A/N: Fox is ready to go back and Krystal will be at his side. Katt will be right behind him but what of Falco and Shane? How are they going to help out with the situation? Well, this chapter I think will shed a bit of interest to some of you but. Fox and Krystal's plan doesn't exactly go how they planned, but it isn't a catastrophe. It's more of…well just read it!

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Star Fox, Nintendo and/or Rare do. Any relation to my original characters in anyway is entirely coincidental.

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Chapter 21: Return of the King

The sun rose from the east and the rays shining in awakened Fox and Krystal. They'd overslept a little bit but it didn't bother Fox. He was beginning to think that the best thing to do was to at least see Katt get crowned, and that's what he was going to do.

Krystal and Wolf were also up with the sun. Even Shane and Falco got to stay the night in the palace, which surprised Katt since her mother didn't like either one of them. But now that Katt was officially the Queen, Lady Monroe couldn't do anything against her request.

The power was responsibility and Lady Monroe wanted to acknowledge that to Katt. Since Fox couldn't be King, Katt had to be. Lady Monroe was beginning to fear the worst for Zoness. She knew that Katt was going to drag them into the war between Corneria and the Sharp claw. She wanted Katt to think of Zoness…but Katt wanted to think of the neighboring Kingdoms.

Lady Monroe couldn't hold Fox in Zoness. Fox couldn't easily walk away, but keeping him in Zoness would cause an uproar if anyone found out whom he really was. It saddened her that Fox would have to return to Corneria. He'd have made a great King for Zoness. Of this Lady Monroe was sure.

***

There were several citizens of Zoness lined up for the ceremony to see Katt get crowned. With Lady Monroe standing at the throne, and Fox off to one side. Next to Fox, Krystal stood. Falco, Shane and Wolf were somewhere in the crowd near the front. Fox had to stand near the throne and he was allowed one guests to be there with him. For that he chose Krystal.

The whole kingdom must've been there and the population seemed larger when you actually saw them all bunched up together. It was for this reason why Corneria did these sort of celebrations outside. Zoness was a much bigger colony and somehow the ENTIRE population could fit inside the main hall of the palace.

They stood off to the left and the right leaving a center aisle, and that was where Katt was expected to go. She'd walk from the back so that everyone could bow to his or her new ruler. Of course many of them were expecting "King Arland" to stroll down the aisle but they figured that since Katt was a Monroe they'd be in good hands.

Lady Monroe held the crown and gave Fox a rude look to which Fox didn't care. She then looked at the crowd who quickly grew quiet. "It is time for Zoness to go into a new order." She announced. "We were first faced with the death of our King and we were all in great mourning. But I feel that my daughter, not Arland, could do something spectacular for this Kingdom. Everyone, bow to your new Queen and ruler of Zoness: Katt Monroe!" She ordered. That was Katt's cue. She walked down the center aisle and many turned and bowed to her as she walked up to the throne.

When she finally got there she kneeled down before her mother and let her mother slip the crown on her head. Then her mother bestowed her with the royal ring. After this was done Katt came to a stance and turned to face the Kingdom of Zoness where they all applauded her.

Usually when there was a new King or Queen in power they gave a huge long speech, but this time Katt looked to Fox. "My friend, Arland has something that he must tell you all." She said loudly and clearly. There were several whispers among the citizens but they quickly quieted down. Lady Monroe grew weary at that moment because this wasn't "traditional" to lay something down on the Kingdom at such a dire hour.

Fox stepped forward and began to speak. It was evident that he actually had this planned if he didn't leave before then. "Furs and people of Zoness." He began. "I'm not who you all think I am. You all know me as Arland when that is not my name at all." There were whispers in the audience but Fox ignored them. "My name is Fox McCloud, and I come from Corneria. My father's name was King James McCloud, and he was murdered by the Vice King, General Scales!" The whispering eventually grew into utter chitchat. "I came to Zoness ten years ago after the murder to seek refuge because I was troubled by it all. Now I realize that Corneria needs me. But it's worse than I though it was. With the help of a few colleagues I was able to see that Corneria is where I'm needed." He paused for a moment and made sure they were still listening. "Corneria is dying. Scales is raising an army and I fear that another war is at hand. I know you've all just lost your King, but you'll lose much more if we don't do something about Scales." To this the citizens became weary themselves. They didn't want to go through with this and Katt had warned Fox of this. "If Scales should do-away with Corneria, then Zoness would be next. You'll have fight either way. I'm asking you all for your help." He concluded, but knew it was all up to Katt whether or not they help.

