(I apologize profusely for my lack of punctuality. Also I thank all the new and old readers alike for having to deal with this fuckin-damn-long wait. I have no real excuse. Mah bad. So how y'all been…..?)
Chapter 8
Ding!
Jenny looked up as she heard the lobby doors open. People came in and out throughout the day, of course. But she wasn't expecting these visitors so soon.
"Huh? McCloud? Krystal? Guys? I thought you mates already had yer' meeting," she stopped to glance at the decorative clock on her desk, "some hours ago."
Falco stepped forward. "We did, we remember. But uh, you see, there have been some….unforeseen events, doll. It's actually an emergency."
"An emergency?" Jenny gasped, concerned.
"Yeah. Big time," Krystal assured her. "We need you to set us up with the General ASAP. Could you, please?"
Jenny looked unsure. "Well, I would, but the ol' boy's already busy with another appointment. A bloke from the military. I kinda' need you mates to sit tight. Sorry."
Krystal was about to ask again, but Fox held up a paw. "Jenny, I think I should explain."
He walked past the desk until he was directly in front of her. She stood up, a little nervous at his approach.
"Relax, Jenny, I'm not going to do anything. I just need you to see what we're talking about," the red tod assured her.
"Show me…the emergency?" She inquired, looking increasingly confused. She turned to face the rest of the team. They just stood there, arms crossed, grinning coyly.
Fox just nodded and pointed his finger up to the ceiling. "Now watch this, and please, please, for the love of Kyubi, don't scream."
She nodded.
"All right, Jenny. Check this out!"
ooo
"So I've already spoken to him, but he's worried that we should be prepared on a large scale again. I felt since he trusts you so much, that I should appoint you to set-up a merged regiment on Katina."
"Katina? But if he's here, aren't these hidden cowards gonna' just gun for Corneria?"
"We can't be sure. They've been attacking other planets for no reason, likely to search for him. And based on the Lylat's current alignments, Katina is a short way along the list at this point."
"Oh. So he's hoping we can intercept them. I guess after the aparoids, we still need more time to rebuild Capital City's base, not to mention the city."
"Bingo. So by the 21st, I'm hoping that we can cont-!
Zzzzt. Uh, sir! Sir!"
The general was cut off.
"Sir, that's Jenny. She sounds nervous."
"I noticed. What could be wrong with that woman?" The General opened his communication line. "Jenny? Jenny, is something wrong?"
"Uh, sorry to bother ya, chief, but McCloud's back, and uh, well, the boy really stumbled on to somethin'!"
"…What do you mean exactly?"
"If I told you, you'd think it was an office prank. Fox needs to come up and show you. This is not ordinary information sir. He'll be up in a minute….or probably less. Zzzzzt."
"What's her problem?" asked the visitor, stunned. "And, what do you think Fox needs? Does he know I'm here?"
The General shook his head. "No. I was hoping this would be something of a surprise, given the holiday. At any rate we're a few floors up. You easily have enough time to sneak out and hide in a restroom or-!"
"General! General Pepper! It's Fox. Sir, I need to talk to you," called Fox from behind the door.
"How in the hell-?" Pepper started. His companion looked stupefied. "I-I guess the elevators these days are runnin' much quicker."
"Uh, come on in, McCloud," the General offered at last.
The knob turned and Fox was inside the office for the second time. "General I-! What the-! BILL!?"
The dog smiled sheepishly. "Hiya, Fox."
"Bill!" the fox hollered. He ran over and gave his old friend a great hug. "Oh wow. Season's greetings and how the hell are ya'?"
The hound smiled and returned the hug. "Merry Christmas, brotha! It's good to see your ugly mug outside the cockpit."
They laughed and meant to continue the greeting, but were interrupted by a gruff "Aherm," from the General.
The red fox spun around and stood at attention. "Right. General I've some new information to report."
The old hound looked at him, still trying to make sense of his sudden entrance. "Um..well that's fine, but shouldn't your team have come with you?"
Fox grinned. "Oh right. They're here actually. Those slowpokes decided to take the elevator."
Pepper and Bill started eyeing each other, exchanging a handful of wide-eyed and completely dumbfounded looks and facial gestures. The discipline and general protocol of communication in the military had been completely raped and shattered by the two dogs' wordless conversation.
As if on cue, Krysal, Falco and Slippy entered the office, curious as to what had happened to so far.
"Did you explain things yet? What'd we miss? What the-! BILL!?" Slippy pitched loudly. The avian and the vixen also smiled perkily and started towards the dog to embrace him as well. "Yo Bill!" "Bill! How are you?"
"Déjà vu…." Bill laughed.
Pepper jumped in front of them and stopped them. "Whoah now! Not again. Now," he regained himself, "what in the blue blazes is so important that you had to tell me after only a few hours?"
