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Chapter Three: Crimson Aura.

“So...this is the Forbidden Sands, why exactly is it called that?” Questioned the yellow Lombax as he gazed down below from the cockpit. “Can’t remember maybe a lot of people lost their lives to these deserts.” Crystal opened the cockpit to take a good look ahead, they traveled at a high speed causing the wind to brush quickly passed the Lombaxes. “Crystal be careful I don’t want you falling hundreds of feet into the desert.” Said Ratchet, the Lombax looked over to him.

“Don’t worry I haven’t done this since my father died...Alister.” She said explaining herself to him. “The village is just up ahead we should land away from it, in case they believe we’re raiders.” She informed as she sat back down, the Lombax carefully landed on the rocky hills close to the tribal village. They leaped from the ship and gazed to their surroundings. “Sure is a lot hotter here...” Said Ratchet feeling the heat, Crystal looked over. “Yeah it’s a lot warmer than I remember, well it is a desert after all.” With the translator in hand Ratchet attached it to his belt. “Come on, we better get into the village I don’t want to be in this heat any longer.” Explained Ratchet, she nodded her head.

“I’m sure they’ll have something for you I can see that your struggling to stand against the heat.” The Lombaxes made their way up to the tribe, they heard a voice perhaps their leader having a gathering with the people. “You better turn that device of yours on Ratchet.” Informed Crystal as she looked over them, he did just that. They walked deeper into the village until they reached a circular open area, people were sitting in front of their leader who spoke. There were many children among the adults, Crystal’s heart raced and nervously walked further in.

The leader finally spotted the approaching visitors, he recognized one of them and immediately drew his attention to her. “Is my eye’s deceiving me, has my daughter truly returned?” The white Lombax smiled upon the chief as she stood there, everyone was looking upon her. “Hello father.” She said. “Come here, bring your friend down too.” He said waving his hand, Crystal looked up to Ratchet before they approached the chief. Crystal faced him as he inspected her appearance, the yellow Lombax watched as the people began leaving the area perhaps the meeting was over and didn’t want to disturb the chief’s conversation with his daughter.

“You’ve definitely taken such a beautiful form, what brings you back here? I suspected you got settled down with someone in another dimension.” He asked as he placed his hands on the Lombax’s shoulders. “I did...” She said with a smile and gazed over to the Lombax standing behind her. “...Before you say anything Cade, he is definitely someone who should earn your trust. He’s a hero back home and I’ve pretty much lost count on how times he’s saved my life...” Crystal leaned a little closer to the chief. “...He’s Kaden’s son the one I promised to protect, you knew what would become of me once I left Kaella.” She explained, he looked over to the yellow Lombax and smiled.

“A friend of Electra is a friend of mine, I welcome you to our tribe young Lombax.” Said Cade. “Thanks, we’re looking for someone named Noah. We received information that he was here a long time ago.” Explained Ratchet. “That name seems familiar to me, but I’m afraid there isn’t much to tell you. Many of my people were slaughtered during the first of Elfene’s raids, much was taken including an infant boy and most of our supplies. Since then there have been many raids and we have struggled to survive on short equipment and food supplies, I cannot protect my people forever this I fear.” Informed the chief, the yellow Lombax slowly dropped his ears after listening to Cade’s disturbing story.

“I’m sorry to hear that your in great need of protection and...hope. We really need to find this kid if we are to find our daughter.” Explained Ratchet, Crystal nodded her head as he gazed at him before crossing her arms and glancing over to her father. “Clara, she’s been missing for a few days now and we’re growing rather...distressed. There’s been reports all over the universe, perhaps you’ve had children that have gone missing quite recently?” She asked with concern.

“No child has been reported missing since the first raid. You still bare the gift of the Elementals and pretty much remain the only one in our tribe’s history.” Explained Cade. “I’m not the first with this gift, wasn’t there a Guardian before me?” Asked the curious Lombax. “Kloud, we haven’t seen him in years he shortly disappeared after your birth to hunt down Elfene. His living quarters remained locked but you can check it out for any signs of him, take this key.” Informed Cade as he handed the white Lombax a small black key. “You’ll find the cave not far from my hut, come speak to me again if you find something.”

