Chapter 6: Songs of Relaxation
A/N: All songs and characters belong to their respected owners. Also, I apologize for this being late I had get a new computer and plus this was originally supposed to be two chapters but I couldn't stop. Otherwise please enjoy and review if you like it or if you have any ideas for future chapters. - Kaymin
To say that his first week at the academy being uneventful would be a lie. If anything, it was thing it was the most eventful week he's ever had. The day after the initiation he was call straight to Lt. Colonel Blaze's office where he saw a couple custodians replacing the door. She of coursed grilled him out about ruining her door but she could care less about that and was more concerned about him dangerously climbing the building without any safety equipment. Milo of course came up with a valid point by saying there will be situations where you won't be prepared and will have to just take the risk. She mulled over his answer and actions remembering that he did stop Andrew from leaving a potential virus in their systems and decided to give him another warning. She then introduced him to Captain Adams, his newly appointed CO. Milo wasn't surprised about this and simply asked what was next. Adams explained that he would have to stay after school for an additional hour for whatever training he could think of and had to report to him whenever he called Milo whether it would be when he's sleeping or in the middle of class. Milo agreed saying that it sounded to similar training programs back home. And over the course of the week he focused on his studies. Though he did enjoy making conversation with Fox and the others especially Krystal. He didn't know why but she was easy to talk to and enjoyed having conversations with her and from what he could tell she did to. Of course, they weren't the only ones he made conversations with, during the military training period he made small talk with Amber considering the time off they were given from day one though he spent most of that time writing in his medical journal which he explained to her when she got curious. He was even able to make small talk with Wolf! Though it was more of a rivalry conversation mainly Wolf saying that he couldn't wait till have a decent spar with someone other than McCloud. Also, Milo knew he would be getting a lot of attention being the only human on Corneria but what he didn't know was he was drawing a lot of attention from the female students and cadets at the academy.
"Finally, the week is over! Hey Milo you got any plans for the weekend?" Fox asked putting stuff in his locker.
"Not really, I mean I've already read halfway through all of our books and completed all of next week's assignments." Milo answered typing in his pin on the hololock on his locker.
"How and why?" Falco asked leaning against the lockers.
"It's sort of a habit plus when you don't have anything to do it helps pass the time." Milo answered.
"Well we're planning on going to the shopping plaza later today. You're welcome to join us and hey you could invite Krystal along." Fox offered,
"I just might take you up on your offer." Milo answered with a smile as he opened his locker but upon doing so dozens of letters spilled out onto the floor.
Krystal's POV
Ever since I arrived on Corneria I felt different. I'm mean sure my people and theirs were the same physically and had similar technology but there was still a difference. The other students always gave me strange looks and their thoughts reflected that but I'm still glad that I'm able to attend their school instead of having to stay at the manor and be homeschooled. I had to beg my mother who in turn twisted my father's arm to agree which he did thankfully though he still had to think about letting me go out with friends which my brother harshly disagreed with. Still I found it hard to make friends when I arrived here but that changed when I met Milo. When I first met, him it was a shock to see that he was a completely different species so far from home attending the same school as me. But when I looked into his mind I saw that he was like me in more ways than one. I lost my world but he lost his father who was his world. We've both lost our homes and more. And when I saw him sitting there by himself I thought it would be nice if he had someone who knew his pain. When we first spoke, and looked at each other his hazel eyes were so enticing that they were hard to look away from and his smooth sharp face with a scar across it made him look distinguished with his short russet hair. When he spoke, he seemed just as surprised as I was and the conversations after that showed that we had a lot in common.
"Gods he's so handsome!" A female coyote said to her friends shaking me from my thoughts.
I look around the corner to see they were talking about Milo as he was talking with Fox and Falco as he was getting ready to open his locker.
"I know, despite being a completely different species and lacking fur, he's so exotic!" A female panther added purring slightly.
"Remember when he carried Amber all the way to the end of the coarse? And I thought chivalry was dead. I just wish my boyfriend was a gentleman like that." A lioness said.
"Oh! I remember that and did you see how muscular he looked with just his tank top on? Gods he looked sexy! Amber got lucky, do you think that something may happen between them?" A husky asked.
After hearing this I felt my fur stand on end. But quickly shook the feeling off. There's no way he's into Amber he was only concerned for her wellbeing. That's the kind of person he is. When we talk his voice is soothing and his eyes give me comfort. I can't imagine what his embrace must feel like. I quickly blush and shake the thoughts from my head. Why was I thinking such thoughts? I've only known him a week, I can't possibly have developed feelings for him, can I? If so does he feel the same? I'm quickly shook from my thoughts when I hear what sounds like papers hitting the ground. I look around the corner and see that Milo had opened his locker and had letters falling out onto the floor one which scattered close to me. I hear the group of girls giggling saying something about hoping he replies. Again, I'm flustered by this but shake it off and decided to pick up the stray letter and see if Milo needed help cleaning up the mess.
"Dude! You've gotta pass around some of that luck man!" Falco begged.
"Were you always this popular? Oh, hey Krystal." Fox said noticing me approaching.
Upon hearing my name Milo looked up in my direction and gave me that kind smile.
"Do you need some help?" I asked placing my arms behind my back while giving him an equal smile.
He nodded and I got down on my knees and started helping him gather up the letters.
