Chapter 4: The Journey Begins
"Well, it looks as though our friend Fox McCloud has finally decided to take action. It's quite a shame, seeing him wallow in own misery and self-doubt was quite an enjoyable sight, but I suppose it was only a matter of time before those feelings would pass on. But because of this, we must be ready to take action. I've received word that Fox's first destination will be the planet Xantia. I want you to follow him there, watch his every move. And if the chance presents itself, do not hesitate to kill Fox McCloud."
"Alright, that sounds easy enough. I'll be back here with McCloud's dead body before the next sunset."
"Well, I'll believe that when I see it for myself. Now, you must not waste anymore time here. Fox McCloud will be arriving on the planet Xantia before nightfall, and I would hate it if all your time spent on that planet was an effort to find Fox at all."
"Don't worry about that, I'll beat Fox to Xantia easy. Just one thing, how much money are we talking about here? This isn't exactly a low-profile assassination were looking at ya know."
"Payment? I'm sorry, but you must have forgotten our deal my friend. I saved your life, and so you will serve me for the rest of yours. Otherwise, I may be forced to take that same life, and you can be sure it will not be a quick death either. Is that clear?"
"…Ya, I got it."
"Good, then don't waste anymore time here. You may have proven yourself as a skilled mercenary in the past, but you've yet to test your skills as an assassin. If I were you, I'd take every possible advantage I could receive. But I tire of talking about such things. Leave here, and return with good news."
"That won't be a problem; I've wanted a chance like this for a long time. I'll make sure Fox gets what he deserves, he'll wish he'd never decided to cross paths with me."
(Cornerian Army Base)
In a building that towered above many of the already greatly imposing structures of Corneria, an old dog stood and stared out of his wide office window, taking this time to do nothing more than gaze out over his beloved country. The sun had just passed its peak in the sky, and as it gradually fell back towards the opposite horizon, its rays created many sparkling reflections off the hundreds of buildings that sat below him, creating a display of lights that he had become so fond of during his years as General. There was nothing more that he wanted to accomplish in his life other than merely the protection of this great planet. If anything were to happen here, even the slightest anomaly within this seeming perfect community, he would not be able to stand it. And as he stood there, continuing to gaze over his beloved city, he took a deep sigh, knowing that without the help of a certain band of animals, this wonderful city would likely be nothing more than a pile of rubble. It had come under attack so many different times, and it was those few animals that stood up and defended their homeland. It didn't matter how dangerous the mission, they would always be there to help, and that was a bold kindness that this aging canine would not soon forget.
There have been so many General's before me, many of whom I consider to be of much higher skill and status than myself. The only reason I've been able to hold this position for so long is not because of my accomplishments, but rather, it is the accomplishments of the former Star Fox team. If it had not been for them, I doubt there could have been anyone else who could have stood up to Andross all those years ago. And if they hadn't, this planet would probably be a barren landmass like Venom by now. But they didn't allow that to happen. They've saved thousands of lives all across the galaxy, and perhaps every single one of those saved animals are grateful for what Fox and his team did for them, but I doubt any of them can compare to the gratitude I have for that same team. Money, publicity, status, such things are highly regarded by every animal in the universe, but to me, these things are just not enough in return. We all owe them our lives, and there is little we can do to return any of their favors. I was devastated when I had to make the decision to break up their team, but now, it seems like they are finally coming back together. Maybe I don't know the reason for their reunification, and perhaps Fox's reason for building a new ship was somewhat fanatical, but I am the last animal worthy of questioning his desires. I'm just glad that the team is finally coming back together, and I'm sure the rest of the planet will be as well. Star Fox…I'll be glad to have you back…
The General took a few moments away from his thoughts, doing nothing more than letting the silence that filled the room calm whatever feelings of excited anxiety he was feeling at that moment. It was a feeling the General had experienced very few times in his life, but after hearing as good of news as this, this animated feeling was almost completely unavoidable. It was only a few moments ago that he had been contacted by Fox McCloud, an animal he had not heard from in almost an entire year. It was a moment of great relief as he heard that familiar voice over his intercom, having not known what had become of the Star Fox captain after his departure from the mind control mission. It seemed that he was willing to once again travel into space, but there was only one problem that arose from the vulpine's recent desires…
The silence that had previously been held within Pepper's office was quickly broken as a slight beeping noise sounded off from just behind where he was standing. The General slowly turned, having been somewhat startled by the sudden noise, but quickly disregarded these thoughts and he gradually approached his desk and depressed a small button that sat below the flashing indicator light. He hesitated for a moment as he opened the channel, making sure his voice was sturdy as he spoke, "Yes? What is it?" In no more than a second after he had finished speaking, a voice cheerfully echoed out from the small speaker in his desk, "General, Falco Lombardi and his team have arrived. They're on their way to your office now, it seemed like they were in a hurry to get there." The General nodded and quickly replied, "Thank you, I'm glad that they actually decided to accept our meeting at all. Oh, and by the way, have you seen Fox McCloud by any chance?" There was a brief hesitation on the other end of the line before the same cheerful sounding voice rang over the intercom, "Nope, sorry, but I haven't seen him come in. But I'll make sure and contact you if he does General." Pepper quickly responded before ending the transmission, "Alright, thank you. I look forward to hearing from you again."
