Here we go, the next chapter of Star Fox: Annihilation. Man, I'm really looking forward to this chapter. I don't know why but I got a sudden passion for this story.
This chapter introduces several things from my previous story Fox's Unknown Daughter, like Vixy Phoenix - McCloud, and Fox's relationship with Fara.
A little heads up, I'm not very familiar with the legal proceedings of custody, and there's a scene in this chapter about that. I'm working on my limited knowledge and I apologize ahead of time if I get things wrong.
It'll be obvious in this chapter that is has the beginning of Star Fox Adventures to the part where General Scales throws her off of his ship. Don't worry, Adventures is only a minor part of this story. This story will go far beyond Adventures. And yes, I copied the dialogue and actions in Adventures. Oh, and I skipped part of the opening scene to make the chapter shorter and easier, nothing important, just gameplay (particularly the part where Krystal went into the ship.
If I get something wrong I just want to say I'm sorry ahead of time, it's been a while since I've played the game.
Hope you enjoy the chapter
Chapter 1: A New Mission
"Fox, it's good to see you." General Pepper shouted as Fox, Peppy, and Fara entered the conference room.
"Nice to see you too General." Fox replied with a sleepy, half smile and a nod.
Peppy walked around Fox and shoot General Pepper's hand. "It's been a long time old friend, how have you been?"
"Fine, but really boring. Sure Lylat's experiencing the longest peace in its history, but without someone to fight I'm afraid the planet will grow weak. Other than that, things are good, but often quite boring."
Fox and Fara made their way around to chairs while Peppy continued to stand and speak to Pepper. The conference room was small, given it was usually housing a small group of high ranking military officers, Generals, and politicans; only one large, circular table sat in the center with office chairs positioned around it. Fox had only been in the room a few times, given its military nature where Generals discuss war strategy. Looking around Fox could see that the room was sound proof to keep people outside from hearing what was discussed inside, as well as other security features he didn't recognize; he guessed for bug/espionage detection. He heard the rumor that the room was so secure that a person could fire a gun in there and no one outside would hear it. Being inside told Fox right away how important the contract General Pepper wanted to speak about was.
General Pepper's statement reminded Fox of the old saying "Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times." The current state of the Great Fox was proof of that statement, the ship had certainly seen better days. Lylat was certainly experiencing an in between time, the war had indeed created strong men like Fox to fight Andross and end it. With the war over and rebuilding all but complete times were getting better and Corneria was prospering. Peppy stated a few weeks ago that he had never seen the Cornerian military so strong, and it both worried and amazed Fox, he knew it was only a matter of time before something happened; and Star Fox would most likely be paid heavily to solve it. Even though Star Fox profited heavily from war, particularly the Lylat Wars, Fox didn't wish for war.
"I imagine you've taken quite a few naps at your desk then." Peppy said with a smirk.
"I wish, but that's not possible. Too much paper work and an insane amount of boring meetings keep me working."
"That's what I figured, with no war your days are probably just reading contracts and signing orders. But that didn't stop you from taking naps in the academy."
"Didn't stop you either if I remember correctly." General Pepper replied, getting a short laugh from Peppy.
"Uh, if you two are done reminiscing we got business to attend to." Fara shouted, getting the attention of everyone in the room.
Fox couldn't help smirking, thankfully no one noticed. Fara was still her old self, wanting to get straight to the point and business with little small talk. It reminded Fox of the days they were dating, she was more action and less talk, and that still appeared true. Remembering the time they were together brought a smile to Fox's face, though he still tried to hide it so the others wouldn't notice, but a glimpse from Fara told him otherwise.
"Fara's got a point, we can save the reminiscing for after the meeting." Fox said, getting a nod from everyone.
"Plus, it is past all of our bedtimes." Peppy added, getting a laugh from Fox and General Pepper, and a headshake from Fara.
"I agree, the contract comes first, reminiscing later. This contract is very important, to many people." General Pepper stated. "Just so we're clear, this contracts is clearly confidential. Only your team is allowed to know the details."
Fox nodded, "I figured that'd be the case when your message stated the unusual meeting perimeters."
