Hello, everyone, it's me again!
This story got out a lot quicker than I anticipated, and I'm happy about that (I got a little too much time on my hands). After a thoughtful review, I have decided to alter the plot a little bit (Don't worry, if you're here for some Fox x Wolf action, it isn't far off). "I" make an appearance in this chapter, only to clean up the story line, and hopefully some humorous bits. Also, because of confusion, I will rewrite the description, and if that still isn't enough for you guys, I would be happy to summarize the story thus far, in it's own separate chapter. You just gotta let me know! I'm sorry if the story seems a bit rushed, point me out on that, and now, enjoy reading Chapter 1 of Stuck In The Middle!
Chapter 1: Star Fox 2
As Fox's eyes opened, they were welcomed with bright sunlight. As he sat up and squinted at the window letting the eye sore of bright light in, he noticed Krystal was not present in the room. He looked at the clock. It read 9:47.
Fox let himself realize that she must have already been awake, and probably left to go get breakfast. So he put on his sleep robe (provided by the hotel), and walked out of the room, making sure he had the key card.
Walking into the lobby, he saw faces he saw only yesterday, Falco, Katt, Fay, Miyu, Slippy, and Peppy were there, but Krystal was still noticeably absent. Fox shrugged the fact off.
He observed them looking at something at the table, and intently. At Fox's entrance, Peppy looked up. Fox walked over to the table, where the rabbit handed him a cup of hot coffee. Fox thanked him, "Thanks Peppy, just the right drink to get yourself awake. What are you guys doing?"
Miyu was eating a bagel. She yawned and looked up from the table, revealing they were looking at a map and brochure of Corneria City. While Fox began looking at the map, a mysterious figure came into the hotel, carrying a bag. No one noticed this figure as they made their way into the elevator.
"We were deciding on what we should do today, because we have some time to relax after the Aparoid Wars. General Pepper also gave us a bonus for saving him, and Peppy's retirement!" explained Slippy.
Peppy interjected, "We already used the retirement money to buy or make a new Great Fox, the Great Fox II!"
Fox's eyes clearly lit up, and Falco muttered, "Don't need that coffee now…"
Fay sleepily looked at Fox's coffee and asked, "Then can I have the coffee?"
"Sure," Fox then giving the cup to the eager spaniel, asked, "What do we have in mind?"
Slippy answered without looking up, "The amusement park is still in commision, we could go there…". And was promptly slapped by Falco.
"OUCH!"
"OW!"
That was Slippy… and Falco, when Katt slapped him too.
"Kaaaaatt, what was that for?" complained Falco.
"For slapping Slippy!" She shot back.
"Well, he wasn't paying attention!" Falco retorted
"We all need to rest, and Slippy HAS been working on the Arwings last night!" she finally said.
Falco looked at Katt in sarcasm, and asked, "And what did you do in the War?"
Katt looked back at him, and answered, "When I was fighting Aparoids with the Cornerian army, Star Wolf appeared, and asked where you guys were. We pointed them in the portal".
The Star Fox team was appalled to hear what came from Katt Monroe's mouth.
" So THAT'S how Star Wolf came to us… we are in many thanks for their and your help," Fox thanked.
"Well, I can't let my blue boyfriend die by bug machines," she reasoned. "And his friends,".
A thought popped into Fox's mind. "Speaking of friends, where's Krystal?" everybody shrugged, showing no knowledge on the blue vixen. Falco and Katt heard Fox's words in disappointment. They had hoped that he would say something different about Krystal. They clearly didn't want Fox to say that.
"We've been here since early morning, and we haven't seen her. She must be back in your guys' room," said Slippy.
"Thanks,"
And with that, Fox went into the elevator to go back up to his room. "Shit! I forgot about my breakfast!" As his stomach rumbled, he thought about the bagel Miyu nibbled on "I want something to eat, and soon!"
After he unlocked the door to the room, he was fully awake, and was able to take in the detail of their hotel room. He saw the main room, complete with a tv and a red couch. He turned right and found the bedroom, leading into the bathroom. To his left, was the kitchen. Fox looked in the kitchen first. He noticed some fruits were on the island in the middle of the kitchen, and wondered where they came from. He assumed it was courtesy of the hotel, so he took an apple, and ate it. At least some of his hunger was being curved.
"Where could Krystal be?"
As he stepped into the main room, he could hear faint pitter-pats, and wondered where they came from. He carefully listened, but lost the trail in the bedroom. Fox sighed, and wondered where they came from. Oh, Fox, you are so thick-headed sometimes.
Fox sat down on his bed, spotting the orange shirt Krystal wore the night before on her bed. "I would really like to eat an orange right now…"
Suddenly, the bathroom door opened up to Krystal, thankfully wrapped in a towel, and drying her hair. Fox noticed this, yelped and ran out of the room apologizing, "Oh my god, Krystal! I'M SO SORRY!".
