I couldn't stop thinking about mom. I couldn't bear to imagine the amount of mental turmoil she was probably going through right now. Having to leave our home, the one that was passed down to us, from generation to generation, all because her son couldn't keep his mouth shut when he had to. Saying stupid things at the worst times seemed to be my specialty. I should've stayed home. I should've finished that freaking story. I could've become a published author. A famous writer, with a best-seller that'd pull us all out of the misery hole.

Instead, I stomped my family and myself even further in. I couldn't even think of grandpa Jones without getting chills on my spine. I hope his heart could take these news.

And now, the Star Fox team. I walked right into their business, thinking I was some sort of hot-shot. Falco was leading me to where they were staying. I was right in guessing it was somewhere unexpected. Turns out that apparently they were residing in the basement of a bar located on the north part of the city.

The Barrel's Bottom, it was called. How agonizingly ironic.

Going inside of the bar, I was surprised that they had chosen this place of all places to stay at. Then again, maybe it added to the whole 'hiding in plain sight' thing. Place wasn't anything special, just a regular tavern with a vintage feel to it. The bartender was a nice bull who confronted me at first when I came walking in with Falco, but Falco covered my back, said I was with him. After that, he took us into the backrooms and down to the wine cellar. Unsurprisingly, pulling one of the wine bottles unlocked a hidden passage on the wall that opened up for us, leading to a passage downstairs. Down at the bottom, pushing open a door finally took me to the Star Fox team's hideout, a large room with several bunk beds around, computers displaying data that went right over my head, lockers and safes for what I assumed were used to store all sorts of equipment, uniforms, guns, grenades and the like. And, of course, can't forget the elephant in the room, the Star Fox team itself.

Falco went in first, said he had somebody to introduce to us. Then, I stepped out behind him, into the visions of Peppy, Slippy and Fox, who looked at me with interest. Then, Fox stepped up, pointing at me.

"Wait a second..." He said, "...I...I recognize you. You're the guy from the QnA!" I couldn't help but feel a bit of embarrassment in my chest upon he made that realization, but, I would nod, shrugging my shoulders.

"Yep, that's me." I confirmed. Falco stepped up in front of me and looked at me. It seemed like he had finally realized it too.

"Oh yeah, yeah you are!" The bird said, putting a palm up to his forehead, "I completely missed that! I must be getting dumber with age, hah!"

"Oh, come on, Falco," Fox gave a friendly light punch to his shoulder, "We're only in our thirties! And hey, look at Peppy. If that were true, he wouldn't be the brains of the team now, would he?" The fox let out a hearty laugh. Peppy, who seemed to continue scribbling on his notepad, looked up to him, furrowing his brows.

"Very funny, McCloud." He simply responded, before going back to what he were doing. And then, finally, Slippy would stand up from his bed, walking over to me.

"Slippy Toad!" He extended his hand to me, to which I respectfully shook, "It's not often we get visitors. Must be a pretty important reason for you to be here."

"Oh, Slippy, cut it out! The kid just got here!" Fox stepped up to me. I never noticed how tall he were until about now. I was around 5'8", meanwhile he seemed to stand at about 6'0". He always looked smaller in the pictures and documentaries. I couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated. He looked down to me, extending me his hand, "Fox McCloud, at your service! You must be a big fan of us, getting this far to find out where we stay!"

I shook his hand, "I'm Chase. Can't say I was expecting you guys to...well...be here." I would say. Fox shook my hand firmly, his grip was tight.

"Hahah, it's a long story. The owner of this bar is a nice gal by the name of Miyu, used to be a merc just like us. We go way back." He would explain to me. I couldn't help but be awed by his energy, the very same one that he would always put on display in so many interviews, the same one that always made me like him so much. I was starstruck, looking up to him as he talked. I didn't want him to stop talking. It made me feel like a kid again, "We gather up here to avoid the spotlights. We've done it ever since the Aparaoid War. Can't complain honestly, we got everything we need here! Food, water, internet, our data storages, contact with the Great Fox, it's perfect!"

