A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, the Star Fox team reached Venom and destroyed an ancient golem, Golemech. We are ready for the last part of the Lylat Wars! Let's start!

''Say your prayers, Andross!'' Said Fox, determined to put an end to the Lylat Wars. Before he could even enter Andross' lair, voices were heard. Four Wolfen appeared, and Slippy noticed that they were a little different from the last time.

(''Star Wolf's Theme - Star Fox Zero OST'')

''Don't get too cocky, Star Fox!'' Wolf replied.

''Let's see if you can beat us with our new ships.'' said Leon.

''You'll never get to Andross!'' said Andrew.

''I have something to say to you, vulpine: too bad daddy's not here to see you FAIL!'' yelled Pigma, who laughed.

''Star Wolf? Right now?'' said Falco, a little irritated. All Star Wolf members had some bruises and burns on their faces.(1)

''We have to defeat them, there is no other choice.'' said Fox.

''Their shuttles are now Wolfen II. They are even stronger than the old model. There must be a way to defeat them.'' Slippy thought.

''If we manage to limit their movements, we will have the upper hand. But we have to work together to do it.'' said Peppy.

Fox was forced on the defensive: both Wolf and Pigma chased him, and dodging their shots was not easy at all, while Leon was attacking Falco and Peppy and Andrew was trying to attack Slippy. He managed to get away and follow Andrew, weakening him and reducing his shield gauge to 41%.

''Nice aircrafts, guys! Really nice.'' said the frog sarcastically, and he provoked Andrew. ''Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?''

''Give it up! You can't win!'' yelled the monkey with a counter-provocation. This turned out to be a mistake, as Slippy hit him with a powerful laser charged to the maximum which reduced his shield gauge to 7%. ''AAAAAHHHH! I have to get out of here!'' he shouted, forced to retreat.

''And you are out of here!'' shouted the bullfrog.

''Not bad at all, Slippy.'' said Falco.

(''Star Wolf's Theme - Star Fox Zero OST-s'')

(''Like a Glint of Light- Tales of Symphonia OST'')

''Guys, I need help!'' said Fox.

''Slippy, do you have a plan?'' asked Peppy.

''Yes. I will act as bait and try to distract Wolf. Then, you can take care of Pigma, Peppy. Since Wolf is following him and reacting to all his tricks, Fox won't be able to hold on much longer.'' said Slippy.

In fact, Fox couldn't get Wolf off of him no matter how hard he tried or what tricks he used, and his shield gauge dropped to 88%. Slippy distracted the wolf enough to get him away, but now, Fox had Pigma on his heels. The pig did a barrel roll and hit him, crashing his Arwing into a rock, reducing his shield gauge to 53%. He was trapped.

''You will die just like your father, you fool!'' cried the traitor.

''KEEP YOUR PAWS OFF MY BOY!'' thundered Peppy, who swooped down and attacked Pigma, reducing his shield gauge to 63%.

''Peppy!'' Fox exclaimed.

''Well well... Peppy, don't move or he dies!'' threatened Pigma.

''Don't you even try, you filthy pig! If you touch one hair on my adopted son's head, I'll punch you so hard that I'll break your nose and make you lose all your teeth! I can't believe James and I were on the team with a boorish brainless like you!'' yelled the rabbit angrily.

''Right. Two years ago, Peppy adopted me and took me under his protection. If you mess with the two of us, you mess with the whole Star Fox.'' replied the young leader.

Slippy came to help his teammates. ''You won't get away with this after what you've done, Pigma! You will end up in Solar, this is your place, you pork!'' he yelled.

''Yes! Well said, Slip! You deserve to go to hell, you porcine cheapskate!'' shouted Falco, and they all fired a charged shot that reduced Pigma's shield gauge to 3%, forcing him to run away, incredulous.

''And don't come back ever again!'' screamed Peppy. Shortly thereafter, the pheasant defeated Leon on his own, and only Wolf was missing.

''Guys, limit Wolf's space so I can defeat him!'' Fox commanded.

''You'll see your father again soon, Fox!'' said the wolf.

''Oh yeah? You'll have to deal with us first!'' replied Falco, and everyone limited his space.

