000
Epilogue
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Papetoon. 2 Weeks Later.
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The vulpine hung his head, his gaze resting on the same heartbreaking image before him that it had all night, and the night before. So badly he wanted to believe that it would change, that the lifeless body of his one and only daughter would be gone the next time he looked down into her casket to prove to him that it was all just a big joke. That she wasn't dead.
Tears fell from his snout and landed on the velvet carpet, briefly leaving dark imprints on it before disappearing forever into the soft texture. The same could be said for her. She was gone forever. The beautiful, playful, little brown bundle of fur that was Fara Phoenix that would always be his little girl would never again be there for him to hold in his arms. He was only somewhat thankful that her mother wasn't alive to suffer this pain as well, despite how badly he wanted a shoulder to cry on at the moment.
She was all I had left. It was always just us three, the Phoenix family. And after your mother died...you...you were all I had left...
What worsened the whole thing, what made him clench his fists in rage even now, was that he still had no idea what had been the cause of it. His vast wealth, his power and resources, they had gotten him plenty of answers...but they were answers he didn't believe in the least. At first Pepper had made him think she had died from a malfunction on her ship while returning to Corneria, that the atmosphere had all but destroyed her vessel and when they had found her on some remote island outside Terria that she was already dead. But the general had underestimated his resources.
We looked into it. We know your men tried to cover up the blaster wound. That story of yours was nothing but bullshit. Whatever happened to her...whatever happened to my daughter...I will find out.
Such determination still resided within him but he found it hard to express while looking down at his daughter's lifeless body. It was as if all the fight in him just ebbed away as he pictured his life without the last remaining member of his family. It didn't matter how wealthy he was, Richard Phoenix would knew he'd never have enough credits to his name to fill the gap that now resided within his heart.
I should have seen this coming. After what happened at her wedding...the way she took off like that...I should have known she would do something drastic.
But that was just it. He didn't know what had happened. He had tried comforting her after the heartbreaking moment that now seemed like an eternity ago, and for a day or two he thought she might get over it and move on with her life. Then the groom turned up dead days later and speculations arose as Papetoon's media began pointing fingers. His wealth and the fact that he was so renown managed to sweep that under the rug but by the time he had managed to do so Fara had already left them again, leaving him only a note that read; Going to visit an old friend. Be back in a few weeks.
Who though? Who was she visiting? And did they have anything to do with this?
He tried tracking her physically, financially, and every other way he knew how. But his daughter was smart, and far more cunning and elusive than he'd ever given her credit for. Looking down at her now he realized that was just another feature about her that he'd miss so much more.
So for the next few weeks he had simply let her be, trusting her upbringing and knowledge to keep her safe until she managed to overcome this hill in her life. He knew she was still depressed, although he tried to tell himself otherwise. Perhaps it was because he was so busy being the planet's wealthiest individual that he ignored the signs and allowed his daughter to do what she did.
I don't know that she killed Michael. No one knows does. But after he left Fara at the alter like that...would…would she really be willing to go so far?
He shook his head, refusing to believe that his daughter, who had once been but a small handful of fur in his arms, could be capable and willing of committing such a crime. Yes, she had been in love with the vulpine, or at least he thought she was. But he had made it his own preference not to intrude on Fara's relationships, instead allowing the vixen to date whoever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Why? Because he trusted her. He trusted her to make the right decisions and to keep the Phoenix name looking nothing short of classy and respectable.
And she always has. She has never made the wrong choice.
Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew this wasn't completely true. There was one time in her life that he still wished his daughter had been thinking clearer, that she had done what was best for herself instead of what the teenager in her demanded.
She should have stayed with that McCloud kid. As good a pilot as he was...and a damn fine boy. Maybe if they had stayed together this never would have happened...
Once more he was returned to the present, the ultimate and still unknown death of his only child resting before him. Although he hadn't shown it the past few days, managing to fake smiles and force himself to hold it together while thousands came to pay their respects, on the inside he was falling to pieces.