"Ahem," Peppy suddenly stepped up to the group, "Nowadays, we gather here for a good reason. We need to focus on our current mission, not be...well, pulled aside by distractions." He looked at me when he said that. A tingle ran down my spine. I felt my anxiety spike.

"Peppy, c'mon now, don't be like that." Falco stepped up to my defense, "I brought him here for a reason, not for us to shower him with autographs. Speaking of which," He turned to me, crossing his arms, "Buddy, er...Chase, right? You wanna start talking?"

I nodded quickly, "Yes, yes, just...hold on, I need a moment to recollect my thoughts...I mean, meeting you guys, it's...it's a lot, you know?" I would say. Peppy rolled his eyes, Falco tilted his head, but Fox seemed to keep grinning.

"Ah, it ain't nothing, bud. We're just a merc team like any other!" He'd say, but for a moment, his smile seemed to fade as he looked to the side, his face momentarily showing a puzzled look, before he grinned again, "I mean...still better than many others out there, that's for sure!"

I smiled, nodding, "Yeah...that's why you guys are my childhood icons." Saying that felt...good. It's something I've always wanted to tell them. Just how much they meant to me. How I grew up with them. Followed them from the very start up until this point, where I was now face-to-face, speaking with my childhood hero. It had been a tough couple of years for all of us and right now, I was deep, deep in the mud...yet, my face was not completely sunk into it. I had these guys to rely on now. I had a feeling things were going to be okay, "...Anyway...I bring news about Wolf."

As soon as I said that, the atmosphere in the room changed. Slippy took a step back, his face going into a worried expression. Fox's eyebrows jumped and his smile disappeared. Peppy turned his attention back to me, frowning. Falco stayed the same.

"I stumbled into something big, related to Wolf. That guy, the dingo who said those words at the QnA? I followed him. He went to the docks. There, was a red warehouse, owned by Bale Domino."

"Bale Domino?! The TV show guy?" Slippy spoke up. Peppy turned around again after shaking his head, it seemed like he didn't believe me. Fox shook his head too, it seemed like he was struggling to follow as well. Anxiety spiked in me, but I didn't give up telling my story.

"The very same. The next day, I snuck around the back, found a way in through the windows..." I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. Just remembering that moment was being enough to make the fur on the back of my neck stand, "...There was a computer. It belonged to the dingo. I went through his e-mails and there was one from a guy called Eldon."

As soon as I said that name, Peppy immediately turned his attention to me again. Now, he looked shocked. Fox's eyes shrunk, his maw hanging agape, "...Eldon...that's how Wolf has been signing his e-mails...even the ones he sent to us."

"Any idea why he does that?" I paused my report for a moment to ask that question. Fox shook his head.

"He always changes it. Eldon, Ledon, Nedol...seems he's a fan of anagrams." Peppy would respond to me, "...Can't tell you why."

"Strange..." I would cross my arms, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Anyway, Eldon sent the dingo there himself to speak those words. Apparently they had a big meaning to you."

"Yeah..." Fox responded. His tone, now, was somber, "...'The weather sure is holding up nicely, isn't it?'" He echoed the words spoken by the dingo at the QnA, his head hanging low. Slippy, Peppy and Falco all looked away from each other, "...The words he said to me before I found out about Krystal. That box...should've never opened that box." Right after he said that, his breathing got uneven, his voice audibly trembled. I noticed how his fists curled.

"Hey, hey, Fox," Slippy put a hand on the vulpine's shoulder, shaking him, "Come on now, be strong. Breathe deeply. Remember what I said. Deep breaths. Deep breaths."

"Deep breaths." Fox breathed in deep, held it for a moment, then exhaled, saying, "Deep breaths...okay, I'm good." Fox returned his eyes to me. I could notice some tears welled up in them, "What else did you find out, Chase?"

Fox McCloud, saying my name. It made me shiver. But I kept going, "Well, the e-mail ended there. The dingo walked into the room, answering his phone. Before he could get away, I tackled him and took his phone for myself. He was speaking to Bale Domino. It was his voice. I could recognize it." The moment I said that again, they all seemed to become uncertain once more, "He was saying something about a script, something about somebody being here in two days. I demanded answers from him. He threatened me and hung up." I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. Thoughts of my family came in, wonders about where they were now and if they were okay, "...I'm in danger. My family is in danger. I told my sister to gather everyone up and get out of town. They went to Hopeville. I...I need protection." I requested.

