Chapter 36: A Planet of Mourning
"Disembarkation of the Great Fox has been granted. Clearance to exit into the Corneria Docking Bay has been given. Departure from the Great Fox may commence at any time."
The four animals that were the last to remain on the ship over these past few days stood behind a now closed door, the door that would lead them down to the planet that General Pepper had requested them to visit. But it was not merely the fact that they had been asked to arrive on the planet that they did so, it was for the sole reason that their former leader, Fox McCloud, was being held here, and it would only be one more day before he would be eternally laid within the earth. In only one more day, his funeral service would be held in front of the entire planet, and then it would be over. But to these four animals, as well as the rest of the planet, it would be much more than just a service in honor of a great animal, it would also signify the day that the fabled McCloud line would officially come to an end, a day that no one had ever expected to come so soon.
As the words that had previously rang over the intercom of the ship quietly echoed back into silence, each of the animals looked at each other with great hesitance, each fearing in slightly different ways that what they were about to go through would be to much for them, but they knew they had to go through with it for their leader, the one that had stood by them whenever they had needed anything.
Falco was the first to break this long silence, walking a few steps towards the door that stood in front of them and entering a short command into a keypad that sat just to the side of the metallic threshold. Shortly after he did so, the door quickly slid open, revealing a small metal gangway that led down to the quiet and spacious area of the Corneria Docking Bay. Soon after he did this, he looked back at the other three animals, each of which were carrying a small pack filled with things they would need to make it through the night, and said in his usual voice, "I guess this is it. We'll just have to find a hotel to spend the night and we'll be set." Falco paused for a moment as he looked out through the now open door, but soon continued, "And I'd be careful once we're out in the city. After all that's happened, I'd bet anything we're gonna get mobbed by just about everyone in the city." The team remained silent to his rather light-hearted comment, but they slowly walked after him as he began his way down the small gangway.
Once they reached the bottom of the small walkway, they found themselves standing in the almost completely silent Corneria Docking Bay. There were hundreds of ships docked in the area, but none of them seemed to have any activity occurring in or around them at all. Not even as much as the occasional mechanic hovering around in their maintenance vehicles. None of the animals seemed to take notice of this however, their minds far to distracted to think on trivial matters such as this. They merely continued on their way towards the exit, which sat only a short distance away from where they had landed the Great Fox.
As they slowly approached the large open door that led to the open air of Corneria, they began to hear noises coming from outside the docking bay. They sounded like screams, screams that all seemed to form the names of each member of the team, which was barely distinguishable due to the fact that there were so many different voices taking part in this at the same time. Falco took a sigh as they were able to get a good look at was the cause of all this noise. "…Oh man, I really don't wanna have to put up with stuff like this right now."
The team quickly found out what the avian meant by these words as they walked free of the Docking Bay, immediately finding themselves surrounded by what must have been thousands of various animals, each screaming something different as their planet's most beloved team walked into view. Luckily for the four members of Star Fox, a police squad had been set up in this area, making sure that no one would be able to get too close to their group of heroes. The short walk to the curb was made excruciatingly longer due to this large mass of both reporters and animals alike, each trying to find a way to push through the police forces to get to the Star Fox team.
Despite the cheers and screams that came from the crowd during this entire ordeal, it all seemed so empty without their leader accompanying them. Even Falco seemed to find it slightly less exciting after having suffered a loss as great as this. There were several times when a few more determined of the reporters that stood in the crowd made their way to the avian, throwing the microphone in front of his face and asking him a quick question. If it had been any other time, Falco would've loved all the attention, but now, it was as if it really didn't matter that much to him anymore, refusing to even acknowledge these obstinate newscasters.
Krystal, who had remained silent ever since Katt had retrieved her from Fox's room, never looked up from the ground, even though the yells were next to impossible to tune out. Katt noticed this and gave the crowd an almost angry looking stare, which only served to calm the animals that stood in the immediate area around the two females. She walked to Krystal's side and said in as optimistic a voice as she could muster, "Hey, just be glad we don't have to go through this everyday." Krystal looked up at her, giving the feline a glance that tried to express her thankfulness for the fact that she was trying to cheer her up, but it was not in the least evident in her saddened features.
