A/N: Again, this doesn't take place in the Star Fox timeline and I'm going
to keep reminding you until it sticks. Anyway, let's keep at this pace for
a moment. And I know, in order to make it a little linear to the Star Fox
timeline the Vice King should be Pigma or something right? Well, its my fic
not yours, plus General Scales is just so much cooler!
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Chapter 2-What Lies Beyond the Kingdom
It was now the biggest rain of the season. As fate had it, every time an heir was born to the throne, the rain would fall.
In her small townhouse on the outskirts of Corneria, Mia was painting a small water color of the new born prince. The water color painting was just below a water color painting of James. "He shall be the new king." Mia smiled and listened to the thunder. Hopefully there wouldn't be a flood.
Mia was not what you'd call "normal". In reality, Mia was well over 400 years old! How did she stay so young? That was her mysterious secret that she wouldn't tell anyone. Her home was made of adobe just like all the others, and inside she kept several potions and wines. Even though the adults wondered how Mia stayed so young, they never questioned her.
Mia had done this several times. First, Fox would drink the special wine that was prepared. Within two years he'd have a royal mark on his arm. At age ten, Fox would receive the McCloud dagger. This dagger was called the Arwing. It was by far the most powerful dagger the world had seen at it only passed down in the McCloud family. One day, Fox would have to pass it down to his son or daughter.
Fox would then be the Prince until the day his father dies. The problem was that Mia was convinced there was a curse on the McCloud family. By the time Fox would turn sixteen, James would somehow die. Either by disease, or by the hand of one of his own advisors. Mia didn't want this to happen to James, nor Fox. Maybe this "curse" would skip a generation.
***
The rain continued to poor, as Vixy put her one and only son to rest. She kissed his forehead and smiled. "Sweet dreams my prince." She said and pulled the small blanket over him. He instantly fell asleep.
"I'm glad to see the young one isn't too much trouble for you." Scales stood in the door with a grin. He always looked pleasant when speaking to the royal family. He didn't want to insult them in anyway.
"He's no trouble at all." Vixy said as she stepped out of Fox's room moving Scales out of the doorway. She closed the door slowly and turned to smile at Scales. "When the time comes I'm sure you'll tell him about the lands of Corneria? Besides this small little town."
Scales smiled. "Of course I will. Anything for you Vixy."
They began to walk down the halls with only the light of the moon and stars to guide them through the halls. The lanterns and torches along the palace walls hadn't been lit yet. It gave the setting a sort of peaceful aura.
They stopped in front of the King's bedroom. Vixy looked at Scales and said "Goodnight. I hope you'll get to bed soon."
Scales bowed to Vixy as all those wishing the King and Queen a good night did. Scales did in fact have to get to bed himself. He walked down the halls and let his shadow cast along what could be seen of the floor. His fake smile soon morphed into a frowning look that gave fear into those on the battlefield. He mumbled under his breath, "Long live the king."
***Ten Years Later...
Fox McCloud was now a full ten years old. He'd been around Corneria every once and a while. Everyone knew him. They bowed whenever they were in his presence. Fox didn't really like that. He wanted to be treated the same as they did. He didn't want any deferential treatment just because he was of royalty. Perhaps this is why his father had sent servants to the market instead of going himself.
Fox usually took a small walk through Corneria everyday. This day was special. It was his tenth birthday, and his father had a "surprise" for him. Fox didn't really like surprises. Not after the ones he got from his friend Slippy.
Slippy was a small toad with quite possibly the biggest brain you'd ever seen. If anyone could get the prince out of trouble, it was definitely Slippy. Fox was glad to have met him. Perhaps someday Slippy would be able to help with a few other things too.
The problem with Fox wandering Corneria, was that James had always sent his most trusted advisor to watch over him, Peppy. Fox didn't like Peppy following him around one bit. Fox wanted to be "independent". He wasn't too complain though. After all, there would be several thugs waiting for the moment to kidnap him and hold him for big money.
It wasn't long before Fox had to return to the palace to get his "surprise". When he walked into the main hall of the palace, James stood before his throne looking down at Fox. All the servants and advisors were there. All but Scales.
Fox stepped forward and stood before his father, not knowing what was going on. A servant walked up to James and gave him something wrapped in a white cloth. James took the item and slowly unwrapped it. "My son, this item you are about to receive is an important family heirloom. I want you to keep it always as I have. It was given to me by my father, and now I'm giving it to you." James said and once again everyone bowed their heads.
Fox accepted the gift, and looked at the sheath. It was gold with a red ruby, a blue sapphire, and a green emerald decorated on the outside. When Fox unsheathed the dagger, the blade was a full six inches long. Amazed by the dagger, Fox had to ask, "What dagger is this?"
