Glagolitsa City, Venom, One Month Later:
Fox McCloud paced back and forth on the platform, hands clasped behind his back. Wolf, Leon, Bill, and Panther sat on a bench, while Falco and Slippy both leaned on opposite sides of a steel column. Dr. Felix and Mr. Sugihara were a few strides away, being inconspicuous.
"This is ridiculous, Wolf! Is this how it is all the time? Can't you do something about it?"
"Stars above, Fox, it's only been fifteen minutes," Wolf shook his head. Panther made a sort of amused smirk, and Leon couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh.
"Seriously though!" Fox waved a hand. "How did Venom bring Corneria to its knees when it can't even make its own damn trains run on time!?"
"I didn't know you were so passionate about trains, Fox," Wolf teased. "Anyway, it gives us time to enjoy the scenery."
Fox had to admit that Wolf was right about that. Venom generally did not build those piercing diamond towers that Corneria was so fond of, but the skyline of Glagolitsa City had an extraordinary variety of colorful spires, domes, minarets, and obelisks that were satisfying to trace with the eye. They seemed to play with the red light of Venom's rising sun like a weaver spinning cloth.
He noticed that Slippy had actually gotten into a very animated discussion with a local train-spotter, and Falco was entertaining himself watching the crowd. People milled about rather aimlessly, rather than forming rows and lines in preparation to board the train, as they would on Corneria.
"Attention, the train to Central Glagolitsa will arrive shortly. This train will make stops at the Zhukov University Main Campus, Saints Kaeril and Melodius Cathedral, then the Grand Hotel. Please prepare to board."
Fox was proud that he had learned enough Venomian to understand the announcement.
Sure enough, the train rolled into the stop, and people began boarding. It was a struggle to get everyone in the same car together, but at least it wasn't completely stuffed. The doors closed, and the train began accelerating towards the city.
Once they got closer, Fox could see that the car traffic was perhaps even denser than in Corneria City. It was simply confined closer to the ground, rather than being spread over several layers that extended far into the sky. There were even a few groundcars, with actual physical wheels, rolling about slowly on the city's wide roads.
The University was an enormous, sprawling affair in its own right. The train made several stops throughout the campus, winding through ancient-looking buildings covered in vines.
"How old are these?" Falco asked to nobody in particular.
"The oldest are about two thousand years old. Most are only about one thousand years old, though," Leon answerd. "Of course, they get touched up every century or so."
"Did you go here, Leon?" Fox asked.
"I took a few classes," Leon nodded. "It's the first place I lived outside of my hometown."
"Speaking of that," Fox cleared his throat. "Leon, Panther, I was wondering if we could visit your parents. Would that be alright?"
"Uh, I'll have to think about that," Panther coughed. "Why don't we see Leon's first?"
"That would be very kind of you," Leon nodded, but seemed to withdraw into himself.
"Okay then, Leon first," Fox nodded politely.
After its stops at the University, the train accelerated again towards the Cathedral. Here it made only one stop, but went slowly due to the heavy pedestrian traffic nearby. Fox, Falco, and Slippy all gazed in fascination at the enormous stained glass windows, which depicted two elderly figures—a lizard and a macaque—wielding pens and paper. The figures were encircled in flowing gold lines of text, written in an elaborate alphabet that Fox didn't recognize.
"Who are those people?" Fox whispered to Wolf. He flashed back for a moment to when he had taken Wolf to the musem, and had answered his questions.
"Saints Kaeril and Melodius," Wolf answered, "They invented the first writing system on Venom. They're revered around the planet."
"I see," Fox continued gazing. That was funny, he thought. Calligraphy was an important art on Corneria of course, but the idea of somebody inventing writing? Writing was something that just emerged from the mists of time. How could one person invent that? He decided to ask Wolf more about it later. Surely he had some interesting thoughts.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the Grand Hotel. "Grand" was in fact an understatement. It was only ten stories high, but it was the most opulent building that Fox had ever seen. Ornate carvings covered every inch of the walls, which were punctuated by small hanging gardens. The top of the hotel was a golden dome, topped with a rocket-shaped spire. The front door must have been twelve feet tall, made of dark, dense wood. Fox had read that it was originally a fortress, built almost two thousand years ago, but he hadn't been able to imagine that age until he saw it.
