Thank you for supporting 'Armor of Eternia'! I'm glad you're here. Please note, though, that this story focuses heavily on Old Snake. Many characters surround Old Snake with love, and his admirers are of the male sort. If you're even the least bit allergic to boy/boy love, Old Snake being paired with a male, or an emotional Old Snake, you'll do yourself a favor by turning your eyes away.
Once again: if you're allergic to boy/boy love, don't read this. If you don't appreciate Old Snake being paired with a male other than Otacon, don't read this. If you believe Old/Solid Snake's incapable of showing emotion, don't read this. You're better off spending your time elsewhere, instead of submitting flames to a story you never should have read. Time is precious, people. DON'T WASTE IT.
He was cradled back into the present, carried by the most gentle pair of wings. Light flooded his eyes, but it was the kind of light that followed in a storm's wake. He realized just how calm his body was, and knew he hadn't been that calm in a long time. His eyes, chest and limbs were at peaceful, untouched by even a sliver of pain. Sure, he felt weaker than a feather, but that was a result of overwhelming tranquility. One always felt light while they were carried by an angel.
Cheerful voices danced into his ears, alerting him of a vibrant atmosphere. The turmoil he encountered inside of the Chamber was long gone, replaced by the zephyrs of carefree days. It took him a moment to register any words, but once he managed to regain his grip on vocabularly, he realized just how happy the Starfox team was to have him awake.
That was right. He had fallen unconscious inside of the Chamber, overtaken by excruciating pain. Must've been the powerful combination of stress, fear and sadness. But someone had carried him to safety, and it must've been Fox. Fox's eyes were his last sights, before darkness swept him away. He expected to find his brother, Liquid Ocelot, waiting for him, but instead he only found peace. With fluttering eyes, he realized how peaceful his slumber had been. His body was tired, yes, but it wasn't racked with nauseating pain. Not like it had been a thousand times before.
Fox. Fox was there, right there, sitting at his bedside. ROB and the McCloud's team mates were with him, chatting about how happy they were to see him. Slippy could hardly sit inside of the Lylat System, bubbling with rapture over life. Falco had to be one of the grumpiest, calmest people the lamb had ever met, but even he was brimming with sunshine. Evidently, his awakening was causing quite a stir. And in addition to that, a life had been saved. A young pilot had apparently been spared from a horrible fate, judging by not only his actions, but the attitudes of his comrades.
"Finally, he's awake! I can't believe you had him save you, Fox!"
Fox was instantly ready to defend himself from Slippy. Hands raised and ears flattened, he spoke with his gentle sunshine intact. "Whoa whoa whoa! I didn't do anything! I didn't want him anywhere near the conference!"
"We're lucky the Liu'Shiens didn't initiate an attack against him, the poor soul," Peppy put in, compassion and adoration flooding each syllable. And with those emotions in tow, he looked at their patient. Inwardly amused by Snake's curious, wide-eyed expression, he chuckled.
"I can't tell you how relieved I am about all of this. It's nice to know they took such a shine to him."
Falco was admiring his knuckles. It was something he normally did whenever action experienced a lag. Everyone should take time to admire themselves, in his opinion, and he adored himself whenever chaos took a break. "Man, what a day this has been," he said, warm eyes directed at an astonished fawn. Snake felt as if he had been cast into a new dimension, complete with creatures and cultures he had never encountered before. Seeing someone act with the mannerisms of a newborn animal was akin to diving into a crystal blue pool: invigorating and refreshing.
"Sorry you had to go through such trouble, being a guest and all. I guess when you're hooked up with Fox, all you can ask for is trouble."
Fox opened his mouth to protest, but found himself dragged underneath another one of Slippy's barbs. "You sure know how to treat your songbud, Fox," the Toad said, wagging his finger. And at the usage of the term 'songbud', Fox immediately set about expelling certain thorns from the room. Slippy was the first to be pushed out of the room, despite vehement protests.
Evidently, 'songbud' was a pretty special label. And in Fox's case, an embarrassing one.
