The day came when the streets of K'yorin, the capital city of Corneria, came alive with the jubilant cries and carefree dancing of citizens of every race; it was almost as though the heavens themselves could sense the cheer in the air, pouring forth a wealth of glorious sunlight with no thought of cloud. Voices rang out everywhere in greeting or in song as the innumerable mass of people pressed on through the steets of the inner city, seeking the source of the celebration. Throngs of people filtered into an enclosed area surrounded by great blooming akrila trees, carpeting the grass with pink and red petals, and it was here that they found the general of all the free peoples of the Lylat System, Aronius Pepper.
"Welcome, citizens of Lylat! Gather around, and we will begin shortly."
Flanking him on the right was Gilraen Anilora, the People's Captain, seeming magnificent in a flowing cape of violet and silver, and now, weeks later, the bruise was quite gone from his handsome face. On Pepper's left stood clever Fortunan commander-in-chief Sensenic Morray, smiling to himself, arms behind his back in a gesture of feigned innocence, and a luridly bright pink blossom had alighted comically on the wide brim of his black hat.
Then up through the swarming group buzzed an excited whisper of some wonderful thing to come and they voluntarily parted; through the aisle created by the movement moved the four mercenaries of Star Fox, each seeming more wise and majestic today than they had ever been. Fox was wearing a recreated replica of James's glasses, and the memory sparked his brighest smile; Falco towered over his wingmates, Peppy tottered beside him, waving at everyone in sight, and Slippy came last, dressed all in Zonessian attire. Then came the other heads of the Arspace Divisions, Katt leading and wearing a very non-traditional black to honor Keil Ford's passing. Last of all Bill strode in alone, grinning up at Anilora, amber cape and boots glimmering in the playful spring sunlight. They assembled and allowed the crowd to cluster nearer before Pepper spoke again.
"Today we gather to celebrate the death of Andross and the fall of the Venomian Separatist regime that has so long threatened our way of life. The road has been long and treacherous for all of us, lasting nearly thirteen years, but I am confident in assuring all of you that peace will follow for many more." Applause rolled up from all sides, and clearing his throat politely Anilora stepped forward to continue.
"Very soon we must all begin the task of rebuilding. Much of what we once knew has been greatly jeopardized by ongoing war, but now that its end has come we must all concentrate on working alongside one another. There is so much left to be done that we can only succeed by working together, but I assure you that at reconstructions' end we can begin to grow and prosper as a united galaxy and no longer as mere planets or races."
Cheering rent the air, and with a dashing tip of his hat Morray motioned for silence. "Taking precedence over all of these, however, is the mourning ceremony to be held later tonight on the city outskirts. Many special lives were taken from all of us in the duration of the war, and tonight we will be having a candelight session open to all. The five divisions of Arspace will be sponsoring a fundraiser during the ceremony, and all proceeds will further the erection of a wall honoring each life lost in the war. Everyone who wishes to attend, you are very welcome."
General Pepper motioned for the mercenaries and the others near them to approach, and they all noticed his arms were laden with medals. "And now I believe I have some honors of my own to award, for you see, without the following people my term as Loyalist General would have ended in failure.
"Katt Monroe, for stoically reclaiming Arspace Division Three in the face of unspoken peril.
"Peppy Hare, for fearlessly leading a rescue attempt across the deserts of Titania.
"Slippy Toad, for infiltration into Bolse Defense Outpost and eradication of all its defenses.
"Falco Lombardi, for destruction of a devastating bio-weapon in the depths of the Solar nebula.
"Fox McCloud, for spearheading the assault against Andross.
"Bill Grey, for eradicating a Venomian mothership single-handedly, and for leading others against Star Wolf at Area 6 when help was needed most.
"Sensenic Morray." More than a few spirited chuckles could be heard at the eccentric Fortunan's approach, for he was clad in high black boots and a sweeping turquoise cape lined with frilly tafetta; the hat could be seen from anywhere. "My commander-in-chief, for countless acts of undisputed intelligence and brilliant strategic technique in battle." Upon accepting his medal Morray swept off his hat and bowed so low his nose nearly brushed the ground.
