Star Fox Happiness Comes At A Price Chapter 2: Sorrow Meets Bliss, a star fox fanfic

(A/N: All of the lyrics within this chapter are copyright and belong to Breaking Benjamin. I do not in any way own these lyrics.)

A few months have passed since that day of which Fox McCloud died on the inside, but continued to roam the galaxy, drifting from system to system, hopelessly in search of nothing. All he did was in his ship, eat, sleep, and exercise. All Fox did was live his life to the basic needs, as he was only an empty shell of a being, with a heart ripped in two.

He finally drifted back to Corneria and decided to dock there, and maybe he might be able to find something worth living for there. Fox McCloud stepped out of his ship and into the docking bay of the Cornerian Air Force base, located within the heart of the Capital City.

The vulpine sighed and continued outward to the market district of the city, ignoring the remarks of everyone around him. Wherever he went, people wouldn't leave him alone. There was always the fan girl that followed him with a group of her friends, giggling and making sly remarks behind his back at how cute he was, and the occasional little kid wanting his autograph.

He kept walking, and came to a stop outside of a music store. He had always been skilled with a guitar and when he thought about his time as a teenager playing his dad's guitar, did he decide to go inside. He didn't know much about all of the brands and stats of guitars and amps that existed, so he asked the counter for what they recommended.

The man working the counter, obviously knowing who it was, told him to stay where he was and went into the back room of the store and returned with what resembled a Fender Stratocaster HSS. "This guitar right here, which costs 4000 credit chits, is one of the clearest sounding electric guitars to date. The pickups that are installed on this are infused with plasma technology to sense the slightest vibrations and electronically play it through whatever you have it plugged into."

Fox thought it over for a moment and nodded. He handed the man the money and the man told him he would have to wait to pick it up, as he would need to custom order it. "What color do you want it in?" the clerk asked Fox.

"Metallic black." The vulpine stated bluntly.

"Ok, I'm going to need you fill out this form before sending in for your order." The clerk handed him a pen and a long slip that he had to use to fill out his credentials. For some unknown reason, however, that he filled it out under his false identity he picked up so he could avoid any unwanted attention.

Fox handed the clerk the slip and the man responded "Ok, you should be able to pick it up in a day. Usually the companies do matter transporting to Corneria as they are manufactured somewhere outside of the solar system, but it takes a day for it to be dropped off. So come back around 1700 hours tomorrow and it should be ready."

The vulpine nodded and exited the store, heading back to his ship, wondering what he would do in the future. He obviously knew he would start playing guitar quell the boredom that followed with his new way of life, but what was soon to follow he had no idea.

Indeed, he had no idea that his life was about to change, drastically.

Sargasso Hideout, 1300 Hours Military Time, Two Days Before

"Fox is going to arrive to Corneria soon, Panther."

"So is this permission to follow through with my plan to force Krystal to stay with me? After all you do want to kill him yourself Wolf." The black jungle cat stated with a hint of bitterness. He was eager to follow through with his plan.

The one-eyed wolf grunted slightly. "It wouldn't matter if I did anymore… Fox doesn't care if he lives or dies soon anyways. Permission granted Panther. Follow through with your plan, but I honestly think that this will make things worse for you, not better."

"Well it's going to be better than what it already is; don't you remember what happened yesterday? She had an emotional breakdown right when she was supposed to say "I Do" and ran out of the door."

"Well whatever happened to her on Katina must've really fucked her up, sorry Panther but maybe it wasn't meant to be. That is Fox's ex-lover by the way… I think that your seeming to forget that he did save her life multiple times and gave her a new meaning to live. I'm even surprised she returned to you in the first place. Now get out of my face before I change my mind."

The jungle cat nodded and let out a deep purring sound as he thought his plan was going to succeed. Instead of getting into his Wolfen, Panther got into a small shuttle and left the hideout on his way to Corneria to intercept Fox's vessel while he was sleeping on board.

Cornerian Orbit, 2200 Hours Military Time, Present Day

Fox toured his ship as it usually calmed his mind and spirit whenever he had thoughts about a particular blue vixen. He remembers seeing her face one last time, in utter despair at the emotions he felt as he walked out of the store on Katina.