With these words, Pepper removed his finger from the intercom and turned back towards the window that sat behind him with a sigh. But it was almost immediately after he did so when he heard several voices approaching his office from a short distance down the hall that sat outside his room. It was not long after that these voices stopped, only to be replaced with the sound of a few quick knocks against the outer surface of his door. With almost no hesitation, the canine walked the short distance towards his chair and quickly sat down, which he followed immediately after by promptly speaking out, "Come in."
It took no time after he said these words before the door to his office slowly opened, and action that was followed shortly after by the appearance of Falco, along with the rest of his team as they entered into the General's office. As soon as they did so, Falco spoke in a voice that sounded almost of concealed worry, "Alright Pepper, we came here, just like you wanted. Since you were a little sketchy on the details, I wouldn't mind if you filled us in here." The General let off an undetectable smile, finding the avian's to-the-point attitude to be somewhat humorous, but he quickly disregarded these feelings as he motioned for the four animals to take a seat in front of him. As soon as they had successfully done so, Pepper gave an affirming nod and replied to the falcon's statement in an even voice, "Yes, I suppose I do owe you an explanation on why this meeting was called on such short notice, but I'm grateful you decided to come. I've called you here today to discuss something that has recently been brought to my attention, and as you have probably guessed, it has a direct correlation to your friend Fox McCloud."
Slippy, who rarely spoke during meetings with General Pepper, seemed to have something spark within him as he heard these words, speaking in a voice that was not able to hide the anticipation he was feeling at that moment, "Did you find out what happened to Fox?" Pepper nodded at the toad's comment, continuing on shortly after, "Yes, I have. Just this morning, Fox McCloud contacted the Cornerian Army Base, he and I were able to briefly converse. It seems as though he's been stuck in a depression for this past year…" As Pepper hesitated at this point, Falco observed bluntly, "A depression, huh? Figures, it probably had a lot to do with the fact that his vixen lover died, right?" General Pepper nodded slightly, seeming to be vaguely offended by the nonchalant way the avian spoke of such things, but quickly disregarded these thoughts as he continued on, "Exactly, he's been mourning her death for almost a year now. It must have been a very trying time for him, but luckily, it seems as though he has finally come full circle from that event. In talking with him this morning, it seems as though he's ready to resume flying under the Star Fox name."
Upon hearing these words, Falco let off a slightly amused expression as he replied, "Is that right, well good for him. It's about time he got off his butt and got back to business." The General hesitated after hearing this, not exactly knowing how to respond to such a statement, but he managed to do so not long after Falco had spoken, "Yes, well, this is indeed very good news. Having Fox McCloud back in the service will undoubtedly bring a much greater sense of calm to this planet. This is moment that the animals of this planet have been awaiting for quite some time. I'm sure you all feel the same way." There was a slight pause after the General said these words, but this moment of quiet ended as the wolf spoke, "Alright, so we're all happy that Fox is back, but is this supposed to affect us somehow? I mean, we probably coulda figured this all out for ourselves eventually, right? Why'd you have to make an appointment out of it and call us up here just to say that?" The avian that sat next to her nodded in agreement, adding shortly after, "That's a good point. Why did you call us up here Pepper? Something else you want to share with us before we leave?" Pepper wasted very little time in answering, sensing that these animals patience was quickly running thin, and after taking a quick sigh, he answered in a hesitant sounding voice, "Yes, well, you are correct in saying that my informing you about Fox's reinstatement was not the only thing I had hoped to discuss. You see, Fox's desire to return to service comes with one small set back. Since he initially left the Star Fox team, you've all managed to move on and form your own teams or find other jobs, but now that Fox has returned, I have to…"
Pepper was abruptly cut off at this point in his speech as a small light began to silently blink on his desk. He held his hand in front of him as a signal for the four animals to excuse him as he used his other free hand to answer this new incoming call. Immediately after doing so, he spoke quietly into the speaker on his desk, "Yes, what is it?"
"General Pepper sir, he's here. He just walked past my desk and is making his way to the hanger right now."
After the receptionist's voice faded from the speaker, there was a brief silence that passed over the General's office. The four animals that sat in front of him suddenly seemed quite curious as they heard these words emanate from Pepper's desk, while the General himself took this silence to heart as he considered what he would have to say to those very same animals as a result of this announcement. But after only a few brief seconds, General Pepper replied calmly back into the speaker, "Alright, thank you. I will may my way to the hanger shortly."
