A/N: At the end of this chapter, I propose a little vote, to see how the readers feel about something. :)
Did anyone like chapter 9 and 10? I've not really received any feedback on them and I was rather curious how those chapters made you readers feel...
Also, it's time to meet Violet and it's also time for Star to learn a little more about his destiny. As I said, one of the alternative endings in the new StarFox COMMAND has the game ending with Krystal joining StarWolf and becoming EVIL. It's time for the Oracle to explain to Star that anything is possible in life if you play your cards right... this will scare the hell out of him, I assure you. Knowing that it was possible for someone as innocent as his own mother to become evil means that it could happen to ANYone. That'll give him something to think about for a while when he decides to dwell on it later, down the road of life.
Chapter -11-
"Who are you?" The question posed an irresistible urge to the little old lady facing McCloud. She smiled a bit then looked the boy over carefully which gave him chills. He asked again. "Who are you, ma'am; how did you know my name… where are we?" The last inquiry caused her to offer a bit of a giggle, although her raspy voice did well to hinder the good naturedness of her laughter.
"I am The Oracle," She replied in a polite voice. "I know every Cerinian's name and we're in your mind as I am dead… so you can't possibly be talking to me in the physical world."
"You're …dead?" Star quirked his brow. "I didn't realize I was dreaming. It's hard to distinguish between reality and fantasy when you're mind is unconscious. I don't recall having actual conversations and it doesn't seem possible to have intelligible conversation when you only have your subconscious."
"There are three phases of sleep, my dear," Said the old lady. "Alpha is when you're in a deep relaxation. REM is when you're dreaming and completely unconscious. Then there is a rare but often studied pattern where you're completely conscious and your body is rendered into a state of disuse. It's simply a sort of astral projection and you're on a plane beyond the physical realm, my dear."
He could sense that she understood that of which she spoke. Star was impressed that this little old lady had such a concept of this sort of thing but it felt strange to know that he was, more or less, in a coma back on the GreatFox. "Why am I here?" His eyes carried about, looking at the wooden cabinets and gaudy wallpaper of an old kitchen. There was an oven in the wall and a reasonable amount of cherry smoke in the area which smelled rather wonderful.
She simply smiled. "You're here because I brought you here. There is a great deal you do not know about yourself and you are a boy of 16 years old."
"No ma'am," Star replied. "I'm twenty-two years old."
The Oracle lifted a gnarled old paw and counted on her fingertips. "Hmm, no," She told him. Star cocked a brow at her then she said, "By the math of Cerinia's revolutions around its star, you have lived for a count of sixteen passes, m'boy."
"Are you the Oracle that my mother spoke of?" Star asked, looking around for a chair. There was one near a round table at the far end of the kitchen. He moved to it, gave a slight tug at his trousers then settled into the chair, wrapping his thick brush around his ankles.
"You mother made all the right choices," The woman explained. "She spoke to me on her 16th birthday; the same age as yourself… to the very day, in fact. Had she not made the correct choices in life, you would not be here and all would be lost."
"I don't understand," McCloud said, resting his wrist along the tabletop. The little old woman had a cane and hobbled towards him before sitting down at a chair on the other side of the kitchen table.
"There we go," She said under her breath, shifting her weight to grow comfortable. "These old bones will be with me forever now that I've passed. Anyhow, I want to tell you a little bit about what your mother's life would have been like if she didn't make intelligent choices. She was only partially responsible for the choices she made; after all, her mate has to aid in helping her to make up her mind."
"Can you explain in a manner that is more… direct?" Star felt silly admitting that he had no clue what she was talking about.
"Right before you were born," She began, resting the cane across her lap, "A race known as the Anglors attacked your father's home system. He abandoned his relationship with your mother and she was deeply wounded. So badly was she hurt, in fact, that it sullied her heart. With this selfless act on your father's part, so to was he selfish by not considering her heart, spirit and soul. She was a pure-of-heart girl, confirmed by the tests of another race… the Krazoa. Do you know of them, Star?"
"Yes, I do," He said, adding, "Please don't call me Star. I despise that stupid name."
"Don't be a brat," She scolded. "I chose that name and told your mother to name her first born son Star McCloud. I explained that you would have a birthmark over your face that you would be born with and it would return at puberty. Also, I'm rather fond of it!"
"I… I'm sorry," McCloud said, blinking in confusion. "I had no idea; I thought my parents named me after the stupid birthmark."
"Don't be a silly child!" She retorted in a wheeze of laughter, "That's the symbol! I named you after your destiny, my dear!"
Star fidgeted quietly then asked, "What is my destiny?"
"You'll not find that out just yet; I must teach you about your mother first," She explained, telling him, "Only then will you begin to conceive the depth of life itself. Every choice brings about such a consequence that… should you make the wrong choice it could very well affect the very fabric of time and space itself. If your mother chose poorly, you wouldn't exist and your father would be dead."
