Once In A Memory [ A Ratchet And Clank Fanfiction ]

[12] Moving Forward

Sorry it took a while! chapters may be a bit slower for the coming days as I prepare to start college again, but soon pick up after that, so I will be sure to get some writing in when I am free! I will continue to keep you all updated on my conversations page about any progress or hang-ups!

I really hope you all enjoy this chapter!

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[Ratchet]

It was quiet the next day.

Ratchet slept longer than usual, only dragging himself out of bed when he really needed to get up. He went to brush his teeth lazily before staring at himself in the mirror. He found himself looking at every stripe, every detail. He looked at the way his mouth was set, an obvious frown that seemed to drain out all the potential cheerfulness that was usually present. His fur looked pale, as if he was getting sick. His ears were downcast and shaky. All in all, he looked depressed.

He stared into his own eyes in the mirror.

Exactly how much of him was left after the whole incident that got him here in the first place?

Who was he really....?

Was he even himself....?

He sighed sadly. Perhaps he would never know at this point. There was nothing to go after. No family or friends to find that will welcome him with open arms and say 'Hey! We missed you!' and give him a hug and reassure him that he was finally home.

But the universe seemed to like pulling a rug out from underneath his feet most of the time. If he was honest with himself, he already assumed that he had no one out there to begin with, considering that no one came to claim him in the first place. But learning that his assumption was correct?

It really hurt...

He leaned down to splash his face with cold water before drying it off with a towel, heading downstairs quietly. The house was quiet, a small silver plate wrapped in plastic laid upon the countertop and Kaden and Phoebe were nowhere to be seen. Maybe they were both working? Even so, Ratchet couldn't find it in himself to care about anything today, it didn't matter. He was coping with this new information that he received that could shatter all his hopes of having a real family...

It would be tough to get over.

He slowly swallowed his food, staring down at the plate in thought. Maybe he should-

*Knock*Knock*

His right ear perked up as he heard the sound coming from the front door. He grunted, dropping his fork before he started walking towards the door. He started reminding himself that it was probably a bad idea to answer the door when he didn't know who was behind it and-

Oh look he was opening it anyways-

He paused when he saw who was on the other side. A small, sad smile on his face.

"Hello Alister, I don't know where Kaden and Phoebe are but...you want to come in?" He asked awkwardly. Alister nodded, "Good morning Ratchet. Kaden and Phoebe must be around-" he stepped inside, "-you just woke up?"

"Not too long ago...I kind of missed breakfast."

Alister hummed, pulling out his communicator. "Kaden is just finishing up in the garage. How about you go and finish breakfast while I talk with him, hm?"

Ratchet raised a brow but said nothing. He walked away as Alister set his Omniwrench by the door. The conversation felt a bit off, but he shook his head. Maybe he was just being weird after that whole situation he went through. He went back to eating quietly, watching as Kaden exited the garage, not seeing him at the table until he was about to exit the kitchen. The man's eyes widened,