Subconsciously, he knew something wasn't right when he walked by the storage room. He just got a bad feeling when he strafed by the door. Fox opened the door and peered inside, only to have his eyes widen as a timer read 1 minute and 32 seconds, counting down. It was strapped to a barrel, no doubt containing fuel cells.

He immediately sprinted out of the door and towards his room. He grabbed his favorite picture of Krystal and was off towards the docking bay, his adrenaline fueling his ability to try and escape the ship before it is blown to pieces in orbit.

45 seconds…

He made it to the Hanger of the Great Fox 2 and ran down the stairs as fast as he could. He instantly got into his custom made Arwing 2 and shut the canopy while starting the engines at the same time.

20 seconds…

He started to take out of the hanger when he noticed that the blast doors were shut. The vulpine wasted no time. He blew them open with a quick charge of his upgraded lasers and blew a hole large enough to fly through.

5 seconds…

He accelerated as fast as he could, and the shockwave that was sent from the exploding Great Fox 2 was massive. It jarred the vulpine pilot and jerked his head forward hard into the control console, knocking him unconscious as the Arwing slowly descended towards Corneria.

The explosion was massive, visible to everyone around the planet, as the ship was just refueled and exploded into bits. People looked up in confusion and fear at the huge explosion that nearly shook the capital city of Corneria.

The Arwing was slowly starting to spin out of control towards the planet's vast ocean, shaking tremendously under the stress as his G-Diffusers were damaged within the explosion with a slight crack in his protective canopy.

It looked grim for the unconscious vulpine pilot, until he heard a voice echo throughout his head. One he thought he'd never hear from again. "Fox, wake up my son." Fox slowly started to open his eyes wondering where the voice was coming from. "Fox you must eject from your Arwing if you want to live."

"Why would I want to live Father, everything I have in life has been taken from me… I did everything I could to protect the innocent and the weak, and all I get in return is a broken heart… Dying seems to welcome me with open arms…" The vulpine thought to himself, as he thought he was going crazy hearing the voice of his deceased father.

"Fox my son, it is not yet your time. Be patient, and everything will mend in time. Now Fox, you must trust your instincts more than ever. They will save you in your hour of doom. I'm proud of you, my son."

Fox was well aware of his situation. With renewed determination to live that seemed to come out of nowhere, did he eject his plane seconds before it was obliterated over the oceans of Corneria. The vulpine noticed that with an explosion that big, it must've blown the reactor core within the Great Fox 2 which would cause an EMP blast that would knock out any electronics that were connected to the ship.

Fox knew what that meant. Everyone would soon think that the great Fox McCloud was dead. Whatever sparked that moment of hope and determination within the cockpit was now gone. "It must've been my father giving me hope to live on… yet it seems its already fading."

Sargasso Hideout, Two Hours After the Great Fox 2 Incident. 0015 Hours Military Time

Krystal stared into the T.V. screen with of saddened confusion. Every channel aired the same news story everywhere. She listened to the reporter in disbelief at what happened.

"Reports are now coming in that a large dreadnaught class space fighter has indeed exploded in the orbit of Corneria. To whom the ship belonged to is suspected as none other than Fox McCloud, captain of the legendary mercenary teamed named Star Fox. We go now to a press conference being held at the office of General Peppy Hare."

"Please be alright Fox, please…" She silently pleaded with her mind in hope that it would help.

Panther walked into the room and sat down next to his newlywed wife, and wrapped an arm around her when he sat down. He noticed that she was totally engrossed on what was happening on the T.V. screen. Panther tuned in to watch as well.

General Peppy Hare, a father figure to Fox for his whole life walked up to the podium and set down a few pieces of paper. He coughed slightly and started to make his speech on the matter at hand. "At 22:37 today, a Dreadnaught class fighter indeed did violently explode within orbit of Corneria. Reports are coming in that have confirmed that the ship indeed belong to Captain Fox James McCloud of the Star Fox team." Fear was building up within Krystal as he continued on; however Panther only let loose a slight grin with his fangs slightly bearing out of the corner of his mouth.