The boy blinked, gawking at her. "How so?" He asked in an almost demanding tone of voice.
"I'll provide you with an example," She said. "One possible path for your mother, after your father ended their relationship, was to allow her hurt to consume her. The purity in her heart would be defiled until only the despicably lewd was left and she would kill Fox McCloud and allow her sullied spirit to be assimilated into the ranks of a band of thieves known as StarWolf. Donning a yellow scarf, she would have worn her flight uniform as a mocking reminder of the man she defeated to free her heart of the pain she felt inside at such a deep loss. Her concept of what was true love would be desecrated and she would allow herself and her soul to be thoroughly transformed into a creature of evil."
Star balked, his stomach dropped and his lower lip quivered in absolute silence. His body ached at the thought of his mother in such a way; pain in his chest began to gnaw at him. How could such a path be possible for someone who was so incredibly pure of heart? It took a few moments but his voice was finally found again. "Why am I so important?"
"She was an immaculate soul and last survivor of our race," The elder explained. "Her son, the child born of a Hero, is destined to save us all: Dead and Living alike. There is a force brewing within the heart of Lylat. It is so very evil that it would easily consume all that is good and corrupt even the most light hearted of innocents. Only you and your personal life choices would have an outcome possible of changing that dark future before it becomes history."
Star stood up, gaping at her. "Why me?" He cried, throwing his paws into the air. "I'm not special or important! Do I have some sort of power I don't yet understand? How can I be the one who saves the damned universe? That's bullshit! I'm not a savior!"
"The burden of fighting such an evil is not yours to bear alone," She replied. "However, your personal actions will create enough of a change in this life time that your future offspring will have a fighting chance at survival. Only the genes of your soul mate will create the proper child capable of vanquishing such a foe. That and the responsibility of raising your child will help him and her to accept this task with grace. Your son and daughter will die IF your choices, leading up to their existence, are filled with mistakes. Do you comprehend?"
Star felt partially furious. "Are you telling me that only the right woman will bare the children necessary to save the universe? What kind of malarkey is that?"
"Inadvertently, the wrong life choices eventually hold the power to become the undoing of us all," The Oracle replied. "I suggested to your grandmother to marry a senator. Your mother, Krystal, was born and we continued as a race in the path to your eventual existence. You cannot fathom what a difficult decision that was."
"Pardon?" Star sat back down in his chair, trying to remain calm.
The elderly lady lifted her cane and pointed the handle at him in an accusing manner. "Had she not married a senator, your grandmother would have had a far different set of life choices, which would have changed the decisions made by her mate. She would not been around to have felt partially sympathetic to The Traveler and your grandfather would have barred Andross Oikonny from visiting Cerinia. IF they never married, their line would not have produced Krystal and you would not have been born as you are. Without you, your son and daughter would not exist and this future danger would not be stopped. More would die than just the planet of Cerinia. It was what I explained to your grandmother. Her sympathy and pure nature would ultimately become the salvation of many."
"But how was that a difficult decision?" He asked.
"Because," She replied sullenly. "If Andross was barred from staying on Cerinia, the planet would not have been destroyed by his biological creations. I would still be alive for another half of a century. But ultimately everyone would have died. It's a difficult pill to swallow, I'm sure. But don't think that Cerinia, as a world, died so that others could live… They didn't know it was coming… I'm the only one who saw this and I manipulated the situation by helping youngsters make the right choices necessary to ensure that the correct events came to pass… and now this galaxy has a fighting chance. Many things do happen for a reason. Your life is part of that sequence."
Star gazed down at the table for a moment, trying to think of something intelligent to say. "I don't know what to say about any of that," He replied, shaking his head slowly. "I'm sorry; here I am a twenty-two year old in Katina revolutions, the son of a Cornerian, living a out the lineage of a bloodline that I know nothing about."
"I sense you have other questions," She told him, placing the cane back into her lap.
"Can you tell me about my children?" He asked. "Can you tell me about my parents, Oracle? What about my 'correct' mate?" Star was nervous now.
"Your mother and father were the epitome of love," she began, tilting her head. "They are as mortal as the rest of us and even the purest of heart could be dirtied by hurt and confusion. For them to reconcile meant that she would be healed and for them to bare you as the fruit of their loin would guarantee that both maintained an unadulterated, untainted quality about their hearts and souls. Of course they would never even know that their love was smiled upon in such a way by the Creator. They may have had their differences at times but the power of their love conquered over all obstacles.
"When he placed his hand upon her beating heart, she calmed. When he was unsure, her whisper soothed him. They complimented one another in a way that no one else could possibly understand. Fox McCloud's decision to end the relationship nearly ruined the entire cycle. Only your birth was powerful enough to have saved them from falling apart from hurt; only your birth helped your mother believe in true love once more. You were her saving grace."
