Alister was standing in the Court of Azimuth, watching as Lombaxes flooded in, demanding the protection they should have been the guaranteed. The protection they needed now because of him.
The Praetorian Guard had been shattered. Their fighter and battle ships were all destroyed, their weaponry had been smashed, their soldiers were now dead or beaten and broken. Tachyon would arrive in the Court soon, would take out all of the Lombaxes there and succeed in ridding the galaxy of them.
"We need to get the Dimensionator," Alister announced loudly, drawing the attention of the gathered Lombaxes. "We can't stay here anymore. If we try to flee from Fastoon then Tachyon will tear the galaxy apart searching for us." He felt his hands clenching tightly into fists, ashamed at himself for having to admit defeat. "We have to leave this dimension. Then Tachyon will leave the galaxy in peace."
"So we're going to run with our tails between our legs?" one Lombax demanded. He was glaring defiantly at Alister, clearly not wanting to listen to his advice.
The Elder Councilman found himself staring at the ground, unable to look that gaze in the eye. "We're going to make sure we aren't killed."
"Your last plan for safety measures involved showing all of our secrets to a Cragmite who wanted to commit genocide against us," one of the members of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research exclaimed. "Why should we listen to any more of your suggestions?" he added with a hiss.
"Because it was Kaden's idea, not mine. I'm just telling you while he goes to rescue his family," Alister admitted weakly. He knew they had lost all respect for him, there was no point in trying to defend himself when they all knew he was nothing more than a failure in their eyes.
"Well then," the Councilmember smirked as he stated loudly, "let's get the Dimensionator then!" He and the other members went to go get the device which had been hidden and locked away after the Great War to prevent the machine from being used incorrectly.
Applause and cheering broke out, the Lombaxes glad to know that they were finally being taken care of and a plan was underway to protect them. Alister wrapped his arms tightly around himself, distraught as he accepted that these Lombaxes who had once looked up to him and once acknowledged him as a revered leader, now thought of him as nothing but a traitor and the reason they had to run away. He was anguished and he couldn't bring himself to look at any of the others. He could only see the effects this attack had caused. He was such an idiot. How could he have failed his race like this? How could he have made such a crucial mistake, one that cost the lives of so many of the people he had sworn to protect?
Everyone had told him he was naive for trusting Tachyon and they were right. Why hadn't he listened? Why hadn't he believed them? Why had he just been so stubborn, that he had actually shown that Cragmite the work the Center had been doing? Why had he trusted him? They had sat and talked and cooperated and corroborated and laughed together. Alister had been friendly and Tachyon had reciprocated. Had all of that been lies to manipulate Alister so he could carry out this assault?
A hand was on his shoulder and he was about to growl at the person, ready to bite their head off if he had to. He didn't want to talk to anyone and he especially didn't want someone to feel sorry for him and his mistakes.
But he turned to see a familiar pair of green eyes looking up at him softly. It was Kaden, holding his son in his arms, smiling sadly at him. "You alright? I heard they were getting the Dimensionator ready."
"Kaden! You're alright," Alister exclaimed, beaming down at his friend. He was surprised, when Kaden had gone to save his family Alister had not expected him to come back in one piece. Knowing that he had not only managed to avoid getting himself killed, but he had been successful was enough to give him a bit of confidence, despite the accusations of the others tearing him down. But there was one thing missing. Where was his wife? She must have been in the crowd with the rest of the Lombaxes. Alister smiled down at the little boy in his friend's arms and stated, "Hey! You got them! Where's-"
Alister stopped as he heard a pained wince escape his friend. He looked up to see Kaden's smile leave his face instantaneously. He held on tighter to the child in his arms and squinted his eyes shut tightly, trying to block out Alister's question.
"Kaden?" the sand-coloured Lombax tried again. What was wrong?
"Gone," Kaden finally managed to answer. His ears dropped back against his head and Alister noticed him curl slightly. He was trying to barrier himself from the other Lombax. Perhaps even from the reality of what he had just acknowledged out loud.
"I'm sorry." Alister found himself feeling guilty instantly once he realized what Kaden meant. Alister let out a pained gasp and forced himself to look away from Kaden. How could his actions have gotten her killed? She was more than Kaden's wife. She was one of his closest friends and now she was dead. It hurt to think that she was gone. He couldn't imagine how much more so for Kaden.
"Don't apologize," Kaden snapped. His green eyes were locked onto his friend's and Alister could see the whirlwind of emotions blowing through them. There was sadness, anger and guilt clouding them and Alister couldn't stand seeing it. Kaden had no reason to feel guilty for his wife's death.
"But it's my fault," the general protested.
"I know. And I'll feel guilty whether I accept your apology or not," Kaden snapped, the truth spilling in his rage. Alister understood immediately; if he accepted Alister's apology, then he admitted that it was alright that he had let his wife die. If he denied the apology, he hurt his friend. Either way he lost.
