his prey...

Too close...

The throne shakily stood up as Tachyon leveled a claw at him, striking him before he could blink. Kaden caught himself, blaster still in hand as he watched something catch the sunlight. Ratchet, as he did before, hopped upon the throne to strike the Cragmite in reprimand. The smoke blocked most of Kaden's view of his son, but he could tell by the shout that he was enraged. The ensuing blast made Kaden fear the worst as a familiar wrench hit the ground, along with a frazzled-looking Lombax. A rebel pulled Ratchet up right after.

Kaden would have to talk to him about this reckless behavior after all of this...

Kaden dashed forward and split the smoke, grinning devilishly as Tachyon shook his head. Blood dripped down as he glared at Kaden. A gun was aimed at him-

*Bang!*

And the throne toppled without another word.

Kaden was blinded by the explosion, his ears ringing slightly as the smoke cleared. Loud coughing and shots could still be heard. He shook his head and let the ringing cease.

"It's over."

The sound of the blaster firing cut through the rest of the commotion around him. Warbots and people alike stopped in their tracks. The bots themselves looked clueless now, unsure what to do without their leader...

...

They were taken down right after.

...

Kaden finally lowered the blaster, staring at the scene in front of him in shock.

He did it...he did it...

Tachyon...was dead.

...

While this sparked something akin to joy within him, he had something else to worry about now, and that was Ratchet. The boy seemed to get down to his knees to rest. Kaden jogged over to him and got on his level, cupping his son's battered face.

"W-What happened to you!? You're hurt!" He turned Ratchet's face to the side to examine his eye. It was covered, but now soaked in blood and caked with dirt. "Ratchet..."

"It was...an accident." the boy replied, "With Nova."

"Nova?"

"My clone. You met them, right?"

"Oh, I did..." Kaden growled, "Nova imprisoned us all. Thankfully Clank came to help us and we escaped. That robot-"

"-Is terrible but...misunderstood I guess." Ratchet interrupted him, surprisingly calm about it, "I can't forgive them for hurting you all, but they are in danger too. The Creator will only take advantage of them."

Kaden, while he couldn't help but hate his son's clone, decided not to argue about it. Maybe there was truth within the deception. He saw how Nova acted when they were fixing the shields, the look after was nothing short of admiration...

"Whatever you say," he sighed.

"Great." Ratchet replied, "Can you stop holding my face now?"

"No, I'm looking."

"You've been doing it for a while."

"Shush."

"There are enemies after us."

"And I'll take the time to check my son over." Kaden said simply, finally pulling away. He looked around them, "The shields are back up, but I have a feeling that it's not for much longer. We should get out of-"

"Kaden!"

Oh right...Alister.

He turned around slowly, not noticing the devastated look on Ratchet's face as he stared at Alister,

"Al?"

"Cyfrin escaped along with me, you know? I can't let him escape after all...this." He gestured to Kaden. But in the next moment, he looked towards Ratchet. Kaden's attention switched over to him too, and he realized what was wrong,

"Ratchet-"

"-I know it's not you...well, the same you but-" he shook his head, unable to continue, "-later..." he sighed, allowing himself to be pulled up by Kaden,

"Where do you think he went, Alister?"

The General stiffened, "It'll be quite the run. Follow me." he started running, grunting as his side burned in protest, "My guess is the cargo bay. We can't let him escape now!"

Kaden went to follow Alister, but stopped once he realized Ratchet wasn't following them. Instead, Ratchet got down to one knee and was trying to collect himself. He seemed to be both out of air, and out of his mind somehow. Kaden would say he looked dazed for a few moments before he blinked back into focus.

Alister paused for just a moment, some soldiers doing the same,

"Kaden?"

Kaden spared a glance back to Alister, shaking his head "You go on ahead. I'll take him back."

Alister nodded, clenching his Omniwrench and turning around, "Move out!" he ordered the soldiers, leaving Kaden and Ratchet alone as he continued on.

Meanwhile, Kaden placed a hand on his son's back,

"Why aren't you healed!?" he asked angrily, "You said you had-"

"I-I...I lied."

Kaden had the urge to take his son by the shoulders and scold him, but it wasn't the time now.

"I...am so angry at you." he hissed, but it barely held any anger. He was more worried than anything, "You said you had more when you gave it to me!" He shook his head, coughing from the lingering smoke, "Ratchet...we have to get you out of here. You're injured...hell, just tell me what's wrong!"

But Ratchet stayed silent, gritting his teeth in pain.

Kaden sighed, reaching forward to angle Ratchet's face up until he was staring at him, "I am going to take you to safety, alright? Let's get-"

"Clank is still out there!" Ratchet pulled back suddenly, swatting his hands away, "And there's no way I'm leaving him there! I just...I just need a second..."

"We don't have much time..." Kaden mused, "And I would rather not see you get hurt again."

"I've been doing this for years!"

"Well, I'm not letting you and Clank do this alone anymore!" Kaden said, "I want to find Clank and have him safe. I want that for everyone, but no matter what you're too wounded to continue. I'll find him myself, I promise."

"I can't." Ratchet said firmly, "I can't. I need to see him."

And he didn't know why he felt that way. But something in his heart and mind told him that something was wrong...he had to keep going. He had to....

He had to.

Kaden sighed heavily, "I'll drag you back."

"And I'll fight you."

