Mission 14 – Panacea
The entire StarFox team waited outside of the emergency room, some sitting, some standing, some pacing, but all in misery. Every minute seemed like an hour, as the doctors inside battled to save Fox's life. The vulpine had lacerations on both his liver and stomach, and lost dangerous amounts of blood on his way to the hospital. It was very likely that Fox would die.
"Is Fox going to be okay?" Tricky asked, breaking the eerie silence.
"Yes, he is going to be just fine." the old hare replied, smiling at the young dinosaur. Tears were welling up in the old hare's eyes as he spoke, but he quickly brushed them away. "Fox is going to make it, he has to."
Ten minutes later, a doctor stepped out of the surgery room. He looked tired and downcast. Falco stood up to bombard the doctor with questions, but the doctor merely motioned him to sit down.
"We are trying our hardest, please be patient." The doctor said, removing his mask. "The patient is suffering from severe blood loss, and we are still trying to stop the bleeding in his liver."
"Stop trying and do it!" Falco said angrily, "Why are you standing here? Go back there and help him!"
"Mr. Lombardi, I have been working for many hours already." The doctor replied, "Please understand that I also need to rest." With that, the doctor walked left the team and began to walk down the corridor. But he was knocked to the ground by Falco after taking a few steps. The bird began to rain punches down on the doctor's face, until Peppy and Sirus held him back. The poor doctor managed to scramble up, one hand covering his face. He shook his head sadly and walked away.
Krystal broke down after that, crying into her right arm, her one good arm. Her left arm was in a sling; ROB had accidentally dislocated it at the shoulder when he was removing her from Fox. ROB had also rendered her unconscious as a precaution to protect her and everyone else. Peppy put an arm around her to comfort her. She immediately fell onto his shoulder, sobbing her eyes out. She had only recently awoken, and realized what she had done. Damon had allowed them to borrow the lighter version of the transmission blocking helmet. The young hybrid was upstairs bearing the thick lead model out of courtesy for Krystal. Krystal felt incredibly awful for what she had done, hurt, possibly murdered her own husband. She had caught a glimpse of it, but was powerless to stop it. She assumed that it was simply Leon playing with her, giving her a quick glimpse of her own hands slaughtering her husband. That small opening had given her an edge though; with a feeble yell she was able to contact ROB, now hopefully they were in time to save Fox.
"I'm a monster," Krystal sobbed out, "A cold blooded killer..."
"No Ms. Krystal...please don't say things like that. You aren't either of those." No one in the room had said it; they all looked down the hall. They all saw Damon, strapped in a wheelchair. Obsidian was behind him pushing Damon down the hall, one hand supporting Damon's head, since the unfortunate hybrid didn't quite have the strength to support the heavy helmet. He also didn't want to risk further damaging his spine, prolonging his stay even more at the hospital.
Falco stood up, "Damon, you should be in bed, it's half past midnight. You need your rest kid."
"Thanks Falco, but I'll be alright. I've been sleeping all day anyway. I'm not sure I could sleep anymore tonight. I'll stay here for support." Damon smiled.
"Thanks . . . Damon." Krystal smiled at the teenager, still sobbing. The images of herself driving a knife into her husband's stomach were still flashing in her mind. Perhaps she would never forget them, and that would be her punishment.
Another twenty minutes went by, and another doctor finally exited the surgery room. Although he was just as tired as the first, he was smiling. Krystal turned and saw the doctor's face, and thought an angle was smiling at her. This must be good news.
"It seems that we have successfully stabilized the patient's condition. He will remain in the intense care unit for the next few days, but for the most part he is safe." the doctor said to everyone, "Just note that he has lost a lot of blood and some received some severe internal injuries, and he is lucky to survive. Try to let him rest for the next few weeks and limit the amount of visitors."
"Oh! Thank you so much doctor!" Krystal ran and embraced the man, shedding more tears, "Thank you for saving my husband!"
The doctor smiled, "Saving people is our job, ma'am."
Krystal sat by her husband's bedside, the first time in a week since the incident. She had been there all morning, rapt with attention. He had been asleep since she had arrived, but she never took her gaze off of him, as if she thought she would miss him opening his eyes. She felt awful, Fox looked so weak and frail, and it was all her fault. She bit her lip, wishing he would awaken. She needed to hear his voice more than anything, just to know he would be okay. That everything would be okay. Not from a doctor, from him, only he could prove to her that everything would be all right. She had been torn up all week about being separated from him, not being able to see or touch her husband. She needed to tell him how she felt, then and only then would everything be okay.