They weren't at all happy about what Fox had just told them. "What happens if we don't get ready in time?" One fur asked.

"I'm giving us a week to get ready. We have the resources, and we'll be prepared for battle." Katt spoke. "We will do our best to help Corneria because they are our allies."

The furs still didn't like this one bit. They wouldn't object to Katt…or Fox for that matter. They all grew silent for a moment. Some talked amongst themselves and you could hear mutters stating: "This isn't a good idea." Still, they realized what they were up against, and if it was Zoness they were willing to fight for it. They all cheered in agreement with Katt in the end. Even though they weren't at all happy about it, they knew that they didn't have a choice. The reaction was something very different from what Lady Monroe had expected.

Fox walked off and Krystal followed. She grabbed his paw and smiled. "I thought we'd be gone by now…what happened?"

"I had to think ahead in case we didn't leave in time…so I talked to Katt." Fox said. "We leave by sundown tonight. Now that Zoness is willing to help, we'll have no problem winning the war."

"It isn't a war yet." Krystal shook her head. "And we can stop it from becoming one."

Fox didn't quite believe this one bit. The fact that the situation existed was still there and the possibilities made it seem worse.

Fox turned to face Krystal and reached into his pocket and pulled out a staff that wasn't yet extended. "This belongs to you?"

She took the staff and was happy to have it back. "Yes…it does."

Just then Wolf walked in on them with Falco and Shane following behind them. "What are your orders, your majesty?" Wolf asked.

It was the first time Fox had been addressed with a formal presentation. He didn't like it that much but he supposed it was alright. "I want you and Krystal to return with me to Corneria. Falco and Shane, you stay here and help Katt ready the troops. Tell her that I don't care about how strong they are, if they can fight they're good enough."

"As you wish." Shane replied.

"Anything else?" Wolf asked.

Fox couldn't think of much else that needed to be done. "There's nothing else that I can do at the moment. Krystal, you'll take me to the safe-haven. Wolf, you're going to be our guardian when we get there. Tell the sharp claw that we're your prisoners." Fox ordered. "Everybody, we can't afford to screw up in ANY way! It's critical that everything is perfect! We don't have time to waste."

***

The Kingdom was now starting to prepare for what would undoubtedly be a war. Everyone and anyone had to help out if possible. Male, Female, human, fur, if you were in Zoness you took some part in helping out. They didn't quite have 10,000 troops but they had the weapons and the resources at least. If Corneria was as dead as Krystal and Wolf made it sound then most Sharp claw they could easily take advantage of.

Katt was praying to the Great Fox for a success. It didn't seem likely and to drop this on the Kingdom in such a manner didn't go well. But the peasants of Zoness were loyal and they'd get over it eventually. But if Fox hadn't mentioned that they'd have to fight either way, they probably would've tried their best to remain neutral.

Katt was in her chambers when her mother walked in on her. "This isn't what is best for Zoness 'your highness.'" She spoke.

"I don't want what's only best for Zoness, I want what's best for our neighboring Kingdoms as well." Katt retorted.

"Putting Zoness in this kind of situation so soon is not a good idea!" Lady Monroe screamed.

Katt turned to face her and shook her head. "You don't see it the way the rest of us do, do you mom? Don't you get it? Corneria is in TERRIBLE condition. How much longer could the possibly last?"

"If they lasted ten years, they could hold out a little longer."

"And say they did, but it wasn't long enough? Or say Corneria falls tomorrow and Scales advances onward towards Zoness? We have to act now before it's too late!"

Lady Monroe sighed. "We're acting to quickly! I'm up for helping Corneria as well, but you're not thinking this through! The reason I objected to acting right away was because we couldn't possibly form an army in a week! That takes months! You have to train troops, you can't expect them to know."