"Good, the less people that are involved the better. So, let's get right to the point. What do you know about the planet Sauria?"
The question caught Fox off guard, taking him a moment to reply back. "Well, I don't know much, other than it's a planet on the outskirts of the Lylat System. I know it's nicknamed Dinosaur Planet because it's populated by Dinosaurs. That's all I know other than rumors, and I don't believe them."
"Is Sauria where the contract sends us?" Peppy asked.
General Pepper nodded. "Yes, it is. Not much is known about the planet, there are still lots of mysteries about it to us. Doesn't help that we've had little success speaking to the locals, mostly due to language barriers and the fact that they prefer isolation. Fara can explain things better than I can."
Fox looked at Fara both shocked and not surprised at the same time. He knew Fara was there for a good reason, he just didn't expect it involve Sauria; Space Dynamics has their hands in nearly everything after all. On the other hand, Sauria was viewed as such a mysterious and insignificant planet by the General public that for Fara to see value in it was surprising; maybe she knew something they didn't.
"What do you know about Sauria, Fara? You have satellites orbiting the planet?" Fox asked.
"Of course, Space Dynamics has five of them observing Sauria. The problem is that Sauria has such a strange energy that the satellites have a hard time observing much of anything. We have very little information than pictures of the surface."
"Maybe the dinosaurs are more technologically advanced than you think." Peppy stated.
"No, we know for a fact that they are still a primitive people. Only the race we heard called Cloudrunner's are slightly advanced, and not by much." Fara responded, shaking her head. "From what we've observed the people are quite primitive, but there's something very strange that our best scientists can't explain. Somehow, we've observed advanced structures that far exceed the technology of the people, almost beyond our own."
"Uh, you've lost me on that one, Fara. What are you talking about?" Fox asked as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I kind of figured that'd be your response. What I mean is that we have observed strange structures on the planet that far exceed the skill and knowledge of the natives. My satellites have also detected strange energy around the planet. My best scientists can't explain either. It all gets very confusing and it doesn't help that we hardly know anything about the planet at all."
"And that your explanation left more questions than answers." Fox replied, getting an angry glare Fara. "So, what does this have to do with the mission? Are you going to have us do some research work for Space Dynamics?"
"No, I wouldn't have called you in for that, I got others for such assignments. What I'm asking from you is much more important."
"And what is that, the old cliche of saving the planet?"
"If what our satellites have detected lately is accurate, yes, that is mostly likely what you'll have to do." Fara answered with a sarcastic smile.
"Oh, you're serious?"
"Yes, but our readings haven't had the most reliable data so we're not certain what is going on there. All we know is what our satellites have detected, and it's quite unsettling."
"And what is that, Fara?" Peppy asked.
"Long story short, very unusual and strong seismic activity has been detected on the all over planet. From our readings the activity is the strongest ever recorded, and I mean throughout all of Corneria's recorded history. Stronger than the earthquakes that demolished Macbeth three decades ago."
"Okay, I got no words for that." Fox said, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm assuming these quakes are having devastating effects."
"If they were earthquakes, yes, the planet would be destroyed beyond repair. But from our readings these are definitely not earthquakes."
"Then what are they?" Peppy asked.
"Well, that's the strange part." Fara replied, appearing to take a moment to gather her thoughts. "The only way I can think to explain what is going on is to just come out and say it. Sauria is literally coming part, slowly."
Fox and Peppy's jaw suddenly dropped, getting a smirk from General Pepper and a laugh from Fara. "Uh, are you sure about that, Fara. If it hadn't come from you I would ask what the hell you're smoking."
"And then you would've gotten bitch slapped, Fox. It'd be easier for me to show you what I mean." Fara said as she picked up the remote to the hologram projector.
Fara turned on the hologram projector, revealing the planet Sauria. The hologram shows Sauria divided into multiple, large sections, seemingly based on the environment and terrain. Each section seemed to be separate from the others with nothing appearing to connect them. From the hologram Fox could make out how Sauria comes together like a puzzle piece. Fara pointed to the hologram, at one of the sections. "You see guys, Sauria is divided into multiple different environments, or chunks if you want to call them that. Each of these chunks is unique and comes together to form Sauria. We believe it's the planets energy that holds these pieces together, otherwise the planet would come apart, literally."