Fox reduced his rival's shield gauge to 70%, but now he was chased again. This time, he used a new trick, braking and then moving slightly. The trick worked, bringing him right behind Wolf, who didn't expect it. ''I can't believe it!'' Exclaimed the wolf, and Fox opened fire, reducing his shield gauge to 10%.

''No way! I don't believe it! You won this time, but against Andross, it won't end like this!'' yelled Wolf, forced to retire.

(''Like a Glint of Light- Tales of Symphonia OST-s'')

''Great, guys! You were all really good!'' praised Fox.

''We have arrived! It will all be over soon.'' said Falco.

''Let's defeat Andross and the war will end.'' said Slippy.

(''Eerie Island- Kirby Mass Attack OST'')

''Speaking of Andross, from here on out I will go alone.'' said Fox.

Everyone was shocked. ''What?!'' said Slippy.

''Fox, are you crazy?!'' snapped Falco.

''This is madness! You won't come out alive!'' said Peppy.

''Listen, guys. Because of Andross and Pigma, I lost my father. It seems only right that it should be me to defeat him. Go to the Great Fox and wait for me there. You can follow me via the main screen. I'll be back when I manage to defeat Andross, okay?'' replied Fox. His teammates could understand that he was serious.

''OK. Are you sure you're going to be okay, Fox?'' asked Slippy, a little worried.

''I'll be fine, buddy.'' replied the fox.

''Then get rid of that hideous ape for us!'' yelled Falco.

''We can't stop you, so you can go, Fox. Now it's all up to you. Good luck.'' said Peppy.

''Thanks, guys.'' said Fox. Shortly thereafter, he entered Andross' lair, connected by a series of tunnels, while his teammates returned to the Great Fox.

(''Eerie Island- Kirby Mass Attack OST-s'')

''Should everybody know that Fox went to face Andross alone?'' asked Falco.

''Yes. I sent a message to my father, my uncle, Bill, General Pepper and the Cornerian Army. I've already told them everything and I'm going to send the visible image on the screen.'' Slippy replied.

''OK. ROB, turn on the screen.'' Peppy said to ROB.

''Affirmative.'' said the robot, who activated the screen, showing Fox's position.

Fox was flying through the tunnels in what appeared to be a sort of maze full of crossroads. He heard a voice in his ears. ''Fox, can you hear me? I'm Slippy. I told everyone that you went to face Andross alone. We are all counting on you, so win the final fight for us.'' it was Slippy.

''I'll make it. For you, for Bill, for Corneria, for the Lylat System.'' replied the fox. Another voice rumbled in his ears, but this time it was threatening.

''You are foolish to think of challenging me alone, Fox McCloud. You will die like your father, and now you will feel true pain!'' it was Andross.

(''Final Battle Against Ganon- The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time OST'')

Shortly thereafter, Fox found himself face to face with Andross, ready to take him out once and for all.

''This is it. The final showdown.'' said General Pepper.

''It's all up to you, Fox!'' said Beltino.

''Defeat Andross for us!'' said Grippy.

''Come on, Fox! You can do it!'' Bill shouted.

''Fox! Aim for the eyes, so you will blind him and he won't be able to attack for a while! While he is stunned, shoot athis hands and then aim at his face!'' cried Peppy.

Andross attacked first, emitting lightning from his right hand and tried to hit the Arwing with several punches, but Fox dodged the shots and stunned him by shooting in the eyes, destroying his right hand. However, the evil scientist opened his mouth to try to suck the Arwing.

''Shoot a bomb in his mouth!'' cried Slippy.

Fox followed his advice and shot a Nova Bomb in Andross's mouth, causing damage and stunning him. He then managed to destroy his left hand and then shot him in the face. The evil scientist exploded, revealing his true appearance: a huge floating brain with his red eyes attached to it with two laser beams and tentacles.

Everyone was horrified to see that monstrous form. Slippy let out a high-pitched scream and jumped into Peppy's arms.

''WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS ABOMINATION?!'' screamed Falco, disgusted.

''Andross did some strange experiments on himself during those two years.'' said General Pepper.

''I think I won't sleep well tonight.'' Bill commented.

''Only I have the brains to rule over Lylat!'' said Andross.

Fox activated full-field mode and the eyes parted.