"This is all we can go off of right now. We have to help Corneria right away!"

Lady Monroe sat down on Katt's bed. "You're not thinking. Had we known of the situation months ago we could've easily done something by now."

"Mother, STOP thinking about Zoness for once! Sure, this may not be the best for Zoness, but it IS the best for Corneria!" Katt snapped. "You have to think beyond Zoness for once! I know we shouldn't put the peasants through this but if what Krystal and Wolf say is true then this IS what's best for Zoness."

Lady Monroe knew that this was a battle she couldn't win. No matter how hard she tried she wouldn't get Katt to see her point. But Katt had certainly done a great job in convincing her. "You're right. I shouldn't object to you. After all, you are the Queen and I'm not."

***Later in the night

As soon as the sun was down, Fox was ready to make his move. He didn't care how far Corneria was; he'd be there by sunrise. He didn't want to stop and he made that clear to Krystal and Wolf. He got the last of some bread into the bag that Katt gave him and he swung it over his shoulder. "Are we ready?" They were standing at the front doors in the main hall.

"Fox!" Katt ran up to him and gave him a hug. "We'll be there in a week I promise!"

Fox returned the hug and kissed her cheek. "I'm forever in your debt."

"We really must be going now." Wolf told Fox as he placed a paw on his shoulder. "Time is running out.

Fox nodded and the doors opened. The sun had just dipped behind the mountains and that meant they were making good timing. Before they left Fox turned to face Wolf and Krystal. "We don't rest until we get to Corneria. We go all the way tonight."

The three started out the door in hopes that Katt would fulfill their end of the plan. If she didn't then all would be doomed. Only hope could save them now.

As Fox, Krystal and Wolf walked through Zoness, a few furs waved to them and they waved back.

Krystal extended her staff and used it as a walking staff so that she could balance herself. The journey wouldn't be easy, and she could see that Fox was set on what he had said. They wouldn't rest until they were back in Corneria.

As they left the kingdom and passed through the Jungle of Zoness, Fox had to ask once more, "How inhabitable is Corneria?"

"It's too hard to just describe. We've told you about as bad as we can say it is, so you might as well just see for yourself when you get there." Wolf answered him. "I just wish that you'd have decided to go back earlier."

Fox pretended not to hear him, but when Krystal repeated the words Fox was listening then. "I'm sorry." Fox sounded off. "I almost let Corneria down. When I get rid of Scales I won't let that happen again." Fox promised. "Corneria will never have to suffer this much ever again."

***

Shannon had called together nearly all the sharp claw that didn't fully support Scales. He had come to the realization that just one sharp claw alone couldn't stand up to Scales…but when he was able to get nearly 2,000 that opposed Scales, they stood a chance.

Shannon took them all to what used to be the town square of Corneria. Making sure he had none of Scales lackey's in his midst he made them all swear not to tell, and by swear he made them carve a cross into their shoulder. Shannon was impressed with how many didn't go by Scales. He waited until nightfall to assemble them all together, and he had the furs attend as well. There were at least 1,000 of them left and any number could be good now.

The fire burned a bit, and luckily for Shannon, Scales was asleep. Until now Shannon didn't know he did.

The sharp claw got themselves acquainted with the furs. Even though some furs were hostile, Mia reminded them that they didn't have a choice but to trust what Shannon was doing. "While we're here." Shannon spoke. "We're going to close the hole between the furs and the sharp claws right now. Get to know one another not for their appearance, but for who they are."

Mia took the stand next. "Those who have come with Shannon, I ask you, do you really want to oppose your King? Are you willing to fight against Scales and save this once rich Kingdom?"

The sharp claw each raised a weapon. It was a two-handed axe, a two-handed sword, a dagger, or a one handed weapon. They confirmed with what Mia had said.