Kaden shook his head, "Ratchet-"

"-I mean it." the boy said defensively, "Grab me and-" but he caught himself, not willing to say those next hostile words to his father of all people. The man was just worried, and Ratchet knew he was being unreasonable.

Also, the last thing he wanted to do on a battlefield was argue.

"I'm going." he said, "And that's it."

Kaden scowled, but he seemed to accept what Ratchet said.

...

But he was wrong...

Kaden pulled him up by the arm, dragging him in the opposite direction, away from the wave of enemies over the horizon. Ratchet was shocked, stumbling forward. But once he got to his senses, started to lean back.

"I'm. Not. Going."

"And I'm not going to watch my son die again!" Kaden whipped back around to face him. The grip on his arm was still painfully tight. "I won't let you be an idiot!"

"I won't die!"

"You can!" Kaden argued back, "I won't-gah!"

Ratchet drove his elbow into the man's chest hard, making him stumble back. Ratchet, without delay, bolted away from the man and didn't even dare to look back. Despite all his injuries, he ran fast.

Kaden followed him of course, quickly losing the boy as he took sudden turns down streets, even ones that were littered with bodies of both robots and brave Lombaxian soldiers.

Kaden was happy to note that the robot casualties seemed to be considerably more. The Lombaxes were not going down without a fight it seems.

But still, his son was his priority right now, nothing more.

He ran for what felt like ages, instantly regretting his recklessness as he turned and came face to face with his enemies. He pulled out his blaster, but before he could even blast their heads, someone else did it for him...

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

He turned around, relief flooding over him, "Clank! Is that you!? Oh my stars! Look, we have to-" but his voice trailed off, stepping back as the robot finally turned to him, eyes red as blood. He was covered in oil and dirt but...it looked like he remained unwounded.

Kaden's heart dropped...remembering the expression well.

"Clank...?" he croaked, stepping back, "Snap out of it..."

But the silver Lombax didn't respond for a while, eyes void of any emotion...

"Ratchet." was all he stated, voice monotone. "I've been looking for you."

"Clank...I'm not Ratchet. It's Kaden. Do you...do you remember?"

Clank smirked...

"Even better."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Ratchet stumbled forward as he tripped over the rubble, his ankle throbbing in protest.

The half of the city he stumbled into was a wreck. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and roads and pathways were decimated. Bodies of a few Lombaxes lay on the ground, surrounded by a bunch of bots.

He wanted to be sick, but seeing death wasn't a new thing to him...sadly.

He pushed himself up again, looking behind himself.

His father hasn't caught up to him...good.

He turned back, looking around and trying to see through the smoke. He tilted an ear, the distant sound of blasters could be heard from afar.

He bolted forward, ducking behind pieces of rubble as robots passed, he looked down at himself with a grimace, taking check of his injuries and taking note of how much ammo he had.

It wasn't much, and he gave his father his other blaster. His other weapons were low too...

...

Well, shit.

"Hey!"

He whipped around as a hand landed on his shoulder, and with a *whoosh* his blaster was placed underneath someone's chin.

"Whoa! Hey, kid! It's me!"

Ratchet snapped out of it, looking up to see none other than Nolen. The man looked worse for wear and was shaken. His eyes were red and rubbed raw.

"Nolen? Why aren't you with everyone else?"

"Complicated." he said quickly, "I-I'm sorry I...I'm just out of it. Because..." he scanned Ratchet's face, frowning, "Nova...Nova's dead."

Ratchet's eyes widened, "You killed them?"

"No!" Nolen vehemently denied, "They...they sacrificed themselves to keep the shield up a bit longer..."

Ratchet was silent for a moment, shoulders sagging, "Oh..." he looked down to the ground, "I..I'm sorry?"

Nolen shook his head, "It's...nothing." he whispered, "I just wish...I just wish things could have been different. I could have saved them."

"Nova had a choice." Ratchet replied, "They did what they thought was right."

He watched as the man teared up again, trying to hide it,

"I promise...we'll honor them later," he said softly.

After all Nova did...after all they caused....why did their loss hurt Ratchet? Why was he sympathetic?

...

Because in the end, Nova did what was right.

"Yeah..." Nolen quickly wiped a tear away, "Thanks."

Ratchet looked around the wall he took cover behind. He looked behind himself, "You coming?"

"Hell yeah." Nolen replied, "I'd like to meet the fucker that caused us all pain." he growled, "Almost killed me and my team...and drove Nova to...to do what they did."

Ratchet nodded, deciding not to convince the man otherwise. Besides, it would be good to have someone to have his back. Better than nothing.

But he has to find Clank...

"Alright, let's go."

The two of them remained low to the ground, using smoke to their advantage. An eerie silence plagued the air.

Silence like this wasn't good, Ratchet reminded himself. The silence could mean many things. And most of the time, it meant the death of most.

...

For some reason, he had a feeling luck wasn't on his side right now.

Maybe...

Maybe it was because the ground started to rumble again...

"Shit." he heard Nolan hiss behind him, all too familiar with the sounds of those heavy footsteps. "It's them." he clarified as if Ratchet didn't deduce that already. The Lombax refrained from rolling his eye, his grip on his blaster getting tighter with each footstep.

It was getting closer...

"Where the hell is it coming from...?" he asked, confused as the footsteps seemed to echo, "I-"

"Sounds like it's surrounding us..." Nolen stepped a bit closer to him, hovering close to his back, "We need to get out of-"

"That's what they want!"