Before General Pepper could even look up from the intercom he had just been speaking into, the voice of the seated avian was heard throughout the small office, "So, what was that about Pepper? And what's happenin' in the hanger that's so important, new ship come into service or something?" The General nodded, voicing a reply that did little more than delay him from articulating his true motive, "Well, in a way, yes. But it's not for my army, rather a small mercenary group that ordered it, shortly after Fox left your team I'd say." After saying these words, the General slowly stood up from his chair, and after a brief silence, he motioned for the four animals in front of him to rise as well, explaining shortly after doing so, "We must make our way down to the hanger; there is something I want you to see. But we cannot waste much time, I have a feeling he will not be willing to linger here for too long." Several confused glances were exchanged between the four animals, but they were soon dissuaded from any further hesitation as their leader stood up with nothing more and an indifferent shrug of his shoulders, an action that he followed by gradually making his way towards the door that led into the hallway outside the General's office. After seeing the remaining three animals exit after their leader, General Pepper paused for a moment, letting out a deep sigh before speaking to himself in a quiet voice, "I suppose there's nothing more I can do now, it's up to them whether they will lend their aid or not. If they don't, this may prove to be too great a task, even for Fox McCloud…"
(Cornerian Army Base hangar)
"Well, it was a large project for us at the Army Base, but I think you'll be happy with how it turned out. Personally, I think it might be one of the finest ships to have ever been manufactured on this planet."
This well-dressed official spoke with a type of concealed excitement as he walked through several wide hallways around the outside of this large hangar, his step being accompanied with a bit of urgency as he proudly led both Fox McCloud and Katt Monroe towards the center of this impressive hangar. Upon hearing the official's words, Fox gave a slight nod, but made no other gesture in response. And the only reason he did so was the fact that his own anticipation of coming events was steadily growing within him. It had almost been a full year since he last stepped off the Great Fox, but the time had finally come for him to keep his promise. He was finally on his way back into space. Maybe he didn't really understand what he was supposed to do after he departed from this planet, but he knew it would all fall into place. This was his future, he knew he was destined to save Krystal and bring peace back to the universe. He knew everything would fall into place, but in order for that to happen, he first had to take action. And as he quickly passed through the hallways of this imposing hangar, he knew that he was slowly coming closer to being reunited, reunited with the only one in the universe that he would truly give his life for, just as she had done for him during her last moments.
Fox McCloud's silent thoughts were suddenly cut off as both animals that walked along with him came to a stop, the official that stood in front of him speaking in a proud voice as he did so, "Well Fox McCloud, here it is. It took almost a year to finish, but I'd say it was worth the wait."
The vulpines vision slowly rose up from the ground, continuing on in this manner until his eyes met with an incredible sight. In the center of this enormous hangar sat a ship that surpassed any type of spaceship he had ever seen in his life. The ship itself was gigantic, its mass taking up almost the entire available space within this hangar. The body of the ship was very geometric in shape, its hull containing several sharp and abrupt edges that gave it a very sleek and aerodynamic look. It was almost too much to believe, but as the vulpine continued to scan over the incredible surface of this ship, he noticed a very familiar insignia emblazed onto the fin of the ship. It was on that find that he saw the Star Fox symbol, colored in a shade of red that was so familiar to him. This was his ship, the Great Fox, but it was as if he was seeing for the first time.
Before the vulpine had a chance to speak, the feline that stood directly beside him did so instead, "Wow Fox is this really the Great Fox? Looks like a totally different ship to me. I mean, this is what I'd call a real ship. The Great Fox I know didn't come anywhere close to this piece of work." Fox didn't answer; he just continued to stare at the hull of this magnificent ship with seemingly no concern for those that wished to interrupt him from doing so. Because of this, the official that had accompanied them to this point answered, "Oh yes, this is technically still the former Great Fox, but we were forced to alter most of the exterior in order to equip it with more up-to-date shields and armaments. The inner frame of the original ship's body and wings were kept, and then we reinforced them so that they could adapt to this new hull. Because of its new design, it is now categorized as a dreadnaught-class battleship, which in other words means that it's one of the strongest ships ever manufactured on Corneria." Katt nodded after hearing this brief explanation and quickly turned back to Fox, who still had not taken his eyes off the ship that now sat in front of him. After doing so, she attempted once again to communicate with the distracted vulpine, "Hear that McCloud? One of the most powerful ships ever created, and it's yours. That's a pretty big…"
The feline was suddenly cut off as the vulpines attention abruptly broke from that of the ship in front of him, it gradually shifting until his eyes settled over Katt's shoulder, an action that was followed shortly after by a question directed towards the official that had brought them to this place, "This ship…you installed the outlet like I wanted, right?" It took a few seconds for this official to understand exactly what the vulpine meant by these words, but after he managed to do so a short time after, the animals mood seemed to completely change, made apparent by the melancholy tone he used as he answered, "Yes, of course. We made sure to install the outlet, it's located in the room that sits adjacent to your sleeping quarters aboard the Great Fox, just as you requested." Fox emotionlessly nodded as he heard these words, speaking quickly after hearing the official's response, "Good, then I want that machine moved there as soon as possible. It's using a generator right now, but I'd feel a lot better if we could get it hooked up to a more stable power supply." The official wasted no time in supplying Fox an affirmative reply, which he followed shortly after by turning from the two animals and making his way out of the hanger.
