Hey Everyone! Squabbit here! Please, please, PLEASE, forgive me for not updating in so long! Like I said, I was really sick and stressed. After I got better, I just didn't have time to update my stories. Believe it or not, this was just finished the other night. sighs I'm falling behind schedule! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I had a really hard time writing it because I had a lot of stuff to add in. Sorry if it starts getting cruddy. I'm not too satisfied with how this chapter flows. It sounds WAY to forced for my liking. Anyhow, this chapter may leave tons of questions unanswered. I finally began adding more to the plot so sorry if you are confused a bit. If you have a question, don't be scared to ask! hugs all reviewers I love you guys!
Sanctus Sanguis: I COULD! OH YES I DID! NO! YOU'RE YELLING ONLY ANNOYS ME! Haha. Just playing around. Your first question should be answered in this chappie. :P Enjoy. Um… I loved your idea about Captain Quark! It made me laugh so hard! hugs Thanks! You're a doll!
Lunatic Pandora1: Oh, you sound almost disappointed… glare Fine! Be that way! I see the way you are! You hate me! sobs and turns away I still lurve you though…
Darkside: Thanks for the review dude! Are you psychic? I swear you're psychic…
Hellmouth2: DUDE! I absolutely love your reviews. Your reviews have always inspired me to write more. They always make me laugh and can make a bad day great! Thank you so much! I hope my long absence hasn't frightened you off! I'll miss you desperately! hugs If you want to use the peanut-butter thing in your fic, be my guest! Sorry, it's probably a little late to tell you this, but if you're still interested, I'd be honored to have a part in any of the writings! Anyhow, the pic idea is an awesome idea! I'll definitely consider including it! Thank you so much for reviewing and I look forward to whatever you have to say next!
ShiroNekoNyao: It's okay if you didn't get a chance to catch up! Sorry so much for the cliff hanger. It was mean of me. ;)
TO EVERYONE WHO REPLIED TO MY UPDATE: I want to give a double-thanks to all those who replied back to me. You all don't know how much your reviews and support mean to me. Thank you and god bless you all!
Keira looked over at Clank and down at Ratchet incredulously. "Is that... But it can't be... Can it?" Keira questioned worriedly. Clank peered down at his friend and shook his head. "Yes! I believe it is him!"
Ratchet's face had been replaced by a young elfin visage. His skin was a few shades darker than a usual elf's with an soft orange-tan shade to it. Ratchet's hair was a light red-blonde color with orange highlights running from the roots and fading into the tips. It was shaggy, but not long, ending just past his ears.
A low moan escaped his lips as they backed away and his eyes opened looking around as if in a daze. They were still a brilliant green. Keira looked back at Clank, confident that this was Ratchet. She placed her hand on his cheek, surprised by it's warmth.
"Ratchet?" she asked gently. His eyes snapped to meet hers. It was definitely him. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly. Ratchet coughed slightly and sat up slowly. A dull ache throbbed through his temples, reminding him of earlier. "How long was I out?" he asked quickly. His voice was hoarse.
Keira looked him over, still not wanting to believe what had happened. "Not very long." she replied. She studied him for a moment.
"Are you feeling yourself?" she asked carefully. He gave her a strange look as he tried to stand up. "What are talking about?" he asked her. She looked to Clank for help.
"Ratchet... Perhaps you should look in a mirror and see for yourself." the robot suggested. Keira stood up and walked quickly into the bathroom. She brought back a small mirror and placed it in Ratchet's hands. He took the mirror uncomfortably and glanced over at the two, wondering what was going on with them.
Tentatively he looked into the mirror. Everything he'd suspected flew out the window as he stared wide-eyed at the elfin reflection looking back at him. The silence was finally broken when the mirror slipped from Ratchet's grasp and shattered on the floor. He hadn't seemed to notice. Instead, his gaze was locked on his hands. He lifted them up and inspected them closely, not wanting to believe what he was seeing.
"What happened to me?" he asked slowly. Keira and Clank exchanged another look and neither replied. "The Oracle!" he exclaimed with growing realization. "The sunrise will bring great change!" he said quietly. Keira looked at him, completely lost. "That statue did this to me!" he said a little louder.
"Ratchet? What on Veldin are you talking about?" Clank asked. The former Lombax quickly recounted last night's events to Keira and Clank.
"That's incredible!" Keira breathed. "Look at you! The Oracle granted you freedom by changing you into an elf!" she said. "But how?" she finally asked. Ratchet didn't look as pleased. "Incredible my ass..." he repeated sarcastically.
They stood in silence a moment before Ratchet finally spoke. "This isn't what I wanted..." he replied slowly. "When he said there was a great sacrifice involved, I didn't know it would mean giving up my body." Ratchet stiffened as Keira placed what she assumed to be a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure you won't regret this." she said gently.
She was wrong. He already did.
He shrugged off her hand and made a move to go into the living room. His steps faltered and he staggered slightly, surprised by the lingering weakness in his muscles. Keira was there in a heartbeat, supporting Ratchet's weight on his left side. She put his arm over her shoulder and helped him forward. If he still had his tail right now, it'd be flicking in annoyance. Why was she trying to be so close? He accepted her help without response, doing it only as not hurt her feelings.
