Hey all you people! I AM BACK! (*Terminator Theme plays*) For all you fans who've kept up for this far…welcome back! I promised to have a comeback, and I have. I'm glad to be back in my good old chair, munching on chocolate and writing stories again!
For all you newbies, I am the great Victor Turdleman, and as a fan of Star Wolf, I decided to write a series based on his perspective. So I'd recommend looking elsewhere if you have problems with any of the following:
1. CAUTION: you have to have read the first two stories before this one, in this order: Star Fox: The Rise of Star Wolf, and the sequel, Star Fox 64: The Sins of Star Wolf, otherwise the plot will make no sense to new readers.
2. Sound effects (you'll see a bunch of Clang!s, Booms, and etc. Just like your favorite manga!)
3. The initial pairing for this story: Wolf X Krystal. So any stuck-up fanboys who wanna jeer at me for putting them together instead of Wolf X Fox or Fox Krystal can take a hike!
4. Blood, special abilities, numerous weapons, basically everything that makes a story appealing (For those who leave, what's the matter with you?)
No objections? Goodie.
Oh, yeah, quick shout-out: Congratz, Nintendo, on successfully creating another Zelda! *applause*.
Alrighty then (I promise, the stuff in the beginning is never this long), the story begins!
Star Fox Adventures: Resurrection of Star Wolf
They say that the story of Lylat's glory was told from the cockpit of a ship….and in a way, they were wrong.
The Lylat System is in a state of chaos. Just because the valiant Star Fox Team has vanquished the Venomian Army, that only means the worse for the rest of the galaxy.
The economy of the Cornerian Government has crashed. The countless amounts of Lylat Currency spent on the funding of the Lylat Wars means desperation and deception amongst the citizens of the Lylat System.
Many say that the end of the war was like a judgment day, where the innocent were left in poverty to defend themselves, and the guilty were taken away….
Refugees, war veterans, shipless pilots, and forgotten warriors are scattered amongst the galaxy, struggling to survive in these desperate times. These days are known as the Hollow Mercenary Days, due to the 75% drop of crime rate. Nearly a third of Lylat's most notorious criminals have been captured and prosecuted, save a few side-running organizations.
It is a time of fear and deception. Trust is no longer the currency of the system. Men kill each other for pennies, and big-time kingpins make a living off of the weak. Unbalance wreaks the streets of every city, a nightmare of crime and confusion. It's a violent society, full of murders and despair.
And even in this world of injustice, the harsh law prevails. All criminals fear the new Lylat Government, and what awaits the penalty for being caught. And with families being forced to take no heed of the law, loved ones are dragged off to prison, without a word of defense.
And even the proud Star Fox Team wanders the galaxy in their battered Great Fox, low on income, desperate for a call for help that will ignite Lylat's hope again. Things haven't been the same since daring pilot Falco Lombardi left the team to fly solo once again.
Lylat is in its time of woe. The small glimpse of hope is on the horizon…..that freedom will take shape…..once again….
But before we reach out to the present, to truly understand how things changed…..
We must gaze at the past…..where different paths were taken…..
Star Fox Adventures: The Resurrection of Star Wolf
Chapter 1: Loss of Hope, Birth of Innocence
Corneria City, 12 BLW (17 years ago)
EERRRRAAAHHHH!
The sirens shrieked like some kind of wounded animal.
All the lights had gone out in the city. Several cries were heard in the darkness.
Then everything fell silent as there was a low roar of distant machines.
WHIZZZ!
The searchlights ignited at the foggy sky, scanning for any signs of life.
Then, the horrible sound of droning metal echoed in the sky.
Small black shapes tore through the sky like hideous metallic insects.
A number of screams went about as the symbol on the ships became clear: A green orb symbolizing a planet, and the atmosphere in the shape of a skull. The insignia of the Venomian Army.
Suddenly there was a whoosh as the largest ship hooked downwards. Dual-compartments opened on either side, there was a flash.
Ka-TRUUUUSHH!
Streaming beams of orange light lit up the sky as the missiles clashed into the Cornerian United Nations Building, crumbling the base and sending it forward on the screaming citizens.
CRAAAASH!The building severed the ground, sending smoke and rubble in all directions, crushing hundreds under its massive weight.
Two other ships zoomed between giant skyscrapers, and let out missiles in harmony exactly like the first one.
It was chaos. Hundreds took off in random directions, some running away from the flames, others avoiding the giant craters created by the bombs that were dropped. Families were lost in the giant crowds, and panic was wreaking havoc in the city.
Then, the first ship let something else a lot more deadly than missiles. The compartment opened, and a large metal tube around the size of an elevator.
The civilians watched, horror-struck, as the metal slabs on each object moved vertically, smoke wafting off of the doors.
An intense light stung the eyes of all observers. The only shadows were black figures strung inside sitting down.
The light faded and the doors fell over.
The tall figures emerged. As the light from the flames dotting the city-turned-battlefield lit up the figures, their form became clear. Slacked shoulder-pads, strapped bullet-belts, and tightly-fitted gray-black uniform was equipped on each figure. Their faces were brutal-looking and scarred, those of round-snouted apes.
Everyone's heart stopped as they slowly realized who they were: Venomian Soldiers.
The Lead Soldier spoke in a rasped voice that clearly spelled 'tobacco.' "Troops…..prepare for no-quarter. Show this Cornerian scum who truly rule the Lylat System."
The troops raised their weapons and sent out a savage battle-yell. The terrified civilians backed away, arms on their children in a sad attempt to act unafraid for their sake.
The Lead Venomian raised his fist. "Time to kill for the Emperor of Venom….Open fire!"
The Venomians raised their weapons.
The civilians screamed and took off in the opposite direction, but it was no use. The shower of shots banged into the bodies of the slower civilians.
They ran for the gate outside the main Cornerian Square, but the soldiers there were already waiting for them.
A brutal-looking gorilla Captain was waiting. He nodded to the other soldiers. "Close the gate. Let these traitors know that there is no escape from the wrath of Venom."
Hundreds of restrained civilians banged and clashed their fists against the gate, tears drowning their cheeks, begging for mercy. The crowds stacked against the gate like trapped animals, until the shots came from behind.
SHWOOOM!
Green shots rained from the sky.
The Venomian Captain scowled upwards. "What?"
Green bird-like ships swooped down, taking out Venomian soldiers with expert precision, carefully avoiding any civilians in the crossfire.
The gigantic screens that surrounded the city, usually blaring advertisements or news announcements, attached to the larger buildings, flickered on.
The light blared on screen, and the face of an elderly Labrador, whose blonde fur was so old and battered, it was bleached white. He had dangerous-looking green eyes, and he had a deep and gruesome scar on the side of his face, that had blackened with decay. He was wearing red Cornerian Military Uniform, his chest covered with gleaming military medals. A red military cap was perched above his ears.
"Civilians of Corneria City!" His deep voice echoed on the loud-speakers. "This is General Lysander of the Cornerian Army. Our troops have just landed to deal with these invaders. We're unlocking the gate with our auto-security systematic. While our troops are putting up with these Venomian Forces, I'm ordering you all to get out of the Square in order to avoid the crossfire. The remaining troops will escort you. Move in discreet single-file formation. Now!"
The screens flickered off. As they did, the gates rammed open with a CLANG!
Hundreds of soldiers in blue and white Cornerian Assault uniform barged in, holding long blaster rifles.
The Venomians scowled at the sight of them, and held up their weapons to fire.
A Cornerian Seargent yelled to the crowd of civilians. "Get down!"
Everyone fell to their knees and faces.
SPER-ZAM!
KA-TANG!
BAM-BANG!
The green and red shots flared and whizzed above their heads, as soldiers fell on both sides.
Then the Cornerians began pushing their way over the crowd, pushing the Venomians back.
The crowd cheered feebly as their saviors marched in, and then the Seargent yelled. "Alright! While the rest are pushed off, I want all civilians to make a single-file line behind squad three. We need to make it out of the square before more Venomians arrive. Now, let's move!"
The civilians, or at least the ones who didn't get shot down followed the soldiers out of the ring, while the others continued to push back the Venomian Troops.