It didn't hurt anywhere near this bad when Amelia left. Maybe it was because I still had Fara with me….at least then we could mourn together.
He had soon found himself making deals with anyone and anything, well aware that he'd give every single credit he had ever made from his vast fortune just to have his daughter back. He was desperate and alone and that was an ending he had never really accounted for, even after Amelia, the love of his life, had passed away years ago.
I always thought I'd still have my baby girl...
His fists remained clenched as he struggled to hold it together. He was alone now, the massive funeral hall completely deserted as the clock struck 2am.
A father should never have to bury his child. His...only...child.
He had ordered his men to lock the door, to give him a moments peace with her as he continued to try and comprehend this new twist to his life. Only days ago he had everything he ever wanted. Wealth, fame, success...everything. But now such a powerful vulpine found himself on his knees, his paw resting on the side of the casket, allowing his self-control to slip as he once more realized Fara was gone from his life.
In time I will figure out who caused this. I'm not stupid, you can't deceive me that easily Pepper. We both know that.
There was something more to his daughter's death. Some story that he had yet to hear but was so close he could almost make it all out. At the moment all he knew was the ending, but that wasn't what he wanted. No. What he wanted was the exposition and the climax; he wanted to know just who it was he could blame all this pain and suffering he was enduring on. They had lied to him about her cause of death but Pepper had also twisted his arm behind his back, not so casually hinting that the vulpine would be told one thing and one thing only, and that he shouldn't look too deep into the matter.
But she's my daughter god damnit! I should know!
Shakily he rose to his feet and rested his arms on the side of the casket, determination mixed with sadness overtaking his expression as he looked down at his child. That's what she was. A child. Hardly in her twenties, still basically a kid. So to have this happen to her...at such a young age...it only fueled his anger even more. But such feelings wouldn't make themselves known here, not in this place, not before her now. This was a time to say good-bye...to mourn and grieve, even if he didn't want to.
Behind him he heard the doors open but he didn't bother turning towards his visitor, knowing that it was probably his second in command, that no one else would have the guts to interrupt a moment such as this.
I'd give anything to have you back.
The steps continued to grow louder as they neared him, yet they remained far from his concern, his gaze still resting upon her beautiful face.
I'd do whatever it took just to hear your voice again.
Had he been focused and alert he would have easily noticed that the footsteps were much louder than those of his vice-president, or that the strange scent that flowed down the aisle ahead of him definitely belonged to a stranger. But he remained unfazed; his heart, body, and mind still solely dedicated to the vixen before him and how his life would be without her.
I will find out what happened to you. I promise.
The presence stopped a few feet behind him yet he still didn't have the slightest clue as to who or what they belonged to, only assuming and not really caring. His eyes rested on Fara's, every fiber of his being wishing that her lids would open and that she would arise from this sleep that came upon her so early in life.
And I will make them pay for doing this to you.
"A shame," the voice finally spoke, immediate fear overcoming the vulpine.
The deep tone caused him to stiffen yet he didn't dare turn around to face his visitor, his mind telling him to wait for the stranger to speak once again so he could confirm his identity….hoping it wasn't who he thought.
It can't be...
"She was a great pilot. An even better daughter though."
It is...
"Hmm…I bet you miss her don't you?"
"Of course I fucking miss her!" he shouted back, turning and facing his guest more out of fear than anger. "What kind of question is that?"
The visitor merely raised an eyebrow at him, telling the vulpine just how calm and collected he was at this location despite who he was.
What is he doing here?
They had met before, numerous times in fact. Of course this was years and years ago when such visits were seen as friendly and acceptable. However over the course of time, after all that had happened, the two had only spoken on a few rare occasions, and those were most certainly not in person, rather over transmissions. And even then it was highly classified.
"Now Rick," the guest replied calmly, stepping forward and looking down at Fara's body, "There's no need to get temperamental."
"I just lost my daughter." he answered sternly, "This is the perfect time to get temperamental."
Surprisingly enough the guest cracked a smirk and managed a nod, never looking away from the body in the casket before them.
