The Dying Star. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't own StarFox and its official material.

The universe. An infinite expanse of wonder, danger, and mystery. None can say they have seen all of its wonders except those who have risen above others in terms of existence. But this is a digression from the story. Our tale begins in a beautiful place known as the Red Star Galaxy. So called because it is red as a freshly shined ruby and shaped like a four pointed star, the Red Star Galaxy is home to many, diverse races. All these people live happily under the wise and gentle rule of the Draconian Empire. A race of anthropomorphic dragons, the Draconians are one of the eldest races in the universe.

They had a violent past like many other worlds but they had long gone past this. They are now a peaceful race who enjoys life's simple pleasures such as art and music. But they are not unprotected, they still have a powerful army that's always prepared for battle, a fleet of ships that none have survived, and magic. They also have their pride and joy, the Star Dragon. But again we digress so let the story begin. We begin in the capital of Draconia, the city of Obsidia, once a bustling metropolis, now an expanse of small domes made from natural ingredients.

The city is a field of sorts, with a path to the castle, a beautiful, large building designed by the world's best architects, and built by volunteering people. In it resides the King and his family and it is with him our tale begins. The King sat on a throne of obsidian, which he had carved himself, that was on a raised dais in the middle of a great hall. Light flooded in from a large window to the side of the room, giving it a warm, welcoming appearance. His scales were black and he wore robes of gold that clashed with him color wise, but he didn't care. He was deep in thought as he had been for days, only moving to get food or drink.

But for the first time in hours he moved. He had at last finished his thinking and was ready to begin his plan. He touched a button on the arm of his throne and said in a deep, rich voice, "General Ironclaw". A screen appeared before him and on it was a Draconian of the same type he was. "Yes, King Obsidian" The general said. "I have decided who we can turn to for assistance." "And who would that be" said Ironclaw. King Obsidian responded, "Go to the Lylat system, and bring to me the Star Fox and Star Wolf teams." Ironclaw raised an eyescale. "Both of them? I can understand Star Fox but Star Wolf as well?" "Yes, both of them. And to make sure thing go well I'm putting you temporary command of the Wind Sage."

"You expect problems sir?" asked Ironclaw. "In the case of Star Wolf, yes. If you must go to extreme measures, then do so but make sure they are still able to do their job okay?" "Yes your highness. Who will go with me?"

"I shall send Master Cloudfist, Colonel Shalewing, and Chief Spell Caster Diamondeye with you, along with the usual crew of the Wind Sage sans Admiral Goldriver." Ironclaw's eyes widened, "Your not sending Goldriver with me?" "No" Obsidian responded, "This will be a good test of your starship commanding skills. So bring back my ship as undamaged as possible you hear? We just had her painted." "Of course sir, anything else?" The King shook his head. The general bowed and the screen died.

Obsidian sighed and, jumping off the throne to the floor, walked to the window. He looked to the sky and his domain. He then said something that can never be translated. However, a star appeared in the heavens and it seemed to be heading for the throne room. When it looked like it was going to crash into the window it simply passed through it and floated above the floor. Then it faded and standing there was a figure wearing a cloak of white. The bulges of his wings were all that could be made out from him. "Stelares" the king said, "thank you for coming." The white clad figure only nodded.

"Ill cut to the chase, I need you to follow Ironclaw on his mission." Stelares spoke in a voice that was impossible to describe, just imagine the best voice you can think of and you'll be close enough. "You expect trouble Vreas?" Obsidian, whose real name was Vreas, shrugged. "Honestly I don't know what to expect. Just go, and please make sure things go the way they should. And make sure you stay hidden. " Stelares, the current Star Dragon, bowed. "Of course old friend." And with a flash of light he disappeared. The King sighed once more and walked away, to enjoy the company of his loving family.

Meanwhile, far above the planet, a large starship began to move. To describe the Wind Sage is not easy. Just think of a large, graceful ship and you're close enough. On its bridge a currently dark room, General Ironclaw sat in the command chair. Next to him on either side stood his companions and friends, Master Cloufist an eastern draconian so called because his claws were white as clouds, Colonel Shalewing, a massive dragon with tan scales and many a battle scar, and Chief Spell Caster Diamondeye, so called because of the gem he had in place for an eye. The general himself was so called because his claws were like sharpened iron. His scales were black like the king's and also like the king his tail ended in a thick triangular club.

He turned to the helmsmen and said "Set a course for the Galactic Highway." The helmsman nodded and laid in the necessary coordinates and soon the ship was flying to the edge of the galaxy at top speed. "So" asked the Colonel, "what's the mission?" We're off to Lylat to get the Star Fox and Wolf teams." Master Cloudfist cocked an eyescale. "Both of them? This wont be easy." Ironclaw smiled at the old master. "Don't worry old one, we have clearance to use force." Shalewing nodded, "Good" he said in a deep, reverberating voice, "I could do with a battle." Diamondeye turned to the Colonel. "Now, now friend, don't get your hopes up yet. For all you know, I could freeze them first." "Is that a bet" Shalewing responded. For an answer, Diamondeye raised his right claw. They shook claws, a challenge now in place.

"Sirs we've arrived" said the helmsman. The ship dropped out of hyperspace and appeared in front of the Galactic Highway. It was a large construct that was made by the empire when they had achieved peace with the other inhabitants of the Red Star Galaxy. It had the capability to let capital ships go from the Red Star to any other galaxy. Many ships flew around the Highway, making sure all was well with it. Soon they were contacted by the operator on duty, a female draconian who asked them their destination. "Lylat please" said the General. The operator nodded and ended the transmission.

Soon all the ships in the area save the Wind Sage left the zone. In the center of the rectangular construct energy began to flicker. Then rectangular shaped energy grids shot out from the Highway, stretching from the Red Star Galaxy to the Lylat system. 'Down the road we go" said Ironclaw. And down they did go. Into the expanse of energy they went, speeding away into the expanse. Unknown to them a small, white star followed just behind them.

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