Star was silent for a moment. What else could he say? He was just told that his mother would basically have gone evil if he didn't help her heart heal. "I… guess I'm glad I was able to help her. They didn't seem as though they felt that way, though. I don't think they ever felt as if I was part of their personal and mental salvation."
"They didn't simply know that your presence saved their hearts," said the Oracle. "One cannot fathom the depth of what the birth of a child can do to one's humanity. It doesn't affect every person in the same way but someone like your parents … they were deeply moved by the birth of their first child."
"You say that as if I had brothers or sisters, but I don't," Star replied, folding his arms and looking down. "I'm fairly well alone, you know?"
"No," She said, shaking her head slowly. "Not forever. There is hope."
McCloud tilted his head, furrowing his brows. "Are my parents alive in another part of the galaxy with a toddler running around on the bridge?"
"You've asked about your future children and mate," She reminded him. "I only have enough time to tell you about them before I depart. If you mate with the wrong woman, everything will change. You already know in your heart who you truly wish to spend the rest of your life with. She's kind, beautiful and intelligent. You respect her. Your children with that woman will be excitable and fun loving. They will look up at you from the living room floor and smile as you watch over them fondly, playing with their toys. They'll have a strange affinity for sharing with their sibling and smile broadly in the family portraits. But they will make a personal sacrifice that will usher in a new era of peace for Lylat and inadvertently stifle the attempts at evil growing in that system. The evil which I spoke of, earlier…"
"I thought you said that I'm the one saving Lylat from evil," Star sighed softly. "I don't like the idea of knowing that I have no power to fight this impending doom. I don't like the idea of my children being forced to fight something they'll never understand… let alone for them to sacrifice themselves in any way to bring about galactic peace. That sounds far fetched but if it's true, they're being stripped of their freewill choices and being handed a cold fate."
"Life can sometimes be unfair," The Oracle said. "Your life goal, at this time, is to become the best you can be. Defeating a future enemy will force it into dormancy. Your offspring will be the ones to destroy that enemy for all time. I'm sorry that this is a responsibility that you must bare but your lineage is the only one that could change the course of history enough to succeed."
"Will my children's personal sacrifice lead to their death?" Star inquired, closing his paws into fists.
"One of them will die," The Oracle replied in a reverent tone. "It does not matter which, the sacrifice of either sibling will be enough; therefore it will be up to them to decide who must go and who must stay when the time comes."
Star lifted his paw and slammed it on the table. "That's not good enough!" He snapped. "Neither of my children should have to die! That's not fair to them; I don't even know them yet and you're telling me that one of them has to die in order to make things good again? What the hell!" He said, standing up once more. He began pacing through the kitchen, angry in his heart. "I'm glad you've given me hope that my parents are alive but why can't someone else die for this to happen? What if I decide to sacrifice myself?"
The Oracle lowered her nose, swishing her stormy-colored tail about as if in irritation. "I've pondered that, already!" She grumbled, adding, "Nothing changes for the better, should you give your life in their stead."
"Do you know how hard it will be, knowing this?" Star shouted. "What about the first time I hold them in my arms? Knowing that one of them will die and that there is no hope to provide both with a long life?" He cried in anger. "I would be sentencing one to a fated end and the other to depression and guilt over their sibling's death! That's twisted! How can I bring children into this world if I have a guarantee that one will die and the other will suffer?"
"Star McCloud of the Cardinal Sun!" The Oracle barked. "It may very well be the ultimate sacrifice a father can offer to the galaxy to guarantee that peace, prosperity and life as you know it will continue… but you should leave the heroic sacrifice to the child who wishes to accept that responsibility! The child who does this will make that choice when the time comes! You should be honored to know that they will embrace this responsibility with dignity and grace!"
"…No!" Star exclaimed. "Why have you told me this! You carefully crafted relationships and goals, manipulating people with your fortunes in order to control the fates of others… but why couldn't you have lied to me about this?"
"Because your life choices must be made carefully!" She bellowed in reply. "Your mother is the last of her line," She began, taking a breath before adding, "Your lineage will continue and your bloodline will not end; but if you make foolish choices in life, especially now… at this critical step, a single generation before the climax, then you'll have ruined everything I've fought to protect! That is why I'm telling you; it's imperative that you become a man as soon as possible!"
Star whirled about, stopping in mid pace. "Then why don't you tell me: Who is my future mate? Who should I choose?"
"One of them was never a choice for your life," The Oracle explained. "She was a 'Choice B' for your father. You are young; there is time to 'date around' before you settle down, marry and procreate. Your choices in the present will affect your choices in the future. It's not who you date now but who you marry, several years from now."
"How will I know?" Star muttered.
"Now that I've spoken with you," She said obsequiously, her expression and demeanor returning to that of a polite half-smile, "I can see that my words have had a profound impact on your future."
"Well?" Star asked.