Ratchet grabbed the man's wrist as they made a hasty retreat, continuing to stay low as they headed deeper into the smoke.

It got thicker...and thicker...and now they couldn't even tell which way they were heading...

"I don't like this..." Nolen muttered, "It's like we're going in circles! I-ugh!"

Ratchet turned around at the sound of his cry, grimacing as he watched Nolen push the hand of a corpse away, "I think we know why it's so quiet..." Nolen said, "The bots won."

"Obviously." Ratchet hissed, "And we need to stop them before they get any closer to the evacuation point." he shook his head, "You should go, y'know?"

"Not happening." Nolen growled back, "I'm seeing this through. My family died to that." he said, "Nova did."

Ratchet shrugged his shoulders. They didn't have time to talk about this anymore. Now-

*Click*

Ratchet's heart dropped...

His ear perked up as he whipped around and looked through the smoke.

A lone red beam aimed right at the ground, right in front of them as-

Nolen pulled Ratchet behind himself just before the shoot rang out. Ratchet's ears rang as they were both flung backward, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. The blast left him disoriented, pushing Nolen up slightly as the world swam...

"Nolen..." he slurred. Or...he thinks he did. He couldn't quite hear himself. Everything was muffled and-

Nolen said something to him that he couldn't make out. The man got up on shaky legs as he pulled Ratchet up with him, breaking into a run. Ratchet watched as he looked around frantically.

Ratchet wasn't really thinking when he saw the cursed red dot move to Nolen's back. He pushed forward just as a shot must have fired. Startled, the man pulled Ratchet down with him. Ratchet could faintly feel the bullet graze his ear as all the breath suddenly left his lungs.

He watched numbly as the man shouted, words unable to register within the boy's muddled brain. Nolen seemed to come to an understanding, nodding as he pulled them up again but this time...this time he looked back.

Instinctually, Ratchet already knew what the man was thinking of doing. That same expression was on Kaden's own, Clank's even when the robot wanted to protect him. Ratchet couldn't let that happen...

But he didn't have much of a choice when Nolen grabbed his shoulders and shook him a bit He mouthed the next words carefully,

"Warmonger-" the next word was hard to decipher, "-go!"

Ratchet shook his head, the red beam cut the air between them, and before either could act, another blast split them apart...

When the world bled back into existence, Ratchet tapped his fingers on the ground and felt it shake even more. It felt like his body bounced with every step of...

The Throne above him...

...

The Creator?

He weakly lifted his head and looked in Nolen's direction. He couldn't see him...

"Nolen!" he called out again, but it sounded like he was underwater. He looked up as a red beam was aimed right beside him.

He saw the red eyes first, and then the same face as his friend's past face...

"Well...look what we have here..." the beam moved away from him and was instead replaced by a sharp metal claw. It scooped him up, cutting into his sides as he was brought up to The Creator's level.

The red eyes analyzed him, not saying or doing anything but moving Ratchet this way and that to get a good look at him.

"You...you can be useful." he mused, "Interesting..."

Ratchet gritted his teeth as the claws tightened around his waist. He was whipped to the side as The Creator started to walk forward through the smoke. A low beeping sound could be heard as The Creator scanned the area around them.

So...that's how he found us...Ratchet thought.

"I killed them all." The Creator started, "So weak...to think they have been a thorn in my side this whole time." he huffed, looking towards Ratchet, "It's time to finally stop this...this little game. I've had enough of this. I've had enough of you and your little, pitiful friends."

"Shut up..." Ratchet said weakly, still struggling to get out of the claw. The Creator just shook his head, "Such terrible manners." he squeezed him, "Don't speak to me in such a tone."

Ratchet growled, but said nothing as the air was squeezed out of him. Instead it came out as a pained wheeze.

"I have great plans for you/ Perhaps after all of this is done I can make you a slave, hm? I could use your intelligence and prowess..."

"I'd never serve you!" Ratchet replied, "I'd rather die!"

But The Creator continued, ignoring him, "Or torture you in front of your people before I kill them all. Or maybe...maybe your father, hm?"

Ratchet's heart dropped once more as they came to a stop, "What...do you mean?"

The Creator chuckled, turning a corner and firing his Warmonger at a building, just for fun...

"I could do to you what I did to your precious friend. He's been useful as of late."

Ratchet shook his head, struggling, "What do you mean!?"

They came to a stop again, The Creator gesturing forward. Ratchet followed the robot's gaze and stopped, legs going limp as he stared at the scene in front of him.

"Clank!" he called out, the sound finally hitting his ears properly, "What are you doing!"

The silver Lombax stood over the familiar collapsed form of his father. There was no other movement, but Clank stopped in his tracks. Ratchet watched numbly as the blaster (which he now noticed Clank was holding) aimed away from Kaden's head. Whether the man was shot yet or not...Ratchet couldn't really tell.

"Ah...XJ-0461. Clank..." The Creator shifted his throne, "I'm glad you kept him alive. But if I remember correctly...I just ordered you to tie him up."

"He fought back, Master."

Ratchet's eyes widened as Clank finally turned to them, eyes as dark a red as The Creator's was...

"Not good enough." Clank smirked, looking up to The Creator. "He is alive."

"Correct." The Creator scoffed, "Lift him. Face him towards me. You better hope he's still conscious or I'll shock you."

Clank complied immediately, lifting Kaden who was miraculously still conscious. Blood dripped out his nose as he stumbled up. Clank had a steel grip on his wrists as he held them behind Kaden's back. In his other hand, he brought up the blaster to the side of Kaden's head.

