Hey, everybody. It's been a while huh? Well, here's how I write. I don't really find deadlines or anything like that. I write when I feel like it, as until now my writing has actually been completely secret. So, I will upload my chapters once I am satisfied enough with them. So I haven't a clue when I'll be done with the next chapter so... yeah. Another thing, I do write as ideas come to me. I may already have the next chapter together, just haven't filled in the gap of the chapter in between. So, I'll get to work on it soon enough.....

You know, they say that, in space, no one can hear you scream. What a depressing thought for one living out in the middle of it. Restless as ever, Ethan was left to his own thoughts as he sat on the side of his bed staring out his window as the blackness that seemed to stretch forever. He had gotten little sleep the previous night, mainly tossing and turning in his usual nightmares. He eventually pushed himself out of bed and shuffled across the room into the bathroom.

After flicking the light switch, he leaned against the counter to stare into the large mirror. Ethan's gaze met that of his reflection, and, like so many mornings before, he examined the figure staring back. Ethan was of lupine heritage, dark grey fur covering his body, with the exception of two black patches: one that started over his left eyebrow and tapered to a point at the back of his head and covered his ear, and one over his midsection that outlined his chest and stomach. He was tall, about six foot three, and in good shape, with neat, toned muscles. His entire body sported more than a few scars, crisscrossing this way and that over his arms, torso, neck and face. The light green eyes that stared back showed years of pain, but accepting apathy.

Raising his head slightly, Ethan muttered, "Computer, where are we?"

The metallic voice rang again, "Arrival over Corneria approximately 2.45 hours ago. Ship has been in orbit since."

"Thank you."

After a quick shower, Ethan changed into a pair of jeans and a green t-shirt with a black hoodie over it. He slipped on his sneakers and walked out of his room down the hallway towards the bridge. Why he had such a large ship only for himself, he didn't know, but then again, he did "indefinitely borrow" it from a former client. He stopped at the end of the hallway and the door in front of him hissed as it slid open, allowing Ethan entry to the bridge. He sat in his chair as he spoke again.

"Get clearance to land,"

"Right away, sir." a few moments, then another voice came through the speakers.

"Ship ID# 324674592, you have been cleared for landing at hanger 437, dock 3b. You may proceed."

After landing, Ethan jogged down the ship's ramp and out of the hanger into the streets of Corneria City. He loved to come here, it had been so long, and for a moment, he forgot he was being hunted by some of the best bounty hunters out there, and just enjoyed himself. He slowed to a walk and looked around at all the animals walking by and the towering buildings so high above. He decided to stop at a nearby restaurant and order a burger. Taking his meal to an outside table, Ethan watched the passersby as he ate. Once finished, he proceeded to throw away the trash and continue his walk.

Ethan continued to wander the city for some time, gazing upon the skyscrapers left and right, occasionally bumping into a pedestrian. Unfortunately, though, eventually he began to get one of his "feelings"; he usually took these as something bad, and they had saved his ass more than a few times in the past. Quickly ducking down to hide himself in the crowd, Ethan sidestepped into an alley and slid down behind a dumpster. Sure enough, moments later, another figure dove into the alley, eyes searching back and forth. Neither of them, however, noticed the fox standing across the street, looking on with interest.

Ethan peeked from the shadows to see his follower, but as soon as he did, a shot from the other's silenced pistol flew by, grazing his face.

"Come on out! Let's not make this difficult for either of us!" The figure in the alley shouted.

Ethan recognized the voice as a familiar cat, another hunter, and shouted back from around the dumpster.

"Kale, you bastard, what are you doing here? You're a bit far from home aren't you?"

"I tracked you here, now I'll collect your price, whether or not I have to kill you!"

Ethan reached down to his belt, only to realize that he had left his blaster on the ship, not expecting this kind of thing to happen. He tried to look around again, dodging yet another bolt, and only glimpsed a second figure charging toward Kale from behind. He heard a thud, then looked again. An orange vulpine had pinned Kale on his stomach and, hearing Ethan move out from his shelter, looked up at him.

"Umm, thanks, I guess. Didn't think I would get caught up here, or that someone would actually come to help."

The fox looked up at Ethan then back down at the cat he still knelt over, arms bent back behind.

"I suppose you two know each other?" The vulpine asked, a slight grin on his face. Kale struggled a bit, and his head was slammed into the ground to stop him.

"You could say that. Long story short, he wants to kill me." Ethan stared down at the incapacitated feline, a subtle aggravation in his voice.

Ethan bent down and grabbed the blaster that had fallen from Kale's hand when he was tackled.

"Nice... He's modded it a bit, But it's recognizable. Not bad..." Ethan looked back at his foe, then at the weapon again. "Don't think he'll need it anymore,"

As the vulpine stood up, Ethan held out his hand. "Name's Ethan, by the way,"

The fox took his hand and shook it. "Fox McCloud."