Krystal was just as surprised at Fox's presence and reaction.
After drying herself off and getting her clothes back on again, she went into the main room, where she found Fox. He was trying to focus on watching the weather report news on tv. The reporter was none other than Katt's sister, Kitt.
"There seems to be a bit of cloudiness today, but expect the weather to be clear and sunny today!" She said in a cheery voice. "And don't forget to thank the Star Fox, Star Wolf teams and the Cornerian Army for keeping us safe! This is Kitt Monroe, back to you, Richard," and the screen changed to a hard faced raccoon…
Fox could feel the eyes on him, deciding what the body belonging to those eyes should do. Shifting his focus back to the tv, he wanted to eat something, and badly.
Delicate, yet hardened hands closed around his eyes.
"Guess who?"
"Krystal?"
She laughed, letting go of him, and his ears delved into the melodious sounds…
Krystal looked at him, eyes closed in content… until she boxed his ears.
"Hey! What was that for?"
Krystal giggled yet again, and answered, "Well, you DID walk in on my showering… and didn't say hi when I came into the room"
"U-um… I didn't mean to do that… it's just so awkward…"
"Especially because I like you"
"What was that?" Krystal asked. Fox looked at her in surprise. "N-nothing! What do you mean?!"
Krystal facepalmed, and re-informed him, "I'm a telepath, remember?"
Fox's brain: "Oh, shit!"
Krystal's brain: "He's so cute when he's flustered!"
Fox tried to get off topic, "Oh, right! Well, the weather is nice today, and Slippy suggested we go to the amusement park!"
"That sounds like a good idea! I'll go get ready!"
As Krystal turned away, Fox sighed in relief, "Thank god I dodged that bullet"
In the next room, Krystal was silently dying with laughter.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After Fox changed into his blue tank top, they made their way towards the lobby, making sure they had their key cards. Falco saw them first, and mentally noted that they had the same clothes as yesterday. "Took ya long enough"
Fox apologized, "Sorry, I didn't eat breakfast and I had to eat something,".
Of course he didn't want to tell them about the incident, he would be the laughing stock of the team!
Krystal ruined that, and added, "He also walked in on me after I took my shower,"
Everyone looked at Fox in amusement, as he burned hot enough his sweat could make Fox tea.
"Hey! It's not what you think it is…"
"Sure, pal. We believe you. We know how stupid you could be sometimes," Falco teased.
Katt muttered, "Speak for yourself, birdbrain,".
Falco did not do anything, he knew the consequences of arguing with Katt. With a strained grin, he turned to Slippy, who was trying to hide a smile, and asked the frog, "Have we decided on what to do today?"
"We could go to the amusement park, or stay here and relax. We could also bring Bill and Rocky,"
Fox, Krystal, and Miyu all replied simultaneously, "Amusement park," and they all looked at each other. Fox stated his purpose to go, "I want to go on the new Arwing ride they built last summer. I need to see how close it is to an actual Arwing!".
Miyu stated hers next, "I need to see our mentors and thank them on their hard work, don'tcha think, Fay?"
Fay simply replied, "Yeah".
Finally, Krystal, in a small voice, "I haven't gone to an amusement park. I want to go, we didn't have any of them back on Cerenia..." Everyone looked at Krystal in surprise.
Falco stuttered, "Y-y-you haven't gone on any rides? How old are you? OW!" Katt had slapped his head again, and retorted, "You don't ask a woman how old she is!"
Krystal replied, "No… and it's okay, Katt. I am 23 years old,"
"26," said Fox.
"27," said Falco.
"25," said Katt.
"23," said both Miyu and Fay.
"26," Slippy added.
"73," Peppy finally said.
Krystal was taken aback by what their responses were, "Why did you all tell me your ages?"
Falco answered for everybody, "Well, we ARE a team, right?"
He was muffled by the group hug that ensued, but for once, he didn't mind.
Katt pulled back first and inquired, "You said we all were a team, but what about me?" She said this in a small voice. Fox turned to her, and asked, "Do you want to join the Star Fox team, Katt?"
She was taken aback by how suddenly he asked her. It was too much all at once, and she ran to her room, telling herself, "I CAN'T join a team, I don't want to lose Star Fox like them…". She was talking about the Hot Rodders, the team she and Falco were on before he joined Star Fox.
As she came up to her room, she found that she didn't have the card key.
"Just great, running off into your room to find you don't have the key. I don't want to go back there, I don't know how to face everyone…"
Back in the lobby, everyone was dumbfounded by Katt's actions.