Kaden's eyes widened in terror as he made eye contact with Ratchet.

"So...you're who Tachyon called The Keeper...I've heard of you." The Creator started, "Pity...I can sense my...comrade has fallen. I hope it's to your satisfaction."

"Let him go." Kaden ignored his words, growling as he tried to jerk out of Clank's grip. The Creator just shook his head, "Not happening...but-" he held Ratchet closer to the man, "I can make a deal."

Kaden hissed as Clank pressed the blaster closer to his temple, "I'd never-"

"Listen or this spawn dies!" The Creator shook Ratchet harshly. Kaden finally stopped, ears lowering.

"What do you want?"

"I'm willing to spare him. If you come with me, that is."

Kaden shook his head, "For what?"

"Your power, of course." The Creator lowered Ratchet once again, "By that I mean...well, youngest inventor of your generation. Creator of the Dimensionator. A capable leader to your people. A spark of hope." he tilted his head, "That's useful. With your abilities, I would be able to conquer many galaxies. Many dimensions..."

Kaden was silent, looking up at The Creator, and then at Ratchet, "And if I refuse?"

"He'll die." The Creator made his point by squeezing the air out of Ratchet again, making the boy go limp as he stopped struggling, air rushing out of him. Kaden jolted forward, but was held back by Clank,

"Stop! You're hurting him!"

"Like I care."

Ratchet sucked in the air when The Creator stopped, looking up to his father, "Don't do it!" He quickly said, "He'll kill everyone here! Don't listen to-"

The Creator threatened to fling him to the side, "Enough!" he looked back towards Kaden, "Make your choice, Lombax, we don't have all day!" he snapped, "Your death...or your son's?"

Kaden, without hesitation...

"Take me," he said. He knew most of the citizens must have been out of the city by now, and he'd rather die than kill his son. He was all that mattered now.

The Creator looked surprised, "I see what motivates you."

Kaden went still...

...

The Creator...he just liked to play...

"Too bad...mercy is not within my plans, you fool.."

"NO!"

Kaden watched in horror as the big weapon was aimed at Ratchet, the red beam aiming right between the eyes. The boy stared at it defiantly, unmoving as he stared death in the face...

*Bang!*

Ratchet yelped as he was dropped. Another shot rang out and Clank whipped around, blaster flying out of his hands as that too was shot. Kaden spared a glance at their savior.

"Mags!"

The man nodded, charging forward to get Clank. The Creator staggered back, the bullet had shattered his left optic. He covered it, internal systems assessing any damage within...

Kaden lunged forward and ran to his son, who remained unmoving. He knelt down and placed a hand upon the boy's back, "Ratchet! Ratchet c'mon! We have to go!"

Ratchet lifted his head weakly, giving a shaky nod as he allowed himself to be pulled up. Kaden wished he had more time to assess Ratchet's injuries, but The Creator wouldn't remain stunned forever and Mags was struggling with Clank.

Somehow the silver Lombax managed to get his weapon back, pinning Mags to the wall and aiming for,

"Clank! Stop!" Ratchet shouted, voice strong and commanding. For a moment, it seemed like the true Clank came back, releasing Mags as he turned to look at Ratchet. Mags took the opportunity to pick up his blaster and shot Clank blindly-

"No!" Ratchet watched as Clank fell down, but he didn't make it far as his father prevented him from doing so, "That's not Clank anymore, Ratchet!" he frowned at his own words, "We gotta go! Now!"

Mags pushed them along as The Creator regained his bearings. Without another word, he pushed them in another direction, trying to get out of sight.

Ratchet, however, loosened his grip from around Kaden's shoulders. This was his fight, and now his friend...

Clank....Clank!

"Clank..." he whispered, voice not picked up by Kaden and Mags, but his weakening grip was,

"We have to keep going." Kaden told him, "You'll be okay, I promise."

"Not for long."

Before the father and son could act, Mags went down clutching his leg. Ratchet whipped around and pushed Kaden away from him and Clank fired again. It seems like his injury only stunned him for a moment...

He leveled his weapon at Ratchet, face emotionless. And, as expected, The Creator arrived behind Clank, a deathly glare being aimed at all of them.

As if on cue...a group of The Creator's minions showed up, holding their blasters and grenade launchers.

There was nowhere to go now. In the middle of the city...far from the escape point, and all of them wounded....

Ratchet grit his teeth and clenched his fists, silently going over the few weapons he still had...and the one he was going to end up using....

First...distraction.

"What did you do to Clank!?" he called out, watching as The Creator held up a hand to stop his minions from fighting, "You're controlling him."

"Obviously." The Creator would have rolled his remaining optic if he could. "It's about time he's under my control, don't you think?"

Ratchet cast a quick glance towards Clank, silently begging for him to come back...

"You're a coward." Ratchet glared at the tyrant, "Getting others to fight for you while you sit upon your throne..." he took a shaky step forward, "And then when they're of no use to you, you just throw them away!"

The robots behind The Creator flinched at that.

"When will you stop!? When will you be satisfied!?"

"Until every single living being is dead. Until every single being that opposes me is eradicated!" The Creator said, "And once I get rid of the Lombaxes, I can finally move on!"

"The Lombaxes are safe! You'll never find them!" Mags said from the ground, "You're out of luck!"

"You misunderstand." The Creator shook his head, looking down towards Clank, "I can get the information from that."

