whew...buckle up my readers! We got a lot going on here!

A little note before you start : I made it so Lombax's have a longer lifespan than we humans do. What they consider adult age is higher. (like 30's-40's) it's not specified, but this is just to let you know the age ranges and who is still considered a kit and who is an adult...

Also, you are going to hear of some familiar places. Keep in mind that this is an alternate reality (universe, even, if that makes it easier for you to understand) things happened differently. So, some things that you see will be familiar, but not exactly the same.

Enjoy!

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[XR]

The wrench felt amazing in their hands.

From the worn handle to the small scratches on the metal, it was perfect. This wrench has been to many places and survived many battles. It was powerful in the hands of those who were experienced.

And by analyzing the weapon, they were sure that they could wield it with expertise.

They twirled the wrench in their left hand, walking quietly to the door before opening it as slowly as possible. They stuck their head out, looking down the halls, turning their head left, then right, then back again. The halls were quiet and empty. Perfect for them to sneak around and figure out what they were going to do now.

They flexed their right hand. The forced start-up was a rash decision on their part. There are bound to be a few errors that will come from it. They reminded themselves that they could deal with that when the time comes. Now, it was time to solve a bigger problem.

They walked silently down the hall, pausing whenever they heard an out-of-place sound. Continuing to walk when there was nothing. They came upon the main room fairly quickly, seeing Sigmund hover nearby looking over something in his hands. It seemed to be a circular piece of.....metal? Or something. They didn't really care.

When Sigmund heard their footsteps, he paused, turning around as they got closer and closer. He jumped, startled, before whispering, "XR? Is it really you?"

They nodded, holding up a finger in front of their mouth to get Sigmund to just listen, "Where is Clank?" They asked, voice barely audible. Sigmund looked at them, then to the wrench in their hand, "W-what are you planning to do to him?"

"I just want to talk things out." XR stated dismissively.

Not really...but they didn't want to upset Sigmund.

Sigmund analyzed them, before finally caving, "He is in his lab. I'd knock if I were you." He said, and XR turned to leave.

"Wait!" Sigmund called out, "I have something to give you."

XR looked at him curiously before turning back around' They held out their hands, Sigmund dropping the thing he was analyzing prior. XR looked down at what they just received, looking up to Sigmund for an explanation.

"It was found on General Azimuth's body."

XR looked startled, "B-But Clank told me he was alive!" they paused, looking distraught, "He...He was alive he.."

"XR, he has passed."

All was silent for a moment. XR was trying to deal with their inner turmoil...

"W-What I just gave you is his locket that he dropped when he passed here at the clock..." Sigmund continued.

XR looked down at the item hesitantly, pressing the side to reveal the picture inside. It was of Alister, and another man that they couldn't quite remember the name of. They tried to access their copied memory banks, but the files wouldn't open.

"Keep it safe, okay?"

And XR nodded. They pocketed the locket and turned the other way, heading down the long corridor to Clank's lab. A thousand questions were running through their cranial processors. Alister was dead? That didn't sound right! Their last interaction left Alister still alive. The man was angry then, but they just arrived at the Clock and...

And that was it.

That was funny. Perhaps their mental processors were having difficulty remembering things. Before start-up he was notified that the files were corrupt...yeah, that had to be it!

Then again, they were nothing but a copy. Of who, they couldn't remember. But the real question was why. Why were they a copy? Why did Clank create them? Perhaps they were told before, but they didn't remember. They didn't have access to the memory files themselves.

It was all very difficult to understand.

They shook their head. Today they were going to get answers. Today they were going to find out the purpose. Today they were going to learn the reason for their existence.

They reached the door at the end of the corridor, a dim light shining through the gap beneath the door. Looks like they really would have to knock after all...

They placed the wrench down beside the door, making sure to seem unthreatening to their creator. They took a deep breath in to cool down their inner systems. They brought their hand up, ready to knock.

Why did they start to feel like this?

This...festering feeling that seemed to take over their core? What was this feeling, and why was he feeling it now? They chose not to dwell on it....

They knocked gently on the metal door. There was a pause,

"Come in." Was all Clank dais on the other side. XR sighed, before opening the door. Revealing themselves.

