Chapter 6

Fox's car came to an abrupt stop in the parking lot of the Cornerian Army Center. His head was filled with mixed emotions; anger, sadness, and panic. He slammed the car door behind him and ran at full speed toward the front door of the building.

The guard up front automatically let Fox pass since he was the leader of Star Fox. Since he had been to the room before to see General Pepper, Fox easily navigated his way the Cornerian General's room. Once he arrived, he found Bill and a few other soldiers at the crime scene.

"Where's Peppy?" Fox immediately asked.

"Initially, we had no idea," Bill said. "For some reason though, Panther left this note behind for you with his location. Take look."

Bill handed Fox the note. It read: This message is targeted for one Fox McCloud – I'll bet you're dying to know where your dear old general friend is at. Look no further than the abandoned cathedral west of here. I'm already anticipating our next meeting, hero! – Panther

Not only did he reread it, but Fox analyzed the message as well. After going through it more, he turned to face Bill again.

"This doesn't sound like Panther wrote it," Fox said at last.

"It's him all right," Bill reassured. "I've been informed that Project 217 alters personalities from Peppy himself. Plus, who else would have captured Peppy?"

"You're probably right," Fox agreed. "No one's been to that cathedral in years; it makes sense that Panther would make it his hideout. Do you have any news about Wolf?"

"None at all," Bill answered briskly. "No one's reported sighting him at all. You don't think he's working with Panther do you?"

"No way," Fox said. "Wolf kicked Panther off his team, and then Panther killed Leon. If anything, they'd both be trying to kill each other. I'll go check out the cathedral alone; it'd be best for you and the other guards to stay here and make sure Panther doesn't return, just in case."

"Good luck, Fox!" Bill shouted after his friend as Fox left the room.

Meanwhile, at the old cathedral, Peppy awoke with his arms and legs chained up to the surrounding pillars. As he struggled to get free, he saw a dark shape coming at him slowly. In the next few seconds it was revealed to be Panther, wearing a blue suit with a rose on one side.

"Do you like the new attire?" Panther asked with a grin.

With no response from Peppy, Panther continued, "I really think it matches my personality. Well, it's great to see you up again, sleepyhead! Hahaha!"

"What do you want from me?" Peppy asked with an exhausted voice.

"From you? Hardly anything," Panther started. "You're just another part of the plan. You see, I left a note behind with our location for dear old Foxie. He ought to arrive fairly soon, see, so you were simply caught as bait for a bigger fish. Once the pup arrives, I'll knock him out as well!"

"Not a chance!" Peppy cried. "You'll be in a padded cell once Fox is through with you if you're lucky!"

Panther gave Peppy a huge grin. "Relax, Peter Cottontail. Just look on the bright side; when I'm out killing, you'll have company!" He finished with a hearty laugh.

Fox was speeding over to the cathedral as quick as he could.

What if Panther had already killed Peppy? Fox thought.

From the evidence, it seemed like Panther had become mentally unstable from Project 217. Fox realized he would need to proceed with caution once he arrived. After a while of driving, Fox finally arrived at a dark, abandoned cathedral. It was the tallest building Fox had ever seen.

After slowly exiting the car, Fox walked over to the entrance of Panther's hideout. Fox opened one of the huge, chestnut-colored doors and entered the cathedral. He noticed a rack holding a Cornerian Army Officer suit as well as Panther's traditional blue and gray suit. Suddenly the shot of a gun rang out, followed by a loud and sinister laugh. Fox spun around, looking on every side to find Panther.

"I'm thrilled to see you could make it! And your friend's been dying to see you too!" Panther's voice called.

"Where's Peppy? What have you done to him?" Fox yelled back.

"All in good time, my vivacious vulpine, hehehe!" Panther replied. "For now, I think it's time to put little Foxie down for his nap."

Fox suddenly felt the impact of something hitting him on the back of his head. He began to lose his balance, and he heard Panther's maniacal laughter behind him. Fox fell to the floor, and everything went black.