The Lead Venomian snarled. "Damn…..they brought reinforcements, did they? Well, the rest of Corneria City will pay for this outrage. Aerial Squad!" He barked into his comm.
"Yes, sir?"
"Enclose your fleet around the Eastern District, and take send all the bombers. Wipe out everything that stands above the ground, civilians and buildings alike."
Eastern District of Corneria City (Underground)
Away from the bombs, but not far from the conflict, a small group huddled for warmth, their hiding place miles underground the district of homes above. No one could see anything, but they were standing in
The smallest one, a collie, spoke first, her bright blue eyes wide. "Mommy, I can hear the bombs. Will they reach us down here?" She was barely five years old, but the tremble in her voice was clear.
The tallest figure, also a collie, only with brown eyes. "No, Fay. We'll be safe down here, as long as we're quiet. We just have to wait a little more…"
The second smallest one clasped her mother's hand. "But, Mommy, I can hear them getting closer! What if…"
Then there was a distant rumble. Some of the rocks began to crumble off of the stony ceiling.
The mother put her arm around her two children. "Shh…..be as quiet as you can…."
She bit her lip. Someone else was inside the hide-out.
Suddenly, a figure on the far end of the area came into vision. The children held their breaths, terrified.
The figure ran over to the mother. "Lisa! It's me Jacob." He was a male adult collie, well-built with assuring green eyes.
The mother, Lisa, ran over to her husband and flung her arms around him. "Jacob….thank God….are you alright?"
"I'm fine." He bent down to the children. "May, Fay…..are you two okay?"
May, the older one, looked up to her father's face. "Daddy….what's going on up there?"
Jacob feinted assurance for his daughter's sake. "Nothing to worry about….this area's safe, everyone's left. We can go. But we need to stay out of sight, and we need to extremely quiet. Stay close to Mom, and don't side-track. Fay," he turned to his younger daughter. "Do what your sister does, okay? You need to be a big girl out there, okay?"
Fay nodded. "Okay, Daddy!"
Jacob smiled. Poor Fay…..she so small….she doesn't know what's going on out there….
"May," he turned to Fay's older sister. "Keep hold of Fay's hand. Keep her in sight at all times, alright? I'm counting on you."
May nodded. She was three older than Fay, and smarter. She knew what was going on, and she was definitely scared.
Jacob stood up and faced his wife. "The fleet's moved to the northern district. We're lucky we found this cavern. It's all that could have saved us."
"Where's everybody gone?"
"They're….." Jacob glanced at the children and lowered his voice. "….they're all dead. The neighbors…the landlord…..all their homes went under the fire."
Lisa clapped a hand to her mouth. "…what? All of them? But…."
"Lisa…..I got to the neighborhood five minutes after the fires died…..I saw them…."
"…saw? As in…" Her eyes widened.
Jacob nodded grimly.
Lisa looked up. "What do we do?"
Jacob's brow furrowed, concentrated. "The Cornerian Army arrived about an hour ago…..that means they've evacuated the western part of the city….otherwise these Venomians wouldn't be here….the Army's outpost must be in the northwest."
"But that's on the opposite end of the city!"
"I know. But they must have stopped for supplies sometime around…we need to check the south area to see if that's their route….but we can't attract too much attention, otherwise the route's gonna be revealed…"
"But who's going to be able to help us?"
Jacob smiled thoughtfully. "I think I know."
Eastern District, (Surface)
The family moved swiftly around the ruined city. It looked bleak and hazardous, with shattered windows and flames peaking amongst each building.
Jacob moved his family down deserted alley-ways and streets, some filled with small craters, others scarred with scorch marks from Venomian weapons.
As they backed down a narrow alley, Jacob wiped his brow. Phew…..we made it pretty far…..those troops must've avoided this spot after a while after all….
BOOOM!
The building five yards away that they had just ran past exploded. Glass flew from the nearest window.
The children screamed as flames arose from the building's roof.
"It's alright, kids," Jacob reassured. "Everything's gonna be fine."
Lisa leaned over to Jacob. "Do you think he'll help us?"
"Of course he'll help us. He has to. He's your brother isn't he?"
"Yes…..but he's a Lieutenant….he'll be hard to find…."
Then they heard a scream.
Jacob's head spun around. The scream had come from the top of the building.
"Who was-?"
Then he froze.
A group of figures were observing the area below the building. They had large square bundles strapped to their back. As they turned to face the family, Jacob's blood ran cold from the sight of them. They had grim-looking masks, with snout-like breathers attached, with giant green glowing eyes.
Gas masks…
One raised a pole in his hand. But it had a tube running down his waist, connecting to the bundle on his back. Flames shot out of it.
Not poles…flame throwers. Those are Venomian Waste Extinguishers…..
One of them signaled his group in the family's direction.
Jacob roared to his family. "Run! Now!"
Lisa grabbed her daughters' hands and took off for a near alley-way.
Jacob followed behind, darting his head back to see if they were being followed.
Apparently, the Venomians had second thoughts about going after them. That or they had gotten lost. But Jacob wasn't taking that chance just because they had disappeared.
Dammit…..this area was supposed to be empty….
He hid with his family behind a silver Trash Carrier.
"Everyone alright?"
Lisa grabbed Jacob's arm. "I thought you said this place was empty!"
"I thought it was…..I didn't see anything when I was…."
He cut his conversation short as footsteps echoed down the alley.
Now that they had time to examine the area, it had stone floors, wet puddles, and unattractive stench that had nothing to do with the arrival of the Venomian Army.
Jacob peered over the dumpster. He caught a glimpse of some Venomian Soldiers, leading a family of frogs away. Jacob recognized a fellow co-worker: Beltino Toad, holding on to his little son…Slippy.
When the Venomians were out of view, Jacob stood and faced his crouched wife and daughters.
"Lisa, stay here with the kids."
Lisa looked up, shocked. "What? Where the hell are you going?"
"Beltino and his son have been captured. I have to help them."
"Jacob, no! You'll be captured too! What if they kill you?"
"Lise, he's my friend. I'm not gonna let him die!"
"Beltino's not family, Jacob! You've got your own to worry about!"
Jacob put his hand on her shoulder. "You can take care of Fay and May, Lise. But I'm not gonna desert a friend. Yeah, he's not family, but he's got a son too. And letting innocents get killed isn't human."
"Jacob-"
He knelt down to her. "Lisa…..I'll be fine. If I'm not back soon, then…."
Lisa's eyes became huge with terror. "Then what?"
Jacob closed his eyes. "…..look, I'll be back in five minutes. I'm not a soldier, but I'm smarter than these apes. Wait here. I'm coming back." He leaned forward and kissed her.
Then he ran down the alleyway in the direction where the Venomians had gone with the Toads.
Lisa and her children waited there. They waited…..without a sound, without a word…..in the silence of the alley.
It was ominous stillness, and anxiety stained the grim atmosphere. Lisa didn't know how many minutes or even if an hour had passed, but she knew something was wrong.
It had to have been at least an hour when she began pondering where Jacob was now.
Captured? Or dead….
Lisa stood.
May looked up. "M-Mommy? Where are you going?"
"I think something's wrong. I can feel it. Your father would've been back by now….." She looked down at her eldest daughter. "I need you to get you and your sister to your Uncle Pepper at the base on your own."
May looked up. "What? But….I…."
"May, you're a big girl. I know you can do it. Your Daddy's taken you past the Cornerian Base several times. You know where it is."
May whimpered. "Yeah, but….." Her eyes shimmered with tears. "I'm….afraid…"
Lisa blinked back her tears. "May…..my little May….you need to be brave for your little sister. You're all Fay has, alright? You were born first…..you're older and smarter…..I know you can do it…."
May buried her face in her mother's chest. "Mommy…."
"May….please…."
"I'll…..I'll do it…..but….."
Lisa looked down at May. "…I know you're scared. But you'll be safe as long as you keep control over you sister and stick together….you'll both be fine. Your father and I will relocate once we get back."
May nodded. "Yes, Mommy."
Lisa turned to her younger daughter, Fay. Her blue eyes were shimmering. This time, she knew what was going on.