Fox cleared his throat. "Well, to begin, I think you sir, should probably take a seat. I have a novel's worth of crap to tell you, complete with explanations aplenty. Bill, same for you. I'm basically about to turn your brains into slag."
The two dogs nodded curiously and sat down.
Krystal stood forward. "For the record, when he says a novel's worth, he means it. No interruptions, no 'Get to the point's, no none of that. And above all else, keep an open mind," she warned, quite sternly at that.
Pepper sat back. "A lot can happen in a few hours, these days," and he sat quietly.
Once the office was silent, Fox took the floor again. "Right then. Where do I begin?"
He took a moment or so to organize his little episode in his mind.
"Hm……Got it. Well first of all, General, I believe the attacker is the dictator known as General Scales, encountered in the Sauria crisis."
He nodded. "Evidence and reasoning?"
"He is the only resourceful and power-affiliated foe I can think of whom I can't be sure was actually killed in the mission. I have reason to believe that, based on Saurian society, there was a possibility he was exiled or incarcerated, and not necessarily executed by the noble cultures. I'm the primary reason that his plans didn't come to fruition, and he now sees a greater possibility, for whatever delusional reason, that he'll be able to exact his vengeance. Plus the savage methods used to write those threats match with his tactics."
The general grimaced. "Hm….You've proably guessed it then, Fox."
"Yeesh. I damn-sure don't wanna' meet this freak," Bill said quietly.
The General spoke again. "But Fox, that wasn't all that much information. Is there something else you had to say?"
The red vulpine nodded. "Yep. General, just last night, I had an unorthodox nightmare with all sorts of absurd moments. Krystal, can you please give these two a "tele-display", to save time?"
"Sure thing," she smiled. The vixen walked between them and put a hand on each one's shoulder. She focused until her irises glowed a bit and played the images into their minds, all the while smirking at their horrified facial expressions.
"Holy Sh-!" Bill started.
"Merciful Lo-!" Pepper gasped.
"I," Krystal began, "think I'll stay here. I'll probably have to show you a few more memories, anyway."
Slippy elbowed Falco and the two of them laughed. It was funny when it wasn't them seeing the frightening display.
Fox started again. "Now then, I had that nightmare, and proceeded to talk to Krysal about it. She said certain things sounded familiar, but we dismissed it as ridiculous. After that, we had the meeting from this morning, which you remember, and then went back home. We tried to sleep a little more, except I had the same nightmare, and Krystal ended up having one too. We talked again, only this time, for an unexplained reason, my body heat started rising dangerously. And here's the catch: I didn't feel it or notice any change, but Kry-er, the team had to back up because the broken thermometer sitting in my trash can told me that I radiating well over 200 degrees."
The general's head fell forward. "Okay Fox, now you've lost me. If you were generating that type of heat, you'd be dead. What's this all about?"
Bill nodded. "I hate to say it buddy, but he's right. That's not a physical or biological possibility. What really happened?"
Fox leaned back, his face blank and stern. Then a small smile formed. A second passed and it became broken and quivering. What followed was a bizarre, giddy chuckle, and then a full on laugh. He wasn't alone. Falco and Slippy both had heaving chests, as the two were both fighting desperately not to laugh. Krystal just giggled in a girly fashion, innocent and good-humored to her three brothers. Well, two brothers anyway.
Bill looked a bit upset, but the General was by no means amused. "Now see here, Fox! What, may I ask, is so damn funny? Was all this some sort of prank?"
Fox managed to get control over himself. "Hehehe. I'm sorry General, but, ya see, I'm not lying, and I'm not kidding. And, I just have to laugh because I'm reminded of something…"
Pepper furrowed his brow. "Reminded of what exactly?"
"I remember when I was a pup, there'd be comics and movies, where people would doubt the hero's claims, or when he would admit to being the one who had saved the world in disguise. And at first, everyone would just laugh at him and use cliché' insults like that 'oh, you could never be a hero, blah blah.' Those were my personal favorite set-ups in cinema when I was younger."
Pepper was fuming. "What the hell does that have to do with us?"
Fox chuckled. "It was that moment of evidence, and it was an amazing thrill when I was a kit. And yet, almost twenty-years later, it still is, just like THIS!"
"What moment of ev-?!"
Within a second of his statement Fox leaned back and brought his arms up, crossed over each other, and then followed through by stepping forward and throwing his arms out wing-style, igniting his body aflame with shapeless, brilliant fire.
"………………………………………………………………!" remarked the two dogs.
The fox chuckled aloud. "I'm not a liar, fellas. I just have a bit of a theatrical flair. So can we continue the discussion?"
"Lookin' hot there, captain," Falco smirked.
"And how…mmmmm…" agreed the only mammal wearing heeled boots.
Pepper didn't find it funny. "B-but how? How are-? What is this? You're…not even burning. Your fur doesn't even singe! Ooooh. I'm getting too old. Fox, what in the blue, green, and white world is going on?"
