Clank: Umbris


Everyone sat in silence, as their ship flew through the void of space. Ratchet would periodically look to Summer, her gaze into the void. It was clear that unlocking Qwark's Aura seemed to trouble her greatly.

"Is...everything alright?"

Summer sighed, "I'm just wondering if I'm doing the right thing."

"Look, Qwark might be a bit more…egotistical, but at least his heart is in the right place."

"Yes. However, I'm worried about two things. One, he lets the new power go to his head. I mean, think about how easily we can clear enemies. Now imagine someone like Qwark, who's almost twice as big as me, and just as fast."

"Yeah, that would be a problem."

"The other is that he starts unlocking other people's Auras."

"Yeah, that would be worser."

"Worser isn't a word, Ratchet," Clank corrected, "It would just be worse. But, how would Qwark unlocking other people's Auras be bad?"

"Imagine how out of control it could get. If a Blarg got it, and then they gave it to every Blarg…"

Clank blinked, "Okay, I can start to see the problem. We have issues with Chairman Drek as is. If every one of his people had an extra shield, and a random power, it would be catastrophic."

Their words didn't dissuade Summer's anxiety, even as they approached the darkened world of Umbris. The Info-Bot Qwark gave them also gave them clearance to land, so they didn't need to worry about any planetary defenses around his base. Landing, Ratchet opened the cockpit, and began to step out, when he noticed that Summer wasn't moving.

"Mom?"

"I'll be fine here, Ratchet. Besides, this obstacle course was meant for you, not me."

"But-" Ratchet stopped himself. He really didn't want to leave his mom alone, not with all the self doubt she was having. But, it was clear that she wasn't going to budge. "Alright."

As the two stepped out, leaving Summer in the ship, Clank turned to Ratchet.

"Is…is Mrs. Rose going to be alright?"

"I hope so. She used to do this a few times back on Veldin, in the early years of raising me. It wasn't this bad in years, though," Ratchet looked to the horizon solemnly, "If Qwark offers to make me a Captain, I'm going to refuse."

Clank looked both horrified and shocked. "Why would you refuse? It's a chance to fight against Drek, and save the galaxy."

"You don't need to be a Captain to be a hero, and most certainly don't need it to save lives. How many people have we saved just by searching for this guy?"

Clank contemplated, "I would say a few. But, with Qwark, even more can be saved."

"And, if Qwark is as much of a hero as you claim to be, he should be able to accept our help without making me a Captain."

Speaking of which, a helicopter flew over the base, nearing them.

"Welcome to my challenge course," Qwark declared into a megaphone, "Now is your chance to prove yourself strong and brave, like me, heh-heh. Conquer it and you'll join in my fight against evil."

Ratchet rolled his eyes, "Haven't we done enough already?!"

"What? I can't hear you?"

"I said," Ratchet cupped his hands, "Haven't!...We!...Done!..."

"Sorry, still having trouble. Tell me later."

Ratchet's face turned incredulous. "Seriously!"

"WHAT?!"

Ratchet groaned, "Nevermind. Come on Clank. Let's get going."

Swingshotting over to the island, Ratchet would begin the course. His first obstacle came in the form of an automatic turret, sweeping the area in a continuous fire suppression. An easy challenge, of course. Next were the homing mines, they patrolled the area. As he got close, spikes grew out of them, and charged towards him. Requipping his blaster, they went down just as easily. As he crossed the bridge, the next defense was, arguably, a little intimidating. It was a pair of fast spinning turrets, but, rather than shoot bullets, they fired dozens of small explosives. Ratchet kept his distance, disposing of them with ease.

As Ratchet continued through the obstacle course, Clank couldn't help but think on Ratchet's words. He didn't seek glory, not in the normal sense. He did want to participate in the Hoverboard race for fun, after all. But he never did it because he wanted to be seen as a hero. He did it…because it's what his mother would do. He's done all of this…to help Summer get back home.

"Ratchet…" Clank states as Ratchet just cleared a barbed wire maze, which was being suppressed by another turret.

"Yeah, buddy."

"You said you had sisters?"

"Yeah, Ruby and Yang. Never met them, though."

"What do you plan to do once you find this Remnant?"

"Now that's the million bolt question…Honestly, I'd think of just hanging back, let mom reunite with her family, spend a few days as she explains where she's been. Then, if she's ready, she can introduce me. Don't expect it to be pleasant, though."

"Oh?"

"While out of her control, she did raise me for all these years. Wouldn't surprise me if my sisters hate my guts."


"Oh, the naivety." Yang dramatically exclaimed.

"Good to know that Ratchet has the same mindset as your mother."

"Yep, definitely raised by her, Weiss."


"And you're…alright with that?"

Ratchet stepped on the last pressure pad, opening the doorway into Qwark's fortress.

"Well, it's not ideal. I'd very much like to meet my extended family, enjoying bonding and all of that. But I'm not dumb enough to think it'll be all sunshine and rainbows. I'll just be glad to get her home."

The two continued into the fortress, using the Hydrodisplacer to drain and fill various pools, killing Sharkigators along the way. Several of them even had the timed pressure pads. Clearly Qwark was testing them on their speed and resourcefulness.