"So, what are you going to do with these?" I asked though I was concerned about what his would be.
"This happened a lot when I was in school. I'll just read them and write a reply letter to each one saying I'm not interested as politely as I can, but there's no guarantee that the letters will stop." He answered as he continued to pick up letters.
I felt my heart warm at his explanation. To take the time to read each letter and write a response explaining that he didn't have any feelings for them as politely as he could. I stacked the last of the letters and handed them to Milo who thanked me as he placed them in his bag.
"Sooo, Krystal. Me and the guys are heading to the mall plaza later today and I just wanted to ask if you would like to join us?" Milo asked scratching the back of his head as he helped me up. This time I felt my heart jump.
"W-Well I'll have to ask my father but I don't see a problem, I'll let you when you can come by." I answered as I reached around and stopped my tail from wagging.
"Well then allow me to escort you to your ride home." Milo asked as he held out his arm.
I gladly took it and as we walked out with Fox and Falco following. I saw the group of girls that were gawking at Milo become flustered as we passed by. When we got out front Fox and Falco said their goodbyes as they left with Fox's father. We waited a few minutes and I realized that my arm was still entwined with his and it felt nice, I was even close enough to catch his scent which was a cologne that was spice that no doubt from his home but it also was similar to what my father wears, (orange ginger in case some of you want to know).
I immediately let go when our rides arrived. I said my goodbye for now and hurried over to the limo before Sabre could get out. I got in and the limo took off.
"I don't like you being around that human. The Cornerians are at least from the same system as us." Sabre stated as ran a paw through his short white hair.
"You don't even know him." I replied noticing that he was wearing a suit and tie.
"Don't have to. I've heard what they say about the humans. They steal, cheat, lie, and kill each other over petty reason whether they are men, women, or children. Not to mention that they pollute and scar their planet. I'm surprised that Lylat wanted to form a peace treaty and share their technology with them. " Sabre explained.
"They're trying make up for attacking their home without cause. Father told you not to judge others and the humans are a young race that would have naturally advanced to our level in several hundred years but that will never happen thanks to Andross." I answered. I noticed the fur on the back of his neck and tail stand on end at the mention of that name.
"Yes, well I will say this despite my distaste for them. It is better to have more allies against that bastard." He said looking out the window.
I smiled, even though Sabre had a rough exterior he did generally cared about people he just had a hard time showing it.
I decided to look out the opposite window and couldn't help but think of seeing Milo later.
When Jake dropped Milo off he told him that he was planning on heading out with a few friends. He understood and left to let General Pepper know and said that he would be back later to pick him up. Milo noticed that there were several crates sitting outside his garage each with the name ATLIAS. Carefully inspecting them to make sure that there weren't any wires or tampering he opened them up to find several care packages and more house warming gifts from home. Going through each box he found that there a variety of things from edibles like chocolate to straight liquor and equipment like sports gear. He noticed that he had an hour till he had to be picked up so he decided to set up a particular item while he waits. Grabbing a ladder and a ratchet set he began installing it above the garage door. After he finished he grabbed a ball from one of the boxes and bounced it a few times before shooting it. He couldn't help but smile at hearing the ball swish through the net. Milo noticed that he was being watched by several of the young children as he continued to shooting. Smiling and pretending that he didn't noticed them and continued to shoot hoops. After a few more shots he noticed that they were now standing on the edge of the driveway two males a white tiger and coyote, and two females; another white tiger and a black leopard, all around the same age. About ten to twelve if he had to guess. Picking up the ball after it bounced through the net he walked over to them slowly. He noticed them before around the neighborhood before, they always kept their distance from him but maybe he can show them that he wasn't as bad as what the news labeled humans. When he was less than a foot away he saw that they shaking but stood their ground.
"Soooo, any of you kids ever play Knock-Out?" Milo asked dribbling the ball.
Thirty minutes later….
The kids were laughing and having a great time as they tried to get their ball in to knock the team out. Milo just leaned against the garage door watching them have fun. He willingly lost and decided to just to watch. He noticed that their parents came out watch when they had first started at first, they were going to rush over and grab their children and get them away from him but when they saw them laughing and having fun they decided to sit on their porches and watch. Milo noticed that his ride pulls up and sighed.
"Alright kids, time to head home. "Milo stated as he grabbed the ball as it fell through the net.
The kids groaned as he sat the ball down on his front porch.
"Hey now as I told you before. I'll leave the ball out on my porch and you can play in my drive way but you cannot go into the road if it rolls out there and you must have one of your parents watching you at all times okay?" Milo stated as he looked at them.
All four of them nodded and he waved them off to their parents. The male and female white tigers; Ravi and Shiva as he learned were twins ran back to their parents as did Grant and Raven (male coyote and female black leopard). He had no doubt that they would receive a scolding from their parents but nonetheless he figured they would allow them to continue playing as long as the followed his and their parent's rules. Milo grabbed his leather jacket and ran over to the limousine. Nodding towards Jake and Nichole as he got in the back and noticed that it was larger than the one that he rode in every day.
"New ride? What's the special occasion?" Milo asked.
"General Pepper's orders, since we're transporting several of you kids and considering two of you are ambassadors for two different races. He already sent advance teams ahead to scout the mall and blend in to keep an eye on you. Plus, the Cerinian King is also sending one of his own guards to keep an eye on his daughter. It was the only way to convince him that his daughter would be safe." Nichole stated.
