A month has passed since their meeting, and Fox McCloud and Krystal Cerin could hardly keep the other their thoughts. It seems as though no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't block out the mental images of the other, and the images of one another invaded their minds daily. It was both a pleasant dream, and a haunting curse to be so deeply incapacitated by naïve love. They knew nothing of each other, nothing of their past, their present, and most certainly the future. However it didn't matter. Fox wanted to see her again, he needed to see her again. And Krystal felt the same. She felt as though her life was missing something, it was missing the vulpine she knew as James.

But no matter what they wanted, they both knew it was wrong. It may have been their most desperate desires, but they tried to bury these feelings deep in their hearts. They both knew they each had someone else to love, and that truly loved them. But for some reason…It felt as though it was wrong. There could be a million things as to why both Fox and Krystal were feeling this way, and any one of them could be correct. It could be mental, physical, emotional, or the will of the Makers.

One way or another, that day would come again, at least they both hoped it would. But until that day came, it was as if they lived the ghost of a shell, formerly complete until they knew just what they were missing in life. He missed her smile, her gentle personality, her caring heart, but most of all those eyes. Those turquoise-blue eyes that haunted his dreams, and lured him toward an abyss of negative emotion. As much as he could say he loved this woman, he knew it should have been wrong, it should have been a terrible thought to have. He was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but in this dark hour, she would be his light.

Krystal felt the same. There is a saying that nothing in this world is inherently good or bad, everything starts out in the world as neutral. However thinking, logical processing judgment is ultimately what makes anything good or evil. There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. However to Krystal, the man she knew as James was the only inheritably good thing in this world, her world. His smile, his caring personality, his eyes, but to Krystal most of all the heart that his shell of a body incased was the ultimate lure to his aura. Krystal should have known better, she knew she should be banishing these thoughts in her mind, and burring these feelings deep in hear heart. But her heart hurt, was in physical pain and yearned and ached to see him again. She had to, there was no escaping this undying feeling of love for James.

"So if we release this promotion near Black Friday, our sales should nearly quadruple. Offer the Star Fox complete work out set, along with other brand merchandise for fitness inside. However off brand name clothing as well for the upcoming winter and we should sail out on a wave of profits." The suit heavy, stuffy meeting dragged on and on as Fox met with his executives about boosting sales for his clothing line. The vixen at the front of the large table was just about done giving her spiel on the latest marketing strategy, however for Fox his mind only escaped out the window. It seems as though whether he stood still, was on the move, or was induced into a deep slumber, his mind would always wander to the blue vixen that haunted his dreams.

"Any questions? Mr. McCloud?" She called out the vulpine's name as he turned to face her with a dimwitted look.

"Huh?"

"Mr. McCloud are you feeling alright? It's been very challenging to captivate your attention this morning." She sounded concerned as Fox realized all his executives were staring at him. However Fox was far from alright, he was hurting in multiple ways. He was hurting from emotional pain, both from dealing with Katt and yearning for Krystal. Unfortunately he found it difficult to express himself.

"Sorry…I've just had a lot on my mind. Excuse me." The vulpine got up abruptly as he went outside the office for air, and all the stuffy suits just looked toward one another, wondering and worried about Fox's mental wellbeing. He spent many moments out the doors, thinking, debating, and trying to motivate himself to just do it. However he couldn't bring himself to do so, no matter how much he desperately wanted to.

Fox had acquired a second PSC, one so he could personally use just to contact Krystal. If she was using the PSC he had given her, then his contact info from his normal PSC would be in hers, and if he tried contacting her posing as James…She would know he's a fake. But then would that be so bad? He would have to tell her eventually. The sooner he would…the sooner she would accept him or hate him, and he could move on regardless. That's what this was about, Fox felt as though he couldn't climb out of the abyss that was his emotional life. He was angry, saddened, hurt, and hopeful all at once. Even through the darkness he tried to find a single burning ember of hope, however this dark abyss that was shame and guilt was too overpowering.

That doesn't mean that Fox wasn't trying to be hopeful however. He dialed the 10 digit number, all that was left was to hit the call button and he could hear her voice again. The voice he yearned to hear so desperately. However after his finger hovered over the button for a few moments…He closed the PSC and shook his head.

