Chapter 8 – A visit from James

Later that night, Fox tossed and turned and couldn't sleep. He was still thinking about his father. A few minutes later, he felt a cold, chilling presence in the room with him. Opening his eyes, he was astonished to see the spirit of James McCloud standing right next to his bed! James was wearing the same uniform he had on when he went on his last mission, including his sunglasses.

"Hello, Fox." he said.

Fox threw the covers aside, sat up, rubbed his eyes, and looked again.

"D-Dad?!"

James sat down next to Fox.

"I'm proud of you, Son." he said, "You have done very well. If not for your efforts, General Pepper would be dead and Corneria City would be devastated."

Fox looked at James for a few seconds, then said, "Dad, I… I really miss you."

"I know, Fox, but don't feel bad about me. You're a grown fox, now. Pull yourself together!"

Not knowing what to say, Fox looked at the floor between his paws. James took off his sunglasses and put his hand Fox's shoulder.

"Look, I know that my death must've been hard on you," he said in a calmer tone, "but there was nothing you could've done to prevent it. Besides, you shouldn't beat yourself up about what happened to me. You should be proud of yourself for avenging my death, defeating Andross and his brother, and saving the Lylat System. You're a great hero, Fox."

Fox smiled and looked James in the eye.

"Thanks, Dad."

He closed his eyes as he and James hugged each other one last time.

"Take care of yourself and the Great Fox." James said, "Remember, I will always be with you. I love you, Son."

"I love you too, Dad."

The apparition slowly vanished. When Fox opened his eyes, he wondered if he had really seen James or if it was just a wonderful dream. Dream or not, it made him feel better. He lay back down on his bed and put the covers back on. For the rest of the night, he had no trouble getting sleep.

* * *

"So it was Wolf who discovered his plans?" General Pepper asked.

"That's right." Fox said.

"It's true." said Kyle, "I was there."

"Not only that," said Fox, "but when I got shot, he got me off that ship so that Kyle could save me."

"Are you serious?!"

Fox and Kyle nodded.

"Well, in that case," Pepper said, "he has my forgiveness. I'll dismiss charges against him immediately. In fact, I think he deserves a medal for what he's done."

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End of Chapter 8