Falco apologized to the team, "Sorry about Katt… I don't know what's gotten into her today…". As he rose from his chair, he was pulled back by Krystal.
She informed everybody, "She was scared to lose us like she did the Hot Rodders, was it? Falco, I think you need to talk to her, tell her that we're Star Fox!"
Fox added, "And tell her that we would love to have her join Star Fox, and especially you," he said the last part in a grin.
The blue bird nodded in turn, "Thanks guys, I'll make sure she understands," and with that, he turned to go to his and Katt's room.
After about a minute wondering what to do next, Katt squeaked when Falco ruffled her hair from behind.
"Hey, Katt," but Katt didn't want to look him in the eyes, so he tried harder, "Hey babe… I understand that you don't want to lose us, but c'mon! You helped us defeat Andross so long ago, and we're only getting better! Plus, with Miyu and Fay, the team's going to be stronger than ever, and with you, we'll be able to do ANY mission!"
Katy reluctantly turned toward him, and whimpered, "Really?"
"Really," as Falco opened the door with his card, he picked Katt up and brought her in, plopping her on the couch. He then sat next to her, and let her wrap around him.
Seeing as the time was right, he asked, "So what happened to them, the Hot Rodders?"
Katt sniffed, and started to break down, "A-after you defeated Andross, I went back to the Hot Rodders, and I started to help them with some missions, like you. The Cornerian military asked us to find and capture the remainder of Andross's forces, and we came to find out Oikonny was leading them…" Katt couldn't continue, and sobbed.
Falco rubbed her back, consoled her, and gently asked her, "What happened?"
Katt recounted the horrible events:
Kool and Katt are in their respective ships, having a chat on the comm-link.
"Kool, have you found any information on anything about where Oikonny might have gone?" asked Katt.
"Sort of…" the blue furred feline reluctantly replied, "The soldiers on the comm-link we intercepted were discussing Oikonny to start his rebellion at the planet of Fortuna, because of the forests,"
"That might be smart, but they might be lying,"
"Yeah, that's what I'm worried about," Kool confirmed.
Katt sighed, and offered, "I could go scout there while you guys can search somewhere else,"
Kool's ears perked up, then wilted, "Yeah, but if you find them and get caught, who will be there to help you?"
Just as Kool predicted, Katt said, "I believe in myself, but I can't take you, you are needed as the leader of this group… maybe Mouser or Kroc,"
"Yeah, I'll have Mouser go with you. He's more skilled at flying than Kroc, and he has a keen eye,"
Katt smiled at him, "Yes, sir"
As the comm-link ended, Kool opened another one, this time with Mouser.
Mouser opened it, and started, "What's the plan, Kool?"
Kool told him, "You're going with Katt to Fortuna, to scout if Oikonny's forces are building something there,"
"Why not you?"
"She refused, saying that the leader should be a bit more conservative," Kool said, a hint of sadness tinting his voice.
"Someone sounds a bit sad, what did you hope would happen?" Mouser inquired.
"That we would go together, and I would confess my feelings…" Kool breathed.
Mouser looked at him in bewilderment, but said calmly, "You know how Falco is going to be when he hears this,"
"I know, but she's been lonely, and I want to let her know at least that…" Kool reasoned.
"Well, either way, I'm going with Katt to scout Fortuna for Oikonny's forces, right?"
"Yep," the blue feline confirmed.
"Alright, Mouser out," and with that, Mouser cut the comm-link.
A few hours later…
Katt was gliding over the treetops, in her Cat's Paw, with Mouser in his Eswing just behind and above her. They were scanning the trees for any signs of a base.
Mouser started, "So Katt, how was it with the Star Fox team?"
"Good,"
"Did you see Falco?"
"Yeah, he was really happy to see me, he almost gave away our relationship to Fox,"
"Wait, they don't know yet?" Mouser was amused at this fact.
"Nope," she confirmed
"Hah… well, it's good to have you back, even for a missi…"
As he ended his comment, Mouser's Eswing was struck by laser fire on the ground, within the trees.
"Hidden guns?!" Katt exclaimed, "Mouser, are you okay?!"
"Yeah, just a burn on my left wing," he analyzed.
"Alright, let's shoot them down!" Katt proclaimed, a hint of excitement in her tone.
And with that, they shot in the general direction of the gun, and saw a satisfying explosion coming from the trees.
"Nice!" Mouser complimented, "Now, let's call Kool on our find!"
"I got that,". Katt opened up her comm-link to Kool, who was monitoring the other planets' activities. "Kool, we found a hidden gun here on Fortuna, you might want to come here to see for yourself,"
Kool smiled, and replied, "I knew you could do it!" He then turned to somewhere off screen, and you could hear him ordering Kroc, "Kroc, full speed to Fortuna!"