"It is now confirmed that…" Peppy paused for a few seconds as the room was dead silent. It seemed whatever was coming next was painful for him to say. "t-that Fox James McCloud is indeed… d-dead" Peppy finally finished his sentence as tears were visible in his eyes when he stepped down from the podium to leave for his office in mourning. His advisor took the stand and continued.

"It was confirmed that Fox James McCloud, son of James McCloud and Vixy McCloud was present on the Great Fox 2 when the explosion occurred. Our reports say that this was no malfunction with the ship itself, as the explosion was far too great for a malfunction to occur. We are now suspecting that a bomb was place in the cargo hold, which was close enough to the reactor core to set off a chain reaction which caused such a violent explosion that was witnessed above the skies of Corneria earlier today. A memorial service for the now deceased Fox McCloud is going to take place two weeks from now, at 1400 hours here at the base."

The news report ended, going back to what was airing on the station at the time. Krystal stared in disbelief that it actually happened. Fox McCloud, her savior and hero as well as the Lylat System, was dead and gone, never to come back. Now she did notice that Panther was sitting next to her, grinning.

She wondered how anyone could be happy during this event, even the man she just regretfully married. So she peaked into his mind, wondering why he could be happy during a time like this, finding the one thing she never thought possible. Krystal instantly stood up, got her blaster out from her holster and held it to his face, charging a shot. She was a mixture of pure hate and utter despair.

Panther, now surprised, said "Woah woah what are you doing my dear Krystal? Lower the gun before Panther has to harm his beautiful vixen."

"Oh don't worry you won't harm anyone after I'm done with you. You really thought I wouldn't know you fucking idiot? Did you seem to forget I'm telepathic or are you just too fucking pussy whipped about every girl that walks by you to even think about it?" The blue vixen was furious, wanting to end the life of the cat that just took away her only true love in the universe.

Wolf walked in to see Panther held at gunpoint after hearing the vixen yelling at the top of her lungs after the news report ended. He too, had seen the report, not thinking that Panther would follow through with it, and yet actually be successful too.

He slowly backed out of the door, not wanting to get shot too. He saw this girl was hopelessly lost in despair and hate for Panther. "I actually hope she shoots him, It would solve me a problem of a retarded feline that seems to almost ruin every plan that I ever come up with." Much to his surprise, she actually did.

Krystal stood furiously over the dead body of Panther, tears of agony running down the side of her face. She looked over to see Wolf standing in the door way, instantly raising her blaster to him and opening fire. She knew that he had to allow this to take place; Krystal knew he was just as guilty.

Wolf managed to evade the first shot, but the barrage of lasers soon took its toll on the leader of Star Wolf as he fell to the ground lifeless, with several burn marks and holes throughout his tattered armor. She sprinted out of the hideout living quarters and instantly jumped into her Cloud Runner, leaving the two dead Star Wolf members behind, with absolutely no regret.

She flew out of the hide out and passed Leon as he was returning from a trip to the planet's surface. She decided to leave him alone, as he had nothing to do with Fox's death aboard the Great Fox 2. Now blind and nowhere to go, Krystal headed to the only place she seemed to call home, Corneria.

Corneria City, Two Years After Great Fox Incident 1600 Hours Military Time

Fox McCloud has been dead for two years now to this exact day. It was the anniversary of the death of a fabled mercenary who saved the Lylat system from certain doom and peril three times. Now the city was quieter and definitely more fearful. Without their savior to watch over them, security was tight and precautions were taken with nearly every action that occurred within the city and throughout the Lylat System.

They didn't, after all, want another Andross incident on their hands. Even with Venom being carefully watched and turning into a thriving planet by Dash Bowman, people were still tight on security everywhere. Fox, however, didn't mind all the changes that were now made. It seems that everyone was figuring ways to protect themselves without the guidance of some god like figure, who would save the day every time of their hour of doom, which seemed like a lot.

He knew Krystal would be hit hard with the news of his so called "death" so he sent her something when she arrived on Corneria to give her hope that he was still alive, but not enough to prove it.