Several staff members were waiting outside at the door, all in formal, traditional dress. Ahead of them, in a black suit, was Dash Bowman.
He was scarcely recognizable from the fight over Bolse Station a month ago. He had slicked back his fur, and adopted a secure, confident demeanor that Fox would have found incongruous.
"Good morning Fox! Good morning Wolf!" Dash waved stiffly.
"Good morning," Wolf replied evenly.
Fox merely bowed silently.
"I understand why you would be unwilling to deal with me honestly right now, so I'm going to be quick and hand you off to Admiral Li as soon as I can."
"Admiral Li is here?" Fox twitched his ears in surprise.
"Yes; he insisted on it," Dash nodded.
"That's very good to hear," Wolf replied.
"I see you've brought quite the entourage," Dash commented, looking around the group. They did, Wolf had to admit, look like a strange group—one diplomat, one psychologist, one soldier, and six mercenaries, all pretending now to be politicians, leaders, and public figures. They were dressed in a variety of clothes, from Slippy's T-shirt and shorts to Mr. Sugihara's flowing red diplomatic robes. Fox and Wolf had both opted for simple suits, and Wolf couldn't help but note that Fox seemed uncomfortable in it.
"We strive to be prepared," Fox made a thin smile.
"Of course," Dash nodded. He shook his head and wrung his hands for a moment. "Look, I know this is awkward for all of us. I'm aware that you have no particular reason to trust me. I can't even say I like all of you, and I'm sure that none of you like me. But that's fine."
"The point is, I believe in this Union of Worlds that you are planning. I'm going to fight for Venom to have as much as it can under these new rules, but I do believe in the rules. Just keep that in mind. Ah, perfect timing. Admiral Li is here now."
The lion wore an easy smile as he sauntered up to the group. He shook hands politely with Dash, then turned to Fox.
"Pleasure to see you again, Fox," he bowed carefully. "And all your friends as well."
"Likewise, Admiral," Fox bowed and extended a hand to shake. "Are you staying at the hotel with us?"
"Indeed," Singha shook Fox's hand and nodded. "I'm supposed to be your guide for the negotiations, more or less."
"We're glad to have you," Fox replied.
"The pleasure is mine," Singha chuckled. "I'm sure this will be the most fun I've had in years."
"You have an interesting definition of fun, then," Wolf commented.
Singha shrugged. "I take what I can get."
One of the hotel porters coughed politely to get their attention. "Gentlemen, your rooms await."
The group handed their few belongings to the porters, more out of politeness than anything else, and followed them up to the rooms.
The group had a total of five rooms: one for Dr. Felix and Sugihara, one for Fox and Wolf, one for Bill and Panther, one for Slippy and Falco, and one for Admiral Li and Leon. They were small, but very clean and luxurious.
Ordinarily Fox would call it tacky, but he had to admit that there was something grand and inspiring about the ancient rooms and halls, groaning under the weight of all the people they had taken care of, all the quiet whispered secrets they had heard, and possibly still kept.
Fox thanked the porters once they had set down his belongings, but they left swiftly after completing their tasks. Fox looked to Wolf for an explanation.
"Venom is not as equal a society as Corneria," Wolf commented. "There's still an idea that some people are meant to serve others."
"That's concerning," Fox replied. "Do you think Venom and Corneria will really be able to get along, or are we just fooling ourselves?"
"Both planets will have to change, don't you agree?" Wolf replied. "But I think it's possible."
"Anyway, let's review our schedule for the week."
"Right. So tomorrow we talk with the generals about setting up the unified Lylat Patrol. On Tuesday we go to talk about how Venom will be represented in the Congress of Worlds. On Wednesday we go to the Venomian Flight Academy and drum up support for the Union. On Thursday we talk to the trade and industry ministers about exchanging military technology with Corneria, and on Friday we go to the Venomian Central Bank to discuss economic aid."