"I'm pathetic." He admitted to no one but himself, and let go of his breath depressed. At that moment the same vixen giving her presentation came outside the office doors, a face full of concern. "Janna I'm leaving now, I'm sorry I'm just in a strange mood."

"I understand Mr. McCloud, I hope whatever is going on in your life it will all be better soon." She tried to be empathetic, after all she knew what was going on.

"Yea, right." Fox left it at that as he stepped into the elevator, and departed.

X

"So two specials, one special without onions, and another special with extra pickles. You get all of that Krystal?" Natasha called out to her friend, hoping she had remembered all the orders but to no avail. Krystal just stared to the front of her, on nothing in particular not even saying a word as she was deep in thought. She even swore that Krystal was frowning in sadness.

"Krystal?"

"Huh? What Natasha?" At the call of her name the blue vixen finally responded, however Natasha just gave her a concerned look of worry.

"Krystal are you okay? You've been off and unresponsive lately…Did that guy never call you?"

"No…He never did." Krystal let go of her breath as her ears drooped to her head. She was hoping so badly that James would contact her to meet again. Yet a month has passed since their date in the sandwich shop, and she hadn't heard one word from him again. As hard as she fell for him, she figured he would have contacted her to meet again. It not only made her sad, she was depressed as she yearned to see him again.

"It's okay Krystal…There are plenty of other people in the world." Jennet heard their conversation as she was coming from the back, bringing fresh veggies and other supplies for them to make more food for the still growing customer body coming into the store.

"Yea…I guess…Easy for you to say…" Krystal just let go under her breath as she continued chopping the vegetables. Of course it was easy to say there were other people in the world, because they weren't James Cloud. That was the biggest flaw all other beings in the world had, they weren't James, and it hurt Krystal that he never even attempted to contact her. She had been glued to her PSC ever since that meeting, so she wouldn't miss a call from him day or night. However that call never came all together.

"Did you say something Krystal?"

"No just…I got the orders." The three women worked diligently and quickly for the next half hour. In that time they had fulfilled nearly 30 orders as it was finally starting to die down. However more and more were still pouring in.

"Right so that's 25 flat please." Krystal rang up the meal for the family of four as the black male feline simply handed her his plastic card as she swiped it without a second thought. However her next customer gave the blue vixen a friendly smile that matched her own, because it was her own in a way.

"Hello sister."

"Hey Garnette. Are you already out of work?" Krystal questioned as she noticed it was just pass 5 in the afternoon. Garnette goes to work for Katt directly after school is over, however she would normally work somewhere until 6 to 8.

"Yea Katt didn't have much for me to do. She hasn't had much for me since…" The younger sister stopped herself from finishing her sentence as she didn't wish to bad talk the feline in front of her sister. Ever since her split up with the vulpine, Katt was different in a way…Even though everyone knew it was just a break for the time being. Katt just wasn't as hopeful and optimistic as she used to be, and with good reason.

"Well go sit down and I'll bring you a meal before long."

"Thank you Krystal." Garnette smiled as she did as she was told, and went and sat at a table near the front door in the back. The blue vixen figured this was as good of time as any to do some homework, as she pulled out her heavy math book and attempted to figure out this statistical function. However Garnette hadn't turned two pages before her attention was grabbed by the next patron entering the sandwich store. Garnette had to take a double-look and rub her eyes as she couldn't' believe who had entered the store, and her jaw dropped.

That's when Fox noticed the strange look Garnette was giving him as he let out an amused chuckle. "Garnette?"

"Fox." She tried to not say as quietly as she got up quickly to throw her arms around him. Fox may have been her idol and role model, but he was also her friend. Fox returned the gesture as he completed the hold around the young girl.

"Hey. Fancy meeting you here."

"I could say the same for you. My sister works here so seeing me here isn't that strange. What are you doing here?"

"Me? Well I was about to head to the studio to record…But I was hungry first." Fox gave her a half-gestured smile as he was only partially telling the truth. He was in fact hungry, but there was a very particular reason as to why he came to this store of all the ones he could have.

"Well you can finally meet my sister!" Garnette sounded excited as Fox's heart dropped. So she was here…He was happy and nervous at the same time. However he was about to be swarmed with a different type of attention than he sought after in this store. News of his appearance at the shop was spreading like wildfire, as many patrons of the store turned to see what all the commotion was about, and then joined that same commotion. It took no time at all.