The Lombaxes then set off to find Kloud’s home the rocky door was pretty visible to the naked eye, Crystal went to place the key into the socket and turned until the clicking noise was heard. She pushed on the door but struggled which was the case since it hadn’t been opened in years. “Ratchet, help me with this.” She said with a gaze, pushing all their strength against the door it slowly began to open. At the last moment it burst open causing the Lombax to stumble but Crystal fell flat to the ground. “Are you alright?” Said Ratchet helping the Lombax back to her feet.

“Yeah, just lost my balance.” She said dusting herself off, the cave was pitch black but Crystal came prepared. She pulled out and ignited a green flare before they continued their journey inside the cave, the place was a mess like someone came to raid or capture him. Soon they came to the far room Crystal stood there as a foul smell hit her senses. “You...smell that Ratchet? It’s almost like death...” She said gazing over to the Lombax as her face cringed with disgust.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this...” He said, Crystal opened the door only to be greeted by the smell of a decomposing corpse. The Lombaxes backed away and covered their faces with the hands trying to block the smell from their senses, they coughed choking on the smell. “At least we know he hasn’t been dead three thousand years...” Said Crystal with a cough. “More like quite recently...” Ratchet covered his nose and mouth with a small fabric and cautiously went inside, Crystal waited until he returned.

With the door almost closed Ratchet returned to the white Lombax, he clutched a blood stained file which the deceased Kloud had carried on his body. “Looks like this Kloud knew something about the boy were looking for, come on I don’t want to remain here any longer we should report his death to your father.” Explained Ratchet, she nodded her head and turned to face the entrance. Suddenly a blue light caught the corner of Ratchet’s eye, he turned his head to face where the light was coming from. An orb of light hovered out of the room where Kloud’s body was resting and was facing the Lombax, was it a soul or a power?

With fast speed it flowed towards the Lombax and entered his body, a painful scream left the Lombax’s lips. With a gasp Crystal heard the Lombax and turned her head. “Ratchet?” She called out, but no answer. She ran back into the room to find the Lombax lying on the floor, his breathing was heavy and his eyes remained closed. “Ratchet! What happened?!” She shouted in deep concern as she keeled to the Lombax, his eyes opened but he couldn’t see anything only a white light he couldn’t find where Crystal was kneeling.

“Something...something went inside of me...” Crystal gazed in slight fear his eyes were bright blue and not as they should be, Ratchet then fell unconscious. “Just hang on I’ll find a way to fix this...please I can’t lose you too!...”

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Electra’s Hut
Twenty-Eight Hours Later...

His eyes slowly opened the Lombax found himself in a brighter room and his gaze fixed upon the ceiling. How did he get here? He stretched his aching body as he was unconscious for some time, his ears flickered to a soft sleeping moan and caused him to gaze across. It was Crystal one of her arms rested upon his chest as she slept close to him, her hair was a mess and looked to be bare. This made the Lombax curious yet confused, Ratchet slowly dragged himself up and looked around the room finding himself in a bedroom perhaps Crystal’s old home.

“Ratchet?...” She said in a tired tone, the Lombax gazed down as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. “W...what happened?” Asked the curious Lombax. “You don’t remember?” She said with a yawn. “Last thing I remember was that thing flowing into my body and then I passed out...did we?...” He said, Crystal grabbed the sheets and kept herself covered as she shifted her body up. “Ratchet, you fell unconscious twenty eight hours ago. You woke up minutes after I brought you out the cave and said you were exhausted from the heat.” She explained, Ratchet rubbed his head puzzled.

“I swear I don’t remember saying that...something must be really wrong with me.” He said looking concerned. “Yeah...and I don’t think it’s fixable now. Your...your a Guardian now that must have been the light that got inside you.” As she spoke the Lombax gazed curiously towards her neck covered in bite marks. “Crystal...did someone savage your neck?” Crystal chuckled before resting her body down. “Yeah...you really have no idea do you? I should have told you when you asked about turning you immortal. Not sure how it works but bites and the blood of an Elemental changes those they choose, well depending what they wish to do to them...”

“Kloud must have saw you and figured out that you married an Elemental, it takes a while for it to sink in your system. Maybe he was trying to complete something...like a prophecy.” Explained Crystal. “Should I be creeping out right now, did power or a soul flow inside me?” Crystal got up again and gazed at the Lombax with concern. “This is exactly what I was talking about Ratchet, this is why I didn’t want to turn you...I knew you would be uncomfortable...it’s a complicated process...” She said gazing down depressingly, Ratchet began to think and then a smile left his lips. “Was it good?” He asked with a gaze. “Excuse me?” She said with a gaze, Ratchet chuckled. “Come on you know what I mean.” Crystal shook her head and smiled. “I’m not going to answer that.” She said looking away blushing. “Well I have to be honest...it’s still pretty hot in here.”

