A/N: OK, I rather liked the last chapter somewhat. I hope that I did make the connection with Shannon clear. He did NOT capture Fox, Wolf did. With that aside, let's move on in the story. It's coming closer to the completion now. This chapter begins the battle and this chapter will jump around a ton.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Star Fox, Nintendo and/or Rare do.

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Chapter 25: All's Fair in War

The troops had of Zoness had come a long way and now they stood looking down on Corneria. The sight made Shane want to weep. "This is worse than Macbeth ever was." He breathed in heavily. "The air here isn't clean and the skies make it seem as if they're trapped in eternal darkness."

Falco and Katt had been next to him with the 'jungle' behind them. "We're battling to save THIS?" Falco exclaimed. "Well…I guess it isn't all that bad."

"This is the doing of a horrible ruler. Macbeth was never this bad. I didn't think that any place could get worse than Macbeth and now I've been proven wrong." Looking closer at the battlefield it was obvious that there were huge lizards our. "I've never seen anything so BIG!" Shane said pointing to a red eye. "But it's nothing we can't handle."

"Are you so sure?" Falco asked. "Will you be able to look up to them in battle and truly slay them?"

"Maybe we can't…but the ones in front of the palace could." Shane assured Falco.

"How do you know?"

"They would have to." Shane answered.

"Let's waste no more time!" Katt hissed. "We have to get going now. Let's begin to march. Worry about the enemy once they're too distracted by us. Raise the trees and let's go! Corneria isn't far away and our safety by those in front of the palace is assured." And the march began…

***

Wolf was having a morning breakfast with Scales, and he hadn't done so in weeks. Surprisingly enough Scales never once asked why he had been in Zoness in the first place. The opportunity for Wolf to explain had come up but Wolf had never gone into detail on it. He left it where it was now.

As they sat down to eat some pancakes and eggs and some ham to boot (Wolf didn't eat any ham of course). There were plenty of juices as well. The bread was freshly baked and gave the aroma of freshness. Something that Wolf felt he desperately needed in Corneria.

As the two began to eat a sharp claw came rushing in. Scales looked to him and saw that it was not one of Shannon's. Shannon's troops were ordered to stay outside the palace and along the streets to guard Corneria. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to keep a look out for any intruders to the Kingdom!"

"I'm sorry to disturb your breakfast your majesty but there seems to be….a jungle walking towards us!" The sharp claw hesitated.

"How is this possible? A jungle doesn't walk! Trees don't just uproot and walk away! It's supernaturally impossible!"

"Well you might as well change that to improbable!" The sharp claw talked back to him. "Because I'm seeing green trees and bushes walking this way!"

"You imbecile! You've obviously been staring out into that desert for too long. You're seeing a mirage!"

The sharp claw bowed and ran away with an I-told-you-so expression mounted on his face.

Scales looked to Wolf, who was smiling back at him. "What?"

"A jungle walking. I couldn't imagine a mirage any stranger."

***

On the lookout for Zoness, Shannon saw them approaching from the palace and darted to the resistance as fast as he could. Zoness was in view and because Corneria was hidden behind a large dune, the charge that Zoness would make would be spectacular. It had the entire sharp claw that weren't his stunned. Shannon had done what he knew was best. He told them all that it was only a mirage. Of course he couldn't explain why they ALL saw it but his troops went along by saying they didn't see anything at all.

When Shannon finally got to the haven and barged inside down the hall he bolted through the door. "Their here! Zoness is here!" He cheered.

To this Mia and Peppy came to a stance. "Ready the troops!" Mia ordered. "I'll lead a small fraction to the palace; Peppy you keep a small resistance here ready to attack Scales' troops from behind."

"Attack from both sides?" Shannon asked.

"Attack from THREE sides." Mia corrected him. "Remember, you're troops are also to divide and attack the palace as well as the sharp claw that Scales sends to attack Zoness."

"I don't think that'll work." Peppy intervened. "You may have lived through wars Mia but the battlefield is totally unpredictable. This might not work. We might not attack from three sides."

"At least we have a plan!" Mia replied. She then looked to Shannon, "Tell your troops to remain where they are and let Scales' troops pass yours. When they do you attack them from behind as Peppy comes from the side. They'll be unprepared for this and they should fall rather quickly. We can't screw this up so get moving!"

Shannon and Peppy abided by her orders immediately and they were gone to their task. They only had minutes to spare before Zoness would get there. Peppy and Shannon, especially Shannon, had to move fast.

***

"Scales!" The same sharp claw came. "This jungle is getting closer and I assure you it's NOT a mirage! Many other troops say that they saw it too! It can't be a mirage if EVERYONE sees it!"

"Fool!" Scales retorted. "Forget about what you think you're seeing and--"

"It's no 'thought' for your information! ALL your troops are seeing the same thing. Even the Red-Eye!"

