After the Before

By: M14Mouse

Summary: -A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such as hath found a treature-Ecclesiasticus 6:14

Disclaimer: Don't own them.

Sometimes, Clank would "forget".

No…He needed to modify that line of thinking.

In truth, he never forgot anything.

In a moment's notice, he could recall memories with detailed clarity.

No, he didn't forget.

Series of events has happened rapidly with Doctor Nefarious and his father. He had no time to progress these current events with past ones. But now that he was sitting in the passenger seat, he had time to progress.

His main processor went those multiple outcomes and possible scenarios. It could only come up with one question.

"Why?"

"Uh?" Ratchet said.

"Why did you say no to General? My data banks have gone over many possible outcomes. While I would have made it extremely difficult for you to reach the clock, I have calculated that you could overpower me and forced me to go there."

"I could."

"Then why?"

For 30 seconds, Ratchet didn't say anything. He knew him well enough to be lost in his own thoughts. It slightly worried him.

"Your dad. When he was Doctor Nefarious, he said that the Great Clock wasn't there to change time but maintain clock. Then it got me thinking. Then when the moment came, I couldn't…I wouldn't do it. I mean…it would have been great to see…be with my parents again. I would really like to know them instead of some vague memories of them. That would be great…but it wouldn't be worth the universe. It isn't worth the friends, people we met, and the places we have been. Not trying to get sappy or anything but it isn't worth losing you either."

"Even if I to part soon?"

He watched as a small smile form on Ratchet's face.

"I didn't expect you to travel with me for this long, Clank. I am grateful that you did. Now it is time for you to do your own thing. Beside, it isn't like that we are suddenly become strangers or something….I am going to visit and nag you on what every little button does in that Great Clock of yours."

"I would welcome your presence."

He truly would.

An image rose from his memory banks. It was an image of Ratchet when he first met him. Sitting in a different cockpit and wearing a completely different outfit. He was so young…so unwilling…so stubborn. Over time that image has changed. From the unwilling to the desire to be a hero to taking on inter-galaxy responsibilities….and defeating countless villains. Even if he hasn't gained the popularity of himself or Captain Quawk, he truly has become a hero.

It was someone that he has the honor of calling his best friend.

"I may have no record of them….but I believe that despite what the General said…they would have been proud of you."

"Thanks….I think that your dad would have been proud of you too."

Yes….he would be.

But not as proud as he was of Ratchet.

End.

A/N: I adore a Crack in Time. I am currently playing ToD. This happens when you playing the games out of order. Opps…But I love to see how Ratchet has grown as a character. Read and Review if you wish.