Sorry that it took me so long to update this chapter. I've been having some trouble with my computer and been dealing with a small case of writer's block at the same time. But I guess that it's better late than never. Some good news though the story is almost over.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Fox. All rights go to Nintendo.

Hope you enjoy the story.


Chapter 6: A Second Chance

Great Fox Rec Room, Afternoon

Fox walks into the rec room to find it occupied by Katt, Falco, Miyu, and Fay. Katt, Falco, and Fay are busy playing pool while Miyu mostly watches. Fox does his best to enter without drawing attention. He doesn't want his teammates to see their leader so sad, without hope.

Fox practically falls on the couch. The mental pain of losing his daughter has drained him. He has hardly said a word since it happened. His team doesn't need to see their leader like this. All Fox can do to keep from shedding a tear is reach into his pocket and pull out two old photographs. Looking at them helps calm Fox down, and bring down good memories. For the first time since Fara took Vixy away Fox smiles.

"Hey Fox, what are you looking at?"

Fox looks up to see Miyu standing in front of him. The lynx has always been good at sneaking up on him, and everyone else.

"Just some old photos of my family."

Miyu sits down on the couch next to Fox. "Can I see?"

Fox shrugs his shoulders and hands Miyu a picture. "That's a picture of my first family."

Miyu can tell that picture is over two decades old, since Fox looks to be only four years old. Fox looks so cute, almost identical to Vixy, minus the large ears and his fur is darker. Three other foxes are in the picture, two males and a female. The oldest male is James while the other is Todd. Miyu guesses that Todd is at least seven in the picture. Todd looked tough even back then. A smile looks weird on him. But Miyu's main attention is on Vixy. Vixy's beauty is beyond words. Miyu had heard Fox talk about his mother but she didn't know how true it was.

"You guys look so cute. Your mother was so beautiful."

"Thank you Miyu. That means a lot." Fox says with a smile. "That was our last family photo, before my mom's accident."

"Sorry to hear that. This photo must mean a lot to you. I think I'll give it back to you." Miyu says as she hands it back to Fox.

"Thanks, I don't know what I'd do without it." Fox replies as he puts the photo back in his pocket.

"And what is that second picture of?" Miyu asks as she points to the picture in his left hand.

Fox shows Miyu the picture. Fox, James, and Todd are in it but in Vixy's place is an artic fox around James' age, one closer to Todd's age, and three additional red fox/artic fox hybrids. It looks to have been taken a few years later as Fox looks a little older. The artic fox looks a little familiar to Miyu.

"That's a picture of my new family a few years after my mom passed away. That woman is Shelby Wilson – McCloud."

Miyu's jaw drops hearing that name. "Your step mother is THE Shelby McCloud, the first woman doctor."

Fox can't help but smirk. "Yes, she is my step mother."

Miyu is so stunned she can hardly speak. Her idol and Head of the Cornerian Hospital is Fox's step mother. Shelby was the reason Miyu wanted to become a doctor.

"How come you never mentioned your relation to her?"

"I didn't to keep her safe. She, my half – brothers, and step brother Zane, are all the family that I have left. But I am still very close to all of them, and Shelby helps where she can. How do you think I get all of our medical supplies and visits for free?"

"You got a good point there Fox. But how did she even become your step mother?"

"Well that's a bit of a long story." Fox replies. "You can guess that raising two kids isn't easy for a single father. But three years after my mother passed away my dad meet Shelby. At that time she had just become a doctor. It was difficult for her because of all the criticism she was getting. Being a single mother didn't help either. She has also just gotten divorced after catching her husband cheating on her. Shelby got custody her son Zane in. Shelby and my dad started dating soon after they met. Todd wasn't too happy about it at first but he eventually came around. A year later they were married. My sister Daira was nearly a year later. Todd was really protective of her. A few years later the twins, Victoria and Victor were born."

"But what about Vixy?" Miyu asks. "What do you think about your birth mother would say about your father getting remarried?"

"Well my dad told me that mom only wanted my dad to be happy, and for my brother and I to be taken care of. That includes my father getting remarried. She'd just happy to see us happy, which we are."

"Your mother sounds like she was a good woman."

"From what I remember she was. She'd be happy with my dad's choice. Shelby was very good to me and still is."

"I guess that's all that really matters." Miyu replies. "So what happened to Zane?"