"Y-y-y-y-you……..what the fuck?" Bill gasped. He was squeezing the armrests on his chair and squirming all about, due to a mix of awe, curiosity, and plain-as-day fear.
Fox signaled for them to be quiet. "As I was saying," he began, his fires flaring more aggressively.
The two hounds sat back, like kits being scolded.
"..we figured out, or at least it seems like we know how all these events are linked. Now, as uncomfortable as it is, replay those nightmare visions in your head for about five seconds."
Pepper and Bill both shut their eyes and opened them a moment later, following each with a nod.
"Now, Krystal will show you the mutual vision that we had. If you'd please, honey?"
The vixen smiled and began to tele-display their conversation with the fox clone within Bill's and the General's minds.
Slippy looked at Falco. "Honey?"
Falco just shrugged. He couldn't give an answer either. "I guess we shouldn't be surprised," he whispered to the toad. "We crack so many jokes, I guess we forget this was probably gonna' happen." Slippy nodded and they both turned back to the matter at hand.
Without years of military experience, the General would easily have had a heart attack after seeing the gruesome image of his former subordinate beaten and battered. Bill obviously didn't like it either. Fox and Krystal could both see him shaking, gritting his fangs. He probably wanted to fight that other fox, but felt helpless. It was only a vision after all.
Pepper leaned forward, resting his head on an arm. "Please, I need a moment. Oh…" the old dog groaned. "Good Lord, Fox. Sometimes it's as if the universe means to vent its fury upon you and your team. Tell me there's some good news ahead. Please. Otherwise, I don't know if I can stomach all this. I hope whatever a 'Kyu's last ash' is, it's at the very least not some enemy. And why were there two of you?"
Fox spent the next 30 minutes explaining everything, from the workout, to the experiments, to the alien heritage theories to the point where they arrived not even five minutes ago. Pepper and Bill both needed another 30 just to get clear on everything, as well as accept the truth of it. Falco finally became frustrated and came up with a poorly-drawn picture and outline.
Krystal looked at it for a moment. She caught sight of a doodle of Fox looking at her with a little heart above his head. "Aww, Falco's more of a softie than a joker," she thought to herself.
Once confident that they had a full grasp on the explanation, Bill finally spoke up. "Even if I do understand all you've gone through, there's still so much ambiguity. So you automatically get stronger and faster? But then, why? And how is it possible for a furson to actually generate and manipulate fire? And what's the connection between that other fox and Krystal's culture? There're just too many damn questions," the young dog sighed.
Krystal had a response. "Well, I don't know why you feel unsure about his newfound pyrokinesis, considering I'm telepathic, developing telekinesis, and I own a staff that runs on mystical jewels and shoots ice, fire, and seismic vibrations. And Fox's supposed background race was once a social rival to my own people; that's why the other fox had an awkward disposition towards me."
Fox picked it up. "The strength and speed is likely my compensation for getting my tail beat down. Believe me, dream or no dream, you can't imagine what he did to me before Krys' got there."
Even Falco had to swallow deeply when he had heard that last remark.
Pepper shook his head. "After this, I'm probably gonna' give retirement some considerable thought. But Fox, I assume there's a real reason that you felt you should share all this craziness with Bill and myself. Did you need some sort of help sorting this out, or perhaps a squadron to aid you in fighting Scales? I'll help anyway I can, just let me know what you need!"
"Well, it's not so much what we need," McCloud began. "I want you to understand that you'll need your most versatile fighters prepared. I'm asking you to be ready to start the fight. The fact is, Krystal and I are going to travel independently to Sauria. There are mystical figures there who I've won some personal favor with, and they can likely help me understand my little 'upgrades.' Also, the natives will probably be able to explain what Scales is up to. I need to get this superpower thing under control. I don't wanna' have the good General in my crosshairs and then suddenly have another psycho attack. I'll need to be flying at 100 to get the job done, no doubt in my mind."
"So you won't be depending on this newfound power of yours?" Pepper asked, his emotion and manner seeming to be back under control.
Fox shook his head. "Scales is a large opponent, but I could've taken him without any type of super powers. I actually have a bone to pick with him as far as our fight goes, but that's another story. Besides that, I don't think he'd be foolish enough to challenge us without some type of armada. He's not unfamiliar with modern tech, and I might as well stick to my guns. We'll need to get our Arwings out of storage, by the way. Krystal and I are going to leave immediately, with your clearance of course."
"Absolutely," the old hound nodded. "But, what about Slippy and Falco? Why aren't they going with you?"
"So the mistletoe will be exploited?" Falco said in a high, quiet voice.
Fox shot the Avian a glance from the corner of his eye, and let a certain finger stand up behind his back. Slippy wanted to laugh but did all he could not to. Bill did the same, not wanting to be on his friend's shit-list so close to Christmas.