The feline that stood at his side gave him a slightly confused look, which she followed up by asking, "What's this machine you're talkin' about McCloud? Something I should know about?" Much to the feline's surprise, Fox shot her a rather irritated looking glance, a look that was accompanied by a much less intimidating tone of voice, "No, don't worry about it. It's just…something that I need along with me while I'm out in space, that's all." As soon as he finished with these words, his expression quickly lightened after taking a deep breath. He spoke shortly after doing so in a tone that was more typical of the Great Fox captain, "As soon as they load that, we'll be ready to go. We should probably get on the ship and get ready to leave as soon as possible. I don't want to wait around here any longer than I have to, alright?"
"No way, McCloud? What the heck are you doing here?"
Both Fox and Katt turned as they heard this new voice echo throughout the large hanger, only to be met by the face of a familiar falcon, who was followed shortly after by an excited looking toad, General Pepper, and two other animals that neither of the surprised animals had seen before. The distance quickly closed between the two groups, an action that was accompanied by the avian's continued speech, "I figured you'd never show your face in this town again, especially after you're little year long vacation McCloud. Seems like you're ready to get back into the action though, huh?" The avian's focus wandered off slightly from the face of his old friend and was momentarily diverted to the feline that stood next to him. He smirked after doing this and returned his attention back to his old captain, speaking in a slightly taut voice, "And you brought along a friend too, figured she'd be too busy with her little modeling fantasy to care about anything else…"
Katt rolled her eyes at this comment and let out an abrupt sigh, speaking to the vulpine that stood next to her in a voice that was supposed to be a whisper, but was intentionally louder so that everyone could hear, "Looks like the wait's gonna be a little longer than you wanted. Leave it to him to do something like that…" Fox shook his head, not wanting an argument to erupt between these two animals, and spoke shortly after towards the avian, "Ya, it's been a while, but there's something I have to do, and I couldn't put it off any more." There was a brief silence between all these animals after Fox had spoken, but it was quickly broken as the vulpine continued on, asking in an even voice, "So, what have you been doing all this time Falco?" The avian shrugged his shoulders, answering in a flippant voice, "Oh, ya know, same thing as always. Me and my new team fly around and dish out justice to guys that could be dangerous to Corneria, nothing much. …Oh, and since I'm sure you're wondering about these guys…" Falco broke his eye contact with the vulpine as he looked back towards his two newest crewmembers, "The tiger over there is Kaya, Kaya Aurion. She's pretty quiet most of the time, but she really comes out of her shell when she gets in a fight. I doubt there are many people on this planet that could take her on. The other one over there is Ayame Mirraz, she's really nice to have around during dogfights. I don't know if you heard, but she's the third person in history to ever ace that one simulator test on her first try." After feeling as if he had done an adequate job in introducing his crew, his focus once again shifted, and this time onto the large canine that stood beside the large group of animals. After doing so, he quickly asked in a voice that now hinted at impatience, "Alright, so now that we all know each other, you mind telling exactly why we're down here Pepper? You were a little sketchy on the details back in your office."
The General, who had done nothing more than observe this reunion as it took place, nodded as he heard this question from the avian. After giving himself a few brief seconds to clear his throat, he began his explanation in a steady tone, "Yes, I agree that I have been somewhat enigmatic on the exact reason why you were called here today, and I feel that the request I am about to make to you and your team can be put off for no longer." The canine's statement lingered in the air as a brief pause was brought between these animals, each seeming to be giving the same confused looking glance in the General's direction. This moment of silence did not last long however, as General Pepper continued shortly after in a voice that was slightly quieter than previously, "Simply put, I would request that both you, Falco, and the rest of your team, join together with Fox as he heads out on this new mission. Because if you do not, I feel that Fox would be in too much trouble for me to allow him to merely…"
It was at this moment that the General's words fully enveloped in both the heads of the separate team leaders, each of their expressions displaying great surprise in this announcement. In response, the avian quickly responded, "What? Are you serious here Pepper? What makes you think I'd do something like that on such short notice? I mean sure, I'd love to help McCloud out, but I got my own life too, ya know?" Fox nodded, adding shortly after in a much more animated voice than he had used previously, "Ya, and besides, this isn't something Falco and his team need to be involved in anyway. I don't want to get them into danger that they don't have to face. And this is my mission, no offence, but I'm sure I can handle it by myself."
Pepper defensively raised his hands in front of him, motioning for the two animals to calm down as he spoke in reply, "Alright, just settle down a moment. I can understand that you each have different concerns about this notion, but so do I. First of all, I am greatly opposed to the idea of Fox going out in space by himself, especially with this ship, which is new and he is greatly unfamiliar with. And as far as you and your team go Falco, I was saying this partly because I believe that your team would provide the best assistance to Fox as he leaves this planet, as well as the fact that as of right now, there are no missions of great importance that we need you to handle. And believe me, I know how much you dislike standing idly by for a mission to come your way."