"Top of the line, thick armor, anti-laser windows, attack countermeasures, even jumbo cup holders." Jake stated joking on the last part earning a punch from Nichole.
Milo just shook his head as the two argued and looked out the window as they drove off to pick up his friends.
Twenty minutes later…
When they stopped by Fox's home they ended up picking up him, Falco, Miyu, and Katt. And they were now on their way to pick up Krystal from the Cerinia Embassy estate.
"Pretty fancy ride you have here Milo. What did you have to do to score this? Miyu asked as she and Katt raided the mini fridge only to find soda. He noticed that both females were wearing dark blue ripped skinny jeans and red and grey tank top shirts.
"Just one of the perks of being an ambassador though personally I would have preferred to have drove there myself. But until tensions between Earth and Lylat calm down I'm stuck with the protection detail." Milo answered as he casually rolled the window up and down slightly.
"Heh, count yourself lucky. You should try riding with my dad sometime. I'd prefer this compared to his driving any day." Fox stated leaned further into the leather seat.
Milo just smiled as he continued looking out the window noticing that they were now outside the city driving along the coast. He quickly noticed a large complex come into view. Though large was an understatement, it had to be the size of a small town with tall metal walls with auto sentries evenly spaced at the top. When they pulled up to the gate and he could see that it appeared to be a blue plasma gate. When they got close he noticed instead that instead of a guard he saw what appeared to be a blue and white android that resembled a cerinian holding a plasma rifle to match.
"HALT…STATE YOUR BUSINESS AND PRESENT PREPARED FOR SCAN." The android asked.
After Jake and Nichole presented their IDs and explained why they were here. The android scanned their IDs and motioned them forward were two columns appeared out of the ground on either side of the limo and began scanning the vehicle back and forth. After that was done the gate shimmered and faded thus allowing them to heard that only a few Cerinians escaped but from what he saw there were more than a few. He could see several hundred as they passed by. Children playing, adults having conversations and elderly sitting out front enjoying the day. What's more he noticed a slight difference in fur color, while most had the blue and white with tribal markings some had a light brown and white fur color scheme. The homes were designed like his and were placed like the housing complex where he resides but one building stood out the most. It was tall white building with light blue symmetrical designs and had a large ring floating near the top defiantly not Cornerian. When the limo pulled to a stop in front of the building's court yard Milo and the rest got out and made their way to the front door to find two Cerinian soldiers dressed in silver white armor with tribal symbols etched into them with staffs each with a blue jewel imbedded in the spear tip at the top of each staff. Before he could ask the large double doors opened and Krystal ran out and confronted him.
"Milo you made it!' she practically shouted as her tail wagged slowly back and forth.
Milo couldn't help but smile at her. For some reason he always felt joy whenever he was around her. He noticed that she was wearing light tan pants and a pink short-sleeved shirt.
"Well of course! For you I would travel across the seas and stars your majesty!" Milo joked as he gave her a light bow which they both shared a laugh.
"Nice place you got here Krystal." Fox asked walking up with his hand ins in his pocket.
"Thank you, the building is actually a mobile command center that is used by the royal family in case of emergencies. It houses all of Cerinia's technological data as well as biological from planet to animal DNA. It's the last piece of Cerinia that we have left." She answered as her ears lowered.
"I'm sorry for your loss Krystal. I can't image losing your home. At least you still have your family and like my father always said Home is where your family lives." Milo replied as placed a on her shoulder comforting her.
"Thank you, Milo, that means a lot." Krystal said smiling and placing a paw on top of his.
After a minute of silence Falco coughed into his fist causing the two to step back from each other blushing earning a couple of laughs from Miyu and Katt.
"So, you kids ready to go or what?" Jake asked walking up to the group with Nichole right next to him.
"My father would like to speak with you before we leave, if that is alright with you Mr. Cooper?" Krystal asked.
"That's fine and please call me Jake. Mr. Cooper is my father." Jake answered.
"Alright, then please follow me." Krystal stated leading the way.
When they entered, the inside was a mixture of high tech and culture. The walls close to the outside were a white metal with blue lights across the ceiling but as they got further inside the walls changed to that of white and grey stone which reminded Milo of marble from Earth and silk white and blue tapestries with blue writing. He also noticed a few Cerinians walking around in either white or grey robes, no doubt attendants to keep the place running. As they made their way further in, they entered a large door way that lead into an even larger open court yard. The leaves on the trees were some different shades of blue while the grass was a mixture of blue and green close to cyan.
"Fauna from your home Krys?" Milo asked looking towards her.
"Yes, this court was a part of my home for as long as I can remember. My father did everything in his power to make sure it was saved. My brother and I along with a few friends would play here when we were kids. Now he and Cerin mainly use it to spare." Krystal replied smiling finding the nickname charming.
"It's beautiful, are we meeting your parents here?" he asked kindly.
"Yes, they should in the training field watching Sabre and Cerin fight with each other. Ugh boys." She said moaning the last part but quickly regretted it looking over to Milo to see that he wasn't upset but instead was relieved that see that he was still smiling.