"Oh my God that's Fox McCloud!" He heard someone in the store yell out as within half a second he was swarmed with papers, pens, cameras, phones, and other objects that shouldn't be hanging out of a shirt in public.

"Please sign this!"

"Just one picture!"

"Marry me!" However in all the commotion Garnette was shoved to the side and she would have fallen if Fox had not caught her hand hovering over her before she impacted on the cold tiled floor.

"Garnette are you okay?" Fox pulled her up close to his body as she had a very deep blush across her face. Sure she had close bodily contact with the superstar vulpine before, but this time felt much different. They were the spotlight of attention, as well as the moment felt much more romantic even if it wasn't meant to be interpreted that way. Many people were now giving the two their space as they were swarmed with the blinding flash of the lens. The three women working behind the counter finally took note. Two of them were beyond happiness, and words, while one of them was confused and puzzled.

"Oh my god oh my god oh my god!" Natasha just let out as her heart beat skyrocketed at seeing Fox McCloud in the flesh in their small sandwich shop.

"Makers it's actually him!" Jennet was right behind her as Krystal just looked to the man with a blank face of emotion. The only thing Krystal was thinking about is that Fox McCloud…for ways she couldn't looked so familiar. However she also held a strange yet sassy face for her sister as the two locked eyes, and Krystal could see that deep blush that Garnette had shown to the vulpine. She was crushing on him, that much was obvious. However most people in this shop were.

The vulpine was nervous as he approached the counter, as he and Krystal looked toward one another. Her face was strange, it was blank of all emotion and feelings. She just looked like she was in deep thought, and the sweat started to bead off of Fox's neck. Today he looked like himself, neat and tidy hair with white tuxedo all together. Last time they met, he hardly looked much like what most people saw him as. He was hoping Krystal wouldn't recognize him…at least not as Fox. She knew him as James, and he wanted to keep it that way.

Fox stepped up the counter as he lifted up his shades and the two met eye contact as he smiled. At that moment Krystal felt as though she was experiencing déjà vu. She held such a strange face as Fox spoke first.

"Miss Cerin it's nice to finally meet you in person. Fox McCloud." He extended his hand out toward the blue woman as she just stared at his hand for a moment. Fox was worried she had figured him out as he tried to keep his cool. A moment later Krystal grabbed his hand and shook it weakly.

"Nice to meet you Mr. McCloud. Krystal Cerin."

"We've met once before in the hospital, but it's nice to finally exchange words with you."

"Right…" Krystal paused for a moment as she leaned forward and looked him straight in the eyes. "Are you sure we've never met before? You look…vaguely familiar."

This is when Fox began to panic, however he needed to play it cool. If Krystal figured out his identity as James was a fake, he would never be able to convince her of why he did what he did. He had to put on the best performance of his life, because if he failed here his life would be over. He would never be complete without her.

"No I don't believe so Miss Cerin. I have come over a few times to spend time with Garnette, however whenever I have you have always been gone. I've been excited to meet you for some time now." At first he gave her a questioning look, however it shifted into a gentle smile as Krystal didn't buy it. She felt as though she knew this man before, however that was impossible. Or so she thought at least…Krystal knew and loved James. But Fox McCloud may have been another average Joe in her books. She left it at that, not wanting to keep revisiting the subject that made her upset.

"How is that apartment by the way? Are you finding it enjoyable?"

"Very much so…Thank you again Mr. McCloud." Krystal got out as she found it strange to be thanking this man, for whatever reason.

"Please…You can call me Fox." He smiled to her again as Krystal finally let up, and exchanged gentle smiles.

"Alright, what may I get you?"

"The special please." Fox handed his card to the vixen as she took it and looked to the name. It's not that she was surprised to see it stated to 'Fox McCloud' but something about this man felt so familiar. However she merely shrugged it off and left it at that, perhaps this feeling was coming to her because most people had heard of Fox McCloud even though they had never met him. So this feeling of familiarity was probably just based off of his publicity.