"Last time I checked Zane's a scientist. He spends most of his time studying black holes. So I guess you could say he's continuing Andross' research. But Zane isn't a homicidal maniac." Fox explains. "My sister Daria just graduated from the academy a few months ago. She wants to join the team."

"Is she any good?"

"Well in the academy Daria's simulation scores were second to none, except for my dad's, mine, Todd's, Falco's, and possibly Fara's. Her skills in melee combat and combat drills are higher than anyone I've seen. But I'm not going to hire her just yet."

"Why not, sounds like she'd be a really good addition to the team? Don't tell me you're being protective." Miyu growls.

"A little bit, since she is my younger sister. But my reason is she's inexperienced. So I arranged for Daria to start under Bill's command. Bill wasn't happy about it but at least Daria is getting experience."

"Smart move Fox, didn't know you were that smart."

"Very funny Miyu, I'm smarter than people give me credit for." Fox says with a smirk.

"What about the youngest two?"

"The twins . . ." Fox looks at Miyu. "Well Sasha and Samuel are both fifteen and living with Shelby. I'm not sure what they want to do. I look forward to seeing them again."

"So do I Fox. It's been a while since I've seen them." Fox and Miyu look towards the door to see Krystal walking in.

Krystal practically runs to Fox and jumps in his lap. She gives him a quick kiss on the lips before smiling at Miyu.

"You've met Fox's family?" Miyu asks, a little surprised.

"Of course he has." Krystal says with a laugh. "His family likes me. Heck, Shelby loves me. She practically treats me like her own daughter."

"And she'd would've loved Vixy to." Fox adds. "Too bad I won't get the chance to introduce her to them."

"I wouldn't say that just yet Fox." Fara shouts as she and Vixy walk into the rec room.

All eyes go to Fara and Vixy as she walks up to Fox and Krystal. Vixy looks both sad and scared and Fara walks her to Fox. But what surprises everyone is the look on Fara's face. The anger is gone only to be replaced by a combined happy and uncertain look.

"What do you mean Fara?" Fox asks very confused.

A light smile crosses Fara's face. "I'm talking about you getting a second chance to be Vixy's dad."

Fox's jaw practically hits the floor hearing Fara's words. Even Falco is surprised to hear it, and he's hardly cared about the whole Vixy situation at all. Krystal laughs at the look on Fox's face.

Vixy, overwhelmed by joy, runs to Fox and jumps in his arms. She squeals in excitement as her arms wrap around Fox's neck and squeeze him tight. Fox's heart practically melts as he wraps his arms around Vixy.

"What made you change your mind Fara?" Fox asks.

"Well all I can say is that your girlfriend can be very convincing." Fara answers looking at Krystal.

Fox turns to Krystal confused. "What did you tell her Krystal?"

"I'll tell you later Foxie."

"Thank you Krystal, I owe you one." Fox says as he pats Krystal's arm as he stands up to play with Vixy.

"Whoa Fox, I said you get a chance to prove you're ready to be a father." Fara growls, stopping Fox in his tracks.

"Ok, what do I have to do?"

"Simple, show me that you can be a father. You have to do more than show me that you can love her. You've already proven that. Show me that you can correct her if she messes up. You have till this ship arrives at Corneria to prove it to me. That's it Fox, good luck."


That night

Fara walks into the kitchen looking for something to eat before growing to bed. A small before bed has become a habit for her. Though this evening Fara's mind is far from the sandwich she grabs from the fridge. She makes careful sure that Krystal's name isn't on it. Fara's mind is on Fox and Vixy.

The sandwich, even though insanely delicious, hardly has any tastes to Fara. Her thoughts drift through the day of Fox trying to prove that he can be a good father to Vixy. Even though Fox has been doing his best, and has proved that he loves Vixy, he has yet to show that he can do what any father should be able to do, discipline her when she messes up. Fox's time is running out as they dock at Corneria the next day. Deep down it does hurt Fara to think about what she has to do if Fox can't prove himself to her.

Fara is about halfway through her sandwich when she large ears pick up on someone standing in the doorway. She doesn't need to turn around to know that Krystal is standing there. Fara just continues eating, wondering what Krystal wants.

Fara looks up at Krystal. "What is it Krystal, can't you see I'm eating?"

Krystal walks up to Fara. "Well I was coming to talk to you about Fox and Vixy."

"I suppose you're going to ask me what I think. But I have a feeling that thanks to your telepathy you already know what I'm thinking."

