A/N: Again, the main focus is on Fox, and it will continue to be this way.
No, Falco and Shane won't find out anytime soon that Fox is a Prince. But
let's have Katt and Fox take a visit to them shall we? Also, in the middle
of the chapter will be the huge jump ten years into the future. But it
comes a long way down the road in this chapter, as there are still things
that must be done. Why did I pick ten years? Well, I wanted Fox to be
older for the conclusion (I'm not going for Peter Pan here). Anyway,
enough of my babble and lets move on.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Star Fox. Nintendo and/or Rare do. Any relation to my made up characters in any way is entirely coincidental, but if you would like to use my characters then you can ask and chances are I might say yes. ________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 10-The Sands of Time
It has been at least three months now, and Mia continued to see Vixy everyday, and there were times when she even walked now, and other times when she didn't walk. She seemed stronger and at the same time weaker. It was an everlasting battle, but she kept saying, "I'll hold on until I can see Fox again."
It had been three months, and rule under Scales hadn't been that bad so far. Wolf was slowly beginning to doubt what Mia had said. This was one of Wolf's major flaws, his impatience. "Are you sure that Scales is going to send Corneria to hell?"
"Have patience." Mia replied holding Vixy's hand the way she had before. "In ten years, you'll see just how bad things will get."
Just then a servant walked in. A short little sharp claw in red and white cloth. He bowed saying, "The King invites you to a feast tonight." Wolf nodded his head and the servant was gone.
"He doesn't seem to be doing so bad." Wolf said.
Mia frowned. "He will be."
"Perhaps you're right. After all, if he isn't eating or sitting at the throne, he spends time in his room doing who-knows-what. Worse, he keeps his door locked and sends away anyone who tries to bother him."
"He's planning." Mia said. "He's already begun to plan it all out." The sharp claw may have been reproducing slower and the birthrate had gone down, but so far Scales got enough to get rid of all the furry servants, and appoint sharp claw. Were they part of his plan too?
"How many troops do you think he'll need?" Wolf asked, trying not to startle Vixy.
"I would estimate about ten-thousand." Mia replied.
"Ten-thousand? In ten years? There are barely two hundred now! And with birthrates decreasing even more, you think that there will be ten thousand in ten years?"
"Who said the birthrate would remain low?" Mia retorted. "Have patience Wolf. Do the best you can to help keep Corneria on their feet. I'm begging this of you."
Wolf only nodded. "We feast within the hour. Are you coming Queen?"
Vixy looked to Wolf and shook her head. "I do not wish to eat with the likes of a murderer and a coward."
"Shall I bring you something then? If you want to stay strong, you'll need to eat more." Wolf said.
"Bring me back whatever you like and I'll eat it here." Vixy answered and waved Wolf off. "But the feast will probably begin shortly, and Scales is strict on time. It's best to be early. Mia will stay here with me."
Wolf had no objections and he turned his back to the two. "I guess I should have some patience. But so far it doesn't look as though Scales is going to mess up soon."
Mia looked to Wolf. "It's all part of his plan."
***
In the Jungle of Zoness, Katt and Fox were on their daily visit to Shane and Falco. Fox had grown accustomed to the two within the time they all spent together. But whenever trouble came brewing, he always stayed with his "mom" and refused to leave her side.
"Hey, can I be the dad?" Falco asked as they sat around the lake, eating the food that Katt had brought with her. Bread and cheese this time. There was also garlic bread with butter and apple butter. Toasted bread too.
Katt looked to Falco and smiled. Then she laughed. "Well, that's up to Fox to decide." She giggled.
Fox looked at Falco and then at Shane. The mention of 'dad' made him a little uneasy. Then he thought about what Shane had told him. 'Whatever it is you'll forget about it someday and move on.' Was now the time to forget? So soon? Even Fox could have a little fun. He was actually enjoying his new home.
"I want him to be my dad." Fox said as he pointed to Shane.
