Clive had just woken up as the sun had begun to rise. He yawned as he slowly got out of bed, wondering what he would be able to do today. He thought of visiting the Professor, as he always did since he and Luke were one of the few people who didn't actually shun him for trying to destroy London. They knew of his past and the true reason behind all his madness.
He sighed as he thought back on the event that took place two years ago. At the time, he thought it was an act of justice, but now as he looks back on it, he sees it as a foolish, childish plan.
While walking around the manor, Clive spots an old photograph. It was a bit burned around the edges, but other than that it was in perfect condition. Without a second thought, Clive picked up the photograph.
"Mom…Dad…" He whispered to himself.
The photograph he was looking at contained both of his parents as well as his child self, happy and smiling as if nothing could ever go wrong in their lives. As he holds it, he's filled with memories, happier ones from when he was a child.
"Hey, dad, can we go out and get ice cream today?"
"Of course son. But don't forget your mother has to come with us to."
"I know. She loves ice cream to!"
Clive can feel the tears beginning to well up in his eyes. He refuses to let them fall.
"Can I go out and play in the park, mom? I promise I'll be good1"
"Oh, sweetie…well, if you promise to be good. Just be back before it gets dark, alright? I can trust you'll keep that promise?"
"Mmhm! I'll keep it!"
"I did…keep that promise," Clive mutters as he grips the photograph tighter.
The next memory that appears in his mind is the one of the incident. He can see himself running back home, happy at first until he sees the smoke rising. As a child, he didn't think much of it, a bit worried, but his first thoughts could never have been about his parents actually being affected by the explosion.
As he quickened his pace just a bit, the closer he was too home, the more his smile faded. The smoke was too close to his home, but his parents just had to be okay.
"No…" Clive didn't want to believe what he saw. The smoke was coming from his home as well.
"Mom, Dad…NO! MOM! DAD!" He raced off to the building, but a man in a top hat had stopped him.
Clive gave a small smile as he remembered the man who had saved him.
"What are you doing?" He asked as he held down Clive.
"I need to go inside! I have to save my parents!" He cried out as tears were beginning to fall. Then he felt a sudden force against his cheek.
"You can't go in there! You'll only get yourself killed!" The man shouted as he had literally just slapped Clive back to his senses.
"The Professor saved me. If it weren't for him, I'd…" Clive didn't finish his sentence. He would have been with his parents, dead, if it weren't for him. A few tears fell, as he regrets not being able to save his parents. Could he really have done anything to save him? Would the Professor have helped him?
No. It was all foolish to try and save them. Clive set down the photograph and wiped away any remaining tears on his face.
I wonder if my parents would be proud of me? After everything I've done…for them.
A sad smile appeared on his face.
No. What kind of parent would be proud of their son for trying to destroy London? If they were alive…they wouldn't want me as a son.