"Let me guess, the energy holding these chunks together has weakened and that's causing the planet to split apart?" Fox asked.
"Uh, yes, how did you guess that?"
"I went with the most obvious and cliche guess given the information you've given us."
"I guess you are smarter than you look . . . and act." Fara smirked as looked back at this hologram. "From our readings the chunks are moving apart very slowly, the energy is still strong enough to keep the planet from splitting apart immediately."
"How quickly is the planet seperating?" Peppy asked.
"At our current readings, around an inch an hour. But as timd goes on the energy is weakening and the chunks speed up. Thankfully, it's happening very slowly so there's still plenty of time."
"Unfortunately, Sauria is on the other side of the Lylat System and the energy around the planet prevents ships from jumping there. So, getting there quickly is a problem." General Pepper stated. "Fortunately, Fara has recorded all of the information for you to review."
Fox sighed as he looked around the room from Fara and Peppy. All of the information, and lack of, was a lot to take in for one session. The more information Fara gave him the less he seemed to understand, let alone the fact that he found the whole planet floating apart to be a bit far fetched. If the information hadn't come from Fara he would've just laughed; she's never lied to him before and he trusted her completely. Fara had always done right by Star Fox and made sure they got paid handsomely for their efforts.
"That's quite a story and a problem. I'm not really sure what to say." Fox said, crossing his arms. "So, what exactly is the mission then?"
"Unfortunately, that's harder to explain right now as we don't have a lot of Intel on the situation." General Pepper replied with a sigh. "Right now, you are to head to Sauria and simply investigate the problem."
"Ok, and just how do you propose I do that?" Fox asked, with a little anger and sarcasm in his voice.
"Speak to the locals, they're bound to know what's going on."
"Uh, last time I checked the Saurians don't speak our language and don't exactly like outsiders, at all. You expecting me to bring an interrupter or something?"
"If I remember correctly, Fox, the last time we hang out you mentioned something about Slippy developing a universal language translator?" Fara spoke up, getting everyone's attention.
Fox fought back a smile as remembered their last meeting. It was nothing more than a friendly meeting, though it was still awkward given their past relationship. He was surprised she remembered him mentioning Slippy's new invention, they had a few drinks but not that many, and discussed a lot of business. Then again, Fox remembered he shouldn't have been surprised, Fara had a near perfect memory, that often worked against him.
"Yeah, I mentioned it, though I'm not sure it's ready. Slippy's putting the finishing touches on it, so it might be ready by the time we arrive at Sauria." Fox said, smiling as he remembered Slippy jumping with excitement when he explained it to him. "He said that once finished it'll be loaded with every language that Corneria has recorded, and will translate both ways."
"Hm, that's pretty impressive, will it be done by the time you get to Sauria?" Fara asked.
"I think so, he's working on the finishing touches. But, right now I'm more concerned about the contract. You're telling me I'm just randomly supposed to randomly arrive on the planet and somehow investigate? That's not a lot of information for me to go on."
"I understand Fox, there's a lot of confusion, even we don't fully understand what's going on. But we do know a few things about some of the locals. Particularly the Earthwalker tribe, they'll be your best bet to figure out what is going on."
"Ok, and what can you tell me about them?"
General Pepper picked up a document on the table and handed it to Fox. "This document contains everything we know about the Earthwalkers. I suggest you spend time reading it."
"I would if this document was bigger. I can read through and memorize this in ten minutes, if that." Fox replied.
"I know, we haven't spent much time on Sauria. The planet is still a mystery to us. That's why this mission is mostly an investigation, we don't need you going around shooting things up . . . and hopefully it doesn't come to that."
"That doesn't exactly leave us with a lot of room." Peppy added.
"No it doesn't, or whatever I'm supposed to do other than talk to the Earthwalkers." Fox replied then shrugged his shoulders. "Hopefully they at least know what is going on."
"They should, they know everything that's going on there. That's why I recommend starting there." General Pepper stated. "Oh, and before I forget, Fox, you cannot bring your blaster, or any other weapon on this contract."