As they made their way through the court yard Milo noticed some of the bushes near them move and thought he saw something orange scurry by but decided to ignore they got closer the grass thinned into loose dry dirt and Milo could see five figures not that far from them. Two were sitting under a large tree that reminded him of the Big Oak back home. Milo noticed that imbedded into the trunk appeared to be a spear like the one that Sabre had but the design was different, the color was silver with black engravings and the spear head was more symmetrical and the gemstone was like a moonstone. Deciding to ignore it, he focused other three who were on the training field, one refereeing and the other two fighting each other with both sporting a staff.
"Mekxoh! Vukxoh!" Krystal shouted as she ran ahead.
The two Cerinians that were sitting got up and embraced their daughter. Milo noticed that Krystal had her mother's features, long dark blue hair that reached the small of her back and the saw white and blue fur pattern and was wearing a simple white dress with blue trimming and had two gold rings on her tail and had a simple gold tiara. Her father on the other hand looked like an older version of Sabre, physically fit, slightly long short white hair and had a more faded blue and white grey fur pattern. He was wearing casual business attire. As they got closer the two that were fighting blocked their path. Milo recognized one of them as Sabre and the other had a brown and white fur pattern and appeared to be the same age.
"Xo0, Sabre nxe uho kxojo foefco? Ojfosaucc0 kxo edo nakx de vih?" The brown Cerinian asked as he looked at Sabre.
"Kxo0 uho Krystal's scujjmukoj udt jiffejotc0 vhaodtj,Cerin. Kxo edo nakx de vih aj kxo ximudj umrujjuteh vhem Earth. A ted'k khijk xam." Sabre answered crossing his arms.
"Do you have any idea of what they are saying, Pax?" Fox asked.
"Me, probably." He stated with a shrug.
"A ted'k joo nxuk kxo raw touc aj. Rojatoj kxo cusb ev vih A ted'k joo xen xo'j u kxhouk?" the brown Cerinian which Milo figured was Cerin said while leaning over to Sabre and looking at Milo rather curious.
"Ted'k ro veec r0 xaj noub uffouhudso. Vhem nxuk A'lo hout xaj badt sud'k ro khijkot" Sabre replied glaring at Milo.
"Nxuk xulo A kect 0ei kne ureik boofadw 0eih efadaedj ke 0eihjocv?! Eh te 0ei odze0 roadw jmusbot veh 0eih adjecodso?!" An older voice shouted as staff came down on both of their heads causing both to yelp and rub their bruised heads.
The source of the voice came from the third Cerinian from his appearance he appeared to be Cerin's father. Appeared to be 6 foot, had brown and white fur and wore a dark brown leather cloak with a pack on his back with from what he could see was a hilt of a small sword, bamboo rods, and was decorated with feathers and pendants. He also had a leather wrapped book like Milo's with symbols etched into and finally had a staff made of wood that was taller than him and no doubtedly the object that hit Sabre and Cerin.
"I must apologize for these pups. They should know better by now to judge a person by their appearance and talk about them in a language foreign to them. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Randorn and this is young one is my son, Sabre but he likes to go by Cerin." Randorn said introducing himself as extended a paw to Milo.
"Milo Pax, its fine Mr. Randorn. I can understand their hesitation. (Everyone may not be good, but there's always something good in everyone. Never judge anyone shortly because every saint has a past and every sinner has a past.) – Oscar Wilde. One of my favorites authors from back home." Milo stated as he shook Randorn's paw.
"Sounds like he was a wise man. You yourself sound the same, I take it that you are well read?" Randorn asked with smile.
"Yes sir, my mother used to read to me about historical figures before bed while my father, ha ha would read to me the latest medical journals in the mornings at breakfast and we used to talk about both over dinner at night. Those were good times." Milo said looking over towards Krystal and her parents talking with Jake and Nichole and couldn't help but be reminded of the fond memories.
Randorn frowned slightly as he quickly caught understood what he meant and decided to quickly change the subject and had an idea.
"So, Mr. Pax since you are well read I am to assume that you are well trained? Most of the warriors around here are well rounded in both mind and body. Are humans the same?" Randorn asked with a grin nodding towards Sabre and Cerin. Milo quickly understood and couldn't but help but feel his grin grow larger.
"Yes sir, most combat medics are taught how to fight as well as how to save." Milo answered wondering where this it was heading and was getting excited.
Randorn walked over to an equipment rack and grabbed a wooden staff and tossed it over to Milo who caught it.
"I apologize, but we don't have any practice staffs available and that's all we have. So, you have the option of who you'd like to spare with." Randorn stated heading to the sparring field.
Milo just looked at Sabre and Cerin and couldn't help but smile and earning a raised eyebrow from both.
Krystal's Pov
I listened quietly as my parents talked with Nichole and Jake finding it rather boring.
"Please understand Mr. Cooper and Ms. Roswell while we are happy that our daughter has made friends. We are how concerned about letting her out to a public place with another foreign ambassador. That in itself invites for enemies to take advantage of. So, you can see why we are hesitant about letting our daughter out without proper protection." My father, Ranthorn stated crossing his arms with his staff in one.
"I agree, we only want to ensure that our daughter is safe." My mother, Athena added cupping her hands.
"Well General Pepper has taken the liberty of securing the entire plaza with armed soldiers at every corner as well as visuals on every rooftop, plus he assigned several special agents to blend in with the populist to stay close. If you would like to assign one yours to stay with Krystal the General will be alright with that." Nichole stated.