Lisa hugged her daughter. "Fay…..be a good girl….do what your sister tells you…."
Fay nodded obediently.
Lisa's eyes teared up. "You….you were always a good girl. I know you'll be fine."
Fay looked up. "Mommy….are you okay? Will you be fine?"
Lisa smiled despite herself. Fay….always thinking about everyone else but herself…
"I'm fine, sweetie. I'll be just fine. Anything you need?"
Fay looked down bashfully. "Well…what….what day is it?"
"The 24th of August….why?"
"Well…."
Lisa put a hand over her mouth. Goodness….I forgot…..her birthday….
May put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Hey, Fay…..I know what day it is…"
Lisa laughed. "So do I….." She kissed her daughter's forehead. "Happy birthday, Fay."
Little Fay smiled. "You remembered…"
"I actually did….before all this happened…..I planned a party…."
Fay hugged her mother. "It's okay. I don't like fancy parties that much anyway…"
Lisa smiled. She's so young….acting mature ahead of her time….
"Here, Fay. I planned on giving this to you."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a velvet bow. It had small flowers, lined dots, of simple design. It was bright red, like a freshly-picked strawberry….Fay's favorite color….. and it was just her size.
Fay's eyes lit up. "Mommy…..it's so pretty…."
"It's yours, Fay." She tied it in her hair. "You look beautiful." She kissed both of them. "I love you both…..we'll be together soon….I promise."
Then she got up, walked around the corner. She turned, taking another look of her daughters.
Then she heard footsteps. She turned and whispered to them. "Go, now!"
May nodded, took her sister's hand, and fled.
Lisa's tears dripped on to the alley pavement.
Take care…..be safe…..
She blinked and then thought. I'm going to find Jacob…
…I'll see them again…
They're going to be safe….
I know they will…..
North Western Corneria City
Fay trudged after her sister feebly. It had been a long walk from the spot where they had fled.
The second corner opened up to a large road, between buildings. The screens that used to blaze with advertisements were cracked and shattered. Some of them lay scattered on the ground.
Fay looked around. My school's somewhere around here…..I hope that isn't burnt too….
My feet are so tired…
"…May….are we almost there?"
"Almost….we just gotta keep…."
!
The immensely loud creaking noise echoed so loudly it made the ground tremble slightly.
May turned around.
A huge crowd of people were running to their direction.
But it wasn't the fact that a crowd was heading straight for May and Fay-they would probably run over them…..discard them…..
…it was what they were running from. That was what made both sisters' hearts stop.
The machine was about 120 feet long, and towered up to 160 feet high. It was rusted, and moved like a giant garbage compactor. It was shaped like a pentagon, only it had massive wheels, like those on a Landmaster. Except these wheels were huge….each was the size of a Landmaster.
It was a Venomian Terrain Crusher. It loomed over the sky like a massive predator. Buildings shattered and crumbled down under the metal monster's weight…one after the other…..
….and the crowd of people were next…
May looked pale…..and not just because of her white fur. "F-Fay….Fay we need to leave. Now."
Fay nodded and they both ran. Fay tripped and stumbled but May kept pulling her back up.
The crowd screamed and writhed behind them. They were edging closer.
May bit her lip. We can't get close to that crowd…..we'll get separated….
They heard a petrified scream from the crowd. "It's too close!"
There was a sickening CRUNCH! as an unfortunate man was pulled under the Terrain Crusher. With a blood-curdling scream the man disappeared under the giant wheels of the machine….
That just pushed the crowd to run faster. But as people pushed and bumped over each other to get away, only more people got crushed under the massive Crusher.
Then, the Crusher pushed its weight over the next building-a skyscraper with the Cornerian Embassy Flag drifting on the pole at the top.
CRAAAAASSSSHHHHH!
The building was ripped of its roots, leaving bricks and rubble behind. It crashed into the next building…..and the next…..and the next…..it just traveled on like a group of dominoes…
…until it reached the front tower. May watched in horror, as it tumbled down….not front to back like the last row…..but on its side…..
….right for where they were standing.
May grabbed Fay's hand. "RUN! NOW!"
They ran around and saw a large black shadow drench the ground at their feet as the building came in for a dive.
May looked up the building only feet above her head.
Fay screamed.
They both huddled on the ground eyes shut, as the building came down.
CRAAAAAAAAASSSSHHHHHHHH!
Dust from the giant rubble heap.
May squeezed her eyes shut. It's the end…..it's over….
"May! May!"
May's eyes opened at her sister shaking her arm. "Wha-What? But….we aren't…?"
Fay pointed around them. "We were caught in the giant hole."
Sure enough, the area around them was cut off in a circular shape, as if the building had already been blown through when it came down.
May looked at her sister. "But when….?"
Fay shrugged. Then her blue eyes grew huge. "The crowd!"
They stood and looked around the building wreckage for an opening outside. There was the opening from the road they had come from….the Crusher was getting closer…..and the crowd was pouring in.
May looked around and spotted a huge crack forged into the building's outside…..a way out. A narrow one, but still, a way out.
She shook her sister's arm. "C'mon, Fay! We've got to get through there! Together!"
She gripped Fay's hand and moved through the crack.
Unfortunately, the rest of the crowd noticed also.
The pool of people rushed inside, in a never-ending mass to get away from the machine.
The people rushed past the two sisters. The crowd broke through the crack like a leak, flowing out. It was chaotic…..not a drop of sanity.
Fay tried to keep hold of May's hand…but the people kept coming…..and the lurch of the machine grew nearer.
Finally, a group of people rushed in, breaking the grip between the two sisters.
Fay reached through the crowd blindly. "May….May!"
May reached around too, also separated. "Fay!"
The screaming crowd grew bigger….and soon, there wasn't enough room in the giant hole in the fallen building.
May looked around, scanning unfamiliar faces for signs of her sister. "Fay! Fay, where are you? Fay!"
No answer….and how could there be? The mumbled screams and cries of the crowd could easily drown out Fay's small voice.
No…..no…
I've lost her…..I've lost Fay….
Mom…..told me to watch over her…..and I failed….
Wait…..Fay's smart…..
She would've made it through the crack by now…..
On her own….
I just need to catch up to her!
May rose to her feet and looked around. All the air seemed to have been lost in the atmosphere from her feeling of being lost.
She squeezed through the crowd, arms swishing left and right to make her way.
The "corridor" grew more and more packed, and soon, May found it extremely hard.
I can't get by…..too many people….
No one showed any pity. People in large groups pushed past her small body without mercy.
"Outta the way!"
"Move!"
Some came without warning. One large man jabbed his elbow into her ribs, casting her aside.
May coughed, her eyes watering. She fell back, clutching her stomach.
But she just bumped into people.
Confused and scared, she looked around for her sister….
I can't find her…
May tried to crawl back on her feet, but a group of people slammed into her again. This time, the consequence was much more devastating.
SNAP!
May was shoved against the narrow rubble wall, her leg winded in an absurd and unnatural angle. All she heard was the snap.
She cried aloud with pain, her leg in a state of butchered numbness.
"May!"
May looked up and saw her sister running towards her, trying to make her way through the crowd.
"May! May! What's wrong? Are you alright?"
May clenched her teeth, trying to ignore her broken leg for her sister's sake. "I…..I'm fine, Fay."
Fay's cute blue eyes shone with fear. "Are you hurt? Why are you on the ground?"
"…I, I tripped, that's all. You know me, Fay, I'm a klutz." She smiled faintly.
Fay stiffened. "This isn't the time to joke, May. We've got to go! That…." She glanced at the Terrain Crusher rumbling towards them. "…that thing is coming!"
May put her hands on the ground and tried to haul herself up.
Fay took her sister's arm. "Here, let me help you up-"
May winced as her leg began to writhe at her body changing position.
No…
I can't move fast enough with this leg….
Fay can't carry me, she's too small….
I can't be a burden…..we won't get away fast enough…
We'll get crushed…..
Fay looked at her older sister. "May?"
Inside May's mind, she could hear her mother's voice.
"You're all Fay has, alright? You were born first…..you're older and smarter…..I know you can do it…."
She told me to protect Fay…..
No matter what…
"May, what's wrong?"