Fox's jaw dropped, getting a laugh from Fara. "WHAT, why?"
"Because Sauria is a peaceful planet, and we want to stay on good terms with the natives. Bringing a blaster could complicate and misinterpret matters.
"And this is not a combat mission. Chances are very low that you'll need any weapon." Fara added. "If I'm wrong then I'll be more than happy to compensate you."
"IF I survive you mean?" Fox replied sarcastically.
"You will, we've survived worse situations together, crossing the Black Hole to Venom remember?"
"True, those were the days."
A sigh from General Pepper got their attentions. "If you two are done reminiscing, we have one more matter to discuss, one that Star Fox will find VERY important."
"Ah, I assume you mean payment?" Peppy said.
"Yes, and this time you'll have two sources of income."
Fox looked at General Pepper confused. "Two sources of income?"
"Yes, one from Space Dynamics and the other from the Cornerian military." Fara explained. "Basically, for investigating you'll get a payment from me and IF you fully solve the problem you'll get a payment from Corneria. I can assure you, both will be very substantial."
"Ah, I get it, basically the more we do the more we get paid." Peppy said.
"Makes sense to me, but how much money are we talking about?" Fox asked.
"Fifteen million credits from Space Dynamics once you report back to us the problem."
"And an additional fifty million if you save the planet." General Pepper added. "So if I were you I'd consider completing the mission."
Hearing the amount they'd possibly be paid, Fox's jaw nearly dropped and Peppy gasped. That was a MUCH better offer than any contract they've gotten in nearly eight years. Even though it was considerably less than amount they got paid for saving Corneria in the Lylat Wars it was more than enough to repair the Great Fox and then some.
"With that kind of money involved I'd be a fool to refuse." Fox said, extending his hand to General Pepper. "We'll take the contract."
Fara shook her head. "Old reliable Fox, always thinking about money."
General Pepper smiled as he stood up and shook Fox's hand. "Glad to hear it, Fox. How soon can you leave for Sauria?"
"Not long, give me time to get supplies and some much needed rest and we'll be ready."
Fox hide his smile well as he looked back and forth between Fara and General Pepper. To him the whole mission sounded like easy money, almost as if he was robbing the government. The contract sounded way to easy for the amount of money Star Fox would receive upon it's completion. Whatever's happening on Sauria must be very important to the Cornerian government for them to make such an offer.
Still, something doesn't feel right about this contract, I got a strange feeling that something's going to go horribly wrong.
X
"Man, that was an unusual briefing." Peppy said as he and Fox walked down the hallway, past the front desk.
"Tell me about it, just having Fara there was awkward. I thought the contract was going to be recovery in a pirate or Venom infested region."
The briefing had Fox feeling uneasy to say the least. Something didn't feel right about it in his gut, and his gut was never wrong. Maybe it was the lack of information that made him uneasy, or an uncertainty of what exactly he was supposed to do. Didn't help that Fox felt like there was a lot more to the contract than was discussed in the briefing. Though it sounded easy, Fox couldn't shake the uneasy feeling.
"At least the mission should be simple, hopefully."
"I highly doubt it. Fara's contracts are rarely simple, there's always something waiting for us." Fox responded.
"Do you think she was holding something back?"
"No, Fara doesn't hide things from me, especially when it comes to missions. If there was something dangerous she would've told us."
"I suppose you got a point." Peppy replied. "Still, something doesn't feel right about this."
"I know, but we can worry about that later, right now let's get go home and get sound sleep."
"I can agree to that."
"Hey, Fox, over here." Fara called from behind Fox and Peppy, causing them both to turn around. "We need to talk in private."
Fox nodded and waved back. "Alright, I'll be right there."
Fara smiled slightly and turned around, entering the conference room. Fox hesitantly turned around and began walking to the conference room. He knew what Fara wanted to speak about and it didn't make him feel very comfortable, she was always serious on the subject.
Peppy grabbed Fox's shoulder, stopping him. "Fox, let me give you some advice I gave your father. Screwing on a military base is a bad idea. Your father did that with your mother, and your step mother a few years later. It's a bad idea all around."