"Fair enough."
"What do you want?"
He studied Fara's body a moment more before finally turning to face him, resting a hand on the side of the casket and sporting a serious look on his face.
"Me?" he asked innocently, forcing a shrug but not being able to hide the dark look on his face, "All I want is to help out an old friend in his time of need."
"Bullshit."
The stranger laughed at his response, yet it came out more sinister and chilling than the vulpine would have liked and he soon found himself wishing he had chosen and different type of answer.
"You...do not believe me?" he asked, the laughter fading as his face once more took on a dark and amused look.
It's hard to trust someone like you…after what you did.
After seeing that he would get no response the stranger decided to continue, "I guess that is understandable. You always were somewhat of a skeptic Rick."
He's matured so much...he's so cocky and sure of himself.
"What do you want?" the vulpine managed to repeat, determined to stay strong and confident despite the fear that ran throughout him. For someone this infamous to be here, on Papetoon of all places, it left him to only wonder at what his objective was.
"Like I said. I want to help you."
"How?"
The fact that he had asked, rather than simply turn down the offer caused them both to look up. The vulpine was immediately regretting the question but his guest on the other hand not being able to hide the smirk of satisfaction as he saw his chance surface.
"You want her back don't you?"
The question seemed to ring off the walls, sticking in his heart and causing that all too familiar pain to pulse through his veins with every beat. He had been asking himself that same question nonstop for the past few days and he all too easily knew the answer to it.
But to have it asked in real-life by someone else...as if it was a possibility...it made it that much more gut-wrenching.
He didn't like to divulge such thoughts to anyone, especially the creature before him. But the look in his eyes, the way he asked the question, almost daring him to say no...it got to the vulpine and he knew he'd answer it one way or the other.
"Yes." He muttered, looking down at her once again, "I'd give anything for it."
Another short silence overtook them as the response sunk in. His guest was well-prepared and the vulpine could only assume he was setting up the drama by waiting so long before responding, but he didn't say anything else, knowing his next sentence would carry with it something he probably wouldn't want to hear.
"Anything?"
He looked back up at him, an almost angry expression on his face at the taunting tone his voice had. Does he think this is just a game? That he can mess with me and ask such questions when my daughter, my one and only daughter, is right before us, dead!
"What are you getting at?" he demanded, slamming his fist on the side of the coffin to add emphasis to his current state of dismay.
"So temperamental..." he repeated softly, his gaze resting on the vulpine's hand. "Clearly you are in no state to induce small talk so I will just lay my offer out on the table and let the chips fall where they may."
Another few seconds passed and the tension between them seemed to soften, the fox greatly appreciating this new attitude his guest was presenting before him. Still, he knew that whatever it was he had to offer him, if it was anything like before, it would be unacceptable. Except...this time they were in the flesh and not talking through screens. This time it might be an offer that he couldn't refuse.
He managed to nod in response before lowering his paw to his side and once more casting a glance at Fara's body.
"We're in the middle of the biggest war Lylat has ever seen." he spoke calmly, looking over at the vixen as well, "My grandfather left me with far more resources than anyone had ever thought imaginable, which is why we haven't lost yet. But despite all of that…" he went on, his voice almost trailing off before returning to another subject, "It was brought to my attention that your daughter and I seem to have shared a common interest in a select group of fighters, whose actions were the end result of her demise I might add."
"You know-
"Unlike yourself," he continued, interrupting the vulpine's attempt to find answers, "I was well aware of everything she had planned. I was also aware," he added, casting a glance up at him, "Of how she failed."
"But-
"My intel is in much deeper than yours."
The realization that the creature before him had basically all the answers to every one of his questions only made him that much more desperate and willing. Just to know what happened to his daughter would be a blessing...and anything else...
"How...how did...what happened?"
"To be honest I can't believe she failed. She sounded so sure of herself when she left Venom with my gift."
He was toying with the vulpine now, not giving him any answers, only bits of information that seemed to cause more and more questions to arise.