The entire process of walking from the exit of the docking bay to the curb took almost a full ten minutes, but thankfully for the four members of the Star Fox team, when they did finally arrived at the street outside the docking bay, the were escorted into a large, black limousine that hovered just above the ground. Each animal anxiously filed into the long craft, finding great relief to be out of the sight of the crowd that now stood outside their vehicle. Once inside, their attention was soon diverted to another animal that sat with them on the far end of the craft. It was a tall, brown squirrel that was dressed in a uniform that suggested a rather rank within the Cornerian Army base. This animal's expression never cracked from it's serious look as he spoke to the four animals that now sat in front of him, "I wish I could give you a warm welcome, but I'm afraid that would prove to be difficult during a time such as this." Falco nodded, recognizing the squirrel from his time on this planet a few days ago, and replied, "Then why don't you just skip the pleasantries and tell us exactly why we're taking this limo around town, or maybe where we're going?" The squirrel immediately picked up on the avian's irritated tone of voice and responded quickly, "Captain Lombardi, I have orders from General Pepper to escort you and your team to his office. He would like to speak with you about what actions your team would like to take after these recent events. I'm afraid I do not have any further details besides this." Falco glanced over at the other members of his team as the fifth animal in the vehicle said these words, each looking as if that a visit to the General's office would be the last thing they wanted to do. He quickly returned his attention to the squirrel and replied shortly after he had finished speaking, "The General wants to talk to us right now? I don't think we're ready to talk about what happened just yet." The squirrel nodded, and after a slight pause, he answered, "Well, I suppose we could take you to the hotel we've set up for you if you do not wish to proceed directly to his office. I'm sure he would understand if you all need some time to yourselves before meeting with him." Falco nodded, but was not the one to respond to the animal's question. Katt spoke from the opposite side of the craft in a quiet voice, glancing down at Krystal as she did so, "That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure we could all use some time." The squirrel nodded, replying in an affirming voice, "Alright, then we'll pay a visit to your hotel first, it is only a short distance away from the Army Base, so transportation should not be difficult from there." Both the avian and feline nodded in unison as the craft slowly rounded a turn, now making its way down the gradually darkened streets of Corneria towards their new destination.
There was a long spell of silence that was held within the vehicle as it slowly made its way through the Cornerian streets. Each animal stared out one of the many windows that were placed around the craft, staring blankly at the city that sat outside through the heavily tinted windows. There seemed to be very little activity occurring in the city wherever they went. It was almost as if the entire town had turned in for the night, yet it was well before the sun had completely set. Every once in a while there would be a small mob of animals that would wave as the hovering limousine would pass by, but besides this, there seemed to be almost no one walking the streets of Corneria.
"It's quite depressing, isn't it?" Falco was the only one whose thoughts did not seem to hinder him from hearing the squirrels comment, made apparent due mostly to the fact that he was the only one to look over from the windows of the craft. The animal continued, "Ever since the planet had first received news that Fox McCloud had passed on, many people have decided to stay indoors. It has not even been a full days since the news has spread across the planet, but it has already effected so many, it's quite sad. So many animals looked up to him and his father, but now that they are both gone…it's been quite a shock to everyone." Falco nodded as he heard the squirrel's comment, replying after an abrupt sigh, "I know what you mean. I remember back when Fox's dad died a few years ago. The whole planet pretty much stopped running for the whole week after they heard he was dead. I was pretty young back then, but even I was a little affected I guess. Everyone that went to the Cornerian Academy looked up to that guy, and then to see him go like that, it was tough. And now that the same thing's happened to Fox…" Falco cut himself short as he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. The pink feline who was seated on the opposite side of the vehicle seemed to be looking in his direction with a discreet look on her face, but as soon as he turned to face her directly, her head turned away and once again faced the window she was seated next to.