Shane looked up and chuckled a bit. Falco had a grin on his face. "I guess that means I'm the uncle in the family?"
Katt smiled. "I guess so."
"So how are things anyway? Are your mother and father still grieving that you took me home with you that one time?" Shane asked. He was actually serious about it and it was understandable considering Katt's parents never let her forget it. What was worse, Shane didn't do anything to offend them.
"They still remind me everyday. They really like this little one though." She said and put a finger on Fox's nose. "He's very manner able. Not that you weren't Shane, but I think my parents are a sucker for kits."
"Everyone is a sucker for kits these days." Shane said. "I guess there was no room for a teenage kit though?"
"Stop thinking about it. You said its best to forget; yet every time Katt comes to visit us you bring it up. Let's talk about something else."
"I want to know more about Macbeth." Fox spoke up.
"Macbeth?" Shane said. "There isn't much more to say."
"Do you ever plan on going back? I meant to ask you that." Katt said as she started brushing Fox's hair.
Shane took another bite out of his bread. "I don't plan on going back to Macbeth. I don't want to go back to that life. I don't know what else to do anymore. All I know is how to steal. I want to make something of myself besides a thief. Going back to Macbeth would do me no such honor. As long as he still rules anyway."
Fox got up and sat in Katt's lap. Katt looked down at him and then brushed his hair once more. "Why don't you live in Zoness? Rather than steal, why don't you try and find a job in the market place?"
"They're all about nothing but money. I would get employment, but they don't pay enough. They only care about getting money in their own pocket. I'd like to come back with you, Katt, but seeing as how your parents are..."
Falco butted in. "Don't go there Shane!" He said wagging a finger.
Fox laughed. "Tell me some stories about YOU Falco. How did you get here?" Fox asked, more like demanded.
"Me? What is there to tell?" Falco tried to think. "Well, there isn't much to my story at all. I was born in Zoness, BEFORE Katt might I add. I've lived near Zoness all my life. My parents were pretty wealthy at one point. We had all the money we ever needed. But because of this greedy wolf pack, it was all gone in an instant. We were robbed, and never recovered a financial status. Because of that, my mom and dad went into a deep sleep, and haven't awakened ever since." Falco said, trying not to use the words 'they died'. To Fox those words might've sounded scary.
"Wolf pack?" Fox asked.
"They were thieves. Stole from the rich and kept to themselves. So I left." Falco said. "I started going on journeys though the desert. I always wanted to explore. I wanted to go to Macbeth, but it was too far. Then I found Shane and realized that I DON'T want to go to Macbeth." Falco sighed. "But finding Shane was a blessing. He's like a brother to me."
Katt smiled. She'd heard Falco tell that story so many times. She whispered in Fox's ear, "That won't be the last time you hear that story."
"What was that?" Falco said and splashed Katt with some water, which also splashed Fox. Katt shrieked a little and Fox laughed.
Katt splashed Falco back. "Come on Fox, help me out." Katt said. Fox in his laughs helped Katt splash Falco.
Shane backed away slowly as if no one would notice him. Falco stood up and grabbed Shane, "Oh no you don't." Falco shouted and as he grabbed Shane he fell into the lake bringing Shane with him. This splashed all the bread as well as Katt and Fox.
Fox shook himself clean, but was somewhat useless considering that he jumped into the lake with them. "Come on mom."
"No, I don't jump in lakes. Splashing is one thing, soaking his another." She said holding her paws up as she came to a stance. She started to back away but Shane grabbed her by the legs and pulled her in. Again, Katt shrieked. Shane, Fox and Falco laughed.
Now soaked, Katt frowned. Then she looked at Shane and pushed him down under the water. It wasn't long before Shane surfaced. "See? The Water's fine." He told Katt.
"Cats and water don't always mix." Katt said, but found it easy to relax.
