The time capsule disappears into Nova's inventory, and she hops up onto her tiptoes to give Al one last hug. "Thanks for everything, Al. Sorry for the scare; I guess I have a habit of doing that."

Returning the gesture, Al pats her back to reassure her. "It's fine, no worries. Is it alright if I keep the notes I've made about you, though? I'd like to do some research on my own time about things. Maybe it'll lead to some new gadget ideas."

"Of course! And any blueprints of Ratchet's you might need, just let me know. I can make copies if you need them, and he's told me that his stuff is free for me to use how I see fit."

"Thanks! I'll just put these away real quick." The mechanic begins rearranging the notes he's made, placing it all into one neat file on his data pad before stopping in his tracks as her words sink in. "Wait, you've talked to Ratchet? Directly? How?"

"A story for another day, my friend. For now, we need to get back to the garage." Nova's hand gently lies against her smaller companion's shoulder, and she offers a warm grin. "Gonna bake something really special for Clank's birthday."

"You forget that I cannot eat, Nova. You do not have to go to such lengths for me, although I appreciate the thought," Clank humbly adds.

"Ah, It's no trouble," she insists, waving off the idea of not going above and beyond for the occasion. "I want to do it; it's a day to celebrate, after all!"

Placing his hands on their backs, Al ushers the two of them away from his desk. "Well, I won't keep you two. See you around!" They wave and say their goodbyes as the door shuts behind his visitors, giving Al the space and privacy to jot down a few more notes before returning to his own projects.

…

Back on Veldin, Clank watches Nova lead the way down the beaten path. His markazian companion walks on, floating by as her tiptoes carry her forward. She hums to herself, cheerfully bobbing back and forth as little noises mix with barely audible comments on their surroundings. The afternoon sun brings a slight bit of sweat to her skin, but the heat does nothing to dampen her mood.

As her heels hover above the ground, the robot can't help but smile at the sight of it. She mutters something unintelligible under her breath, but the tone is light. "You seem happy, what is on your mind?"

"Hm?" Nova stops for a moment, turning her gaze to the garage and checking the map in her head. "Oh, nothing. Just making plans for tonight." A mumbled thought escapes her once more, and Nova heads further down the beaten path. "But before we get to that, I wanted to see something."

Instead of the quiet, untouched space she expected, she lets out a soft gasp at the sight.

The crater where Clank crashed so long ago is surrounded by gold posts, held together by a velvet, crimson rope. A handful of locals kneel at the edge, leaving flowers at their feet and taking photos. Amidst said offerings are small trinkets scattered all around the space including printed out news clippings, small cakes, and even plushies, toy wrenches, and bolts. "What is all this?"

A veldinite woman pipes up at her question, and her wife and child tend to their own gifts. "You don't know? It's Destiny's Day. This area's usually off limits entirely, but Veldin's Planetary Defense Force opens it to the public once a year. For Ratchet and Clank's birthday." Upon noticing Clank, she pulls out her phone. "It's an honor to meet you! Could we get a quick photo?"

"O-oh, of course." The warbot stands by as the woman calls her family over, and they take the photo. Their child gently pulls at Nova for another picture, and she squats to be closer to the kid's eye level as the photo is taken.

"By the way," the wife interjects, scooping up the kid and holding them at her hip. "Will you two be at the festival tonight?"

Nova smiles at the child, then turns her attention to the woman with piqued interest. "A festival?"

"For the holiday," the photographer clarifies. "The market's going to be filled with local music, and a reenactment of Ratchet and Clank's first adventure."

"All the costumes are really cheesy, but I dunno, that's half the fun of it to me," the other adds, bouncing their little one as she pinches their cheek. Said kid lets out a high pitched giggle, and the parents smile at the sound.

The idea does sound fun, and the play might be entertaining; for a moment Nova considers it. As fun as it sounds though, memories of the last party she went to quickly shoots down the thought with a wary hum. "Maybe next year," she says with a hint of disappointment in such circumstances. "Clank and I have plans tonight, to celebrate a bit more privately."