He quickly ignored this however as he felt the hovering limousine slowly slide to a stop in front of an impressive looking building. The squirrel that had been riding with them stood from his seat and said, "This is your hotel for the night, I know you will find it highly accommodating." As he said these words, the driver, who had remained unseen until this point, opened the door on the left side of the car, allowing the two females out first, followed closely by the green toad. Falco hesitated as he looked outside the craft, but soon signaled for the driver to shut the door. The squirrel gave him a surprised look and asked inquisitively, "Are you going to be joining your team? I'm sure they would appreciate it if you were to…" Falco cut him off by raising his hand, signaling for the animal to stop speaking. After this proved successful, he answered, "I think it'd be better if I talked to Pepper about this on my own, besides, none of them will care if I'm gone. Just drive me over to the Base and let me get this over with, alright?" The squirrel hesitated only momentarily, but after seeing to resolute look on the avian's face, he nodded in agreement and quietly sat back down as the hovering limousine once again slowly made it's way down the streets of Corneria.
(Outside the hotel)
Katt watched as the limousine they had just exited from slowly hovered away down the rapidly darkening streets of Corneria. As soon as it drove out of sight, she turned back towards the two members, which was one less than she had thought should've been there, but when she saw that it was Falco who was missing, she quickly realized what had happened and was able to immediately put it out of her mind. She then looked over towards the large building that sat in front of them, commenting in a quiet voice, "Well, we should probably get inside and find our rooms. Looks like Falco's decided to take care of the General for us." Her speech was only replied by a slight nod that came from the small green toad that stood next to her. There was a short silence that followed afterwards, which gave Katt the time to look over her greatly discouraged teammates. It was a sad sight for her to observe. It seemed as if Krystal would never break from her spell of staring straight at the ground with that same saddened expression, and Slippy, he seemed to be unable speak because of what had happened. Katt shook her head after a short while and began the short walk into the hotel, followed a short distance behind by the other two animals that remained with her.
Once inside, they found themselves standing among a grand lobby, complete with several large, impressive paintings and vibrantly blooming plants hanging from its walls, and in the middle of the room sat a large fountain, creating a very soothing noise that echoed gently throughout the room. It was at this point that Krystal finally looked up from the ground, but it was not because the room's atmosphere had comforted her to any extent, it was actually almost the exact opposite. When she raised her vision and slowly scanned around the lobby of this magnificent hotel, she immediately realized that this was the exact same hotel that she and Fox had visited during their first stay together on Corneria. Even through she did not intend it, the memories of their visit on this planet quickly flooded back into her mind, fueling her mind with even more distraught emotions than before. She soon lowered her head back to its original position before anyone that stood around her noticed she had ever looked up.
In a somewhat scattered group, the three members of Star Fox that stood within the impressive lobby slowly began to make their way towards the receptionist's desk, which sat on a far wall of this room. When Katt, followed shortly after by the others, reached the desk, the receptionist that sat behind gave them a saddened look. Katt quickly disregarded the glance the employee had just given her and the other animals, speaking in a slightly impatient voice, "I think Pepper's got a couple rooms set up for us here. Have you heard anything about that?" The receptionist nodded, reaching a slight distance below her desk and silently revealed two sets of cartridges in front of the feline. Katt reached over the desk and retrieved the pair of room cartridges from the receptionist and gave a quick nod in thanks. The receptionist nodded back in reply, adding hesitantly, "…I'm sorry to hear about what happened to Fox." Katt turned from the desk and hesitated for a moment, replying shortly after in a quiet voice, "…Thanks. It's alright, we'll find a way to get through this somehow."
It was a short walk through the hotel and up a few flights of short stairways before they reached the desired floor that their rooms were located upon. After a brief walk through a lavishly decorated hallway, the group finally came to settle in front of two adjacent doorways that bore the numbers that were shown on the two small room cartridges. Katt hesitated here as she looked at both of the doors, just now realizing that she did not know the room arrangements for the night. She knew she would like to be alone without Slippy with her, but after looking back at Krystal and her constantly distraught expression, she slowly walked the few steps over towards the vixen and held the key out in front of her, saying in an uncharacteristically gentle voice, "Here, I'm sure you deserve this room by yourself more than I do. Me and Slippy can stay in this other room." Krystal looked up at the key, replying in a quiet voice, "No, you don't have to do that. If you would like me to share the room with Slippy, I would not mind at all." Katt let off a friendly smirk as she heard this, commenting shortly after, "You don't mean that. I know this is a tough time for you, and I want you to take the room, alright? I'm sure if I were in your position, I'd want to be alone for a while at least." Krystal hesitantly nodded at this observation and accepted the key from the feline's hand, "Thank you Katt, I really do appreciate your consideration." Katt nodded as she turned toward her own room, responding as she opened the previously closed door, "Don't worry about it, besides, I don't think any of us will be getting that much sleep anyway."
