Chapter 2: The Plan

A month had passed since Peppy's little scare. Fox and Krystal were settling in quite nicely in the apartment. Over the time they had spent together the two had gotten extremely close, slowly learning more and more about eachother. It seemed that everything was going perfectly except one little problem. They were running out of money...

Fox stirred and opened his eyes, it was the morning and again, it had suddenly came back to him where he was. He looked beside him to find Krystal looking at him. She kissed him.

Krystal: "Good morning love."

Fox: "Good morning Krystal."

The two smiled and kissed again. It seemed to Fox like the last month had been a dream, almost too good to be true. He had this amazing Vixen to wake up to every morning for the entirety of his time in Corneria. And for once, there wasn't any war to get in the way. But it wasn't all easy, even combined, they were running out of money. It wasn't a problem yet, but Fox knew he had to do something, something to get them to the point where money wouldn't be an issue. And he had just the thing in mind.

Fox sat up and leaned against the headboard. Krystal snuggled into his chest as they laid together.

Fox: "So, you know we're unemployed now right?"

Krystal: "Yeah, I know you've been thinking about that a lot recently. What's the plan?"

Fox: "How does treasure-hunting sound?"

Falco and Slippy were playing the Arwing simulator that Slippy had made for the team. Falco, being the ace that he was, had a natural talent to the game even though the controls were akin to a handheld gaming system.

Falco swiftly maneuvered his virtual arwing behind Slippy's and blew him out of the sky. A giant "You Win!" Popped up on Falco's screen and he laughed.

Falco: "How could you lose at a game you designed?"

Slippy: "You know, Fox said that same thing years ago..."

Falco: "Sucks to suck frog breath."

Slippy looked down and thought about all the times that Fox had to save him over the years. All the times he was so helpless. All of the times he wanted to help but couldn't. All of the times-

Falco interrupted his thoughts and said:

Falco: "But Slip, you have gotten better you know. I of all people around here have noticed how many hours you spend in that arwing every week. Keep this up and you'll outfly everyone but me and Fox."

Slippy looked at Falco with a look of disbelief, as if he had been shot. The bullet fired by Falco in the form of a singular compliment. Slippy jumped from his seat and tackled Falco in a big hug, knocking them both to the floor.

Falco: "Get off of me you dult! Geez, you wonder why no one ever says anything!"

Slippy and Falco kept struggling on the ground until Peppy walked through the door.

Peppy: "Can't you two ever get along?"

Slippy: "It's not what you think, Peppy! We were just-"

Falco's face was red and beak-clenched. He interrupted Slippy before he could say any more.

Falco: "Slippy here was just getting on my nerves so we started a little scuffle. Nothing more, nothing less."

Slippy knew that Falco couldn't be seen as one with an excess amount of compassion, so he understood why he had cut him off so abruptly.

Peppy: "Look, all of that aside, we need to do something guys. We've been out of the job for a good bit now, and I'd rather avoid a situation similar to what happened four years ago. Remember? The whole drifting through space on our barely flying ship? We even had to downgrade our arwings!"

Falco and Slippy went quiet as they realized the severity of their situation. Falco had left last time something like this had happened, but he couldn't help feeling terrible if he repeated that same thing here.

Peppy: "I just hope Fox comes up with something soon. It cost as much as a small moon to build this new Great Fox..."

Falco: "Sure didn't help that you crashed the last one Pep. Heheheh."

Peppy: "Quiet your beak Falco, remember why you had that shot to destroy the queen in the first place."

Falco: "Geez, can't take a-"

Falco was cut off by the ship's communicator being pinged. Rob-64's voice could be heard over the intercom:

Rob-64: "Fox is hailing us, permission to display?"

Peppy: "Granted."

An apparition of Fox's body appeared in the middle of the room. Fox had a relaxed posture, and crossed his arms. He looked as smug as Falco usually does.

Fox: "Hey guys, you about ready to get back to work?"

Peppy: "What did you have in mind Fox?"

Fox: "Well, while we were still mopping up stray aparoids, I came across a trader that was looking for something. I inquired as to what, and he told me about some ancient artifacts hidden around Aquas. There are apparently ancient temples around there that hold things of extreme cultural importance to the planet. And here's the best part: Collectors pay hundreds of thousands of $SP for only one of these. The way I see it, some of the tech we have gives us the advantage here to find these things that no one else has had."

Peppy, Falco, and Slippy all looked at eachother with smiles across the board.

Falco: "So we're treasure hunters now eh? I could get behind that. See some new places, meet some new people... Hmm, I'm in."

Slippy: "Well, I've always wanted to explore some ancient places like that. I just hope we don't find something we won't like..."

Peppy: "Ha! I knew you had something. When do we start buddy?"

Fox: "As soon as Krystal and I get our bags packed. We'll be docking to the Great Fox here in about an hour and half. Fox out."