Scales then finally remembered what one of Mia's prophecies was; he was safe until the jungle began to move. He began to fear that Mia only told him false hope. Fox was here and the jungle was moving. Just as the vixen said. Perhaps he wasn't so safe anymore. "Prepare the troops for battle." Scales instructed.

Just then Shannon barged in and he was sweating like nothing else and panting as well. The sudden burst took Wolf and Scales by surprise. "Scales…" He panted. "I….have….an….idea…..and I think….it'll work." He managed with heavy pants in between.

"What's your plan?"

Shannon could only hope Wolf wouldn't screw it up. "Let my troops be your back up." He suggested as he finally caught his breath. "Your troops go first and just when the enemy thinks they've got 'em, my troops come to back you up."

Scales smirked. "This is why you're the greatest. I like the way you're thinking." He turned to Wolf. "Do you think this is a good plan?"

Shannon didn't exactly know what Wolf's game was. He only knew the purpose of bringing Fox to them. He awaited the response that Wolf would give.

"It's not the best idea." Wolf shook his head.

"Why not?"

"They might have reinforcements. I suggest that you split Shannon's troops by having only half of them advance and the other half remain at the palace." Wolf suggested. "It's almost like Shannon's plan but smarter. If they have more forces for back up, you send Shannon's forces to THEM."

Shannon was astonished by the idea. It was actually genius. They could still attack from three sides and the others could go to help them. "That's sounds like a much better plan." Shannon nodded.

"Of course it is. We have to spread our troops. Remember, we out number our enemy." Wolf nodded.

"Excellent!" Scales laughed.

***

They were approaching at a good pace and they stopped at the top of the dune. The enemy was entirely baffled and still couldn't believe that a jungle was approaching. Scales had given the order to prepare for battle but many ignored and were still distracted by the moving jungle. Just as Lady Monroe had said.

Many sharp claw were astonished but Shannon's troops were perfectly calm. They kept giving off false hope that the battle was theirs and that they had nothing to fear. Others in Scales' unit looked at the jungle as a sign. They didn't see anyone in the jungle so why was it such a threat? The jungle was positioned on top of the dune and it had stopped. One claw looked closely and saw what he was sure probably was a mirage. It was…a shadow? That or it was a black fur in the jungle. No, it was probably just a mirage.

***

Scales had assumed position in the throne room with nine bodyguards in front of him and Wolf as well. He had ordered Shannon to get Fox and bring him forward. Scales was ready for this now. "Fox! The time for your kingdom to die is at hand. Anything you would want to say to them before they die?" Scales asked. "Well that's just too damn bad!" He cackled evilly. "You won't have a prayer. But I want you to see the battle for yourself!"

"NO!" Wolf shouted. "Let him live for now and then I'LL be the one to execute him."

"Why must you?"

"You got to kill James. It's only fair if the vice king got to kill the would-be-king don't you think?"

"When would you prefer to do it?"

"In time. When the battle is ours."

Fox looked to Wolf and growled. Wolf only raised a brow but then he…winked? What? Why? And how the hell could Fox be sure it was a wink when he only had one eye? The grin had said it all. Wolf then turned to his side and revealed that he had the Arwing dagger!

***

Mia and Peppy were ready when Zoness was. "They're stunned. Let's begin moving now. You go through the alley and ambush them when they attack Zoness. We'll begin our march towards the palace." Mia began to march.

The five hundred or so behind her were prepared. They had on the armor that Shannon had supplied them. Breastplates that were made of steel. Some dressed in Carbon and some in Mythril. They had swords, and many carried a dagger as well. Their boots were made only of leather, but they didn't want to slow themselves down. Only a certain few wore a helmet. They raised their weapons in cheer and the march towards the palace began.

***

Shane suddenly stepped out in front of the jungle and he KNEW the sharp claws could see him. The ones that stood behind Shannon's troops began to look just a little alert. He turned to face the jungle behind him and looked to see Falco ready with his sword raised.

The Gold Sword that Shane had encased in the sheath at his side would be a reminder to him of what Macbeth was like. He'd used that sword in a battle there as well. They'd been through a lot and it was obvious that he looked at his sword as a friend and ally rather than just a weapon. Much the same way Fox viewed the Arwing.

Shane reached to his left side with his right paw and pulled out his Gold Sword and held it high. "CHARGE!" He shouted and the jungle wasn't just walking anymore…but running.

***

The sharp claw watched as the black fox stepped from the jungle and pulled out a sword. Within a flash the jungle wasn't approaching slowly but they were running! A moving jungle STILL astonished them until the brush and leaves began to blow away as the enemy charged into the wind. "It's an attack!" A sharp claw shouted and Scales' troops rushed forward to advance the enemy.

***

The two sides were charging at each other in full force, with Shane leading the alliance. The two sides clashed and swords could be heard parrying between the two sides. The battle was underway and Shane was right in the middle of it.