"It sounds even worse when you put it so casually like that," Fox sighed.
"It's not like we really have to do much," Wolf pointed out. "Bill and Sugihara are doing all of the heavy lifting after all. The rest of us are just providing support. We're just there to look pretty, impress the kids and all that."
"I know, but...that doesn't help. I feel kind of useless. This is all so far out of our areas of expertise."
"I know," Wolf sighed, and sat down on the bed. "Hey, you know, there's something I want to show you here. Something I think you need to see." There was a peculiar urgency in Wolf's voice.
"What, like today? Now?" Fox asked, folding his arms.
"Yes. I think it's better if you see it now. To get through it today." Wolf nodded gravely.
"Get through it!? What is that supposed to mean?"
"I know, I know it sounds weird." Wolf held up his hands. "Please just trust me with this one."
"And you're not gonna tell me what it is before we get there?" Fox huffed.
"No, but it's close. Maybe a twenty minute cab ride."
"Alright then, let's go," Fox shrugged. He pulled Wolf up from the bed and playfully directed him towards the door. "Lead the way."
Wolf just grabbed Fox's hand and walked out the door. That made Fox even more puzzled. What was so urgent, and so grave?
The hallway was filled with conversation, as the rest of their group were still unpacking and getting settled in. Leon waved as Fox and Wolf walked by, and his expression was just as grave as Wolf's. Curious indeed.
As Wolf as had said, they hailed a taxi cab right outside the hotel, and Wolf gave the driver a slip of paper with a set of coordinates.
"Ah, are you students? Teachers?" the driver asked.
"Just tourists," Wolf replied, and smiled thinly.
"Very well then." The driver took off.
It was actually quite nice to see the city from close to ground level, and Fox enjoyed the short ride. They set down at a small public park close to the University.
"Well, here we are," the driver smiled. "Enjoy your day."
"Thank you," Wolf replied, then pulled Fox gently out of the cab.
It was a nice park, Fox had to admit. It had several stone paths going through it, and it was lined by enormous oak trees, covered with ferns. Near the center was a fountain with a stand selling various snacks and writing supplies, perfect for students in a rush. Off to the left, obscured by a row of bushes, was a small pedestal with an abstract metal sculpture on it.
"There we are," Wolf pointed to the sculpture. "Go on," Wolf continued to pull Fox towards the sculpture.
Fox blinked. Upon closer inspection, the sculpture was not really a sculpture, but a piece of broken, singed metal, about as long as his leg. The paint and other protective coverings were wearing off. It almost looked like...
"Read the plaque." Wolf commanded.
Fox looked down, and read the plaque out loud, mechanically.
"In the year 578 of the Modern Era, the Venomian spy Pigma Dengar shot down and killed the Cornerian mercenary James McCloud, who was conducting a surveillance mission. At the time, James believed that Pigma was a loyal member of the Star Fox team. It is generally believed that James's Arwing vaporized in the atmosphere. The fragment displayed here, which fell to the ground on this spot, is the only known surviving piece.
It is this event which ignited the Lylat Wars, which are still going on as of the time that this plaque was made. We can only hope for a swift resolution to the conflict. In the meantime, we hope that this memorial serves as a beacon of peace for the future."
Fox's knees grew weak. He inhaled and lay down on the stone path before his body could simply collapse on him. He exhaled slowly, feeling the tears well up in his eyes.
"Oh. Wolf...did you know this?"
"I found out last year," Wolf sat down and pulled Fox up against his chest. "I'm sorry, I just...didn't know how to tell you."
Fox tried to reply, but only a soft whimper came out. Wolf held on to Fox tightly, squeezing his shoulders gently. He remembered comforting Fox at the museum, not too long ago, when he had brought out the little tungsten Arwing. Bits and pieces of Fox's father, strewn carelessly around Lylat like dust...
"So who did this?" Fox asked weakly. "You? Dash? Leon?"