The apparition dissolved and dissipated leaving the middle of the room empty once again. Peppy turned to Falco and Slippy smiling.

Peppy: "Seems we're back in business guys."

Slippy: "Let's see, Aquas right? I'll have to make sure the Blue Marine still works! That was one of my favourite projects!"

The excitement and twinges in Slippy's voice made him sound annoyingly like his father. He put his head down and slunk away. Peppy and Falco stared at his direction for a moment until he was gone, and then Peppy whispered to Falco.

Peppy: "He realizes that the Blue Marine was probably everyone's least favourite of his inventions right?"

Falco: "Probably not, but at least he has a passion right?"

Peppy: "That's oddly kind of you hotshot, what's the catch? You always talk shit about poor ol' Slip."

Falco: "Well, maybe that's none of your business gramps."

Falco walked away, heading towards his quarters when he suddenly stopped. He turned around to see Peppy looking at him with a saddened look on his face. Falco turned back around and said:

Falco: "And maybe… Ah, maybe I'm trying to turn a new leaf here alright? But keep that in your teeth 'kay Pep?"

Peppy: "AH! A show of decency from the grumpy 'Too hip, gotta go' bird? Don't worry, this is banter specifically saved for the two of us. Heheheh"

Falco walked away and shook his head, he thought about why he never confided into anybody. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel better about himself for it. He entered his room content and sat down on his bed.

Falco (Thinking): "I wonder how far I want to take this whole new me thing. I mean I know I haven't exactly been the best of friends over the time I've known these guys, but being cheeky is who I am. The cocky go getter afraid of nothing, and skilled enough to back up my beak. Ah… There's no need to be a dick though. This is Fox's show, I know that, and I've been trying unsuccessfully for years to take up the mantle as leader. Maybe it's time to just fall in, focus on being the best wingmate I can be rather than the team challenger."

Falco thought for a long time in his cabin, about what it meant to be in Star Fox, and whether he wanted this for himself or not, completely lost in contemplation.

Peppy sat in his captain's chair on the bridge, thinking about Falco's turning of a new leaf as he called it. What could that mean? Did he just want to be nicer? Or was it more of a morals thing? He shook off the thought and contemplated Fox's new plan. Treasure hunting? He thought of how much he had been through, but never did he think that he would become an adventurer that scoured ancient ruins for buried treasure. Somehow he couldn't help but think he was getting too old for all of this nonsense, but at the same time it made him happy that Fox had some aspirations beyond becoming a mercenary. Peppy wondered what James would make of all this if he were still alive. He took out a bottle of very aged Cornerian brandy and poured himself a glass. As he took two sips, one for him, and one for his fallen friend, he decided what James would think. James would be proud, and admittedly a little apprehensive. Peppy laughed to himself before finishing his drink and dozing off.

Fox and Krystal had packed their bags and were walking towards the hangar housing their arwings. The place had really changed a lot with the destruction the Aparoids had wrought. Almost everything was reinforced now with the hangar especially following that rule.

Fox: "Look at how many deflector plates are on the outside of this place now Krystal. It's ridiculous, I mean this hangar is already underground as it is, and this isn't even a naval base."

Krystal: "Yeah, but people are scared after what happened with the Aparoids. First there was Andross, and now this? I'm sure the Cornerian government is getting pretty tired of having to rebuild the city every decade or so."

They walked along for another minute or so until Fox noticed an all too familiar fighter in the hangar. The red… the forward swept wings… That fucking rose… Panther.

Krystal (Mentally): "Panther… I wonder what business he has to be in Corneria. He sure is using his pardon recklessly wouldn't you say?"

Fox (Mentally): "Yeah… I just hope he isn't around to tie us up right-"

Before Fox could even finish his thought he was interrupted by the cat himself.

Panther: "You two don't seem to talk much for being so close all this time."

Fox: "Panther, how did I know you were going to show up here?"

Panther: "I'm always right where I'm needed Foxy, ooh… And speaking of which, the lovely Krystal, to what do I owe the pleasure of meeting you here?"

Krystal: "Just leave us alone Panther, we have a lot to do and we'd prefer to not be late doing it."

Panther: "Come now sweetheart, is that how you talk to the person that saved your life in the Aparoid assault? Did that wing ride you took on that very ship mean nothing to you? I thought we had more than that…"

Krystal's expression turned even more sour than it was to start, but before she could retort, she looked at Fox, who had stepped in front of her. He had a new look on his face, one Krystal hadn't seen before. He was determined, but at the same time, it read anger and protection.

Fox: "That's quite enough from you, I would stop talking before I take that silver tongue of yours and cut it out."

Panther: "Well that was rude, here I was trying to have a nice conversation with this lovely woman and you have to threaten me for it?"