Krystal went to work and was in preparation of the vulpine's meal, taking out all the ingredients and laying them in a neat, orderly fashioned. However as she did this Krystal looked to the man, and caught him staring and blushing at her. To Krystal it was strange even though part of her thought it was charming and sweet. She decided to do some digging in his mind as Krystal went through his mental thoughts, however stopped almost instantly. It didn't take her long, only the last few days as she could see him thinking about…her!

That's when Krystal stopped what she was doing and gave him the strangest of looks, while also blushing herself. She was flattered…but also a bit creeped out as she wondered why Fox McCloud of all people had been thinking about her.

Somehow Fox knew he had been caught, and he began to fear the worse as the vulpine panicked. "Is something wrong Miss Cerin?"

"No…I guess not." Krystal finished preparing his meal as she handed it to him rather quickly. "Here you are."

"Thank you." He tried to sound sincere as he blushed again, and turned his back on her heading back to Garnette. The moment he was gone Krystal's two friends pulled her to the side, as she had a woman on each of her shoulders.

"Krystal did you see that!?" Jennet whispered almost in a loud way straight to the vixen's face.

"See what?"

"Krystal Fox McCloud has a huge crush on you! You could just tell by the way he looked at you and blushed!" Natasha tried to place it in simple words for the vixen as she seemed surprised, and looked back for half a second before her two friends stopped her.

"You think so?"

"I don't know what makes you so special but I think so yea! You should have seen the look on his face it was just so adorable and charming, like puppy love."

"I don't know…I guess so." Krystal turned back to give the vulpine a strange look again as her blush hadn't fully cleared as well. To Krystal's thoughts it made sense. Fox McCloud was probably thinking about her because he already knew what she had looked like when he visited in the hospital, and she figured he was attracted to her in some way. However the other half of Krystal wasn't convinced. This man seemed familiar and had thought about her quite a bit…A crush seemed like the most logical and plausible of answer, however it's not the answer Krystal wanted to accept. But she had no evidence, nothing to go off of to accept another answer other than the one already set in front of her. In the end though however, Krystal blushed a bit herself knowing that Fox McCloud could be interested in someone like her, and a part of her even smiled a bit.

Fox knew he couldn't turn around, to turn around would make it suspicious and possibly give it away. However his test was more or less complete, so long as he didn't look like himself Krystal wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two. They even looked into each other's eyes, and although he saw the eyes of the vixen he loved, to Krystal she looked into the eyes of a stranger.

"Would you please sign this!?" Natasha and Jennet swarmed the vulpine at the same time just as he was heading out the door. He looked into their eyes, their eyes so bright and desperate for even the slightest bit of attention from him. Even though Fox had stated he was starting to get tired of the constant attention, old habits do in fact die hard.

"Sure ladies." He took the pen and signed them both as he handed one to each women. He then turned his attention to the younger sister as Garnette looked at his hand gave him a questioned look.

"If you would like Garnette, you could accompany me. All I'm doing is a few photos and going to the studio to record a bit, and I could use the company." Garnette only smiled as she blushed again, as she looked to the two dumbstruck look of Krystal's friends, mouths wide and everything. They couldn't believe how lucky Garnette was to be able to spend time with a celebrity whenever she wanted, as she put her hand into his own as Fox picked them both up.

"I'd love to Fox."

"I'm glad." Fox turned toward Krystal as the two smiled toward one another. Even though Krystal didn't necessarily like the vulpine spending time with her younger sister unsupervised…she knew he wasn't that kind of man. And was happy he had interest in someone as meaningless and insignificant as Garnette, even if it was just to brighten her day. Krystal and Garnette only looked toward one another, as the elder of the two sisters nodded and they exchanged smiles.

"Well let's be on our way then."

"Sounds like a lot of fun!"

X

Hours had passed by, and Garnette was loving every moment of it. It's not that she didn't like Katt's photoshoots, however Fox's were just more interesting…That and he was always half naked when he did his. She noticed Fox's attitude had changed as well, as he was more upbeat and happy than before the meeting at the sandwich shop. She got to see the pictures before anyone else did, and she got to see them taken in person.

"There you go Mr. McCloud sell that strong chest!" His cameraman was trying to encourage Fox with more poses as he gave his dashing yet sexy smile to the camera. Although Fox looked as though he was confident and fiery, under the surface he couldn't have been more confused and in a sense…shameful.