There was a contemplative pause after Pepper had finished speaking, the two animals seeming to be thinking hard on the canine's reasoning. This silence was soon broken however as Falco asked in a curious voice, "So, if we did head out with Fox, we'd be gettin' some kind of compensation for it, right?" Pepper took a quiet sigh, having hoped that Falco would have been more interested in helping his friend than to worry about getting paid, but seeing as how there was probably no other way to convince the falcon otherwise, the General responded in a somewhat dissatisfied voice, "Yes, if that is what you wish, I suppose I could reimburse you and your team for your services." As soon as Falco heard these words, he turned back to Fox and said in his usual voice, "Well that's all I need to hear. Looks like we're going with you Fox, and since I hear you don't want to hang around here for too long, let's get on that ship and get outta here. Heh, can't wait to see what your new Great Fox can handle, it's a lot easier on the eyes anyway…"
Falco's voice trailed off at the end of his statement as he, as well as every other animal that stood within the hanger, noticed a large object, which was unable to be identified due to a large drape that he been hung over it, hovering slowly across the floor. Everyone, except for Fox, watched in silence until the object, as well as the few personnel that were guiding it along, disappeared behind the hull of the Great Fox.
The vulpine quickly spoke, hoping to break the interest that everyone seemed to have about that object, responding to the comment the avian had made before the object had arrived, "Are you sure you want to do this Falco? I mean, we're probably gonna get into some tough situations, and I don't think I want to put you in danger that you don't need to be in." The falcon's eyes shifted back to the vulpine, his face adorned with a smirk as he replied flippantly, "Are you kidding me McCloud? What are you gonna be doing out in space that you don't think I can handle? I've been in pretty much every situation you can think of, and I've still alive, right? Don't worry about it Fox. Besides, I'd be more worried about you, seeing as how you've been doing nothing for the past year." As soon as he had finished speaking, the feline that stood next to him gave off a quick nod, adding shortly after doing so, "As much as I'd love to disagree, I think he's got a point Fox. I don't know how just the two of us can make an effective team. It'd be better if we took them along, ya know, just in case."
Fox hesitated for a moment as he tried to consider what he would be getting his old friends into by taking them along. But even this was not easy to consider, seeing as how he himself had little idea of what lay ahead on this mission. After a short pause, he looked past the avian towards his teammates, asking quickly after doing so, "What about your team Falco? I don't know if they're alright with this. I mean, it's not like they have any obligation to help me, right?" It was almost immediately after Fox had said these words before the wolf that stood behind Falco spoke up, talking in a frivolous voice, "Well hey, you're right about the fact that I have pretty much no reason to help you with this, but the General said we'd be gettin' paid, so that's enough to persuade me. Besides, if Falco goes and we stay, we wouldn't be able to do anything anyway. Can't go on a mission without a leader, right? And Kaya's alright with this too, I doubt she'd want to stay behind and miss out on all the action, right Kaya?" The tiger's response was little more than a subtle nod, but it was all Fox needed to see.
After taking a quick sigh and rubbing his hand against the back of his neck, he decided to forgo his worried thoughts as he spoke in response, "…Alright, you can all come along. I guess I can't really stop you now, so I might as well accept the help, huh?" Falco nodded with his usual smirk, responding shortly after as he began to make his way towards the Great Fox, "That's right McCloud, it'll be just like old times. But hey, we're not gettin' anywhere standing around here all day; let's get this show on the road already. I can't wait to see what you get yourself into this time McCloud."
The vulpine hesitated after hearing these words, merely watching as Falco and the rest of his team ascended the tall gangway that ended at the entrance to the new Great Fox. It was as they disappeared behind the ship's sleek, gray surface that he lowered his head, his thoughts taking him to a place he did not want to be.
No, you're wrong Falco, this is nothing like the old team. It's not even close to what it was back then. And as long as she's not here, that will probably never change. I…don't even know if I can do this without her here to support me, but…I have to. I'm doing this for her, and I'm not going to let her down…not again…
Fox's thoughts eventually trailed off and he felt the gentle contact of a hand against his back. He quickly looked up from the ground as he noticed this, looking over to see Katt's face, which seemed to hold a slightly sympathetic expression as she looked at him. It was as she saw him look up that she asked in a calm voice, "Hey, are you alright McCloud? You don't look like yourself." The vulpine shook his head, donning an indiscernibly fake smile in order to ease the feline's mind as he replied, "No, nothing's wrong. I was just…thinking about this mission, that's all." After saying these words, he turned to face the ship, causing Katt's hand to fall from his back as he did so, and then finished by saying with a voice of confidence, "But Falco was right about one thing. I really don't want to stay here any longer than I have to. It's been a while since I've done something like this, but I don't think I could be more ready than I am right now."
I will get her back. No matter what happens to me, to my crew, or even to the entire universe…I will get her back.
(Spirit Realm)
The vixen gave a confused glance in the previously speaking vulpine's direction, not fully understanding what she had meant in her last statement. This feeling did not last for long however as Fox's mother somehow began to cause the constant flow of blue that sat below them to break, a second color slowly coming into sight as she did so. It was not long after this that Fox's mother had cleared an entire area of this blue fog, giving the on looking vixen a perfect view into a metallic looking ship. It was here, in a small metallic hallway, that this gap within the fog allowed her to see, but the reason why this was somehow important did not make itself immediately clear.