"Gilraen Anilora." At last the pair stood face-to-face, smiling warmly at each other, and tears formed at the corners of their eyes as they clasped hands in sincere gratitude and respect. "My valiant captain, and in every way my better. If not for your genius, valor, and wit, I would never have succeeded, my greatest of friends, but above all it is your heart that I admire the most; that deciding factor that never once led us astray. Today--I bow to you." And among many gasps of surprise and admiration General Pepper stooped long and low before Anilora, straightening once more and embracing the Katinan like a brother.
"There is one more person who should be recognized, who perhaps above all deserves to stand before you in glory, but regrettably she is not in attendance--"
"I'm here, General," rang out a female voice from the back of the crowd, and all eyes fell upon the Macbethian assassin Celestra Marquette. She seemed more beautiful than she had ever been, even though nothing had changed; she still wore the magical boots and the black flight gear, but she also donned a great flowing cloak the likes of which they had never seen. It was swirled with the red of Cornerian, amber of Katina, pale blue of Fortuna, navy blue of Aquas, dark green of Zoness, and magenta of Macbeth, and embroidered in the center of it all was the silver bold word 'Lylat'. She made her way forward, still limping even after a few weeks of recovery, but even despite that fact the light of her smile could still combat that of the nebula's rays.
"I'm here," she repeated when she had reached the front, and she and Pepper warmly shook hands. "Just a little late."
Right there, before thousands of people, the general of all Lylat sank to one knee, bowing his head humbly. "Celestra Marquette, I would never have the time nor eloquence to list all of your amazing accomplishments, but I will appreciate you and your efforts with all my heart until my very last breath.
"For you, Celestra. For all you have done to make this galaxy free; for all you have sacrificed, and for all you will undoubtedly do in the future. Thank you--from all of Lylat's citizens."
On the outskirts of K'yorin was a beautiful city park that was formerly used for the yearly festival before the war had begun, a nice wooden area with patches of clearing here and there where children used to play games. In the lowest boughs of the trees hung glass lanterns alive with flickering candles, marking the boudaries for the mourning ceremony, and everyone who came through was given a candle in honor of the lives taken by the Separatist regime. Celestra walked in with Bill, she wearing a simple black dress and he in khakis and a black sweater, and after accepting their candles from a few technicians from Arspace they proceeded into the woods.
Bill left early to speak with a few friends of his, leaving the female assassin to wander alone among the trees. People were grouped in pairs or threes everywhere, some hugging, others crying, but strangest of all Celestra spied a figure standing alone on the edge of the trees in shadow. Curiously she approached until she noticed a familiar wide-brimmed hat, and Sensenic Morray turned to face her.
"Oh! Good evening, Miss Marquette." The Fortunan tipped his hat to her, but it was without his usual flair and gusto. The jovial and mischievious glimmer in his eyes was absent in the candlelight, and he too wore all black.
"Mr. Morray." Although they didn't know one another very well at all Celestra found herself very hesitant to leave him by himself. "Are you alright? Why are you standing out here all alone?"
He offered a small smile at the question, but it was twisted and obviously forced. "Everyone prefers to grieve in their own way, I suppose, and Erik hasn't wished to speak with me about William's death since it . . . occurred. And so I find myself here alone as he deals with his sorrow, and I am reminded of how dearly I loved the poor boy myself." Morray's eyes glimmered in the light of a nearby lantern, and an added sparkle told the assassin that he was very near tears. "I wonder, would you walk with me? I am in desperate need of company tonight."
Like a true gentleman he offered her an arm, and with a nod she accepted it, letting him lead her slowly away from the crowds. They did not speak for many minutes, Morray seeming to mull things over and Celestra respecting his privacy and letting him. Gradually the lights became scarce, and he stopped near a dimly-lit clearing to gaze wistfully and longingly up at the faint stars.
"Have you ever lost anyone close to you?" he asked queitly, scanning the sky with a little sigh.