“Your still not adapting?” Asked Crystal, Ratchet leaned in for a kiss. “I was talking about you.” He said with a grin, Crystal giggled. “Ratchet.” They kissed deeply before they were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Are you two alright in there?” Said Cade. “We’re fine father we’ll be out in a few moments.” Said Crystal, they heard the chief walk away from the door. “As much as I want to Ratchet, I think we’ve had a big enough break I’m still very worried about Clara and what is becoming of her.” She said gazing at the Lombax with concern, Ratchet gently grabbed the Lombax’s hands.

“We’re going to find her I promise Crystal, she’ll soon be safe and sound with us.” He said softly before comforting the Lombax with a hug. “We should have been there Ratchet, we should have protected our daughter from her capture.” She said as her heart ached in pain, Ratchet kissed her cheek. “I know.”

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Meanwhile in Rippled Nebula...

Clara cried in agony as her body was electrified, she was strapped to a machine in an unknown room of the facility. She panted heavily as the machine was stopped. “Not electrical like your mother than are you?” Said Elfene as he walked around her. “Your parents aren’t coming and I will keep reminding you until you get the message.” Clara looked up and gazed at Elfene. “What do you want from me, when will you stop torturing me like this just to fulfil your experiments?” She questioned, her body shook weakly.

“Until I find the right child for my project I will continue to torture those I please. That child will kill those I order, ravage any village thinking they can stand against me.” Elfene leaned down to Clara’s level and smiled. “You’ve been here for a long time, is your hope of rescue fading yet? They’re not looking for you Clara, they pretended to love you.” Said Elfene, she shook her head refusing to believe it. “No they would never do that...Ratchet...Crystal...it’s not like them...”

“Believe me child it’s true, your parents are probably conceiving a baby right now to replace the daughter they lost.” He said with an evil grin. “Shut up!” Shouted Clara as tears came from her eyes. ‘Shouldn’t we be looking for Clara?’ The white Lombax looked up hearing her mothers voice, it was coming from the monitor in front of her. ‘She’s a lost cause now Crystal, isn’t much we can do now only move on.’ Said Ratchet, Clara lowered her head and cried in deep depression she then realized they were never coming for her. “Participate in my project and I promise you’ll get what you deserve.” Said Elfene, Clara nodded her head. “Take her back to her holding cell.” He ordered before a henchman released the straps from the Lombax’s limbs and helped her up. Inside her cell Clara gazed to the picture beside her bed and slowly walked up to it, her breathing became heavy with anger and with a cry she throw it against the wall. It smashed before landing on the floor.

“Clara? Is something wrong?” Asked Alister as he entered the room, she angrily turned to face him. “Get out exile! Don’t bother telling me to keep waiting I’ve waited long enough!” She raged and clenched her knuckles. “Clara just calm down, Elfene is deliberately giving you false information.” Explained the elder. “SHUT UP!! I don’t want to hear another word out of you! Why should I trust you after dooming the Lombaxes and almost destroying the universe?!”

“Clara...” She angrily approached the elder. “I AM NOT CLARA ANYMORE!! Nor am I your Azimuth granddaughter, Clara Azimuth is DEAD!”
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Back on Planet Grov....

“Ratchet, I just received a message from our daughter!” She said running into the room, Ratchet had just finished suiting himself up. He looked over to Crystal as she held the small portable device. “You serious, is she okay?!” He asked, she shook her head. “I don’t know I thought we’d see the message together.” Both holding the device together the message began to play, it began in a dark room with Elfene adjusting the camera.

They soon gazed upon their daughter tied up in a chair, they watched in horror. “Must be so agonizing seeing your child like this Azimuth’s, I told you I would be back shame you didn’t listen. I hope your listening Electra, this time I won’t be so easy on you. We’ve battled for hundreds of years and every time you succeed...this time it’s MY turn!” The camera was smashed and the messaged ended. The Lombaxes knew they had little time left to find Clara, they ran to the ship and set course with the coordinates found in the message.