After several moments of inactivity within the scene below, the vixen looked up towards the three spirits and asked quietly, "This is nothing more than a simple hallway. What is it that you want me to see?"
This is it, it won't be long before she's back…
The vixen stared at the spirits with confusion, thinking that one of them had spoken to them, but after receiving a subtle motioning gesture from her father, she quickly looked back down past the blue mist. It was as she did this that her eyes opened wide with surprise, because just below her, walking through that previously devoid hallway was the one she had so desperately been seeking. She could see him clearly, and it was a moment she had long awaited. Before she allowed her own thoughts to interfere, she quickly quieted herself in order to fully hear the vulpine's thoughts…
Now that we've finally left Corneria, I can focus on getting her back…instead of just sitting around wishing I could do something. I don't really know what I'm supposed to do, but…I know in that dream I had this morning, my mother said I had to go to Xantia. I'm sure if I go there, I'll figure out what I'm supposed to do, that's how it's always been after she told me about that scroll. Things just…fell into place. Things that I never would have thought to be possible…just like when I was brought back from the dead. Now I'm the one who has to follow through, I'm not just gonna sit around and wait. I'm not gonna give up on her, cause she never gave up on me. I will save her, and we will be together…forever, just like the scrolls said. I just hope…I don't let her down…again. Wherever you are, just remember this. I'm not giving up on you. Even if the odds are against me, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do, I'll find a way to get you back…I promise...
"Fox…" His name came from her mouth with great care, with nothing more than a silent tear to accompany it as that name gently echoed across the empty blue planes of the Spirit Realm. Perhaps the words of the vulpine were not fully directed at her, but just the fact that she knew he was thinking about her gave her a feeling of comfort that she had not known during her stay in this lonely place, a place she now dearly wanted to depart from so she could find herself in his arms once more.
My daughter, you have seen that he remains loyal to you, even after all this time. Now, you must do the same. Your journey, just like his, is just beginning. He has already taken his first steps, and now you must do the same. It may prove difficult, a journey apart from him, but you must find the strength within yourself to accomplish this task, because if you do not, both worlds will be doomed, and you may never get to see Fox McCloud again. With this in mind I ask you, are you ready my child? You've already been through much hardship, but they were only the beginning. The time has come for you to fulfill your true destiny, and to do so, you must leave here at this moment, for you do not have a moment to spare. He may not know it yet, but Fox is counting on you, and you must not let him down. And so, my beloved daughter, will you accept this destiny of yours?
The vixen hesitated for a moment, her thoughts still remaining on the words of Fox McCloud, the one she so strongly desired to be reunited with. But it was not long after her father spoke these words that she looked up into his eyes and spoke in a voice that proved to these three spirits that she truly was ready, "Yes, I do accept the task that has been set in front of me, and I will succeed. I know that Fox will not let me down, and neither will I. I will find every Spirit Link and help Fox realize his true power. And you all can be assured, I will not fail."
You have grown so much my daughter, we are all very proud of you, but I'm afraid that we must leave you now. This journey is yours alone, and we fear that intervention by any other member of this realm may be a contradiction the scrolls, which may result in catastrophe that we cannot afford to risk. So…go, journey throughout the realm of the spirits and assist Fox on his journey. We all believe in you…
At these words, the three spirits that had previously stood in front of the vixen began to slowly fade away, each still looking upon her with great respect. But it was as this was happening that the young vixen suddenly realized something, something she would have to know if she were ever to aid Fox in the world below. She raised her hands out in front of her, as if telling the three spirits to stop disappearing, and asked quickly in a suddenly anxious voice, "Wait a moment, were is it exactly that I am supposed to find these Spirit Links? Surely I must know this in order to begin my journey across these endless blue plains."
We…have no directions for you. You must follow your feelings, follow your heart. And only then will you find the Spirit Links. Now farewell, my beloved and courageous daughter, and good luck. We are all counting on you…
With those words, the three spirits fully disappeared into the blue mist, just as suddenly as they had first appeared. For a moment, the vixen did nothing but look forward to where her parent's spirits had once stood, the image of their encouraging smiles left embedded in her mind. It was the last image of comfort that she saw, and she did not want to let it go. It was understandable, because now the vixen had not only been left alone within this mysterious realm, but she was totally lost. She had been given no direction towards her goal, only advice. She must follow what she feels, rely on instinct to find her destination, and she had to do it now. It was here that she turned from where her parents had stood, instead facing towards the endless, empty blue fog that sat in front of her. She took a quiet sigh, having no idea what awaited her, but it didn't matter. All she wanted was to be back with that single vulpine, and she knew she'd brave whatever dangers that stood ahead for him, no matter what the cost. And so, after taking a deep breath, she stared forward into the blue mist and took her first step forward into the unknown.