"Yes." Celestra's voice, too, was soft, as though she was afraid to disturb the stillness of the air itself. "When I was a child, and Andross first came for Macbeth. My mother and father were killed in the initial assault as I escaped; to my knowledge I have no living blood relatives."
"How long did you grieve for them? How did you carry on, a child with no family?"
"I have family," she corrected, and he looked down at her curiously, not understanding. "Peppy and the general practically raised me in this city, and ever since I can remember Bill has been like a brother to me. Reivin was, too--at least, before the Separatists rose. The trick to getting over the loss is to surround yourself with people that care about you; I still miss my parents sometimes, but I have some very wonderful people always around when I need them most. You'll always miss William, and the feeling of loss never really goes away completely, but it lessens with time and love from others."
Morray's head drooped as he studied the dark ground underfoot. "I do so miss him. I've never had any children of my own, you see, but I loved him as if he shared my blood. I would have given my own life to see him survive, would still give it willingly, if I knew it would change things."
Celestra felt a pang of sympathy for the man, even though this was the first time they had ever really spoken; slowly she slipped one of her hands into his, and after a moment he tightened his grip on it for comfort. They stood together quietly, gazing into the dim candlelight, seeming very far removed from the current place and time. Suddenly the assassin was truly seeing him for the first time, and she realized they had more in common than they knew.
"You've never had any children of your own?" she asked skeptically, finding it surprising that a man as handsome and charming as Sensenic Morray had not yet started a family of his own. "Aren't you married?"
Morray chuckled to himself. "No, I'm afraid I am not. The serious relationships I have been fortunate to have in the past are few and far between, I must admit."
Celestra frowned. "How old are you?"
He smiled and looked over at her; his eyes were a deep and magnificent shade of blue. "I'll be thirty at the end of the summer, my dear." The moment seemed awkward after that, and they fell silent again. The moon was rising through the trees, casting a more silvery glow upon the park grounds, and Morray said, "Do you know, I don't think I shall stay much longer."
"That's alright. I didn't even expect to see you here tonight."
"No, that's not it at all; I meant that I shan't remain on Corneria much longer." Celestra glanced up at him curiously. "Well, think of it. I left the fourth division of Arspace under the supervision of a trusted colleague of mine nearly five years ago while I headed the Fortunan-Aquan alliance. I do think I should be getting back to my home--where I belong."
"I've actually been thinking about taking off myself." Celestra sighed and closed her eyes. "Now that the war is over and it's time for reconstruction, I'll have to leave for awhile to restock my supplies. Rebuilding a galaxy for me means hunting down all the rogues one-by-one."
Morray looked down at her with a slight frown. "Where will you go next?"
"I have an apartment near the Fortunan mountains. I'll just re-locate until it's time for me to head out again."
"Do you have the funds necessary for that sort of a campaign?" Morray's frown deepened as he considered her. "It could be several months before you are sent out to hunt rogues again. How will you support yourself?"
Celestra opened her mouth to respond but had no real response. "I guess I never really thought about that."
With a resurrected smile on his face Morray slung a playful arm around Celestra's shoulders and pulled her in closer. "I've just had the most marvelous idea! You should come with me!"
"What?!" The assassin balked at the suggestion and tried to squirm away, but the Fortunan pinned her to his side and even ruffled her hair a bit with the knuckles of his other hand. "Are you insane? I barely know you!"
"Ah, but you see, that's the beauty of the entire process! I own Arspace Division Four, and it would take me little more than ten seconds to get you a job, any department you want. Besides, you would be doing me a fantastic favor in keeping my mind off things." Morray turned fully to face her, seeming excited, and she could tell he was putting himself on the line with the entire plan. "Erik has already made it clear that he wishes to remain in K'yorin for the time being, and I do so despise the thought of being alone. Does it sound so ridiculous, after all?"
Celestra studied him carefully for a moment. She had to admit the entire process sounded desirable; she would have a steady and enjoyable job until Pepper shipped her off again, and she would be within close range of a city she knew rather well. She also admitted to herself that she despised the pained look in Morray's eyes, and he was an interesting and pleasant man whom so far she enjoyed talking to. The city in which Arspace Division Four was situated was the same city she would be living in; they had the same destination in mind anyway, so it wasn't as though he was inconveniencing her.