Krystal fell into her hands and sobbed, "Oh Fox, please come back to me, I'm so sorry ..."
The vixen felt something touching her cheek. She opened her eyes, and saw Fox's hand. He was finally awake. She looked into his emerald eyes and smiled, sniffing lightly.
"I am back." Fox said weakly, "Did you miss me?"
"Very funny Fox," Krystal kissed her husband on the cheek lightly. Even in such a weak state Fox was able to joke. "You have no idea how much I missed you . . ." Krystal began to cry again, sobbing on Fox's mattress profusely.
"I'm sorry . . ." Fox said. Reaching down with his hand, he placed it on Krystal's head. "Nice headband, by the way."
"Yeah, every high ranked military official is wearing one of these." Peppy Hare entered the room. He too was wearing one of the headbands. "It's pretty cool looking, if you ask me. It's becoming a fad."
Fox chuckled, "Leon must be so annoyed right now." He winced at the sudden pain. Chuckling brought more pain than joy for him right now.
Peppy walked closer, "Just lay back Fox, try and relax, you're still very weak."
"How is Damon doing, is he all better yet?" Fox asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his own injuries.
Krystal nodded, "He's up and walking around now." Krystal couldn't help but chuckle, "He found he could just yesterday. He's still tripping over his own two feet though."
Fox smiled, "That's great," he looked at Peppy, "Is the ship holding together."
"It's going fine Fox, everybody's just worried about you...even Falco. He just won't admit it to anyone." Peppy said.
Fox nodded, "That's good to hear..." Fox yawned, and then grimaced in pain.
"We'll leave you to your rest honey, get well soon." Krystal said, squeezing his hand. Then both she and Peppy turned towards the door.
"Krystal," Fox called, Peppy was gone and Krystal was in the doorway, she turned around and he continued, "What happened to my...ummm...my lucky boxers?" he asked, somewhat embarrassed.
Krystal smiled sweetly, "I almost forgot, the package on your bedside table."
Fox reached over and picked up the package, opening it he smiled. Inside were his favorite boxers, Fox could faintly see bloodstains, so he knew they were authentic. "Thanks honey, you know these mean a lot to me..."
"So does ROB, he's the one who removed them off of you before the paramedics came..." Krystal said giggling.
"Well they're very special; they're the pair I won the war in. They're also the same pair I saved you in. Then of course they were the pair you made me the luckiest man in the world in." Fox said, with an eye of happiness.
"I was wearing them when you agreed to be my wife, they were on at our wedding, and I removed them the very first time I..." Fox got embarrassed again, "got lucky...I have to say, saving myself all those years was worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better mate..."
"I feel the same way..." Krystal kissed her husband on the forehead.
Fox nodded, "Well, take good care of them..." he said with a wink.
"Of course, they'll be waiting in your dresser when you return." Krystal took them.
Fox said, "If we ever have any doubts about each other, whether Leon is controlling us or not...let's ask each other why they're lucky."
Krystal nodded, tears starting to fill her eyes, he glanced down at the bloodstains. "I'm so sorry Fox..."
"Don't cry, I don't blame you at all Krys...it's not your fault." Fox said soothingly, "Everything is going to be okay, alright, everything is going to work out just fine..."
Krystal nodded, tears streaming out her eyes. She lipped thank you to Fox, and then walked out of the room, happiness replacing the sadness.
Leon Powalski sat in front on a computer, reading the files of Doctor Archimedes Zenotabi, his new rival. With a mere lead alloy headband, this man had ruined Leon's ultimate invention. The chameleon smashed his desk angrily, thinking of his next move. This doctor was obviously someone he should take care of, along with Pepper and StarFox. However, people wearing these headbands are merely declaring that they were unaffected, but they are still prone to the probes invading their bodies. Furthermore, not everyone was wearing them. Leon could continue to use this to his advantage.
As he read about his opponent's background, he realized that Zenotabi was no ordinary doctor. He was also a military scientist with extensive connections with General Pepper. Zenotabi also had many private research facilities according to this document. Other information about Zenotabi were censored, and rated as top secret files. Whoever this person may be, he was definitely a worthy opponent.
Leon took out a folded piece of paper and unfolded it on his desk. On it was a list of names written in pen. These were people that he was planning to kill, and some of them were already dead: Fox McCloud, Krystal McCloud, Sirus Ares, Obsidian Ares, Jade (her surname was unknown), Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, Katt Monroe, Damon, Prince Tricky, Bill Grey, Royal Families of Earthwalker and Cloudrunner, President of Corneria, General Pepper, Ambassador of Zoness and Captains Lorenzo Harding and Samuel Tintorreto. A few of these names were crossed out neatly by a single line, namely Bill's and another few such as the Ambassador or Zoness. At the end of the list Leon added yet another name, it was Dr. Archimedes Zenotabi. All these people would be dead sooner or later, according to Leon's agenda, along with a few unlucky individuals who managed to stumble upon Leon's plan, such as the hundred and four pilots, Bill's children and wife. The lizard stared at his list, picking his new target.