May shook her head. "N-Nothing…"
Fay didn't hear the anguished crack in her voice. Neither could she sense what her sister was about to do…
"Fay."
"Yes?"
May pulled herself up enough, trying not to expose her pain. "Fay….out of us two, who's the faster runner?"
"…You are. You always won the running races at our school. You won that medal, remember?"
May smiled. "Yeah…so, since I'm faster, I'm gonna need to bide my time so I can get a head start before the machine."
Fay nodded, her small head figuring the grown-up logic.
"So…." May put a hand on our shoulder. "I want you to run before me. Get out of this crowd."
"But what about you?"
"..I…I'm fast…that's why I'm getting a head start…but I need you to run before me so that you don't have to keep up with me when I'm running. That way we won't get lost, see?"
And of course, poor Fay bought the lie. "Oh, I see!"
"Yes." May gave an assuring nod. "Just run as you can out of the crowd, and run to the Army base. You know the way to it, right?"
"Yeah."
"You remember what Uncle Pepper looks like?"
Fay's brow furrowed. "He….he wears a blue uniform….he's really tall…and, he looks like he doesn't smile a lot."
May laughed. "That's right."
"But will you get away fast enough?"
"Don't worry. Just run as fast as you can towards the base. I'll be right behind you in no time."
As soon as that idea was in Fay's head, she nodded brightly. "Okay, May!"
"Go!"
Fay smiled and ran her way out of the crowd.
Once she was out of sight, May burst into tears.
She was too young for this….it was too early for her to go….
But she had to sacrifice herself for her sister's safety…
That's why I was born first…
Just like Mommy said…
She gazed into the direction wher Fay had ran.
Take care, Fay…
You have a long wonderful life ahead of you…
Make the most of it…
For me…
CRUMMMMPPP!The horrid noise made May's head turn.
The Terrain Crusher was less that eighty feet away from her, moving swiftly nearer, turning rock and granite into rubble under its mighty weight.
May shut her eyes.
She knew that she was next.
She was afraid….alone….crippled…
But as long as her little sister was okay….
Then nothing else mattered.
And after a few minutes…..with a sickening crunch, after an uproar of screams of shock and terror from the desperate civilians…
…and May's broken body was buried under the machine's towering shape...
...sealing her body and fate forever.
Cornerian Military Outpost, City Limits (13-15 minutes later)
"Corporal, our Anti-vehicle Cannons aren't proving their worth against all these Venomian Aircraft!"
Corporal Marcus, a tall brown Tom-cat with green uniform grinded his teeth. "Dammit…..they must've meddled with our targeting computers."
The Control Deck had already suffered a lot of damage. The enormous window that overlooked the back of the city had several white cracks splitting its center.
An orange Venomian Invader I zoomed by the window sending green shots at the window, causing it to shatter.
Ka-petatattt!
The shards flew all over the controls, a large flame erupting from one of them.
Everyone in the room began to yell in shock, but then a green Cornerian Fighter swooped down and finished the Invader I off.
Corporal Marcus got back on his feet, brushing the rubble off his uniform. "Shit! Where's the Star Fox Team when I need'em?"
A cardinal seated at one of the computer terminals adjusted his head-piece and microphone. "James McCloud reported five minutes ago. He's holding off the reinforcements over the sea."
Marcus scowled. "That was a retorable question. Now where's the-"
FWOOOOM!
The roof of the Outpost was ripped off its cemented holdings as explosions dotted the walls and more flames poured in.
A Dalmatian at the main Targeting Console barked. "Everyone down! They've breached our defense grid!"
Through the flames bordering the scorching hole in the roof, Marcus made out the shape of a large Venomian Gunship, hovering about ninety feet in the air, its guns fixed on their position.
Marcus yelled to the cardinal at Computer 5. "Signal the Anti-Vehicle Cannon Group and open fire, now!"
The cardinal ducked under his desk. "The blast shook the Defense Comm. offline!"
The Gunship edged closer, opening its bomb compartment…
Everyone cowered under their desks.
Whoooshhh!
A small yellow shape swiftly sped towards the gunship. Right before it sank itself into the ship's silver hull, Marcus caught a glimpse of its spiked wings and red wasp symbol on it.
FE-ROOOOOOKKKKSSSHHHHH!
The missile exploded into the gunship, causing the metal to crumble like wet cardboard under the pressing purple flames from the deadly projectile. It gave a whirring sound, shivered and fell backwards with a BOOOOOOMMMM!
As the remains began to smolder, the amazed soldiers came out from their cover.
Marcus turned his head to where the missile had come from.
Standing on a heap of rubble and smashed computer screens was a tall Labrador retriever, with bleached-white fur and broad shoulders. His uniform was red, the status symbol of the highest ranking in the Cornerian Army. Among the dozens of military medals and badges that dotted his chest, his bright blue General's Medal shone out above the rest. His small, fierce eyes scanned the wreckage. On the side of his face was a deep, black, decaying scar.
General Lysander had entered the battle. He blew out the smoke that was emitting from the huge missile-launcher in his hand, and dropped it at his feet.
"G-General Lysander!" Marcus spluttered, raising his gloved hand in a clumsy salute. "We…we weren't expecting you to leave your flagship!"
Lysander scowled in a very military-like way. "Marcus, you've left this heap of an outpost into a mess. Do I have to save your ass in order to restore discipline around here?"
"N-No….General," he added hastily. "Our…..cannons broke."
"Your cannons broke." The General Repeated. "Then why the bloody hell didn't anyone use any explosive weapons?"
"We…figured that they wouldn't be able to penetrate any of the aircrafts shields, sir."
Lysander rolled his eyes. "And yet I managed to strike a critical hit with just a missile launcher. Ehh.." He gave an irritated sigh and shoved the empty but hot launcher in the Corporal's arms. "...stupid recruits."
He eyed the rest of the room. "What are the rest of you gawping at? Attention on Deck!"
Everyone leapt to their feet and saluted.
Lysander glanced at the city in the distance. "Everyone move equipment to the Resource Shelter at the base of the beach. We need to aid any refugees that come to us. Now!"
Everyone scrambled in opposite directions.
Lysander grumbled to himself. Pathetic whelps….someone needs to whip'em into shape when I'm not around…
I can't constantly babysit them….
A Husky Lieutenant trotted towards him. "General, glad to see you. We could use your formidable experience out in the field-"
"Stop kissing my ass and tell me the situation, Lieutenant," Lysander growled.
"The Aerial Squadron's pushing back their ships, but we've got several civilian casualties under those Terrain Crushers."
"Damn Venomians. Where the hell do they get this crap?"
"Well, sir, I-"
"Shut up, I wasn't asking you!" the General barked. "What's the death count?"
"Almost 200 dead sir."
"And the injured?"
"Roughly a thousand."
Lysander bit his lip. "Damn those apes…..have any of our ground troops been able to penetrate the TC's?"
"Yes, sir. The armor withstands all explosive and laser weapons. They're extremely well-protected, which explains why they're moving slow."
Lysander said nothing as he watched the field of soldiers march in the direction of the city limits.
"Sir? Orders?"
The General walked towards the Refuge Camp. "Send more troops to round the civilians, and call up the Meds to attend to the wounded. And tell all groups to take chain cable devices with them to grind those Crusher's wheels to a halt. If we can't destroy'em, then we gotta stop'em."
"Yes, sir."
"Damn….I wish that McCloud boy was with us now….damn good fighter, James McCloud, was in my regiment too…..then he ran off to start up a team of pilots, cocky bastard…"
The Lieutenant, obviously used to his General's abrupt change of mood, nodded.
Lysander turned on him suddenly. "Has Dr. Andross sent any messages?"
"Not recently. He reported the ships' activity earlier, but he noticed them a bit late due to his experiment…"
"Tch…..crazy asshole…..always booming up with those experiments…..of course that's why I banished him in the first place…..with that Inner Power incident…" He rubbed his scar grumpily.
The Lieutenant shuddered at the memory.
Then the General turned, as if out of the trance. "But he's still an ally of Corneria's Army and Milirtary Research…for that, despite his crimes, he stays in contact from Venom…."