"You know what?" she began after a moment's contemplation. "I think I'll do it."
Morray's eyes lit up in excitement and gratitude. "There is no end to your kindness!" With that he swept off his hat and dipped into an extravagant bow, coming up to clap her appreciatively on the shoulder. "You won't regret this for a moment."
It was the following morning and Slippy was almost packed, glancing around the now hollow enclosed quarters that had been his room aboard the Great Fox for the past eight months with something like quiet sadness rimming his eyes. The bed was neatly made, a feat that never occurred where the youngest mercenary was concerned; all of his technology books were stacked in a suitcase by the door, and everything seemed as it had been. There was nothing left to denote that anyone had once called this place home; slinging a duffel bag over one shoulder he turned to leave.
A hesitant knock sounded on the door, and upon answering it Slippy was mildly surprised to see Erik Nioxin standing there. He seemed embarrassed and out-of-place, but Slippy was studying him curiously so he cleared his throat and muttered, "I missed you at the ceremony last night."
Feeling slightly affronted Slippy dropped the bag and stood away from the door to let the older man in. "Yeah . . . I didn't feel much like going. I had . . . packing to do."
"Oh." Erik shoved his hands in his pockets and produced a single, unlit candle. "Well, I brought you this; I thought you might like it. It was a very nice ceremony."
"Thanks." He slipped the candle into an overlarge pocket on his cargo pants and hefted the duffel again; after a few moments of awkward silence he added, "Take care of yourself, Erik. If you're ever in inner city K'yorin, look me up." Leaving that as his parting note Slippy started past him and out the door.
Erik was about to follow when his eyes fell upon a small square object sticking out from beneath the bed mattress; extracting it he discovered a floppy disk, suspiciously unlabeled, and he turned back to the door. "Wait! Slippy, you forgot something!"
Slippy poked his head around the door, saw the floppy disk clutched in the Fortunan's hand, and swiped it away with an angry growl. Surprised, Erik asked nervously, "What's on it?"
"I . . . don't know." The mercenary's eyes slipped to the floor, and he seemed uncomfortable. "I got it from Keil . . . just before . . ." He broke off again and swallowed hard. "Look, I just don't know if I can look yet; Keil was really . . . special to me."
Erik ran a hand down his face, surveying Slippy with a great deal of pity, and he slowly approached to drop a sympathetic hand on the youngest mercenary's shoulder. "He left it to you for a reason, Slippy, and he wants you to know what's on it. I know it's difficult for you now--it's difficult for me, as well, having just lost my brother--but you can't shut everything out of your life while you wallow around in misery." Slippy looked up at Erik, fully six inches the arctic fox's junior, and he seemed incredibly hurt by the unexpected outburst. "I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, I just don't think Keil would want you to waste the rest of your life mourning him when he's no longer in pain."
Measuring the weight of his feelings Slippy looked down at the disk. Erik was right; he was wasting time and energy blaming himself for Keil's death. There was still so much to be done that suddenly he felt guilty for moping around for the past three weeks. Cautiously he approached the computer on the desk in the corner, stirring it from dormancy and popping the disk into the C-drive.
Instantly the screen went black and an hourglass materialized, turning over rapidly and spilling sand across the screen until the words KEIL TECHNOLOGICAL ENTERPRISES were clearly legible in its wake. Slippy settled into the swivel chair, genuinely curious as to what was happening; Erik leaned against the back of the chair, similarly entranced. As they watched a small figure of Keil marched into view until he was centered on the dark screen, and he asked, "Password?"
"Oh, great," Slippy muttered darkly. "That's the one thing I definitely don't have."
The computerized figure of Keil snapped to attention at Slippy's voice. "Hey, Slip! Obviously if you're trying to access this disk I'm not around anymore, but toward the end I was putting all the new stuff on with you in mind. For future reference the password is KWEST--you know, Keil, William, Erik, and Slippy Technologies! Clever, eh? Just don't let this hard work go to waste--I spent years of my life throwing all this together."