Krystal answered, "Well Slippy and this nimrod haven't had much ground time on the planet, or any real interaction with its population. Fox and I feel that they'll be better off showing up the Cornerian fleet when the fight begins."
"….nimrod?" Falco mumbled.
Bill still had some things he wanted verified. "So what are you gonna' do when you're done on Sauria? And what about getting there? The GreatFox II is an excellent warship. It could really help us out. Are you and Krystal taking it? And if not, then how will you be able to get there and back in time, if Scales or whoever shows up soon?"
"Already planned out," Fox responded. "Krystal and I will be using a Cornerian carrier and a space bridge route. There's a new one that's only recently been set-up in Sauria's sector. The GreatFox II will be staying here, but under the command of my wing-mates. Our Arwings are off limits until Krys and I get back."
"Very well then," General Pepper spoke. "We'll get ready to mobilize and prepare the GreatFox II for battle. I'll put in a command to activate the Saurian space bridge link and get the device primed for use. Speaking of which, how long before you two lovebirds take off?"
Fox had a good mind to "salute" the General, but was really becoming less bothered by this sort of thing as the day went on. It's not like he could honestly deny it. "In 2 hours, sir. We're going to prep and divide our weapons, then test run the Arwings, just to get them warmed up. It's been cold lately so I want the ol' joints loosened up. Not to mention, we're gonna' grab one more home-style bite before departure."
Pepper nodded. "Seems as though you kids everything organized. All right then, I'm satisfied. 2 hours it is. Bill?"
"Yes, sir?" the young dog acknowledged.
"How about you and these other pups head to the dining center? Turkey and all the fixin's, in the spirit of Christmas, are available and damn good. Can't save our hides on an empty stomach, eh Fox?"
"Yes sir!" the two friends said excitedly in unison.
Krystal's and Slippy's mouths began to water. Falco looked a little sick.
"Turkey? That's jacked up…" he whispered.
"All right, then. Everyone is dismissed. Let's all be set for Fox and Krystal's flight, 2 hours from now. And again, words can't describe how grateful I am to you. All of you. This season is supposed to be for joy and peace, not for war and combat. I promise," he paused, lowering his cap to hide his moist eyes, "I will undoubtedly make sure Santa leaves you something special when this is all over. Now then, ahem Enjoy your meals, heroes…..and heroine," he smiled.
Krystal smiled brightly. Fox noticed her cheery expression. "Thank Kyubi. I don't need to see her looking down just cuz I'm in deep shit. Keep smilin' Krys'. That's one of the few things that's keeping me positive."
The five young fighters made their way out of Pepper's office, with Krystal and Fox in back walking side by side. Bill, Falco and Slippy were wrapped in their own conversation, but Fox couldn't even hear their words, his thoughts were so focused on the beauty beside him.
"I guess maybe it's time I shared the 'ritual' with someone. I can't think of a better person to bring with me," he told himself.
As the male vulpine finished his thought, his female beloved leaned against him and held on his arm, yet kept her gaze forward. It was a sign that this kind of affection was almost second-nature to her. The idea sent an excited shiver up Fox's spine, and he felt a giddy smile spreading across his blushing snout.
"Yep. She's in," Fox mentally laughed to himself.
She felt a tiny wave of Fox's humorous emotion and looked at him with a curious smile. "What's up?" she half-whispered.
"Oh nothing," he fibbed. "Just feeling a lot more positive I guess," he answered with a calm smile.
"Really? Well that's great, Fox. Where's this coming from?" she asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.
He grinned cockily. "Well how would you feel if you were arm in arm with the most beautiful vixen ever?"
"Well-played, cutie," she winked. She snuck in a quick kiss on his cheek, without the boys' noticing.
Fox wanted to laugh like an idiot, but managed to suppress his love-drunk chuckling.
"Oh yeah. Definitely in."
(I suppose I owe some explanation. You guys had to wait way too long for this, no doubt. Um…. I had a sports season when school started, and it went well, but at the very end, didn't go our way. But hey, shit happens. After that, though, I lost heart and interest in a lot of things, it's a long story and when I finally picked myself back up, I focused on my drawing rather than writing, and that was my fixation for like….the next like 4 months or some shit. Then I had artist's block and didn't do anything. I wasn't motivated to write this chapter really. Then I started drawing scenes from this story, and I did a few pics of what's gonna happen later. And they motivated me drawing's my strong suit, compared to writing, no lie. I'm hella raw to get this minor chapter shit out of the way, cuz I'm itchin' so fuckin' bad to get to the good stuff. That's my story. Hey I know this chapter ain't much and more or less just repeats a lot of things, but it seemed necessary, just to keep characters connected and involved. I promise I'll get Ice more involved in the next chapter or the one after. Aite y'all, peace and thanks again.)