Fox knew that the screams of thousands of fangirls would never bring him true happiness. He was so close to just ending his career and living out the rest of his days doing whatever he pleased. Part of him wanted to stop, urged to stop, but the other part of him loved this attention. It was almost as if it was a drug, something he couldn't quit even if he truly wanted to. He thought his spotlight was dying out, however the latest rating points have suggested it has never been higher otherwise. Since he was in the some of the biggest major news story twists going on right now, his actual number ratings had went through the roof, higher than they had been in the last few years. And Fox just couldn't pass it up. Part of him was screaming to quit, but other part of him was telling him to sell his attention whore status for the attention and affection of his fans.

However another part of him was wanting even more then that…Part of his dark side urged for the same kind of pain brought upon him. Fox shook his head mentally as he didn't know what was wrong with him, or why he was having these thoughts. He was just a massive disorder of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Almost borderline bi-polar, not knowing what he truly wanted and what he truly wished to do. He was a fallen angel, walking the lines of right and wrong, for the good of others, or for the good of his darker half.

"That's a wrap Mr. McCloud, we'll get these out pronto. DJ Night is waiting for you in the studio."

"Thanks Matt." Fox reached for his shirt from the outfit he switched into, however kept on his black pants and grey shirt as he went back to Garnette. He took note that she was blushing a bit, a little on the flustered side as he tried to not pay too much attention to it.

"Those were some great photos Fox…Mine and Krystal's friends are going to be so jealous when they hear about getting to see the shoot in person.

"Thank you Garnette. I'm glad you enjoyed the show."

"So what's next?" She asked in a curious tone as they walked together toward the elevator.

"Well to be honest Garnette…I know it sounds silly but I was going to the studio to record a new song."

"A song? You haven't made a new song in quite a while."

"You're right Garnette…I only really record music to express myself in a way that I can't express any other." Fox admitted as they stepped into the elevator and ascended to the higher floors. He looked to the young woman as she looked sad for him.

"I'm sorry to hear that Fox. I can imagine you must have a lot of thoughts going through your mind lately."

"You're right Garnette, and it's not always easy to share how I feel to my friends. I apologize if I seem moody, but I have been going through a lot of different emotions and moods lately. I feel like I'm confused, and part of me feels like I have the right to do what I want in my anger and depression, and the other part of me is ashamed for me to be thinking that way…"

Fox admitted to the girl as he looked away. Fox knew he probably shouldn't be sharing such personal thoughts with the young woman, however he knew Garnette was only curious and if possible wished to help.

"So what is your song about?" Garnette couldn't help but to ask.

"Honestly when you pointed out to me that I'm nearly 30 and don't know what I want in my life…Something inside me came to an unexpected epiphany. I know you didn't mean to upset me Garnette." Fox paused as they looked toward one another. "I know it's not your fault and I surely don't blame you for why I feel the way I feel. I just realized I'm nearly 30 years old and I'm not happy with my life."

"I'm so sorry." Garnette couldn't help but to feel guilty after Fox had told her what he felt deep down inside him.

"You'll see before long." He gave her a weak smile as the two stepped from the elevator and into the recording studio. It was already playing some kind of loud music as Fox tried to set himself up in the mood for his song. Part of him was going to tell a story, however the other part of him is going to be explaining how life can be a hopeful journey, or a road to dread. His mood was starting to shift to a bit saddened, even depressed as Garnette could feel the emotional conflict within his mind, and began to worry.

The two stepped through to the main studio as the feline in the main chair turned around, and stood up.

"Fox my brother, how goes it?"

"Hey Dylan." The two exchanged a firm handshake as Fox brought the young girl to his side. "Garnette this is Dylan, also known as DJ Night. He's one of the best producers on the planet."

"A pleasure to meet you Garnette, sick fur color."

"Umm…Thank you." Garnette gave a weak handshake to the black and white stripped pattern male who reeked of some kind of natural substance. She felt uncomfortable as she turned toward the vulpine, digging through a bag he brought for the right papers.

"Stay here Garnette, and tell me what you think." Fox went back out to the main recording area for song writers and singers as she took a seat next to DJ Night. He handed her a special pair of headphones that blocked out all other noise around them, as it felt strange to be in an atmosphere of all silence.