James looked down at his son and smiled. "It is called the Arwing. It has protected our family for generations. Now I want it to protect you."
Fox took the dagger and everybody applauded and once more bowed their heads. Before long, the palace was back to their deeds. Except for James, who had called Fox over to have a word with him. "Come with me my son. It is time I show you what will someday be yours."
They walked onto the highest balcony and overlooked the entire town and province of Corneria. "This Fox, will someday be yours." James began. "Everything of Corneria will someday be for you, and you'll watch over it as I have." He sighed. "It is important that you pass our family on. The kingdom has never had a better leader until now."
Fox looked up at his father, then back at the dagger in his paws. "I promise to one day be as good a vulpine as you father." Fox said. "I won't let our family die."
James sighed. "I hope so.." he said remembering the "curse" that was plagued on their family. Once Fox turned sixteen, James would have to watch himself. Was it really a curse, or just a coincidence? James didn't think about it.
Fox looked out across the town and saw a dark cave that was actually sealed. "What happened there?"
James came to a serious look. "You must never go there. That is where the sharp claw live." He turned his back to his son. "The sharp claw are very dangerous and so is their terrain. You must promise me you'll never go there. For if you do, I'd fear you'd never come back."
Fox blinked for a moment. He'd hadn't really learned much about the sharp claw. He only knew that there was a war and that's why they were banned from Corneria. "I won't father." He said, but couldn't help but wonder. He was getting a little curious to it all actually. He started to think...you know..what's a sharp claw? Scales was a sharp claw right? Perhaps Fox should ask Scales about it.
***
Later that day, Scales was in his room thinking of his plan to kill the king. He could just as easily get away with it and blame it on someone else. No one would ever suspect the Vice King of doing such a deed. He had to think of someone who would benefit from it though. Besides himself.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door. Now he had to put on his act again. "Come in." He said and watched as a young Fox McCloud entered his room.
Fox was more like a son to Scales. He couldn't help but admit that the young vulpine was very likeable. "What is it Fox? Something happen?"
Fox hopped onto Scale's bed and sat dangling his feet over the edge. He was still holding his dagger. His little birthday gift. "I was wondering," he said already getting to the point. "What's a sharp claw? Dad says that they were exiled to a small cave just west of here. He says its sealed. He also said I shouldn't go there."
"He's right you know." Scales said and sat down next to Fox. "Its very dangerous, especially for a kit such as yourself." Scales warned holding up a finger. "If you go there you may never come back. Only the bravest of furs go there."
"Are you saying I'm not brave?" Fox raised an eyebrow. He was taking the statement as an insult.
"Why heavens now. I wouldn't DREAM of fighting any of the McCloud family. After all, that's the reason my brethren were exiled in the first place."
"So how did it all begin?" Fox inquired.
"How did what begin?" Scales replied.
"The war. How did it all begin? I'm curious."
Scales stood up and sighed. It didn't occur that he'd ever have to give the kit a history lesson. "The sharp claw used to be very friendly. Once the furs of Corneria were allied with the sharp claw. But a little dispute over power came into play. The sharp claw felt that they weren't getting as good of treatment as the furs because they were 'different'. So this war was more of a rebellion. They asked me to lead them. So I did just that. But as you know, there was no way we'd ever win the war. Now there are only one-hundred sharp claw left, myself included. I'm here because I agreed to surrender. Your father spared me, but as a result the other sharp claw were exiled and sealed away in the cave. The king only allows me to go into the cave. Says I should at least see my family."
"Well," Fox began, "how do you get in?"
"You wish to know? You can only get into the cave using the right words. Only the king and I know what words."
Scales stepped forward a bit. "I did bring the sharp claw to your birth you know. They were there. Peppy wasn't too happy about that." he chuckled.
"So are you going to tell me how to get in?" Fox asked.
"I can't. Your fathers orders you know."
"Awe come on Scales. I'm just curious. I won't go there or anything. I'm not strong enough to face any sharp claw."
"My young Prince. The password is none other than your fathers name and mine combined. The password is 'The Scaly Clouds.' But you didn't hear that from me. Promise me you won't visit that cave. I shouldn't have even told you how to get in."
Fox hopped off the bed. "Don't worry I won't go there. I promise." With that Fox walked out of the room.
Scales had a seat back on the bed. He knew Fox would go, but then it hit him. FOX! Of all those in the kingdom, Fox definitely had something to gain by the death of his father. He could blame the murder on Fox. In order to do that however, Fox had to come back from the sharp claw caves alive. Scales would make sure that happened. Scales, now had a plan. He cackled a little bit and whispered under his breath, "Long live the king."