"Okay," a gruff voice answered.
Kool turned back to Katt, and informed her, "We'll be there in 10 minutes,"
"Roger that, sir,"
After they cut off, Katt asked Mouser, "It is me, or is Kool acting a bit… different now?"
Mouser shrugged, "Beats me. Now, you said they were going to be here in 10?"
"Yep"
"Okay, let's keep on searching the area, see if there are any more clues as to where this base is,"
After 10 minutes of searching, they only found another gun which had also shot at Mouser, and hit his left wing again.
"Damn guns getting my left wing! It's almost as if it's a target from the one before," as he spied the wing, it seemed true, it had struck the same place it had before.
"Forget it, those idiots probably can't shoot, minds think alike," Katt assured him, "Here are Kool and Kroc now!"
As two other Eswings descended, a team comm-link opened up.
"So, any new reports?" Kool asked.
"Yes, another gun, but we were able to destroy it," Mouser informed him.
"Okay, that must mean there is a base around here, seeing there are two guns guarding a jungle," Kool deduced.
As they searched the forest some more, Kroc came across a tunnel in a hill.
"Kool, I think I found something,"
"What is it?"
"A tunnel going into a hill… it looks very suspicious,"
As the team collected at the mouth of the tunnel, a soldier peeked out, saw the fighter ships, and bolted back in. Mouser saw the soldier, and tried to shoot at him, but missed.
Mouser cursed, "Damn! Almost got him! We gotta get out of here, they're probably going to get reinforcements!"
And with that, they got out of there, and scanned the area for any potential enemies. Then, a few moments later, a squadron of about 15 fighters appeared from the tunnel, and started shooting at the Hot Rodders. They answered back, until the squadron was defeated. Then, a fighter with maybe 50 fighters behind it appeared out of the tunnel. The lead ship held Oikonny in its cockpit.
An interruption comm-link beheld Oikonny, in his high pitched voice, telling the Rodders, "You may have found our base, but you will not get out alive!"
And with the final statement, they charged.
They had beaten about 12 to 15 fighters before an unfortunate Kroc was shot down.
Kool yowled in rage, and fought harder, killing a few in some seconds, but it was not enough to make a big enough difference in the fight, and he found that they had to retreat.
"What about Kroc?" An out of character panicked Mouser exclaimed.
All of them sadly knew the answer, as they saw Kroc's shield meter on his Eswing go down to zero within a few seconds.
As they retreated into the atmosphere of Fortuna, the ships on the planet surface were noticeably not giving chase. The reason was immediately evident.
"Goddamn bastards shooting my ship and killing Kroc!" Mouser swore as his left wings was hit yet another third time, this time by a squadron on top of them, sandwiching them to their death.
As they valiantly fought, it was obvious that they were going to die.
Katt thought to herself, "Is this the end? I can't see Falco again? The Hot Rodders are dead? Katt Monroe, bounty hunter, dead by the hands of a shit ass ape?"
As she wondered this, Mouser lost control of his ship, the wings too damaged to hold him up in the air.
Kool roared, "Mouser!", but the mouse had other words to say to his leader before he crashed into the jungle below.
Mouser chucked, said to his leader, not as a leader, but a friend, "If any time is right to tell her, it'll be now… see ya Kool, Katt," and his communication was cut off as his Eswing vainly tried to gain control of itself.
Now it was Kool and Katt.
Kool looked at the comm-link, and said, "Yeah, he's right. I do have something to tell you, Katt,"
She feared the worst, but it was not.
"Katt… I- I like you, ever since you came to the team with Falco, but you were already in a relationship with him, I could not ruin that,"
Katt only looked on with disbelief, this is why he had acted that way earlier today.
He continued, "I wanted to tell you in a better situation than this, but this may be our last moments…"
Katt responded as she blew up an enemy fighter, she was focused on the conversation, "Kool…"
He had shed a tear, but he wiped it away, and smiled with all his might, "No, not our last moments, MY last moments. I love you Katt, and I hope that this will make up for it,"
And he shot off towards the bulk of the squadron, which had built up to a few hundred.
Katt was confused at his actions, "Kool?!"
His last words were, "I'm going to blow up these c*nts with my smart bombs, making a way through their lines. I want you to escape through there, okay? Go to Star Fox, to Falco. I love you, and nothing would make me happier than seeing you happy. So do me a favor, and love Falco for his, yours, and my sake?"
And with that, he zoomed toward the squadron, yelling, "KOOL'S COMING TO FUCK YOUR GODDAMN DAY UP!" Barrel rolling through the first line of fire, he sent his smart bombs off, leaving a gaping hope in the squadron, except a pink fighter flying through it, with a devastated Katt off into space…
After she escaped, she informed the Cornerian Defence Base about what had happened, and the location of Oikonny's base.