“Ratchet...I’m so scared...what if we don’t make it?...” She gazed in deep concern. “Don’t worry we’re going to find her...either way Elfene is going to pay!” Finally reaching the planet they found the facility fallen to ruin as if it had been abandoned, Crystal got out the ship and gazed to her surroundings. “Are you sure we’re in the right place?” She asked gazing over to Ratchet as he leaped out of the ship. “Yeah...this is where the coordinates lead, come on I remember where I was held up maybe she’s in there too.” Explained Ratchet before they dashed into the facility.

All was quiet and not a being was in sight, how long has this place been abandoned? Ratchet broke down the door to the cell - 256, they looked around to find it empty. The walls were covered in scratch marks like someone had mark each passing day. “Ratchet, look.” Crystal picked up a smashed family photo from the ground and showed it to Ratchet. “I don’t understand...” He said gazing to the Lombax. “It’s...been almost a week since she disappeared...how can her cell be like this?” Crystal gazed to the scratches upon the walls. “These...can’t be hours or minutes...it’s...it’s days.” She explained turning to face the yellow Lombax.

“How many?” He asked in deep concern, Crystal looked around the room once more before giving the Lombax an answer. “Two thousand, five hundred and fifty five days...” His eyes widened and placed his hands upon the Lombax’s shoulders. “No...that’s not possible, that means she’s been here for...” Crystal nodded her head and closed her eyes. “Seven years...”

“Try seven years, four months and twelve days!” Said a voice, the Lombax turned their heads to face the being outside the room. The being looked to be a robot and was pointing a blaster at them. “Clara?” Said Ratchet. “Clara? Your child died years ago Elfene forced me to watch her die, I wanted to stop him and get her out but what can you do being strapped down tightly to a machine.” The robot explained.

“Look you can lower your weapon we’re not going to hurt you, and yo have no proof that Clara is dead.” Said Crystal. “No I cannot I have orders...orders involving your arrival.” She gazed fearfully at the ammunition filled in the shell of the weapon. “What’s...inside that thing?” She asked. “Oh you want to know...let’s find out.” The robot shot the white Lombax in the chest, Crystal immediately fell to the ground and tightly held her wound.

“Crystal!” Yelled Ratchet. “Don’t even try to help her Lombax, she’s a lost cause now. If your looking for proof look in Elfene’s old security room.” The robot explained before running away. “T...toxin...” Said Crystal weakly, Ratchet looked down before putting the Lombax in his arms. “Toxin, what do you mean toxin?” Question Ratchet. “The weapon was filled with it...toxin...kills Elementals...” The yellow Lombax soon realized she losing grasp on life. “Crystal, no don’t you die on me now! Please Clara must still be around...” His eyes began to water, Crystal let out a weak chuckle before placing a hand on his face it was getting cold.

“I wanted...to give you a...s-son...I deserved to...die like this...I failed...everyone...” Her blood was spilling out onto the floor. “Don’t say that...come on your an Azimuth...you can pull through this...I can’t lose you not after what’s happened recently...” His tears fell onto the Lombax’s face. “Your a...Guardian now...Ratchet...you have the power to stop...him...you can...pretty much...do anything...my time in this universe is up...did...did I do good?” Ratchet tightly held the Lombax’s hand not wanting to let her go.

“Please...not like this...honey I need you I can’t do this alone...” Her breathing was becoming wheezy and her body temperature was dropping. “I thought...nothing could...stop...you hero?...you were alone...for the first...fifteen years...of...your life...maybe it’s...time...” Crystal struggled to keep her head up gazing upon the Lombax, soon her vision was darkening.

“If I could have one wish...it was be this...I wish for you not to die and be the strong Lombax Elemental you’ve always been...I’m your Guardian...I was suppose to protect you...to protect my family...don’t die like this....” Begged Ratchet as he gazed depressingly towards the Lombax. “I only came...back...to...keep my promise...I think...that cleared up...years ago...please...stop...Elfene...for...me...Goodbye Ratchet...I...l-love...you...” Her hand slowly slid away from his face and swung freely, Crystal let out her last breath and her heart stopped beating.

“NO! No, no, no...Crystal come back...please...come back to me! I love you...I’d do anything to bring you back...” He sat there crying his broken heart out to the one her loved, he had no clue how her kind worked or if there was a way to bring his loved one back...was Clara really dead, who was that robot who assassinated Crystal? “Crystal...please honey, the universe needs you...Don’t let that monster win...”

Is this the end?