The Star Fox team all collectively looked at me with varying looks. Slippy looked worried, even stepping up to me and putting his hand on my shoulder. Peppy turned around again and walked away. Fox and Falco looked at each other, then back to me. The odds didn't look to be the best.

"We have an interview with Bale Domino tomorrow." Fox said, looking at me, "...I've known Mr. Domino for over a decade. These are...strange things you're saying about him. Are you sure the voice you heard over the phone was Domino?"

"Absolutely." I responded with the confidence I had left, "His voice, his speech mannerisms...all of that happened in Domino's warehouse."

"Just because that dingo guy works at an warehouse that belongs to Mr. Domino, it doesn't mean Wolf is directly involved with him. His e-mail account can't possibly be locked to that warehouse." Falco would tell me. I hated to admit it, but he was right. Still, I was certain the person I heard over the phone was Domino. If only I had a way to prove it.

"You have to believe me, guys, it was Bale over the phone. That dingo guy? He freaked out when I spoke up. Domino said something about having to 'retire him'. Then the dingo grabbed the phone from me and began speaking into it, saying 'Bale! Bale! It's okay!'" I mimicked holding a phone up to my ear with my hand. Fox and Falco began chuckling, but Slippy continued to look at me wide-eyed, "Guys, I'm serious! You have to believe me on this!"

"Are you sure it was Bale Domino? Could've been Bale Fitzgerald, the owner of Zone Punch. He's always up to some shady stuff." Falco joked. I froze up. I couldn't believe this. I couldn't believe they were not believing me. My only hope. My only saviors.

I was doomed. I had screwed myself into a dead-end. My family was worried and out of town, my head had a bullseye on it and now, my last hopes of protection were joking about my case, laughing in my face. I felt the guilt, the shame of that QnA section in me again...I could feel it rising. My legs felt weak, my mouth was open yet I could not speak.

I was never going to see my family again. I was never going to see Tara, grandpa or mom again. I was gonna be pushed out of that bar, into the street and I was going to wake up dead tomorrow. It was over. It was all over.

I fell down to my knees. The anxiety, the sense of dread, the panic, it all overtook me. I started crying, begging with my last strengths, "P-Please! Please, believe me! Please!" A total wimp, crying in front of his childhood idols, on his knees, covering his face, "M-My family is in danger! I'm going to die if I go out there! Please, you have to trust me! Pleeeeaseeee!"

As I sobbed, the room felt silent. I couldn't see them. I had no idea what they were doing. Though, I did hear Fox take some steps away, so did Falco. Slippy, however, remained. Slippy walked up to me, put a hand on my back and crouched down next to me. He rubbed my back comfortingly, rubbing on my arm as well as I broke down.

Slippy Toad. To many, he was the least liked member of the Star Fox team. At a point, I didn't like him very much either. High pitched voice, childish attitude and easily not the best-looking of them. And now, years later, Slippy Toad was the only one by my side, the only one that seemed to show care about me, when I was feeling like all others had just stabbed me in the back and twisted the knives.

Slippy's voice spoke into my ears, "Hey...Chase?" He said, "...Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Breathe in." He patted my back, "C'mon...for me."

Resisting the urge to continue my breakdown, I did as he asked. I breathed in.

"Hold it for five seconds."

I counted in my head. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. I exhaled.

"Good. Now, again."

Breathe in. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Exhale.

"Good job." I could tell he was smiling by the sound of his voice. I opened my eyes and looked to the right. There he was, smiling to me.

Fox was standing there, looking uncomfortable. Slippy offered me a hand and I stood up with him. I faced Fox. Then I faced Falco. Both of them faced me back. Something told me their minds had changed. Clearing my throat, I would ask, "...Do you believe me now?"

There was a brief silence. They both looked at each other, and then, they turned to me, "...You can stay here." Fox said.