Leon knew he had to wait on the members of StarFox, since they were quite alert after his last attack. Jade and Obsidian were freaks that not even Pigma and Andrew could handle. Pepper and Katt had mysteriously disappeared, and hunting them down would be a waste of energy. The President would be even more difficult. The Royal Families of Dinosaur Planet were extremely easy to assassinate, almost too easy. The only option left seemed to be Captain Harding and Tintorreto. Leon smiled; the two captains were currently released from their duties, and they had gone underground, making them challenging targets. However, Leon was keen on being challenged; therefore killing the two captains would be excellent entertainment for the lizard.
It was the second day after Fox was released from the hospital, seven weeks after he was attacked. He was still prohibited from doing vigorous or stressful activities, and could not eat certain foods. Krystal remained close to Fox at all times, tending him whenever he needed her. Today happened to be a busy day for StarFox. Falco and Sirus were combating each other in the simulators, with Falco crying "Again!" angrily every so often. Slippy and Tricky were working on some upgrades for the Arwings. Obsidian, who was visiting them, was teaching Damon hand-to-hand combat, under Peppy's supervision. The only one who wasn't working was Fox, and he was obviously disheartened. He was merely sitting in the common room with his wife, doing some investigation on Leon. Krystal was trying her best to cheer her husband up, without much success.
Just as Fox was about to quit his work and check on the others, the holographic display in the middle of the room suddenly lit up, and projected a face. It was General Pepper, and he too was wearing one of Dr. Zenotabi's metallic headbands.
"General Pepper!" Fox was surprised to see the bloodhound the first time in more than a month.
"I guess that name would stick for a while, Fox." Pepper chuckled. Although he had retired for more than a month now, the bloodhound was constantly being referred as the beloved General Pepper. The bloodhound smiled at his old friend, "I heard about your little accident, how are you feeling?"
"So-so. I am bored." Fox replied, smiling at the holographic face. He knew talking about his wound would only hurt Krystal more, and she already suffered enough from the incident. He merely embraced his wife softly and continued the conversation. "Where have you been all this time?"
"I can't really tell you that, so let's just say I've been around." Pepper replied, "But that's not very important. I am just here to give you a suggestion."
"And that would be?" Fox asked, wondering what Pepper was about to suggest.
"Get out of Corneria." Pepper answered. "You are risking you entire team's lives by staying here. Leon could attack you at any given moment, with any given person. No one can be trusted here on Corneria, not anymore."
"How about the headbands, aren't they supposed to block his transitions?" Fox asked, quite alarmed by the bloodhound's warning. Perhaps they have been staying for too long, but "no one can be trusted" may be an overstatement.
"Fox, the next person who attacks you might be the cleaning lady, or the homeless guy around the corner. There aren't enough headbands to go around for everyone." Pepper eyed the vixen next to Fox, "The person who implanted Krystal was the announcer working in the hospital, and guess what? She is dead, a suicide."
"How do you know this stuff?" Fox asked, "I thought you retired."
"I still have my connections. I've found myself working within the CIA, they're keeping me well hidden." Pepper smiled, "By the way, I heard Falco didn't want to wear his headband."
"Yeah, Falco is pretty stubborn. He said it ruined his style." Fox chuckled, putting pressure on his wound. "Ouch . . . That hurts. By the way, how did you know about that? Are you spying on us?"
"I am just watching you, after all, look who I'm working with now." He said with a wink, "You should be careful of anyone who does not wear the headband. They can all be potential threats, especially to you." General Pepper warned, "Tell Falco to put his headband on, at least every so often just to be safe. But my best suggestion is that you leave Corneria soon."
"All right, I'll start arranging that soon." Fox was still a little unsure. All this seemed very sudden, "How can I contact you, if we need help?"
"I'll keep in touch, don't worry about that Fox." The projector switched off, and Pepper's head disappeared.
Fox sat silently next to Krystal, holding her in his arms. She knew how he felt about leaving Corneria. It was a retreat, something that Fox would never do in the face of an enemy. Fox was rather hurt by Pepper's message. By telling him he should leave Corneria, Pepper doubted Fox's ability.