"Then you must all put your trust in me." Mia spoke softly. "Trust what I say and we shall not fail in our rebellion! A miracle will arrive here in Corneria soon and when he arrives our hope WILL be restored. We must all work together to gain the ultimate peace. We must stop Scales! I'm asking you for your help, each and every sharp claw. Please help us rebuild this kingdom. I guarantee you that the next King will allow the sharp claw to be in the kingdom. He won't leave you all with no place to live." Mia walked around in a circle eyeing some of the sharp claw. She stopped at a rather large one and looked into his eyes. "YOU are a traitor! Don't even THINK of going back to Scales!" She threatened. Mia had been through enough wars to know when a traitor was among them.

A sharp claw put a blade up to his neck and took him away. "He won't be returning to Scales, by the way." Mia made herself clear and began to walk around again. "I promise you all that we can live in peace, but first we must get rid of the destruction before Corneria is nothing more than a void."

Mia looked at each of the sharp claw, probably to make sure there wasn't another traitor in her midst. "How many of you can honestly say that Scales has room for you in his 'perfect' world?" Mia asked.

No sharp claw raised a claw. "He doesn't care if we die in battle and you all know that!" Shannon spoke up. "Even some who have sided with Scales know this! But their minds are poisoned with the thought that they'll survive the battle. When Scales advances to the next Kingdom he won't stop to wait for his troops. That is why we must defeat him here!" Shannon exclaimed and everyone cheered.

"We're not going to die so easily. Scales has about three times as many troops as we do, but don't let that threaten you! Remember that when Scales last went to battle he had four times as many soldiers as James did and James was victorious! Now we will fulfill what James wanted by creating peace between the furs and the sharp claw!" Shannon concluded and once more everyone cheered.

"But wait a minute!" Slippy approached Shannon. "We've got no weapons or armor; we've got nothing! How are we expected to be victorious when we have nothing to fight with?"

Shannon smiled at Slippy. "That's what the sharp claw here are for." To this Slippy looked at him cross-eyed. "Scales has no idea of any of this. We can easily go into the palace and bring you weapons. Swords, axes, crossbows; whatever you need! We'll get for you. Any sharp claw against us will be executed 'Scales style.'" Shannon added on. Many furs didn't know what he was talking about the sharp claw did. That's what sealed it! The sharp claws were either with Scales or against him.

As Shannon talked, Mia had been walking around looking into the eyes of the sharp claw. Not just the sharp claw, but also some furs as well.

The red-eye outside the kingdom were asleep thank goodness, and Scales kept more in the courtyard…which Mia wanted all to be prepared for. Scales would definitely use them in battle.

The motivation that Mia was seeing in the furs was inspirational. She once again took the stand. "Everyone, I want you all to have hope. We can do this, and we won't fail Scales will fall."

Again there was cheering and the small meeting concluded.

As the sharp claw started back towards the palace one asked Shannon, "What do we do about the cross on our shoulders?"

"Leave that to me. If Scales ask, I'll tell him that it was to motivate you and make you stronger." He answered him.

***

It was nearly sunrise now and Fox was now looking down on Corneria from a dune in the desert. The sky was red and polluted, building had crumbled down to the ground and red-eye were everywhere around the perimeter. Not only that, but there wasn't a fur in sight. A tear welled up in his eye.

"It's horrible isn't it?" Wolf said.

"It looks worse than when I left." Krystal gasped. "There are MORE red-eye and I fear that there are more sharp claw."

"We definitely wasted a lot of time in Zoness. We should get going before some of those red-eye wake up and realize that we're here." Wolf warned.

"If anyone catches us, you just say that we're prisoners." Fox reminded him. "That's what you do."

"Scales surely had to have noticed my absence."

"That doesn't matter right now." Krystal said and looked to Fox. "What matters now is that the resistance is still there."

"How do you know of the resistance?" Wolf asked. He'd never seen Krystal there before and he began to wonder.

"I helped Peppy form it." She answered and the wind blew her hair a little. "We better get going now."

"Agreed." Fox said. "Time to face…the past."

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A/N: They're back in Corneria now, and from here on the chapters are about to get a little longer and they're going to jump around A LOT, so if you're annoyed the chapter jumping from one scene to another a lot I'm giving you a heads up now. I like how this has turned out so far. Anyway, please R+R!