Fox rolled his eyes at Peppy. "That's not what Fara and I are going to do. Fara's too much of a screamer for us to do it here anyway, and it's be awkward for a divorced couple too keep hooking up. Besides, you saw the look on Fara's face, she has something serious to discuss."
"Oh, I thought that you and Fara still hooked up, despite being divorced, my bad."
"That was one time, Peppy, and even though it was great it was still awkward. We haven't had sex since then, or even kissed."
Peppy sighed, softly. "I didn't think you'd ever regret a hook up with Fara."
"I prefer to keep those matters private. What I do with Fara is our business. I'm not implying that we actually do hook up, we don't as our relationship is purely professional right now, we have to or things could get complicated."
"Ok, I thought that you two were working things out so you could be a married couple . . . again."
"We're trying but things are going slowly. I'm not comfortable talking about that." Fox replied then looked at Fara, seeing her standing in the conference room alone, waiting for him. "I got to speak with Fara before she gets mad. I'll see you back at the Arwings soon."
"Alright, take care Fox and be careful."
"There's no guarantees with Fara." Fox joked as he patted Peppy on the shoulder.
Fox walked away from Peppy to the conference room where Fara was waiting for him. With Fara he knew the conversation would last awhile, especially if the subjects what he thought it was. Thankfully, Peppy was a patient man, to an extent, it's often impossible to tell with Fara.
Fox closed the door, leaving him and Fara completely alone. "I think I know what this is about . . . little Vixy."
"Of course, this contract complicates our custody schedule. I wish the timing was better but this mission is important."
"Me too, I noticed your expression during the meeting. You did well trying to hide it, but I saw through it. You're good at hiding your emotions, but during our four years of marriage I learned to read you like a book."
Fara crossed her arms angrily and glared daggers at Fox. "If that was true we'd still be married. Thankfully, that's not the issue here, that awkward conversation can be pushed to a later date."
"You're right, as always, we got to discuss our situation with Vixy."
"Not really much if you look at it from my perspective. Tomorrow your custody week of Vixy starts, well technically now seeing that it's past midnight, and you have an urgent contract that requires your immediate attention."
"Uh, it sounds to me like you're about to make a decision I'm not going to like." Fox replied.
"No, that's not the case. You see, Fox, just from a parent perspective, this contract interferes with our custody agreement of Vixy. We agreed two years ago over the custody of our daughter, and this coming week is your turn with her. However, this contract interferes with our agreement as Vixy would be going with you on a potentially dangerous contract."
"I see your point, even though this contract has been ranked as a low risk, it's still no place for a little girl. I understand your concern, completely. I think it'd be best if we postpone Vixy's custody with me for a bit, at least until this contract is over. That way, she'll be safe and I can give her my undivided attention."
Fara smiled slightly at Fox. "Wow, Fox, that's a very mature and wise decision. You see, you are capable of making good decisions."
"Are you being serious or are you making fun of me?"
"I'm being serious, Fox, once you put your mind to it you can do the right thing, instead of just blundering around like you usually do."
"Honestly, I don't know if I should be complimented or insulted about that." Fox responded with a smirk. "But, that's not the problem right now. As much as I hate to say it, things are looking like we'll have to postpone my custody till I get back."
"Hm, as much as I like this mature attitude, I do not think that'd be a good idea. Vixy is REALLY looking forward to visiting you and I hate to disappoint her."
"I know but it's just not safe for her to be on the Great Fox during a contract. You said that a few months ago during the Macbeth raiders contract."
"That was combat mission, of course I wouldn't allow Vixy to go on a mission like that." Fara shouted before calming down. "Besides, this contract is just an investigation. If anyone's going to be in danger it'll just be you, Vixy will be safe and sound aboard the Great Fox."
"Uh, are you sure about that? We're taking about Vixy here remember, I don't know how safe she'd be on board."
"Well, I know that the condition of the Great Fox has been . . . deteriorating lately, but I know that Vixy will be safe on it. The Great Fox won't even be in danger on this contact, it'll be safe in space."
"The only one in any real danger is me, which is fine with you." Fox added sarcastically, getting a smirk from Fara.