General Pepper was thankful for her service, and was pitying about the fate of her companions. He sent a squadron of a few hundred to Fortuna, but only a few stragglers were present, and they were taken down with ease.
Katt was devastated at this result.
"Is this what my comrades died for? To kill a few stragglers?!"
Pepper assured her, "Their deaths were not in vain, they supported a cause that will banish evil from the Lylat System! Now go rest, you have been through a lot, and a very nice bonus is waiting for your compensation,"
Katt went back to her hotel in shame, and was surprised when her account showed eight digits of balance. It would be enough to last her lifetime and more, but she was not satisfied. She would be when Oikonny was dead. She decided to meet Falco, but the Aparoid Wars was going to happen in a month, and she wouldn't be able to after that, bringing her to today.
Falco was saddened by the news he heard, but he kept his composure. "Why did you not come earlier and tell me? We could have taken that squadron down..." and found himself saying the wrong thing.
Katt pulled back, and yelled, "That's the point! I thought that the Hot Rodders were unstoppable, able to accomplish every mission, but they're gone now, and now someone who only joined them for a mission lives, do you think that's how I want to lose my friends?!"
A voice from the other room said, clearly annoyed, "Argue somewhere else, now, would ya?!"
Falco ignored the voice, and argued, "Did you really think I enjoyed leaving a team I led, and going into a new team, where you are seen as the leader of a gang? I wanted to make the Lylat System a better place, for everyone, and especially you…"
There was a banging on their door. An exasperated Falco opened the door, and expected the neighbor complaining about their argument, but to find Fox and Krystal.
"Krystal felt something was wrong, so she came to help," Fox explained.
Falco smirked at the vulpine, "Thanks for the offer, but I got this under control. Just wait just in here, ok?" And he left the door open to let Krystal and Fox inside, but not into the main room, where a calmer Katt was waiting for Falco's return.
Katt asked, "Who was it?"
"Some pizza delivery guy who didn't know his way around the hotel. I offered to take the pizza off his hands, but he refused. Who orders pizza in the morning anyways?"
Katt sighed, "Yeah… listen Falco, I really love you that I would protect a galaxy for you, so… I've made my choice. I'll join Star Fox,"
Falco facepalmed as a "Yeah!" and a high-five came from the entrance.
Katt looked there suspiciously, and snaked over there and caught a happy Fox in a headlock.
Fox wasn't fazed, and shrugged her off, his strength overtook Katt's grip. "We're really happy that you are going to join Star Fox! Right Krystal?"
"Right!" Krystal nodded, "Don't worry, we'll make sure that the Lylat system is clean of evil! You really can count on us!"
Falco looked at her with cute chick eyes, like puppy dog eyes, but for avians.
"I've already made my choice, haven't I?"
Falco smiled, and said, "Yes, you have sweetheart,"
They hugged, and smiled to each other. "Now to work together to get another pair on the team… *wink-wink*"
Krystal blushed at this comment, and told them, "Let's go, everyone is waiting for us in the lobby,"
Before they could leave, Katt remembered something, "Right, what about that pizza delivery guy?"
Fox turned around questioningly, "Pizza?"
Krystal elaborated, "Fox here has not had any breakfast, and he's starving,"
Falco then let them back in, commenting, "Foxy boy here is not his best when he's starving,"
Fox looked at him approvingly, "And Falco is the same without Katt,"
This got him a punch from the blue bird, but playfully.
As Fox scarfed down the remainder of Falco and Katt's breakfast, the said couple were in conversation with Krystal in the main room.
"You like Fox, right Krystal?" Falco asked her.
"Yes…" was the reply from the cautious vixen.
"Like… a lot?" Katt added.
"Yes…" was the answer once again.
"Why don't you confess to him at the park today? It'll be the perfect time!" Falco reasoned.
Krystal was a bit reluctant, "But… I need Fox to ask me out. I know he likes me, the shower incident was more than enough. I want him to build up the courage to actually ask me,"
Katt told her, "I asked Falco out first, though,"
Krystal gave it some thought, and was about to respond when she was cut off by a full Fox looking content.
"I'm ready to rock and roll, team!" Fox declared.
This got a few giggles out of Krystal, and Fox smiled to himself, "I'm going to tell her tonight,"
Falco and Katt watched this scene unfold approvingly.
"Well!" Falco finally concluded, "Let's go down there and have some fun!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fox was absolutely jubilant at the events that occurred within the last 24 hours, save for the shower incident. (He secretly liked that). Striding into the lobby, he announced, "We have a new member of Star Fox! With her help, I know that Star Fox 2 is a strong team!" He was taken aback by his own comment, "Did I just call us Star Fox 2?"
