Chapter 3: Kindred Spirits

1000 hours local time. Deep in the Cornerian mountains lay Corneria City, but on the outskirts of the metropolis lay a large gravesite dedicated to the men and women who laid down their lives in defense of their homeworld and its colonies. Fenris stood there in front of a grave marked "Cain Yeager: Husband, Father, Pilot" with the appropriate birth and death dates. It was winter in this part of Corneria. More specifically, it was the Winter Solstice, a holiday week of rejoicing and family gatherings. While Fenris had spent most of the day with his mother, he decided to spend some time at his late father's gravesite, leaving behind a white rose on top of it. He sighed before looking up and out after setting the flora, watching the snow fall from the sky. It almost reminded him of the stars.

"You too, huh?" said an all too familiar voice.

Fenris jumped before turning around quickly, seeing a red fox in a heavy green coat and a red scarf watching him from a few paces. Fenris's eyes widened as he realized that it was Fox McCloud.

"Ah- I-... Sir?" he asked, somewhat awestruck.

Fox grinned before walking up beside him, looking down and to the right of Cain's grave site. Fenris looked over at it, noticing it was James McCloud's gravesite.

"Huh… Mom always said my dad worked with… Well, your dad." said Fenris.

Fox looked toward him, somewhat confused. Then again, his father kept quite a few secrets. "I guess so." He offered his hand to the wolf. "Fox McCloud, but you already knew that."

Fenris smiled and took his hand, giving it a firm shake. "Fenris Yeager."

Fox nodded before giving a knowing look. "So youre the one I saw months ago escorting the civilian transports? Nice work back there," he said, seemingly impressed.

Fenris felt his heart light up at the comment. "Yes sir."

Fox tilted his head as he continued. "And I hear you bagged a cat recently?" he asked with a smirk.

Fenris laughed a bit at the joke. "Quite literally!"

Fox began to turn toward the cemetery gates. He kept his eyes on Fenris, almost signaling that he wanted him to follow before making things clear.

"How about some coffee, Fenris? You look like you could use some time away from the cold."

Fenris was confused at first, but it then clicked when realized Fox was referring to his lack of winter gear. "Oh! I'm alright. I was born on Fichina, I'm used it. I'd love to join you, though!"

Fox smiled as he began to walk toward the cemetery gates with Fenris walking beside him. The young wolf could now cross something off of his bucket list.

…

The pair walked the streets of the city as it brimmed with life. People were walking the streets with loved ones, meeting family from off world, or simply going through their work day during peak season. All this time, Fox and Fenris were able to walk down the sidewalk undisturbed by the masses, the two blending in rather effortlessly.

Fox began to ask the lupine questions, wanting to know him better. "You said Fichina, right? What part?"

"Winterhaven, sir," said Fenris.

Fox nodded in response, recognizing the name. "The capital city… And you can just call me Fox. No need for 'sir' around me."

Fenris relaxed in response. Fox didn't see himself as a celebrity like most of Lylat did. He was just a pilot doing his best, the same he'd ask of anyone else. "Sure thing, Fox."

Fox continued his questionnaire. "I take it you're a follower of the team?"

"Well, yeah. You guys started up when I was a sophomore at the Academy."

Fox's eyes lit up. "You were part of the class of 22? That means you were a freshman during my last year!"

Fenris nodded excitedly. "I actually remember when you and Bill were added to the Academy Hall of Fame after your performance drills."

Fox paused for a moment, thinking back. "Didn't you receive a commendation that year?"

Fenris tried to think back as well, the last few years being a blur with all that happened in the Lylat System since then. "Yeah. I was top of my class for that year."

Fox grinned. "That explains why I recognize you, but I feel like I've seen your face much earlier."

Fenris wasn't sure what Fox meant, but it didn't concern him at the moment.

Soon the pair had their drinks and were sitting in a couple of armchairs near the cafe's fireplace. It was a cozy little coffee shop, with plenty of furnishings one would see at home rather than a restaurant.

Fenris relaxed in his seat, letting his coffee cool while Fox took a sip from his cup. Fenris tilted his head before asking him a question. "You here to visit family?"

That question hit a sour note with Fox as the corners of his mouth sank. He looked down into his cup before Fenris realized his question. "Oh… Im so sorry, Fox. I didn't me-"

"It's alright. You're not the first one that forgot," interrupted Fox. He started twiddling his thumbs as the subject wasn't comfortable to him.

"Most of the team is off doing their own thing. Falco is with his family on Zoness, Slippy is seeing his dad, Peppy is busy with command when he's not spending time with his daughter, and Krystal…" He sighed thinking back to the long conversation he had with her.

"Krystal is back on Sauria, trying to find answers about her homeworld."

Fenris lowered his ears and watched as it was clear Fox wasn't here because he wanted to be. "You guys have been through a lot in the last five years. Two wars, a coup, uncovering a plot to resurrect a mad scientist.. You deserve a break, or at the very least time to take care of personal matters."

Fox sat lost in thought as Fenris watched on, a sense of guilt washing over him. He reached over, tapping the vulpine on the shoulder.

"Hey. You alright?" he asked.

Fox looked up, startled for a moment before nodding. "I will be."

The two sat for another moment as Fenris started to finally drink his coffee. Fenris looked over at Fox who still seemed depressed before speaking up.

"I've already gotten my holiday plans out of the way. General Hare has me on standby, but until then, I'm free."

Fox looked up from his coffee, thinking for a moment before smiling. "I think I might take you up on that."

The two shared a moment to reflect before Fenris started to talk again. "So my dad got his start because of your dad."

Fox perked his ears up. "Really?"

"My dad didn't exactly have the best life growing up. Grandad did his best, but he was trying to raise him as a single father. Dad wound up getting into fights at school, nearly got expelled, but he was a smart kid from what my mom told me."

Fenris sat back in his chair as he reminisced about his mother's stories. "Thats when a bring young Lieutenant McCloud saw him and paid for his aptitude test. He scored high marks and got into the academy."

Fox seemed intrigued as he leaned in. "Tell me more."

…

The gray wolf stood proudly at his graduation ceremony. He graduated top of his class and stood before the other cadets as he was given his Lieutenant pips and medal for academic excellence. This gave him a leg up among the rest of his peers, but it also signified how far he came.

James McCloud watched from the crowd, taking off his aviator shades and grinning at the lupine. The wolf saw this and his smile got wider as his mentor had fulfilled his promise.

As the ceremonies closed down, the wolf was surrounded by instructors and commanders congratulating him on his graduation, but he was more focused on finding one person. James finally made his way to him as the two shook hands before McCloud gave him a tight hug.

"See? I told you you could do it!" he said excitedly.

The wolf looked slightly embarrassed. "Yeah.. You were right. And I'm glad you were. Thank you. For everything."

"Kid, I didn't do this. You did. You made the push for something better. All I did was put the idea in your head."

"But it was your idea nonetheless."

James chuckled. "Fair enough… Speaking of ideas, I talked to General Pepper. He approved the request."

The wolf looked stunned as his eyes widened and his ears perked. "I'm on the team?"

James smiled. "Welcome to Star Fox."