"Aw, come on, Fox! I'm sorry!"
"Nope, out we go! We've had enough time with our guest!"
"Sheesh, I'm sorry! You can treat your songbud any way you like!"
The young McCloud, having placed Slippy in the doorway, took up an authoritative air. He was Commander of the Starfox team, after all, and it was the perfect opportunity to utilize his authority. "The rest of you can follow suit," he said, face tightened by a combination of frustration and embarrassment. A certain slew of comrades had plunged into snickers, including an old hare.
Peppy Hare might have been a weathered old soul, but no one was too old to laugh at their friend's expense.
Falco threw the warmest wink at the fawn, who was still entranced by sights uncharted. "Someone's a little pissy," the Lombardi sighed, rising from his place at Snake's bedside. "Kinda odd, considering he was just saved from execution."
"Don't be too hard on him," the team's hare said through chuckles, patting Falco's back. "After all, the two of them have just been through a life-changing, life-threatening experience. Fox has every right to be alone with his other half."
Rosalina's flower eyed the young McCloud. Arms folded and ears flattened, the pilot made absolutely sure his friends departed from the room. His team left the room in snickers, sharing mischief through their hearts and eyes. And while his friends made their exit, he made absolutely no attempt to deny anything they had said. Yes, Fox was thoroughly embarrassed, but he didn't dispel anything they had said. The fawn expected something along the lines of 'it's not like that' or 'we're just friends', but Fox said nothing.
Nothing at all.
Another thing. Fox only waited for his friends to leave his bedroom. He did nothing to make sure they withdrew from the area all together. For all he knew, they had probably placed themselves right at his door. And all of the Great Fox's rooms were equipped with intercom systems. "Sorry about that," the McCloud said, misinterpreting the fawn's facial expression.
"They annoy the living crap out of me, but I love them. Can't live without 'em. It's amazing how immature the bunny rabbit is, though. He's a thousand years old, but more than willing to crack a few jokes. All at my expense, too."
Sunshine burst inside of Snake's heart, giving birth to a smile. Fox was a talkative soul, always able to speak at a quick, cheerful pace. "I don't know which one's worse," he said, sprawling himself over his spare bed. While the fawn occupied his main bed, he took to his guest bed. And upon his guest bed he was relaxed, tail flickering as a candle flame.
"The bunny or the toad. Guess I could say the bird, considering how cranky he is all of the time."
Without even realizing it, Snake chuckled. "I take it everything's all right?" he asked, shyness and warmth meshing into one force. Placing himself onto his back, tail fluttering in the air, Fox replied as if he had merely gone to the super market.
"Oh yeah. Everything's squared away. Chief Kasal and his Emissaries were impressed with you. They were pissed with me for hiring such a delicate Ambassador, but other than that, they loved your speech. To them, it was the most beautiful thing they had ever heard. Plus, they said you were 'immaculate'. No different from one of their priests."
Two things. Not only did he use the word 'delicate' instead of 'old', but once again, he did nothing to argue against the presented compliments. The McCloud's eyes spoke of agreement towards the Liu'Shien's thoughts, glistening with the spirit of carefree days but laden with sunlight. "You saved my life," the young pilot said, sitting upright. His tail continued to flicker, but its pace was a bit slower. It was a metronome, swaying with a gentle rhythm. And about his face, the sweetest sunshine glistened with the luminosity of a hundred stars. He spoke as though they were strolling through the park, sharing thoughts on favorite songs, but the appreciation and adoration in his voice came in perfectly clear.
"Of course I've got other bounties on my head, and there are plenty more people that would love the chance to kill me, but...you got rid of that problem for me, and...well, thank you. No one's ever done anything like that for me."
At that very moment, Fox did something that caused a certain bird's insides to boil. Falco was already uncomfortable with the bedroom's tone, but seeing the McCloud take Snake's hands was just too much.
And yes, Fox's friends were right outside of his bedroom.