"Sir!" A Bluejay Scout approached him.
Lysander whirled around. "What? I'm the middle of something!" His eyes darted to the Husky Lieutenant. "Why are you still here? Get going!"
The Lieutenant blinked. "Oh, right." He marched away.
The General rolled his eyes. "What?"
The Scout nodded. "Junior Officer Pepper has arrived."
Lysander's expression changed. "Pepper? Oh, yes, send him in."
Officer Pepper was middle-aged. He was thin, had lagging brown ears, and blue uniform. But he had a distinguished reputation as a commanding officer, and was a close student to General Lysander. Pepper continuously worked hard to follow in Lysander's footsteps, since he idolized him as a role-model more than anyone. His dream was to become a General like Lysander….but deep down he was sure that it was impossible.
Lysander smiled at the sight of his quiet subordinate. "Pepper! Thank goodness you arrived! I've been surrounded by all these useless bozos, it's good to see at least one good fighter around here!"
Pepper, trying hard not to smile at his General, replied. "General, for the last time…they aren't useless they're good fighters."
Lysander raised his eyebrows. "Meh, I wish I could see the world the way you do-in an optimistic and goody-goody way-then I'd probably have lower blood pressure."
Pepper smiled. "Probably, sir. Now was there something you needed?"
"Yes, did the aid-and-rescue go well?"
"Affirmative, General. Our squad managed recover groups of wounded civilians. We've got the Venomian Ground Troops on the run."
Lysander clapped him on the shoulder. "Best news I've heard all day. This invasion's been hell for us…they've never caught us off guard until now. How many did you bring back?"
"Civilians? About eighty, sir. We're scouring the Undercity. Any smart civilians would've started hiding down there."
The General nodded approvingly. "You're a flawless soldier, Pepper. You're well on your way to becoming second-in-command."
Trying to hide his pride, Pepper kept a straight face. "I….I still have room for improvement, sir. The battlefield is a distant place….I'll need years of experience."
"All of which you'll gain…hey, lard-ass!" Lysander suddenly barked at a newt Assistant nearby. "Where's that coffee? Get going!"
As the terrified newt scurried away, Pepper heard his superior go "Sheesh.", and head towards his desk.
"Pepper, you mind assisting me with commands down here? It's already hectic with only one commanding officer, I'm gonna need help."
"Of course, sir." Pepper glanced worriedly at the scarred city in the distance.
"Pepper." Lysander looked hard at him. "Everything alright?"
Pepper fingered his gloves uneasily. "Well, sir…..I, uh…..my sister and her family live in the main city….I haven't heard from them yet….I hope they're alright…."
"If they're related to you, then they're well off," Lysander said kindly. "Survival runs in your family. Apple never falls from the tree, eh?"
Pepper smiled hopefully at the General's attempt to comfort him.
Corporal Marcus walked in. "Junior Officer Pepper?"
Pepper looked around. "Yes?"
"Um, there's a girl here to see you…."
"A girl?" Pepper inquired.
"Yes, a child. She appears to know you."
Another soldier walked in, hand-in-hand with a small white collie with a red bow. At the sight of Pepper, her blue eyes lit up.
"Uncle Pepper!"
"Fay!"
Fay ran over and hugged him.
Pepper, instead of embracing her back, rummaged through her clothes.
"Uncle?"
Pepper scanned her. "Are you injured anywhere?"
"N…No….I'm fine…"
Pepper smiled. "Thank goodness…." He gave her a quick hug and glanced at Lysander. "General, this is my niece. May I escort her to the refugee area."
The General nodded. Despite his military-hardened nature, he had a soft-spot for children.
Pepper took Fay's hand and walked her to another tent.
"Uncle, how's May doing?"
"May? You mean your sister?"
Fay nodded brightly. "Yeah, she must be tired….but she got here before I did, so that's all that matters."
Pepper looked worried.
"Uncle, what's wrong?"
"….Fay…..May hasn't arrived here. Someone would've told me….."
Fay looked confused. "But….no…she…she must be lost or something….is she with the other kids…"
"We've noted all surviving children…..May isn't there."
Pepper looked down at her little niece painfully. "Fay…..I…I don't think your sister made it…"
Fay's smile dropped. Her face was replaced by instant shock. "But…..no…no….."
She closed her eyes.
Pepper tried to hug her. "Fay-I'm-I'm sorry-"
Fay tore from his hold and began to cry. "No! May said….she'd be right behind me….she can't be gone…she can't be gone!"
Pepper's stomach felt hollow, watching his small niece sob like this.
Poor Fay…..she's so young…..
She didn't need this…or deserve it…
"Officer!"
Pepper stood and saw that Marcus had returned. "Yeah?"
"Can I have a word?"
Pepper glanced at Fay, who was wiping her tears on her red bow. "Has….has the Star Fox Team landed yet?"
"Ten minutes ago, sir."
"Could you take my niece to Peppy Hare? He….he's good with kids, he can calm her down…."
"Yes sir."
Once Fay was out of the room, Pepper began to worry.
Where is Lisa…
She would never have left her daughters alone…
Not unless it was really urgent…
Even then…they were inseparable…
Pepper walked to the command desk and sat down, rubbing his forehead stressfully.
Damn…..why did this have to happen to her….
She'll be scarred….for life….
No girl her age would be like her….or lost as much as she has….
"Um….Officer?"
Pepper turned. "What is it, now, Marcus?"
"General Lysander wants to see you. Says it's urgent."
Pepper's brow furrowed as he followed Marcus to the General's tent. He requested to stand outside the tent, claiming that it was as far as he could go. Confused, Pepper stepped inside.
"General, you wanted to see me?"
Lysander, his back to Pepper, said nothing.
"General?"
Lysander stood. His face was filled with sorrow and pity.
"What is it?" He was somewhat scared, because his superior was either always grumpy-looking or thoughtful. He was never sad-looking.
"Pepper…..something's happened….I didn't want to notify you so soon, but…."
Pepper's blood ran cold. "What happened?"
Lysander remained silent. He walked past Pepper without a word and stepped outside the tent.
What the hell is this? Pepper thought. Everyone's giving me the silent treatment….
What the devil happened?
He walked over to where the General had been standing. As he walked forward, he began to smell something. Being a hound, smells were somewhat informant.
He looked down to see blankets covering up what seemed to be lumpy bundles.
Equipment bundles?
Pepper frowned and bent over to remove the cloth. The smell grew stronger…
Flump!
The blankets slid off. Pepper's heart stopped at what he saw, and he staggered back.
It was Jacob and Lisa Weldon. Pepper's sister and her husband….
Fay's parents.
…or at least, what was left of them.
Pepper's breathing became heavy. He felt dizzy, like the world was rushing to fast for him to keep up.
"They were found in a landfill on the outskirts of the city limits. We only managed to recover what was recognizable. I'm sorry." Lysander kept his voice calm over Pepper's shoulder.
For a long time, Pepper said nothing.
"I'm sorry, Pepper. They died protecting their children….they'll rest calmly for that. If there's anything I can do to lift your sorrow, let me know."
Pepper stood. "It's not me, General. It's my niece. How is she going to take this?"
"She's still in care for recovering for her sister. But we can hope she doesn't get inflicted by her losses permanently."
"She's too young…..she won't be able to handle it. Hell, she'll walk around bathing in her own pain. And she's only got me to care for her…"
Lysander cocked his head. "Will she be a burden on you?"
"It's not that….I'm a soldier, General….I…I can't care for her like a parent. I've got no experience with children, and I'm on commission. I won't be able to raise her like my own…..because frankly, I don't have 'my own' to compare with! I'm not even married!"
Lysander stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm….you could transfer her to an orphanage, to take a load off your soldiers…"
"No!" Pepper said. "I mean…no. I wish for Fay to live happily. To live like any other girl of her age. Putting her in an orphanage, that would torment her existence…."
Pepper paced the tent. This was a tough decision for him. He wanted Fay to be happy, but he knew that could never happen if he was raising her…
"What about the Flight Academy?"
Pepper turned. "What?"
"It's a comfortable place. Dozens of girls her age are beginning to train there….besides, there she'll learn to take care of herself…she'll be surrounded by people her age, to socialize, to befriend….plus, she'll learn to fly a ship!"