Clank was...surprisingly calm. He didn't seem to look like he was feeling anything. Maybe he was just in shock?

"XR...what are you doing here?" he said in disbelief, "H-How are you awake?"

XR almost growled at the question but remained composed, "I woke myself up." They said, simply, "My systems were, surprisingly, still running after you..." their voice trailed off, before coming back full force as they glared at the small robot, "After you tried to kill me!"

Clank reeled back, "Now, XR, I did not intend to-"

"You didn't intend what? Saying your secret codes or whatever to render me defenseless and effectively shut me down? Why did you have to do that!" they exclaimed, "Please, I just want answers."

Clank was silent, finally turning toward XR fully, "XR, you were..." he tried to formulate a response, "You...were.....a project. A creation of mine. Simply put, a miracle." he paused, "Your purpose was to replace someone dear to me, you should know this."

"Yeah well, if I should, I don't remember anything." They growled, "Who am I supposed to be a replacement for anyways?"

"My best friend. He...met his demise within this very Clock." Clank whispered, "It...it was all my fault. I was the one who brought him here in the first place...I should have never-"

"So, I am just a replacement for your dead best friend? Man...that's dark." XR stated bluntly, "You go on and on about how he was your friend and stuff like that. But, Clank, do you really think that he would approve of what you did?"

Clank was silent.

"I don't remember most of the memories you have forced onto me but I know for a fact that he wouldn't have wanted you to do this!" XR shouted, "You could have done something else! You could have grieved another way!"

"If I did, where would you be, XR?" Clank interjected, "If I never started this whole thing, XR, you would cease to exist."

Now it was XR's turn to be silent, pondering what they were just told.

"I did what I had to do. You...do not understand how I felt after I lost my friend. You simply prefer to ignore my reasoning because you can not stand the very fact that you are...a copy of him. Is that it?"

XR glared, "I guess I know why I was created, at least..." they seethed, "I was to be nothing but a copy of someone who should've been nothing but a memory at this point. You were just prolonging the time you had with your friend by making another version."

It was silent in the room for a moment, before XR continued,

"But I failed. I was not like your dead fucking friend. I'm still not. You couldn't handle that I was a different person, but you wanted perfection. Well Clank, I will never be like your friend. Your friend is dead. I am my own person!" They explained, "Putting in all these fake memories and traits didn't even work. You can't replicate a person while they are gone!"

Clank tried to start, "You don't-" but was interrupted,

"No! You don't understand. I did a lot of thinking while I was in Start-Up mode. And the fact is Clank, is that you are the one that made a big mistake..." they stepped back, ready to head out of the room, "I'm finally leaving this Clock, and you can't stop me. Everyone will know how-"

They paused, watching as Clank jumped down from His chair, ready to speak, but they just smirked,

"Your stupid codes won't affect me anymore. I can bypass them. Don't even try to stop me."

They exited, picking up the wrench as they left. They heard rapid footsteps behind them, "XR, you don't realize what this could cause! Everyone in this solar system believes that-"

"I don't care. Get off my tail."

But Clank persisted. Before they could enter the main chamber, he ran in front of XR, looking up with bright green optics. "XR, you can't leave the Clock. This action would have dire consequences! You must-"

And XR couldn't really tell what happened next.

Their systems heated up, almost going above the safe temperature level. They glared at the small bot while lifting up the wrench slowly, a threat.

"Get out of my way, Clank."

It was a warning. But Clank wasn't fazed, "I can not let you leave."

XR scoffed, starting to walk towards the exit but before they could-

"Sigmund! Stop XR!"

XR paused, looking over to the bot that was watching the whole confrontation in the corner of the room. Sigmund hesitated, "B-But Sir.."

"Sigmund."

They were at a standstill.

Sigmund looked towards XR,

XR just shook their head slowly.

They stared at one another.

XR, seeing this as an opportunity, continued on their way. That is, until Clank grabbed their left leg. XR looked down in anger, "Ugh, get off me you stupid tin-"

They lifted up the wrench, ready to strike down, but their arm was grabbed. XR looked at their captor, it was Sigmund.