"In the end, you'll make the right choice; it has become clear," she replied. "Now all I ask is that you have confidence in whatever choices you make in between now and the future. As I've said before… date around. The experience you garnish in your personal life will help you to maintain a strong relationship with your future wife. You have a long way to go in the ways of women between now and the day you propose. But once you marry, do not allow yourself to choose a path of infidelity."
"No real man allows himself to cheat," Star snapped, looking proud.
"Even on a twenty year quest to return to his kingdom, his wife and his child," The Oracle said, "Odysseus still allowed himself to be briefly tempted by Circes and Calypso. No matter how much he loved his wife, son and home, he was tempted during his travels… not once… but twice. I grant you no such luxury but assure you that you will be tempted at least once, during your marriage. Stay strong and have faith in yourself."
Star's jaw dropped. He found himself shocked into silence. It took him several moments to regain his voice and when he finally did, he asked, "How do I know that this is real and I'm not simply dreaming this?"
"When you wake up, you'll quarrel with a loved one. It's unavoidable and you'll find yourself baited into the argument. Later, you'll wonder if the fight was avoidable. You'll ask yourself if you had the power to avoid it because you knew it was going to happen or if it happened only because you knew about it. After you mull over the coincidence between this conversation and the future occurrence, you'll realize the truth of the matter and dwell on the fate of your future child's death."
"I've seen brief clips of the future in my dreams before," Star protested.
"Even in death," she muttered, "I do not have time to use my perceptive abilities to prove things to you. I am not here to give you the future score to a sports game or spoil the next surprise awaiting you around the next metaphorical corner," She told him with a firm tone of authority. "I am here to ensure that you are given the opportunity to do what is expected of you in order to ensure that my early death and the end of your entire race… was not a premature and stupid call on my part. When you awake, it will be to the face of an intelligent and beautiful woman. The argument will happen soon after, Star McCloud. Be diplomatic but be smart in how you handle it. You live among allies that will risk their lives so that you will have a future." The kitchen grew dark as if the light in the window was suddenly extinguished.
"...Star?"
"Star, wake up..."
"You sleep like a log, you know," said a voice. "But I must say that I was impressed with the way you boys handled yourself," it continued. "Your friend will be landing on GreatFox sometime within the next hour. If you trust them, then I'll have to learn to do the same." The voice was so familiar.
Star opened his eyes slowly. He was lying in bed, looking up at Fara Phoenix. GreatFox was moving through the ruins of Sector X's outskirts and metallic blocks could be seen floating passed the window of his quarters. Fara was sitting on his bed, not far from his hip, looking over him. It was obvious that the pilot was tired and he vaguely remembered going to lie down after leaving Venom.
Fara paused then smiled, seeing his eyes flutter open. "Why did you kiss me in the conference room?"
"You kissed me on Sauria," Star told her. "It threw me off guard but it was a nice gesture. On the other paw, I was too shy to stick my tongue all the way into your muzzle back in the conference room. I guess I'm not quite as bold, hmm?"
"No, don't get me wrong," Fara replied with a shrug. "Not every kiss requires that. It was nice, really."
Star could sense that she felt awkward and misconstrued it by assuming that she disliked his unprofessional behavior in the field. He immediately apologized. "I'm sorry I let it happen, Miss Phoenix. I was out of line and my actions were not becoming of a professional pilot."
"I didn't say all that," Fara groaned. "You're supposed to be telepathic," She replied. "I don't want to argue about this. I told you that it was nice and that's that."
"No, we're not going to argue about this," Star said, remembering the Oracle's words from the dream he'd just had. He wanted to prove the old woman wrong to test a theory and determine if he was dreaming or if his confrontation was real. "I won't let you argue with me about this. I understand that I was out of line and I appreciate that you're being polite about it."
"No, that's really not what I meant," Fara said, feeling a bit frustrated. "It helped me to realize that saving myself for someone who no longer exists is a silly thing. Whoever I choose to love is still my choice, you know?"
"But that doesn't mean I have to go around kissing my pilots," McCloud explained in a flat tone of voice. "I know better than that."
"Will you drop it all ready?" Phoenix snorted disdainfully. "I told you that the kiss was nice. What more do you want me to say?"
"Nothing needs to be said," Star replied firmly. "I won't disrespect you again, Miss Phoenix. You're a lovely lady and I respect you for your experience, intelligence and, most importantly, your self confidence."
"Oh get over it," she muttered. "It was a kiss, not a one night stand."
"I beg to differ," replied the fox. "I was immature to act like that and I assure you that I respect you in the highest regard." He began to look away, turning his head and lowering his gaze.
"Oh lord," Fara groaned, reaching down to cup either side of his face securely. "You're blowing this entire conversation out of proportion and that leaves me with one choice so that I can better educate you on the difference between conduct and going overboard; simultaneously I'll help you to understand that I wasn't sarcastic earlier and if I was, you'd have known it."