I am not giving up on you either…Fox McCloud.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Cool, don't get mad at me because I took like a month to update, because I'd get really sad. Besides, the 13th was my birthday, so you should all be crazy happy for me! Anyway, I'm sorry the update took so long, lately I haven't been that inspired to type I guess…but I hope I can get some of it back, cause I don't want to have to discontinue this story. Don't worry, I'm not at that point yet, but if this story becomes a chore, it might happen. Well, aren't I the bearer of good news? Whatever, now that they left the planet, there will be action soon, yeah. Later.
RANDOM NOTES: Umm…Another reason why this chapter was not posted as quickly may have been because it was actually done about 4 days ago, but I just now realized that fact, oops. Heh, anyone seen the Lion King version of Sora from Kingdom Hearts II? …That's pretty much the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Booyah, and my parents think I'm so stupid! I got a 3.5 gpa this quarter! Snap-digity, I'll get getting a big ol' check from grandma for sure!
MAIL CALL:
Specter 117
Hey, dude! Love this chapter! Love your stories! (Of course, I'm not gonna say love you) Keep going, man! I'm rootin' for ya!
FoxMC: Thank you so much, and of course I didn't expect you to say you love me, cause that's gay! …Assuming that you are a man of course, not that I can tell with all this internet deception!
The Silent Wanderer - ArcticFoxAL
Well, I'm finally reviewing this story. Damn, it's getting hard to get on a computer. I have Co-op in the mornings so I usually don't get back to school until the bell rings. So... you went for a sequel, did you? Good for you. OH YEAH! I remembered something! Wat ever happened to Justin Allan Haibon, your editor? I always liked his weird writings.
FoxMC: Ya, I did go for the sequel, I'm not just gonna leave you guys hanging on the last story, that'd be really mean…And as far as my old editor goes, you got me…
Ichibod Ricct
No, bunching up the dialogue isn't good grammar. I can't tell who says what.
It's not suppose to flow for you, it's suppose to flow for the reader.
I'm not saying go back and correct all the other chapters you did, I'm saying, do it for future chapters.
FoxMC: Good points, but…uhh, I don't wanna. It's good that your trying to correct me, but it's too late now. This is the format it's gonna be in for the rest of the story, sorry man…
Fenrir Hellfyre
All right, the story's startin to pick up. And I answer "B" to all of your questions.
FoxMC: Ya seriously, I gotta get em' out in space you something can happen! I feel so bad, this is just like reading a school book or something…
Blondie on the Run
hm...it's progressing I guess, but I'm not really a Newberry Award judge. I don't want to sound "Whinnie"ish but this starting to be like the second part to a Disney movie. Not as good as the first.
FoxMC: I can totally agree with you that so far, this is not as good as EotF, but I can assure you, I'm not typing this just so I can say I finished the story. There will be great moments in this story to, and now that they're off the planet, that stuff can start to happen.
Ricky (The real one I assume)
What the fric? Someone used my name to tell you that you were mean. That's not cool. Whatever, F.Y.I. it wasn't me. I will now be known as krystal mc, that's my name every where else. Anyway, great chap. Hopre I get to read another soon.
P.S. Are you a member of the KLA?
FoxMC: Ya, that was weird. I'm beginning to see why people have to option to block anonymous reviews…
Fox the Cave II
liked your new chapter, the action is slow moving but I liked the insights to Katt's and other's thoughts.
Heh, I always put my Authors Note's at the top of the chapter, it seems strange to me that you put them at the bottom!
Well, bye for now.
FoxMC: Ya, I have put author's notes at the top before, but then you can't discuss what you typed about when you reach the end of the chapter. That, and I just don't like how it looks when it's up there. Anyway, the action is coming, just had to set some stuff up first!
sandman91
All right! I give this chapter 5 outta 5. Congrats. Fox has finally come ot of his deppression(haleluia). Now let's see some progress from him. And for the rest of the fans, keep on reading because I have a feeling this is just gonna get better and better. Peace out from sandman!
FoxMC: There will definitely be progression, but I don't think I want to keep telling you that something will eventually happen, makes me sound like I'm desperate to keep reviewers…which is not true, alright everyone?
-faLcO-
You are the only person that I have heard of that hates Falco. And btw, nice story.
FoxMC: I don't know about that, but ya, I'm sure I'm part of a minority like that, a lot of people love the crap out of Falco. Not me…
MisterChief
Nice. This is what I like to read.
Still good. Man, I don't know what it is, but you got it.
FoxMC: Yep, if you like to read a bunch of dialogue and descriptions that include very little action, this is indeed your kind of story. I'm sure something will end up happening eventually…
FoxJD
Finally dude, Fox is back in da game! I wonder what Fox will have ta do to get Krystal back, sure will be difficult. I was thinkin bout the Joey Wheeler thing and I kinda like it. Maybe I'll write somethin bout that in my FF profile.
FoxMC: Ya, Fox is back in da game…finally! Ah guess ya guys might be seein' some action in dis story pretty soon. Which is good, cause Ah'm kinda tired of writin' all dis dialogue…
Chiise
I never said it sucked. Its just not to great now
FoxMC: Ok, it's your opinion. I mean, no one's making you read this I guess. I'll try and make it as good as possible and I guess that's all I can do…
death
hi there it me death again
i been reading this stroy now for a long time and i'v see that fox hasen't got anything to show he can uesd the life power or whatever the hell it is
for god sake man give him something he can't keep going on fireing blaster all the time it didn't help back when he got his ass kick by greeny guy now did it
you know like a healing power or something stop giving krystal all the stuff
FoxMC: Ya, Fox will eventually get some powers, cause that's what this whole story is about!