"I-I'm sorry XR. But I c-can not have y-you hurting Sir Clank!"

XR felt betrayed, "Fine! Have it your way!" they grunted, twisting their arm out of Sigmund's grasp and pushing him away. They shook Clank off their leg, watching as he flew a few feet away onto the ground. They smirked, "Well, if you won't let me leave-" they raised their arm again, wrench ready to strike,

"I'll just have to force my way out."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Ratchet]

Ratchet walked quietly through the desolate streets.

Unsurprising, it was past midnight, and no one in their right minds would be out past this time in the cold. His sweater did little to protect him from the elements, but he figured that he would be at his destination soon...

He looked back down at the slip, and then to a nearby street sign, smiling as if it was a match. He didn't head directly down the street. Instead, he took one of the back alleyways in case anyone were to pass by (or if anyone was watching him). he coughed into his elbow as he continued to walk,

He stopped at a house that had the right address knocking a few times on the back door.

He waited for a minute or two, about to leave. Maybe this wasn't actually the right house and he-

The door opened

A hooded figure looked down at him, wearing a dark blue hoodie that covered their face. He held his breath as the silence passed on, "Glad you made it." they stated, "Come inside."

Ratchet nodded hesitantly, following them into the main room of the house. It was a simple living room. But it looked like the occupant of the house had a...very dreary style...

A holo-tv was against the wall, a black couch sat across from it. The front door was visible from where they were standing, but all the curtains and blinds were shut. A few bookshelves lay across the wall, almost full of books of different sizes and shapes. All containing information on various subjects, it seemed. The walls were a dark burgundy color, and the carpeted floors were dark grey. An old, dusty piano sat against one of the walls too, sitting unused for who knows how long.

Interesting...

He turned to the mysterious person, "Okay...well, what did you call me here for?"

They stayed silent for a moment, before removing their hood. Ratchet stepped back in shock, familiar orange eyes staring back at him tiredly "You're that guy that's been watching me this whole time." he drawled, "This isn't funny. If this is some council scheme you can kiss my a-"

"Ugh, I'm too tired for this." he pinched the bridge of his nose, "While The Council would love to do something like this. I am doing it of my own free will. You can stand down."

Ratchet analyzed the man closely.

But he sensed no ill intent...at least...not yet.

He relaxed his stance, watching as the man relaxed his posture as well. "Now that's over with. Let me introduce myself." the man held out his hand, "Hunter Cordero, 1st assistant of Head Council Leader Arc..." they winced at the last words... "Arc Cordero...my father"

Ratchet gasped, "That asshole is your Dad!?" he exclaimed, "Talk about...crazy family members...No offense!" a paused, looking at Hunter a bit closer, "You don't even look like him!"

Hunter chuckled, "None taken, he's a....He's a strict man." he sighed bitterly, "I take after my late mother. he looked down in thought, before looking back up at Ratchet, "But that's not what we are here to talk about. I brought you here to talk about your situation." Ratchet nodded for the man to go on,

"I don't know the specifics, only the Head Council Members do, but from what I know, you are on the top of their Watch-list."

"Why?"

"That is up for debate. I guess that it is because of your mysterious background and appearance here. You have no ties to anyone at all, and after they..." Hunter sighed, "Never mind that, do you remember what happened during the interrogation?"

Ratchet tapped his chin in thought, "Well...now that I think about it...kind of? Some of it is a blur, but I know what I was told."

Hunter sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. "Look, I'll just tell you bluntly. That glass of water you were given was...experimental to say the least." at Ratchet's confused face he continued regretfully, "It was laced with something. Have you felt weird at all after it? Any effects?"

Ratchet hummed in thought, "No...I don't think so. I think I just passed out from shock, really."

"Kid, I was the one that gave you that damn glass!" he hissed, before composing himself, "Doesn't matter now. The point is, kid, you need to act sooner rather than later with your situation."

Ratchet smirked, "Well, I have been-"

"I know, I was watching you. The library and arcade aren't the most subtle of places..."

Ratchet looked at the man, mouth wide open in shock, "Oh my, you really are a creep. Should've guessed..."