Krystal can't help but smile. "Yeah, I do, it comes in real handy. But Fox is still trying to get used to it."

"For some reason I don't doubt it. I am still getting used to it." Fara giggles. "So what does your telepathy say I'm thinking?"

Krystal's smile disappears. "So far you are not impressed. Fox has definitely shown that he loves Vixy but can't bring himself to discipline her."

"Unfortunately you are right. A father needs to know how to discipline his child. Fox has yet to show me that he can."

Fara notices a small smile Krystal forms on Krystal's face. "Well I got something I need to show you. It may change your mind."

Fara grunts. "Can't it wait till I'm done eating?"

"Nope, now get off your furry ass and follow me."

Krystal walks out the door without saying another word to the now infuriated fennec. Fara reluctantly puts down her sandwich and follows Krystal. Much to Fara's surprise Krystal leads her into the private rooms section of the ship. Fara finds it a little suspicious.

"What are we doing back here Krystal? I doubt that Fox is playing with Vixy back here."

"It's a surprise Fara, let's just say it'll make you think differently." Krystal says with a smile.

Krystal leads Fara right to her and Fox's room. Before they go in Krystal turns to Fara. "Before I let you in Fara I need to warn you to be quiet, please."

"Ok, I'll be quiet, but this had better be good."

Krystal quietly opens the door and both vixens enter. Fara finds almost completely dark except for a small night light near the bed. She looks at the bed and finds Fox lying there with his back facing her. Fara doesn't see anything that changes her mind. She looks at Krystal and shrugs her shoulders. Krystal points for Fara to move around the bed.

Fara quietly walks around the bed and what she's nearly causes her jaw to drop. Cuddled up next to Fox, sound asleep, is little Vixy. The little kit is snuggled up next to big fox. Her back is pressed tight against Fox's stomach, her head lying on his chest. Fox has his arm wrapped Vixy like a protective father. Fara finds it so cute, like Vixy belongs there. All Fara can do is smile.

Fara is awakened from her trance by Krystal tapping her shoulder. The blue vixen motions for Fara to leave the room. Fara reluctantly agrees and follows Krystal out.

"So Krystal, I think you know what I'm gonna say." Fara says once Krystal closes the door behind her.

Krystal smiles, "Oh yeah, I know exactly what you're thinking."

"Good, then I guess I don't need to tell you. But I'm still worried about Fox not being able to discipline Vixy."

"I wouldn't worry about this. I can teach Fox everything about disciplining children. Remember Fara, I was a mother once."

Fara can't help but laugh quietly as she pats Krystal on the shoulder. "Then I guess I really have nothing to worry about. Give me some time to think about it and I will give you guys my decision tomorrow when we dock at Corneria."

Krystal smiles, "Thank you Fara, it means a lot to me."

"You're welcome Krystal." Fara replies before walking away.

Krystal waits till Fara is gone before going back into the bedroom. She climbs into bed with Fox and Vixy. Even though Krystal is careful her movements wake up Fox who yawns when she pulls up the covers.

"Enjoy your sleep honey?" Krystal says with a smile as Fox pulls Vixy even closer into him who twitches her ears but doesn't wake up.

Fox looks down at the sleeping three-year-old vixen snuggled tighter against his chest. "I wasn't completely asleep. I could hear you and Fara leaving."

"I know, I thought that she needed to see this. It's beyond cute." Krystal smiles as she lightly touches Vixy's cheek. Vixy smiles but remains asleep.

"Did it change her opinion?" Fox says with a hint of hope in his voice.

"I believe it definitely affected her choice. Fara said that she will tell us tomorrow once we dock at Corneria."

Fox can't help but let out a sigh. "Alright, I guess that's good, though I'd feel better if I'd have a straight answer. I need to know if I'm gonna get to see my daughter or not."

Krystal lies down as she pats Fox's cheek. "I'm sure that you will. I won't allow Fara to take Vixy away from you. I promise you that."

Krystal pulls the cover over her as she snuggles up next to Fox. Their muzzles touch as the loving foxes share a quick kiss. When they part both Fox and Krystal look down at Vixy sound asleep like a baby. She looks so cute snuggled up next to her father. Seeing Vixy like this reminds Krystal of her son. This sight fills a hole in Krystal's heart that she had long thought would remain empty and gives hope that someday there will be another child of her own blood snuggled in her mate's arms.