Shane started to float on his back. "That's it, just relax." Shane told himself. A young Fox McCloud climbing on his chest startled him. Gosh, he was small, even for a ten year old. Shane continued to float, even with McCloud on his chest.
"Hi." Fox chimed. He was starting to have more fun it seemed.
Shane reached up and gave him a pat on the head. At that, Fox frowned. He liked his hair being brushed, but he didn't like pets. When Shane saw Fox frown he couldn't help but laugh.
Katt climbed out of the water and shook herself clean. "Look at the food! That's the last time I bring you guys bread and cheese."
"Oh, come on Katt. Have some fun. Fox is having plenty." Shane said.
"It's almost time for me to go. My parents said they didn't want me out for very long today."
"Can Fox stay with us?" Falco asked.
"I don't know. My parents will be asking where I left him. Then they'd give me a lecture about responsibility and such."
"Tell him he's with some friends of yours." Falco suggested.
"They'll want to know which friends." Katt replied. "I'll think of something, he can stay with you guys for now." Katt looked at the sun. "I've got to get going now. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Bye Fox."
***
As soon as Katt was back at home, it was just as she said; her parents asked her where Arland was. "I left him in the care of some good friends." Katt told them. It wasn't the best but at least it was the truth.
"I've noticed that he calls you mom." King Monroe said. "What kind of 'mom' would abandon her child?"
"I didn't 'abandon' him. I left him in the care of some good friends of mine."
"Well, as long as he isn't with that Shane character, he should be fine." Lady Monroe said. "I don't care what you say, that Shane is a thief and a liar. He would be a bad influence on Arland."
Katt rolled her eyes. "I left him with Falco. You remember Falco right?"
King Monroe stood from his throne. "Well, Falco isn't a bad choice. But as his 'mother' you should be with him at all times at this young age."
"Let him be a kid dad. He'll be fine in with Falco. I'll go to pick him up tomorrow." It was clear that Katt's father didn't like Falco that much either. At that moment, Katt's father dismissed her.
***Later in that night
Fox, Shane and Falco were resting on the grass near the jungle. The clearing was nice and they watched the moon glow. The interesting thing about Zoness was that there were two moons in sight. One moon would change colors while the other one was just a normal moon.
They sat looking at the two moons and the stars. "What do you suppose makes that moon change colors?" Shane asked Falco.
"It looks like a rainbow sometimes, with how it glows. I guess its just one of those things we'll never know." Falco said.
"I said what do you 'suppose' not a direct 'what makes it glow like that.'" Shane joked.
"I don't know." Falco said and pointed to a lone star. "That's like asking, what makes that star red."
Fox looked up at that. "That's my star." Fox said. "My dad told me that it was my star." It made Fox think of James before he died.
"Then I'd hold on to that star." Shane spoke up. "It's a unique star. Just as unique as you."
"I'll never forget that star." Fox said. "My dad told me that if you look at the stars you could see pictures."
"Oh you can." Shane said. "Look at that set of stars right there. See that constellation right there?" He said pointing to a series of seven stars. "That's the big dipper."
"You can make any picture you want as long you have about three stars I'd think." Falco said. "It's like looking at the clouds. Use your imagination and you can see most anything."
When Fox looked at the stars, the only thing he saw was his dad staring down at him. 'So with these three: Falco, Katt, and Shane this is my new home?' Fox thought. 'I'll never see my real mom again...' He thought about what Shane said. 'I should try and forget about it. It is in the past after all...' Fox thought, and decided that was the best thing. From this moment on, Fox thought as little of his father as possible. Too bad that it probably wasn't going to work.
***10 Years later...
Over nine thousand sharp claw infested Corneria now, and Wolf was starting to think that perhaps Mia was right. Vixy's condition was also growing worse, and the past ten years had been really hard on her. She was starting to think that Fox was never coming back.
"You said that he'd come back some day." Vixy said to Mia as she rested in her bed. "I'm doing my best to stay strong, but I don't know how much longer I can hold out." Vixy told Mia. "Corneria is slowly dying Mia, and you say that I keep everyone strong?"
