Disclaimer: I don't own R&C and/or anything that resides with Insomniac Games. Only the story.

It's been eight whole months since the Nether incident with Vendra and her twin brother, Nefin. Ratchet finally decided to take a break from duties and primary responsibilities. Honestly, one long vacation would not hurt. Our favorite lombax was enduring some of the events he and Clank had while trying to stop the "Space Witch"; Nefin was the closest person she had considered as family. He knew how devastated she was when the giant Nether, or "Mr. Eye" has only been using her as its own gain. He felt the sadness...loneliness...the betrayal that filled Vendra that day. Ratchet thought of the similarities that relate to this. He only had Clank: his best friend, companion and more likely a brother to the lombax. After meeting Azimuth and encountering that side of him as well, there's no way Ratchet could ever forget that. Trying to set aside his past, our lombax was traveling inside a well fortified prison located in Blackwater City of the Solana galaxy. He finally reached to a cell, revealing a figure he thought he wouldn't thought of coming cross again.

"Why, hello there, Ratchet. Long time no see." The figure cooed, walking towards the entrance of the fortified barrier/cell."

"Eh, hasn't really been that long, Vendra." Ratchet responded.

"It's...been...another...six months..." Her eyes twitched as she stated. Remembering how long ago it was when she was in cryosleep before the Nether invasion.

Ratchet giggled a bit.

"What's so funny, rodent?"

The lombax then looked at her. "Six months? Vendra, it's been thirteen months since you were locked up in this place." Ratchet corrected. Vendra growled at that statement. Crap, has it really been thirteen months!? Slowly, she calmed herself before looking back at Ratchet with a small smile.

"So...what brings you here to my "home"? I assure you are wasting your breath and my privacy." Ratchet smiled back slightly, making it unnoticeable.

"I bear some good news." Vendra rose an eyebrow. What 'good' can be brought upon her soul? Honestly just put me to sleep already. The Nether had chills run down her spine. Finally coming back to her senses, she replied...

"And that is...?"

"I'm releasing you from your prison." Ratchet answered. Unlocking and deactivating the defense mechanism to release her from captivity. The shocked Vendra looked at him...

"Is this a trick you're playing, lombax?" She asked, picking herself up and trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

"No. No tricks, but there is a slight catch." Vendra rose an eyebrow, but is very curious about what he is pulling.

"Catch?" Stepping a bit closer so she's eye level with him from the cell. All of a sudden, Ratchet slid a small box in her cell. Curious on what it was, she grabbed it without any sort of hesitation.

"It's a flux collar. It's one of Megacorp's latest devices. Since you'll be the first to..." Vendra gave him a harsh scowl, making him jump back a bit.

"So I'll be the lab rat for this thing?!" Vendra slowly opened it, revealing the dark velvet colored collar having an electronic whir. It began to have a dim glow due to it's exposure in the barely lit room.

"Technically no. If you were the actual test dummy, you'd probably be dead or worse. Listen, if you don't want to take my offer, I'll be more than obliged to give this to someone else." Vendra growled lightly for a bit. She definitely does not want to stay in this fucking hellhole. It's putrid and disgusting. Bad enough the facility is a few miles from the main sewer lines, let alone the fights she tried avoiding because she will rip the inmates into shreds.

"What's the specifications of this collar? I assume one of them is a self-destruct mechanism."

Ratchet had a concerned expression. "There was, but it was removed for safety reasons. The radius from the explosion would be enough to wipe a quarter of this city."

Vendra's eyes widened. "Overkill much?"

"Yeah. Not worth it at that point unless you're the plague of the galaxy. But anyways, it's more of a tracker and bound limits collar. The farther you're away to the point my tracker can't trace you, there will be a shock and a temporary incapacitation" Ratchet informed.

"Huh...I see." The Nether grabbed the collar from its box and took a deep sigh. "So this is more of a probationary process?"