Pepper frowned. "I don't want her to become a militant. I want her to live peacefully."
"Everyone has a choice on their Graduation Day. To join the military, to start up a Team….or to just pursue a new life in the galaxy."
Pepper nodded. "I see."
Lysander sat down. "Pepper, it's the only reasonable choice. This raid on Corneria is not gonna be the last…..raising a child on your own in these times is a dangerous choice….for you both."
Pepper sighed. "It's settled then. I will send a broadcast to James McCloud. He's raising his own child right now, a little pup that's Fay's age….he should be some help."
Lysander nodded approvingly. "It's the most sensible choice right now."
Pepper walked out of the tent.
I hope Fay takes to her new life well….
I don't want to disappoint her even more….
She'll have a good life there…
She'll be just fine…
Cornerian Flight Academy, 2 ALW (14 years later, But still in the past)
The bubbles rose and fell.
There was nothing but wet pain, suffocation…
The water rippled and writhed….
It stung her eyes, drove up her nostrils, down her windpipe.
But that's all Fay could feel. All this, plus she couldn't breathe.
Finally, a hand pulled her face out of the sink, and she coughed and spat out the scummy water.
The Academy bathrooms were never a decent place, but now they were a thousand times worse because of the ones inhabiting it.
Fay rubbed water out of her eyes, as she gazed up fearfully at her tormentors.
The Leader was a tall and graceful tortoise-shell cat, with valiant green eyes. She might have been pretty, but her face was buried under superficial cosmetics and lipstick. She didn't spare her Academy Uniform any decency, since she had fastened the buttons to show off her bra-straps and cleavage. In short, she was the Devil.
Her two companions were equally fake-looking, but in reality, weren't half as intelligent. One was a kind of exotic bird, with pink feathers and brown curls. She had the strongest grip, so she was the one forcing Fay's face into the sink now and then. The other was a stupid and sniggering cat as the first, and she was keeping the doors closed, to avoid being caught by the other teachers.
These vultures were but a sample of the "Popular Crowd." But in reality, no one admired them, all the girls feared them, and none of the boys gave a tribute of attention to them (much to the Leader's irritation).
The Leader, whose name was Brooke, bent down to Fay's level. "Enjoying your drink, you slut?"
Fay looked up pleadingly. "Please….leave me alone…I've done nothing to you…"
Her face twisting with rage, Brooke grabbed Fay's collar and struck her across the face.
"How dare you deny it, you ugly little freak!"
Fay buried her face in her hands and cowered pitifully.
"That's right," Brooke snarled. "Whimper like a dog that you are! Maybe you'll think twice before making eyes at my boyfriend!"
Fay looked up. "That's….that's not what happened….I'm too….afraid to talk to anyone around here…much less….Bryant…"
"SHUT UP! Never use his name in my presence, you hear me?" She was about to rake Fay's face with her fingernails, but on of her friends stopped her.
"Brooke, don't. We don't wanna get blood all over the bathroom floor, or we'll get caught…"
Brooke narrowed her eyes towards the doorway of the bathroom. "Drag her to the stall."
The other two girls pushed Fay into one of the shower stalls.
"Such a dirty slut," Brooke said. "We should clean her up, huh, girls?"
The other two smiled evilly.
Fay's eyes widened. She wrenched out of the two girls' grasp and made a dash for the door.
"Grab her! Don't let her get away!" Brooke yelled.
Fay grabbed the door handle and turned it…but it was locked.
Fay's blood ran cold.
She felt the two hands grab her from behind and a second pair by her hair.
Fay tried to wriggle free, but the second girl had a firm grip on her waist.
Brooke was waiting for her. She walked up to her. "You tried to escape? You can't run away without paying for what you've done! For going near Bryant!"
There was a long and dull story behind this, but the truth of it was that Bryant, Brooke's boyfriend (the two weren't officially together, but once Brooke would set her eyes on a particular boy, all competition was to stay away or die), had grown restless. He was the best-looking guy in the Academy (well, at least the best since the Star Fox Team had graduated) and was tired of all the cheap and superficial girls trying to flirt with him. So he had now noticed Fay's natural gentleness and attractiveness, and had set his sights on her. So in Beltino's Science Repair Class, he asked Fay for help with his project. Fay, oblivious to his charm, innocently helped him in a kind manner, as a friend helps another. A manner that infuriated Brooke.
So now, for helping a fellow student in Science, Fay was receiving blows from Brookes fist.
SLAP!
WHUMP!
KER-CHACK!
Fay's nose and jaw exploded with blood, but her soul and heart was exploding with shame. She was being beaten like an animal.
Brooke bent down. "So….are you going to shed some tears yet? Are you finally going to beg for forgiveness?"
Fay looked up weakly. "I….I've done nothing wrong…"
Brooke wrenched her up by her collar. "What did you say?"
Fay looked up in her face, a small attempt for polite bravery. "Leave me alone….just let me go…"
Brooke's face was filled with anger. Her temple was bursting out of her head.
"You know something, bitch? That's a good idea."
She dragged Fay to the door.
"You want out? Allow me!"
Brooke grabbed Fay's face and pressed it against the doorway. Then she grabbed the door and slammed against Fay's face.
SLAM!
Fay screamed in agony as the savage blow hit her straight in the skull.
SLAM!
Fay felt her eye burn, feeling numb and swollen.
"NO!" she screamed. "Please….NO!"
Brooke spat at her companions. "Keep her quiet!"
One ran over and kept her grip on Fay's mouth.
Fay screamed into the girl's hand. "Hmmm-mnmph!"
Her eyes implored painfully into Brooke's direction.
Brooke smiled cruelly. "Aww…what's wrong? All beat up?" She made a tsk-tsk noise. "We gotta fix that. We gotta make you all pretty for Bryant, don't we?"
Fay's eyes widened.
Brooke reached forward and ripped Fay's sleeve.
Then she, tore off her skirt….her bead necklace that clattered apart on the floor…
And finished with her Academy shirt.
Finally, the other two girls let Fay loose. Fay scrambled to grab the rags of her uniform and ran into one of the stalls.
This time, Brooke let her go.
Fay cowered in the stall, only a few strands of torn underwear covering her up. She gathered the rags and pressed them to her body, in an attempt to cover herself.
She sat there whimpering….half-naked….her clothes in tatters….
She wanted to be dead….she would rather die than have anyone see her like this…
Brooke walked into the stall. "Having fun, you bitch? Maybe now you'll think twice before running after my man. Just stay away you got it."
Then her eyes fell on the red bow in Fay's hair.
"What's that?" Her eyes narrowed.
Fay backed up against the wall fearfully. She placed a hand on the bow.
Brooke smiled cruelly. "Let's have a look at it."
She made a grab for the bow and wrenched out of Fay's hair. But Fay kept her grip on the other end of the bow.
Brooke's eyes narrowed. "Let go of it. I want to see it."
She tore it out of Fay's grasp. She examined it.
"What's this piece of crap?"
Fay murmured. "It's mine….."
Brooke noticed that Fay winced as she ran her fingers down the bow. "So it's special to you, huh?"
Fay paled. "Give it back."
"Or what?"
"Give it back!" Fay cried. "My mother gave me that….it's…."
Brooke raised her eyebrows. "And where's your filthy mother now?"
Fay said nothing.
Brooke's attention returned to the bow. "I'll tell you what this is. It's a cheap piece of shit! Probably two cents in the garbage dump! Special? My ass."
She walked over to the toilet with it.
Fay got up. "Please stop!"
Brooke smiled. "Make me!"
Fay shivered. She stood rooted in the spot. For a moment….she might have done something…
Brooke frowned. "Exactly. You're a weak, ugly, cowardly little bitch! You can't even take this bow back! Well here's what I think of it!"
Brooke spat on the bow, and threw it into the toilet. She kicked at the flush pedal.
Fay cried. "No!"
Brooke walked over to Fay and raked her face with her finger-nails.
Fay felt the droplets of blood trickle down her face, the lines stinging her cheeks.