DragonOTDarkFlame
Oh for God's sake would stop all this cruelty to animals!
Bring us to the battle on both worlds that I KNOW is brewing and get those two foxes back together Damnit! WAAH! HA! HA! HA! (Sob)(Sob)
FoxMC: You haven't seen cruelty to animals yet…heheheh. The battle will come, but there's gotta be a story too.
BlueWolf419
I have ben absent for a while, but not long enough to see the new chapter! Anyway, I'm glad that Fox has finally snapped out of it. Maybe now the story will get REAL interesting!
FoxMC: Ya, REAL interesting. I like the sound of that a lot.
death (Again)
well this is comeing along grate all this is good
but that fox is a right twat to think he been siting in that place for a year A YEAR!
man if i was that guy i would have got this done long ago but hey i not fox am i
anyway keep going i looking foward to the next
well the galexy is ready to burn fox is the one with the macth and he has to make such he dose what is right.
FoxMC: Yep, that little pyro Fox McCloud, he's gonna be killing some serious suckers until he gets his girl back, that's for sure.
The Silent Wanderer – ArcticFoxAL (…again)
Hello Again!. Although you may not know it, I put in a late review for chapter 1. Please read. My answers for the questions are: D, D, and D. Hehehe. Anyways, I said in the last post "I wonder what happened to your old editor, Justin Allan Haibon..." or something like that... anyways, I like new sequel and new OC's. But.. ah.. hrmm.. a little too much profanity, in my opinion. A little is ok, but in the first 2 chapters, you had Katt stripped down to nothing , and in the third chapter, Falco... well I won't get into that nasty little mess. I may not have any particular reason for asking this, but why is Tiger OC so quiet? And you may or may not hate me for asking since this is like the 5th time I've done so, but where is Peppy? Feel free to answer or not. It just bugs me for some unexplainable reason. Anyways this posty is the longest I've ever done, so I'll wrap it up. THANK YOU FOR MAKING A SEQUEL! I would've had to send you hate mail for life if you didn't. By the way, Thanks for "Longest Angry Letter And Apology" award in first story. Well that's it. Keep up good work.
FoxMC: Ok, Peppy is pretty much living the good ol' retired life on Xavix-Yuan, and since I don't like him, there is a really good chance you won't see him again. Thanks for the mando reviewo.
SonicBreezie4ever
(Just look at em' all, I don't want to take up a page just posting his response…sorry.)
FoxMC: Wow, that's a lot of writing. But I guess I can take that as a pretty big complement that you'd type all that out. I'm glad you like my story, cause that's pretty much the reason why I type em'. Not just for reviews and stuff, but it's also my hobby and I really enjoy it. So to hear good things like this really encourages me to type on…too bad I never have enough time to put as much effort into it as I would like…whatever, thanks again dude!
MasterChief101
1. Wow, I cant believe that I missed the opening of this new and excellent story. Now im back to read and judge this story.
2. another good chapter by FoxMC. (I hope he didnt forget about me)
im going onto chapter 3.
P.S "Its time to split!" Do u know where that quote came from?
plz answer the question. I want u to see how good u are at figuring stuff out. HAHAHA!
3. (Napolean Dynamite voice)
omg this is going to be a flippin sweet story. I just hope that Falco doesnt get large tallons. Don't stop writing! Gosh!
(non napolean voice)
lol. all of that is true.
FoxMC: 1. Yes, I'm quite offended, but you went back and reviewed, so it's chill. 2. Nope, I didn't forget about you, and I suck at figuring stuff out…a good reason why I am horrible at Math. 3. That was funny. I don't think Falco will get large talons, and even if he does, he'll have his boots on, so there probably won't be much of a problem. Peace out!
Foxdude33
FYI Masterchief101, this author's a girl. Nice chapter, and I can't wait for the update. They're worth the wait.
FoxMC: Heh, that's funny. I told my old editor that I was a girl, and I think he started telling everybody that I was, but I'm not. It was just a joke, and it looks like I got a few other people too. Heh, I am indeed a man, and since I'm 18 now, that's actually true…And thanks for making me feel like making you guys wait so long for new chapters is worth it…you're probably just trying to make me feel better, but it's a nice try anyway.
Coldfire
Hey, Fox MC, I see you haven't updated in a bit, which is a bit saddening, considering how well you have been doing. Myself as well as others love your story a lot, and hope that you haven't given up on it yet!
But if you've been golfing and doing other important things all this time, then you're forgiven. ;)
FoxMC: Ya, I have been really busy, but I hate using that excuse cause it's really lame. But if I can get away with it, then whatever. I'll try and update faster, but that may be hard with school and stuff. At least I'm not playing b-ball this year…