Or trying to kill them. Honestly, you can never know with celebrities. Eventually, they neared what they believed to be the heart of the station. Captain Qwark stood on a circular platform, smiling with pride.

"Well, well." Captain Qwark commended.


"Did anyone else notice the tone shift?"

"Glad I wasn't the only one, Miss Rose."

Clank sighed, "Yes. If only I noticed."

Blake narrowed her eyes. She had a good idea what's about to happen. She didn't voice it on the off chance she was wrong.


"You two continue to surprise me," Quark stepped onto another floating platform, being raised slightly above the duo, "Step into the ring, and you will get the reward you deserve for all your hard work."

Clank was already on the platform, looking excited, while Ratchet simply stood, crossing his arms.

"Look, Qwark, I appreciate what you're doing, but if you intend to make me a Captain, then-"

"Ratchet," Clank declared, "I understand your reservations. However, this is merely symbolic. We've reached our goals. The least you can do is this one last thing."

Qwark's smile curved, "Listen to your little metal friend, Ratchet. Your destiny is mere steps away."

Ratchet grimaces. "It's not that I don't want to. Sure, becoming a Captain would let me help people more easily. But, right now, I just want to stop Drek, then help my mom-"

"Ah, yes," Qwark interrupted, "Her. I shouldn't be surprised. I was afraid of this. Her influence on you has tainted your judgment."


"What did he say?!" Yang's eyes turned red.


Ratchet did a double take, before frowning deeply. "What did you say?"

"I warned Summer this would happen. Despite everything happening, you put your selfishness before the rest of the galaxy. What's one woman compared to hundreds of worlds, eh? Such a shame. That woman has been nothing but a parasite to you."

Ratchet snarled, stepping forward, "Listen here, you son of a-!"

Ratchet, at the same time he noticed the device in Qwark's hand, said man pressed the button, and the platform opened up, dropping the duo into a large area, filled with lava. Ratchet crashed to the ground, while Clank hovered down in helicopter mode, landing on Ratchet's chest.


Ruby and Yang were in disbelief, Weiss was mildly shocked, while Oobleck and Blake were unfazed.

"It seems," Oobleck adjusted his glasses, "That this 'Captain' isn't as heroic as he makes himself out to be."

"But, why?" Ruby yells.


"Gah," Ratchet shoved the robot, "Get offa me, you idiot!"

The platform Qwark was on lowered, the man laughing at the duo's fate.

"I love it when a plan comes together."

Clank was confused, "What do you mean?"

Ratchet glared at the robot. "What do you think he means, genius? He's not going to help us. He's going to kill us! Probably doesn't want anyone else sharing the glory of defeating Drek."

Qwark points to Ratchet, "You catch on quick. Although, there are two problems with your hypothesis. I'm not going to kill you."

Ratchet was now confused. "You're not?"

"No," Qwark subtly looks to the left (Ratchet's right), revealing a giant Blargian Snagglebeast, "He is!"

"But…" Clank pleaded, "Why?"

"'But why?'," Qwark mocked, "That's the second problem with Ratchet's hypothesis. And it's not that hard to decipher, even. I'm the official spokesman for Drek's new planet. I can't have you two getting in the way of my comeback. Especially after the hell your mother put me through. Can you imagine: I'm in my office, preparing for my next tour, when Helga comes in, and makes me spend over a WEEK getting myself back into shape! All because of that wretched mother of yours."

Ratchet Requipped his wrench, "You're going to pay for insulting my mother, Qwark, along with the rest of what you did. This is far from over."

"True…" Qwark pressed a button, releasing the chains on the Snagglebeast, "But it will be soon."

Quark laughed as his platform began to rise, only for a bolt to pass right by his head.

"Whoa!?" Qwark then saw that Ratchet was holding his Blaster, and firing at him.

"Gah?!" Qwark cried out, making his platform move faster to run away.


"That no good," Ruby roared, "Rotten, two-faced, son of a-" Ruby restrained herself, "JERK!"

"Ruby, dad's not here, and I wouldn't rat on you if you said anything."

"I can't believe it," Blake added, "I expected Qwark would betray them, but I believed it was for the reason Ratchet guessed. But, no, he just want's the praise of being a celebrity."

Weiss nodded, "Mr. Clank, I can assure you, Pyrrha is nothing like that. Frankly, she'd rather her celebrity status is completely forgotten."

"And I have no reason to disbelieve you, Miss Schnee. I was naive, thinking that all heroes were the same. It was only just before this encounter that I started to have my doubts on that."


"Ratchet," Clank exclaimed, "I know that you're angry, but right now we have bigger problems…Literally!"

The Snagglebeast stomped, sending several shockwaves in their direction.

"Clank, boost me!"

Ratchet flew into the air, dodging the waves. Then, the headpiece on the beast began to glow.

"Oh, crap."