"I don't know," Wolf whispered. "Probably a professor that wanted to remain anonymous. I'm surprised they let them, to be honest."
"Then this is his resting place," Fox wiped his eyes. "As much as any place is, I guess."
"Are you disappointed?"
"No. I mean, well. This is not what I imagined. But I don't want to disturb him now." Fox sighed and pulled at his ears.
"His body burned up in the atmosphere. This is just-"
"I know!" Fox snapped quietly. "It's just a piece of metal. But I couldn't bear to disturb it now. If it rests here, then fine. At least it was remembered. This is how it has to be now."
"Of course," Wolf gulped, and pulled Fox in close again. "I'm sorry, maybe I should have done this some other way..."
"No, you were right Wolf," Fox whispered. "It was better to do this first."
"Right. So—what do you want to do now?"
Fox stood up and waved his arms out. "I'd like to stay here a few minutes, if that's alright."
"Of course," Wolf stood up as well, and brushed a finger against Fox's arm. "I'll get some snacks."
"Good idea."
Wolf walked back to the snack stand, and came back a few minutes later with a bag of nuts and a couple of bottles of water.
They stood by the pedestal for a few quiet minutes, munching on the nuts and drinking the water.
There was a rustling by the bushes, and Fox saw a student running across the park, roughly towards them. The student, a brown rabbit, suddenly noticed the two figures they were close to crashing into, tried to stop, and ended up dropping their books all around the pedestal.
"Ah, sorry! I should have paid more attention," the rabbit exclaimed.
"It's fine," Fox smiled thinly. "Here, let's get your books."
Fox and Wolf gathered up the student's books, and handed them back as a neat stack.
"Shouldn't you two be getting to class as well?" the student asked.
"No," Wolf shook his head.
"Alright, well, thanks!" the student nodded and headed off.
"I guess we should get back," Fox said after a moment. "I think I've made my peace here. Thank you Wolf."
"Right, of course," Wolf scratched his neck. "You know, we could walk back if you wanted. It would take about an hour, but the weather's nice, and there's all sorts of food stands out this season. We could get all sorts of pastries and dumplings."
Fox had to laugh in his head. Here they were on what might be the most important mission of their lives, but there was no fighting. Just a whole week of arguing, talking, and haggling ahead of them. But it might decide the fate of Lylat for centuries.
And despite that, all Wolf could apparently think about was what to eat.
"Sure, that sounds great," Fox offered his hand, and the two began walking off. "Do you think Dash really believes in what he's saying, Wolf? About supporting the Union that we're creating? I still don't quite trust him yet."
"Frankly, I guess we're just to be prepared and find out," Wolf shrugged.
"I guess you're right."
Fox had to admit, Wolf was right about the city being nice this time of year. It wasn't the sort of thing you would notice from a distance, but people were starting to settle in and make things comfortable for the upcoming winter. There were lots of stands selling autumn vegetables, wreathes made of flowers and bright red leaves, storefronts full of candied fruits and, and promised, numerous stands selling fragrant pastries and dumplings. The smells wafting around the streets made Fox's mouth water. It was not so different from Corneria City, in the end.
Wolf grabbed more food practically every block, and Fox had no idea how he was able to eat it all.
After a few more minutes, however, Wolf seemed to become nervous for some reason.
"I feel like we're being followed," Wolf whispered when Fox raised an eyebrow.
"Who?" Fox asked.
"Not sure yet. Let's just keep going," So they walked on, but they didn't bother to admire the storefronts or get any more food. A few more blocks, and nothing seemed amiss. However, once they had reached a quiet alleyway, Fox and Wolf were confronted by a very well-dressed lupine couple, a man and a woman. They were a bit elderly, Fox thought, but both seemed physically strong, and both had an intimidating air about them.
"Wolfie, my boy! It's so wonderful to see you!" the woman exclaimed, holding out a hand. "It's been such a long time. Don't you want to talk with your mom and dad?"
Wolf made an expression that Fox had never quite seen before. Surprise, disappointment, anger, fear, all mixed in an impenetrable contortion of flesh and fur.