Deciding to tune their conversation out I turned my attention towards Milo. I could see that he was on the sparring field fighting both Sabre and Cerin at the same time with only a wooden training staff and was holding his on!? The way they moved was like they were dancing, from the way they attacked to the way they dodged. Milo was able to get the upper hand on Cerin by knocking his staff out of his hands and pushed him out of the ring leaving only him and Sabre. Deciding to get closer a closer look I decided to walk over and stand next to Randorn and watch.
"He's quite talented, I didn't see him pull that move on me till it was too late. I underestimated him." Cerin panted as he came to stand next to us.
"You will do well to learn from this mistake, never underestimate your opponent." Randorn stated.
Sabre and Milo went at for another few minutes and I decided to find out want what they were thinking of right now. Now I was hesitant but decided to start off with Milo and from what I could gather all I could see was white and the same thing repeating over and over, IN and OUT. He was focusing on his breathing which made reading his thoughts difficult. Sabre on the other hand he wasn't hiding his thoughts.
"Damn it! Why can't I read his thoughts? Why am I only seeing only blank!? Did Krystal tell him how to block out a telepath? No, she would expose Cerinia secrets to an outsider. And his smug smile is pissing me off!" Sabre thought.
Milo then was able to sweep his staff under Sabre's legs knocking him off his feet and onto his back. When he tried to get up he was met with the end of Milo's staff in front of his snout. Before Randorn could end the match, Sabre growled and rolled to the side, got back up, and started attacking him again this time more serious. Sabre charged the spearhead of his staff and sliced through Milo's wooden staff when he blocked the attack. I was about to step in and say something when Randorn blocked my path with his staff and nodded for me to watch. The smile on Milo's face disappeared and became more serious. Taking the longer broken half and breaking it to match the smaller one and twirled both in each hand. Then both charged Milo blocked Sabre's swing with his right staff and smacked Sabre in the head with the one in his left hand. While no one else noticed Randorn and Ranthorn sensed it and glanced towards the staff that was embedded in the tree. The gemstone glowed red and pulse. Back to the fight, while Sabre was dazed from the attack, Milo bent down and again swept Sabre off his feet this time flipping him in the process and kicked his staff away from him and was now pinning Sabre with both staff pieces at his throat.
"Enough!" Randorn shouted stepping forward glancing back toward the tree to see that the gemstone to return to its original color.
The two stood up and backed several feet away from each other, giving each other death glares. Randorn went over to Sabre first.
"Nxuk ad kxo dumo ev kxo Krazoa noho 0ei kxadbadw? 0ei bden kxo hicoj! 0ei uho vehrattod ke ijo 0eij jkuvv'j fenoh uwuadjk ud effedodk nxe teoj dek xulo kxo jumo utludkuwo ad u muksx!" Randorn shouted.
"Xo nuj mesbadw mo udt nx0 uho 0ei tovodtadw xam mujkoh! Xo aj ud eikjatoh, uccenadw xam xoho aj u majkubo! Xo jxeictd'k ro uccenot ud0nxoho douh xoho, cok ucedo douh m0 rur0 jajkoh! 0ei'lo xouht ev nxuk xaj badt teoj ke ousx ekxoh, nxuk idjfouburco xehhehj kxo0 uho sufurco ev?!" Sabre shouted back.
"Sigh….0oj, A xulo xouht rik kxo0 uho jkacc u 0eidw huso, walod kamo kxo0 neict xulo utludsot ke kxo jumo jkukiho ev eih jesaok0 udt neict xulo whend eik ev kxoah tavvohodsoj. Rik den kxo0 sud'k rosuijo ev nxuk kxuk medjkoh. Udt doot A homadt 0ei kxuk eih foefco noho cabo kxoahj jolohuc xidthot 0ouhj uwe. Xo'j kxo vahjk jkof adke vehmadw u fouso roknood eih nehctj, udt 0ei hofhojodkot 0eih foefco ad kxuk vawxk udt 0ei tat ak feehc0. Den we udt motakuko ad kxo vuccj udt hovcosk ed 0eih uskaedj. Randorn stated pointing in a direction ending the argument.
Sabre huffed and headed in the direction that he was instructed to go but stop for a sec and looked at Milo giving him a death glare before leaving from sight.
"You must forgive him, he's been having troubling adjusting since what happened to our world. It's been hard on all of us, some more than others. He just needs time." Randorn stated to Milo.
"I understand, I sort of know what he's going through. I-I lost my mother to rebel insurgents years ago, and I lost my father to sadistic soldiers not too long ago. I may still may have my world but "my" world has long been shattered." Milo answered crossing his arms.
His words resonated with Randorn and Krystal causing both of their ears fold back. Even the others who had gathered when the fight had gotten serious even the king and queen felt the weight of his words.
"Yes, it appears you do Mr. Pax." King Rathorn stated as walked up to Milo who gave him a light bow. Rathorn examined him both physically and mentally, unlike his daughter and son his psychic abilities were much stronger and he was able see the memories that he would want to keep private to how he feels about his daughter. His wife, unlike her husband and children couldn't read mind but she could see and read emotions. When she looked at Milo he had an even mixture of emotions. A shade of turquoise that surrounded him indicating that calm, but he also had another shade of blue much darker close to his heart which showed that he was sad and slightly depressed. But when he looked towards her daughter and when she looked at him the blue that surrounded him was quickly replaced with a mixture of red, pink and orange and her daughter was the same which caused her to gasp slightly but hid it.