"Where should we go next, Fox?" Krystal smiled, snuggling closer to her husband.
"Space..." was all he said.
Damon and Obsidian both walked into the small Shower room on the Great Fox. It was connected to the exercise center, contained within was a small pool and spa, a eight training center, and a small gym. Damon set his pair of grey sweat pants on the bench, and Obsidian did the same. Damon sat down and began to remove his boots and socks. He watched as Obsidian pulled off his dark green shirt, revealing his toned chest.
Damon instantly got embarrassed. He stared at Obsidian's highly toned body, his well defined muscles showing even through his fur. Damon reluctantly tugged at the zipper of his jumpsuit. His scrawny chest beginning to be exposed, he let out an embarrassed moan.
Obsidian looked over, "What's wrong Damon?" concern filled the face of the wolf. Damon clutched his jumpsuit closed, hugging his shoulders and whimpering. Obsidian put an arm around the hybrid. The wolf looked down at his own muscular body, then at Damon cowering in his arms. "Damon, what's this about?" The wolf knew perfectly well what was wrong, but perhaps he would feel better after he got it off of his chest.
Damon looked up at him, a low moan emitting from his throat. He then stood up and unzipped his suit the rest of the way. The red cloth fell, pooling around his ankles. As if by instinct, his hands immediately snapped down to his crotch. His hands masked the view of the front of his briefs. He looked down at his own body and sobbed; he dropped to his side and curled into a fetal position. He hid his face in his knees; obsidian looked at the hybrid piteously. Damon's insecurities were deep rooted, and Obsidian didn't seem to be helping matters. The young hybrid now seemed to idolize the wolf, but he felt so ugly and insignificant in the presence of him. Obsidian stared at his muscular form, it was everything the hybrid wanted to be: strong, handsome, and confident. He had been dragged down by everyone; the boy basically believed he was almost worthless. Damon tried to hide his body, even his underwear, which Obsidian was sure the hybrid had also caught much grief for.
Obsidian looked down at his own jeans, his paw-like hands dropped down, unbuckling his belt and undoing the button and zipper on his pants. He jerked the pants down, Damon looked up. Obsidian was standing proudly in a pair of white briefs, similar to Damon's own. It was no consolation to Damon though. Obsidian looked godlike in his underwear compared to Damon. Damon barely looked like he even fit in his briefs, as if they would drop off his body at any moment, leaving him completely exposed against this Adonis. Damon began to blush profusely, cheeks appearing a dark crimson. Obsidian bent down and picked Damon up, rocking him in his arms slowly. Tears formed in Obsidian's eyes, "Damon, you have nothing to be ashamed of..."
Damon hugged Obsidian tightly, "Yes there is," he sniffed, "I just want to be like you..."
Obsidian stroked the back of Damon's head, "Damon, little brother, you are beautiful. Don't let what anyone says about you change that."
"I'll never be as strong as you," Damon cried, "I'm always going to look like this...a skinny kid whose voice sounds like a girl. Everything about me they make fun of..." Obsidian frowned, it was true; the boy would never be able to surpass Obsidian in anything. Damon started whimpering, and Obsidian patted his back. The whimpering became slightly more audible, and Obsidian realized it wasn't whimpering at all. "Freak...monster...hovel...wretch...abomination...female...eunuch..." The list went on, Damon was repeating all the dirty words he had been called. Slowly torturing himself, the words probably seared into his fragile mind forever.
"Damon, can I tell you a secret?" Obsidian whispered. Damon's words faded, but he didn't look up, he just shivered violently in Obsidian's arms. "I wish I could be more like you..." Damon's ears perked up, he stared up at Obsidian blankly, "You are so peaceful, and loving, and forgiving. I'm not even sure I cried before I met you. You've helped me express my emotions better." Obsidian let Damon rest his head on the large wolf's chest. "Listen Damon, we don't have to spar if you don't want to..." Damon began to thrash about more violently in Obsidian's arms. It felt as if Damon were now struggling against his arms. Then it struck him, he tilted Damon's head back, the hybrid's eyes were rolled into the back of his head, and his tongue was hanging out. He gasped, and Damon fell to the floor, his body thrashing wildly. Damon was suffering a massive seizure. Obsidian began to cry, expressing his deep sadness for the unfortunate hybrid. He touched the tears, and wondered why he had come so close to the little teen. He then realized it was the same reason he loved Jade, like a sister. He loved Damon.
"Damon, I love you, and I'll do anything for you..." finalizing his feelings. He watched Damon continue to spasm. He merely sat, and waited, keeping a protective eye on the hybrid. Continually wishing there was some way to ease his pain.