She led him to the couch and moved away, letting him sit down. He relaxed back as she sat next to him. His eyes narrowed slightly at her closer presence, wishing she'd sit elsewhere. He felt uncomfortable around her. Especially since the last night. He scooted away a few inches, choosing to lean on the arm of the couch. Clank sensed his friends discomfort and knowing things hadn't been resolved, he stood a few feet away and looked up at him. They had to talk things out and Clank knew Ratchet would use him as a distraction. Clank tugged at Ratchet's pant-leg.
"Would you like something to drink?" Clank questioned. Ratchet shook his head. "I'll get it myself." he replied. It would give him an excuse to get away from Keira. He stood to get up, but Clank stopped him. "No, Ratchet. You should rest. I'll be right back." He walked out of the room, leaving Ratchet.
Clank shut the door gently behind him, not looking back at the two. Ratchet needed some time to talk with Keira. His discomfort told Clank he had yet to apologize. Clank made it his point to take time in getting the water.
&
Ratchet noted that Clank was taking longer than he should in getting the water. He held back a sigh and let his gaze wander to Keira. His eyes automatically fell on her bruised neck. A feeling of deep shame filled his heart as he quickly averted his stare. Keira had seen him.
Even with his head turned away, he could still feel her watching him. His eyes locked with hers, trying to avoid the mark he'd left on her. He continued to stare into her eyes until she turned from him. He knew what he had to do.
"Keira?" he said softly. She turned towards him, her eyes questioning. "Look, I'm really sorry about...what happened." he trailed off, but Keira knew what he was talking about. She nodded in reply, but didn't say anything. Her silence bothered him and he felt forced to continue. "I shouldn't have... I mean, I..." he trailed off again. What did he mean?
He felt Keira's hand slip into his and he glanced down at their entwined fingers, slightly bewildered. He looked up to meet her gaze. "It's okay." she said smoothly. Ratchet's eyes narrowed. "No it's not." he retorted. "It was completely unacceptable. I never should've taken my anger out on you!"
Keira gave his hand a small squeeze and smiled. "It was partially my fault." she replied. "I shouldn't have pushed you so far..." Ratchet completely disagreed, but was too distracted with her sudden closeness to pay attention. When had she closed the distance? He looked to the kitchen door hopefully and is if on cue, the door budged open and Clank walked in the living room.
Keira scooted away from Ratchet, but to his distaste she didn't move her hand. He cast a dark look at Clank, as if blaming him for his predicament. Clank handed the water to Ratchet, ignoring the look and passed another to Keira. "After this, you should lay down for awhile." Keira suggested.
Ratchet welcomed the idea. He hadn't slept in two nights. Clank nodded also. "I too, need to recharge." Clank replied. Ratchet looked down at Keira's hand and was reminded of his discomfort. He set the water down without a second look and stood up slowly. The expected dizziness didn't come.
"I'll take your advice for once." Ratchet said to Keira. She grinned and stood up with Ratchet, much to his disgust. Before she could say anything, Ratchet took his leave. Thankfully, she didn't try to stop him.
He closed the door behind himself as he entered his room. He unstrapped the wrench from his back and set down his holster. He sank into the bed, not bothering to change at all. There was time enough for that and a good shower later on. As he lay out on the bed, his mind became clouded with thoughts. Most were centered around the Oracle and Keira's seemingly sudden change of behavior. Despite these worries, sleep came quickly to the fretful elf.
Meanwhile with Erol...
Erol stood next to a scrawny scientist, studying the little man's work from behind his shoulder. He found himself staring at a series of labeled drawings and such. Most were of various weapons salvaged over two years ago in the Lombaxian's wreck. The scientist's eager babble confused Erol and he slammed a fist down on the table to silence the man.
"Tell me your findings in ENGLISH, you pathetic waste of time!" he growled angrily. The scientist, known as Elric, looked extremely shaken and continued in a much slower tone. "We've finally found a way to clone and recreate the weapons found in the crash!" he said eagerly. Erol's eyes lit up at this comment.
"Unfortunately, we're having trouble with the ammo." Elric finished in a much quieter tone. Erol's smirk fell and he glared murderously at the scientist. "Trouble?" he repeated icily. Elric's eyes widened in fear and he quickly stammered back a reply. "It's not impossible, of course!" he squeaked. "But it may be a while before we find a success!"
Erol's eyes narrowed as he advanced upon the scientist. "How long are we talking here?" he asked. Elric was quick to back away from the enraged elf. "A f-few months at the least!" he stuttered. Erol's hand flew out and grabbed the scientist by the throat, bringing his face a few inches from his. "We don't have that much time..." he drawled out.
He flung the whimpering scientist to the floor and stepped over his shaking body, making sure to kick him as he passed. The scientist curled up in a defensive ball, but said no more as Erol stormed out of the room.
There it is everyone! Sorry again for the long absence. (yeah, I know you're all tired of my excuses!) I'll update within two weeks! That's a promise!