A lazer beam fired, sending a line through the ground. Ratchet dodged at the last second, but found the second danger: the beam cut through the ground, and into the lava. The subsequent heat vented through the hole, producing a permanent danger. Ratchet tossed out every bomb and mini-bot he had left, damaging the creature. However, a shield soon formed. Firing several shots with his blaster, they unfortunately bounced right off. Ratchet Requipped the RYNO, and-

"Ratchet, I have a suggestion."

"Clank, your plans haven't gotten us anywhere, so-"

"If we lure the Snagglebeast onto the bridges connecting the island, the excess weight will cause it to fall into the lava. This might break it's shield."

"I take it back, first good idea you've had."

Ratchet began to run, switching back to his Blaster as the Snagglebeast pursued closely behind him. As he crossed the bridge, he could feel the straining metal as the beast got on. As it reached halfway, the bridge snapped, causing it to fall into the lava. The shield was instantly overcharged, and broke, causing the lower half to be severely burned. However, the creature, after some effort, jumped up.

"Crap." Ratchet cursed, "Thought that might work."

Once again, Ratchet continued his battle with the beast. However, as they continued, the cracks in the ground caused by the helmet laser was making movement for him more and more difficult.

When he came down to just his Blaster, the shield went up once again.

"Second verse, same as the first." Ratchet commented, running for the nearest bridge. Once again, the Snagglebeast ran after, onto the bridge, and breaking into the lava. However, this time, it seemed to struggle for a bit before finally jumping out.

"Ratchet, I theorize that one more attempt should be enough to destroy the creature."

"Hope you're right, Clank," Ratchet Requipped the RYNO, "Because I'm almost out of bullets."

As the beast turned, Ratchet fired every missile he had left at it. Even when the shield came up, he continued firing, the force of the rockets causing it to take a step back.

"Okay, big guy," Ratchet muttered, "Come walk to your death."

The Snagglebeast roared, and it didn't walk, it ran.

"Crap, maybe shouldn't have taunted it!"

"I concur!"

Ratchet ran onto the last bridge, with the creature right on his heels. He could practically feel its breath!

"Ratchet, JUMP!"

At Clank's words, Ratchet jumped as high as he could, barely dodging the grab from the Snagglebeast. At the same time, the bridge broke, and Ratchet barely landed on solid ground. He quickly crawled backwards, watching as the Snagglebeast struggled, but was too weak from the constant attacks. With a painful roar, it sank beneath the lava.

Ratchet breathed heavily. "That…tha…WWOOOO, I need a minute."


"Completely understandable," Oobleck commented, "Such a harrowing ordeal would've been challenging for any of us. Why, I'd make the comparison of taking on a Goliath alone would be sufficient."

"I'm just going to assume that's a giant Grimm."

Weiss spoke up, "You'd be correct."


"While I do not experience it, I am very familiar with the organic concept known as 'an adrenaline rush', and I fully sympathize with it."

"Yeah…whatever."

"UPDATE." a booming, automated voice declared, "SNAGGLEBEAST NO LONGER IN CONTAINMENT, ALERTING QWARK AND OPENING DOORS."

On the opposite end of the area, a large door opened, with something standing in the middle. Due to the fire still burning through the cracks, they couldn't see what it was.

"Crap," Ratchet muttered, "Looks like Qwark knows we survived. Better hurry, before he comes back."

"Ratchet…I wanted to apologize."

"For what?"

"For leading us into this trap. I didn't know that-"

"Forget about it."

"What?"

"Look, am I angry at you? Yes. I knew that something wasn't right with Qwark, and that you were simply being a fanboy. However, even I didn't think that he'd be working for Drek. So I won't say 'I told you so'."

After doing a series of jumps over the cracks of fire, they reached the doorway, revealing the person to be an Info-Bot.

"Hmm, I wonder what that Info-Bot's for?"

The Info-Bot played, revealing a distress signal from Batalia. It seems that Drek's forces were assaulting the planet, and the only commanding officer was holding the line alone, as the rest of his forces went AWOL.

"Those are Drek's ships destroying that planet," Clank exclaimed, "We must help that Commando."

"Well," Ratchet nodded, "We don't have a lead on Qwark, so it's the only thing we can do."

Ratchet began walking into the room, filled with dropships, as well as one of Qwark's emergency shuttles.

"Hey, do you think that ship will have Qwark's coordinates?"

"Hmm, perhaps. What was it used for?"

"He's too big for it, so it's mainly for fans he invited on tours…Okay, saying it out loud, would seem kinda dumb if there were any information on Drek in it."

"While true, it wouldn't hurt to…" Clank's eyes turned the open hanger door.

"Clank? Hey, buddy, what's wrong?"

"Ratchet!" Clank cried out in terror. Ratchet turned…

Just in time to see his ship smash into the hanger, destroying the dropships. The shockwave sent the two flying back a couple feet. Ratchet got up, seeing the wrecked ship…and Summer's arm leaning out the now broken cockpit.

"MOM!" Ratchet screamed as he started to run to the ship.


Everyone was stunned, while the two sisters were horrified.

"What the fuck happened?!" Yang roared, hair on fire and eyes blood red.


Author's Notes: Ah, cliffhangers. The sweetness and sour taste of it is tantalizing.

As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.