Corneria Military Airfield, the next afternoon

Fara steps out of the Great Fox II taking a smell of the fresh Cornerian air. She never thought that she'd be glad to be back on the ground. This has been the most stressful trip Fara's been on in a long time. She can remember even been this stressed out when she went through the black hole to ambush Andross. Then again Fara didn't have a three-year-old daughter to worry about during the Lylat Wars.

Fara looks behind her to see Falco and Katt still in the hangar. They are too busy playing with each other's tongues to pay attention to everyone starring at them. Fara can tell that Falco and Katt are glad they no longer have to restrain themselves. Since Fox made the no mating rule when Vixy's on board Katt and Falco have been stressing out. Now that Vixy no longer on board it's time to explode.

The fennec vixen nearly misses the sight of Fox with Krystal and Vixy. The sight of Vixy riding on Fox's shoulders while Krystal laughs brings a smile to Fara's face. It hurts Fara a little to know that she's going to have to break it up.

Fox sees Fara approaching out of the corner of his eye. He sets her reluctantly on the ground. Fara immediately has the attention of Fox, Krystal, and Vixy. No one says a word at first, even Krystal keeps her mouth shut, though she knows Fara's response.

"So Fara, have you made your decision yet?" Fox finally asks, breaking the silence.

Fara rests her hands on her hips. "Well Fox, I gotta say that it's a tough choice. You need to learn discipline, or Vixy could end up running the house. I know from experience how hard it is to discipline Vixy. She knows how to make herself look cute to avoid punishment."

"That's certainly true." Fox interrupts. "It's hard to say no to her when she trying to be cute."

"That's when you just gotta be a pain and tell her no. I know that's hard for you Fox. You've just gotta spend more time with her. And you need someone who can help you discipline her when necessary. That's why Krystal will be there to help you be a good a father to our daughter."

Fox's jaw practically hits the floor hearing Fara's words. He looks at Krystal very confused. "Did I just hear that right? Are you and Fara friends now?"

"Friends is a strong word. We are taking small steps. Acquaintance is probably a better word." Krystal explains trying not to smile.

"Ok, that makes more sense . . . wait, does this mean that you're ok with me being in Vixy's life?"

A reluctant smile crosses Fara's face. "Yes, I've decided that despite our past, and that instance with Star Wolf, that you can be a father. Vixy needs you in her life."

Fox just stands there in shock while Vixy squeals in delight and jumps in her father's arms. Vixy practically climbs into Fox's arms and wraps her arms around his neck. Fox embraces his daughter and kisses her on the check.

"Thank you Fara, I owe you so much for this." Fox says as he hugs Vixy tight.

"All I want you to do is be a good father to Vixy. If not then you're a dead man. Not only will you have to worry about me but also Krystal."

Fox looks at Krystal who's trying her best not to giggle. "I'm sure that you got nothing to worry about Fox."

"For some reason that's really not comforting me Krystal." Fox replies then turns to Fara. "So when I do get Vixy?"

"You can have her for Christmas."

"Really, why so soon?"

"Well I promised Vixy that I'd tell you about her before this operation. That changed slightly when I accidently revealed her too you. So since Vixy is in your arms right now I have to switch to letting you have Vixy for the weekend. We'll make arrangements later. Take all the time you need to get to know your daughter."

"Thank you Fara." Fox replies then walks up to Fara and gives her a quick hug.

Krystal can't help but laugh at the sight of Fara's face when Fox hugs her. Fara looks like she's confused and shocked. As soon as Fox breaks the hug he practically runs to the car and puts little Vixy in the backseat.

Fox looks up at Krystal and gives her a heartwarming smile, which Krystal returns. But when Krystal's expression sudden turns to horror and annoyance a chill runs down Fox's spine. Fox turns around and nearly gasps at the sight of Panther running towards him.

"Oh boy, what does that manwhore want? I thought that POS would've gotten the message by now that Krystal wants nothing to do with him." Fox growls in his mind.

Fox doesn't say a word as Panther runs right past him and right up to Krystal. The vulpine hides his smile as Panther drops to his and offers Krystal a red rose. Fox looks over at Fara, who is helping Vixy into the car. She is stunned at the spectacle of a large panther making a fool of himself. Fara looks at Fox for answer. He just shrugs his shoulders, telling her that he's not sure what to do.

"Panther, what in the world are you doing?' Krystal growls.

"Panther heard that you were single now. May Panther offer my beauty a red rose as a token of love?"

