Once In A Memory [ A Ratchet And Clank Fanfiction ]

[28] Familiar Faces -Part I-

Hey everyone! Sorry for the wait again! But here it is...

*This chapter does not have much action but it is still important to the whole story so I would recommend reading it thoroughly..* 

ALSO : You are going to be seeing familiar faces this chapter. BUT, just remember, this is still an alternate dimension so while familiar characters are mentioned, they are not the usual characters that we know!

Enjoy!

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[Arthur]

He was silent after taking off into the stars.

Arthur managed to pilot the ship well, making sure to be careful and avoid any space rocks they encountered. His goal was to get both of them as far away from the planet as they could. The Council wouldn't let Ratchet go that easily, and once they found out that Arthur helped him escape? They would want his head as well, no doubt about it.

If it wasn't obvious enough, he didn't think this through.

Yeah, they succeeded in helping Ratchet escape, but what did that mean for him? He couldn't just go back, could he? He would most likely be imprisoned...or worse.

In the end, he did this for his little brother. That, and he wanted to make up for all the mistakes he has made.

But...was this all worth his life? Probably not. Ratchet was still like a stranger to him and their conversations in the past were less than kind and filled with suspicion. It's not like he meant it. He was protecting his brother and Ratchet picked up on his odd behavior.

But now, in the moment of stunned silence, Arthur wanted to hear the younger boy actually talk to him. He wanted an actual, genuine conversation. Anything to fill the cold atmosphere around them.

Maybe he should start...

"Are you...alright back there?" He hesitantly asked Ratchet, who had his arms crossed in the back seat. He didn't respond right away, rather, he shifted himself and straightened his back, blinking tiredly, "Just peachy." He responded curtly, "I still don't know why I'm here."

Arthur groaned in frustration, turning on auto-pilot and swiveling his pilot seat to face the boy, "Look, you're here because we all wanted to keep you safe! Stop being ungrateful!"

"I'm not ungrateful, you asshole! I just...why did people have to get hurt for me!?" he spat, "There was no reason for anyone to risk their life for me. Like...I don't even know if anyone is okay! What if they imprisoned Oliver? Phoebe? What if Kaden is dead because of me!?"

"I doubt that The Council would go to such lengths. People would find it suspicious and there is no excuse The Council could make if they all went missing."

"But...Kaden?"

Arthur frowned, "I am not going to lie to you, Ratchet." he stated honestly, "I don't know. Neither of us do. All we can do is hope for the best." he watched as Ratchet's ears lowered, "Kaden...he's a strong man. I don't think he would be put down that easily."

Ratchet looked down at the floor, "I guess you're right." he replied meekly, "But...that blast from Alister-"

"Ratchet." Arthur cut him off, "I know you're worried and upset but you gotta focus right now." He turned his seat back around, accessing the ship's navigation, "You're gonna be on your own after this, and I don't know what's in store for you, but you have a long journey ahead. At least, I guess so. With this whole war getting worse by the day, that makes your situation much harder."