(Outside the Cornerian Army Base)
It had been a very short ride from the hotel before the limousine the avian had been riding in came to a gradual stop in front of the enormous building that was the Cornerian Army Base. As soon as the craft came to a complete spot, Falco quickly exited from the car, giving the squirrel that he had been riding with his almost sincere thanks, before the vehicle drove off down the street, leaving him alone in front of the building. Once he saw the craft hover out of sight, he turned fully to face his destination. He hesitated for a moment, taking a sigh as he did so, before taking his first steps towards the building and soon walking through the large double doors that served as its entrance.
When he entered into the imposing complex, he was met by the faces of several workers that were slowly milling about the ground floor, each with a depressing look on their faces. When Falco had entered, a few of these employees looked up at him, but quickly looked in the other direction, as if they were merely trying to ignore the avians existence at all. Even to Falco, the heavily disheartened atmosphere that filled the main hall of the Cornerian Army Base was easily noticeable, and it seemed to fill him once again with the seriousness that this issue encompassed, despite his efforts to merely put it out of his mind.
Falco soon looked past this feeling however as he began to make his way towards the receptionists desk, and once he arrived, he received a sympathetic glance that was accompanied by her hesitant speech, "Falco, I'm glad to see that your alright. With all that's been happening recently, I don't really know…what to think anymore." The avian nodded, disregarding the receptionists comment, replying in a much more firm voice, "I was called down here for a meeting with Pepper, you know anything about something like that?" The receptionist blinked a few times, as if her mind had been wandering off as the falcon spoke, but quickly responded as she nodded, "Oh, yes, General Pepper told me that he would be expecting you today. You can head up to his room and I'll tell him you're on your way." Falco turned as she said this, responding dispassionately, "Thanks, I'll get going then." Before he could walk two steps, the receptionist added in a quiet voice, "I hope you guys can get through this. Everyone still looks up to you…even if Fox isn't around." Falco did not hesitate as he heard these heart-felt words, merely closing his eyes and continuing to walk towards several elevators that sat a short distance.
It was a relatively short elevator ride up to the 385th floor, at which point the vertical transport gave a small and pleasant ring as it reached its destination. Falco quickly exited from the elevator and began his way down the long hallways that sat on the top level of this building. On the way, he passed a few of the employees of the Cornerian Army Base, each seeming to give the same response to the avian as they had when he had first entered. Once again, he ignored these saddened looks as he continued on his way towards the General's office.
It was not long after Falco had began walking away from the elevator before he eventually arrived in front of his intended destination. In front of him now sat a regular-sized office door, upon which sat the proud letters, "General Pepper: Commanding Officer." Falco hesitated slightly before he made any effort to enter into the room, taking a deep sigh as he did so.
Man, I don't know what's gonna happen in here. Who knows, maybe he'll tell me I'm off the team or something for lettin' all this happen. I mean, I'm sure he's looking for someone to put all the blame on for this whole thing, might as well be me, I don't get any good breaks anyway. Well, I guess I'm not gonna find out anything standin' here, I better get in there before he thinks I bailed out on him.
Falco took one last sigh as these thoughts passed through his mind, which was followed shortly after by his arm quickly reaching out towards the door and quietly pushing it ajar. Soon after he did this, he entering into the now open door and closed it behind him, now finding himself looking into the back of a tall chair that sat behind a large desk. Falco hesitated for a moment, not really sure if Pepper was behind the chair, or if he was, that he wanted to be disturbed at the moment, but the avian's question was soon answered as he heard an abnormally weak voice speak from behind the chair, "Falco, I requested that your entire team would attend this meeting, where are they?" Falco answered shortly after this question was posed, "Well, everyone seemed really tired and I don't think any of the other guys on the team would really appreciate listening to stuff relating to…well, you know." At this point, the chair slowly spun in a half-circle, revealing the droopy looking face of General Pepper. The canine looked up at Falco and nodded silently at his comment, motioning for him to sit on the opposite side of his desk as he did so.