"It was my job!"

"Yeah, to be a stalker. You creep."

Hunter sighed, "Why did I choose to do this again..." he muttered to himself. Then he just shook his head. "I don't think you realize how serious this situation is...." and Ratchet just glared at the man, "I do! I have been working on this by myself and-"

"But you against a full-on council is almost comical." Hunter interrupted, "You have to be prepared for what might happen in the future. Even I thought you'd know that."

Ratchet was silent, contemplating, "I guess you're right." he muttered, "So...what do you want me to do about it?"

"Well, after being...laid off by The Council for the time being. Someone else was assigned to watch you from time to time." Hunter explained, "I don't know who this person is, but just keep things on the down-low." he paused, "Act like a normal teenager. Act like you don't know anything. Like you have been doing."

"Okay...so where do you come in?"

"First, we need to find out who your new...stalker is and work from there. I will be conducting my own research around the city.."

Ratchet hummed, "So...you'll be stalking the stalker?" he chuckled, "I guess that makes sense."

Hunter nodded, "We can easily manipulate the situation this way. If I have eyes on them, we can easily mislead them for a short period of time." he said. "Our goal is to keep on top of everything. We should be one step ahead at all times or else we'll be in trouble."

Ratchet hummed, "So, tell me why you really want to help me."

The man was silent for a moment, "I don't agree with what my father and the rest of The Council are doing. However, I feel guilty for being involved in your interrogation." He explained, "While you were out, I was ordered to look at your phone. I was honestly impressed by all the observations you made."

"And this made you help me...?"

"No. Not really. Honestly, it was more of a personal choice." Hunter stated, "You see, I was dragged into the role of a Councilman's assistant. I never wanted to do this sort of work but...I just went with it. I let them play with me like a puppet. But when I saw what they did to you..." he whispered, "I couldn't stand it. You don't deserve to go through all this hardship. It's not right."

Ratchet nodded silently, "Thank you, really."

Hunter just smiled, "No. It's just common decency." but then he grimaced, "Also, on the topic of your memories..." Ratchet's ears perked up, "The Council has...assumptions. But I believe that this information is false. They are just sitting and waiting until you remember...something. I don't know what they are waiting for, but we need to find that out as well."

Ratchet sighed, "I get it. Why is The Council so obsessed with me anyway?"

"That...I do not know for sure." Hunter sighed, "That brings me to our next course of action."

Ratchet watched silently as the man dug around in his pocket, pulling out a small yellow device with a blue wire attached to it.

"I created this device with my own two hands. This device plugs into your phone and makes sure that no one else can mess with it except for you." he handed the device over to Ratchet, who started to analyze it closely, "I don't know what The Council is planning next, but I know what technology they possess. With this, you can make sure no one taps into your phone. Just plug it in, and it will download my software."

"That's cool." Ratchet said, "You're pretty smart, you creep."

Hunter just chuckled and shook his head, "Look, the point is. We can't have anybody knowing about this. Not your caretakers, not your friends, and that includes Oliver."

Ratchet growled, "What the fuck do you mean!?" he hissed, "They can help us! You can't just-"

"Really!? So what will happen if you tell them and The Council finds out about it? What will happen to them?"

Ratchet was silent, Hunter continued "People other than us are at stake. We must be careful. If I am found out...I will probably face years in The Council prison rooms. You could possibly share the same fate."

Ratchet's eyes widened, "I...guess you're right."

The man hummed, glancing over at a nearby clock, "It's getting late. You should get home." he started heading back to the door, ready to open it for his guest, "Plug that device I gave you into your communication device. And also-" he came a bit closer, staring into the other's eyes, "Head straight home. Take the alleyways. And avoid anyone you see. Stick to the dark. I will be in contact with you. Understood?"

Ratchet nodded, exiting the house and bidding the man goodbye. Once the door was shut, he turned his back and started walking the way he came. He breathed in the chilly night air, breath stuttering a bit. He just shrugged his shoulders.

....

Time to get home.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[The Next Morning]

[Kaden]

Ratchet wasn't home.