"Of course, nothing unusual there. Plus, Vixy will have Peppy and Slippy looking out for her."
"Don't forget Falco, he's still on the team."
Fara rolled her eyes and groaned. "Don't remind me. I'm sure you get my point, Vixy will be safe while you're out risking your life."
"I do, I'm just surprised you're recommending the idea. You're the overprotective parent after all."
"One of us has to be." Fara joked. "I'm certain Vixy will be fine, if you don't mind taking her along with you."
Fox thought about it for a moment, the idea of having Vixy on board the Great Fox seemed like both a bad and good idea. Vixy would potentially be at risk during the contract, even though given the circumstances it seemed highly unlikely. Plus, Vixy was always troublesome and curious, which could end badly and bother Slippy, Peppy, and Falco. However, Fox knew that she'd be pretty safe on the Great Fox and under the watchful eye of his crew. Peppy was good at watching her and Slippy always kept her entertained. Vixy always brought life to the ship and the crew as well. The bonding time they'd have together gave Fox the incentive he needed to answer Fara.
"I don't mind Vixy tagging along, she always enjoys her time aboard the Great Fox."
"I figured that'd be your answer, I would've been shocked if you had said no." Fara replied with a smile before turning serious. "Oh, and a warning, if even a single hair on Vixy is harmed I will personally launch you into the sun."
Fox fought hard to hold back his laugh. "Don't worry, she'll be safe on the Great Fox. Peppy and Slippy are good at looking after her. Besides, you know I'd gladly give up my life to keep Vixy safe."
"I'm going to hold you to that, Fox, cause if Vixy gets hurt you'll wish for death."
Fox sighed with slight smile and said in a sarcastic voice. "You really have me high on priority list."
"No duh, I hate to say it, Fox, but compared to Vixy you're pretty low on my priorities. Plus, we've been divorced for three years, that plays a small factor."
"I know, it doesn't really surprise me. But you have nothing to worry about, Vixy will be safe and well taken care of."
Fara's face suddenly turned from serious death glare to a slight smile. "I'm just making a point, Fox. Vixy is very safe with you on board your vessel, and she always has a blast."
"I try to be a fun parent, to make sure she never leaves the Great Fox without a smile on her face."
"Obviously, if anything you do it too well. But, we'll discuss this another time, when things aren't busy."
"Alright, that works for me." Fox responded, then looked at the ground for a moment before saying in a nervous voice. "Hey, Fara, I'm just curious, is there any chance we'll ever be back together?"
Fara lowered her head, appearing to considering her response. "Honestly, I don't know for certain. I'd be lying if I said that there wasn't a spark still between us. I want us to be together, mostly for Vixy's sake, but also because I think I still love you. But, things are just . . . complicated right now for both of us. So, I think that for now we should just focus on the current contract and hope things settle down."
"As much as I hate to say it, I agree. We'll get through this contract and work things out from there."
"Of course, we got a lot to work through but no current time to do it." Fara replied, patting Fox on the shoulder. "At least things can't get more complicated."
"Never say never, Fara."
"Very funny Foxie." Fara giggled, then put on a serious look. "What time are you expecting to leave for Sauria?"
"I haven't thought about it, but now I think it'll probably be around noon by the time I pull the Great Fox out of orbit."
"Alright, that's plenty of time. I'll bring Vixy to the Great Fox around eleven. In the mean time I suggest you get some sleep, things are going to be busy for both of us."
"I intend too." Fox replied with a yawn. "I'd better get to Peppy before he falls asleep in his Arwing."
"Of course, I'll see you with Vixy in a few hours then." Fara said, then leaned towards Fox, placing a quick kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight Fox."
Fara turned around and walked away before Fox could reply, shaking her hips with each step. His eyes followed her hips meticulously as his hand touched his cheek where she kissed him. It wasn't till Fara was out of the room that Fox realized she was just teasing him, the kiss was just a motivation and tease. Most likely it didn't really mean much of anything, it'd probably be best if he forgot about it for the moment.
Damn that woman is one heck of a teaser, almost as bad a Katt.