The entire StarFox team waited outside of the emergency room, some sitting, some standing, some pacing, but all in misery. Every minute seemed like an hour, as the doctors inside battled to save Fox's life. The vulpine had lacerations on both his liver and stomach, and lost dangerous amounts of blood on his way to the hospital. It was very likely that Fox would die.
"Is Fox going to be okay?" Tricky asked, breaking the eerie silence.
"Yes, he is going to be just fine." the old hare replied, smiling at the young dinosaur. Tears were welling up in the old hare's eyes as he spoke, but he quickly brushed them away. "Fox is going to make it, he has to."
Ten minutes later, a doctor stepped out of the surgery room. He looked tired and downcast. Falco stood up to bombard the doctor with questions, but the doctor merely motioned him to sit down.
"We are trying our hardest, please be patient." The doctor said, removing his mask. "The patient is suffering from severe blood loss, and we are still trying to stop the bleeding in his liver."
"Stop trying and do it!" Falco said angrily, "Why are you standing here? Go back there and help him!"
"Mr. Lombardi, I have been working for many hours already." The doctor replied, "Please understand that I also need to rest." With that, the doctor walked left the team and began to walk down the corridor. But he was knocked to the ground by Falco after taking a few steps. The bird began to rain punches down on the doctor's face, until Peppy and Sirus held him back. The poor doctor managed to scramble up, one hand covering his face. He shook his head sadly and walked away.
Krystal broke down after that, crying into her right arm, her one good arm. Her left arm was in a sling; ROB had accidentally dislocated it at the shoulder when he was removing her from Fox. ROB had also rendered her unconscious as a precaution to protect her and everyone else. Peppy put an arm around her to comfort her. She immediately fell onto his shoulder, sobbing her eyes out. She had only recently awoken, and realized what she had done. Damon had allowed them to borrow the lighter version of the transmission blocking helmet. The young hybrid was upstairs bearing the thick lead model out of courtesy for Krystal. Krystal felt incredibly awful for what she had done, hurt, possibly murdered her own husband. She had caught a glimpse of it, but was powerless to stop it. She assumed that it was simply Leon playing with her, giving her a quick glimpse of her own hands slaughtering her husband. That small opening had given her an edge though; with a feeble yell she was able to contact ROB, now hopefully they were in time to save Fox.
"I'm a monster," Krystal sobbed out, "A cold blooded killer..."
"No Ms. Krystal...please don't say things like that. You aren't either of those." No one in the room had said it; they all looked down the hall. They all saw Damon, strapped in a wheelchair. Obsidian was behind him pushing Damon down the hall, one hand supporting Damon's head, since the unfortunate hybrid didn't quite have the strength to support the heavy helmet. He also didn't want to risk further damaging his spine, prolonging his stay even more at the hospital.
Falco stood up, "Damon, you should be in bed, it's half past midnight. You need your rest kid."
"Thanks Falco, but I'll be alright. I've been sleeping all day anyway. I'm not sure I could sleep anymore tonight. I'll stay here for support." Damon smiled.
"Thanks . . . Damon." Krystal smiled at the teenager, still sobbing. The images of herself driving a knife into her husband's stomach were still flashing in her mind. Perhaps she would never forget them, and that would be her punishment.
Another twenty minutes went by, and another doctor finally exited the surgery room. Although he was just as tired as the first, he was smiling. Krystal turned and saw the doctor's face, and thought an angle was smiling at her. This must be good news.
"It seems that we have successfully stabilized the patient's condition. He will remain in the intense care unit for the next few days, but for the most part he is safe." the doctor said to everyone, "Just note that he has lost a lot of blood and some received some severe internal injuries, and he is lucky to survive. Try to let him rest for the next few weeks and limit the amount of visitors."
"Oh! Thank you so much doctor!" Krystal ran and embraced the man, shedding more tears, "Thank you for saving my husband!"
The doctor smiled, "Saving people is our job, ma'am."
Krystal sat by her husband's bedside, the first time in a week since the incident. She had been there all morning, rapt with attention. He had been asleep since she had arrived, but she never took her gaze off of him, as if she thought she would miss him opening his eyes. She felt awful, Fox looked so weak and frail, and it was all her fault. She bit her lip, wishing he would awaken. She needed to hear his voice more than anything, just to know he would be okay. That everything would be okay. Not from a doctor, from him, only he could prove to her that everything would be all right. She had been torn up all week about being separated from him, not being able to see or touch her husband. She needed to tell him how she felt, then and only then would everything be okay.