"Yes. So as of now, your sentence is supposed to be another twenty-eight years. And according to your 'good' behavior, you were one of the few to be selected for this. As a result, I spoke with President (Sasha) Phyronix a few days ago and she agreed to have your sentence reduced or even deducted away if you don't break any major boundaries." Ratchet exclaimed. Vendra couldn't believe what was really happening.

"How would I know if you're telling the truth?"

"If I wasn't..." He started off while taking out a holopad. Displaying Sasha's signature of Vendra's probation. "I wouldn't be showing you this. Nor I'd be here. This place makes my fur reek of despair and death. Vendra finally thought about and came to conclusion with her choice.

"Alright. I'll go." She answered while placing the collar on her neck. Locking in place and adjusting itself to make it comfortable for breathe and move her neck around freely.

"Sounds good!" The lombax walked her out of the dreadful prison. Both hearing the other inmates growing and yelling. Then out of nowhere in the blue, a random hand came out of one the cells and grabbed Vendra's leg.

"Gah!" She looked down and saw them gripping her.

"Where do you think you're goin', Prog?! Leaving us so soon?" The inmate snarled, trying to pull her back, in a swift moment, Ratchet un-holstered his trusty wrench and managed to strike the inmate on the head. Letting go of her leg and scurrying back to its domain.

Vendra's heart raced a little bit. Looking back at Ratchet. "Th-thank you." She stuttered. Both of the two quickly walked out of the prison. For the first time in a year, Vendra finally sees some light and air. "I'd never thought I'd see the outside again." Ratchet chuckled. Vendra looked at him once he laughed. She realized he has grown some height over the thirteen months. The light from the outside made his fur shine out a bit. Vendra couldn't help but stare at him for a bit. "His fur is astonishingly magnificent." She pondered to herself. It's been a good couple of seconds until the lombax took notice of her staring.

"Vendra? Are you okay?" He said while snapping his fingers a few times, thus breaking her trance and having her gather the necessary words to say.

"Dammit, I was thinking!" She pouted, turning her face away from. Blushing slightly.

"Sorry! Geez, you didn't have to get mighty." Vendra calmed down and what caught her attention was a missing three foot tall machine.

"Where's Clank?" She asked out of curiosity. "It's weird to see him not on your back or at least next to you."

"You're not the first to think that." Ratchet started. "He's back in Polaris with your brother."

"My...brother? I...I thought he was here as well." Ratchet shakes his head.

"Nope. For other safety reasons, the boards of Polaris and Solana wanted to separate you two. Knowing what you guys can do. It was best for them to decide." Vendra sighed while rolling her pale green eyes. "Weak degenerate worms, I swear." Muttered under her breath.

A few hours has already flew by without notice and the new duo were traversing their adventure in the clear galaxy of Solona. Vendra was half asleep in the passenger seat of the Aphelion. She snapped to her senses and asked a question she forgot to even mention from the beginning...

"Where...in Qwark's sake...are we going!?" Getting in the lombax's face; not concentrating on her. Making a chuckle.

"You know it's gotten to the point where your anger has made you more cuter than scary, yeah?" Vendra blushed madly and moved away from his face and turned to face away from him. A slight smile appeared across his lips until the answer she sought came out. "First things first: we're going to Metropolis so you can settle in to your new home." Vendra slightly turned her head to see a glimpse of his face? "A...'home'?" She repeated. Vendra and her closest kin never had a home. They never knew what it was like to have that privilege. The amount of abuse and excessive bullying they had received back when they were just toddlers was something they'd never forget. Her hands clenched tightly, trying not get angry about it.

"I don't know what a 'home' is, Ratchet. You don't know what it's like to..." She was cut off by a sigh from the lombax.