Fara walks around the limo and up to Fox. "Is this guy serious? Does he always talk about himself in third person?"

Fox sighed, "Yes, the moron is so obsessed with Krystal that it's sickening. As to why he talks about himself in the third person, I can't say why but it's really annoying. I think it's his arrogance."

"Well aren't you going to do something? He's hitting on your woman."

"No, I think that Krystal's got everything handled." Fox says with a smile that makes Fara's spine shiver.

Krystal gives Panther an angry stare. "What makes you think that I'm single?"

"Panther saw Fox in a dogfight with another vixen in his cockpit. He said that she was his daughter. Panther got close enough to see that the girl definitely wasn't your daughter. So Panther jumped to the conclusion that because the mutt wasn't yours that you'd dumped the damn McCloud."

Krystal can only stare at Panther completely shocked. How the man even came up with the idea of her dumping Fox just because he has a daughter with another woman is a mystery to her. But it's Panther's language that's disturbing Krystal. The feline's cussing and outright disrespect to Vixy is going to get him killed.

"Panther begs Krystal to accept his offer. Panther promises to treat you like royalty. You come with Panther and there will be long, extremely satisfied nights. You will see what a man Panther is."

Out of the corner of his eyes Fox sees something change in Fara. He doesn't need a telepath to know that Fara is absolutely furious. That last sexual comment by Panther was completely inappropriate, especially in the presence of a three-year-old girl. If Krystal doesn't do something soon Fox is afraid that Fara will charge Panther and remove his manhood.

Krystal surprises everyone when she accepts the rose from Panther with a smile. Even Fox's jaw drops as Krystal holds it up to her nose and smells it. The smile on Panther's face is enough to make Fox's blood boil.

"Please Panther stand up." Krystal begs.

Panther stands up smiling as Fox and Fara continue to gasp. But what Krystal does next brings a smile to their faces. Krystal leans in like she's going to give Panther a kiss but instead she gives him a kick, right to the groin. Panther gasps as he collapses to his knees, holding what's left of his balls. All Panther can do is squeak as he gasps for breath.

Krystal kneels down to Panther's eye level. "Just so you know, your manhood felt a little small. Fox's is nearly double in size."

Krystal walks away from Panther and up to Fox to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "I'll be in the car waiting for you."

Fox doesn't need any more hints. He practically jumps in the driver's seat. "You were great sweetheart. You had me going, I thought that you were actually accepting Panther's proposal."

"I just gave the man what he deserved. No one insults my lovers' daughter and gets away with it." Krystal says as she turns around and looks at Vixy sitting in the child's seat.

"You were great Krystal. You sure taught that mean kitty a lesson." Vixy shouts. "What did he mean by long, satisfied night?"

"I'll tell you when you're older sweetheart." Fox says without missing a beat.

Vixy lets out a huff to which Fox just rolls his eyes. Krystal looks at Fox somewhat impressed. There might be some hope for the man after all.

Panther gasps from breath as he tries to hold what's left of his balls. He barely notices Fox drive away with the love of his life in the passenger's seat and the three-year-old in the back. Panther almost doesn't notice Fara walk right up to him. He looks up and sees an angry vixen glaring at him.

"What do you want bitch?" Panther snarls at Fara.

Fara grunts, "You used foul and sexual language in front of a three – year – old. You called my daughter a mutt. You continue to a pursue a friend of mine who has continuously shown that she wants nothing to do with you."

"And what is your point woman? What should I care what a crazy whore and her ugly daughter thinks?"

A sadistic smile crosses Fara's face. "This is why you should care?"

Before Panther can reply, Fara smashes her knee into Panther's jaw. The blow sends Panther flying backwards. Panther lies there rubbing his jaw, knowing it's broken. But that pain is nothing when Fara walks up and steps on his nuts, making the feline scream even higher. Fara sees her car windows crack from Panther's high pitched scream.

"A little advice scumbag. Don't ever let me see your ugly face again. You come within a hundred miles of me, my friends, or most importantly my daughter ever again, I'll cut your dick off and shove it up your ass."

To be continued


So Fox finally has some time with his daughter and Krystal and Fara are on speaking terms. Krystal and Fara gave Panther what he deserves. Everything's going well for now.

Please leave a review. I honestly want to know what you think of the story and how I can improve it.

Hope that you enjoying the story so far. The next chapter will be uploaded as soon as possible.

This is John Storm signing off. Star Frosty ya'll.