"Kaden." Alister had not expected this reaction from the other Lombax. He knew Kaden was upset, especially now that he had lost his wife. But to take it out on him? Whatever hell Kaden was going through, Alister was going through his own. Perhaps Kaden thought he was to blame for his wife's death and knew he would have to live without her, but Alister was the cause of all of the people's deaths, of the destruction of Fastoon. He was the reason that the Lombaxes had to flee this dimension just to try and be safe. He had unleashed a Cragmite menace on this planet. And all he wanted was to find some way to correct it. Was forgiveness from his best friend too much to ask for?
The murmurs of the terrified Lombaxes died down as a large portal appeared in the center of the Court. "The Dimensionator is operational!" one of the councilmembers called as the Lombaxes could only stare at it in awe and wonder. Alister had personally never seen the device, having only joined the Center after the Great War. Staring at it now he was amazed. It was so hard to believe that such a device had been created by his own people.
Kaden smiled at the device, proud at knowing that he had helped create it. He had been very young during the Great War, and definitely had not been part of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research. But Kaden had always been headstrong and when he was young he had been incredibly persistent. He had stormed into the Center and gone before the Council, throwing down plans he had designed for the Dimensionator. Kaden had always been a smart Lombax, perhaps even one of the smartest Lombaxes of their time, and he hadn't been afraid to prove it. While the Councilmembers took his plan into consideration, correcting his schematics and having the device built, Kaden had gotten very little for his invention. In fact, he wasn't even named as one of the eight Lombaxes responsible for building the machine. While Kaden had been angered, he had been granted a position on the Council as his reward, which he had accepted gratefully, almost forgetting that credit had been stolen for his idea.
Kaden hadn't been able to see the device fired up the first and only time it was used to defeat the Cragmites. Now seeing the device being used again, he could stare in awe at the final outcome of his plans. Alister was glad to see a smile on his friend's lips again. He was relieved that in spite of what had happened he was still able to feel pride and joy. He hoped it boded well for his future; that he would be able to recover from today's events.
But Kaden's moment of awe was short lived. His gaze snapped from the device to the faces of the Lombaxes, clearly wondering what they could be waiting for. "Go on. We have to hurry before Tachyon gets here! Everyone go through, I'll stay behind and hide the Dimensionator."
"Why would you do that?" Alister asked, "go through with the others, who cares about the machine?!"
"Tachyon," Kaden answered. "He'll want it to bring the Cragmites back. Or he'll use it to get to us and kill us. I won't allow either scenario to happen. I'll hide it." His voice was insistent, not leaving room for any kind of dissuasion.
"Then make him stay behind to hide it!" one of the councilmembers exclaimed, a finger pointed accusingly at Alister. "This is all his fault, he should be the one to stay behind! Kaden, you deserve to come with us. You've actually tried to protect us while all he's done is gotten us killed."
Alister and Kaden blinked at each other before staring at the councilmember in shock. How could he say such a thing? "What have I done? I've been running through the city putting my life at risk so I could go and save my son. Alister's been getting people to take refuge in the Court and told you to get the Dimensionator going. Yes, he made a mistake, and yes, you can blame him if you'd like, but it doesn't change the fact that he's doing his best to correct it by protecting as many as he can while I've been selfishly only caring about myself and my family!"
Alister looked down at his feet, hiding the pleased grin that had worked its way on his face. He was very glad Kaden was defending him, especially since he knew that at the same time the other Lombax was dealing with a turmoil that he blamed his friend for. It was good to see Kaden on his side again. Simultaneously Alister couldn't help but feel ashamed and found he couldn't bring himself to look at either Councilmember. These people who had once been his friends and who he had worked with were now completely against him. And if he tried to share a look with Kaden, his friend's demeanor would immediately show the hurt he blamed Alister for. The sand-coloured Lombax couldn't bear to see that.
"Kaden, we'll need you in this new dimension," the councilmember begged. "We'll need you to protect us like he couldn't." Without Kaden prompting him the man continued, his tail lashing furiously with frustration. "Don't you dare try to defend him, you and I both know he gave Tachyon what he needed to commit this attack. Kaden, we need you to remain with us in the Center for Advanced Lombax Research. There are so many accomplishments that we wouldn't be able to make without you. Please, come with us!"
"No, I've made my decision." Kaden stared away from the other Lombaxes and muttered to himself, "I have unfinished business here."
Alister stared at his friend in confusion. What unfinished business could Kaden be talking about? With Fastoon destroyed there was nothing left for the Lombaxes in this dimension.
The councilmember glared at Kaden, not happy about his resistance to join them in this new dimension but at a loss for how he could convince him to reconsider.