Mia held Vixy's paw in the most sincere way she could. "Just hold on a little longer, and Fox will be back." Mia promised. "You just need to stay strong."
Wolf walked in, now thirty-two. "When is it time? When does he return?" Wolf asked. "And when do I ride out to Zoness?"
"When you ride is your choice." Mia said.
Amazingly enough, Mia was right about most everything that happened. There were more than nine thousand sharp claw in the kingdom; many furs had died of starvation and Scales kept all the food to him. He didn't feed the kingdom, and he let them starve to death. The price for bread and meat had skyrocketed. Not only that, but Scales left many furs in poverty, and let the sharp claw take their homes away. Life under Scales was hell.
Wolf really DID want to ride out. Just as Mia said he would. To Zoness he'd probably go. "How much longer do we suffer?" Wolf asked.
"Until Fox returns." Mia replied. "But I have no prediction of when that will be."
***
Her home had been burned on the inside, and the sharp claw killed her mother and father. There was nothing left for her now. An orphan she became at about sixteen years of age. She had to fend for herself, and was amazed by her survival.
"By the entrance is where he told me to meet him." She whispered under her breath as she ran through Corneria. The blue vixen didn't know how much more of Scales she could take. "I've got to go and find help."
Peppy was standing near the gate, where a red-eye lies dead. "This wasn't so tough. But I'm pretty sure there are more red-eye. Are you sure you want to leave?" Peppy asked. "It's a long road."
"Where's the nearest Kingdom?" Krystal asked. "Maybe I can persuade them to help us."
"That would be Zoness to the west. Good luck Krystal."
Krystal pulled out a staff, one her father gave her. "I'll come back, I promise." Krystal gave Peppy a hug, holding on to her staff. "This will be my guide. If I come into trouble, I have this keepsake from my father."
"Hurry back. Tell them that Corneria is dying. I want to see you come back with at least ONE person to help us." Peppy ordered. "I'm not joking either, we need all we can use."
Krystal hugged Peppy one last time. "Good-bye." She said and was gone as fast as her legs could carry her.
***
Mia held onto Vixy's paw tightly. "Stay strong... Please Vixy... Stay strong."
Vixy closed her eyes and quickly opened them. A tear ran down her face. "James...is dead. Fox...is dead too isn't he? You told me Fox was alive to keep me living. I thank you for that Mia. But it's no use. Fox is just as dead as James is. I have no family left now. No son, no daughter. No one to grant me grandkids. I've no family left Mia, and I think its time I join James."
"No! Vixy no! Don't give up now! Corneria needs you, FOX needs you." Wolf shouted.
Vixy's breathing became softer. "I can't take this hell anymore. I've held on for ten years under Scales rule. It's only gotten worse." It had gotten worse. Vixy ate less, and for the past two years she'd been bedridden. She'd grown weaker and lost a lot of weight.
Vixy gave Mia's paw one last squeeze, and then went into a deep slumber. This time, she would wake up.
A tear welled up in Wolf's eye. "I could've stopped this." He said.
"But you didn't..." Mia snapped calmly. She had a tear in her eye as well.
"What do we do now?" Wolf asked.
"Do you know what day it is?" Mia asked Wolf. Wolf shook his head. "This is the same day that James McCloud was murdered ten years ago. Vixy's suffering is done; Krystal is gone to find help too. It is time to overthrow the King, and bring Corneria back to a state of peace."
"Then I must go." Wolf stated. "I must go to Zoness. I NEED to go to Zoness. If I'm lucky, perhaps they can raise an army to overthrow Scales."
"Good luck. But please, won't you stay for the funeral?"
"I will. But after the funeral, I'm going to Zoness." Wolf stated in a serious tone. He then removed his crown from atop his head and handed it to Mia. "Get rid of it! I don't want to see it again, until it's on an honorable fur."