Each troop got on another troop one-on-one. As this began, Shane had seen the ones that DID NOT approach them and he assumed that they were the traitors…that or back up…he'd have to wait until they were closer.

Shane had come face to face with his first victim and watched him draw his sword as the battle pressed on around them. Shane twirled his sword around and then they both were right in each other's face as their swords clashed and they held that position for a while before Shane managed a kick that broke the stance. The sharp claw came for an overhead blow, and if there was one thing Shane knew about enemies like these, it was that they always seemed to leave themselves open for something they don't expect. As the sharp claw brought his weapon down on Shane, he quickly parried the attack using only one hand. The sharp claw was strong but the moment gave Shane enough time to open his pocket and take out a small dagger and pierce the sharp claw in his exposed flesh. The sharp claw screamed in agony and let his guard down as he backed away. This gave Shane a moment to get the killing blow. Useless bloodshed.

***

Falco and Katt were letting troops push the enemy back as they made their way closer and closer to the palace. With the palace now in sight their hopes were shattered when out of nowhere a red-eye approached them. They stopped in their charge and as if they were in a cartoon, they began to run the opposite direction with the enemy chasing them now. The red-eye that stomped behind them crushing some furs in his trek but it wasn't as if they'd care.

They ran back until Falco stopped. "We can't run back, we have to fight this one out!" He shouted and they turned to face the enemy and began their charge again. "Leave the lizard to me!" Falco charged and slashed at the red-eye. The monster made a howl but pushed him back with a ram. The red-eye roared in pain as two sharp claws joined the monster. Falco quickly flailed a throwing knife at one that Shane had told him to conceal in his pocket. He didn't think they'd come in handy. One sharp claw went down as the other was shot by a cross bow that Katt had been wielding.

As the feline took the moment to reload more sharp claw came up behind the red-eye and it didn't seem as if Falco could hold out any longer. She quickly fired off a shot at the red-eye as Falco made another slash at his leg. Once more the avian was rammed back as the red-eye let out an ear-piercing roar. The red-eye stormed forward and this time it wasn't stopping. Falco and Katt both backed up swiftly and then they tripped. The red-eyed leaned into them and revealed his razor sharp claws that would've skewered them hadn't a fireball hit the red-eye from the side.

"What was that!?" Katt screamed as she saw Krystal and Peppy charging from the side with several troops and her staff ready to fire another burst. When that burst was released it hit the red-eye dead in his eye.

It gave Katt and Falco a chance to escape, and they took it. "Leave the big ones to them!" Falco ordered his troops as the red-eye fell to the ground and they pressed onward towards the palace.

***

Mia and her troops were ready for whatever came. They probably wouldn't even have to do anything accept back up Shannon's troops. But something was wrong. She watched as only half of Shannon's troops rushed off, and the rest turned to face the general area where Mia was. Her eyes widened as they began to approach her.

"Mia! We have a new plan! Where are Peppy and his troops? They could use the back up."

This wasn't part of the original plan but Mia happily told them where Peppy was any way. As those sharp claw ran off several more troops rushed from the palace. These did not have red-crosses…'dammit!' Mia thought. She raised her staff and screamed, "MARCH!" and they began the attack. They managed to take Scales' troops by surprise.

***

As Shane had slain more sharp claw he noticed several more coming. But he stood there and watched as each and everyone passed him up. They were not his enemy…they had the red cross. 'So where's Fox?' Shane began to wonder.

Shane rushed onward towards the palace, there was nothing more for him to do back there anymore, and they were about to capture many of Scales troops now. That meant that the palace should be their primary target.

As Shane got closer to the palace he had noticed an even bigger brawl in front of the place and within the crowd of weapons, blood and green he could see Mia, and she looked as if she were actually in trouble. He held up his blade and quickly rushed in and slashed, swinging the blade as hard as he could. The blade slashed someone and it was a sharp claw. Right across the neck…and he died instantly. Shane didn't have time to rest he held up his blade and did the same thing. It was as if he were now a one-man army since most of the sharp claw didn't see him hacking his way in.

He reached Mia with ease but they had no time for greetings or to catch up at the moment. Right now they were in the middle of a battle. But they were so close to their destination and it didn't seem as if they could make it. They had been overwhelmed.

A flurry of arrows that looked as if shot from out of nowhere suddenly rained on them all and amazingly enough Shane, Mia and several other furs remained unharmed. Shane looked up at the palace doors and a sharp claw was standing there with more troops, Shannon no doubt.

"Things are looking good so far." Mia said but soon slumped over into Shane's arms.

"Mia what's wrong?" Shane asked as he felt something warm and it wasn't Mia's body. Shane held out a paw…blood.

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A/N: Naw, not that great. My first big battle chapter and I can see it wasn't too great. Oh well, it's only my first one and if I do a fic like this again I assure you it'll be WAY better than this. I stopped here to move on since I don't like to jump around every two or three paragraphs.