"Oh? Well, you have my attention, now that you're steadying my face," Star said. Fara's thoughts telegraphed another long lecture. He could almost hear the words at this point, about how she felt about the situation and how he was over reacting. Star was shocked when she forwent her speech instead, opting to lean forward and plant another kiss on his maw. Their lips meshed together momentarily, locking the kiss mouth to mouth. As it was once before, her tongue brushed against his own, beginning to dance and swirl together.
The door to his quarters swished open and footsteps were heard but Star was unable to concentrate on the other person. He prepared himself to lash out at Crimson for not knocking but his attention was preoccupied elsewhere.
"Excuse me, Star McCloud," huffed an insulted Violet Lombardi, standing only several feet away, now. Both pilots immediately broke the lip-lock, turning their attention to the new pilot.
"I… I thought you were Crimson," McCloud stammered. "I couldn't think; I didn't sense that you were on board!"
"That's because you were too busy sucking face with your new girlfriend," Violet countered, folding her arms. The half-breed feline had the wings of an Avian which sprouted from her back. They fluttered in irritation, wrapping around her body and folded arms acting like a shield to protect her body from the pain of what she considered to be a betrayal. "You told me you still loved me on the communicator but apparently you don't love me enough to keep your tongue out of another woman's mouth."
"Violet!" Star said, sitting up fully. "You broke up with me and I'm not dating Fara. We were just talking, then…" He was cut off again by Violet's jealousy.
"On a first name basis, on a taste-test basis, and that's not to mention getting a lap dance?" Violet hollered, obviously exasperated. "Yes, I know about that; I'm not an idiot, McCloud. You really love me but only when you're between make-out sessions and exotic dancers. So, who is this hussy?"
"This 'hussy'," Fara began, turning to Violet, "Is Fara Phoenix, veteran and ace-pilot of the new StarFox mercenary team. And no, he and I are not dating. What happened was a consensual act between two adults. I wasn't under his covers and there was no intent for such an act on behalf of either of us. There is no use being jealous, pilot. Everyone onboard this ship is completely single. I'll see my way to the door," Fara said, turning to face Star for a moment. "My apologies. This time I was out of line." She then made her way to the exit, glancing back over her shoulder.
"Goddess-damned right, you were out of line," Violet snapped, narrowing her eyes and watching the fennec depart. "Stay out of his bedroom," She said. The Fe-l'avian then turned back to McCloud and added, "And you: keep your dick in your pants, mister McCloud. Either that or stop telling me you love me, you chode."
"Those parables were far from warning me!" Star muttered. "She could'a just came right out and said this would happen so I could have avoided it!"
"Oh, there's another woman involved, too?" Violet said, throwing her paws up into the air. "I had no idea you were this out of control!" At the other end of the room, Fara shook her head then slipped out into the hallway with a sigh. Such a nice moment … ruined by an angry, jealous ex-girlfriend. While Fara felt the girl had no right to interrupt, Phoenix decided that it was better to drop it and walk away from the entire situation all together.
She wasn't trying to become McCloud's new boyfriend; she was just doing something for herself that hadn't happened in a very, very long time. In a twisted sort of way, it was a therapeutic means to help her finally get over Fox Junior, after all these years. The thing was, she couldn't just kiss any guy… it had to be someone she trusts. Apparently, she trusted Star.
Back in McCloud's personal quarters, the two were immediately arguing about who the Oracle was and why he'd never mentioned her before. She felt betrayed by believing his words of love over the communicator the other day and was angry to have walked in on her ex-boyfriend sucking face with another woman. She had come to the GreatFox to reconcile her relationship, not to secure an employment application.
To Violet, helping McCloud's team was a bonus as part of the relationship, not the other way around. But now she was here and he still needed her help as a pilot and mechanic. The argument would continue for more than half of an hour, despite McCloud's repeated attempts of apology. Meanwhile, the GreatFox cruiser changed destination, heading for Katina to collect the payment for their job on Sauria.
It would certainly prove to be a long remainder of the evening. Fara had no intention of sleeping with a crew member but at the same time, this new addition to the crew was not going to chase her away from being an important part of this team. For some reason, Phoenix felt like she belonged here. That reason had nothing to do with Star, the kiss or Fox McCloud. She wasn't about to let herself get a reputation as the squadron pump, either.
Fara decided that she would personally confront Violet Lombardi on this issue, later. The best, most mature thing she could think to do was to talk to the other girl and resolve the issue, in the near future. Fara decided that the best time to do it would be shortly after the arrival and re-departure from Katina. Deep down inside, Fara always wanted to fly with StarFox when Fox McCloud offered her to leave the military. This was her chance to make things right and no body was going to run her off over a man, especially one she had no current intentions of mating.