End of Chapter

Description
Chapter Three: Crimson Aura.

“So...this is the Forbidden Sands, why exactly is it called that?” Questioned the yellow Lombax as he gazed down below from the cockpit. “Can’t remember maybe a lot of people lost their lives to these deserts.” Crystal opened the cockpit to take a good look ahead, they traveled at a high speed causing the wind to brush quickly passed the Lombaxes. “Crystal be careful I don’t want you falling hundreds of feet into the desert.” Said Ratchet, the Lombax looked over to him.

“Don’t worry I haven’t done this since my father died...Alister.” She said explaining herself to him. “The village is just up ahead we should land away from it, in case they believe we’re raiders.” She informed as she sat back down, the Lombax carefully landed on the rocky hills close to the tribal village. They leaped from the ship and gazed to their surroundings. “Sure is a lot hotter here...” Said Ratchet feeling the heat, Crystal looked over. “Yeah it’s a lot warmer than I remember, well it is a desert after all.” With the translator in hand Ratchet attached it to his belt. “Come on, we better get into the village I don’t want to be in this heat any longer.” Explained Ratchet, she nodded her head.

“I’m sure they’ll have something for you I can see that your struggling to stand against the heat.” The Lombaxes made their way up to the tribe, they heard a voice perhaps their leader having a gathering with the people. “You better turn that device of yours on Ratchet.” Informed Crystal as she looked over them, he did just that. They walked deeper into the village until they reached a circular open area, people were sitting in front of their leader who spoke. There were many children among the adults, Crystal’s heart raced and nervously walked further in.

The leader finally spotted the approaching visitors, he recognized one of them and immediately drew his attention to her. “Is my eye’s deceiving me, has my daughter truly returned?” The white Lombax smiled upon the chief as she stood there, everyone was looking upon her. “Hello father.” She said. “Come here, bring your friend down too.” He said waving his hand, Crystal looked up to Ratchet before they approached the chief. Crystal faced him as he inspected her appearance, the yellow Lombax watched as the people began leaving the area perhaps the meeting was over and didn’t want to disturb the chief’s conversation with his daughter.

“You’ve definitely taken such a beautiful form, what brings you back here? I suspected you got settled down with someone in another dimension.” He asked as he placed his hands on the Lombax’s shoulders. “I did...” She said with a smile and gazed over to the Lombax standing behind her. “...Before you say anything Cade, he is definitely someone who should earn your trust. He’s a hero back home and I’ve pretty much lost count on how times he’s saved my life...” Crystal leaned a little closer to the chief. “...He’s Kaden’s son the one I promised to protect, you knew what would become of me once I left Kaella.” She explained, he looked over to the yellow Lombax and smiled.

“A friend of Electra is a friend of mine, I welcome you to our tribe young Lombax.” Said Cade. “Thanks, we’re looking for someone named Noah. We received information that he was here a long time ago.” Explained Ratchet. “That name seems familiar to me, but I’m afraid there isn’t much to tell you. Many of my people were slaughtered during the first of Elfene’s raids, much was taken including an infant boy and most of our supplies. Since then there have been many raids and we have struggled to survive on short equipment and food supplies, I cannot protect my people forever this I fear.” Informed the chief, the yellow Lombax slowly dropped his ears after listening to Cade’s disturbing story.

“I’m sorry to hear that your in great need of protection and...hope. We really need to find this kid if we are to find our daughter.” Explained Ratchet, Crystal nodded her head as he gazed at him before crossing her arms and glancing over to her father. “Clara, she’s been missing for a few days now and we’re growing rather...distressed. There’s been reports all over the universe, perhaps you’ve had children that have gone missing quite recently?” She asked with concern.

“No child has been reported missing since the first raid. You still bare the gift of the Elementals and pretty much remain the only one in our tribe’s history.” Explained Cade. “I’m not the first with this gift, wasn’t there a Guardian before me?” Asked the curious Lombax. “Kloud, we haven’t seen him in years he shortly disappeared after your birth to hunt down Elfene. His living quarters remained locked but you can check it out for any signs of him, take this key.” Informed Cade as he handed the white Lombax a small black key. “You’ll find the cave not far from my hut, come speak to me again if you find something.”