"Alright, suit yourselves. Y'all take care now, and thank you for your time." With that, the happy family moves on, leaving the markazian and robot to their own business.

There's an air of quiet respect in the area, and the rest of the visitors don't mess with the markazian and robot. Instead, they focus on the rare opportunity to be where they are. Nova takes it all in, kneeling down to look closer at the offerings. "Destiny's Day, huh? I know you've mentioned before that you and Ratchet celebrated birthdays at the same time, but wow. They made it a full blown holiday."

Clank approaches a nearby pedestal, and a button right below an ornate plaque to read out the inscription. "Perhaps this will explain things." Eager to learn more, the markazian moves to his side as he reaches up for the button and taps it. A small speaker crackles to life with a short, recorded message:

"On this day, in the year 5354, Clank was born to Quartu's factories and crashed here, landing on this very ground. After being rescued by Ratchet Apogee, the two of them went on to save our solar system, and our planet, from being destroyed by Drek Industries. Per his own wishes, Ratchet is laid to rest here, where it all began. To honor both of their brave efforts to protect this galaxy time and time again, Veldin is proud to preserve this small monument to intergalactic history.

The Veldin Planetary Defense Center asks that visitors refrain from crossing the rope or throwing objects past this point. Yes, that includes bolts thrown for good luck."

The markazian's eyes take in every trinket, solemnly reflecting on the gesture. "So all of this isn't just for the holiday; It's laid at his grave."

"Yes, that is true." Clank's voice drops a bit, and his optics dim slightly as he looks around at the small crowd. "I did not expect such fanfare surrounding the space after all this time. I have not been here since..."

As his voice trails off, Nova drops to her knees, remaining at his eye level as she takes his hand. "Hey, you don't have to talk about it if it's too much. If it helps, I'm here to listen if you need to say something."

"Thank you." Clank squeezes her hand in return, and his eyes regain their brightness. "I avoided the subject for a long time at the Great Clock, and Sigmund did not want to open any fresh wounds by talking about it when I returned to him. I think it would help to talk about it, and considering the circumstances you have a right to know."

"I appreciate the thought, but just know you don't have to tell me a thing about this," Nova assures him. "Your happiness matters too."

"I know." Finding an appropriate place to start, he gestures towards the monument. "If you look closely, there is a plaque to mark Ratchet's grave at the crater's center." The organic squints, raising to her tiptoes and leaning in for a closer look as he continues. "While I am unsure how I feel about people taking photos of it, I know that such things cannot truly be helped. My wrecked starship and the crater it created was considered a historic site even before Ratchet passed, after all. Before then it was fully open to the public, but as part of the funeral arrangements I asked that the area be left alone afterwards. Qwark advocated for me, although I assume he made sure that people could pay their respects too."

"I see," the markazian nods. The crowd isn't terribly thick, at least, and two robotic guards stand by to keep any vandals from disturbing the space too much. "I'm sure folks would leave if you asked them to."

"I would, but I must admit that it is nice to know that Qwark went to such lengths to make sure that Ratchet and I are remembered fondly. If it is just one day a year, that is fine; I mostly did not want his grave to become a daily tourist attraction," the warbot clarifies. A thoughtful grin appears on his face. "I feel that Ratchet would be extremely humbled to see this, and perhaps a bit nervous of the attention."

Clank looks over, distracted from the idea after Nova falls silent. "Are you alright?"

She sniffles a bit, but ultimately smiles. A single tear falls from her right cheek, and is quickly wiped away. "I can't explain it, but somehow I know you're right." With a deep breath, Nova stands back up and offers her hand to Clank. "Let's head home. If today's a holiday for you both, I know exactly what I want to bake. What was one of Ratchet's favorites?"

…

Back in the garage, a whistling kettle is pulled off of the stove. "I'm glad we got you to Al's. He seemed happy to check in on you, and it's good to know you're doing okay internally." A tiny metal ball, filled with a special blend of herbs, is placed inside her mug.