Mia gave Vixy's paw one last squeeze. "I'll not let the death of the King and Queen be in vain. Scales must die." ________________________________________________________________________ A/N: Sorry that after the ten-year jump, I didn't discuss Fox, it probably would've been better to do that. Anyway, please R+R
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Star Fox. Nintendo and/or Rare do. Any relation to my made up characters in any way is entirely coincidental, but if you would like to use my characters then you can ask and chances are I might say yes. ________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 10-The Sands of Time
It has been at least three months now, and Mia continued to see Vixy everyday, and there were times when she even walked now, and other times when she didn't walk. She seemed stronger and at the same time weaker. It was an everlasting battle, but she kept saying, "I'll hold on until I can see Fox again."
It had been three months, and rule under Scales hadn't been that bad so far. Wolf was slowly beginning to doubt what Mia had said. This was one of Wolf's major flaws, his impatience. "Are you sure that Scales is going to send Corneria to hell?"
"Have patience." Mia replied holding Vixy's hand the way she had before. "In ten years, you'll see just how bad things will get."
Just then a servant walked in. A short little sharp claw in red and white cloth. He bowed saying, "The King invites you to a feast tonight." Wolf nodded his head and the servant was gone.
"He doesn't seem to be doing so bad." Wolf said.
Mia frowned. "He will be."
"Perhaps you're right. After all, if he isn't eating or sitting at the throne, he spends time in his room doing who-knows-what. Worse, he keeps his door locked and sends away anyone who tries to bother him."
"He's planning." Mia said. "He's already begun to plan it all out." The sharp claw may have been reproducing slower and the birthrate had gone down, but so far Scales got enough to get rid of all the furry servants, and appoint sharp claw. Were they part of his plan too?
"How many troops do you think he'll need?" Wolf asked, trying not to startle Vixy.
"I would estimate about ten-thousand." Mia replied.
"Ten-thousand? In ten years? There are barely two hundred now! And with birthrates decreasing even more, you think that there will be ten thousand in ten years?"
"Who said the birthrate would remain low?" Mia retorted. "Have patience Wolf. Do the best you can to help keep Corneria on their feet. I'm begging this of you."
Wolf only nodded. "We feast within the hour. Are you coming Queen?"
Vixy looked to Wolf and shook her head. "I do not wish to eat with the likes of a murderer and a coward."
"Shall I bring you something then? If you want to stay strong, you'll need to eat more." Wolf said.
"Bring me back whatever you like and I'll eat it here." Vixy answered and waved Wolf off. "But the feast will probably begin shortly, and Scales is strict on time. It's best to be early. Mia will stay here with me."
Wolf had no objections and he turned his back to the two. "I guess I should have some patience. But so far it doesn't look as though Scales is going to mess up soon."
Mia looked to Wolf. "It's all part of his plan."
***
In the Jungle of Zoness, Katt and Fox were on their daily visit to Shane and Falco. Fox had grown accustomed to the two within the time they all spent together. But whenever trouble came brewing, he always stayed with his "mom" and refused to leave her side.
"Hey, can I be the dad?" Falco asked as they sat around the lake, eating the food that Katt had brought with her. Bread and cheese this time. There was also garlic bread with butter and apple butter. Toasted bread too.
Katt looked to Falco and smiled. Then she laughed. "Well, that's up to Fox to decide." She giggled.
Fox looked at Falco and then at Shane. The mention of 'dad' made him a little uneasy. Then he thought about what Shane had told him. 'Whatever it is you'll forget about it someday and move on.' Was now the time to forget? So soon? Even Fox could have a little fun. He was actually enjoying his new home.
"I want him to be my dad." Fox said as he pointed to Shane.
Shane looked up and chuckled a bit. Falco had a grin on his face. "I guess that means I'm the uncle in the family?"
Katt smiled. "I guess so."