"Randorn, why not let Cerin take Sabre's place to watch over Krystal? I'm sure he would like to see the sights." Rathorn asked Randorn which he agreed and Cerin ran off excitedly to go get dressed and meet them at the limo.
Jake and Nichole then started leading the group out but Milo was stopped by a firm grip on his shoulder feeling claws digging slightly into his skin.
"Keep this in mind Mr. Pax, I know about the ordeals that you've been through. Though I am hesitant about the relationship that you have with my daughter I do however know that you can keep her safe, so I ask you not as a fellow diplomat but as a father that you look out for my daughter." Rathorn asked extending a paw out to Milo. Milo face grew flush when he mentioned how he felt about Krystal but he nodded his head and shook his paw. After that Milo bowed to both him and his wife and took his leave.
After he had left,Randorn and the queen approached and all three stood in silence and just stared at the direction he left.
"How long has it been sire?" Randorn asked.
"About forty years give or take since it was placed in the tree. There's no chance that this is a coincidence." Rathorn answered looking back to the staff that was lodged in the tree.
"I agree, the loss of Cerinia, the attack on Earth, both having young children that represent each race, both having feelings for each other and the staff responding to his fight. There's no doubt that there's a higher power at work here." Randorn stated crossing his arms.
"On the bright side, at least our little girl has developed a crush." Athena stated with a smile.
"Still, I would prefer that she would date a fellow Cerinian or a Cornerian like that young fox that came with them." Rathorn answered rubbing his eyes.
"Oh stop, I know you're getting soft. You could have been harsh to him like all the others that tried to date her but you weren't and you saw that spark that they had. It kind of reminds me of us when we were that age, dear." Athena stated as she wrapped her arms around her husband's neck kissing him on his snout.
"Are seriously trying to put me in the mood?" Rathorn asked only to get a sexual look from his wife causing him to smile.
Randorn just chuckled as he decided to leave the two lovers and headed off to his library thinking about taking on another student.
Thirty minutes later at Cornerian City Mall Plaza (Refer to mall scene in Star Fox Zero – The Battle Begins)
The Plaza was larger than any mall that Milo had scene on Earth. While he, Falco and Fox were fine with looking around and relaxing however the girls had different ideas. Katt took Falco into one shop though he called out to Fox and Milo begging for help but they had their own troubles. Miyu ended up taking Fox into one store while Krystal took Milo with Cerin following behind them as well as Jake and Nichole following close by. They ended up going into a simple jewelry store. To Milo it all looked the same but he noticed that Krystal was staring at a piece that caught her eye. He walked over and saw that it was a simple gold necklace with a dark blue gemstone at the center. He heard her let out a sigh as her ears folded back and before he could say anything Cerin called her over which she did. While she wasn't looking, Milo waved over to receptionist, a female tigress. At first, she was hesitant but came over towards him with a smile.
"How can I help you this evening sir?" she asked while smiling and ended up with a smile from Milo.
After about five minutes of shopping the group ended up meeting in a spherical elevator earning stares from other shoppers in the elevator. Falco, Fox, and even Jake were carrying several shopping bags while Milo only had a small box that he placed in his jacket pocket.
"This was your idea." Falco stated to Fox who then argued back that it wasn't and they continued that for the next few minutes.
"So, Milo what did you end up buying?" Krystal asked curiously as she put her hands behind her back.
"Oh, um just a gift for a friend. I thought it would be nice to them something." Milo answered trying not to look her in the eyes. She ended up giving him a puzzled look but got a grin and nod from Cerin. The ride over Milo learned that Cerin was the complete opposite from his named brother, he was excited and openminded. Krystal had to watch him to make sure that he didn't run off with his tail wagging like a kid in a toy store. The elevator dinged and the group got off and headed to the center of the plaza. To say that their group didn't stand out would be a lie, almost every Cornerian their noticed them some were shock and surprised while others just paid no mind to them though some did take pictures with their phones.
"So uh any of you kids hungry, thirsty?" Jake asked rubbing his paws together.
Everyone politely said no except Milo and Krystal who only requested a bottle of water. Jake nodded and ran over to a café and disappeared. While they waited, Milo notice a small group had formed not too far from them so Milo was curious and decided to see what was going on which intrigued the others to follow as well. When he got closer a few Cornerians stepped back in shock which allowed him to get a look at what they were looking at. It turned out it was a single Cornerian standing at the center white and grey fur with what looked like an odd form of a guitar singing.
Krystal's Pov
Going out with my friends has been the most fun since she has arrived on Corneria and it looked like Cerin was also having fun. I then noticed Milo taking an interest in the guitar player's instrument to which the guitarist offered him to play it which Milo accepted. When he placed the strap over his shoulder and played a few strings earning a few several amused grins from the crowd as the pulled out their phones and started recording. However, they were completely caught off guard when he started playing a melody and started singing.