"Still!?" Wolf snarled. "After all these years, and you still think you can just come and have your pet back?"
"Wolf, we're not here to do anything," the man said. "Besides, we think we were fair in your upbringing. You were—and still are—overreacting."
"Stay away!" Wolf help up his arm in a threatening posture. Fox could hardly believe it, but tears were welling in his eye.
"Wolfie, dear, it's never too late," the woman protested. "Oh, is that your new boyfriend? He's a little bit short and scrawny, don't you think? You could do better than him."
"HOW DARE YOU!" Wolf exploded. He seemed to puff up to twice his normal size, and his bared teeth practically shimmered in the evening sun. They were fortunate that the alleyway was empty; they would have attracted quite a crowd otherwise.
"Say what you want about me, but you had better apologize to Fox immediately!"
The man shook his head. "Ah, Wolf, you were always an ungrateful one, even though we are only trying to help."
"That's enough!" Wolf balled his hands into fists. "You should leave now, before I really lose it."
With a sort of dim, dawning comprehension, the lupine couple slowly held up their arms and turned around, only to bump into an enormous tiger in unassuming clothing.
"Please keep your hands in the air," the tiger instructed. "Both of you. You are under arrest for causing a public disturbance."
"Are you kidding!" the man scoffed. "Do you know who we are?"
"The CEO and CFO of Silver Wing Bank," the tiger replied evenly. "And the people who adopted Wolf O'Donnell from Macbeth. Unfortunately for you, Mr. O'Donnell is a little too important to have him shaken up right now. You are forbidden from leaving your home until he is off this planet."
"Under whose authority!?" the woman pleaded. "This is ridiculous, anyway."
"My authority," another figure stepped out of nowhere. This one was recognizable anywhere. It was Dash Bowman.
"Wolf, Fox, I'd like to apologize first," Dash bowed awkwardly. "I should have anticipated this. It is entirely my responsibility that this happened."
"I'm not sure what to think yet," Wolf spat.
"Dash, you are making a mistake," the lupine man hurled out, though his hands now were confined in force-field handcuffs. "We funded Andross's little war! And we funded things when you took over! We turned Wolf into the perfect mercenary for you! And this is how you repay us?"
"Like you would say yourself, it's all just business. Nothing personal," Dash sighed. "Please take them away."
The tiger nodded, and guided the couple back to the main streed with one enormous arm.
"Wolf..." Fox said, but Wolf was leaning in an alleyway, covering his eyes.
The sight made Fox's heart shatter. Though still shaking from everything that had just transpired, he enveloped his husband as thoroughly as he could.
"Hey, it's alright, it's alright, I've got you..."
Wolf rubbed his eyes and gave a tentative hug back. "Well, this is embarrassing. We are such a mess, aren't we Fox?"
"We're the mess that the world needs right now," Fox chuckled.
"Well, that's inspiring," Wolf admitted.
"Aaaand this is certainly awkward," Wolf added, looking towards Dash as he approached.
"It's fine," Dash waved a hand. "I grew up under Andross, after all. I can only imagine what your adoptive parents were like, Wolf."
"Hm, I see what you mean," Wolf huffed.
"Sorry, what?" Fox asked.
"I'm sorry, Fox, I should have told you more about my life," Wolf said. He stepped away from the wall and stretched his arms.
"You mentioned that you were adopted by a wealthy couple, and that they weren't very nice," Fox offered.
"Yeah, they run a bank, as you just heard," Wolf affirmed. "They had a good relationship with Andross. When he was elected, they realized that they could make a lot of money from a war with Corneria. Andross was only too happy to provide the war. My parents tried to force me to be an admiral or general. My life with them was like one never-ending military drill. Me becoming a mercenary was an act of defiance. Of course, they still tried to twist that, and insist that they tried to make me a perfect mercenary from the start."
"Stars, Wolf, I'm so sorry," Fox squeezed Wolf's hand.
"It's no different from Yaru de Pon overthrowing General Pepper when he realized he was losing money," Wolf commented.