"He seemed a bit jealous of Sigmund, I believe. Perhaps we should arrange for them to meet, sometime!" The little robot giggles at the idea as he places the last of the dough onto the tray, allowing his companion to place it in the oven and set a timer.

"Yeah, I bet they'd be fast friends though!" Nova pours the now boiled water, watching as the mug's contents begin to change colors. She sticks a hand into her pocket, pulls out a small piece of chalk and begins to roll it between her fingertips as the tea brews. "They certainly have a lot to talk about, I'm sure. I'd have mentioned Sigmund, but even with the Clock being sort of public knowledge, it feels wrong to give details to anyone. I doubt Al would do anything stupid, though."

Clank picks up a small brush that lies next to the kitchen sink, using it to carefully scrub any debris from the creases and joints in his hands. "Being raised by the fongoids, I completely understand your hesitance. I agree that he would be unlikely to try anything drastic, so perhaps someday he would be interested to know more. We could always arrange a holo call."

"True. I did offer for him to borrow any of Ratchet's blueprints if he ever wanted a project though. Someone like him would know better what to do with 'em." The lump of raritanium in her throat tightens as she gathers the nerve to speak, but she ultimately pushes it down. No more stalling; it's time. "On other subjects, I, uh, have something to show you. Something important."

Clank pauses from drying off, leaving the cloth on the counter and placing his hands on his hips. He tilts an optic at her, as if raising an eyebrow. "Is it whatever you have in your hand?"

The teasing tone doesn't go unnoticed, and the markazian quickly stops fidgeting with the chalk. "Well, not exactly, but it's got something to do with it. Come on." Gently taking his hand, she guides him to the center of the room. "First, I need you to sit right here and close your eyes. No peeking, not for any reason, okay?"

"Alright." Clank does as he's asked, shutting his optics tight. "May I ask what all this secrecy is for?"

"It's a surprise, but it'll be worth it," he hears her say. "A very special birthday present, that's all I can say for now. Just don't move from that spot; you'll know when to open your eyes, trust me."

Clank offers a short giggle, and smiles in her direction. "Very well, I will wait here." Whatever this surprise is has the caretaker intrigued; Nova certainly seems to be excited for it. His scanners detect her heart practically beating out of her chest, and the frantic shuffling of paper is heard. There's barely audible mumbling, but nothing that gives away its purpose.

Clank hears that her mug of tea is placed on a nearby end table, ignored in favor of other tasks. There's the scratching of chalk on the concrete floor, but it's a bit more difficult to determine the shape of whatever's being drawn without sight. She seems rather focused, whatever it is, so he simply waits to see what it means.

Nova pulls out her phone and scrolls through her saved pictures, zooming into the diagram from her book for the more intricate details. She slowly drags her chalk over the concrete around them, stopping to look back at the reference photos with every other curve to ensure that the shapes are accurate. Intent is the key. Confidence, Nova. After drawing out the last curve and completing the entire sigil, she pulls out a handful of unscented candles, placing them at strategic points. After lighting them, the markazian lifts up her mug and closes her eyes in prayer. Please let this work.

This particular tea was carefully picked out from imported Quantos herbs, brewed with spells in mind. It's meant to open the body and mind to change, but It's a bitter blend, and it does not go down smoothly. As Nova downs the liquid, there's the urge to cough that she suppresses. Please tell me I'm doing the right thing here. Gods, that's awful.

Before seating herself across from Clank, a final idea pops into her head. "Oh!-I'm going to get something from the room, be right back. Don't peek."

Optics still closed, he waves to Nova. "I will be here when you are ready."

Running off to the room, the markazian finds a small scrap of paper and a pen. After seating herself, careful not to blow out the candles, Nova announces her presence once more. "Okay, I'm back. Wait for the signal, though." A short note is scribbled onto the paper, folded, and pressed into her right hand. With all the pieces in place, the young woman recalls the passage she needs. Her left hand is placed at the center of the circle, between her and Clank, and she recites the spell in her mind.

Guardians of Chronos, I beseech thee. Open the door between Past and Present; allow my light to walk the space between realities. May Orvus protect me during my travels and bless my journey.