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A/N: I'm still building up to something. Also, Krystal will be in this fic. I promise you that. Falco, Katt and Bill are here to, although a little later. And Shane? You'll see...
______________________________________________________________________
Chapter 2-What Lies Beyond the Kingdom
It was now the biggest rain of the season. As fate had it, every time an heir was born to the throne, the rain would fall.
In her small townhouse on the outskirts of Corneria, Mia was painting a small water color of the new born prince. The water color painting was just below a water color painting of James. "He shall be the new king." Mia smiled and listened to the thunder. Hopefully there wouldn't be a flood.
Mia was not what you'd call "normal". In reality, Mia was well over 400 years old! How did she stay so young? That was her mysterious secret that she wouldn't tell anyone. Her home was made of adobe just like all the others, and inside she kept several potions and wines. Even though the adults wondered how Mia stayed so young, they never questioned her.
Mia had done this several times. First, Fox would drink the special wine that was prepared. Within two years he'd have a royal mark on his arm. At age ten, Fox would receive the McCloud dagger. This dagger was called the Arwing. It was by far the most powerful dagger the world had seen at it only passed down in the McCloud family. One day, Fox would have to pass it down to his son or daughter.
Fox would then be the Prince until the day his father dies. The problem was that Mia was convinced there was a curse on the McCloud family. By the time Fox would turn sixteen, James would somehow die. Either by disease, or by the hand of one of his own advisors. Mia didn't want this to happen to James, nor Fox. Maybe this "curse" would skip a generation.
***
The rain continued to poor, as Vixy put her one and only son to rest. She kissed his forehead and smiled. "Sweet dreams my prince." She said and pulled the small blanket over him. He instantly fell asleep.
"I'm glad to see the young one isn't too much trouble for you." Scales stood in the door with a grin. He always looked pleasant when speaking to the royal family. He didn't want to insult them in anyway.
"He's no trouble at all." Vixy said as she stepped out of Fox's room moving Scales out of the doorway. She closed the door slowly and turned to smile at Scales. "When the time comes I'm sure you'll tell him about the lands of Corneria? Besides this small little town."
Scales smiled. "Of course I will. Anything for you Vixy."
They began to walk down the halls with only the light of the moon and stars to guide them through the halls. The lanterns and torches along the palace walls hadn't been lit yet. It gave the setting a sort of peaceful aura.
They stopped in front of the King's bedroom. Vixy looked at Scales and said "Goodnight. I hope you'll get to bed soon."
Scales bowed to Vixy as all those wishing the King and Queen a good night did. Scales did in fact have to get to bed himself. He walked down the halls and let his shadow cast along what could be seen of the floor. His fake smile soon morphed into a frowning look that gave fear into those on the battlefield. He mumbled under his breath, "Long live the king."
***Ten Years Later...
Fox McCloud was now a full ten years old. He'd been around Corneria every once and a while. Everyone knew him. They bowed whenever they were in his presence. Fox didn't really like that. He wanted to be treated the same as they did. He didn't want any deferential treatment just because he was of royalty. Perhaps this is why his father had sent servants to the market instead of going himself.
Fox usually took a small walk through Corneria everyday. This day was special. It was his tenth birthday, and his father had a "surprise" for him. Fox didn't really like surprises. Not after the ones he got from his friend Slippy.
Slippy was a small toad with quite possibly the biggest brain you'd ever seen. If anyone could get the prince out of trouble, it was definitely Slippy. Fox was glad to have met him. Perhaps someday Slippy would be able to help with a few other things too.
The problem with Fox wandering Corneria, was that James had always sent his most trusted advisor to watch over him, Peppy. Fox didn't like Peppy following him around one bit. Fox wanted to be "independent". He wasn't too complain though. After all, there would be several thugs waiting for the moment to kidnap him and hold him for big money.
It wasn't long before Fox had to return to the palace to get his "surprise". When he walked into the main hall of the palace, James stood before his throne looking down at Fox. All the servants and advisors were there. All but Scales.
Fox stepped forward and stood before his father, not knowing what was going on. A servant walked up to James and gave him something wrapped in a white cloth. James took the item and slowly unwrapped it. "My son, this item you are about to receive is an important family heirloom. I want you to keep it always as I have. It was given to me by my father, and now I'm giving it to you." James said and once again everyone bowed their heads.
Fox accepted the gift, and looked at the sheath. It was gold with a red ruby, a blue sapphire, and a green emerald decorated on the outside. When Fox unsheathed the dagger, the blade was a full six inches long. Amazed by the dagger, Fox had to ask, "What dagger is this?"
James looked down at his son and smiled. "It is called the Arwing. It has protected our family for generations. Now I want it to protect you."