The Lombaxes then set off to find Kloud’s home the rocky door was pretty visible to the naked eye, Crystal went to place the key into the socket and turned until the clicking noise was heard. She pushed on the door but struggled which was the case since it hadn’t been opened in years. “Ratchet, help me with this.” She said with a gaze, pushing all their strength against the door it slowly began to open. At the last moment it burst open causing the Lombax to stumble but Crystal fell flat to the ground. “Are you alright?” Said Ratchet helping the Lombax back to her feet.

“Yeah, just lost my balance.” She said dusting herself off, the cave was pitch black but Crystal came prepared. She pulled out and ignited a green flare before they continued their journey inside the cave, the place was a mess like someone came to raid or capture him. Soon they came to the far room Crystal stood there as a foul smell hit her senses. “You...smell that Ratchet? It’s almost like death...” She said gazing over to the Lombax as her face cringed with disgust.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this...” He said, Crystal opened the door only to be greeted by the smell of a decomposing corpse. The Lombaxes backed away and covered their faces with the hands trying to block the smell from their senses, they coughed choking on the smell. “At least we know he hasn’t been dead three thousand years...” Said Crystal with a cough. “More like quite recently...” Ratchet covered his nose and mouth with a small fabric and cautiously went inside, Crystal waited until he returned.

With the door almost closed Ratchet returned to the white Lombax, he clutched a blood stained file which the deceased Kloud had carried on his body. “Looks like this Kloud knew something about the boy were looking for, come on I don’t want to remain here any longer we should report his death to your father.” Explained Ratchet, she nodded her head and turned to face the entrance. Suddenly a blue light caught the corner of Ratchet’s eye, he turned his head to face where the light was coming from. An orb of light hovered out of the room where Kloud’s body was resting and was facing the Lombax, was it a soul or a power?

With fast speed it flowed towards the Lombax and entered his body, a painful scream left the Lombax’s lips. With a gasp Crystal heard the Lombax and turned her head. “Ratchet?” She called out, but no answer. She ran back into the room to find the Lombax lying on the floor, his breathing was heavy and his eyes remained closed. “Ratchet! What happened?!” She shouted in deep concern as she keeled to the Lombax, his eyes opened but he couldn’t see anything only a white light he couldn’t find where Crystal was kneeling.

“Something...something went inside of me...” Crystal gazed in slight fear his eyes were bright blue and not as they should be, Ratchet then fell unconscious. “Just hang on I’ll find a way to fix this...please I can’t lose you too!...”

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Electra’s Hut
Twenty-Eight Hours Later...

His eyes slowly opened the Lombax found himself in a brighter room and his gaze fixed upon the ceiling. How did he get here? He stretched his aching body as he was unconscious for some time, his ears flickered to a soft sleeping moan and caused him to gaze across. It was Crystal one of her arms rested upon his chest as she slept close to him, her hair was a mess and looked to be bare. This made the Lombax curious yet confused, Ratchet slowly dragged himself up and looked around the room finding himself in a bedroom perhaps Crystal’s old home.

“Ratchet?...” She said in a tired tone, the Lombax gazed down as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. “W...what happened?” Asked the curious Lombax. “You don’t remember?” She said with a yawn. “Last thing I remember was that thing flowing into my body and then I passed out...did we?...” He said, Crystal grabbed the sheets and kept herself covered as she shifted her body up. “Ratchet, you fell unconscious twenty eight hours ago. You woke up minutes after I brought you out the cave and said you were exhausted from the heat.” She explained, Ratchet rubbed his head puzzled.

“I swear I don’t remember saying that...something must be really wrong with me.” He said looking concerned. “Yeah...and I don’t think it’s fixable now. Your...your a Guardian now that must have been the light that got inside you.” As she spoke the Lombax gazed curiously towards her neck covered in bite marks. “Crystal...did someone savage your neck?” Crystal chuckled before resting her body down. “Yeah...you really have no idea do you? I should have told you when you asked about turning you immortal. Not sure how it works but bites and the blood of an Elemental changes those they choose, well depending what they wish to do to them...”

“Kloud must have saw you and figured out that you married an Elemental, it takes a while for it to sink in your system. Maybe he was trying to complete something...like a prophecy.” Explained Crystal. “Should I be creeping out right now, did power or a soul flow inside me?” Crystal got up again and gazed at the Lombax with concern. “This is exactly what I was talking about Ratchet, this is why I didn’t want to turn you...I knew you would be uncomfortable...it’s a complicated process...” She said gazing down depressingly, Ratchet began to think and then a smile left his lips. “Was it good?” He asked with a gaze. “Excuse me?” She said with a gaze, Ratchet chuckled. “Come on you know what I mean.” Crystal shook her head and smiled. “I’m not going to answer that.” She said looking away blushing. “Well I have to be honest...it’s still pretty hot in here.”