Hope was reignited in me. Tears were still dreaming down my face, until I wiped them off using the sleeve of my gray hoodie, "...Thank you." I looked to him and smiled. Fox smiled back, though Falco...Falco just walked away, heading back upstairs. Peppy remained in the back, now sitting down at his desk, facing away from us.

Fox looked around. There were two bunk beds, lined up one after the other towards the left side of the room. He rubbed behind his head, "Uh...you wouldn't have a brought a mattress, would you?"

"Uh...not really. I only have what's in my pockets right now. And I'm not sure if I feel safe about going home." I sighed, "...Just give me a pillow, I'll sleep...I'll sleep on the floor."

"The floor?!" Slippy protested, shaking his head, "No way! You can have my bed. It's right on top of Peppy's!"

Fox turned to Slippy with a puzzled look on his face, "What? And where are you gonna sleep?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Upstairs! Miyu has a couch I can crash on inside of her office!" Slippy crossed his arms, his cheey attitude staying up. Peppy didn't seem too pleased.

"I thought the rule was to not stay separated after the...incident." He said, turning around to face us. Slippy simply shook his head, which looked more like he was shaking his entire body.

"Nothing's gonna get to me. Chase, have my bed. You need it more than me." He tapped my shoulder once more. I looked over to Fox. He seemed uncertain, but then he just shrugged, heading over to his own bunk bed, where he sat down on it.

After that, Slippy tapped my shoulder, "Want me to fetch you some water? I think you'll need it."

Before I could answer, Falco suddenly came through the door again, holding a glass of water in his hand. He offered it to me, simply uttering, "No need." I fetched him, thanking him as I did, and I had a drink. It made my throat feel better after that little meltdown.

Slippy smiled to me, "If you need anything else, just ask. The team is here at your disposal...or..." He looked around, before looking at me again, "At least I am, heh." His attitude, at the current moment, was what I wished the rest of the team had for me. Slippy walked off, heading towards Peppy. Falco went over to Fox and stood by him to chat with him.

I went over to the other bunk bed, merely sitting down on it, drinking from the glass of water. I felt uncertain. I had a lot to think about. Specially about my family. I dreaded picking up my PDA. I had left it turned off just for the sake of not being harassed with calls from my panicked mother. I really couldn't handle dealing with her panic now.

Regardless, it was time. Sooner or later, I'd have to. I pulled my PDA out of my pocket and turned it on. I was right. 63 missed calls from my mom. Taking one last drink, I set the cup down on the ground and I finally called her.

Each dial tone filled me with fear. I needed her to pick up. Come on, mom...just please pick up the PDA. Tell me you're all okay.

And finally, she answered, "CHASE!" She yelled through the speakers. I breathed in a sigh of relief.

"Mom, I-"

"CHASE, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Her voice was frantic, panicked, she was speaking fast. I could hear the sound of a car in the background, probably Leo's, "What did you do?!"

"Mom...I uh...did something I shouldn't have. It's okay, though, I promise you, it's all fine. I got this figured out. I know what to do, I just...I need you out of town. For your sake." My explanations were in vain, you couldn't calm a mother down in that situation.

"No! You need to get out of Corneria City right now! Whatever you did, whatever it was, you need to come with us! We need to stick together! Tara, tell your boyfriend to turn this car around!"

"Mom, no!" I stood up for a moment in my desperation, the team noticed, turning their heads to me. I sat back down, "Mom, listen...stay out of town. Don't come back. Don't come back until I tell you its clear."

"What even is it, Chase?! Is it gang related?! Is it the mob?! What did you stumble into?!"

"It's...it's hard to explain, mom. Please, just trust me on this. You need to stay out of town. I got protection. I'll be fine!" I brushed my hair back, tension running through me.

"From the police? Are you inside of a police station right now?" She asked me. It dreaded me to say it, but I couldn't lie to my own mother.

"No, mom...the Star Fox team. They got my back." I looked up and looked around. Fox was looking at me. He flashed a smile at me and gave me a thumbs up. Falco didn't display any reaction.