Falco quickly took the seat that sat directly in front of the General, at which point he remained silent in wait for his next comment. But instead of him continuing on, a brief silence filled the room as Pepper seemed to stare off into space. Falco immediately noticed this and said in a slightly impatient tone of voice, "So, I'm guessing that you called me in here for a reason?" Pepper took a slow blink as he refocused on the avian that sat in front of him, nodding as he commented in a quiet voice, "…Yes, or course, I have some things that I would like to talk to you about." The canine paused slightly, looking over a few papers on his desk before looking back at Falco, saying in a gradually rising tone of voice, "First of all, myself and the council that we have here at the Cornerian Army Base have found that you and your teams work in freeing the planets has gone far better than expected." Falco waited for him to continue after this, but after he did not do as the avian had thought, Falco asked with slight irritation, "So what? You called me up here to tell me that we've done a good job?" Pepper shook his head at this comment, responding a now firm voice, "No, Falco, we have decided that after your successful exploits to the planets that were previously under mind control, that there is no longer a need for you to continue on this mission. We have several other smaller teams that can finish what very few of these controlled planets are left. You have completed your mission. I'll send the money in full to…" Falco, who was completely taken aback by the General's sudden words, "What? You mean, the mission is over already? Or are you just doing this because…" This time, Pepper was the one to cut the avian off, saying in a still firm, but gradually weakening voice, "I'm doing this, because there is nothing more that I need you and your team to do. All the smaller work that is left I can give to other teams that need it." Falco shook his head, still shocked by what he had just been told, and said, "You sure this isn't just because of the whole Fox thing. Could that be it General?" Pepper let out a sigh as he heard this, commenting, "Falco, you know that I would never do something like this to the Star Fox team without reason. I know that with the recent death of Fox McCloud, your team will be scarred for a long time. I know that you wish to continue, but I feel it will prove to difficult for you to move on after something like this, at least, not in a matter of two days. I would like it if you and the rest of the remaining Star Fox team would stay on Corneria for the next few weeks. You must realize that I am doing this for your own good. I do not want to lose my best team because they are simply too distracted." Falco sighed as he spoke in response to the General's explanation, "So that's it huh? The Star Fox team is laid off until further notice." Pepper nodded at this, once again replying in a quiet voice, "In a word, yes. You will remain on Corneria until the council and I decide it is best for you to continue with assigned missions. The death of your leader will not be easily overcome…which brings me to my second point."
General Pepper paused slightly, knowing that Falco was already in a displeased mood, but continued shortly after, "And that is the point of Fox McCloud's funeral. I did not merely wish for you to attend his service, but I would also find it good of you and your team to participate in his service as well." Falco gave a strange glance as he spoke, "What do you mean by that? You don't want us to bury him or something, do you?" Pepper shook his head grimly, responding, "By no means. What I meant was that I would like you each to present a separate eulogy for Fox McCloud at his funeral. I feel there would be no one better but his own crew to do this for him." Falco paused for a moment, but spoke shortly after in a sarcastic sounding voice, "You mean, we have to talk about Fox and say what a great guy he was, right?" Pepper responded almost immediately after Falco said this, "You can take this however you want, but you must realize that the entire planet is in complete mourning because of this single event. You may do as you feel, but I would advise you to take this ordeal seriously. There has been nothing like this on Corneria since the death of James McCloud…" Falco nodded, "Ya, I know, I'll make sure the others get the message, alright?" Pepper nodded, turning slightly in his chair so that he was no longer facing Falco directly. After doing this, he added in a hesitant voice, "His service will be held tomorrow evening at 17:00. I will need you and your team to arrive at the Corneria Cathedral at around 14:00 for preparations…Until then, you are dismissed." At these words, Falco gave a quick nod towards the seated General and quietly made his way out of his office.