Slippy made a brief analysis. ''Fox, get rid of those eyes first by using bombs, then try to attack the brain! His weak point is the medulla on the back, but be careful: if you get too close, his will grab you with the tentacles and take away your energy! Plus, the rest of the brain is immune to your shots, and Andross can teleport away.'' he said.

The young leader followed Slippy's directions, and being careful not to get hit by the lasers, he destroyed his eyes without problems, then approached the brain from behind and started shooting at the marrow, but this was not easy, as Andross teleported away.

''It's time for you to die!'' yelled Andross, who tried to launch a surprise attack, but Fox dodged and passed him, then opened fire, and the brain started to explode.

''YES! You did it!'' yelled Slippy.

(''Final Battle Against Ganon- The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time OST-s'')

(''André Sets Out To Conquer The World- Rayman 3 OST 2:10'')

Suddenly, the doors shut down, and Fox was blocked. ''What the?!'' he exclaimed in shock.

''If I go down, i'll take you down with me!'' screamed Andross, who exploded. He had activated the self-destruction system.

''Shit! Get away, Fox!'' yelled Peppy, pulling his ears down in anxiety.

''I no longer have an escape route!'' replied the fox, his heart pounding.

Everyone began to sweat heavily, and General Pepper was also nervous. ''I don't like this at all.'' he commented.

''AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!'' Fox saw the massive explosion approach him and closed his eyes, screaming. By now, there seemed to be nothing left of him.

Slippy, Peppy and Falco let out a dreadful scream. ''NOOOOOOOOOOOO!''

(''André Sets Out To Conquer The World- Rayman 3 OST-s'')

At that moment, the screen on the Great Fox went static and then went black, as if there was no signal anymore.

''Connection to Fox's Arwing interrupted.'' said ROB.

(''Ventus's Theme- Kingdom Hearts 3 OST'')

Everyone was shocked. Judging from what ROB had said, it's like Fox was dead. ''Oh, my.'' murmured Grippy, as a saddened Beltino put a hand on his shoulder.

Unable to bear what happened, Slippy fell to his knees and burst into tears. His best friend, the one who had always believed in him, and the one who protected him from bullies at school, was now gone. Everyone could only hear his heartbreaking sobs, and his father felt bad to see him in this state. ''Poor Slippy.'' murmured Beltino, as he hugged his brother.

The young bullfrog began to cry on Peppy's chest, desperately seeking comfort. ''Why? Why did all this happen?'' he whimpered.

Those heartbreaking cries broke the veteran rabbit's heart. Two years ago, he already had to endure Pigma's betrayal, and he lost James, leaving his son alone under his protection, and now, that young man that he considered a son was probably dead as well. He started to cry too. ''I don't know either, Slippy. I only know that a young lad like him didn't deserve such a bloody death.'' he murmured in a broken voice, while hugging Slippy.

''This can't be...'' murmured Falco, on his knees. He couldn't believe what had happened, but seeing Slippy and Peppy crying like that made him think it was the harsh truth.

General Pepper lowered his hat over his eyes. He already felt guilty for sending James to his terrible fate, and Fox is probably dead too. ''I believe the mission has failed... again.'' he said reluctantly.

Bill took off his helmet and knelt in disbelief. Did his close friend and classmate really died in vain? ''This isn't happening... it can't be happening... no...'' he murmured, trying to hold back his tears. Was what the General said true? Had the mission really failed again?

Fox thought he heard a voice calling him. He opened his eyes and noticed that he was still alive, then checked the shield gauge to see if he had been damaged, and it was at 53%, so nothing had changed.

''Don't ever give up, my son.'' said the voice. Confused, the young leader looked around, fixing his gaze with another fairly battered Arwing. Through the cockpit he saw a fox that he recognized.

''Father?!'' he said, shocked.

''Yes, Fox. It's me.'' said James McCloud.

Fox was shocked by what he had seen. "Is it really you?" He asked.

''Not really. I'm just a hallucination.(2) Andross is gone, but he activated the base's self-destruction to try and destroy you.'' explained James.

(''Ventus's Theme- Kingdom Hearts 3 OST-s'')

(''Ridley- Metroid Other M OST'')

"Then let's get out of here!" Fox exclaimed. ''How are we going to get out?''