"Is this your first time in a recording studio?" DJ Night asked the young woman as the two looked toward one another. He had a special microphone so they could speak as all other sounds were blocked out from her.

"Yea I've never been inside one before."

"Well it's a pretty cool first experience. However Fox told me about the song he wants to record, it's gonna be a little on the sad side. But hopeful in the end is how he describes it."

"I could just tell." The two paused their conversation as Fox appeared on the other side of the glass, passing papers to the band so they could follow alongside him as he sang. Fox put on his special headphones the same as Garnette and DJ Night had, and tested out the special recording microphone before they would begin.

"Are you ready Fox? Remember no sweat take as many takes as you need too." DJ Night tried to be encouraging to the vulpine, however Fox only showed him a weak smile.

"I have a feeling it's only going to take one."

"Alright brother, ready on this end when you are."

"Just give me one moment." Fox breathed deeply as he thought of everything that had transpired in the last few months. His rekindling of love for Katt, Fara budding back into his life that enticed his anger, Falco coming in like a reckoning breaking the love for the feline up once more. His deep thoughts, his pain, his sadness, his anger, his depression, and of course her…The vixen he could say he loved at first sight, Krystal Cerin.

Fox gave the countdown, and proceeded with the recording as the ban started before himself. The soft and gentle keystrokes of the pianist was a calming grace before the emotional storm that was to come.

Once I was seven years old my mama told me

"Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely."

Once I was seven years old…

He opened up so quietly, so softly as he was about to do a retelling of his life.

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Pushing each other to the limits, we had to learn quicker

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Never rich so we had to do what makes that steady figure

He sang about his past, and about the hard years living on the streets. Those years were hard on the vulpine, his father had passed and no family to call his own. However she was his family, she didn't stay his family forever…

Once I was 11 years old my daddy told me

"Go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely"

Once I was 11 years old…

I always had that dream, my daddy left me

So I started writing songs, I started writing stories

Fox was referring to James's death and his eventual draft into the war. The war was costly, and it changed the vulpine for the future, but our past experiences are what shape us for the road into the future. Because of what happened in Fox's past, that's when he craved the affection of his fans, even though they were false feelings. During his time of his life, after he had lost his father, and lost the love of his life. He felt as though no one truly knew who he was. He didn't always crave this kind of affection, but it was all he had to go off of for now.

Something about that glory always seemed to bore me

But only those I really love are the ones who never truly know me…

Once I was 20 years old, my story got told

Before the morning Sol, when life was lonely

Once I was 20 years old…

Fox paused as he thought back to the memories after the war. In the blink of an eye he was suddenly the most famous man in the system. Many told him he wasn't going to be able to achieve anything in his life before in the past, he was driven to prove them wrong.

I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure

Cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major

I got my boys with me, at least those in favor

And if we don't meet before I leave, I hope I'll see you later

Those years were difficult for Fox, in many different ways. He conquered mountains higher than he had ever strived for before. He had everything a man could ask for, all except the deepest desire of all people in this world. The love of another. Fox dropped his head as he thought to recent memories. Reuniting with Katt, fighting with Falco, and all that eventually lead him to where he was now.

Soon we'll be 30 years old, our songs have been sold

We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming

Soon we'll be 30 years old…

Fox paused as he was in deep thought for just a moment. He thought about the heartache he had caused Katt, the anger he had caused Falco, and about where he was stuck in his depression now. However one thing Fox was sure about, was that he was still young. He still had many years to figure out life, figure out who he was, and figure out what he wanted.

I'm still learning about life

I hope a woman will bring children for me

So I can sing them songs, I can tell them stories

Most of my boys are with me

Some are still out seeking glory

And some I had to leave behind…My brother I'm still sorry

Fox was at the center of a lot of anger, a lot of negative emotion and doubt. However he knew in this bane of existence that was his anguish, he would eventually learn to leave it all behind. He couldn't help but think of Krystal, and think about how his life would turn out later in life. Garnette looked to him with such a strange face, saddened and understanding as Fox suddenly brightened up for her, and sang his soul out.

Soon I'll be 60 years old, my daddy didn't make 61

Remember life and then your life becomes a better one

I made a hare so happy when I wrote a letter once…

I hope my children come visit once or twice a month!