As the door that he had just passed through came to a silent close, Falco let out another sigh, this time it was out of disbelief. He momentarily pushed aside these feelings however as he spotted a large seating area a short distance down the hall. It was only a short walk down the wide hallway before he found himself standing among several comfortable looking couches, beyond which, on the wall, sat a large window, through which could be seen the artificially lit town of Corneria. Falco gradually made his way to a couch closest to the window, his eyes never seeming to leave the view that sat in front of him through the panoramic window. The avian took an eager seat on the comfortable couch and continued to stare out of the wide window, his mind filling with thoughts as the fluorescent-looking city of Corneria filled vision.
So…that's it. Missions over, time to pack up and go home. Man, I didn't think I'd be hearing those words for a long time, but I guess this whole thing with Fox really sped up the process. It's been a while since I've been on Corneria…but now it's looks like I'll be gettin' plenty of time to reacquaint with the place. Well, maybe not. I doubt I'll be able to stay here for more than a few days. I don't think I'm gonna wait another few years for a new mission like I did after we destroyed Andross eight years ago. I mean, I'm not just gonna sit around and let time go by without me doing something…
At this point in the avian's thoughts, he reclined slightly more into the deeply cushioned couch, resting the back of his feathered head against the cushion that was supporting his back. He closed his eyes slightly and let out a loud yawn, giving his arms a small stretch in the process. Shortly after this, he returned to his thoughts with his eyes now fully closed.
Maybe I could go solo again and find someone else to work for. I mean, Pepper's not gonna give me new missions until he thinks I've gotten over Fox's death. Well, I don't think I have the kind of patience to wait as long as the General thinks I should. I think Zoness has made a pretty nice recovery after these past few years, maybe I could catch a transport over there and just start a new life. That might be a good idea; I could just leave all this stuff behind and start over with a clean slate. I'm sure I be just as big over there as I am here, but those people won't be constantly comparing me to Fox. Man, that'd be great…I just wish…wish that…
Falco's thoughts were cut off at this moment as his closed and tired eyes had finally got the best of him. His loud breathing and limp looking manner of sitting made it obvious that he had fallen asleep on the couch. Nothing disturbed him during the entire night, occasionally, a few of the Cornerian Army Base employees would see him laying there, but they did nothing to tell him otherwise, knowing that such action could provoke unwanted anger from the peacefully sleeping avian.
(Balcony of the hotel)
The breeze that slowly drifted through the eerily calm city of Corneria was cold, seeming to match the feeling that the entire town seemed to have shared that day. Many people had wept when they had first heard the news, many simply would not believe it. But it was true, and they all knew it, no matter how hard they told themselves otherwise. The glowing symbol, the pride and joy of their planet, their hero, he had fallen, and he would no longer be able to save them from whatever dangers befell them. The brightly lit city, even though appearing quite cheerful, also gave off a greatly insecure feeling. With his death, there would no longer be anyone to watch over them, but there was one animal on the entire planet whose pain exceeded all of these. She stood upon a lonely balcony, the cold winds of Corneria slowly filtering through her delicate fur. Her eyes wondered aimlessly across the empty streets of the town, knowing that they would never again fall upon the one she had grown so close to, that is, spare one last time, and that was tomorrow, the day they would conceal his body with the earth that sat below, and that would be the last of him. No longer would she ever get to look into his friendly emerald eyes, find comfort in his pleasant manner and courage, or feel the warmth of his arms wrapped around her body. All of that had been lost forever, and she would never find them ever again. A single tear fell from her already drained eyes, falling slowly down the gently fur that sat upon her cheek. She made no attempt to stop its path however, knowing that the cold and lonely wind that blew through the town would dry it, just as it had all the others.