Krystal fell into her hands and sobbed, "Oh Fox, please come back to me, I'm so sorry ..."
The vixen felt something touching her cheek. She opened her eyes, and saw Fox's hand. He was finally awake. She looked into his emerald eyes and smiled, sniffing lightly.
"I am back." Fox said weakly, "Did you miss me?"
"Very funny Fox," Krystal kissed her husband on the cheek lightly. Even in such a weak state Fox was able to joke. "You have no idea how much I missed you . . ." Krystal began to cry again, sobbing on Fox's mattress profusely.
"I'm sorry . . ." Fox said. Reaching down with his hand, he placed it on Krystal's head. "Nice headband, by the way."
"Yeah, every high ranked military official is wearing one of these." Peppy Hare entered the room. He too was wearing one of the headbands. "It's pretty cool looking, if you ask me. It's becoming a fad."
Fox chuckled, "Leon must be so annoyed right now." He winced at the sudden pain. Chuckling brought more pain than joy for him right now.
Peppy walked closer, "Just lay back Fox, try and relax, you're still very weak."
"How is Damon doing, is he all better yet?" Fox asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his own injuries.
Krystal nodded, "He's up and walking around now." Krystal couldn't help but chuckle, "He found he could just yesterday. He's still tripping over his own two feet though."
Fox smiled, "That's great," he looked at Peppy, "Is the ship holding together."
"It's going fine Fox, everybody's just worried about you...even Falco. He just won't admit it to anyone." Peppy said.
Fox nodded, "That's good to hear..." Fox yawned, and then grimaced in pain.
"We'll leave you to your rest honey, get well soon." Krystal said, squeezing his hand. Then both she and Peppy turned towards the door.
"Krystal," Fox called, Peppy was gone and Krystal was in the doorway, she turned around and he continued, "What happened to my...ummm...my lucky boxers?" he asked, somewhat embarrassed.
Krystal smiled sweetly, "I almost forgot, the package on your bedside table."
Fox reached over and picked up the package, opening it he smiled. Inside were his favorite boxers, Fox could faintly see bloodstains, so he knew they were authentic. "Thanks honey, you know these mean a lot to me..."
"So does ROB, he's the one who removed them off of you before the paramedics came..." Krystal said giggling.
"Well they're very special; they're the pair I won the war in. They're also the same pair I saved you in. Then of course they were the pair you made me the luckiest man in the world in." Fox said, with an eye of happiness.
"I was wearing them when you agreed to be my wife, they were on at our wedding, and I removed them the very first time I..." Fox got embarrassed again, "got lucky...I have to say, saving myself all those years was worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better mate..."
"I feel the same way..." Krystal kissed her husband on the forehead.
Fox nodded, "Well, take good care of them..." he said with a wink.
"Of course, they'll be waiting in your dresser when you return." Krystal took them.
Fox said, "If we ever have any doubts about each other, whether Leon is controlling us or not...let's ask each other why they're lucky."
Krystal nodded, tears starting to fill her eyes, he glanced down at the bloodstains. "I'm so sorry Fox..."
"Don't cry, I don't blame you at all Krys...it's not your fault." Fox said soothingly, "Everything is going to be okay, alright, everything is going to work out just fine..."
Krystal nodded, tears streaming out her eyes. She lipped thank you to Fox, and then walked out of the room, happiness replacing the sadness.
Leon Powalski sat in front on a computer, reading the files of Doctor Archimedes Zenotabi, his new rival. With a mere lead alloy headband, this man had ruined Leon's ultimate invention. The chameleon smashed his desk angrily, thinking of his next move. This doctor was obviously someone he should take care of, along with Pepper and StarFox. However, people wearing these headbands are merely declaring that they were unaffected, but they are still prone to the probes invading their bodies. Furthermore, not everyone was wearing them. Leon could continue to use this to his advantage.
As he read about his opponent's background, he realized that Zenotabi was no ordinary doctor. He was also a military scientist with extensive connections with General Pepper. Zenotabi also had many private research facilities according to this document. Other information about Zenotabi were censored, and rated as top secret files. Whoever this person may be, he was definitely a worthy opponent.
Leon took out a folded piece of paper and unfolded it on his desk. On it was a list of names written in pen. These were people that he was planning to kill, and some of them were already dead: Fox McCloud, Krystal McCloud, Sirus Ares, Obsidian Ares, Jade (her surname was unknown), Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, Katt Monroe, Damon, Prince Tricky, Bill Grey, Royal Families of Earthwalker and Cloudrunner, President of Corneria, General Pepper, Ambassador of Zoness and Captains Lorenzo Harding and Samuel Tintorreto. A few of these names were crossed out neatly by a single line, namely Bill's and another few such as the Ambassador or Zoness. At the end of the list Leon added yet another name, it was Dr. Archimedes Zenotabi. All these people would be dead sooner or later, according to Leon's agenda, along with a few unlucky individuals who managed to stumble upon Leon's plan, such as the hundred and four pilots, Bill's children and wife. The lizard stared at his list, picking his new target.