Sitting up in bed, Violet drew the covers from her sleek and slender form then stretched the angelic wings upon her back, brushing the sheets from her flesh and fur. Soft scarlet rays of Solar could be seen through the window, bathing her in their sublime radiance. Her paw lifted, brushing against the controls on the wall, polarizing the window to dim its magnificence.
She pivoted on the mattress, placing her hind-paws upon the floor then, with a push from her wings, she rose to a standing position. Her mind wondered back to last night and she reflected on how angry she was when she finally managed to retire. A tinge of guilt plagued her heart at the way she behaved and her eyes immediately lowered to the floor. "This isn't a competition," She whispered softly. "I left him but I'm not beyond reconciliation," She reassured herself, beginning to stretch. She knew what she had to do.
These quarters needed to be cleaned and rearranged but that could be done later. With a graceful sweeping motion, she moved through the bedroom, scooping up her clothing from the floor. Until she laundered them, they would go into a chair in the living room section. Her duffle was by the coffee table, holding fresh clothes.
Her shirts were specifically designed to button above the shoulder blades so that she could wear a form fitting blouse or shirt with her wings. Where some half-breed Avians her winged arms, she was different. She carried the garment into the bathroom and hung them over a rail above the sink. Violet opened the frosted door and pressed her furry fingertip into a square button on the wall. Shower water poured into the rectangular unit and within minutes, a steamy fog was hovering just over the tiles.
There were no such things as 'simple hygiene' procedures for Violet Lombardi. The silky feathers of her wings required one solution to give them a glossy, strong shine. It helped with molting problems and kept her from cleaning feathers in her wake. The other solution was used for her fur, keeping her coat shiny; it reduced shedding and kept her body soft to the touch.
Her hair was another monster all together. Those absolutely beautiful tendrils of cobalt mixed with strands and natural highlights of indigo swirled about with flits of lilac feathers. Most any gentleman fox held her irresistible but remained at a distance due to the potency of her temper. Star McCloud had no fear of her personality, however. In fact, he loved her for who she was, regardless of his foolish endeavors on the previous evening.
Violet was a self confident, impressively educated young woman. She was academic and mechanical, sometimes citing her own clever metaphors constructed from history or classic literature. She was the epitome of sharp and a mechanical genius. As a young girl, Slippy Toad gave her an appreciation for all things perfunctory. It interested her to see how a machine was able to do its job unyieldingly and without upset.
On a deeper level, Lombardi felt that her ability to create and repair machines helped balance her. They were the Yin to her Yang. Where she was emotional and temperamental, her creations and her mechanical hobbies were able to provide her life with the balance she strived to acquire. Sometimes she was even jealous of a machine for being able to perform its duties without feeling insulted or hurt.
Also, she preferred machines to people at times because they were more reliable and honest in a sense. She learned to respect a fighter and a hydraulic pump over boys when she was in high school. No machine would ever out perform another machine just so it could spread its seed like the average male. It wasn't that she disliked men, she was simply able to respect a machine over a breathing person, no matter what their gender was.
She knew that she was also far from perfect. Violet knew that perfection was not something she would ever achieve do to the fact that she was as flawed as the next person. She also knew that she had to apologize to both Star and Fara to make things right. She wanted to be dependable and stable, after all. It wasn't whether or not Violet Lombardi was the epitome of stability; she just didn't want to appear angry and jealous.
Lavender locks cascaded down over her shoulders, formfitting to her body under the shower nozzle's mesmerizing heat. For some reason a shower had become a ritual for her. She was able to escape her tense body, letting her muscles relax. It was more than simply achieving cleanliness, as Violet simply loved to soak. The heat of the water washed away her day's sin. It was able to cut through the day's dirt and grease and, most importantly, it invigorated her and balanced her mood. She would always step from the shower a renewed woman with a sense of purpose and reality.
The slow roll of the soap-filled puffy sponge felt like a massage against her thighs, scrubbing away the old day and it stains left on her soul. She often wondered if a machine could ever feel this alive after a power washing and fresh lubricant. She made a mental note to ask ROB about that, later. For now, she simply basked in the moment.
Feeling clean and refreshed, she brushed the door open and approached the thermal intensity moisture evaporation drying unit or 'TIME Dry' machine built into the wall. The typical 'time dry' took less than 30 seconds and worked by standing on a pad in the corner of the area. It drew normal water-based moisture from the physical body without harming the natural body oils, leaving fur and feathers at their most radiant. It was also the quickest way to be fully dried off before getting dressed.
Once she was ready, the Fe-l'avian dressed accordingly and departed her personal quarters. She had to find which of the remaining quarters belonged to Fara. She had her choice between two rooms and so she opted for the first one she came to. The door wished open and she stepped into the dark den, sniffing at the air. A moment of repose followed before she decided that this particular den was in use by Crimson O'Donnell. She turned back for the door only to freeze in her tracks when she heard his voice.
"Leaving without saying hello?" He asked, his voice cutting through the darkness. "I'm surprised you came back for him."