"You're pathetic. You can't stand up for yourself, you're unattractive, and no one wants you around. You're only good for flashing your body around like a bimbo. How are you gonna show your face around school now? No one wants you around."
Fay's lip quivered. Tears dripped down her cheek.
Brooke smiled triumphantly. "I knew it'd just be a matter of time before you cry. So just sit in the bathroom….never show your ugly face to anyone ever again. Just sit here, and die."
Brooke walked off out the door, followed by her friends.
Fay sat there. Alone, ragged, miserable…..she wished she were dead.
Then she looked into the toilet.
Fortunately, the bow didn't flush all the way. She reached into the toilet water, and fished out her dripping bow.
She watched it drip. Tears fell into the water as she wept.
Her face was wet, and her body ached from the abuse. She curled up against the wall and cried.
Her life was horrible….she had no family….no friends…..
She just existed….
She wished she were dead. She had no purpose in life.
Clatter-clatter….
The noise of footsteps echoed down the hall outside the open bathroom door.
Fay cowered, fearing there were more to torment her. She backed up against the wall, her heart racing, trying to make as less noise as possible…
She heard voices:
"You were so great at volley-ball, today! You jumped so high to spike the ball…it was so cool!"
"I just did it to see the opposite team's faces. They never saw it coming!"
They laughed. They were girl's voices….one was high-pitched and giggly, the other was warm and kind.
"Phew, I probably smell like a gym sock wrapped in blue-cheese."
"You kinda do. Wanna borrow some of my perfume?"
"What, that death-scent of flowers? It makes me gag! Blegh! I'm good. I'll just wash my hands and take a shower later."
"Okay, see ya!"
"Later."
Fay heard the door creak open and footsteps squeak against the bathroom floor.
She saw a figure walk over to the sink. A figure with spiky cheek fur….pointed flat ears….and a feline tail….
Fay closed her eyes. Not another cat…
The figure appeared female, but well-built. Slender shoulders, muscled arms…
The girl washed her hands in the sink, humming a tune on her lips.
Fay couldn't see her face, her back was to the stall…
There was a squeak as she closed the faucet and dried her hands.
Then she stopped. Her head whirled around.
"Who's there?"
Fay cringed back against the wall, her eyes shut.
She heard the footsteps draw nearer….there was a creak as the door opened…
"Hello?"
She opened her eyes.
This girl wasn't anything like Brooke. She wasn't a cat, though. She was a lynx. She was taller than Fay. Her fur was a light brown, almost orange. Her forehead was covered with streaking black tattoo-like markings. Her uniform sleeves were rolled up to expose her spotted broad arms. Her cheetah-like tail stuck from the back of her trousers. She had a small gold pierced hoop-earring around one ear, and a silver cross necklace under her red pilot's scarf. Her dress reminded Fay of a combination of a sports athlete and a street punk. She had blue eyes like Fay, but they were a dark shade of indigo warm, but tough, all at the same time.
"Oh my….God…" She looked at Fay's ragged appearance. "What the hell…"
Fay cringed.
"No, no, no…" the Lynx cooed. "I won't hurt you….well, I hope I don't look scary." She managed a small smile.
Fay looked up. "What do you want?"
"I should ask you, sis. You look terrible! What happened?" Her face looked concerned.
"I….I…don't know what I did.." Fay sobbed. "They didn't listen to me…"
The Lynx frowned. "It's gonna be fine, okay? No ones gonna hurt you….just tell me who 'they' are…"
Fay stammered. "It…it was that one girl…the mean one…Brooke…"
The Lynx kind expression turned to angry realization. "Brooke McIntire?"
Fay nodded. "You…know who she is?"
"How can I not know who that witch is?" the Lynx spat contemptuously. "She did this to you?"
"Yeah…" Fay whimpered. "Something…..because of Bryant…"
The Lynx stood, obviously aware of what was going on. "Great….another jealousy beating." She looked down at Fay. "Kiddo, that girl's been having competitive issues since the first grade. I thought someone had taught her a lesson by now…" She rolled up her sleeves, teeth clenched. "…apparently that's my job now."
Fay tugged on the Lynx's sleeve. "No, don't! If she finds out…" she said fearfully.
"Don't worry. She's not coming near you again."
"I….I don't want you to get hurt…not on my account…"
The Lynx smiled. "You're worrying about me? God….do you even think about yourself from time to time?" She laughed. "Thanks, honey, but I got this." Her smile drooped a little bit. "You look cold."
Fay shivered. She was in rags, and was barely covered.
"Here."
The Lynx unzipped her Academy jacket and put it on Fay. She wore a camo muscle-shirt underneath. "Comfy now?"
Fay nodded.
"Come on. I want you to be present."
Fay's eyes widened. "What? But-no, I-"
"Don't worry. No one's gonna hurt you while I'm around."
The Lynx took Fay's hand and they walked into the hall.
There was no one there, just the chrome lockers on the walls.
Then, a group of laughing girls walked in. It was Brooke and her possy.
Fay cowered behind the Lynx. "Maybe we should go…"
The Lynx shook her head. "No way. Today, I put my foot down."
She marched down the hall in Brooke's direction.
Brooke's malicious smile faded when she saw the Lynx. Her face wreaked of disgust and distaste.
"Jalessa." She sneered.
"McIntire." The Lynx spat.
Fay backed away slowly. Apparently, judging by the staring contest between the Lynx and Brooke, a lot of bad blood had been spilt between the two.
The Lynx glanced at Fay. "Please, stay here, okay?"
"Oh!" Brooke scoffed at the sight of Fay. "So the slut needed protection? How nice."
The Lynx folded her arms. "You owe my friend here an apology."
Brooke smiled. "Yeah? And what if I don't?"
The Lynx glared at her. "On your knees. Don't test me, Brick."
Brooke scowled. "I don't take orders from transvestites."
"Yeah?" The Lynx's voice grew louder. "Well I don't take shit from busted-out Playfrog sluts. Now apologize, otherwise-"
"Look, Jelissa. You should go, now. It's not like any guy is gonna stick up for you."
"I don't need a guy to stick up for me. I fight my own battles. You should try it sometimes, Miss-I-punch-while-you-hold-'em."
Fay smiled at the Lynx's spunk.
"You call me the Playfrog slut? That bitch cowering behind you was going after my boyfriend."
"Bryant?" The Lynx laughed. "He doesn't even know you exist. Besides he could use some one like this girl in his life. He doesn't need a showy big-breasted idiot like you?"
Brooke sneered. "What, gonna mock me on what I have that you lack, Miss Flat-chest?" The girls behind Brooke laughed and went "Ohhhh.."
The Lynx smiled. "Well, you've invested more in your boobs than your brains. Congratulations, dumbass!"
Brooke's smile disappeared. "If you don't hand over that bitch behind you, than I'm going to-"
"No, McIntire." The Lynx cracked her knuckles. "If you don't apologize, I'm going to rearrange your face like how I broke your nose in the second grade. Funny how that new nose made it just in time for your sixteenth birthday, huh?"
Brooke's face turned red. "Oh, you don't wanna go there with me, Jelissa. Girls, get her!"
Her possy made a quick dash for the Lynx, but she was quicker. She slapped the first one aside, and then forced the second to her knees by her hair. The Lynx aimed a kick for her face, and smacked the first one (who'd been rising to get a blow from behind) right in the ribs.
She slammed her elbow down on the first, and gave her a swift but heavy head-butt. The second girl ran forward and punched the Lynx in the face. But she soon screamed in pain as she tried to wrench her hand out of the Lynx's sharp teeth.
The Lynx got up, and the two girls ran out of the hall.
She faced Brooke. "Alright, McIntire. It's just you. No one to do your dirty work for you now."
Brooke's face twisted with fury. She ran forward her fist swinging through the air.
But the Lynx caught her fist in mid-air. She pressed her thumb down on Brooke's knuckle with impressive strength, forcing the Brooke's fingernails to dig into her own palm. A line of red dripped down her wrist.
The Lynx gave a winning smile. "That manicure's doing you a lot of good now, ain't it?"