When he went to wake the kid up this morning, he was gone. Like he just disappeared. The only thing left behind was his identification card. Even then, his bed was unmade, clothes scattered about. His shoes weren't even by the front door.

So, Kaden was panicking.

He called Phoebe, who was at work in her lab. She didn't answer at first, probably busy mixing formulas or collaborating with her coworkers. But after the 5th call,

"Kaden I swear this better be serious or-"

"Ratchet is gone!"

He heard a gasp from the other side of the phone, "What do you mean!?" she exclaimed, "He was home last night!"

Kaden huffed, "Well, he's not anymore! I went to check his room but he was just gone. He left his identification card too!" he shook his head frantically, "He wouldn't just leave like that! What if-"

"Kaden, deep breaths." Phoebe reminded him calmly, "Perhaps he just took a walk this morning?"

"He would have told us! He always does. He would even text us-" Then he remembered something. "Phoebe, I'll call you back."

"Wait, what are you-"

He hung up, pocketing his phone and rushing towards the garage, swinging open the door and leaving it open. He practically ran to their shelves and over the bottom shelf. Ratchet's broken communicator laid right where they left it. He immediately picked it up,

[New Message!]

Oliver : I found something BIG.

Oliver : You should come over tomorrow so I can show you!

Kaden saw that the message went unread

....

The latest one was from earlier today

Oliver : Hey dude, you never replied...

Oliver : Is everything okay?

Oliver : Ratchet?

And that was that

Kaden shook his head in bewilderment. If Ratchet left on his own accord, and didn't even go to Oliver's. Where was he? He looked back down at the screen, swiping across it.

What the fuck...?

He couldn't enter the main screen, Ratchet set a code.

"Fuck." Kaden said, well, that idea is out the window...

He sighed heavily. It looks like he would just have to go out again and search for his boy. He didn't know if Ratchet just lied yesterday and ran away, or if he was in danger. There could be numerous other things that he couldn't think about. He just had one objective,

And that was to find Ratchet, and bring him home...

...

again...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[XR]

This has been going on for too long...

Sigmund and Clank proved to be formidable foes. They were robots too, after all, built to be a bit more resilient. Even so, XR was stronger, and possessed more endurance than the other two.

With a few more strikes, Sigmund was down.

XR wouldn't kill him, no. Sigmund was their friend. Clank was the one that had angered him time and time again. And looking down at their creator now, XR was fighting with themselves.

Did he really deserve death?

Clank was the one that gave them life, so...

But he has done wrong...

He was grieving!

He won't let us leave!

He's lonely...

He will just try to shut me down again!

Unbeknownst to them, their left hand started to rise higher and higher, wrench gleaming in the light, preparing to strike Clank down. "XR...think about this!"

"You'll just try and kill me again!" XR shouted, "I'm alive too, and I want to be my own person! Why can't you understand that!" They yelled, "You already threw me away! What's the problem with letting me go!"

They didn't give Clank time to respond as they started to bring their wrench down.

Until Sigmund interfered, jumping on their back to unbalance them. "I-I can't let you do this!"

"Sigmund! Get off of me!"

They both wrestled for a bit, a game of push and pull. Until XR got Sigmund off their back, and turned around. Sigmund came forward again, both pushing at each other to try and get the other down. XR's hand, the one that held the wrench, was held in place by Sigmund's own hand. They growled at the other, "Why are you doing this? I thought you were my friend?"

"I-I am! But I can't let you kill Sir Clank!"

XR just growled, shoving Sigmund harder, fingers bending metal. Sigmund huffed. XR just squeezed harder, "You know what he did to me! And you still defend him!? How could you-"

"I am a protector of The Clock! And Clank is an e-extension of that! I can't let you kill him!"

"It didn't have to be this way, I just want to go!"

XR stumbled back as Clank then grabbed onto his leg, effectively causing him to stumble back. Clank's optics widened,

"STOP! WAIT!"

XR fell on top of something...

There was a click.

All their eyes widened as The Clock shook to life, a hard blue light blinding them all as the already delicate interior started to break apart. XR pushed Sigmund off of them harshly, watching as he landed on the floor. They turned towards Clank,

"You did this!"