“Your still not adapting?” Asked Crystal, Ratchet leaned in for a kiss. “I was talking about you.” He said with a grin, Crystal giggled. “Ratchet.” They kissed deeply before they were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Are you two alright in there?” Said Cade. “We’re fine father we’ll be out in a few moments.” Said Crystal, they heard the chief walk away from the door. “As much as I want to Ratchet, I think we’ve had a big enough break I’m still very worried about Clara and what is becoming of her.” She said gazing at the Lombax with concern, Ratchet gently grabbed the Lombax’s hands.

“We’re going to find her I promise Crystal, she’ll soon be safe and sound with us.” He said softly before comforting the Lombax with a hug. “We should have been there Ratchet, we should have protected our daughter from her capture.” She said as her heart ached in pain, Ratchet kissed her cheek. “I know.”

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Meanwhile in Rippled Nebula...

Clara cried in agony as her body was electrified, she was strapped to a machine in an unknown room of the facility. She panted heavily as the machine was stopped. “Not electrical like your mother than are you?” Said Elfene as he walked around her. “Your parents aren’t coming and I will keep reminding you until you get the message.” Clara looked up and gazed at Elfene. “What do you want from me, when will you stop torturing me like this just to fulfil your experiments?” She questioned, her body shook weakly.

“Until I find the right child for my project I will continue to torture those I please. That child will kill those I order, ravage any village thinking they can stand against me.” Elfene leaned down to Clara’s level and smiled. “You’ve been here for a long time, is your hope of rescue fading yet? They’re not looking for you Clara, they pretended to love you.” Said Elfene, she shook her head refusing to believe it. “No they would never do that...Ratchet...Crystal...it’s not like them...”

“Believe me child it’s true, your parents are probably conceiving a baby right now to replace the daughter they lost.” He said with an evil grin. “Shut up!” Shouted Clara as tears came from her eyes. ‘Shouldn’t we be looking for Clara?’ The white Lombax looked up hearing her mothers voice, it was coming from the monitor in front of her. ‘She’s a lost cause now Crystal, isn’t much we can do now only move on.’ Said Ratchet, Clara lowered her head and cried in deep depression she then realized they were never coming for her. “Participate in my project and I promise you’ll get what you deserve.” Said Elfene, Clara nodded her head. “Take her back to her holding cell.” He ordered before a henchman released the straps from the Lombax’s limbs and helped her up. Inside her cell Clara gazed to the picture beside her bed and slowly walked up to it, her breathing became heavy with anger and with a cry she throw it against the wall. It smashed before landing on the floor.

“Clara? Is something wrong?” Asked Alister as he entered the room, she angrily turned to face him. “Get out exile! Don’t bother telling me to keep waiting I’ve waited long enough!” She raged and clenched her knuckles. “Clara just calm down, Elfene is deliberately giving you false information.” Explained the elder. “SHUT UP!! I don’t want to hear another word out of you! Why should I trust you after dooming the Lombaxes and almost destroying the universe?!”

“Clara...” She angrily approached the elder. “I AM NOT CLARA ANYMORE!! Nor am I your Azimuth granddaughter, Clara Azimuth is DEAD!”
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Back on Planet Grov....

“Ratchet, I just received a message from our daughter!” She said running into the room, Ratchet had just finished suiting himself up. He looked over to Crystal as she held the small portable device. “You serious, is she okay?!” He asked, she shook her head. “I don’t know I thought we’d see the message together.” Both holding the device together the message began to play, it began in a dark room with Elfene adjusting the camera.

They soon gazed upon their daughter tied up in a chair, they watched in horror. “Must be so agonizing seeing your child like this Azimuth’s, I told you I would be back shame you didn’t listen. I hope your listening Electra, this time I won’t be so easy on you. We’ve battled for hundreds of years and every time you succeed...this time it’s MY turn!” The camera was smashed and the messaged ended. The Lombaxes knew they had little time left to find Clara, they ran to the ship and set course with the coordinates found in the message.