Kaden simply looked away. He was clearly too lost in his own thoughts. But when he turned back to find the other councilmember glaring at him, he and Alister commanded at the same time, "Well? Let's get going!" The Lombax only shook his head, turning away from the pair in disgust as he helped the other Lombaxes to make their way into the portal. They all flooded into the wormhole, not wanting to wait another second for Tachyon to arrive. Alister smiled at Kaden, wanting to show that at least they would be able to protect some lives. But Kaden wouldn't smile back. In fact he just glared at his friend. Alister bit his lip and turned away to watch the portal as the Lombaxes traveled through it. Just as he had predicted, one shared look with Kaden had caused Alister to feel awash with shame. He had hurt his best friend, ruined his life in a way neither could have ever imagined possible. How was he supposed to say goodbye when they couldn't even look one another in the eye without feeling misery?
He would be going through the portal soon. Without Kaden. It was a horrifying thought. The two were like brothers, having been childhood friends and growing up together. Even when they weren't together for too long Alister felt separation anxiety. Kaden had always been the leader when they were younger, jumping into dangers without second thought and managing to convince Alister to join. How had the roles managed to reverse so much? Now Alister was the leader of the Lombaxes, having control of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research and a high ranking position in the Praetorian Guard. Perhaps leadership was a role that Alister was never meant to fill.
But now, he could only stare at his friend and wonder, what would it be like, knowing that they would be separated permanently? Alister didn't want to remain in this dimension anymore. His failure would stagnate, continuing to haunt him day after day. How could he remain in this place and not think of how peaceful it had once been before Alister had accepted Tachyon's "help"?
And at the same time, Kaden was so determined to stay here. Alister didn't understand why and couldn't see what was keeping the yellow-furred Lombax in this dimension. But Kaden was adamant. And so the two would be separated. Alister sighed and he could only watch as the Lombaxes continued flooding into portal. Soon only a few members of the Council and the Praetorian Guard were left. It was time for him to go. Alister turned to Kaden, catching his friend's eye. Green met brown for a moment, wording the emotions that neither could speak aloud. The sand-coloured Lombax placed an arm on his friend's shoulder, "Good bye," he murmured quietly.
"Good luck, Alister." Kaden muttered, breaking away from his friend's gaze. Azimuth took a deep breath and left Kaden's side, making his way toward the wormhole. As he reached out toward the portal, almost about to touch it, two members of the Praetorian Guard stepped before him, blocking his way.
The Lombax general jumped back, startled by the two guards' interference. Why weren't they letting him through? He was their leader. "What is the mean-"
"Where do you think you're going?" one of the guards asked with a ferocious glare fixed on Alister as he raised his weapon. Alister took a step back, unprepared for such aggression from a lower ranked soldier.
Before he could call him out for treason the second soldier raised his own weapon and added, "What makes you think we want you in this dimension?"
"You've already ruined one home for us." Alister turned around to see the councilmembers enclosing in around him. The general felt completely trapped as he was surrounded on all sides by the other Lombaxes. He felt uneasiness crawl up his spine and instinct drove him to reach for his wrench despite the fact he knew this wasn't a problem he could strike away. "Why should we allow you to destroy this new one too?"
Before he could answer, an older member of the Council started to proclaim, "For your crimes, General Alister Azimuth, you are forbidden from joining us in this new dimension and we strip you of your position on the Council and in the Praetorian Guard. Any attempt to infiltrate our new home will be met with execution." He turned to Kaden and added, "Kaden, please reconsider. We've discussed among the Council and decided that we want you to be the Elder Councilman. Join us, please, be the leader that we need."
Alister turned sharply to Kaden, expecting to see a look of contemplation on his friend's face. Alister himself had jumped at the offer to become Elder Councilman, not even taking a moment to second guess. It was a huge honour, and now when the Lombaxes relied on the Center most, being the Elder Councilman made one leader of the Lombaxes. But Kaden didn't even look like he was thinking about it. He shook his head and exclaimed, "I've already told you, I'm staying in this dimension. Besides, you're only offering me the position to punish Alister and I refuse to do that to him."
Alister smiled at his friend. He wanted him to take the position, it was an honour he more than deserved, but at the same time, he was glad his friend had refused it for his sake. The councilmembers all just shook their heads, disappointed that such a brilliant mind refused to join them in their dimension. "You're making a grave mistake, Kaden," the Lombax growled before making his way through the portal.
The guards and the Councilmembers made their way into the portal and one of them exclaimed, "Have fun dealing with the Cragmite on your own." Alister cringed at the reality that Tachyon was still there, still attacking the city and he still wanted the remaining Lombaxes dead. The last Lombax jumped into the portal, allowing it to close behind him.
Alister could only blink at where the portal had once been. He reached out his hand, trying to touch the now non-existent wormhole. They were gone. And they had made it very clear that to follow after them would mean signing his own death warrant. He was trapped in this ruin he had caused. He wanted to be with them. He wanted a second chance. He wanted to join them, he wanted to lead them and make up for the mistake he had caused. But now, all he could do was stare with anguish in his eyes as all of that was stripped from him along with the chance to be with his people, along with his rank in the guard, along with his position as their leader.
He turned to Kaden and his son. This was it. They were the last ones. The last Lombaxes left in this dimension. And it was still all his fault.