Leon knew he had to wait on the members of StarFox, since they were quite alert after his last attack. Jade and Obsidian were freaks that not even Pigma and Andrew could handle. Pepper and Katt had mysteriously disappeared, and hunting them down would be a waste of energy. The President would be even more difficult. The Royal Families of Dinosaur Planet were extremely easy to assassinate, almost too easy. The only option left seemed to be Captain Harding and Tintorreto. Leon smiled; the two captains were currently released from their duties, and they had gone underground, making them challenging targets. However, Leon was keen on being challenged; therefore killing the two captains would be excellent entertainment for the lizard.
It was the second day after Fox was released from the hospital, seven weeks after he was attacked. He was still prohibited from doing vigorous or stressful activities, and could not eat certain foods. Krystal remained close to Fox at all times, tending him whenever he needed her. Today happened to be a busy day for StarFox. Falco and Sirus were combating each other in the simulators, with Falco crying "Again!" angrily every so often. Slippy and Tricky were working on some upgrades for the Arwings. Obsidian, who was visiting them, was teaching Damon hand-to-hand combat, under Peppy's supervision. The only one who wasn't working was Fox, and he was obviously disheartened. He was merely sitting in the common room with his wife, doing some investigation on Leon. Krystal was trying her best to cheer her husband up, without much success.
Just as Fox was about to quit his work and check on the others, the holographic display in the middle of the room suddenly lit up, and projected a face. It was General Pepper, and he too was wearing one of Dr. Zenotabi's metallic headbands.
"General Pepper!" Fox was surprised to see the bloodhound the first time in more than a month.
"I guess that name would stick for a while, Fox." Pepper chuckled. Although he had retired for more than a month now, the bloodhound was constantly being referred as the beloved General Pepper. The bloodhound smiled at his old friend, "I heard about your little accident, how are you feeling?"
"So-so. I am bored." Fox replied, smiling at the holographic face. He knew talking about his wound would only hurt Krystal more, and she already suffered enough from the incident. He merely embraced his wife softly and continued the conversation. "Where have you been all this time?"
"I can't really tell you that, so let's just say I've been around." Pepper replied, "But that's not very important. I am just here to give you a suggestion."
"And that would be?" Fox asked, wondering what Pepper was about to suggest.
"Get out of Corneria." Pepper answered. "You are risking you entire team's lives by staying here. Leon could attack you at any given moment, with any given person. No one can be trusted here on Corneria, not anymore."
"How about the headbands, aren't they supposed to block his transitions?" Fox asked, quite alarmed by the bloodhound's warning. Perhaps they have been staying for too long, but "no one can be trusted" may be an overstatement.
"Fox, the next person who attacks you might be the cleaning lady, or the homeless guy around the corner. There aren't enough headbands to go around for everyone." Pepper eyed the vixen next to Fox, "The person who implanted Krystal was the announcer working in the hospital, and guess what? She is dead, a suicide."
"How do you know this stuff?" Fox asked, "I thought you retired."
"I still have my connections. I've found myself working within the CIA, they're keeping me well hidden." Pepper smiled, "By the way, I heard Falco didn't want to wear his headband."
"Yeah, Falco is pretty stubborn. He said it ruined his style." Fox chuckled, putting pressure on his wound. "Ouch . . . That hurts. By the way, how did you know about that? Are you spying on us?"
"I am just watching you, after all, look who I'm working with now." He said with a wink, "You should be careful of anyone who does not wear the headband. They can all be potential threats, especially to you." General Pepper warned, "Tell Falco to put his headband on, at least every so often just to be safe. But my best suggestion is that you leave Corneria soon."
"All right, I'll start arranging that soon." Fox was still a little unsure. All this seemed very sudden, "How can I contact you, if we need help?"
"I'll keep in touch, don't worry about that Fox." The projector switched off, and Pepper's head disappeared.
Fox sat silently next to Krystal, holding her in his arms. She knew how he felt about leaving Corneria. It was a retreat, something that Fox would never do in the face of an enemy. Fox was rather hurt by Pepper's message. By telling him he should leave Corneria, Pepper doubted Fox's ability.
"Where should we go next, Fox?" Krystal smiled, snuggling closer to her husband.