"I need you to do me a favor," the McCloud said softly, speaking as if his life depended on the completion of the favor. A blushing kitten bowed his head.
"Anything."
"I need you to take that same speech and repeat it about...fifteen times."
Snake's face took on the characteristics of curdled milk. "Please?" the McCloud whimpered, putting on his pair of puppy eyes. Inwardly he chuckled at the other's facial expression.
"I'd really appreciate it. Dealing with all of those bounties and sentences can be overwhelming at times. Sure, it all comes with the job, but let's face it. I'm too much of an idiot to handle them all properly."
Grimacing because of Fox's worst habit, Snake gave off a trademark grunt. "What exactly are you dealing with?" he asked, looking as if he had accidentally downed a gallon of rotten milk. Fox flipped over again, tail swaying and body relaxed. He recited rules while counting on his fingers.
"Oh, not much. I just pissed off a few people here and there. In my line of work, you've got to know how to handle the people you come into contact with. There are rules, customs, and then you've got the languages-well, it's easy to see I don't have a handle on too much of anything. Even after absorbing fifteen different languages, ten sets of customs and who knows how many sets of history lessons, I still have a slew of people that want to kill me."
In a flash the young pilot sat right back up, still counting on his fingers. A curious Snake observed him, entranced by every one of his movements and mannerisms. "There are certain things you can and can't do while you're in the presence of certain races," the McCloud said, kicking his feet back and forth. "Placing the wrong accent on a single word can get you into a hellhole of trouble. Then there's the matter of attire, the time you arrive for a conference, your tone, your choice of words....a whole parade of things. If you aren't careful, you'll end up a thousand feet under."
As if he had just shared the most magical discovery, Fox beamed at the other male. "I've been a thousand feet under a thousand times," he said, tail wagging. "I was shoved inside of a box for offending the Kalabern chief. That explains where my claustrophobia comes from. And oh yeah! I'm not too fond of darkness either. But let me tell you another great story. I was this freak's sex slave for a week, just to get Slippy off the hook. Long story short, Slippy kinda made a few missteps in working for the Midern clan."
Snake just stared at him.
"Don't look at me like that. You're making me feel as if I just crushed all of your dreams."
You didn't crush any of my dreams, the lamb's face said, but you've definitely crushed my heart.
"Hey! Cut it out! I'm still here, aren't I?"
As if that's supposed to make me feel better.
Volcanic eruptions went off inside of the old soldier's stomach, and all of them issued geysers of pain. Another fit of coughing ensued, but pain threatened to blot out his entire existence. The maddening urges to vomit, sleep for a thousand years and slit his own throat crashed into his skull, giving birth to a feverish migraine. But in an instant, a gentle pair of hands fell onto his shoulders. Gentle eyes followed those hands, falling into a set of eyes that were overwhelmed by a world of pain. "Here," a soft voice said, lowering him onto something. Must've been the bed. Soft hands were lowering him onto the bed.
"I'll be right back. Just give me a few seconds."
What? He couldn't be left alone! The world was crumbling! There was pain, so much pain, pain he couldn't tackle alone! He'd go insane from tackling it alone! "No," the lamb whimpered, eyes shut by barricades of tears. "Don't g-g-go. Don't go."
"I have to," the tender voice said, filled with sadness but also filled with serenity. "I'll be right back, okay?"
Footsteps quickly became distant. Fox must've taken a dash into his bathing quarters for something. He had to hurry back, or else the pain would never end. Liquid had already returned to the room, laughing and pointing! And in a few seconds, his laughter became louder and louder-
If it became any louder, the lamb's head would burst open!
Clamping his hands over his ears didn't work. The laughing continued to rise in volume. Liquid had definitely returned to Fox's room, and had flooded it with his presence! Everywhere the fawn looked, Liquid stood. Laughing, pointing-
"You're a riot, brother! A wonderful, wild riot! You can't do anything but crumble beneath the light-the light you so desperately crave! Pathetic, disgusting beast! Why don't you hurry up and die already? Stop staining a world you don't even belong in!"