Sauria
From the depths of space, a girl named Krystal searched for the truth of her parents' death. Finding herself within a lost corner of the Lylat System, she received a distress call from a world known as Dinosaur Planet. Being of a kind nature, Krystal decided to investigate.
Krystal held on tight to the Cloudrunner's neck as they flew through the storm. Though they were flying above the storm, over a mile above the surface of the planet, she felt no fear, even though she could easily fall to her death. Her mind was focused on other things that demanded her attention, and on recent events that had led her to where she was.
"I received a garbled distress signal. It said something about a mountain hidden in a storm." Krystal screamed out over the rain in the Cloudrunners's native tongue, which was nearly identical to her being similar to Cerinian. "Whoever they were, they were in great danger!"
Krystal suddenly heard what sounded like a loud roar coming from behind her over the thunder. She turned her head and what she saw approaching froze her on the spot. Out of the clouds appeared a large ship with a roaring dinosaur head. The head roared loudly, almost causing Krystal to have to cover her ears. It looked like an old-fashioned pirate ship, minus the sales, with engines to keep it flying. But what scared Krystal was the head, somehow it was alive and roaring at everything near it. The ship seemed to be alive and very aggressive.
What in the hell is that thing?
Krystal could sense the evil onboard the ship, she knew it wasn't an ally, nor did she have any intention of being friendly towards it, eve though she preferred . The evil sensation on board the ship was so powerful that Krystal's spine shivered, didn't help that she sensed an aggressive nature on board, directed towards her. Getting as far away from the ship became her top priority.
Before Krystal could turn the Cloudrunner away a fire projectile launched from the ship, towards her. She grabbed her staff from her back and raised it as the projectile neared her. Before Krystal could activate her staff the projector was on top of them, leaving no time to dodge. She raised her staff just in time to block the projectile but the impact knocked out of her grasp.
"MY STAFF!" Krystal shouted as she watched her precise weapon fall to the surface.
Anger filled Krystal's body as she turned the Cloudrunner towards the ship. Though her friend was reluctant to fly towards such a large, enemy ship he obeyed. She did the best she could to position them behind the ship, hoping they didn't have any artillery, or whatever it was they fired at her earlier. No sooner did Krystal get behind the ship more fire projectiles launched at her. Krystal shouted as the projectiles flew at them quickly but with poor accuracy. With nothing to fight back with they were strictly on the evasive side; they're only real option was to keep dodging and hope the projectiles didn't hit or they ran out of ammo. Even though they were a small target Krystal knew eventually they'd get lucky, leaving them with risky options or retreat.
"Get in close, hopefully they won't fire once we're within their proximity." Krystal ordered.
The Cloudrunner screeched as it dove towards the ship, barely dodging the incoming projectiles. Some come so close that Krystal felt her fur being burned off. Thankfully, her "pilot" was manueverable and very good at dodging the incoming projectiles. She wrapped her arms tight around his neck as he avoided the projectiles with ease, but not too tight to avoid choking him. The guns didn't stop firing till they were almost touching the ship.
At least they're smart enough to not fire when the target is so close they'd probably die too.
Once the guns stopped the Cloudrunner flew in close and over the deck. Krystal looked over the deck, expecting to see tons of enemies but saw no one. She directed the Cloudrunner to land and it reluctant obeyed.
They land on the railing and Krystal jumped off. "Thanks for helping me. I can't take it from here."
The Cloudrunner screeched its reply then flew off, leaving Krystal alone. Tension filled her muscles as she looked around the deck finding it strangely empty. For such a large ship there should be a big crew on board, instead she wasn't sensing anyone. Something did feel right at all about the situation, sending shivers down her spine.
What is going on here? Krystal thought as she slowly walked across the deck. This feels like a trap.
Suddenly, the door to the captain's quarters flew open with such force that Krystal felt the breeze from her position on the deck. What came out of the room shocked her even more; the largest Sharpclaw she'd ever seen. The Sharpclaw easily stood seven feet tall and was bulging with muscles. His left hand was missing, replaced by two long, metal claws. He truly was a fearsome sight, and Krystal could sense he would be a tough opponent. The Sharpclaw sprinted and jumped over the stairs, landing a few feet away from Krystal, causing her to jump back. He certainly didn't lack bravado or dramatic flair. She could nearly smell the rage and arrogance coming from him, it made her spine shiver as she starred him down, obviously taking in her beauty.