Clank reeled back for a second before going over to push the makeshift lever that was still in the pedestal. "XR please! Help me! We have to save time before it-!"

And XR looked down at him with pity. Before shaking their head, "Will you let me go?"

Clank stared at them for a moment, before sighing bitterly, optics dimming,

"Yes."

And that was all XR needed, reaching to pull back on the lever as hard as they could. They grunted in effort,

It wouldn't budge....

"What the fuck!?" they exclaimed, pulling harder and harder, they looked over when they heard a big crash. They gasped in terror,

"SIGMUND!"

But it was too late, the bot was partially crushed by one of the fallen beams. XR looked on helplessly, their grip loosened, "Sigmund! No!" they were about to run over before Sigmund held out a weak hand,

"Goodbye. XR."

And that is when everything blew apart...

A few explosions were heard down one of the corridors. XR looked on, motionless. Clank still pushed with all his might.

They turned around, and with all the anger, the pain, the sadness...XR finally pulled it back.

But it didn't stop immediately. The harsh blue light only grew in size, electrical bursts shooting out around the room. XR looked up in shock,

Before they were blinded...

When the light dissipated. All that was left was the broken body of the Clock's protector.

Clank and XR nowhere to be found

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Kaden]

Ratchet was nowhere to be found.

He spent half the day looking around the city helplessly. He even asked any passersby if they saw anyone like him, but to no avail. It was like Ratchet just up and left the whole city!

But he wasn't going to give up. The city was a big place, and Ratchet could be anywhere just about now. There was no reason to give up when there was still a whole day left. He looked back down at his communicator. He has been going back and forth with Alister, as well as keeping Phoebe updated. There was nothing new, and Alister didn't hear anything from Ratchet either.

He sighed bitterly, sitting down at a bench that overlooked the city center. He was at a loss for words...

Someone sat next to him, on their own communicator as they minded their own business. They had calico fur, and Kaden could tell, he was close to adult age. Kaden figured that he could try a couple more times,

"Hey, have you seen anyone that looks like me?" He asked tiredly. The other Lombax turned to him in surprise, orange eyes wide. "Kaden Callisto?" they asked, bewildered, "Are you talking about that memory kid?"

Kaden scowled at the man at what he called Ratchet, but continued nonetheless, "Yeah...him. Have you seen him at all?"

The other Lombax contemplated for a moment, before standing up from their spot, "I-I can't say I have, sorry. But-" There orange eyes bore into his own, "I suggest sticking to the alleyways. Kids seem to hang out there more often than not and...well, you never know what you might find."

Kaden stared at the man suspiciously, "You....act like you know something." he glared. However, the other Lombax didn't seem fazed, "Believe me, if I saw him, I would've told you. He's a kit after all. It's a very serious matter."

Kaden nodded, shaking his head. The other Lombax stood up, "Good luck." was all he said before walking away into the crowd. Kaden sighed,

Ratchet...where are you?

Meanwhile, the individual that walked away from Kaden growled under his breath.

Kid, where the hell did you go?

Too bad they both didn't get any answers...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

It was dinner time when Kaden decided to call it quits...for now.

Phoebe herself was on edge all day, and was distracted at work the whole time. Ratchet going missing really put her off-balance, in a way. And she couldn't help but fret over her husband when he arrived home, a sad frown on his face.

"I-I really tried. I don't know where else to look. Do you think something-"

"We can't think of the worst, Kade" She interrupted him, "I'm sure he'll come back safe and sound like he did last time!"

Even though she sounded like she was trying to convince herself...

Kaden sighed, voice shaking, "I hope so."

They ate dinner in silence. Both of them were too caught up in their heads to even start a conversation. After that, Phoebe washed dishes quietly, before they both started getting ready for bed.

They didn't think they would get much sleep...

As Kaden sat on the edge of the bed, he was about to lay down when his communicator started ringing on the bedside table...

He looked at it. It was an unknown number.

He quickly tapped the answer button, holding it up to his ear.