It just wouldn't stop. It wouldn't stop. He cried out 'stop' over and over again, but it just wouldn't stop. Liquid wouldn't stop. He kept on laughing and laughing and-
Wait a minute. Liquid wouldn't place a towel on his forehead, but there it was, warm and damp. Fragrant. Filled with herbs that were meant to be restoratives.
The towel didn't come from Liquid. It came from-
"There. You're all right now. Everything's all right now."
He had to tell Fox. Just had to. Liquid was probably still in the room, waiting for the right chance to kill him! He had said such horrible things, would probably hurt Fox, and just wouldn't go away! He had to say something-
-but couldn't. The peace that overwhelmed him didn't permit the passage of a single word. The herbs were working their magic, washing over him with a wave's tranquil melody. "I dunked the towel in a combination of water and Saurian herbs," the McCloud explained, speaking as if a high volume would set off a large parade of fuses. Footsteps became distant once again, but they were only a few inches away. Fox was setting up something, evidenced by the sounds he created with his hands.
"The herbs are meant to calm pain and nausea. Now, give me a few seconds to set up my humidifier. It not only rids the air of toxins, but issues Sydllian mist. The Sydllian plant calms the nerves and leaves its patients with pleasant dreams. I use it all of the time."
"You do?"
"Yeah," the McCloud said, flipping a switch. Fragrant mist began to penetrate the air a second later. "I use it all of the time for those restless, aggravating nights. There have been a few times when I've been unable to sleep, having been sexually ravaged by a Midren, almost drowning and-oh yeah. Being unable to save an entire forest from burning down."
A long grunt followed those words. "How can you say all of that with a straight face?"
"You're interesting," the McCloud said warmly, lifting the towel off the lamb's eyes. Two pairs of eyes met, and a young pilot's face spoke of something much more feverish than interest. "Can't you concentrate on yourself for more than a few seconds? Don't worry over my piddly problems. Concentrate on recovering. And it's like I said-it all comes with the job."
A groan followed his words that time. "Why do you put up with all of this?"
"If I don't, who will?"
Then came the sigh. "You remind me of an idiot."
"Who?"
Snake returned the towel to his eyes, then placed a hand against his forehead. "The man I was in the past."
"Oh shut up," the McCloud said, giving his head a playful slap. "I'm glad you're feeling better, by the way. But if you don't mind me asking, what's wrong? I know you can't possibly have just a simple cold, and I've seen two-hundred year old turtles in a much healthier state."
"I don't want to lie to you," the old soldier instantly, alarming the young pilot. Hands gently laid a blanket about his body, and then the McCloud appeared right at his side. The fawn was momentarily horrified by what he wished to share, but then he realized something. He realized that, no matter what, Fox would be there. He would be right there with a smile, open heart and open arms.
Fox would always be there.
"This is just...how I am."
"Don't give me that," the McCloud said instantly, half-way between anger and grief. "That's my line."
The wounded lamb stared at him in disbelief. "It's true," he retaliated, and the way he said those words sparked something in Fox's heart. The McCloud chuckled as he compared it to a flame, the flame of a candle.
"I was born this way."
"You mean born in a world of pain, right?" Fox asked, gazing at him intently. Curiously. And in response, Snake nodded.
"I actually made a mistake, though. I wasn't born. I was created. Created to be this way. Created to be a rotting, stinking corpse."
Fox winced as if a longtime lover had stabbed him, right through the heart. For a moment he appeared to be disgusted, horrified, broken by what the other had just said. The Great Fox's guest gazed at him bashfully, wondering just where the future would take them both. The McCloud then took him by the hands, peering into his eyes urgently. "There is a tale," he began, ears flickering just as his tail had done. His voice was firm but soft, alive with his innate warmth.
"A tale I once heard from the Queen of EarthWalkers. She once told me about a land, a land protected by the great Cavalier. The Cavalier guarded the land from pain and strife, always working to keep smiles on the faces of his people. No matter what, even at the expense of his own safety, he worked to secure the land. And as a result, the land was always alive with magic. The inhabitants of that land flourished, flying on the wings of their dreams even outside of sleep."