"So how are things anyway? Are your mother and father still grieving that you took me home with you that one time?" Shane asked. He was actually serious about it and it was understandable considering Katt's parents never let her forget it. What was worse, Shane didn't do anything to offend them.
"They still remind me everyday. They really like this little one though." She said and put a finger on Fox's nose. "He's very manner able. Not that you weren't Shane, but I think my parents are a sucker for kits."
"Everyone is a sucker for kits these days." Shane said. "I guess there was no room for a teenage kit though?"
"Stop thinking about it. You said its best to forget; yet every time Katt comes to visit us you bring it up. Let's talk about something else."
"I want to know more about Macbeth." Fox spoke up.
"Macbeth?" Shane said. "There isn't much more to say."
"Do you ever plan on going back? I meant to ask you that." Katt said as she started brushing Fox's hair.
Shane took another bite out of his bread. "I don't plan on going back to Macbeth. I don't want to go back to that life. I don't know what else to do anymore. All I know is how to steal. I want to make something of myself besides a thief. Going back to Macbeth would do me no such honor. As long as he still rules anyway."
Fox got up and sat in Katt's lap. Katt looked down at him and then brushed his hair once more. "Why don't you live in Zoness? Rather than steal, why don't you try and find a job in the market place?"
"They're all about nothing but money. I would get employment, but they don't pay enough. They only care about getting money in their own pocket. I'd like to come back with you, Katt, but seeing as how your parents are..."
Falco butted in. "Don't go there Shane!" He said wagging a finger.
Fox laughed. "Tell me some stories about YOU Falco. How did you get here?" Fox asked, more like demanded.
"Me? What is there to tell?" Falco tried to think. "Well, there isn't much to my story at all. I was born in Zoness, BEFORE Katt might I add. I've lived near Zoness all my life. My parents were pretty wealthy at one point. We had all the money we ever needed. But because of this greedy wolf pack, it was all gone in an instant. We were robbed, and never recovered a financial status. Because of that, my mom and dad went into a deep sleep, and haven't awakened ever since." Falco said, trying not to use the words 'they died'. To Fox those words might've sounded scary.
"Wolf pack?" Fox asked.
"They were thieves. Stole from the rich and kept to themselves. So I left." Falco said. "I started going on journeys though the desert. I always wanted to explore. I wanted to go to Macbeth, but it was too far. Then I found Shane and realized that I DON'T want to go to Macbeth." Falco sighed. "But finding Shane was a blessing. He's like a brother to me."
Katt smiled. She'd heard Falco tell that story so many times. She whispered in Fox's ear, "That won't be the last time you hear that story."
"What was that?" Falco said and splashed Katt with some water, which also splashed Fox. Katt shrieked a little and Fox laughed.
Katt splashed Falco back. "Come on Fox, help me out." Katt said. Fox in his laughs helped Katt splash Falco.
Shane backed away slowly as if no one would notice him. Falco stood up and grabbed Shane, "Oh no you don't." Falco shouted and as he grabbed Shane he fell into the lake bringing Shane with him. This splashed all the bread as well as Katt and Fox.
Fox shook himself clean, but was somewhat useless considering that he jumped into the lake with them. "Come on mom."
"No, I don't jump in lakes. Splashing is one thing, soaking his another." She said holding her paws up as she came to a stance. She started to back away but Shane grabbed her by the legs and pulled her in. Again, Katt shrieked. Shane, Fox and Falco laughed.
Now soaked, Katt frowned. Then she looked at Shane and pushed him down under the water. It wasn't long before Shane surfaced. "See? The Water's fine." He told Katt.
"Cats and water don't always mix." Katt said, but found it easy to relax.
Shane started to float on his back. "That's it, just relax." Shane told himself. A young Fox McCloud climbing on his chest startled him. Gosh, he was small, even for a ten year old. Shane continued to float, even with McCloud on his chest.
"Hi." Fox chimed. He was starting to have more fun it seemed.