Fox: "Don't pretend you're the good guy all of the sudden because you helped us once. I know your true intentions Panther, and I won't stand for it."

Panther: "Oh? And what are those evil intentions you so speak of? I have done nothing wrong here, nor do I plan to, so do entertain me Fox, what am I up to this time?"

Krystal: "He doesn't need a reason to be suspicious of you furball. And if you call me one more pet name I swear to the gods I will let Fox commence with the taking of your tongue."

Panther: "So fiesty you are, my little vixe-"

Before he could finish, Fox dropped his bag and with almost lightning speed flashed behind Panther, subduing him in a arm lock. Panther snarled and whimpered at his tweaked arms.

Fox: "Are you sure you want to finish that sentence Panther? Or should I break both of your arms to teach you some respect?"

Krystal had an angry look on her face, but she couldn't help feeling a little bad for the poor guy. He had been through a lot through the invasion, granted some of it was spent shooting at her.

Krystal (Mentally): "Fox, don't actually hurt him, technically, he's done no wrong. And honestly, right now, we look like the assholes."

Panther: "Please! I meant no disrespect! Really I didn't! Shit have you two gone mad? I work at Cup of Corneria! I heard you two were around from Bill and I wanted to see how you were… I'm sorry if I came off as shady, and I'm sorry if I was hitting on you Krystal, I just didn't know if you two were a thing yet or not that's all."

Fox let go and returned to Krystal's side, he dropped his head and put his hands behind his back. Krystal's expression changed from anger to sorrow almost instantly and bowed.

Fox: "Panther, I am so sorry, I thought… I just thought you hadn't changed from your anti merc ways. I seriously thought you were here up to no good."

Krystal: "I too apologize, you didn't deserve that from us, we should have given you a chance to explain yourself before jumping to conclusions. But the pet names did always piss me off you know, so I hope you understand our hostility. You did try to kill us not five or so months ago you know."

Panther: "It's okay, honestly, I deserved that. But Let me tell you, after what happened in the Aparoid homeworld, I'm a new man. I saw some things that I can't really unsee… At this point I just want a normal life, one where I can go five minutes without fighting for my life or trying to take someone else's."

Fox: "Well, that's very noble of you. And again, I apologize for the aggression. I hope you find happiness here in Corneria, there's certainly more women out there than Krystal, I promise."

Krystal turned a little red and couldn't figure out whether to take that as an insult or as a sweet remark.

Krystal: "Stay out of trouble Panther, we'll see you later."

Krystal took Fox's hand and lead him on towards their arwings. Fox looked back and Panther had already disappeared into shadow. Though Fox thought he was being genuine, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than he let on.

Krystal (Mentally): "I completely agree. I just hope that we're wrong Fox, because he's a dangerous enemy if we're right.

Fox (Mentally): "Oh well, at least that's over. Let's get our Aquas on already yeah? I'm still really excited for this!"

Krystal stopped in front of her arwing and kissed him.

Krystal: "Me too." She said with a smile.

Fox: "See you on the Great Fox love."

Krystal's smile turned cheeky as she said:

Krystal: "I've already been on the 'Great Fox' more times than I can count. Hehehe" She winked.

Fox flushed red as she put a hand on his chest. Krystal pushed him towards his arwing almost knocking him over.

Krystal: "I'll bring my things to your cabin, don't keep me waiting Fox."

She stuck her tongue out at him, and Fox promptly returned the gesture. He grabbed his things and stowed them in a side compartment of his arwing. After climbing in he looked over at Krystal's, which she had applied a rather unique paint scheme to. Purple lines and glyphs speckled the whole ship, and she had chosen a jet black base as opposed to the standard white and blue. Fox found it odd he didn't notice until then, but then again, he was a bit distracted. He shook off the thought and fired up his faithful ship. It roared to life and he taxied to the elevator. After ascending he jetted off and a telltale blue contrail left his engine.

Approaching the Great Fox, He noticed that a couple things had changed. Instead of the massive wings being devoid of armament they were lined with state of the art laser cannons, the likes of which Fox had never seen before. He wondered what difference those would have made in the Aparoid assault as his ship flew into the hangar bay. His ship docked and he noticed that Krystal had somehow beat him there. After climbing out, Fox was greeted by Falco, who had been leaning on a nearby beam.

Falco: "Sup Fox, long time no see."

Fox: "Yeah man, sorry I haven't kept in touch. Building a relationship is a bit more time occupying than I previously thought. Heheheh"

Falco: "That's alright, it's good to see you two finally together. The sexual tension was so strong last time I saw you guys I probably could have cut it with a knife. Heh, you're doing better than I am though I hate to say. I couldn't find any avian on Corneria that was worth my time."

Fox: "Did I hear that right or did I actually hear you being nice for a change? When did this happen buddy?"

Falco: "Yeah… I uh… I'm trying something out alright? Don't make me regret it."