As if on cue the whole mood picked up, and this entire song wasn't about learning from the past anymore. Drowning in your own sorrow and thoughts about what could have been and what you could have changed. It was about looking forward to the unknown is the future.

Soon I'll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold?

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be 60 years old…

Garnette saw Fox's mood perk up, however it was still daunted by a bit of fear of the unknown. She never knew how confused Fox really was at this point in his life. For a man to seemingly have it all and not know what the future would hold for him, it was an idea that made her think deeply about her own life goals and ambitions.

Soon I'll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold?

Or will I have a lot of children who can bore me?

Soon I'll be 60 years old…

Once I was 7 years old…

Soon everything died out, and Fox looked to Garnette and DJ Night as the closing pianist was finishing. It was clear he was going through a hardship in his life, and was fighting a battle against his depression even now.

"Damn man, that was deep. Almost made me cry there." DJ Night commented as he had finished recording all that was sung. "Want me to go over this now?"

"If you wouldn't mind Dylan."

"Sure thing Fox." With that the vulpine took off his headphones and headed for the exit. However as he stepped from the main recording area Garnette had actually went to go meet with him. She peered to him with such deep eyes, as he didn't know what to say.

"I'm so sorry Fox. I never knew the kind of hardships you are facing in your life to this day."

"It's okay Garnette." He tried to cheer her up, despite not able to cheer himself up. "I don't expect you to know or understand my stance, but I appreciate your sympathy regardless."

"I know…still." She paused as Garnette wrapped her arms around the older man, and he looked to her. "I'm sorry. It may not seem like it now, but everything will be alright in the end. You've shown it to me, now you need to show it to yourself."

"Thank you." Fox wrapped his arms around the young woman as well, as it was nice to receive some kind of positive physical contact when he was down in the dumps. She would never understand his struggle, but perhaps someone of the Cerin family would in the future. Like Fox was trying to get across in his message. Some things in our pasts cannot be changed, and we may never heal from our pasts. But the past is what ultimately shapes us, and prepares us for the new dawn of our futures.

X

Hours later the two stepped from the studio, as it had been night long ago. Fox looked to Garnette as he stretched his joints.

"It's late, I should get you back to your apartment before your sister gets upset."

"It's okay Fox, the shop should still be open and it's not too far from here, I think I'll walk to catch up with my sister."

"Are you sure?" Fox didn't really like the idea of leaving Garnette unattended, even if this was a nicer area. It was still late, he didn't like the idea of leaving Garnette alone at night.

"Yea, I don't want to keep you from getting a good night's rest."

"Yea…a good night's rest." Fox let out quietly as it looked like he was deep in thought, which further proved Garnette's suspicion. She figured Fox would go to her to try and make up their issues and set aside their differences, and she didn't want him to be late because of her.

"I'll be fine Fox it isn't that far at all, and once they're done I'll walk with my sister."

"Alright, if you absolutely insist."

"I insist." Garnette said with a smile as Fox got into his limo and wished her farewell for now.

"Goodnight Garnette, be safe."

"I will be, goodnight Fox, and thank you for letting me spend some time with you."

"My pleasure." With those last words Fox departed for the evening in his hover limo waving goodbye to Garnette. However after a few moments of puzzled thinking, Fox was eerie and silent. Jason was watching him from his rearview mirror, and could see the trouble expression across his face.

"Jason."

"As you wish sir." Is all his before turning the hover limo around in the opposite direction of his home, and away from Katt's home as well as Garnette just watched the turnaround and didn't give it a second thought, before heading down the street toward the sandwich shop. She hadn't realized just how late it was, as few people were walking down the street at this hour.

Garnette made it down the first few blocks with little worries of cares, however as she continued down the road she couldn't help but notice that it seemed as though someone was following not so far behind her and it made the blue vixen nervous. Garnette tried to stay calm and not panic as she kept heading toward the sandwich shop only a few blocks away now, and picked up the pace a bit.

However now her heart was speeding up as Garnette could sense that this being was deliberately following her, and picked up his pace a bit as well. She decided to abruptly cross the street in hopes that this was just a set of coincidences and for a moment thought she was safe. Until the being crossed the street as well following her, as if a predator stalking their prey, their victim. Without warning Garnette went into a full on sprint as she ran through a few crowds of people, turning back to make sure the man wasn't following her as she saw him running after her.