"Kaden? Is that you?" A tired voice rang through the speaker. Kaden looked shocked, "Yuin? What are you doing calling me at this hour!?" he glanced towards the clock, it was almost midnight.

The next few words sent chills down his spine.

"It's an emergency. I need you and Phoebe to come down here immediately. I must discuss something with you." he paused, "It's about Ratchet"

Kaden's chest went cold.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[XR]

System Reboot. . .Please Wait. . .

...

Reboot Success! Systems back online!

XR opened their eyes, blinded by the world around them. The blinding blue like seemed to have faded, replaced by a dark, green glow. They lifted their head, looking around in shock.

A...city?

It seemed that they were in an alleyway of some sort. It led to a busy street filled with both bots and living beings. It looked like they all wore the same outfit.

What the hell?

Their head started twitching, a faulty wire causing their nerves to short out. They groaned, covering the spot with their hand. Where the hell are they?

"Hey, kid." A gruff voice asked. XR turned to look at the man, who was holding a beer can in one hand. A quick scan of the body showed that the alcohol levels in his body wouldn't cause him to be tipsy. Yeah...XR could talk to him, perhaps?

The man was taller than him by quite a bit. He was a Markazian, with short, dark blue hair and red eyes. He was clean-shaven, and wore the same uniform everyone else did, which consisted of dark grey overalls and a dark green t-shirt underneath. He also seemed to have a necklace with a tag hanging on it. Presumably for identification purposes. The liquid in his can swished as he took a sip of his beverage.

XR analyzed the man some more,

"H-hello." They said, "Could you tell me where I am?"

The man huffed, taking a swig from his can, "Planet Kerwan, former city of Metropolis." he gave a bitter laugh, "However, it's now under the rule of The Creator. How knows what he's gonna fuckin' call it now."

XR stared at the man in surprise, Kerwan? How did they wind up on...?

"The Creator?"

The man belched out a laugh, "Really? You don't know who that oppressive tin-can is? Look for yourself!" He pointed to one of the billboards that seemed to line up across the streets.

Clank...?

The man sighed, "I shouldn't be surprised. From what I know, you Lombaxes are protective over young. Hell, you shouldn't even be allowed off the planet!" He said, "You ran away from home, kid? Man, did you pick a shitty place..."

XR just stayed silent, thousands of thoughts running through their head. What did this man mean? The Lombaxes left a looooong time ago...didn't they? Or was their memory just that messed up?

"I-I see." they said, "I...can't really remember." they lied, it would be easier than explaining everything to this stranger.

The gruff man stared at them, before chuckling lowly, "So it seems that The Creator got to you, huh?" he sighed, "I don't know why he would let you go though...you would be valuable." The man looked around at the dirty walls of the alleyway, "Even so, we would've heard by now that you've escaped. Looks like you did a good job!"

XR just kept staring in confusion, "W-what do you mean?"

"Well, The Creator is known for taking people like us, wiping memories, and then planting new ones. That's only if you go against his rule though." he took another swing, "People like us just try to stay under the radar. In fact..." The man looked around, before smiling at them,

"My name's Nolen, pleased to meet you." he said, taking another swig of his drink, "And who might you be, little Lombax?"

"My name is XR." the man grunted, "Really? Damn kid, is that even a real name? It sounds like one of those messenger bots..."

XR contemplated for a while, "Well...If so, I don't remember my real name...."

This could be the perfect opportunity to have their own identity and lay low...Perhaps find Clack and finish what they started.

Nolen gruffed, "Fine, well. I'm sure something will come to you..." he mumbled, "But for now.." He looked around once more, making sure no one else was around, "Follow me. You are not even wearing a uniform. If the worker bots see you, you're toast." he said, gesturing for XR to follow him,

"I'm taking you to my hideout. I know a guy that can get you a uniform and some identification tags. Until then, we have to keep you out of sight."

XR looked taken aback. This man...was doing this for them? What if it was a trap?

...then again, if it wasn't, they were going to miss a big opportunity...

"W-why are you doing this for me?"

The man looked back, finally taking the last sip of his drink before throwing it to the side. He smiled at them, "I know the look of someone who's lost." he muttered, "I can't let someone like you get caught out there, y'know?"