Two years Ago…

Krystal sat in her apartment complex that Fox had purchased for her when she first arrived to Corneria, saying "Now wherever you are in the galaxy, you will still have a home here, with me." The kindness that Fox showed her when she was first rescued from atop Krazoa Palace was comparable to nothing. It was fueled by his love for her, and yet she was given a second chance by Fox to redeem it, but she betrayed him.

Now he's dead, along with Panther and Wolf.

"Panther…" The sound of that name made her fury rise to levels unknown. She grabbed a nearby glass and threw it at the wall, shattering it to pieces, now crying at what he did. "He was thinking that it would bring us closer… How stupid can that fucking dumbass cat be?" She sat there sobbing in her own arms when she heard the communicator at the front door go off.

"Package for Ms. Krystal" The communicator rang throughout the house loud and annoying as ever. She walked up to the door and opened it, her face still soaked with tears of bitterness and utter despair. Krystal noticed it was a small box with a letter attached to it. She opened the box and looked at the sender. It read "Jay Titan" and she wondered who that was and why she was sent a package of all people.

She grabbed the letter and opened it. All it contained was a piece of paper that read five words in bold lettering. "Don't give up hope, Krystal" Slightly confused, she opened the box and saw something. She pulled it out, seeing it was a picture of her and Fox in the park of Corneria, kissing for the first time. Tears started to pour steadily now that she thought she was a victim of some sick joke until she saw what was at the bottom of the package.

It was Fox's Star Fox emblem, the one he always wore on his vest, wherever he went. It wasn't possible that it still existed; Fox's remains were never found... "No it can't be…" She felt a feeling she hadn't felt in a very long time. It was hope, hope that Fox was still alive and well and told her to stop worrying. She instantly started crying tears of joy as she ran out of the door and looked across the street at a white vulpine slowly walking away. He turned back and looked at her straight into her eyes.

She screamed at the top of her lungs as she knew instantly who it was. She would never forget his emerald eyes. "FOX!" She was in a full dead on sprint after the man, crying tears of happiness as she saw the man that was supposedly dead. She rounded the corner to find no one there, and was wondering if she was going crazy. "No you didn't… you were able to sense his presence… He is still alive, and I will find him. I will…"

Krystal slowly walked back to her apartment complex with one goal in her mind. To find Fox alive and well and to be able to hold him in her arms once more.

Back to the Present…

Fox, now known as Jay Titan, was a famous musician known around Corneria. He was the lead singer and a guitarist for a band called "Titania's Descent". The band instantly became a hit when he released his first album. It was a new sound that no one ever heard before, and it seems they were the pathway to a whole new genre of music.

He took a deep breath, and stepped out onto the stage with his band. He was playing at the Cornerian Army Base as General Peppy Hare wanted to see why they were so popular. The band gladly accepted his offer, and would play a song that Fox wrote the night before the concert. He took one deep breath, and the arctic furred vulpine now stood in front of what seemed hundreds of people cheering their names.

Krystal received an invitation for the concert at the army base and she gladly accepted his offer. She heard a few of their songs before and was absolutely in love with the band and there new sound. The cerulean vixen never knew what the lead singer looked like and was still looking for leads on Fox's survival but came short when she found an Arwing crash landed off the coast of Corneria's several beaches. There was no body, but definitely parts of Fox's clothing were inside the wreckage.

She immediately kicked the wreckage back into the water, not wanting anyone to know but her that he was still alive. Obviously if he didn't reveal to the public that he survived, he definitely wanted to keep it a secret. The one thing however that was still eating at her head was the fact that he didn't come by and comfort her. Maybe he didn't know that she executed Panther and Wolf in her vengeful rage.

"No that can't be it because it was all over the news that the two mercenaries were found dead and with evidence that links them to the explosion of the Great Fox. It obviously was a big deal, he would've heard about it."

That's as far as she got with her investigation but she never gave up and is still looking for him today. She left her house and headed over to the army base for the concert that would play there that day. Krystal finally arrived there to the army base, where she was greeted by Peppy.