Shane reached up and gave him a pat on the head. At that, Fox frowned. He liked his hair being brushed, but he didn't like pets. When Shane saw Fox frown he couldn't help but laugh.
Katt climbed out of the water and shook herself clean. "Look at the food! That's the last time I bring you guys bread and cheese."
"Oh, come on Katt. Have some fun. Fox is having plenty." Shane said.
"It's almost time for me to go. My parents said they didn't want me out for very long today."
"Can Fox stay with us?" Falco asked.
"I don't know. My parents will be asking where I left him. Then they'd give me a lecture about responsibility and such."
"Tell him he's with some friends of yours." Falco suggested.
"They'll want to know which friends." Katt replied. "I'll think of something, he can stay with you guys for now." Katt looked at the sun. "I've got to get going now. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Bye Fox."
***
As soon as Katt was back at home, it was just as she said; her parents asked her where Arland was. "I left him in the care of some good friends." Katt told them. It wasn't the best but at least it was the truth.
"I've noticed that he calls you mom." King Monroe said. "What kind of 'mom' would abandon her child?"
"I didn't 'abandon' him. I left him in the care of some good friends of mine."
"Well, as long as he isn't with that Shane character, he should be fine." Lady Monroe said. "I don't care what you say, that Shane is a thief and a liar. He would be a bad influence on Arland."
Katt rolled her eyes. "I left him with Falco. You remember Falco right?"
King Monroe stood from his throne. "Well, Falco isn't a bad choice. But as his 'mother' you should be with him at all times at this young age."
"Let him be a kid dad. He'll be fine in with Falco. I'll go to pick him up tomorrow." It was clear that Katt's father didn't like Falco that much either. At that moment, Katt's father dismissed her.
***Later in that night
Fox, Shane and Falco were resting on the grass near the jungle. The clearing was nice and they watched the moon glow. The interesting thing about Zoness was that there were two moons in sight. One moon would change colors while the other one was just a normal moon.
They sat looking at the two moons and the stars. "What do you suppose makes that moon change colors?" Shane asked Falco.
"It looks like a rainbow sometimes, with how it glows. I guess its just one of those things we'll never know." Falco said.
"I said what do you 'suppose' not a direct 'what makes it glow like that.'" Shane joked.
"I don't know." Falco said and pointed to a lone star. "That's like asking, what makes that star red."
Fox looked up at that. "That's my star." Fox said. "My dad told me that it was my star." It made Fox think of James before he died.
"Then I'd hold on to that star." Shane spoke up. "It's a unique star. Just as unique as you."
"I'll never forget that star." Fox said. "My dad told me that if you look at the stars you could see pictures."
"Oh you can." Shane said. "Look at that set of stars right there. See that constellation right there?" He said pointing to a series of seven stars. "That's the big dipper."
"You can make any picture you want as long you have about three stars I'd think." Falco said. "It's like looking at the clouds. Use your imagination and you can see most anything."
When Fox looked at the stars, the only thing he saw was his dad staring down at him. 'So with these three: Falco, Katt, and Shane this is my new home?' Fox thought. 'I'll never see my real mom again...' He thought about what Shane said. 'I should try and forget about it. It is in the past after all...' Fox thought, and decided that was the best thing. From this moment on, Fox thought as little of his father as possible. Too bad that it probably wasn't going to work.
***10 Years later...
Over nine thousand sharp claw infested Corneria now, and Wolf was starting to think that perhaps Mia was right. Vixy's condition was also growing worse, and the past ten years had been really hard on her. She was starting to think that Fox was never coming back.
"You said that he'd come back some day." Vixy said to Mia as she rested in her bed. "I'm doing my best to stay strong, but I don't know how much longer I can hold out." Vixy told Mia. "Corneria is slowly dying Mia, and you say that I keep everyone strong?"
Mia held Vixy's paw in the most sincere way she could. "Just hold on a little longer, and Fox will be back." Mia promised. "You just need to stay strong."