XR nodded hesitantly, "O-okay. Thank you!"

The man just nodded, stopping in the middle of the alleyway after a while, gesturing XR to back up, "Watch your step, kid." he bent down to open a large manhole cover and push it aside. XR scrunched up their nose, "A...sewer?"

"Hah, not really, you'll see once we are inside. Hop on in!"

XR hesitated, before getting down and going in.

Nolen followed right after, looking to the left, and then the right, before sliding down and closing the entrance.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

[Clank]

He wound up face down in a pile of dirt.

He lifted his small head, a mixture of dirt and sand pouring out of his mouth. He pushed air out in order to clean his inner processors. He tried to stand, only to gall when one of the joints in his leg failed to cooperate. He looked down, it looked like his left knee was twisted the wrong way...

It seemed to be getting dark out...

He sighed, taking his small arms and trying to drag himself forwards, but to no avail. He stopped, It was no use..

He was alerted when he heard someone gasp,

"Oh my-! You-You're!" and they never finished their sentences. He turned to the voice, only to be greeted by an adult, Cazar woman. Her silver hair was up in a simple ponytail, and her grey eyes only held fear. She wore a simple purple sundress with brown pants. She shrieked when she looked at him, "Oh! Creator! Please just-"

"Who would that be?" He asked, the woman paused, "My name is Clank. Please. I mean you no harm."

She paused, looking at the bot in shock, "You-you're not The Creator? This isn't some trick, is it? Please don't let it be!"

Clank sighed, pushing himself up, "I assure you I am not...The Creator. I am Clank."

She stopped cowering, finally standing up straight and looking down at him with inquisitive eyes. "Well, you sure do look like him. You really shouldn't be going around looking like that...people might mistake you for him and try to kill you..."

Clank's optics widened, before looking down at his leg, "Understood. However, I do not think I will be able to do that, miss. I am unable to use my leg."

The woman sighed heavily, looking up at the darkening sky. "Look little man, it's getting late. I saw you appear from nowhere and I'm tired as hell. Is there anywhere I could take you?"

Clank analyzed his surroundings, "Could you tell me where I am?"

She huffed, "You are on Veldin." was what she stated simply. Clank's eyes widened, it couldn't be.

"That's not..."

This didn't look like the Veldin he remembered, "Do...do you know who Ultimate Supreme Executive Chairman Drek is?"

"Who the freak is that!?" she asked, "Is it another one of those villainous goons?"

Clank just sighed and looked down at his legs. That wasn't good. This wasn't good at all...If this was what he thought it was...

He was very, very, very far away from where he was supposed to be...

But that also meant...there was the possibility of XR being somewhere as well.

He looked back up at the sky, "I-I have nowhere to go." That was all he said.

The tall woman looked at him, analyzing him before smiling slightly, "Well, why don't I take you home with me?" she asked, "I can keep you hidden until we find a way to fix your leg and possibly..." she trailed off, "Find some way to stop people from thinking you are The Creator. Got it?"

Clank sat there in silence,

He had an idea...

"That is...very kind of you. I already have an idea as to how I will cover my identity, provided the right parts." and at this, the woman smiled more, "There's a scrapyard not too far from my place, we can find some extra parts there!"

Clank hummed, letting the woman bend down to pick him up. She held him close, "My name is Moira, by the way. What's your name?"

"My name is Clank. It is nice to meet you, Moira."

The woman hummed, beginning the short trek to her home, vanishing into the shadows as she walked with Clank in her arms...

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Poor Sigmund...😔What do you think will happen next?

Alright, now...another exciting thing!

XR needs an actual name! And I need suggestions...it needs to have meaning and I need more ideas! I don't want to do anything close to Ratchet, that's just too cliché....So if any of you have ideas, please tell me!

Also...I looked at the word count (excluding author's notes) on my document...this story is 70,105 words long so far! Wow....I feel proud! 😊 Thank you all for the support, it makes this whole story worth it! I enjoy writing it, but I also enjoy reading all your comments the most!

Sorry for any errors..I will come back to fix any when I remember to!

Anyways, see you next chapter!