"That's true, but fortunately de Pon wasn't my dad," Fox replied. "That only makes it worse for you. I can see why you reacted the way you did, Wolf."
"It's my fault, really," Dash interrupted. "I should have realized that they might try to see you. So, I apologize."
"So you're on our side now?" Fox folded his arms, teary eyes drilling into Dash's own wide brown eyes.
"Let me put it this way," Dash replied. "Andross wanted to build something that would last. But a government built around one person will never last. What you and Wolf are doing might actually last, though. So that's why I'm behind it."
"Good enough," Fox decided.
"How about you two get back to the hotel and get some rest?" Dash suggested. "I'll walk with you."
"What about your security detail?" Wolf asked. "The tiger?"
"Cirrus will be fine," Dash answered. "Besides, there are more people keeping an eye on us."
"I really should have thought about that," Fox scratched his head.
"We didn't expect you to visit James's memorial so soon, to be honest," Dash admitted. "We figured that you would wait until the end of the week."
"Ha, well, that was my fault," Wolf laughed. "I insisted he see it first."
"I see," Dash nodded. "Anyway, let's get going."
Once they got out of the alleyway, it took only a few minutes to get back to the hotel. There was no sign of Cirrus, Wolf's parents, or any of the other people that Dash said were observing them.
"Alright, I won't bother you any more today," Dash said, giving a quick salute and walking off to his room.
"Goodnight," Wolf replied perfunctorily. Fox saluted in return.
Fox and Wolf sat down in the lobby for a few minutes, processing the events of the day.
"Well, we might have actually gotten the hardest part over with," Fox said finally.
"Ha, that's a good way to think about it," Wolf agreed. "Come on, let's get to bed."
They walked up to the hall with their room. Bill and Panther had their door cracked open, and they seemed to be having a serious discussion. Falco and Slippy were playing a video game. Surprisingly, Leon had gotten Admiral Li, Sugihara, and Dr. Felix to play a board game. Wolf couldn't help but be amused by the extraordinary graveness with which they treated the pieces.
Once they got into their own room, Fox took off his clothes and dove immediatley into the bed. Wolf followed suit.
"Hey, Wolf, I could brush your fur if you'd like," Fox whispered, grabbing a brush from the nightstand.
"Hm?" Actually, Wolf realized, his fur was a bit messy. "Yeah, that would be nice." He sat up in a position that would be easy for Fox to reach.
"Okay," Fox set the brush gently against Wolf's neck, and pulled down. Wolf's hair was a bit thicker than Fox's, and perhaps more difficult to work with, but Fox enjoyed it. He tried to undo the knots and matted fur as gently as possible.
"So your life here really was one long military drill," Fox sighed, seemingly lost in thought. "How exactly did that work"
"Well, my adoptive parents aren't exactly military people," Wolf answered. "But with Andross's connections, they were able to get a low-ranking general to stand around and yell at me all day."
"Gosh, that's horrible," Fox shook his head.
"It's actually amazing how much trouble I was able to get into, even when I was being watched all the time," Wolf chuckled.
"I can't imagine it," Fox continued. "At least being a mercenary was my choice."
"Don't you think you were General Pepper's pet, even a little bit?" Wolf cocked his head.
General Pepper's pet. That was one of Wolf's favorite phrases for Fox, back when they were enemies.
"You know, I had always assumed that was an insult," Fox said, "But I think I see what you really meant."
"We were both trapped," Wolf said, shrugging.
Fox didn't reply. He continued brushing mechanically, but he was lost in thought. Had he been General Pepper's pet? Had Pepper and James ever forced him to be a mercenary? Hadn't it been his own choice?
"It's a little uncomfortable to think about now," Fox admitted.
"You're right, I'm sorry," Wolf admitted. "We shouldn't dwell on the past."
"Yeah," Fox continued brushing.
Once Fox had done Wolf's back and chest, Wolf gave him a hug in the bed. "I'll brush you tomorrow," he whispered.
"Okay," Fox whispered back, putting the brush away and settling into bed.
"I love you. So much."
"Love you too. Even more."