And then the file opened, pages upon pages of technological information: blueprints for weapons, descriptive essays detailing all their chemical components, diagrams for new models of Arwing, dimensions for the sizes and shapes of new spacecraft; the possibilities were limitless. Slippy's eyes were wide as he perused the screen, shocked, excited, and nervous all at once, and he leaned back into the chair with an incredulous exhale.
"I can't believe this," he breathed. "Do you know what this is, Erik? It's Keil's life's work; everything he ever created or even thought up is all right here!"
"This is unbelievable," Erik gasped out. "Just one thing--what are you going to use it all for?"
Slippy's and Erik's eyes met, and it occurred to Slippy how much they depended on each other already; they were going to need each other in the future, to lean on one another to get through the pain afforded by their loved one's deaths. Slippy realized they had a great deal in common--they were both extremely intelligent, they grieved in the same way, and now here they were with a gold mine of technology at their fingertips.
Slippy and Erik both took in the flashing icon KWEST in the bottom right corner of the screen. It was time to move on, but suddenly it was clear that they could do that together.
Slippy smiled for the first time in weeks.
"So where are you guys off to?" asked Falco.
Anilora and Bill exchanged a glance and a half-smile. "Back to Katina for now," explained the young captain. "First I have to get the governmental system back on its feet, but after that I'll undoubtedly be traveling constantly to engineer the majority of the reconstruction."
"And the gen'ral is goin' to let me take up a post at the KATI embassy until I get shipped off to hunt Separatist rogues," added Bill. "What about you guys?"
Peppy shrugged. "Back to the Cornerian Flight Academy; technically I'm still teaching advanced engine repair."
Fox and Falco exchanged a glance. "We don't have any long-term plans yet," explained Fox. "We just want a vacation." The five of them shared a laugh at that, and the mercenary leader heaved a bag over one shoulder. "Anyway, we're going to take off now, and I won't bother with a drawn-out goodbye because we'll end up seeing each other soon." Fox shook Anilora's hand as Falco and Bill hugged one another. "So take care of yourselves, boys."
The Fortunan cruiser Ambassador was completely prepped for take-off when Celestra strode into the Milano air base. A few pilots and technicians were rushing about with final bits of information; in the center of it all stood Sensenic Morray, dressed more normally today all in pale blue Fortunan flight gear. Calling his name the assassin approached, and when she was near he smiled and took one of her bags to lessen the load she carried.
"Thank you again for showing up," he greeted warmly, and he seemed to visibly relax a great deal. "You'll have to forgive me; after our conversation last night I contemplated just what it was I was asking of you, and I worried that perhaps you would become uncomfortable and change your mind. I must admit," he added with a telling grin, "I think I would have."
Celestra chuckled at his last comment and smiled up at him sincerely. "I did think about it quite a bit," she admitted, following as he led her up the boarding ramp and onto the cruiser. "It seemed pretty crazy at first, but the more I thought about it the more plausible it sounded. I'll have a decent job, be able to live in my own apartment, and I'll be near a familiar face."
"I am indeed flattered, Miss Marquette." Grin widening he gestured to an open room. "This room should suffice; it's only a day and a half's worth of normal space travel to Daxter, the city in which we will land on my home planet. Once there I will be certain to deliver you to your apartment straightaway, and afterward give you a tour of Arspace Division Four, if you're feeling up to it."
Celestra discarded her things carelessly on the mattress and Morray led her out again, this time in the direction of the bridge. "I appreciate it; thank you."
"It's no trouble, I assure you." He looked back at her in second thought. "Has your Arwing been re-located to the docking bay?"
"Yes." They paused on the bridge, watching the shiphands scurry about as the cruiser prepared to leave Corneria. "We're taking off soon?"
"The moment we've been granted clearance, yes." Morray glanced over at her once more; her normally steely and resolute gaze seemed somehow distant. "Have you said all your good-byes, my dear?"
Celestra's gaze fell to her hands. "No; it's not really my style. People are used to me disappearing on a regular basis anyway, so I just leave when the time comes."