Kaden looked over to Clank, who was still aiming at his son. The robot must have noticed the stare because he cast a glance at Kaden.

"Then why did you try to make a deal with me if you already had it!?" Kaden spoke up this time. The Creator sighed, "Well, XJ here can only take so much. It's pretty weak. I thought of you as nothing but a last resort, should my little puppet here cease to function."

Ratchet hissed, the pain starting to catch up with him the longer he stood. He looked around, his ear perking up as he heard a familiar set of footsteps.

They pained his heart...but also filled him with relief.

...

Alister...he came back!

The Creator shifted, looking exasperated, "They keep multiplying...how many more!?"

Ratchet would glance back, but the blaster still aiming at him prevented him from doing so. Kaden and Mags, however, gasped at the Lombaxian troops that now joined them. Kaden looked over to Alister,

"Al?"

"Thank Mags. You were taking too long."

Kaden smiled, readying the blaster he pulled out and walking closer to his son. Surprisingly, Clank didn't make a move.

"You're outnumbered." Kaden said, smirking at The Creator, "You should just give up."

"Like that would happen." his throne shifted, and more weapons popped out the sides, "We'll kill you all!"

Kaden surged forward and pushed Ratchet behind him, already anticipating the blasts just seconds before they came. Clank stood motionless as fights broke out around him, much to the dismay of The Creator.

"What are you doing!?" The Creator's voice rang out in Clank's mind, "Kill them!"

Clank snapped out of it, aiming towards Kaden this time, only to be shoved back.

Ratchet stood over him then, stomping down on Clank's wrist.

"Just...stop!" He shouted, "Please!"

And as the shots rang out, and Clank's red eyes trailed up to the sky, the Creator stepped forward. The throne cut off Clank's view of the sky, eyes shutting for a fraction of a second, but it felt like an eternity to him.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

I need to snap out of this.

He pushed and prodded at his corrupted code, hearing but not seeing what was going on outside his body. He felt the pain, but couldn't shout out. He heard the pain of others, but couldn't do anything about it. The Creator had full control and Clank had nothing to grip onto to pull himself out of the trance.

But there was one voice that still shook him to his core. It was that of his best friend, demanding he come back.

I need to snap out of this.

I need to.

I need to....for Ratchet. For everyone!

His systems protested as he prodded at his code, and an eerie red glow assaulted his vision as he did so. A mute warning was set off within his head as he continued to push back.

Snap out of it....snap out of it...

He stopped pushing back when something else entered his code...pushing at his mind. Being nothing more than conscious right now, Clank could only watch as this foreign entity came through.

...

The noises from the outside stopped suddenly, and now the only thing Clank could focus on was this...this thing and the feeling it brought.

"Hello?" he thought to himself, "What are you?"

There was silence, but only for a moment. He felt this foreign code brush up against what was left of his own. A familiar voice could be heard, but only between the two.

"Clank..."

Clank felt an odd ache grow in intensity. That voice...

That...

"Nova?" he asked to the other, shocked when a message shot right back,

"Yeah...it's me." they said. Clank would have tilted his head if he could, but he had nothing but thoughts and feelings now...

"How?"

"You tell me."

Clank reached into what little he had left of himself and thought for a moment. Nova felt oddly weak in terms of himself,

"You're...gone?"

"This is what is left of me." Nova said, "I'm...glad I could connect to you but...I don't have much time until my code is...eaten up. I guess." their message felt depressing to Clank,

"But why are you here?"

"I don't know." Nova said, "At first I felt nothing. Then I felt something familiar...then I found myself here."

Clank pondered this, sending an uncertain message back, "There's an afterlife?"

"I don't know. I felt nothing." Nova replied, "But why was I called back to you? Perhaps this is it."

Clank didn't say anything to that, but he felt nothing but remorse,

"How did you die?"

The feeling he received from Nova was nothing less than exasperation,

"Really? Your body is fighting against you and you ask that?"

"I am not capable of taking over again. I'm afraid my time is short too." Clank said honestly, "Besides...I can feel it's bothering you."

Clank was met with silence for a while. If he couldn't feel Nova, he would have thought they left. However, it seems they were just thinking....

"I found a way to keep the shields up for longer." they started, "I hope it bought everyone enough time..."

"You used your own power?" Clank assumed, feeling a wave of sadness be sent back to him,

"Yes." Nova responded, "But...I think I saved a lot of people, right? I did the right thing in the end, right?"

Clank couldn't help but compare Nova to a small child looking for praise. While his creation did many wrong things and had so much hatred within them...he wouldn't dare to put them down like that when they already sacrificed themselves for others.

"Yes, you did." Clank said.

That was enough for a while.

...

The noise from the outside started to bleed back into his mind.

"Clank! Clank stop!"

He felt his metaphorical heart clench at the words. He couldn't remember that voice now, but it called to him. It needed him!

He felt around and tried to regain his control, but his strength was dwindling. Each push against the wall was painful.

"Don't even try." Nova said to him, "The Creator has blocked you away."

"I need to save them!" Clank snapped, sending a wave of determination through their link, "I...I can't kill them!"

Nova sent nothing back as Clank continued doing...whatever he was doing. His creation sent a feeling of calmness his way,

"Let me help you, then."

Clank stopped fighting back then, "Nova?"

"I will help you break through, alright?" they sent back, softly nudging against Clank's mind with their own fragments of theirs, "It may hurt, Clank, but once everything stops you take over! I'll fight the code off for as long as I can!"