“Ratchet...I’m so scared...what if we don’t make it?...” She gazed in deep concern. “Don’t worry we’re going to find her...either way Elfene is going to pay!” Finally reaching the planet they found the facility fallen to ruin as if it had been abandoned, Crystal got out the ship and gazed to her surroundings. “Are you sure we’re in the right place?” She asked gazing over to Ratchet as he leaped out of the ship. “Yeah...this is where the coordinates lead, come on I remember where I was held up maybe she’s in there too.” Explained Ratchet before they dashed into the facility.

All was quiet and not a being was in sight, how long has this place been abandoned? Ratchet broke down the door to the cell - 256, they looked around to find it empty. The walls were covered in scratch marks like someone had mark each passing day. “Ratchet, look.” Crystal picked up a smashed family photo from the ground and showed it to Ratchet. “I don’t understand...” He said gazing to the Lombax. “It’s...been almost a week since she disappeared...how can her cell be like this?” Crystal gazed to the scratches upon the walls. “These...can’t be hours or minutes...it’s...it’s days.” She explained turning to face the yellow Lombax.

“How many?” He asked in deep concern, Crystal looked around the room once more before giving the Lombax an answer. “Two thousand, five hundred and fifty five days...” His eyes widened and placed his hands upon the Lombax’s shoulders. “No...that’s not possible, that means she’s been here for...” Crystal nodded her head and closed her eyes. “Seven years...”

“Try seven years, four months and twelve days!” Said a voice, the Lombax turned their heads to face the being outside the room. The being looked to be a robot and was pointing a blaster at them. “Clara?” Said Ratchet. “Clara? Your child died years ago Elfene forced me to watch her die, I wanted to stop him and get her out but what can you do being strapped down tightly to a machine.” The robot explained.

“Look you can lower your weapon we’re not going to hurt you, and yo have no proof that Clara is dead.” Said Crystal. “No I cannot I have orders...orders involving your arrival.” She gazed fearfully at the ammunition filled in the shell of the weapon. “What’s...inside that thing?” She asked. “Oh you want to know...let’s find out.” The robot shot the white Lombax in the chest, Crystal immediately fell to the ground and tightly held her wound.

“Crystal!” Yelled Ratchet. “Don’t even try to help her Lombax, she’s a lost cause now. If your looking for proof look in Elfene’s old security room.” The robot explained before running away. “T...toxin...” Said Crystal weakly, Ratchet looked down before putting the Lombax in his arms. “Toxin, what do you mean toxin?” Question Ratchet. “The weapon was filled with it...toxin...kills Elementals...” The yellow Lombax soon realized she losing grasp on life. “Crystal, no don’t you die on me now! Please Clara must still be around...” His eyes began to water, Crystal let out a weak chuckle before placing a hand on his face it was getting cold.

“I wanted...to give you a...s-son...I deserved to...die like this...I failed...everyone...” Her blood was spilling out onto the floor. “Don’t say that...come on your an Azimuth...you can pull through this...I can’t lose you not after what’s happened recently...” His tears fell onto the Lombax’s face. “Your a...Guardian now...Ratchet...you have the power to stop...him...you can...pretty much...do anything...my time in this universe is up...did...did I do good?” Ratchet tightly held the Lombax’s hand not wanting to let her go.

“Please...not like this...honey I need you I can’t do this alone...” Her breathing was becoming wheezy and her body temperature was dropping. “I thought...nothing could...stop...you hero?...you were alone...for the first...fifteen years...of...your life...maybe it’s...time...” Crystal struggled to keep her head up gazing upon the Lombax, soon her vision was darkening.

“If I could have one wish...it was be this...I wish for you not to die and be the strong Lombax Elemental you’ve always been...I’m your Guardian...I was suppose to protect you...to protect my family...don’t die like this....” Begged Ratchet as he gazed depressingly towards the Lombax. “I only came...back...to...keep my promise...I think...that cleared up...years ago...please...stop...Elfene...for...me...Goodbye Ratchet...I...l-love...you...” Her hand slowly slid away from his face and swung freely, Crystal let out her last breath and her heart stopped beating.

“NO! No, no, no...Crystal come back...please...come back to me! I love you...I’d do anything to bring you back...” He sat there crying his broken heart out to the one her loved, he had no clue how her kind worked or if there was a way to bring his loved one back...was Clara really dead, who was that robot who assassinated Crystal? “Crystal...please honey, the universe needs you...Don’t let that monster win...”

Is this the end?

End of Chapter