Krystal rolled her eyes, and replied, "Yes, Fox, you really did, but I don't mind"
Everyone agreed.
Fay gushed, "Miyu! We're part of Star Fox 2! Isn't that so cool?!"
Miyu concurred, "Yes, almost as if there was a game just for this team, save a pink cat!"
Everyone looked at her, and she protested, "Hey, we have to break the fourth wall once in a while!"
There was laughter in the lobby.
Laughing was a red fox. He had the same markings as Fox, but a darker shade of red.
Fox walked up to him, and asked, "Who are you?"
The fox replied, "Sorry to introduce myself so rudely, I am Fire, as the writer of this story. Miyu commenting about the fourth wall allowed me to, say… appear here. I can answer any appropriate question you throw at me,"
Fox asked, "Will there be action soon?"
Fire smirked, and replied, "Yes, soon. It won't be narrated in this story, it's rated T, not M like the action says so,"
Fox's tail drooped, and replied, "Oh,"
The red vulpine got the idea Fox didn't get what KIND of action Fire was talking about.
"Nevermind, there will be action in later chapters," Fire exasperated.
Fox's mood picked up, and he cheered, "Nice! Arwings here we come!"
Now Fire knew what Fox meant.
Falco picked up a piece of paper, and read aloud, "They comforted each other in their embrace, they felt as if they could stay there for eons, and their occasional kisses were…" before he got slapped several times by an invisible hand, which carried the paper to a blushing Fire.
"Not yet," Fire scolded.
"Jeez, could've just asked it back," Falco complained.
"Knowing you, you wouldn't," Fire shot back. He continued, "I have power over your actions, and could make your life miserable,"
Falco paled at his facts.
Fire continued, "But I won't. I'm not a cruel pers- er- fox, and I guess it was my mistake, like Fox was,"
"Oooh! Sick burn!," Falco remarked.
Fire's reply was, "Same goes for you Falco,"
Everyone laughed, hard. Both the ace pilots were putting their arms around each other, unable to stand up against the burns they received.
Fay asked, "Why I don't have many lines? You're scared I'm going to mess up?"
Fire didn't have any excuse for that, yet denied that.
He just told her, "You and Miyu will play an important role later on in the story, I promise you,"
Fay responded with a, "Yay!"
Slippy asked Fire, "What's a fourth wall? I thought all rooms had four walls?"
Fire facepalmed at Slippy's misunderstanding of the "fourth wall".
Fire concluded, "I'm just going to ignore that. Anyway… I think it is time for me to go. I do hope you enjoy life to the fullest, Star Fox 2 team,"
And with that, he vanished, as if he weren't there. The surrounding animals had not moved, and resumed their activities, oblivious to what just unfolded. Also, Star Fox's memories were erased, and had no idea on what happened, thankfully.
—
After Fire vanished, the Star Fox team resumed their conversation about going to the amusement park.
"Slippy and I would want to stay here at the hotel, I would imagine," Peppy input.
"Yeah, I'm beat!" Slippy added.
"Okay, we'll wait here while Rocky and Bill get here, let's hang out until then," said Fox, unwrapping his arm from Falco to whip out his comm-link, ready to call Rocky and Bill. As Fox was going to turn around, Peppy remembered something.
"Fox! There's a fireworks show at 7:30 tonight, so if you're planning on staying there until 8:30 tonight, I wouldn't suggest going now!"
"Okay!" Was Fox's reply. He continued, "We'll leave at 2:30. We can walk there until 3, if I'm correct,"
"Yep," Slippy punched in the numbers, and came out with a time to walk there. "You'll be there in just about 30 minutes, and Peppy and I will go later to watch the fireworks show, alright?"
"Sure thing, Slip," Fox also approved.
Falco butt in, informing the team, "It's 1:45, so we can wait for Rocky and Bill for 45 minutes,"
"Actually, half an hour, they'll be here at 2:15," Fox quickly came back.
Sounding everyone's thoughts, Fay observed, "That was pretty quick,"
"Yeah," Fox said. "They said they were already contacted by Miyu,". As Fox looked at the lynx, he could swear that she was blushing.
"Well, meet here at 2:10 to be ready to go!" Krystal commanded.
"Right!" Everyone but Slippy and Peppy replied with excitement.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Back in their room, Fox and Krystal were discussing what they were going to do at the amusement park.
"It's great, Krystal. There are rides there, and you can get so many prizes at the carnival games they have there!" Fox described.
Krystal was excited as a little kid on their first time there.
"Hah, I bet I could get more prizes than Falco at the shooting game!" Fox boasted.
Krystal pulled at his shirt, and he looked over, "Hm? What is it Krystal?"
