My exroommate came by to do laundry, so I seized the opportunity to squeeze in a chapter or two. Enjoy!
Chapter VI
Telther rushed into Ellyra's chambers, a gleeful look on his pale face. "Telther! I've told you not to barge in here like that!" Ellyra snapped, having jumped in panic as Telther banged open the door. "Forgive the intrusion, Empress Tachyon" Said Telther, with a slight bow. "But I have just received word that the traitor, Soara, and Clank have just been decimated." Ratchet, who was still chained against the wall, shot his ears upward at the sound of the terrifying news, in an attempt to hear better. Ellyra grinned at Telther. "You are sure of this?" She asked. Telther nodded. "Yes ma'am." He said. "Our scouts witnessed a quite brutal attack on them by the were-sheep. Very bloody. Apparently they put up a good fight, but were over-powered in the end." Ellyra's smiled widened triumphantly. "Thank you, Telther for the good news." She said. "You may go now." Tether gave another bow before turning to leave. Ellyra turned to Ratchet, her smile widening still. "You hear that, Lombax?" She said to him. "Your friends failed to rescue you before they even made it to my front door!" Se gave a harsh laugh before turning to follow Telther out of the room. "But do not worry." She added. "You will be seeing them again very soon." Ratchet shut his eyes tightly to hold back his tears. Clank. How could he go on without him? Ellyra might as ell kill Ratchet, for life would not be worth living without his best friend. And Soara. It was because of Ratchet that she had been targeted by Echelon in the first place. If it wasn't for him, she would still be alive. He felt that this was all his fault.
Soara's head was pounding. Every inch of skin was burning. As she regained consciousness, she noticed she was laying on something soft, and comfortable. Her head was bandaged, along with the deeper wounds, and she could feel the stinging sensation from medicine hard at work. She opened her eyes. It was dark, except for the flicker of a fire dancing around her. She was inside someone home. She was laying on a brown couch. Next to the couch was a coffee table which held the medicine and left over bandages used. Also, it had all of Soara's gear, her sword, and blaster. Over by the fire, Soara noticed someone busily adding logs to keep it burning, and hadn't even noticed that she had awakened. Soara stared at the robot for a moment, unsure if he was an ally, or if he worked for Echelon. She then quietly reached for her sword, and crept off of the couch. Unheard by the farmer, Soara snuck up behind him, wrapped her free arm around his waist, taking care to hold down his arms as well, and put her sword to his throat. The farmer, though surprised by the sudden attack, kept as still as possible, so as not to let the sword slit his throat. "Okay, let's just take it easy." He said. "Who are you?!" Soara hissed at him. "Where have you taken me?!"
"Calm down!" Said the farmer, trying not to panic. "I am a friend. I've taken you to my home to tend your wounds." Soara tightened her grip on the sword. "I had a little robot with me." She continued. "WHERE IS HE?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH CLANK?!"
"I am here, Soara." Came a quiet voice from behind. Soara turned to see Clank had just entered to room. He had many scratches on him, but other than that, looked perfectly fine. "It is okay, Soara." He continued. "This is Rade, he had saved us." Soara thought for a moment, then let Rade go, who massaged his neck. "Sorry." She said truthfully. "After everything we've been through, I had to make sure."
"Quite understandable." Said Raid. "Clank here has already told me everything." Soara blinked, surprised. "Everything?" She repeated. Rade nodded. "The one who took your friend is the daughter of the late emperor of the Polaris Galaxy, Ellyra Tachyon. We were ordered to report when the two of you made it here to Dayni." Soara glared at Rade. "So, you work for Tachyon?" She said, folding her arms. "Not at all." Rade answered. "She came here expecting order, but we Dayni farmers want nothing to do with her tyranny. I sent in word that the were sheep had killed you. They will no longer be looking for you." Soara stared at Rade for a moment, still unsure. "So does that mean you will help us find Ratchet?" Clank asked hopefully. "This isn't my fight." Said Rade. "We do not want to get involved in this." Soara gave a harsh laugh. "Well, it's a little late for that, don't you think?" She said. "You kind of got yourself involved when you saved Clank and I, and gave Tachyon false information in our favor." Rade sighed, looking away. "You know where Ratchet is, don't you?" Said Soara. There was a pause, then Rade nodded. "Very well." Said Clank. "Here is what I am proposing. You take us to where they are holding Ratchet, and in return, we will rid your planet of Tachyon and her forces." Soara smiled at Clank, pleased by his plan. "Sounds like a fair compromise to me." She said. "What say you, Rade?" Rade said nothing for a moment, obviously thinking hard about Clank's offer. "I- I suppose." He said finally. "I can lead you to Tachyon's base. It's just over the mountain. But, we'll have to wait until morning. As you are undoubtedly aware by now, it is unsafe to journey out after nightfall." Soara and Clank both nodded. "You are both welcome to stay here the night." Rade continued. "Once it's daybreak, I'll take you there. You should both get some rest."
"Thank you, Rade." Said Clank, as Rade made to leave the room.
The fire continued to flicker around the room. For a moment, Soara just listened to the sound of the flame crackling peacefully in the fireplace. "This is it, Clank." She said after a long pause. "With any amount of luck, by this time tomorrow, this will all be over, and we will finally be back with Ratchet."
"I hope you are right, Soara." Clank said gloomily. "We should probably get some sleep."
"I don't know if I can." Said Soara. "My mind is racing to fast. Too much is at stake."
"I understand. But we will both need our strength, otherwise, we will fail." Soara sighed. She was exhausted. But was also afraid, though she hated to admit it. "I- I guess I'll try." She said at last. "You too, Clank." Clank nodded. Soara set her sword back on the table, before laying down on the couch. Clank sat down at the foot of the couch, and powered down, the lights in his eyes shutting off. Soara stared at the ceiling for a while. Tomorrow, she would have to face Telther for the first time She was sure that he would want revenge both for leaving to join with the enemy, and for the deaths for her old teammates. She was also worried that they may already be too late. That Ratchet may already be dead. She tried not to think too much about that. Instead Soara envisioned Tachyon's and Telther's defeat, she celebrating with Ratchet, and Clank, and Talwyn finally accepting her. With these thought in her mind. Soara was finally able to drift off to sleep.