"I can't ask that of you." Clank said quickly, "You've already experienced pain."

"That's true." Nova replied, "But if there really is an afterlife for us...I believe it will be a well-deserved rest. A peaceful one."

Clank had no words,

"I can be free after this." Nova realized,

"Maybe this is why I came back to you in the end, Clank."

"Perhaps..." Clank trailed off, "I'm sorry, Nova."

He felt a wave of amusement fill him up. If he could giggle, he would have by now...somehow the feeling tickled...

"Take care of yourself, Clank."

And Clank felt the presence leave him, but only for a moment. He felt a sudden jolt and then there was ringing in his ears and smoke filling his senses and ash hitting his filtration systems and oil running down his-

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

"Agh!" He held his head as the world bled back into existence.

His head whipped around as he lowered a blaster that was in his hand. Whoever was talking to him was gone now, as the only things around him were bots. He looked to the side to see The Creator, who only cast a glance at him for-

-He did a double take, noticing the change within his puppet...

"You..." he seethed, barely heard over the blasters and shouts,

"How dare you defy me!? How is this possible!?"

Clank stepped back, looking for another, more friendly face...the smoke was blinding him, but he heard a familiar shout from within.

"Kill him!"

But before the blasts could hit him he bolted to the other side, searching for the voice. His friend...

"C-Clank?"

He whipped around, this time seeing a smoking blaster pointed at his face. However, Ratchet must have noticed something was different because he lowered it just as quickly, hugging him briefly, "It's you?"

"It's me." Clank pulled back, "Time to end this."

They needed more time to reconcile, but that would have to wait until this was over. Their objective? Survive.

Clank took his place beside Ratchet, covering the boy as best as he could. However, he was running out of ammo, and by looking at Ratchet's mannerisms...so was he.

"You don't have much longer, Clank." a voice said within his mind, "This needs to end."

Clank placed his hand on Ratchet's shoulder, "Who's here with us?"

Ratchet huffed, "Dad...Mags, Alister, and...well a whole bunch of other Lombaxes." he said between shots, "Why?"

Clank smirked, "Well, if my assumptions are correct, you have something on you that could end this fairly quickly." he said, "You've just been waiting for space."

"So?"

"Let's make space."

Clank pushed forward then and ignored Ratchet's startled squawk of protest. He knew Ratchet would follow him anyways. "Clank...where-"

"YOU!"

Clank's ears lowered at the sound but paid no mind as he blindly shot at The Creator to get his full undivided attention. Clank paid no mind as he darted around the crumbling throne, Ratchet following his tracks as the throne shifted to turn around.

"YOU WON'T GET AWAY THIS TIME!"

Ratchet scoffed, "How stupid can he be?" he asked Clank, who just shrugged, "He's angry we're winning. Not that we should complain and-WATCH IT!"

He pulled Ratchet forward just in time as a blast hit the ground where he stood. The familiar whir of a machine gun could be heard and Clank pulled him along quicker.

"Clank I-"

"Just a little farther!" he called back as they ran, "A little more and everyone will be out of the blast range!"

"But what about you two?" the same voice in his head asked, "You could be in range."

"We need to time this right." he yelled to Ratchet, "We-"

"I don't care if I get caught in the blast. He needs to die!"

"How much ammo do we have?"

"One shot." Ratchet replied, "And while I do love explosions, we have one chance."

Clank nodded as they weaved through the smoke, and he stopped once they got to an area far enough away. It was close enough that The Creator wouldn't suspect much...but far enough so The Lombaxes would be safe...

"Well look...now you are trapped." a leg of the throne slammed on the ground, making Ratchet jump slightly, "Right where you should be...your stupidity will cost you." The Creator screeched, his damaged face trying to contort in a menacing glare, "Did they tell you to run, or are you just cowards?"

"You're not cowards." the voice in Clank's mind said, "You're heroes. Hurry while he is distracted."

Thankfully Ratchet butted in, "Cowards? Ha! If anything, you're the coward! Why don't you come down from that throne and fight us!?"

His hand tapped Clank's own, a silent question.

The Creator said nothing, but the weapons attached to his throne whirred back to life.

Something suddenly shifted beside his throne, but the two of them refused to acknowledge it...

Clank and Ratchet took a stance instead...

"Your people will love to see your blood spilled...any last words, rats!?"

Ratchet chuckled, hand coming up to hold the weapon he just materialized, Clank helped support him and held it as well, both of their fingers on the trigger-

"Sure! We're gonna love to" it powered up, and The Creator's eyes widened,

...And at the same time, the words left their mouths-

"Rip you a new one!"

*Click*

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

As the last bot fell, Kaden looked around and finally realized that his son was gone...and the puppet Clank was gone as well...

"Oh my stars...no." he whispered out, looking to his comrades, "Where are the kids!? Has anyone seen them!?"

Alister shook his head, and Mags (wherever he was) didn't call out or say anything. The soldiers just shook their heads.

"Look for survivors!" Alister called out, "Clear out any enemies!"

Kaden broke away from the group then, staggering away and wiping the soot from his face. He caught himself on the ground as he walked around, ear perked up and trying to listen for anything.

He didn't want to look at the ground, not yet. Not if he'd see the face of his kid.

Or even Clank...wherever he is...if he's himself or whatever monster he has become.

"Ratchet!?" he called out, voice scratchy.