"He said he loves me," she replied over her shoulder, turning to face the exit. "Just because times have been rough on our relationship doesn't mean it's over forever."
"I heard about last night," He added, shaking his head slowly. "Why in the hell did you bring up the stripper? That wasn't something he even wanted to do," Crimson told her. "I may not be telepathic but it was obvious that he felt awkward about it."
"That's good to know, Crimmy." She paused then told him, "How's your sister?"
"Well enough, I suppose. I rarely speak to her. The next time I do, however, I'll tell her you said hello."
"Do that," Violet said with a weak smile. "I'm sure she still hates my mother but she and I have never really had a reason to butt heads."
"True," Crimson replied with a nod. "Yeah, I'll tell her. Listen, about Mack… He does love you, by the way. Just chill out and you guys will do fine together."
"Thanks," Violet said, stepping back into the hallway. The door swished shut behind her with a soft tapping sound at the end of its closing motion. The next room was directly across the hall and so Lombardi approached it. The proximity sensor caused the doors to swish open, welcoming the half-breed to step inside. Violet gave a sniff, glancing about the well illuminated room. It was obvious that this side of the ship was still bathed in sunlight as it provided the room with an ambient cheerfulness. Fara's scent was present, coming from the bedroom.
Inside, Fara Phoenix was trying her paw at something new. She was attempting to paint as a hobby. Careful brushstrokes delicately danced over the furniture, trying to properly restore the wooden bureau to its nature antique beauty. There was a soft tapping at the bedroom door. "Enter," She called out, keeping her attention on her work.
The door swished open but Fara kept her eyes on the brush, gently working through the groves of the intricate woodwork of one of the handles. She couldn't really smell anything over the paint and the loud hum of the powerful air filter filled the room with an ambient noise. In the background, soft music was playing but it was difficult to immediately discern the genre.
"I came to apologize," came the voice of Violet, from behind.
"You beat me to it," Fara replied, keeping her attention on the woodwork. "I'm almost finished restoring this thing. From what I understand, it belonged to Fox McCloud's grandfather. Anyhow, I didn't mean to interfere in your relationship and I had no business degrading myself just because of my silly inability to grow beyond my desire for the past."
"And he was free to do as he pleased in a sense," Violet replied, approaching the fennec. "I uh… I still don't like it. I mean, I know I'll react the same way if I ever catch it happening again but I broke up with him so technically it's my fault. I'm just very… possessive over him, you know?"
"I suppose I can understand why, if you feel about him the way I grew up feeling about Fox." Fara paused then said, "I suppose I should actually apologize to Star for using him to help me get over another man."
"Don't you think that's a little weird?" Violet frowned. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude."
"No, I suppose you're right," Fara replied, setting the brush down on a paper mat that covered part of the floor. "It was short of leading him on just to help myself get passed personal problems. All I'm doing is incorporating my problem… my personal baggage… onto someone else. He's younger than I am and doesn't understand that I was doing that for myself and it was unprofessional and silly. So, friends?"
"Ah," Violet face-faulted. "Let's keep it strictly business for now. I don't mean to be the kind of girl who holds a grudge but I suppose I have to get to know you. But yes, I would like a truce while I sort out my own 'silly' feelings."
"Fair enough," Fara said, turning around to Lombardi. She offered her paw and Violet took it. The two participated in a quick yet firm handshake and the issue was resolved, for now. "You're probably wondering why it was Star and not some other man. I suppose my excuse is simply that I wouldn't kiss Crimson, I trust Star and he's got those McCloud paws. Girlish of me, I know. I didn't really know you guys had a history, either."
"It's cool," Violet said. "Let's just drop it. So, do you use a paintbrush often?"
"No, not really," Fara told her. "But this is a beautiful dresser and I thought it was a shame to see it in such a state of age. I've never done this kind of stuff before so I looked up the basics on the Sub-Space Internet and looked around in the hold for some supplies. I found everything I needed down in the belly. What kind of hobbies grab you?"
"Flying like yourself," Violet answered earnestly. She then shrugged and said, "I have this strange adoration for machines. It's weird, I know but I like to build that kind of stuff. If not yet met ROB but I intend to, later on."
"ROB could use a good tune up," Fara noted.
"How would you know for sure?" Violet didn't mean to sound rude but she was well aware that many machines ran their own self diagnostic and some even had the ability to self service themselves.
"He looks like it," rebuked the vixen. "He's a rusty tin can anymore. He's on the bridge but he needs some serious work."
Violet held her paws outwards, defensively. "All right, all right, sorry I asked. I look at him," She said. "I have a temper problem, I'm just trying to keep it in check. I know I have it, just lend me some leeway and I'll work it out myself. Sound good?"
"You're fine," Fara chuckled, looking over her shoulder to offer the younger woman a polite smile. "Honest."