Wolf walked in, now thirty-two. "When is it time? When does he return?" Wolf asked. "And when do I ride out to Zoness?"
"When you ride is your choice." Mia said.
Amazingly enough, Mia was right about most everything that happened. There were more than nine thousand sharp claw in the kingdom; many furs had died of starvation and Scales kept all the food to him. He didn't feed the kingdom, and he let them starve to death. The price for bread and meat had skyrocketed. Not only that, but Scales left many furs in poverty, and let the sharp claw take their homes away. Life under Scales was hell.
Wolf really DID want to ride out. Just as Mia said he would. To Zoness he'd probably go. "How much longer do we suffer?" Wolf asked.
"Until Fox returns." Mia replied. "But I have no prediction of when that will be."
***
Her home had been burned on the inside, and the sharp claw killed her mother and father. There was nothing left for her now. An orphan she became at about sixteen years of age. She had to fend for herself, and was amazed by her survival.
"By the entrance is where he told me to meet him." She whispered under her breath as she ran through Corneria. The blue vixen didn't know how much more of Scales she could take. "I've got to go and find help."
Peppy was standing near the gate, where a red-eye lies dead. "This wasn't so tough. But I'm pretty sure there are more red-eye. Are you sure you want to leave?" Peppy asked. "It's a long road."
"Where's the nearest Kingdom?" Krystal asked. "Maybe I can persuade them to help us."
"That would be Zoness to the west. Good luck Krystal."
Krystal pulled out a staff, one her father gave her. "I'll come back, I promise." Krystal gave Peppy a hug, holding on to her staff. "This will be my guide. If I come into trouble, I have this keepsake from my father."
"Hurry back. Tell them that Corneria is dying. I want to see you come back with at least ONE person to help us." Peppy ordered. "I'm not joking either, we need all we can use."
Krystal hugged Peppy one last time. "Good-bye." She said and was gone as fast as her legs could carry her.
***
Mia held onto Vixy's paw tightly. "Stay strong... Please Vixy... Stay strong."
Vixy closed her eyes and quickly opened them. A tear ran down her face. "James...is dead. Fox...is dead too isn't he? You told me Fox was alive to keep me living. I thank you for that Mia. But it's no use. Fox is just as dead as James is. I have no family left now. No son, no daughter. No one to grant me grandkids. I've no family left Mia, and I think its time I join James."
"No! Vixy no! Don't give up now! Corneria needs you, FOX needs you." Wolf shouted.
Vixy's breathing became softer. "I can't take this hell anymore. I've held on for ten years under Scales rule. It's only gotten worse." It had gotten worse. Vixy ate less, and for the past two years she'd been bedridden. She'd grown weaker and lost a lot of weight.
Vixy gave Mia's paw one last squeeze, and then went into a deep slumber. This time, she would wake up.
A tear welled up in Wolf's eye. "I could've stopped this." He said.
"But you didn't..." Mia snapped calmly. She had a tear in her eye as well.
"What do we do now?" Wolf asked.
"Do you know what day it is?" Mia asked Wolf. Wolf shook his head. "This is the same day that James McCloud was murdered ten years ago. Vixy's suffering is done; Krystal is gone to find help too. It is time to overthrow the King, and bring Corneria back to a state of peace."
"Then I must go." Wolf stated. "I must go to Zoness. I NEED to go to Zoness. If I'm lucky, perhaps they can raise an army to overthrow Scales."
"Good luck. But please, won't you stay for the funeral?"
"I will. But after the funeral, I'm going to Zoness." Wolf stated in a serious tone. He then removed his crown from atop his head and handed it to Mia. "Get rid of it! I don't want to see it again, until it's on an honorable fur."
Mia gave Vixy's paw one last squeeze. "I'll not let the death of the King and Queen be in vain. Scales must die." ________________________________________________________________________ A/N: Sorry that after the ten-year jump, I didn't discuss Fox, it probably would've been better to do that. Anyway, please R+R