Now Garnette was in a full on panic, as she desperately tried to run as she turned the corner. The man turned the corner but instead of chasing after the girl he decided to go down an alley. The fear was very real in Garnette's eyes as she breathed heavy and the sweat beaded down her neck. This man was chasing after her for whatever sick reason was in his head. She ran for the next few blocks within sight of the sandwich shop now as she turned around to make sure he wasn't still following her, but as she did so the blue vixen didn't realize he had reappeared in an alleyway in front of her, and he pulled her down it trying to contain the young, innocent woman as she desperately fought to get out of his grasp.

"No! Let go of me!"

"Be quiet my dear, or else I won't be as gentle." The man shoved Garnette hard into the brick wall as she dropped all her belongings and her head began to ache, he had a tight grasp on her wrists and was strong enough to keep her pressed against the wall and from breaking free. But it wasn't this dark man's strength alone that was keeping her obedient, it was the blaster pistol pressed to her head that kept the blue vixen still in silent fear as she tried to fight back tears.

"My my, you are quite lovely my dear. I've never seen blue fur that looks so natural, but I'm starting to really have a taste for it." The dark man taunted Garnette as he moved his hand from her wrists to feeling up and down her body. As Garnette let the tears drop, trying to plead with the man to not do what she could sense he was thinking of doing with those vile, sickening thoughts.

"Please…let me go." She pleaded but to no avail.

"Let you go? I don't think so my dear." He moved his hand from her bottom to across her chest, as Garnette let out a despondent moan her body made against her mind's will.

"Please…No!" The man finally cuffed her mouth with his free hand and dragged Garnette down the alley, still pressing the blaster to her head. She was only two blocks away from the shop as the young woman lost sight of her sister's workplace as she was dragged into the alley.

X

A couple of knocks came toward her door as the fennec had told her butler specifically not to disturb her unless she called him. Fara got up upset as she went to her bedroom door, distracted by her work as she reached for the knob in anger.

"What did I say Maxwell!? Do not disturb me unless-!" Fara paused mid-sentence as she was surprised to see Fox McCloud outside her bedroom door, however a moment later put on a smile for the man.

"Fox, what a pleasant surprise."

"Hello Fara." He exchanged greeting with the fennec, with a simple smile like the one she was wearing.

"Won't you come in?"

"Thank you." Fox stepped into the private quarters of Fara Phoenix, a giant room much like his own as he was looking to see if anything had changed, which it hadn't. The walls were still the same modern white color with black leather furniture. Fara had been told most of her life that she only ever saw things in black and white, and the same went for her decoration attire.

"What brings you by darling?" Fara asked in a rather curious tone while Fox still looked around her room. However he only did so for a moment longer. With no warning at all Fox just attacked Fara with lustful kisses as he pushed her up against her bedroom door, however she wasn't complaining either. No more words were spoken, as he picked up the fennec and walked her to her own bed, threatening to tear the clothes off her body. He threw the fennec onto her soft comforter as she only could only show a smug smile, as he started to take off his own clothes.

Fox didn't know why he was in Fara's room, but part of him didn't care. The vulpine knew he shouldn't have been here, in fact it's probably one of the last places he should have been. However he had been hurt, he had been putting people in front of his own needs for years. And he was sick of it at this point. He just needed to make a mistake, a foolish, selfish choice that he knew was going to hurt the feline he loved in the end. But it kept coming back to that same twisted urge of affection and attention. Katt had hurt him, and for this one moment he wanted to stop being the one to forgive. She had caused him pain beyond recognition, and he wasn't about to take it any longer. Just this once, he wanted to be the one to hurt someone.

It was a dark in him wanted to cause pain himself. For as much good as Fox had done these past few years, part of him wanted to do some bad now. He needed to feel something, even if it was embedded with hate.

Author's Notes

Yea I know…If anyone has read my past stuff, you'll remember I have a bad habit of putting song lyrics in songs. I have a personal belief that it's a great way of connecting an audience with the author's vision. It will be the only time it happens in this story, probably.

Lots of stuff in this chapter, dang

Song was 7 Years – Lukas Graham. Great song suggest reading it when you read that section.

Take it easy

Zythxx