"I beg to differ. I used to be an orphan. Just like you, remember? I had no friends. Barely knew who my family was to begin with. Ever since I've met Clank, we've been friends...no. We've been a family together for years and years. He's a brother to me and I'll do anything to make sure he's safe. Just like you and your brother. He loves you so much that he'd put so much lives on the line just to free you from that space prison last year. Granted I'm still upset about what you two have done to my friends, but what's happened can't be mourned on forever." Vendra felt a tear trickle down the corner of her eye. She quickly wiped away. Coming down to her senses.

The Aphelion set down on planet Kerwan, Metropolis. The heart and birthstone of this luxurious city. "Welcome to Metropolis!" Ratchet noted. Vendra crossed her arms while observing the large city. "C'mon, I'll show you around. Grabbing one of her hands and started walking into her building. She started blushing again after his hand connected with hers. This was the first time she held someone's hand (excluding Nefin) and their hands being this soft!

"S-slow down dammit!" Vendra ordered while being dragged into her new living quarters. The two entered a stylish metro styled condo. Best part of it: she had the very top floor. Meaning she has the view of the entire city. Including the beach from afar her eyes gazed upon as the sun was setting towards that direction. "Well, this is amazing..." Scanning the room like it was meant for royalty. Actually, this is the first time she actually have the privilege of living in a place like this.

"Yeah, well it's all yours, m'lady." He assured in a teasing manner, causing her pale skin to turn rosy pink.

"Please stop that." Vendra pleaded softly. Exploring her new foundation. The Nether was still shocked and somewhat happy to live in a luxurious home. Even though it may seem temporary, but can last a helluva lifetime as long as she doesn't fuck up. She curiously stumbled upon her bathroom, and holy Qwark it was mighty damn exhilarating! Soft furred carpet layered out in said haven. So soft that it feels like clouds on a beautiful day on the beach. The shower had showerheads on each of the four corners within the corridor of the tub...which is also friggin huge. Big enough it could probably fit two Nefins in it!. "Oh my..." her jaw dropped slightly. The settings were located on the outside door of the shower before entering in. "Sauna...this thing can be used as a sauna?!" Still scrolling and scrolling like a kid trying to figure out what toy to play with, she finally stopped herself knowing this paradise is temporary...heh heh, for now that is. "Ohhh Ratchet~" Vendra cooed, making the lombax's ears raise slightly as he was organizing a few items for her as she settled in.

"Huh? What's up?" He walked into the bathroom and before him...he spotted Vendra...half naked only wearing a bra and her panties/leggings. "Ah!" He shielded his eyes with swiftness of his tail and hands. "Ven! Put...on...clothes...now!" Vendra giggled and crossed her arms.

"I just want to ask the 'Hero of Solana' a question about this collar! Considering that I cannot take it off due to my limitations; is it waterproof I assume?" Ratchet pondered a second. He would assumed, but haven't docked that feature because, well, it's still a prototype, y'know? Then again, he may have forgotten to mention that little detail. "Hellooooooo? Anyoooooneeee home?" The Nether used her hands to withdraw Ratchet's and his tail, only to display red blushing cheeks. "Awww! Looks like the cat got its own tongue. So I take that as a 'yes', hmm?" Ratchet snapped out of it and quickly left her bathroom and closing the door behind.

Nightfall begins to ascend the metropolitan sky, making the city bloom from within. Ratchet was finished setting up the complex. Vendra was still in the shower surprisingly. It's been a good thirty to forty minutes since the little 'peekaboo' incident. He still can not get the image out of his mind. Vendra has a beautiful body. She has grew some height as well the last time they've encountered with each other. He shakes his head again trying to remove the image out of his head. What really caught him by shock is when he felt a hand grip onto his left shoulder. He jumped quickly and turned around to see the pale green eyed Nether, with only a bra and panties...again.

"Sorry about the delay. It's been so long since I've had a relaxing shower. Shudders a bit after reminiscing about the prison. He yawned a bit and stretched slightly. Vendra made a quick glance at his body as he stretched. Gently biting her lip and again snapping out of it. 'What the fuck...is going on with me?!' Her thoughts were rattling back and forth.