Fox took the dagger and everybody applauded and once more bowed their heads. Before long, the palace was back to their deeds. Except for James, who had called Fox over to have a word with him. "Come with me my son. It is time I show you what will someday be yours."
They walked onto the highest balcony and overlooked the entire town and province of Corneria. "This Fox, will someday be yours." James began. "Everything of Corneria will someday be for you, and you'll watch over it as I have." He sighed. "It is important that you pass our family on. The kingdom has never had a better leader until now."
Fox looked up at his father, then back at the dagger in his paws. "I promise to one day be as good a vulpine as you father." Fox said. "I won't let our family die."
James sighed. "I hope so.." he said remembering the "curse" that was plagued on their family. Once Fox turned sixteen, James would have to watch himself. Was it really a curse, or just a coincidence? James didn't think about it.
Fox looked out across the town and saw a dark cave that was actually sealed. "What happened there?"
James came to a serious look. "You must never go there. That is where the sharp claw live." He turned his back to his son. "The sharp claw are very dangerous and so is their terrain. You must promise me you'll never go there. For if you do, I'd fear you'd never come back."
Fox blinked for a moment. He'd hadn't really learned much about the sharp claw. He only knew that there was a war and that's why they were banned from Corneria. "I won't father." He said, but couldn't help but wonder. He was getting a little curious to it all actually. He started to think...you know..what's a sharp claw? Scales was a sharp claw right? Perhaps Fox should ask Scales about it.
***
Later that day, Scales was in his room thinking of his plan to kill the king. He could just as easily get away with it and blame it on someone else. No one would ever suspect the Vice King of doing such a deed. He had to think of someone who would benefit from it though. Besides himself.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door. Now he had to put on his act again. "Come in." He said and watched as a young Fox McCloud entered his room.
Fox was more like a son to Scales. He couldn't help but admit that the young vulpine was very likeable. "What is it Fox? Something happen?"
Fox hopped onto Scale's bed and sat dangling his feet over the edge. He was still holding his dagger. His little birthday gift. "I was wondering," he said already getting to the point. "What's a sharp claw? Dad says that they were exiled to a small cave just west of here. He says its sealed. He also said I shouldn't go there."
"He's right you know." Scales said and sat down next to Fox. "Its very dangerous, especially for a kit such as yourself." Scales warned holding up a finger. "If you go there you may never come back. Only the bravest of furs go there."
"Are you saying I'm not brave?" Fox raised an eyebrow. He was taking the statement as an insult.
"Why heavens now. I wouldn't DREAM of fighting any of the McCloud family. After all, that's the reason my brethren were exiled in the first place."
"So how did it all begin?" Fox inquired.
"How did what begin?" Scales replied.
"The war. How did it all begin? I'm curious."
Scales stood up and sighed. It didn't occur that he'd ever have to give the kit a history lesson. "The sharp claw used to be very friendly. Once the furs of Corneria were allied with the sharp claw. But a little dispute over power came into play. The sharp claw felt that they weren't getting as good of treatment as the furs because they were 'different'. So this war was more of a rebellion. They asked me to lead them. So I did just that. But as you know, there was no way we'd ever win the war. Now there are only one-hundred sharp claw left, myself included. I'm here because I agreed to surrender. Your father spared me, but as a result the other sharp claw were exiled and sealed away in the cave. The king only allows me to go into the cave. Says I should at least see my family."
"Well," Fox began, "how do you get in?"
"You wish to know? You can only get into the cave using the right words. Only the king and I know what words."
Scales stepped forward a bit. "I did bring the sharp claw to your birth you know. They were there. Peppy wasn't too happy about that." he chuckled.
"So are you going to tell me how to get in?" Fox asked.
"I can't. Your fathers orders you know."
"Awe come on Scales. I'm just curious. I won't go there or anything. I'm not strong enough to face any sharp claw."
"My young Prince. The password is none other than your fathers name and mine combined. The password is 'The Scaly Clouds.' But you didn't hear that from me. Promise me you won't visit that cave. I shouldn't have even told you how to get in."
Fox hopped off the bed. "Don't worry I won't go there. I promise." With that Fox walked out of the room.
Scales had a seat back on the bed. He knew Fox would go, but then it hit him. FOX! Of all those in the kingdom, Fox definitely had something to gain by the death of his father. He could blame the murder on Fox. In order to do that however, Fox had to come back from the sharp claw caves alive. Scales would make sure that happened. Scales, now had a plan. He cackled a little bit and whispered under his breath, "Long live the king."
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A/N: I'm still building up to something. Also, Krystal will be in this fic. I promise you that. Falco, Katt and Bill are here to, although a little later. And Shane? You'll see...