"Take care of yourself, Ratchet."
With those last few words, General Alister Azimith of the Lombax Praetorian Guard gave his life and threw the Great Clock back to its normal state.
In the next instant, however, he found himself somewhere oddly familiar. . .
"Am I. . . On Fastoon?"
Indeed he was, surrounded by the grandure of his home. Everything was as it had been before Tachyon's attack. Children ran about with water blasters, their parents sitting by idly and talking amongst themselves.
Just watching this lifted the pain that had plagued the old general's heart and, for the first time in decades, he gave a full and genuine smile.
"Good to see you found your way."
Azimuth turned and his smile only widened.
Kaden regarded his companion fondly, hands gripping his hips. He wore a cocky grin on his face and his chartruese eyes sparkled with a mischeivous grin.
"My old friend. . ." Alister reached out, tears in his eyes.
The two embraced in a tight hug. They laughed and beamed at one another, clasping hands and holding the other close. It felt like a lifetime since they had seen each other.
"So." Kaden rubbed his hands together. "How is my son?"
Azimuth's smile faltered a might.
Ratchet.
Looking at his friend now, he saw only the young Lombax in his features. The same golden fur and toothy grin and playful tone. All the sass and wit and charm, from long, furry ear to puffy, swishing tail. Azimuth nonchalantly wiped a tear from his cheek and gave his old friend a gentle smile.
"More amazing than you could ever imagine."
With that, Kaden held out his hand and grasped Alister's.
"You've come far, general." His voice grew heavy and light all at once. "It's about time you finally rest."
"Yes." The world-worn Lombax smiled and gave Kaden's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Yes it is."