She managed to suppress a blush as Fox touched her hands, which were holding a pair of aviators.
He asked curiously, "What are these for?"
She answered, "For you, when we go out in public. I know how you love your fans, but back in Charming Charmelita, I saw how they were all over you,"
Fox looked at them in wonder, "When did you get these?"
Krystal looked away, and told him, "This morning,"
Fox looked at her with disbelief, "She had woken up early to get me these? What did I do to get them? They must have been at least 200 credits…"
Krystal endearingly looked at him, happy that he was not concerned about the glasses, but Krystal herself.
"Fox, you did so much for me, I thought that this would help make you happy,"
"It does!" Fox replied, putting them on. Now Peppy could say that Fox REALLY was like his father. Fox looked at Krystal, and she could still see his piercing green eyes, full with confidence but a welcoming aura. Her observing was cut short as Fox pulled her in for a hug. She didn't expect this, and blushed madly.
Krystal thought, "We hugged last night, but it felt different than this one, the last one was comforting, this one, protective and thankful, and… and… I can't describe how it feels, I feel so warm inside!"
Fox quickly pulled back, but his mind was screaming to stay longer.
He stammered, "U-um… sorry about that. I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to you, this means so much to me,"
Krystal smiled back, and she simply replied, "Me too,"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
In Slippy and Peppy's room, they were discussing events that sort of happened in Fox and Krystal's room.
"It's nice to know that Fox is finding more confidence around women," Slippy commented, "I remember when he couldn't talk to girls back at the Academy!"
"Oh, you haven't seen anything when James first met Vixy, Fox's mother. He was even worse than Fox!" Peppy insisted. "I remember when they first met on Papetoon, at the bar. James couldn't even order his own drink!" he laughed.
They sat in silence, reminiscing the love in the air.
"I hope that they actually get together, they look really good as a couple," Slippy remarked.
"Who? Fox and Krystal?"
"Yeah,"
"Falco talked with me before coming back up here, and it seems that Krystal of all people is making the first move, tonight, during the firework show," Peppy brought up.
Slippy snorted, "Knowing Fox, he'll ask first, he's been dying to since they got to know each other a little bit,"
Peppy found himself commenting, "I don't need no kits running around the Great Fox!" He remembered when Fox was a toddler, running through the corridors of the Great Fox.
Sloppy laughed, and argued, "If anyone's having a baby soon, that's Falco and Katt. But that will be a few years… hopefully,"
Slippy loved to talk with people, especially with Peppy, who he felt on another understanding with.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
In Falco and Katt's room, the two are on the couch, cuddling each other.
Falco started to talk first, "I hope that Krystal is going to follow through with what she said,"
Katt agreed, and snuggled closer to Falco.
The bird chucked, and told her, "It's not winter yet, my down isn't growing in,"
He stiffened as he realized that Katt was massaging his massive pecs. (Being a bird does have its perks!)
"Katt, as much as I like to let you do what you want to do, this is not the time…"
Katt looked at him in disappointment, "You're no fun, you know that?"
Falco took it seriously, and much to Katt's surprise, he rolled her over so that he was looking her straight in the face.
He sternly replied, "Fun is fun when everyone enjoys it, but not when only you want it,"
Katt pouted, and Falco threatened her, "Maybe I should go to Kitt…"
"Noooooo Falco, you're staying with me,"
His face changed to a playful smile, "I wouldn't leave a perfect little pink cat all alone, now, can I?"
Katt, realizing the pattern, sighed and conceded that she would stop.
She started on the topic of Fox and Krystal again, "I just want them to be happy, you know? Fox is really what Krystal needs, and wants,"
"Yeah,"
She realized she hadn't told the Star Fox team what important information she was forgetting to tell them.
She told Falco, "Star Wolf is breaking apart, something about Panther and Wolf getting in an argument about a woman. Wolf of all people too. I thought he was a tough guy, a stoic guy, I guess I was wrong,"
Falco thought about it, and concluded, "Maybe Wolf is done with his work as a mercenary? Either that, or this woman has to be hot,"
Katt sighed, and continued, " I heard that Wolf is settling in Corneria for a little bit, doing jobs for the Cornerian Army, partly to clean up any misunderstanding that he didn't work for Andross for free, but as a paid mercenary,"
Falco tensed, "You still don't know what he's going to be up to…"
Katt looked down, and said, "You're right to be cautious, but I feel that he could really be a changed man,"
Falco could only agree, "I hope so too, Katt…"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fay and Miyu were preparing for their trip to the park, and gossiping the same thing going around the Star Fox team all day, Fox and Krystal.
"Fay, what do you think about Fox and Krystal getting together?" Miyu asked.
"I think they look so cute together! Especially when they have the fire and ice thing going too!" Fay blew up.