Then...there was an ear-shattering explosion...

*BOOM*

The sound made his ears ring slightly, but it also took his breath away. It wasn't a sound he ever wanted to hear again after this day...and since his son wasn't in sight...

"Ratchet!"

Without thinking he bolted to the scene. He didn't hear the confused shouts behind him either, too focused on getting to the-

*Bang!* *Bang*

Two more blasts in rapid succession, and then a ground-shaking slam of something heavy dropping to the ground. The explosions left stones raining down and some crumbling buildings to fall. Whatever happened left much to the imagination as a shout could be heard within the smoke.

"R-Ratchet..." Kaden stepped back, gasping as he recognized the voice and the name being shouted with it.

"Clank! Clank!"

With that, Kaden didn't hesitate any longer to get to the scene. They needed him.

But...what was he about to see?

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

As the RYNO was fired, Ratchet and Clank shouted in unison as they tried to hold their ground. The drawback was staggering but it was nothing Clank couldn't handle.

All the hatred, all the sadness and frustration was put through that shout. Nothing less than a battle cry. And when their target fell...Clank thought that was it. It was over.

Until...he heard another click, and his body went on autopilot.

"Clank, no!"

He pushed Ratchet back and shielded him, feeling the heat of the blast before registering any pain...

...and once he did. He was lying motionlessly on his back, unable to feel anything but the pain. The voice in his head rang out again, but he could no longer make out what they were saying. Everything was like a blur, and the next thing he noticed was Ratchet entering his vision, face bloodied and dirty. His one green eye showed tears, but he blinked them back as quickly as they came.

Ratchet's mouth moved...

...

But his world went dark.

...

Everything stopped.

...

-and Clank knew no more.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

Clank went slack in his arms that very moment.

His rapidly beating heart dropped to his stomach. The breath left him as the world did too. The only thing he could focus on was Clank's (now colorless) eyes. They were empty. Grayed out...no more power...which meant.

"C-Clank...?" he croaked out, weakly shaking his friend, "Clank?" he repeated.

No response.

He pulled back a bit to get a good look at his friend, noting the damage...and finally coming to terms with what just occurred in his arms.

A good chunk of Clank's side was gone, and his legs...well...completely gone. He had nothing left below the waist...

...

No...

He pulled back more, his hands coming up to rub his upper arms in a mock hug. The shock was starting to settle in until he felt much of nothing. The tears kept coming, but no sobs could be heard...

He shakily reached down, ignoring the throbbing pain in his wrist as he numbly picked up two pieces. His mind didn't register anything at all, but he was internally screaming at himself as to why? Why do it? He was gone...he was gone! Stop-

Putting the two pieces together weakly, his mind finally caught up and processed what he was actually doing. He dropped the pieces immediately, his heart clenching as the world finally settled around him.

"Ratchet!"

He heard a voice, flinging himself over what was left of Clank to protect it in any way possible. He closed his eyes and waited for a hit...or a blast. But...there was nothing but a pained gasp.

"R-Ratchet..."

His head whipped up so fast that he saw stars in his vision. He felt himself try to say something, but it didn't come out,

Dad...

The man looked devastated, but he approached his son anyway. He got down to his knees and, ignoring the corpse, reached out to bring Ratchet into a one-armed hug.

"It's over now." Kaden said, "It's over. It's gonna be okay."

If only Ratchet could make himself believe it...

....

With a choked-out cry, his body went slack against his father, as if he was a puppet who just had his strings cut. The air left his lungs in one great *whoosh* and his eyes shut moments after.

...

He didn't know if he wanted to ever open them again after this...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

Everything passed by so quickly.

Only a few bots remained after the defeat of The Creator, and after cleaning them up. The Lombaxes were left tending to the wounded, gathering the dead, and cleaning the streets.

He couldn't really remember what happened after he picked his son off the ground, but he remembered laying him back down on the ground to get some medical attention. Until most of the doctors were back, medics and nurses made makeshift mats for those needing attention.

Unfortunately...Ratchet was one of their patients in worse condition.

Kaden didn't hear what the medic was listing off. Too many injuries to count. Too much trauma. How his son was still standing to the end...he would never know.

He was pulled aside not long after, and led to a more secluded part of the camp that tended to those with lesser injuries. He was too numb to care.

He remembers staring blankly ahead as a kind nurse rushed to tend to his wounds on his face. Thankfully there was nothing life-threatening, but he'd be in slight pain for a while.

Not that it mattered to him.

"Kaden...?"

A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned to see his beautiful wife, who winced when she saw his face. However, a look of relief washed over her features before she hugged him tightly.

"I'm so happy you're okay..." she sniffled, wiping her nose, "I thought you wouldn't come back."

"I promised I would."

He didn't think he was going to come back either...yet here he was...

"The monster is dead, Pho." he whispered to her, "I did it."

"I heard." the woman replied softly, "It's over."

They said nothing more for a while. Phoebe pulled back and laced her hand with Kaden's own bandaged one. She couldn't resist the urge to pull it closer to lay a small kiss upon it, "And...Ratchet?"

"I don't know." Kaden said honestly, "He's...bad, Phoebe."

"I'm sure he'll be okay. He's strong."

Kaden said nothing, looking away and-

"And...Clank? Did you see him?"

Kaden stiffened, clenching his eyes shut, "He's gone, Phoebe."

She pulled back, shocked by the news. Her grip loosened around his hand as her sniffles turned into quiet cries. "He's...He's dead?"