"Okay, well," Violet trailed off for a moment, fidgeting. "I'm glad we spoke and resolved everything. I'd better go take a look at the bridge and pay a visit to ROB. By the way," She continued, side stepping so that she could see Fara's face. "In the spirit of starting over, I'm Violet Lombardi."
"Fara Phoenix," replied the fennec. "It's nothing two civilized adult women can't handle, right? After all, we're the only females aboard this ship. We kinda have to stick together, right?"
"Women can also be the most temperamental," Violet mused with an honest air. "I'll do my best to live up to thee…ah… whole 'most mature gender' thing. Ah, see you around." Her eyes flitted over the furniture then back to Fara. She gave a wan smile then left the room.
Once they were out of hearing range of one another, Fara muttered under her breath. "I thought Star said she radiated with self confidence. What a weirdo."
Out in the hallway, Violet shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Now that was like talking to a brick wall," She scoffed. "I'm trying to get over Fox McCloud, gee hold on while I paint his grandfather's old furnishings. All right, Violet; give it a rest, she's not your enemy, girl!" Lombardi said to herself.
"That's good to know," came a voice from behind. Violet didn't recognize the male voice so she turned around, coming face to face with a walking, talking dinosaur. Her eyes widened and her tail fluffed up. Her feathers ruffled and the fur on her neck stood on end.
"By the creator, you are the ugliest pet I've ever seen," Lombardi croaked in shock. "Are you from Sauria? What in the hell are you doing here?"
"I was here first," Tricky chided. "Are you the girl that Star really likes? I don't like your wings," he told her, reminded of the Cloud Runner tribe. "I'm King Tricky of the Earth Walker tribe. Your name is… Purple, right?"
"No, close I guess," She muttered with a frown. "I'm Violet Lombardi. I was on my way to the bridge to take a look at ROB. I have a feeling that he's going to be the only one that I can relate to on this ship. Are you her temporarily or are you a part of this team?"
"Oh no," Tricky thunder with a grin. "I'm definitely a member of STARFOX. Fox made me an honorary member, personally. I've got a pendant to prove it!"
"That's… cute." Violet gave a polite smile. "I suppose you're not such a bad guy, just a little hyper."
"Hyper huh?" Tricky said uncomprehendingly. He did a strange little dance, bounding about on each of his four large feet. Violet's brows furrowed, watching him act in a way that only proved her to be right. "I guess I can live with that!" Tricky said then asked, "Can you cook?"
"…Pardon?" Lombardi blinked, not understanding where such an inquiry was coming from. "In general or are you trying to tell me that you're hungry?"
"We brought Grub-Tub mushrooms and they're really good if you cook them first!" Tricky announced, giving that large tail a swish. It left dents in the metallic bulkheads on either side of the corridor, causing Violet to retreat a few steps back.
"I'm not a very good cook," She admitted softly before adding, "I could program ROB to cook, if you want. I was… just on my way to see him," She said.
"Neat!" Tricky replied. "Are you going to take him apart? I was curious what the inside of a robot looks like."
"Oh, well… let's make an appointment. I don't know how much work he needs right now and I'm still kind of waking up, so I like to be alone, if you don't mind."
"Oh… okay," Tricky grumbled, sounding dejected. "Maybe some other time then, huh?"
"Sure that sounds great," Lombardi said, hesitantly reaching out to pat him on the head like a large pet. "See you around… incidentally, how can you speak our language?"
"This," Tricky said, lifting his right foot, showing her the translator strapped to his leg. "I guess I'll find someone who can let me into the storage room so I can eat. Buy, purple fairy-bird lady!"
"It's Violet!" She corrected.
"I like mine better," Tricky laughed, obviously in a playful mood.
Her head tilted and she decided on a pleasant yet slightly pleading voice. "Just call me by my name, please?"
"Nah," Tricky said, smiling brightly.
"Violet!" She told him firmly.
"I'm not doing it!" Tricky cried out the way he occasionally did as a kid.
"Geeze," she grumbled, turning back towards the rest of the hallway. She stalked off towards the bridge, using her paws to smooth her fur and feathers while shaking her head. Already she'd butted heads with just about everyone this morning. It was to the point where she couldn't wait to have time alone with her tools and ROB just to get away from this morning's insanity.
A/N: I love a little drama, don't you. :D
So if you were in Star McCloud's shoes… who in the world would YOU want to date at this point? Violet isn't as bad as she appears to be, she's intelligent and loves Star to death. She may easily feel betrayed at times but having tender feelings isn't necessarily bad. Fara on the other hand still can't make her mind up about what she wants… but she's established and down to earth. Both are hot, one has huge ears, the other has huge wings. One's a vixen, the other is an angelic- winged catgirl. Me-yow.
Both have enough of their daddy's money to live on for a long time (even though Fara's daddy left more money, neither are broke and both invest XD)
So, out of curiosity… who would YOU choose?
-kit