"Y'know? I never thought of that that way, that Fox was firey, dangerous but warm, strong, and constant when he knows what he wants. Krystal, calm, cool, collected, and knows what people want," Miyu analyzed.
Fay rolled her eyes, and retorted, "Being thoughtful has nothing to do with ice,"
Miyu, fixing up Fay's bow, accepted the fact that she did not think it through enough, "She's blue…?"
Fay then found the answer, "She's water! She still is cool and calm, and she bends to what is needed!"
Miyu praises her companion, "That's why Fay's a genius sometimes!"
There is a long pause, and Miyu breaks out, "You know why I want to go to the amusement park, right?"
Fay's next guess threw Miyu's compliment out the window, "To have fun…?"
Miyu thought, "Well, yes… but I might have feelings for Rocky,"
Fay gasped, "Did- did you just say ROCKY?! Like, my mentor Rocky?!"
The white spaniel could not believe what her comrade just confessed.
"Yeah…" said Miyu, scratching the back of her head.
She continued, "I never really got to know him, and I want to get to know him. He might help me deal with Fox sometimes… I dunno, I'm starting to think things from the top of my head now,"
Fay squealed, "Are you kidding?! My strong mentor dating my strong best friend? That sounds a bit weird when you say it out loud, but he's actually only a few years older than us!"
Miyu looked at Fay with surprise, "You aren't mad?"
Fay scoffed, "Pft, of course not! I would support my friend any day of the week! Not Fridays though, that's a Fay day,"
"You aren't doing that anymore, are you?"
Miyu remembered Fay days, when Fay would try something new. She was running out of ideas, so she began doing extremes, such as drinking too much alcohol. That day ended badly.
"No… but it doesn't mean I can't start again!"
"Jeez, Fay. Watch you fucking someone next,"
Miyu, you better start watching your words.
"Oh, shoot! We're going to be late if we loaf around any longer!" Fay, looking at her watch, remarked.
"Alright, let's go girl!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
At 2:11, everyone going to the amusement park was in the lobby. The last ones were Fay and Miyu, who received a complaint from Falco, "That took ya long enough,"
When they waited long enough, a taxi drove in front of the hotel, and dropped off a familiar husky and bulldog.
"Bill! Rocky!" Fox and Falco greeted them.
"Fox! Falco!" Bill and Rocky greeted them back.
The women watched with amused eyes the amount of bro-hugs that were given, secret handshakes being shook, and the punch in the shoulders when they found out Falco had been able to convince Katt to join Star Fox 2.
"Star Fox 2, huh? Sounds real cool," Bill remarked.
"Yep," Fox confirmed. "Just popped into my head,"
"Simple, but tells you everything," Rocky said with a shake of his head.
"Well, are you guys ready to go?" Falco asked them.
"Nah, we gotta meet our graduates in training right now," Rocky refused. "You guys can go to the front and wait there, we won't take long. We just need to tell them something,"
His request was acknowledged until it was him, Bill, Fay, and Miyu.
Bill asked, "How's Star Fox 2 coming along?"
"Great!" Fay answered.
Bill continued reluctantly, "Well, we have a mission for you once we exit the park, we need you to find an assassin sent to kill Katt Monroe, an assassin from Andross's forces. We know that this is supposed to be a relax day, but we need your help. The assassin is a green lizard, and that's all we know. He's a sniper, so he'll be a bit far off from the entrance. I hope this isn't too much trouble…"
Miyu cracked her knuckles, "I'll be ready to get that bitch before he knows what's coming to him,"
Rocky smiled, "That's a tough Miyu you raised there, Bill,"
Miyu blushed from the compliment, but not enough for the husky to see.
"Well, What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Fay exclaimed.
And off they went from the front of the hotel, off to the amusement park.
As a little footnote, I have realized that longer chapters= longer waits, and more stress for me. So, I will keep it to ~5,000-7,000. 10,000 seemed a bit overwhelming to me. But, that was an aspiration I still hope to achieve from time to time!
Looking forward: Star Fox 2's bonds will only become stronger, can they overcome a new adversary? What will happen next?"
(For Wolf lovers) Wolf will appear in chapters after the next chapter, Confessions.
I don't know about Fire's (me) little segments. If you hate them, fine, they'll go out the window. If you like them, I'll keep them in. Just saying, I find the narrator being present in the story is funny, as is the same as talking in third person like Panther.
Sorry if my blabbing is annoying, I can't stop right now.
Katt: "Yes, please. Now tell me I won't die in this next chapter,"
Uhhh…
*Katt slaps me hard, and stomps away*
Ouch…?
Well, that's… really all I have to say for right now.
Stay foxy, y'all
-FireyFox0526