"I'm sorry," he said. He didn't know what he was really apologizing for, but he felt like he had to say it anyway.

I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough.

I'm sorry I couldn't save him.

I'm sorry I let him get killed.

"It's not your fault, Kaden." Phoebe said tearfully, "None of it. You did what you had to, and...I'm so proud of you." she touched his cheek tenderly, laying a hesitant kiss upon the other. He didn't lean into it like he usually does, but he felt the love all the same.

"I don't know if I could ever forgive myself and...and Ratchet-" he sucked in a shaky breath, "He'll be devastated."

"Well cross that bridge when the time comes." Phoebe wiped the tears off her cheeks that time, "He'll have us to help him, you know that."

Kaden nodded silently, looking down as familiar footsteps approached. It was none other than Alister. Phoebe stiffened beside him but said nothing.

"Kaden, Phoebe..." he greeted, coughing into his fist as he got both of their attention. "H-How...how is everything?"

Phoebe scoffed, "Wouldn't you know already?" she raised a brow, "You are a general after all, or are you still demoted?"

"My status doesn't matter right now." Alister retorted, "I did what I had to do, and while that will never correct my mistakes I did what I could, Phoebe. I simply want to know what happened so I can write up a report."

Kaden looked up then, "A report to who? The Council is currently disbanded?"

"Just getting it ready." Alister shook his head, growing more impatient by the second. Kaden didn't really care, "Well? What about Cyfrin?"

Alister grimaced, "The cargo bay was demolished upon arrival. However, there was one ship documented missing. It is unknown whether it was completely destroyed or taken."

Kaden cursed under his breath, "So...he could have gotten away?"

"Yes," Alister replied, choosing not to sugar-coat a single thing now. Everyone was going to find out eventually, and deep down he knew that lying about it would only lead to disaster or, as he now knew, losing his friend's trust even more.

"That rat." Phoebe hissed, sniffing harshly, "Who knows what he can do now..."

"By himself, not much." Alister replied honestly, "I'll have soldiers on it right away but that's not all I must discuss."

"Wouldn't this make Arc the Head Councilman?" Kaden huffed, rubbing at his shoulder, "He-"

"-We found him unconscious near the cargo bay." Alister interrupted him, "He was inconsolable. Turns out his son followed him there, but...well, we haven't found a trace....yet." his ears lowered, "It...doesn't look good."

Kaden cursed under his breath...

How many did they lose? How many had to die?

"Oh...Arc is-'' Phoebe choked up, not even able to finish her sentence. Alister nodded his head silently as he watched the news sink in.

He ended up bidding a quick farewell, however, when Mags approached. The watery glare he was sent by the burgundy-furred Lombax was enough to make him want to leave. Besides, he just knew he didn't want to be caught in the emotional encounter that was about to happen. He had other things to do.

Once he left, Mags stood in front of the husband and wife silently, a shoddy box in his arms. Kaden has no idea where his friend got it, but he wasn't about to question any further. The flaps were shut, but Kaden could already guess what was in it. He didn't want to even look.

"I got it....w-well, I g-got him." Mags stuttered out, unwilling to set the box aside for the time being. Instead, Kaden grunted as he slid to the side and let Mags sit down next to him. It was at that moment Kaden noted his friend's hastily covered injuries. He scrunched up his nose in disgust as the scent of blood hit his nose.

"You need to go get that wrapped again." he lightly scolded Mags. However, this wasn't what his friend wanted to hear. Mags shook his head instead, and shot a half-hearted glare his way, "Not now." he said firmly, "Just...sit."

Kaden looked over to his wife, who was just turned the other way. Looks like she didn't want to acknowledge the box either.

"Mags..." Kaden said softly, trying to keep the pain out of his voice, "Thank you."

"I-I..." Mags shook his head, "It's the least I-I could d-do for him, y'know?" he swallowed thickly, sliding the box off his lap and getting up a second later. He dusted himself off and looked away just as quickly. Kaden looked up at him as the silence went on.

"Mags?"

"I-I'll see you later, Kade." His friend said, "I-I need some time alone."

With a heavy heart, Kaden watched him go. There was nothing else that could be said or done for Mags, he knew that. And by looking down at the box next to him now...he was reminded of how hard it must have been for Mags to have carried it.

"He'll be okay, Kaden." Phoebe sniffled, nudging his shoulder, "We...we're all going to need time."

"Yeah..." Kaden placed a hand on top of the box. "Time."

He tapped his hand on it once, and then twice before a lone tear cascaded down his cheek and landed right on his lap. There was nothing that could be done. Nothing more.

Now...all they could do was sit and wait.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

*whistles* whoa...so that happened...I hope you all had some tissues handy if you needed them 😅

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it! Sorry again about this chapter being so delayed. One thing after another kept coming up so I didn't have much time. Also...writing war/fight scenes takes a lot of effort, at least for me! Hah! So I hope it came out decent at least...

Now, I won't make any promises BUT I am planning on wrapping everything up here by the end of the year. Now that these huge scenes have ended, the next chapters can (hopefully) focus on some nice rest/healing and fluffy stuff (plans are already put in place for the next chapters, so they shouldn't take long to finish!). Therefore, I am not planning on dragging this out much longer. While it is a bit bittersweet to think about, it is also exciting to finally close my first story up!

Sorry for any mistakes here! I'll come back later and fix em' up!

See you next chapter, everyone! ❤