''To escape from Andross' lair, follow me and watch carefully where I am going. When we get to a crossroads, I will tell you where to go. If you go in the wrong way even once, you may find yourself stuck and die.'' Replied his father.

''You have no idea what I and the others have gone through in this war. ''

''I know, I have seen everything from heaven. How's Peppy?''

''He's OK. At the moment, he and the others are on the mother ship. During these two years, he took care of me and became like my second father.''

This last sentence reminded James that he had made Peppy promise to take care of his son. It was his last message before he disappeared. ''Then he kept his promise.'' he said, with a smile.

''Yeah. General Pepper was also worried about me. After you disappeared, he felt guilty and decided to take care of my career.'' said Fox.

''Nobody could predict Pigma's betrayal. Peppy had told me several times that having him on the team was a bad idea, but I didn't listen to him, and when I realized it, it was too late. We are almost at the first crossroads. First off, go right.''

Noticing the flames approaching, Fox accelerated and followed his father's instructions.

''Go straight on and then to the right again.''

''Now go left.''

''Go straight ahead.''

''Go right.''

''Go straight on and then to the left.''

''Go left.''

Fox could see a tiny hole. ''Is that the exit?'' he asked.

''Yes. Go straight on and you can get out of here. You've become so strong, Fox, and I'm proud of you. Never give up and trust your instincts.'' said James, before disappearing.

(''Ridley- Metroid Other M OST-s'')

With one last boost, the young leader managed to get out of Andross' lair, which exploded. Thinking that the others believed him dead, he decided to send a message.

Meanwhile, ROB managed to restore the connection, and everyone saw a small blue and white dot.

''Wait a sec. Isn't that...?'' wondered Falco.

(''All Clear- Star Fox Zero OST'')

Shortly thereafter, an Arwing appeared, with Fox inside, and everyone screamed at the top of their lungs like fans of a team that had won a championship, especially when the young leader gave a thumbs up and sent the ''MISSION ACCOMPLISHED'' message, making it visible to everyone. Star Fox and the Cornerian Army had won the Lylat Wars!

''I can't believe it! He made it!'' cried General Pepper. Beltino and Grippy hugged each other in happiness, Bill and the other Dog Soldiers threw their helmets into the air and the other members of Star Fox immediately ran towards Fox. Now, the young leader was on the docking bridge and had just come down from the Arwing when he felt the bodies of Falco, Peppy and Slippy press against his. They hugged him so tightly that they knocked him to the ground, and their voices were so excited that he couldn't understand anything.

''Guys! Take it easy, I can't breathe!'' he exclaimed.

''You almost gave us a heart attack, you know that?'' replied Falco.

''Fox, we thought you died in the explosion! You are truly amazing!'' cried Slippy, his eyes still full of tears.

''Fox, you really did it! I can't believe it! You're the best!'' shouted Peppy.

''Thanks, guys. But I couldn't have done it without you. Falco, your flight skills helped us a lot during battles. Peppy, with the wisdom and experience that only a veteran can have, you kept us together and you kept an eye on us. Slippy, with your intelligence, your analysis and repairs to the Arwing, you have provided us with crucial help against the toughest enemies. Thank you, everyone.'' said Fox, hugging his friends.

''I admit it openly, Fox. You are truly great.'' said Falco.

''Fox, I'm so proud of you. You succeeded where your father failed. He would be really proud of you.'' said a proud Peppy. He later noticed that Fox looked around thoughtfully. ''Is something wrong?'' he asked.

''No, it's nothing. What matters is that we won the war. Let's go home.'' Fox replied, and everyone went up to their Arwings, ready to go back to Corneria.

(''All Clear- Star Fox Zero OST-s'')

Team shield gauge status:

Fox: 53%

Peppy: 73%

Slippy: 100%

Falco: 93%

A/N: The Star Fox team won the Lylat Wars! The next chapter will be the last one and will cover the triumphant return to Corneria! Don't miss it! See ya!

(1): If you fight Star Wolf in Venom 2, all members are injured, and they also have mechanical parts, like cyborgs. These designs are never reused.

(2): After defeating Andross, Fox escapes from Venom guided by the spirit of his father. However, since James' Arwing disappears shortly thereafter, this means that it was a hallucination that his son had after Andross activates his lair's self-destruction in a desperate attempt to kill him.