"Those hacks?! Those snakes?! Chase, go to the police! Don't stick with them, it'll only make things worse!"

"Mom, the cops won't help...you have to trust me. You have to trust them. Please, think back of ten years ago. Think back of them at their highest. They haven't changed, mom. They're still..." I paused. I took a deep breath. The events of what just happened played back in my head. I don't know how much I meant it when I said this, "...They're still Star Fox. They can save me."

There was radio silence. Nothing came through the PDA. It was like Corneria went into a complete standstill for a moment. Then, mom's voice came through, "...Stay safe, Chase. Wherever you are...whoever you're with...stay safe. Trust no one. Trust only your instincts."

"I will, mom." I responded, closing my eyes. My head hurted terribly, "...Is...Is grandpa there? With you?"

"He's in the passenger seat, next to Leo." Mom responded.

"...Is he okay? Did he say anything?"

"No. Not a word." She responded. I didn't know what to think of that answer.

"...Okay." I put my hand to my face, "...Mom, I have to go. Call me tomorrow, I need...I need to rest. I love you. I love you so freaking much."

"I love you too, my son." She responded. I could tell she was holding back tears, "...Come to us soon. When this mess is over."

"I will. I will." I said. And with that, I hung up. It felt awful to hang up. Maybe she was right. Maybe all I had to do was leave with her and now I was only overcomplicating things for myself. Still, I didn't want to put them in more danger.

My head hung low, I pressed both of my palms to my face, eyes shut. I don't know how long I remained like that, but I just felt like I couldn't move. I heard the team walking around, they were staying awfully silent. I bet they had plenty to say that they couldn't say next to a civillian like me. I bet I was already being a burden to them.

I heard a set of footsteps approaching and then I raised my head. Opening my eyes, I see Fox, standing right in front of me. Then, he sits right by me on the bed. I turn my head to him. He stares forward, motionless. Seemed like he had things to say that he were struggling to get out.

Then, he turns his head to me, "Sorry, for...well, not believing you at first. Seems like you're being pretty truthful. I know what it's like...having someone taken from you by your choices."

I turned my head away, "Yeah...you do." It was always bitter to remember that set of events, "...We don't have to talk about it."

"We won't." Fox stated, bluntly, "There's a rule among us here. We don't talk about it. Never. Under any circumstances."

"I don't blame you." I responded. It made sense to me, nobody wanted to remember it. The single most vile thing that Lylat had ever been a part of.

"...I gotta go. We need to prepare for tomorrow. With Bale and all." He stood up, "We...We'll keep an eye out for the things you warned us about. We'll take it seriously. All things considered...it sounds pretty big. If Wolf really has an alliance with the most powerful man in Corneria City...that could be heaps of trouble."

I looked up to him. It made me happy that he were taking this seriously. Still, I still felt...off. Bale Domino was still a close friend of theirs. Something told me their friendship was going to be blinding them in this. Out of them all, I was the rogue element, the one thing Bale was not expecting to happen. I had the power to screw his plans entirely. It was up to me. And if I could get the team to back me up with evidence...I could potentially save Corneria City from something catatrosphic. No...we could. The Star Fox team and I...working together, if I could get them to convince me. I had to think of something.

I had to be strong. I would have to go out there again. Bale will be looking for me. No doubt, he will have goons hunting me. I really hoped it wouldn't come down to me using the Blaster my sister gave me...but if things came to that and I had no choice left...then, I guess it would be time to put my skills playing action video games to the test! Hah. If only.

I got up and decided to head to my assigned bed up the bunk. Climbing the ladder, I laid down on my back, feeling the Blaster shifting uncomfortably against my behind. I knew I wasn't gonna get any rest with that there, so, when nobody was looking, I quickly stashed it under the pillow. It wasn't the best place to put it, far from it, but it was the best I could do for now. I didn't know how the team was gonna react to a civillian carrying a Blaster into their room, specially one they didn't seem to trust very well. I didn't feel like finding out.

Curling up into a fetal position, I closed my eyes, and, finally, I fell asleep, resting the rest of the day out.