"Hello there Krystal, how are you feeling?" Peppy knew that she wasn't taking the loss of Fox well, or Panther. The thing he didn't know was that she actually killed Panther with her own Blaster, but seeing since they were the ones responsible for Fox's death; no one cared to put up an investigation. Everyone was glad that they were gone.

"I'm feeling fine Peppy, but really you need to stop worrying about me… I can take care of myself…" She said softly. "Now when does this concert start? I'm eager to hear them play, I've always liked their music and I can't wait for hear it live and see what they look like up close." Peppy noticed there was a sense of excitement within her voice.

"There actually about to start, come on I'll lead you to the front of the crowd and get you a spot up front. If you really wanted, they would most likely be glad to meet you in person." Peppy offered.

"I think sitting up front would be the best Peppy, but I'll think about your last offer." The vixen was following peppy to the front of where the stage was, where several band members were setting up their gear. She wondered what one was the main singer that came up with all of those lyrics.

She sat down with Peppy in the improvised line of fold up chairs, as it took place in a flat field at the army base that Krystal grew very fond of with her time with Fox. "Knowing Fox, he would probably love this band… I wonder if he's listened to them yet."

Everything went quiet now as they noticed the band was almost ready, when she noticed they were missing one of the members. Then slowly a spot light shone right in the middle of the stage where an arctic furred vulpine slowly walked up to the stage with his eyes closed and started playing a slow paced song.

Sing it for me,
I can't erase the stupid things I say.
You're better than me,
I struggle just to find a better way.

Krystal felt a strange feeling; the vulpine on the stage seemed very familiar. The song started to build its momentum.

So here we are, fighting and trying to hide the scars.
I'll be home tonight, take a breath and softly say goodbye.
The lonely road, the one that I should try to walk alone.
I'll be home tonight, take a breath and softly say goodbye.

Krystal couldn't help but think of the choices that she made, this song seemed to be drawing them out and forcing to remember them. Yet it was soothing, and full of emotion…

You wouldn't like me.
Keep moving on until forever ends.
Don't try to fight me.
The beauty queen has lost her crown again.

She tried to reach the vulpine with her mind, but it seemed like it wasn't working. This was the first person she ever encountered that was possible of hiding their minds from a telepath.

His eyes opened now and looked down directly at Krystal.

...goodbye.
So why are you so eager to betray?
Pick the pieces up, pick the pieces up.
So why are you the one that walks away?
Pick the pieces up, pick the pieces up, pick the pieces up.

She saw tears forming in the singer's eyes, only to be absorbed by his white fur, leaving a grey dampness in his coat that was slightly visible. She then gasped at the sight of who she was looking at.

Just take a breath and softly say goodbye.

(Here We Are – Breaking Benjamin)

The blue vixen was tearing slowly as on the stage, singing this song, was none other than Fox McCloud himself, and it seemed the song was directly focused to her. She waited patiently for the next song as she was staring in the eyes of her past lover. He looked down at her again and started playing another song.

White walls surround us
No light will touch your face again
Rain taps the window
As we sleep among the dead

Peppy looked over to see Krystal staring the singer right into his eyes and vice versa. Something was going on here, or these two just made a connection without any words. The strangest thing that he noticed too was the fact that they were both crying.

Days go on forever
But I have not left your side
We can chase the dark together
If you go then so will I

It seems everyone else noticed what was going on with the main singer; he was tearing slightly, yet noticeable enough for everyone to see. They all thought that his lyrics meant something to him, yet they didn't know the other half of the story.

There is nothing left of you
I can see it in your eyes
Sing the anthem of the angels
And say the last goodbye

Krystal was lost in his emerald eyes as if they were pulling her in.

Cold light above us
Hope fills the heart
And fades away
Skin white as winter
As the sky returns to grey

She wondered if he would take her back after this concert, after all they made eye contact and to what it seemed to her, connected once again. Yet she still couldn't get into his mind. It was painfully bugging her.