Fox: "Don't worry Falco, as much of an ass as you were, you're still one of my best friends. You can come to me for anything, you know that. And if you're trying to change your image, I'm on board for helping you wingmate."

Falco smiled in quiet satisfaction that Fox had his back on this, and put his hand on Fox's shoulder.

Falco: "Thanks McCloud, I knew I could always count on you for this kind of thing. Just… If you catch me acting like I used to, put me in my place alright?"

Fox could not believe his ears, Falco Lombardi actually attempting to be decent? That was unheard of, and him being emotional? That was even rarer still. All of this, plus him and Krystal? Part of him thought that all of this was too good to be true. Oh right! Krystal!

Fox: "No problem buddy, I'm here for you. By the way! Not to cut this short but have you seen Krystal?"

Falco: "What? Miss her already? Heh, I'm pretty sure she was heading towards crew quarters why?"

Fox was already walking away with his bag in hand.

Fox: "No reason buddy, we'll catch up later, bye!"

Falco knew better. He shook his head and waved as he walked away.

Fox thought of the advances Krystal had made on him before they left. He had to get to his cabin, no questions asked. But of course, that really was too good to be true as Slippy literally knocked him over with another one of his famous flying hugs.

Slippy: "Foooooooox! It's about time you showed up! I have so many things to show you on this ship! You wouldn't believe the amount of new tech this thing has."

Fox looked up into Slippy's bright, cheery eyes and sighed.

Fox: "Hey Slip, I really do want to see everything, but I'm really tired from all the moving around. Do you mind if we hang out after a nap of sorts?"

Slippy: "How could you nap at a time like this!? Look at all of this stuff, do you even know what that console over there does?"

Fox: "I have no idea buddy, but I'm sure you'll tell me. But seriously can this wait? Just for a bit? I promise I'll let you give me the full tour after a little break."

Slippy: "Aw… Fine, but I'm holding you to that Fox. This better not be like that time at the academy you promised to go with me to tour the memorial."

Fox: "One time, a guy puts something off for a week ONE TIME and suddenly he's a bad guy. Heheheh"

Fox got up from his tackling and picked up his bag. Though he wanted to get to Krystal, Fox was intrigued by the new tech on the ship, so he knew Slip wouldn't wait on him long.

Slippy: "Oh yeah, Krystal told me to tell you that your room is opposite the bridge door, just so you know. And by the way… Are you two sharing a cabin now?"

Fox got a little red, but kept his composure. It wasn't weird… right?

Fox: "Yeah, her and I are really hitting it off. Better than I could have ever hoped for Slip. I haven't had a chance to gush to anybody over this, but dude! She's the girl of my dreams and then some. I'll have to give you the deets later."

Slippy: "Heh, looking forward to it Fox. Now get in there and show her a good time. I'm not stupid, I know why you're in such a rush. Heheheh"

Fox stared blankly and thought about how transparent he was before shaking off the thought and returning to reality.

Slippy: "Fox…?"

Fox: "Yeah! Sorry, spaced out there for a moment. Thanks brother, I'll get back to you soon."

Slippy walked off, and Fox was surprised at how much his best friend had matured since the Aparoid assault. He wondered exactly how much of Slip had changed since then. After some contemplation, Fox remembered what he was trying to do, and sprung after the bridge to find his cabin. He jogged up some stairs and up to the Bridge when suddenly the door slid open. Peppy stepped out and Fox nearly ran him over.

Peppy: "Oh, hey Fox!"

Fox: "Son of a bitch!"

Peppy: "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, I didn't think you'd be here this soon."

Fox: "It's not that buddy, but can we talk later?"

Peppy: "You youngsters are always in such a hurry, Krystal told me that same thing when she passed by. You know, you're father was once…"

Fox knew this was it, he would be stuck here for another half an hour listening to the same story about his father he had heard a million other times from Peppy. Fox loved him to death but damn if he wasn't the most grandfather like figure he had. Fox kept nodding and agreeing like he was listening like he always did, but he hoped this would be over sooner than later.

Krystal (Mentally): "Getting held up much love? Hehe, you sure have shit luck when it comes to that. Don't worry, I have a plan in motion."

That moment a fire alarm went off in the galley of the ship, snapping Peppy out of story mode and into panic mode.

Peppy: "Holy shit! This ship is brand new! I'm not losing her in a fire!"

Peppy ran down the stairs yelling incomprehensibly about how Falco and Slippy can never cook again, and Fox breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't help but wonder how the hell Krystal did that though. Fox walked up to his cabin finally reaching his once distant goal.

Krystal (Mentally): "I had Falco light a fire in the mess specifically to distract Peppy. Somehow I knew he would tie you up. Now get in here…"

The door opened and Fox's tail twitched as he dropped his bag outside the door. No one saw either of them for the next fifteen hours.