"I've lost who I am, and I can't understand
Why my heart is so broken, rejecting your love
Without, love gone wrong, lifeless words carry on
But I know, all I know, is that the end's beginning
Who I am from the start, take me home to my heart
Let me go and I will run, I will not be silent
All this time spent in vain, wasted years, wasted gain
All is lost, hope remains, and this war's not over
There's a light, there's the sun, taking all shattered ones
To the place we belong, and his love will conquer all
And I've lost who I am, and I can't understand
Why my heart is so broken, rejecting your love
Without, love gone wrong, lifeless words carry on
But I know, all I know, is that the end's beginning
Who I am from the start, take me home to my heart
Let me go and I will run, I will not be silent
All this time spent in vain, wasted years, wasted gain
All is lost, hope remains, and this war's not over
There's a light, there's the sun, taking all shattered ones
To the place we belong, and his love will conquer all
Yesterday I died, tomorrow's bleeding
Fall into your sunlight"
When he finished, I don't think anyone had a dry eye, I could even feel my own eyes started to water. Milo noticed this and he quickly thought of something and he whistled over to a male Doberman with a hover drum set and a female arctic fox with an electric bass getting their attention drawing them over. He spoke quietly to them I don't know what he was saying but they seem excited and nodded as they got set. Taking a cord from one of the amps they brought over and hooked it into the strange guitar turning it to electrical and he started playing again this time with an upbeat rhythm with and began to sing again.
" I ran out, nothing else matters, You and me and the Georgia night,
Look around 'cause it don't get any better, Have you ever felt so alright?
Let's dance, take it slow, Tom Petty on the radio
When we're singing about American Girls like you
When I look in your eyes, all I wanna do is...
Bang bang baby like the 4th of July, A Lightning strike in the midnight sky
Don't give a damn about the summertime blues, All I need is red white and you
Can't let those colors fade, tell me you're gonna stay
American girls making dreams come true
All I need is red white and
The upbeat rhythm changed the mood quickly and people started dancing to it, even Miya and Katt started dancing and even drug me in to it. I think everyone was having fun, and from the smile on Milo's face so was he.
You pulling me a little bit closer, Heart beating like a big bass drum
We spinning' on a roller coaster, A "Free Fallin'" into your yum yum
All the bad girls rockin' those cut off jeans, and good old boys driving Big Machines
And you can kiss my ass, can't help but say, it's good to be "Born in the USA"
I couldn't help but blush when him looked my way when sang that verse and I could hear several other female Cornerians cheering and whistling to him.
Bang bang baby like the 4th of July, A Lightning strike in the midnight sky
Don't give a damn about the summertime blues, All I need is red white and you
Can't let those colors fade, tell me you're gonna stay
American girls making dreams come true
All I need is red, white and you
Baby, sweet potato pie
All I need is red, white and
Baby, what we gonna do
And honey, don't give a damn about the summertime blues
All I need is
Bang bang baby like the 4th of July, A Lightning strike in the midnight sky
Don't give a damn about the summertime blues, All I need is red white and you
Can't let those colors fade, tell me you're gonna stay
American girls making dreams come true
All I need is red white and you
Baby
Baby
All I need is red white and
You
Don't give a damn about the summer time blues
All I need is red white and you."
When the song was finished almost everyone was cheering and recording. Milo handed the guitar back to its owner who shook hands with him and did the same with drummer and the bass player. He changed the crowd's view of him after all that, by showing his pain and his happiness I know for certain that I can see it.
Several rooftops over, Milo was unaware that he was in the hairlines of a sniper's scope.
"Heh, this is an easy bounty. Andross will pay handsomely for this kill not to mention paying double if I kill the Cerinian princess as well. The Cornerian Army should have provided better protection." The rat Venom mercenary smugly said to himself as he lined up his shot.
"Oh, trust me they did." A deep voice stated as a large shadow covered the mercenary.
Slowly turning to face the voice and the life drained from his being. Standing over him was a large, pitch black dragon with multiple scars wearing Cornerian uniform. And before he could say anything, his neck was snapped in half by a scaled hand, his corpse falling to the ground with shocked look still on his face.
"Pathetic, if you were one of my subordinates you would have made the shot before you started boasting." The draconian sighed pinching the bridge of his snout.
"Commander Drazire are you there sir?" a voice came over the radio on his belt. Sighing he reached for it and answered back.
"Yes, I'm here." He replied.
"I take it that you dealt with the sniper?" the voice answered back.
"Yes, what about the rest of the team that he was with?" Drazire asked.
"Two of them committed suicide before we could detain them. We were able to detain their communications technician, didn't put up much of a fight though." The voice answered again.
"Good work Marshal, make sure that he's taken to a secure location and have him thoroughly interrogated." Drazire ordered.
"Yes sir." Marshal answered cutting out.
Drazire put the radio back on his belt and grabbed a pair of binoculars and looked back to Milo and the group. He couldn't help but chuckle. "It's good to see you again Pax, I'll be seeing you soon." He thought as he placed the binoculars back on his belt and began dragging the sniper's corpse and weapon out of sight.
Back to the group….
The group was laughing and talking about the "concert" that happened and were now making their way back to the limo.
"Wow, I gotta say Pax you are just full of surprises." Miyu said crossing her arms smirking.
"I agree, you have an amazing voice." Krystal said shyly as she rubbed her arms feeling a slight chill.
"Thank you, Krystal, and here." Milo answered while he took off his leather jacket and gave it to her.