Ratchet looked at her and spoke with utter tiredness. "Now that you're *yawns lightly* situated, I'm going to head off to bed. Your bedroom is two doors down from the bathroom you showered in." He slowly dragged his body to his room and clocked out quickly on his bed. Vendra giggled before heading to her room. Which was also a five-star resort in her midst. The room was at least twice the size of the living room. There was also a view from the ocean from this spot as well.

"He sure does know how a Nether happy. Then again, I never had anything like this. Nor even dreaming something of this." She slowly layed down on her soft bed. The mattress was extremely soft and comfortable. Who wouldn't want to sleep here?! And off to sleep she goes within the next fifteen minutes.

The night slowly passes on, our Nether is tossing and turning in her bed, covered in her blankets, trying to endure her nightmares she's been having on a constant basis. It never stops for her. "N-Nefin!" Vendra cried before jolting up. Breathing heavily and at a swift pace. Few tears streamed down her green eyes as she got up from the bed and leaving her dark room. The complex from within had barely lit lights, which made ease for her to see easily. She stopped next to Ratchet's door. Surprised by this one little detail: he left this door cracked open. Vendra hovered a few inches from ground to avoid making any walking movements or prevent form stepping on anything if that were the case. Vendra drew closer to the lombax's presence and whispered softly to the sleeping furred wonder. "Ratchet!" She nudged him a bit. He didn't move. Nothing but light snores. "Ratchet...wake up!" Raising her voice a bit, making Ratchet turn a bit on the opposite side his body was facing. Pretty much his back is now facing in front of the Nether's view. "Oh for fuck's sake..." Not even trying anymore and being impatient as she is, Vendra grabbed his tail and looked for the right spot. And then...

Ratchet's eyes snapped open as soon he felt a horrible pain traveling through the course of his tail. "OWW! WHAT THE HELL?!" He bolted out of the bed, seeing Vendra on the other side with a little dab of fur in her mouth, spitting it out quickly as possible. His eyes gazed upon the Nether. Slightly angry, but he took quick note on the sad expression she was giving off. "What's the matter?! Are you hurt?!" He started to panic a bit. Vendra giggled and smiled a bit.

"No no no, everything is all right. Well...not necessarily. You see...I don't sleep as much because whenever I do, I always have constant nightmares. It never ceases! I tried to wake you up, but you didn't flinch. Knowing your tail is very high maintenance (sensitive), I've decided to take a necessary precaution." She explained. Ratchet grabbed his tail, taking a quick glance at it before swaying it to make sure it's not broken. Thank God. "I was wondering...if you don't mind..." She trailed off before Ratchet stepped in, knowing what she was going to ask.

"I don't mind at all. This bed is huge already. Sharing wouldn't be so bad. If you think that is best, please make yourself comfortable." He noted. Vendra smiled and without even thinking, she hugged him! Ratchet was shocked by this. One of the most hated, cruel beings in many galaxies was hugging him. It was a very tight grip she had on him, but he couldn't help to hug back. Her skin being delicate and robust in his arms and hands, he patted her back. She got her senses together again and quickly released him.

"I..umm...thank you." She blushed a bit. "I also apologize for gnawing into your tail" Looking down in sorrow. Ratchet giggled.

"It's no biggie. Just try not to snap it next time." He joked. Handing her a spare blanket and pillow, he hopped back onto his bed, slowly drifting away again as if his body had an on/off switch.

Vendra sighed lightly and hovered onto the bed as well. "If only you knew, lombax. Only if you knew." Those were her last thoughts before drifting into sleep next to him.

This concludes the first chapter of this story. I apologize for being away for so long and abandoning most of my fics. There's a lot of personal issues I've been enduring the past half decade or so. Just trying to make it/get through. If you have any ideas, concerns, or just want to send me a PM, don't hesitate to do so. Many thanks!

Later-