"Space..." was all he said.
Damon and Obsidian both walked into the small Shower room on the Great Fox. It was connected to the exercise center, contained within was a small pool and spa, a eight training center, and a small gym. Damon set his pair of grey sweat pants on the bench, and Obsidian did the same. Damon sat down and began to remove his boots and socks. He watched as Obsidian pulled off his dark green shirt, revealing his toned chest.
Damon instantly got embarrassed. He stared at Obsidian's highly toned body, his well defined muscles showing even through his fur. Damon reluctantly tugged at the zipper of his jumpsuit. His scrawny chest beginning to be exposed, he let out an embarrassed moan.
Obsidian looked over, "What's wrong Damon?" concern filled the face of the wolf. Damon clutched his jumpsuit closed, hugging his shoulders and whimpering. Obsidian put an arm around the hybrid. The wolf looked down at his own muscular body, then at Damon cowering in his arms. "Damon, what's this about?" The wolf knew perfectly well what was wrong, but perhaps he would feel better after he got it off of his chest.
Damon looked up at him, a low moan emitting from his throat. He then stood up and unzipped his suit the rest of the way. The red cloth fell, pooling around his ankles. As if by instinct, his hands immediately snapped down to his crotch. His hands masked the view of the front of his briefs. He looked down at his own body and sobbed; he dropped to his side and curled into a fetal position. He hid his face in his knees; obsidian looked at the hybrid piteously. Damon's insecurities were deep rooted, and Obsidian didn't seem to be helping matters. The young hybrid now seemed to idolize the wolf, but he felt so ugly and insignificant in the presence of him. Obsidian stared at his muscular form, it was everything the hybrid wanted to be: strong, handsome, and confident. He had been dragged down by everyone; the boy basically believed he was almost worthless. Damon tried to hide his body, even his underwear, which Obsidian was sure the hybrid had also caught much grief for.
Obsidian looked down at his own jeans, his paw-like hands dropped down, unbuckling his belt and undoing the button and zipper on his pants. He jerked the pants down, Damon looked up. Obsidian was standing proudly in a pair of white briefs, similar to Damon's own. It was no consolation to Damon though. Obsidian looked godlike in his underwear compared to Damon. Damon barely looked like he even fit in his briefs, as if they would drop off his body at any moment, leaving him completely exposed against this Adonis. Damon began to blush profusely, cheeks appearing a dark crimson. Obsidian bent down and picked Damon up, rocking him in his arms slowly. Tears formed in Obsidian's eyes, "Damon, you have nothing to be ashamed of..."
Damon hugged Obsidian tightly, "Yes there is," he sniffed, "I just want to be like you..."
Obsidian stroked the back of Damon's head, "Damon, little brother, you are beautiful. Don't let what anyone says about you change that."
"I'll never be as strong as you," Damon cried, "I'm always going to look like this...a skinny kid whose voice sounds like a girl. Everything about me they make fun of..." Obsidian frowned, it was true; the boy would never be able to surpass Obsidian in anything. Damon started whimpering, and Obsidian patted his back. The whimpering became slightly more audible, and Obsidian realized it wasn't whimpering at all. "Freak...monster...hovel...wretch...abomination...female...eunuch..." The list went on, Damon was repeating all the dirty words he had been called. Slowly torturing himself, the words probably seared into his fragile mind forever.
"Damon, can I tell you a secret?" Obsidian whispered. Damon's words faded, but he didn't look up, he just shivered violently in Obsidian's arms. "I wish I could be more like you..." Damon's ears perked up, he stared up at Obsidian blankly, "You are so peaceful, and loving, and forgiving. I'm not even sure I cried before I met you. You've helped me express my emotions better." Obsidian let Damon rest his head on the large wolf's chest. "Listen Damon, we don't have to spar if you don't want to..." Damon began to thrash about more violently in Obsidian's arms. It felt as if Damon were now struggling against his arms. Then it struck him, he tilted Damon's head back, the hybrid's eyes were rolled into the back of his head, and his tongue was hanging out. He gasped, and Damon fell to the floor, his body thrashing wildly. Damon was suffering a massive seizure. Obsidian began to cry, expressing his deep sadness for the unfortunate hybrid. He touched the tears, and wondered why he had come so close to the little teen. He then realized it was the same reason he loved Jade, like a sister. He loved Damon.
"Damon, I love you, and I'll do anything for you..." finalizing his feelings. He watched Damon continue to spasm. He merely sat, and waited, keeping a protective eye on the hybrid. Continually wishing there was some way to ease his pain.