At first, she was about to decline but when she looked him in the eye she couldn't help but accept it and put it on. When she was sure that no one was looking, she sniffed the collar she found that it was the same citrus spice smell that that she smelled earlier that day. She also could feel the small box that he had bought earlier in the left breast pocket. What was it? And who was it for? Was it for someone special back home? She couldn't help but think those thoughts as they made their way to the parking garage.
"You should tell him how you feel." Nichole whispered to Krystal.
"What do you mean!?" Krystal whispered back, blushing under her fur.
"It's obvious that you like him and from the looks of things he feels the same. So, tell him." Nichole answered smiling.
"We've only know each for a week! There's no way that he has feelings for me." Krystal whispered looking away.
"Well all you can do is ask, you will whenever you are ready." Nichole said looking back forward.
"Well today has been full of surprises." Fox stated looking over to Milo.
"Yeah, it sure has." Milo answered only he was looking back towards Krystal.
"You should tell her how you feel." Fox stated.
"Who? Krystal? I would but she's royalty and I'm not, plus I don't think she feels the same." Milo answered looking back towards Krystal to see that she was talking with Nichole.
"Trust me, compared to the looks you've been getting from all of the girls from school, her's looks sincere. I suggest you ask her out before someone else gets brave enough to that includes myself." Fox said placing his arms behind his head.
"I thought you were going out with Fara?" Milo asked raising an eyebrow.
"Well, we're sort of going out but nothing official. But like I said you should ask her out before someone else does." Fox stated as he walked ahead and started talking to Falco.
After the group made it back to the limo everyone talked about their evening except Milo and Krystal. They remained quiet the entire trip, glancing at each other only to look away. They didn't even notice when they said their goodbyes to Fox and Falco as well as Miyu and Katt when they were dropped off. They only noticed that they were alone when they pulled up to the castle on the Cerinian Embassy. When he got out to walk Krystal to the door he noticed Cerin walk ahead looking back with a smile and he looked back to see Jake giving him a thumb up only to get smacked on the head by Nicole.
"Krystal." Milo said walking up next to her.
"Yes, Milo?" she asked looking to Milo.
"I just wanted to say that I had a great time with you today. Probable the most since I've been here." He said rubbing his arm.
"It's the same with me, I can't remember the last time I've had that much fun. Oh, I'm sorry I completely forgot." She said as she was about to remove his jacket but he stopped her.
"Keep it, you can hold onto it for a while. I trust you to take care of it. Also, the box from earlier it's for you. I just didn't know how to give it to you till know." Milo said as he gestured to her.
Krystal was at first confused as she reached into the left breast pocket and pulled out the box and when she opened it she gasped. It was the same necklace that she saw when they were in the jewelry store at the mall.
"Milo is this?" she asked and he simply nodded.
"Can you help me put it on?" she asked and again he nodded as he grabbed it and placed it around her neck as she held her hair out of the way only to have it brush against his face. He was able to catch her scent which reminded him of lavender.
"Thank you it's beautiful." She said turning around to face him.
"Well I saw that you liked and thought that I should get it for you." Milo said rubbing his neck.
The two stood there for a minute in silence before Milo spoke.
"Well I should get going, it's getting late and we could both us the rest. I'll call you sometime tomorrow if that's alright with you." Milo said as he started to walk back towards the limo.
"Milo!" Krystal shouted causing him to stop finding himself embraced in a hug and was even shocked when he felt Krystal's warm furred lips kissing him on the check. When she let go she was smiling at the confused look in his face.
"I can't wait for our next date that we go on." Krystal said as she started heading for the front door.
"So, we're dating, now are we?" Milo said smiling as crossed his arms.
"Only if it's just you and me. And I'm still waiting for you to ask me out. Good night Milo." She said opening the door.
"Good night, princess Krystal." Milo replied giving her a light bow.
"It's just Krystal, Milo. Good night." She chuckled as she entered and closed the door behind her.
Milo couldn't stop smiling as he got back into the limo and didn't stop all the way home. When he was dropped off he said his goodnights to Jake and Nichole as he made his way into his home. He walked into his kitchen and filled a glass of water and drank. He placed a hand on the cheek that Krystal kissed and remembered how warm her lips were.
"Well, it seems you've had an eventful day Mr. Pax." A deep voice said coming from his dining room.
The smile faded into seriousness as Milo quickly grabbed a knife from the knife rack and expertly threw it at the source of the unknown intruder only to hear it harmlessly bounce off and clatter on the floor.
"Now is that anyway to greet your guests?" the figure said as he stepped into the kitchen light causing Milo to stiffen as he recognized who it was.
"Commander Drazire. It's been a while." Milo stated in a neutral tone.
"Yes, it has but we need to talk." Commander Drazire said getting serious.
A/N:
And that the end of this chapter I hope you all enjoyed it. If you have any comments or ideas leave them in the reviews. I will try to get the next chapter as soon as I can also I hope that you enjoy the song choices that I went with I'll leave their titles at the bottom for you to look up if you wish and if you have and ideas for songs or character voices please let me know and again until next time, Howls! – Kaymin
Shattered by Trading Tomorrow
Red White and you by Steven Tyler
Songs I thought about using:
The one thing I have left by Hawk Nelson
Glade you came (Cover) by Boyce Avenue
A/N: All songs and characters belong to their respected owners.