"And do you find that particular lifestyle favorable?"
She looked up, seeing something far away that he knew his eyes could never take in. Morray saw the pain there, the agony brought on by loneliness as she considered the question, and then the doubt had flown from her eyes. "Sometimes."
Morray nodded; just then a pilot came up behind them and stole their attention. "We've been cleared for lift-off, Doctor; permission to fire the engines and start on our way?"
"Of course. Let's go home."
Celestra and Morray stood side-by-side as the ship jostled slightly and rose from the ground, shooting out of the air base and taking to the sky. In a matter of moments they had exited Cornerian airspace and were soaring through the empty, quiet blackness of space, en route to Fortuna. Seeing the doubts that lingered in her troubled eyes Morray hesitantly placed a hand over one of hers, and when she looked up at him questionably he smiled warmly. "Everything will sort out in the end, Celestra. I can promise you that."
She smiled slightly and shook her head. "How could you possibly know that?"
Morray turned his magnificent, dark blue-eyed gaze to the distant stars with that knowing smile still touching his lips. "I don't; not really. I do know that a few weeks previous I would never have had the courage to propose such an outlandish idea to you as I just did last night, nor believe for even an instant that either you or I would go through with it. It's things of that sort that make me believe that things will sort out; everything happens for a reason, you know." Confidently he tightened his grip on her hand and allowed his grin to broaden in mystery and wonder. "It will all be alright; you will see."
Celestra nodded and followed his gaze out into the open space, breathing in the endless possibilities, feeling as though she had just woken up with a new and exciting life ahead of her. Perhaps Morray was right, she thought to herself, and it would all sort out in the end.
She was beginning to believe that it just might.
"Come on, Gilraen, let's get goin'!" called Bill from the hallway. "It's almost time for take-off! We're finally goin' home!!"
"In a moment," Anilora murmured calmly, not loud enough for anyone to hear but a response nonetheless. Whitewater was due for departure in only a few minutes and Celestra wasn't answering her G-Diffuser sytem; with a sinking feeling he realized that she may have already left for some unknown location. Turning to gather up the rest of his possessions he spied an envelope sitting on his dresser, bathed in the lamplight; dropping everything he tore it open to find Celestra's familiar handwriting scrawling across the pages.
Gilraen,
I expect by the time you read this I will already be off Corneria. This isn't how I wanted to leave things between us, but I have things to do now that I can't do here.
Do you remember what I said to you, just before the fight at Area 6? I want you to know that just because I have to leave, I truly did mean it. The fact that we're finally sharing the same thoughts and emotions gives me a measure of contentment I haven't felt in years; you're still the voice in the back of my head that guides me along the path to the right choices. When I woke up on Pepper's cruiser and you were there it meant so much to me that I couldn't even tell you.
You'll never know how much I care about you, or how much I appreciate everything that you do for me. I don't think it really matters that we have to go separate ways for now, because every step I take always leads me back to you.
I told Falco good-bye last night, and he didn't take it well. Could you help explain it to him? I don't think he'll ever understand. Be sure to tell Fox, Slippy, and Peppy that I send my thanks for everything they've done for me, and tell Bill I'll be around soon enough.
And you, my greatest of friends; I leave you my deepest sentiments. Thank you for everything you sacrificed with me in mind; I will think of you every day that we are apart. Keep me in your heart always, because even though I could never say it before, I can say it now.
I love you, Gilraen. I'll see you in my dreams.
Celestra
Anilora resolutely brushed a tear from the corner of his eye and carefully folded up the letter, slipping it into a breast pocket very near his quavering heart. He glanced around his room once more, ensuring he had left nothing behind, and gathered his things to join Bill in the hallway. He believed her; he cherished everything she did and every word she said, and he wasn't even sad that she was gone.
Celestra Marquette was never really gone; he carried her with him everywhere he went, for she lived in his very heart. Now at last it was time for him to return home, and even that thought did not incite feelings of regret or loss.
One day she would join him, and from that day forward he would never again be alone.