Fox peered into his bedroom's open space. "The Cavalier walked alone, untouchable by those around him. He was a divine being, although he dwelled on the planet in flesh and blood. He was one of a simple appearance, but he emitted the most astounding waves of sunshine, wherever he went. People everywhere were blessed by his presence, regardless of the burdens their life held. No matter what trials they were facing, they found themselves comforted by the Cavalier's soul. It was as if they were transported into the heavens, taken away from their pain on gentle white wings. Their souls were cleansed by the Cavalier's presence."
A smile spread across the McCloud's face. Eyes brighter than diamonds, he spoke while squeezing Snake's wrinkled hands. "You're my Cavalier, and as such, you're the only part of my life that makes sense," he confessed happily. Not a shred of humor or sarcasm could be found in his next words.
"I may only be one soul, but I am a soul that experiences grief. I grieve, I cry, I ache, but because of you, I also smile. Even though today won't be the last day I'll grieve, I'm able to smile. And within these moments, I'll create memories I'll cherish forever. The memories will get me through the longest, darkest nightmares. I'll be able to see the light...because of you. So thank you. Thank you, Snake."
Neither of them spoke for an age, peering into each other's eyes. Fox gazed at Snake as if he had fallen from Heaven, wrapped up in angelic white silk. Snake gazed at Fox as if the world was on the brink of destruction, and the pilot was the only one that could protect him.
Eyes darting to and fro, he gathered up the courage to speak two words. Words he had never said to Roy Campbell, even after their lifelong collaboration. Words he had never said to Meryl, Otacon, or even Raiden. He said two word, and to Fox, they were the most beautiful words ever spoken.
"You're welcome."
Fox was a canvas of thoughts. The hymns of adoration, infatuation and astonishment were radiant, glowing inside of his orbs. "I'm sorry," he said, rising from his place at Snake's side. "All of this will be over soon. I've got to stay behind and tie a few loose ends, but you'll return to the Smash Manor. I'll meet up with you later, okay?"
The lamb looked as if he wished to sneeze, rubbing at his nose. A second passed before he found relief, and then supplied his answer. "Okay."
"Rest for a while," the McCloud said, eyes and voice flooded with warmth. He walked towards the door, ears flickering as candle flames once again. "I'll see you again soon. If you run into any trouble, either here or at the Manor, let me know. I'll be more than happy to fry a few behinds."
"Wait a minute," the old soldier said, raising a hand before the McCloud could step into the outside world. He realized his voice felt distant, faint, but it was laden with serenity. However, the herbs weren't the only things calming him down.
"What about you and Falco? The two of you all right now?"
Fox tossed back his head with a laugh. "We're never all right."
The dormitory's mechanical door slid shut behind him, leaving his guest all to himself. Burrowing into his sheets, with the moist towel still on his forehead, a blushing Snake shut his eyes. He fell asleep, and that time, he didn't see Liquid. He didn't even hear Liquid.
He only heard music, and it was the sweet music of angels.
This was composed to 'Broken' by Lifehouse and 'Evacuating London' by Harry Gregson-Williams.
This is the final Snake/Fox preview. All of Snake's (first) suitors will have previews, so this ride has only begun! Please remember: Princess Rosalina wished to introduce Snake's (first) suitors before diving into the present. All of Snake's (first) suitors have actually started their journey to eternity-in other words, Snake's heart.
Fun note: the word 'cavalier' has two definitions. 'Knight' and a 'gallant gentleman'!
I loved writing these Snake/Fox previews. I'm thrilled by how fun and beautiful the couple turned out to be! Now it's on to the Snow Villiers/Snake preview(s). I'm going to make sure all of Snake's suitors appear in the same strong, powerful light. I will prove how they all deserve a chance at our fair soldier's hand!
Onward, laddies and lassies!