"General Scales, ruler, tyrant and dictator of Dinosaur Planet. What brings you to my world?" The Sharpclaw shouted over the thunder.
"I'm not here to fight you. I'm only here of because of a distress call."
"A distress call? This whole planet is in distress." General Scales laughed as he turned around and walked up the stairs.
"The Cloudrunner told me about you, the Evil General." Krystal shouted and pointed at General Scales.
"My girl, I am not evil. I rule over the many dinosaur tribes. You see, I must control this planet with fear. Otherwise, the tribes always try to fight against me."
General Scales shook the cage holding the baby Cloudrunner, causing it to shriek in fear. Anger filled Krystal's mind, she wasn't about to stand there and watch him abuse a defenseless being.. She rushed the man, covering the distance between them in a flash. But, General Scales seemed to have been expecting her reaction, catching her by the throat. Krystal gasped as she felt General Scales' strong hand around her throat, grabbing his wrist to break free but to no avail.
"You dare to challenge me?" General Scales shouted with authority.
General Scales dragged Krystal across the deck of the ship, laughing as she fought back against his grip. She struggled against his hold on her throat to the best of her ability but he was too strong. He dragged her across the wooden floor with little effort as she tried to scream but his grip as too strong, and the wood boards scrapped against her back side. Krystal wanted to fight back but nothing she did worked, she was at the mercy of a monster. Deep in her mind Krystal couldn't escape the fear that the guy was taking her to his cabin for adult fun, that scared her even more than dying.
General Scales laughed as he stopped at the edge of the railing. "No one can defeat General Scales!"
He lifted Krystal up, holding her at his eye level, before throwing her off over the railing. Krystal screamed as she flew back, finding herself falling down to the planet's surface. Her entire life flashed before her eyes as she fell, knowing death was certain. She closed her eyes, ready for whatever the afterlife had for her.
Father, mother, I'm sorry I couldn't avenge you.
Suddenly, Krystal, felt herself land on something, knocking the wind out of her. She opened her eyes slowly to see that the Cloudrunner had caught her on his back. Didn't take her long to realize that her friend had caught her, she was going to thank him big time when they looked up, seeing how close the ship was, and realized she'd only fell for a couple of seconds. Krystal smiled as she indicated for the Cloudrunner to fly up who reluctantly obeyed her. General Scales immediately came into view and he looked shocked and furious to see her still alive.
"Bad luck. General. Maybe next time!" Krystal shouted, sticking her tongue at General Scales as she turned the Cloudrunner away from the Sharpclaw ship.
"THIS ISN'T OVER!" General Scales called out as Krystal flew away.
Krystal ignored General Scales as she flew away as fast as the Cloudrunner could fly and soon the Sharpclaw ship was little more than a dot in the distance. She hated the thought of running away, especially from someone so evil, but she knew that there was little choice. Without her staff she stood no chance against such an enemy; he beat her with little effort, and if it wasn't for the Cloudrunner she would've plummeted to her death. As much as Krystal wanted to fly back and kill General Scales she knew it'd be a suicide action. Deep down, Krystal knew she'd see him again, and next time she'd be ready. Besides, she had more important things to worry about, the distress signal being her main concern.
Krystal, feeling the Cloudrunner's fear, patted his neck to calm him down. "Let's find the source of the distress signal."
To be continued.
Star Fox is about to head to Sauria, but it'll be one heck of a long journey. Things might be difficult with Fox and Fara's daughter Vixy tagging along. Meanwhile Krystal has arrived on Sarua, what is waiting for her there?
I am sorry if I had some trouble with making this chapter, I had some difficulty writing it out, I fee like I should state that again.
Please leave a review. I honestly want to know what you think of the story and how I can improve it.
Hope that you are enjoying the story so far. The next chapter will be uploaded as soon as possible.
This is John Storm signing off. Star Frosty ya'll.