Brooke never looked angrier than anyone had seen her throughout the school-year. "You bitch-"
The Lynx leaned forward. "Listen, McIntire. You're ugly, fat, pus-filled, heartless, brutal, cruel-Andross's equivalent. No boy in this entire galaxy could have a healthy appetite staring at your ugly face…..much less Bryant! You wanna know why I call you Brick instead of Brooke? Because your head is shaped like one!"
Brooke spat. "You wait…..you're gonna pay for this…"
The Lynx rolled her eyes. "Good one."
"You think you're gonna get away with this? You'll see….I'll deal with that little slut behind you…..she won't escape me!"
Fay cowered behind the Lynx.
Glancing at the Lynx's scared expression, she grabbed a handful of Brooke's hair and wrenched it back.
Brooke screamed in pain, her eyes watering.
The Lynx leveled her head so that it was an inch away from Brooke's. "Pay attention, you whore. You can mess with your nose, chin, hair, ass, face….whatever you pretend makes you look attractive. But no one messes with my friends….and when you do, I'm gonna fucking mess with your internal organ system!" The Lynx howled in Brooke's face.
Brooke looked terrified. Her eyes were huge, her mouth was quivering, and she was trembling all over.
"So…." The Lynx finished. "If you come within fifty yards of my friend…" She glanced at Fay. "What did you say your name was?"
"F-Fay.." Fay squeaked, her eyes just as big as Brooke's.
"Fay…." The Lynx echoed. Her expression turned soft for a moment. "That's a pretty name." Then she turned back to Brooke, resuming her angry expression. "If you ever come within fifty yards of my friend Fay, I'm gonna rip your head off your shoulders, stuff it up your ass, and then take a shit on you! Now get out of my sight if you know what's good for you! Go on! Get!"
Brooke scrambled out of the room, whimpering and sobbing. Then she screamed and ran down the hall out of sight.
The Lynx spat in the spot where Brooke had been standing. "Useless bitch."
She turned to where Fay was. Her rough expression returned to her normal kind face.
"Oh…whoops…" She smiled sheepishly. "I must've scared you to death….with….what I did to-"
"No, no!" Fay insisted. "It was amazing! I've never seen a girl in the Academy fight like that! Where did you learn those moves?" Her eyes were big with admiration.
The Lynx smiled. "One word, sweetheart. Jujitsu. The classes are open after school period. You should come….you could use some defense tricks."
Fay looked to the ground. "No….I'm, I'm not that into fighting."
The Lynx laughed. "Well, you're in the wrong place. Just because the war's over, doesn't mean that you need to stop defending yourself. You're such a delicate thing, Fay. What the hell are you doing out here?"
Fay rubbed her neck. "Well, I…um, my Uncle sent me here. He's General Pepper. Perhaps you've heard of him."
The Lynx's eyes widened. "General Pepper? Yeah, I know him. You're his niece?"
Fay nodded. "Yes. Why?"
"I dunno. I don't see much of your uncle in you."
Fay laughed.
The Lynx approached her kindly. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
Fay shook her head. "Just a scratch or two. No trouble…" But her face had three parallel red lines from when Brooke had raked her face.
The Lynx fished a band-aid out of her pocket. "Here. This should stop the sting."
Fay cocked her head. "You carry bandages with you everywhere?"
"Hey, I get in fights all the time. Even I get scratched up."
Fay smiled warmly. "Look….thank you…for standing up for me. I really mean it. I'm grateful, I wish there was a way to repay you."
The Lynx shook her head. "No problem. Friends gotta stick up for each other, you know?"
Fay closed her eyes as she savored the word. Friends…
"Oh, that's right….you dropped this."
Fay opened her eyes to see her red bow dangling from the Lynx's hand.
"Oh…it's my bow….."
"Kinda special, huh? Otherwise, the Brick wouldn't have wanted to flush it so badly. It's really pretty…..I just love the flower designs…"
Fay raised her eyebrows.
The Lynx hesitated. "What?"
"I dunno. It's kinda weird hearing that…from you. You seem like a tomboy on first impression….it's kinda funny hearing you talking about clothes…"
The Lynx laughed. "Hey, despite my manly attitude, I'm still a girl. I like clothes….shoes…..if their nice and not tacky."
Fay raised her eyebrows. "Boys, too?"
The Lynx scowled. "What? No way….men are stuck-up and arrogant. No….I'll leave the luring boys in with good looks to you….."
Fay blushed. "Thanks…..you really nice. I wish all the girls in this school were like you."
The Lynx smiled. She handed the bow to Fay. "So where'd you get the bow?"
Fay's eyes faltered. "Oh…well….my mother gave it to me…"
The Lynx noticed the look in Fay's eyes. "Oh. Fay….I'm sorry."
Fay smiled cheerfully. "It's alright. She's watching over me…..I mean…she's not gone, right?"
The Lynx nodded. "Right."
Fay put her bow in her hair. She struggled to tie it up. "Wow….I forgot how difficult it was to tie this. I usually left it to my mom."
The Lynx reached over. "Let me."
She fastened the bow neatly above Fay's ears, and fluffed the sides up to stick above her head. She neatened it, so that it looked decent and pretty at the same time.
"Come on."
The Lynx led her to one of the glossy lockers, so that she could see her reflection.
"How's it look?"
Fay touched it. She smiled warmly. "Perfect."
The Lynx turned to her. "What's you're full name?"
Fay looked appalled. "You wanna know my full name? Oh, it's Weldon. Fay Weldon."
The Lynx smiled. "Aww….that's such a cute name! My name's Miyu. Miyu Jelissa."
Fay looked delighted. "Wow, it's beautiful! It sounds so fluent and exotic!"
Miyu laughed. "Oh, please. It sounds like something they'd name a secretary."
Fay laughed. Then she looked down.
"Fay, what's wrong?"
"I….I don't know how I'm gonna show my face around the school now….Brooke's probably spread that rumor about me now."
Miyu sneered. "Let her try. If she tries, then I'm gonna squeeze her into a pulp. Besides, everyone's gonna know you're not like that."
Fay shook her head. "No, Miyu…..the problem is….people won't I'm not like that….because they don't know me to start with….my first reputation…" She looked sad.
Miyu clapped a hand on Fay's shoulder. "Look, Fay….if you make some friends, people will know how beautiful of a personality you've got. Then it'll be Brooke with the bad reputation….listen…I'll introduce you to all my friends, and they'll introduce you to theirs….it'll work!"
Fay smiled hopefully. "If I've got you for a friend, Miyu, then that's all I need."
Miyu smiled. "You know what? Why don't you come with me to lunch? It's strawberry shortcake in the cafeteria, so it's gonna be flocked. All my friends will be there. You need a day for yourself….to introduce yourself properly. Wanna come?"
Fay nodded, smiling.
"Good. Come on. If we don't get there fast enough, all the school gluttons will hog up all the cake."
Miyu took Fay down the hall, and the two girls chatted the peaceful spring afternoon away.
"Hey, Miyu."
"Hmm?"
"You go to this academy….are you a good pilot?"
"Meh, I'm just here for the melee combat. I mean, dropping smart bombs, blasting people out of the sky, that's no problem. I just can't maneuver these clunky Arwing Prototypes. I've tried flying those Interceptors, you know, the ones that transfer to Walker Mode? But they're so clumsy I end up barrel-rolling off a cliff all the time!"
The two girls laughed.
For Fay, it felt good to talk, to act free. For the first time in her sorrowful life of loss and misery and discomfort, a small ray of hope shone in her heart.
For once, things were going for the better. She had a bright future ahead of her.
Or at least….she thought.
End of Chapter
PLEASE READ:
Right about now, you're all probably thinking: "Hey, what the hell? This is a Star Wolf story! Where do these people come in?"
Well, I read over Sins of Star Wolf, and I realized that I was shoving Wolf into the spotlight too often. What made the first story so good was the Academy, since Wolf was surrounded by protagonists and antagonists, with personalities and relationships.
I'm bringing that back in the story, so you can count on seeing tons of new faces in this story. All of which have individual personalities, and have different relationships with Wolf.
DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!
This whole chapter, unfortunately is a flash back, not in Wolf's memory, but in Fay's. But how do these characters play in Wolf's story? Read on, young grasshoppers!