A soft, bluish glow emanates from the chalk lines, and sparks fly from Nova's fingertips. Her hair spreads apart, static lifting it from her shoulders. Brushing off the new feeling, she assumes that it's a good sign that she's doing this right. After all; Zoni bioenergy is the most powerful force in the omniverse.

I call upon Ratchet Apogee, whose light has my full blessing to speak and act through me. Allow me to carry this light, then return it safely from whence it came.

The air seems a bit thicker for a moment, and the candles around her flicker as if something really is there. Nova flicks her right hand to the hologuise, activating the device and taking a deep breath to let that pressure flow through her body.

…

Eyes flutter open, widening as the world is absorbed. Ratchet turns his torso, leaning over to drink in every detail without moving from his current spot. Holy crap, she did it. She actually did it. I'm...I'm back home.

Everything in the garage is almost like he remembers; the furniture has stayed the same, more or less. A few of Nova's own personal touches to the space are scattered around, including small crystals or good luck charms like the ones he'd previously seen on Quantos. Instead of the motor oil and gunpowder he's used to, there's the residual smell of baked goods stuck to his nose. His old VG-9000 has even been plugged up too, but it currently lies in sleep mode.

The lombax looks down next, the projection's accuracy throwing him for a loop. I've gotta give Al credit, this is pretty close to life, he thinks. Upon closer inspection, the chalk drawings around them seem delicately carved, as if a lot of care went into their creation. Every line seems ever so slightly cracked, and soft light peeks through the space. Slowly but surely, it seems to be gradually peeling away like embers floating to the skies. Tiny wisps of smoke flow from the candles in the sigil, all blown out from whatever the markazian pulled. He can smell the last drops of bitter medicine that's still left in the cup, and even sense it's aftertaste.

"Nova? I felt a pulse of energy. Are you alright?"

Ratchet freezes, jaw dropped at seeing and hearing Clank in person after all this time. His best pal; untouched by time, and patiently waiting for the signal to open his eyes. I gotta say something. What do I even say, after this long? Something he'll know is coming from me. He takes a deep breath, and chooses his words carefully.

"Hey, Tin Can."

Clank's eyes shoot open, hearing a nickname he shared with no one else. A recording doesn't sound that clear, or so alive. The previous times he's heard that, rare as they were, never had this sound of…relief? Quiet joy? He's unsure exactly how to describe it. Leaning up into the source of the voice, his processors freeze. This is not possible. This cannot be possible.

"Ratchet?!"

"In the flesh," he jokes, grinning from ear to ear. He shrugs his shoulders with a smirk, as if it's a response he's practiced for a while. "Well, sort of."

"Ratchet!" Clank jumps up to his old friend, nearly knocking him off balance. For the first time in decades, the two of them hug as if it'll be their last.

Looking down and noticing the flickering of green light, the lombax gives a short chuckle. "Aw, come on, Clank. Don't cry, bud. You're gonna make me cry too, and you know I'm a mess."

It takes a moment for the robot's vocal modulators to settle from the shock, but he does manage a single phrase through his stuttering. "I-I have m-missed you so much, Ratchet."

"Me too, pal." The lombax sniffles, grinning wider than he has in a very long time. "Me too."

The two friends talk about anything and everything, making up for lost time. Laughter occasionally echoes off the garage walls, and life is suddenly as it used to be. After a while, Clank catches sight of a small scrap of paper on the ground next to Ratchet. Picking up the note, he hands it to his old friend. "It seems that Nova left you a message."

Sure enough, his name is on the outer fold; written in a rather small and sharp handwriting. Opening the note reveals a short message, with a few scribbled out phrases at the top as if she was unsure what to say or how to put it into words.

Hi Ratchet! If you're reading this, the ritual worked! I'm not sure exactly how much time it gives you, but please use every minute you can. If I did this right, you've got until the chalk completely disappears. You boys have fun, and tell Clank I said hi. Happy birthday, you two. :)
- Nova

A grin spreads on the lombax's face, and he shakes his head, chuckling at the tone he can almost hear through the text. "Nova says hi."