Starpups

chapter nine

I own an original story. This isn't it.

As Fox and wolf flew up to the Greatfox, their moods could not have been more opposite. Wolf tried his best to calm fox, as he himself slowly got at ease, leaving the planet behind. "So, I guess I should tell you my story now, Fox." he sounded sad and relieved at once. You know what my eye looks like under the patch. When I was ten, I was left to die by my dad, with a knife through the eye. Someone found me, and I was taken in, by the Bloodfangs. It was there that I met a young runaway lizard, and we stuck together, quickly growing popular. They taught me to fight, and to steal, but also to read and write. It's why I get away with all my crap at school, and why I am so good in combat classes. Why I could ride a bike when I was fifteen. Then one day, the boss spoke in our gang hideout, and something changed."

"Later I learned he had signed some shady contract. I had always been taught to steal from the crooked, the thieves and the corrupted. Now, we were robbing stores and banks. It was only a matter of time before the police would find out hideout. When they did... me and Leon crawled under the bed as the shooting went down. James found us there, with officer Powalski. Leon's dad took him home and James could not stomach the idea of putting me in some orphanage, so he took me in instead. You know the rest."

"And what happened now?" Fox asked, "Why the panic? What's so special about this one escaped prisoner?" "He is the leader of our gang faction." Wolf sounded forlorn as he spoke, "He had some simple rules. Once you are in, there is no getting out. That's why, I cannot let them drag me back in. They'd threaten you to get me. That's why we can't stay. Not near them. Can you... please tell our friends? Without... telling them everything? I... don't think I can stand looks of pity from them."

"Well, now that we are doing confessions," Lupus chimed in, "I think I should go next. I have a confession to make too. I know I said earlier I had nothing to do with Rage... that is not entirely true, for you see, Wolf, I am your hallf-brother. We share him as our father. I think you knew when you looked into my eyes."

"We have met before." Wolf stated simply. "I do not know when, or how I know, but we have, so I believe you."

"I held you when you were just a puppy in my arms." Lupus spoke with regret as he prepared his ship for landing on board the Greatfox "If I had known then, I would not have left you with dad. I wanted to pick you up sooner, but am sure you have heard about the crimes of Lupus O'Donnell. I can't exactly go prance around Corneria while they think I'm a sociopath and a serial killer."

"So..." Fox asked, "what I don't get... how is my dad so sure you are not?" "Well.." Lupus answered with a hint of embarrassment, "Your dad and I were on a date when the first murder took place I'm framed for. He believes someone powerful in the cornerian army or police force tried to frame me for a string of murders. The media quickly took off with the Dark son of Slaver lord O'Donnell. There was no trail, no hearing, just one day I am a regular citizen, the next I am on the run with a Dead or Alive bounty on my head. I got very lucky to have such a loyal husband."

"Wait, wait, wait, back up there... husband? You and my dad are married?" Fox growled, "When? Why was I not invited to the wedding? Aren't kids supposed to give permission before a widowed parent remarries?" "Hold your horses, kiddo, one question at a time." Lupus replied, docking his ship, "I married your father... two years ago. It was a small ceremony with the rest of starfox as witnesses and a family friend as the official. I'm sorry for the secrecy, but it would cost your father everything to be associated with me. "You are pretty cool for a wanted guy." Fox grinned, "May I call you big bro, Lupus?"

"I would be honored." he spoke as they disembarked. "You will come to my home next, am I right? It's a stop along the way. It's got long range equipment to talk to your friends. Come, let's check up on James and the Powalskis." with ferm strides he led the kids through the halls of the greatfox, into a video where three projections sat circular in a room, with a few empty chairs. The holograms were Pigma, Peppy, and James. "I've just collected Leon. His father has some affairs to take care off, but he will join us on Papetoon as soon as he's done."

"I don't get it." Peppy said, "Why the rush now? Why blow the secrets after such a long time?" "Because time's run out, Peppy." Lupus growled, taking a seat. "Things have been set in motion. We don't know where it will go, but I had to get the kids out of dodge. The Greatfox is already in orbit. We're making a quick stop at Sargasso on the way. Just get your ass over here, James. Greatfox out." Then he looked back at there the kids stood, only to find them missing. "Fuck me." he shouted as he ran after their scent, stopping when he caught up with them in the rec room. They were in the middle of turning the couch into a tent.

"So then we attach this here," Wolf said. "You may try clamping it," Lupus replied, "but no pinning or anything to damage that thing, will you? That couch belonged to my mother." "Okay, brother, we'll keep the couch intact." then Fox came out of the adjoined kitchen section. "Well, bro, I raided the pantry but there are absolutely no snacks so I prepared a few sandwiches instead. Who wants one?"

"One for me please." Lupus said, grinning as he took one, "good to see you are already feeling at home." "We always loved flying." Fox answered, "and I have been on this ship before." That's when the door slid open, and Wolf was tackled from behind by a flurry of scales