What was she doing on Venom? When was this? Where did she go?
"Please..." he managed to mutter, his gaze flashing back and forth from his daughter and the guest, "Just tell me what you came here for."
"Like I said. To help you."
"What does that mean!" he cried, desperation and fatigue overtaking his heart and mind.
"I can bring her back."
The statement was so straightforward that he almost thought he had imagined it. But the look of absolute promise and sincerity that resided on the creature's face told the vulpine that it was nothing short of the truth, that the offer was completely legitimate. Yet no matter how many times he played the words over and over again in his mind he just couldn't bring himself to accept the possibility. Not after everything that he'd been put through, not just the past few days, but just within the past few minutes.
"She'll be exactly as she was the last time I saw her on Venom. You can even remove those pesky memories of that wedding that I was never invited to."
"You're joking...it's impossible...
The fact that he didn't say 'no' to the offer, only doubted it, made his guest smirk in happiness, knowing that he would eventually get his way.
"Nothing," he said firmly, stepping beside the vulpine and putting an arm around his shoulder as they looked down at the casket, "Is impossible. It's been done before. Or do you not remember my grandfather's resurrection?"
"My daughter is not Andross."
"No. She's not." he replied flatly, "She's dead."
Seconds passed by as the two of them looked down at the vixen's lifeless body, the vulpine struggling to process everything that had been thrown before him. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew he'd agree to it one way or another. In fact he figured that even if he had said no the procedure would have still been performed.
Unbeknownst to him it was not only Fara's will that this be done, on the off chance she did fail, but it was also something that the stranger before him preferred. She would make an incredible addition to their army and, after a few more pieces of the puzzle were put into place, he would finally have a force strong enough to take over not only Corneria but all of the Lylat System.
"But I can fix that. I can make it to where it was as if she never died." He finally added, a promising tone sneaking into the vulpine's ear.
No...it's not right...I can't...
"She'll be just as she was. You'll never notice the difference. Same memories and everything."
But she's already died once. I know I said I'd be willing to give anything...but I never thought...
"You'll be able to hold your baby girl in your arms once again Rick. You won't be alone anymore."
Fara...my girl...
The memory of the vixen, only a few months old and resting in his arms as he rocked her to sleep...accompanied with so many more thoughts he had with his daughter seemed to flood his mind and it was then that he realized that no matter what his morals told him he'd agree to whatever he had to in order to have his daughter alive once again.
"All I ask," the guest whispered firmly, a grin on his face as he caught the look of collapse in the vulpine's eyes, "is that Papetoon forms an alliance with Venom."
My daughter…
He knew he had the power to make it happen...and he would. He wasn't the elected leader of the planet, but he had so much more authority over that position that it was almost pathetic. It was his word that was said and done, and if it would get his daughter back in his arms once again then he wouldn't hesitate.
"You make that happen and your little girl will be alive before the week is over."
She's all I have left...
"So?" the primate questioned, telling the vulpine he was finished with presenting his half of the deal, "What's your answer?"
The silence of the massive hall seemed to only add pressure to the situation as the fox continued to take everything in. It was wrong and he knew it, and there was still so much he wanted to ask, so much he wanted to know the answer to. But that wasn't the option presented before him now. No. At this moment he was just given two pieces of information, both of which he knew would affect him for the rest of his life no matter what he did.
Agree to this offer and see his daughter once again, mending the gaping hole that had formed inside his heart…while at the same time throwing the previously neutral planet of Papetoon into the war to aid Venom.
Or...decline the offer and probably face immediate death for it, and if not, have only a funeral to look forward to and then a lifetime of pain and heartache.
The answer was so obvious it almost made him laugh.
"Okay Oikonny," he managed to reply, his voice wavering but positive, "Do it."
"Please," the monkey answered, clearly content. "Call me Dash."
000 (I've written it out to where Dash took the last name Oikonny after he tried to return Venom to power, sort of a tribute to his grandfather, Andross. That's why he was referred to as such.)