Days go on forever
But I have not left your side
We can chase the dark together
If you go then so will I

She couldn't handle it anymore; she had to know if Fox would take her back. But he wouldn't open his mind to her…

There is nothing left of you
I can see it in your eyes
Sing the anthem of the angels
And say the last goodbye
I keep holding onto you
But I can't bring you back to life
Sing the anthem of the angels
Then say the last goodbye

Your're dead alive

(Anthem of the Angels – Breaking Benjamin)

As the soft music stopped playing, Jay Titan spoke to the audience. "Thank you all for coming, now for my next song, I am taking suggestions to what you guys want to hear."

There was a lot of murmuring in the crowd until the blue vixen herself yelled out a name. She wanted to hear it straight from him, her favorite song that she knew had a connection with her own life, but she didn't know how much until just now. "Play the song You!" She looked up at the white vulpine with a hopeful smile.

"How can I resist such a beautiful woman? Ok, then You it is." This made her blush severely. It actually confused her, she hadn't blushed since they first started dating and Falco ruining every moment they had before they had their first kiss. She always wanted to get back him for all of those times, but her thoughts were interrupted when the vulpine beckoned her to come up stage.

Krystal was dazed. "What? You want me to come up on stage?"

"Yes I would, you did choose the song after all didn't you?" Jay said with a smile.

"Uhh… Ok…" She got up on stage with Jay Titan and came close to him asking him what to do.

"Just stand next to me and listen."

He started effortlessly playing chords on his guitar he bought only two years ago to this day.

My hands are broken,
And time is going on and on, it goes forever (how long).
So I got high and lived all that life that I've taken all for granted.

She felt a slight sensation in her stomach, as she was noticing where this song came from and the root of its lyrics.

Promise me you'll try
To leave it all behind,
'cause I've elected hell,
Lying to myself.
Why have I gone blind?
Live another life.

She still couldn't accept that this was all happening, that this song was about her, and most of all marrying him.

You. You.

He turned to her and kept singing, keeping his eyes locked onto hers.

The only way out
Is letting your guard down and never die forgotten (I know).
Forgive me, my love,
I stand here all alone, and I can see the bottom.

She started to cry again.

Promise me you'll try
To leave it all behind,
'cause I've elected hell,
Lying to myself.
Why have I gone blind?
Live another life.

It seems like he's apologizing to her through his lyrics and she looked to him for guidance. Their eyes locked again as he kept singing the rest of the song.

You. You.
You. You.
You. You.

(You by Breaking Benjamin these lyrics are just too good to pass up, I had to throw 'em in here somehow, and it seems to be having a good effect on getting rid of that nasty mood of the cliffhanger in the first chapter :D)

He finished the song and slowly made his way towards Krystal. She was blushing fiercely now, her love running deeper than ever before for Fox. Yet she missed his tan fur the most, hell she didn't even know if it was really Fox just that his eyes were exactly the same as they were the last time she saw him. That same empty gaze that he turned and gave her was now given from this arctic vulpine with the name Jay Titan.

She also started to slowly walk towards him subconsciously. They came right up to each other and stared into each other's eyes for only a few seconds, but seemed years for the two on stage. Then, to everyone's surprise besides the two on the stage, they held each other in a passionate kiss. Krystal's heart melted, feeling her problems wash away with the comfort of his lips against hers. He tried pulling away, yet she wouldn't let him. She was trying to make it last forever, yet she knew it wouldn't and slowly pulled away with tears of joy in her eyes.

Jay was actually surprised, he knew she found out that it was him the first time he played his music and looked down at her. But what he didn't expect was her yearning with every ounce of her body to be with him again. It actually seemed to give him something he hadn't felt in years. Hope for a brighter future.

He instantly shook off his dumb founded state and watched as Krystal walked off stage and sat back down in her seat as everything was silent. Even his band members were giving him the "What the fuck?" look. "Sorry about that, well anyways here is our next song."

Author Notes

For all of you people out there who are currently reading "Kew's Remedy", I hate to say but I'm putting it on pause for now… I can't find the motivation to write that and I'm really looking forward to writing this, as I've already planned out what was going to happen unlike the other one where I just went with the flow, which was extremely hard to do.

Well anyways, don't forget to Review and let me know what you guys like! Trust me, if you like all of that sappy and heart break stuff, it isn't over yet! I'm just getting started.