The vixen's legs gradually began to tremble as the combination of sadness and fatigue began to weaken her body. With great hesitance, she slowly turned from the balcony, sliding open a small window and walked inside of the room Katt had been kind enough to give her. She did not think of this however as she slowly made her way towards the bed that sat only a few steps from the sliding window. The vixen gradually lowered herself onto the bed, pulling the covers loosely over her body after removing the boots that previously held securely onto her feet. The vulpine readjusted her body position within the bed, hoping to find some comfort, but quickly realized this would prove unsuccessful. She looked over towards the other side of the large bed, noticing the empty space beside her. Her hand slowly reached over towards the empty air, almost hoping that he would reappear in front of her and bring her the comfort she longed for, but her hand fell to the sheets that sat atop the empty spot in the bed with nothing there to stop it.
At this point, she hesitated slightly as she felt the emptiness beside her. She slowly withdrew her hand, dragging it lightly across the sheets and stopping it near her chest, the same spot where she was now holding the blankets of the bed against her. The vixen closed her eyes, another tear falling silently from the corner of her eye and into the pillow her head now rested upon. The vulpine let out a wavering sigh, full of remorse and sadness, before turning over in her bed and once again losing herself in thought.
Fox…I wish you were here with me. It seems…that during the time I need you the most, you are not there. But…I suppose that is how it has always been for me. When I left the planet during the war, neither my father nor my mother were able to be there for me. When I ventured off to Dinosaur Planet, I was all alone with merely my staff to protect me. But then I met him, and it seemed like I had finally found true peace, but now, once again, the one animal that I had grown closest too, the one I depended on to shoulder my worries and take them away…is gone. Now…there will always be this empty spot next to me…not just now, lying in this bed, but inside me as well. I will always remember him…he has shown me what it truly means to care for another, and for that, I will always keep the memories we shared close to my heart. Tomorrow is the last day I will ever see him, the last time I will ever get the chance to look into his face before he is lowered into the ground, never to see the light of day ever again. I thought I knew what the future held, but now…I find myself lost, as I was when I first set out to that planet where we first met. And the question stands, will I ever find the answers I am looking for? With all that has happened to me, and really, the rest of the universe in this past day, nothing is certain. I can only hope to continue on and be strong as I have during these past few days…but there will be something missing, something that I will never be able to regain, and that is you, Fox McCloud. I miss you…
With those words slowly echoing through her mind, she closed her eyes and once again felt the chilling sensation of several more silent tears slowly gliding down her face. Her quiet sob only seemed to flow through the room so only she could hear. It was a desolate feeling, all this pain, and there was no one who could take it away. It was something she would have to live with for the remainder of her life, and that, perhaps, was the most frightening thought of all. But for the moment, she would find brief and shallow comfort as the fatigue that he body was experiencing because of everything that had occurred slowly overcome her, drawing the vixen into a light sleep.
(The next morning)
The Cornerian sun was now sitting well above many of the buildings that stood silently among the streets of the city, its rays filtering into the room that held a delicately sleeping vixen. There was a slight breeze entering into the room as well, due to the fact that the sliding window that had been accessed the night before still remained largely ajar, letting in gentle waves of cool air from the outside. None of this seemed to stir the vixen however, her body still seeming to be too exhausted from the emotional stress she had been going through. All was silent, that was, until there came a noise from the door that stood at the entrance to the vixen's room. The noise of the door slowly opening and then eventually coming to a close seemed to fill the otherwise completely silent room with little effort. The figure that had just made its way into the room slowly walked towards the bed where the vixen laid, noticing that she was still fast asleep. The figure advanced towards the open sliding window that led out to the balcony, bringing it to a gentle close as the figure found its way close enough to it. Now the room was not only silent, but also completely still, the only thing moving was the newly appeared figure that made its way over the side of the vixen's bed, kneeling down next to it as she came within arm's length of the vulpine's sleeping form. It remained in this position for a short while, staring into the peaceful looking face of the sleeping vixen, knowing that even though she was peaceful in sleep, she would not be nearly as tranquil this day. The figure quietly extended its hand out towards the vixen, placing it upon her shoulder and giving her a slight shake. "Krystal…Krystal, you need to wake up."
The vixen stirred slightly, originally feeling an overwhelming desire to ignore the voice, but she soon opened her eyes slowly, trying to gain focus in the dimly sun-lit room. It was a short time after this before she finally regained her vision, and she soon found herself staring into the face of a pink feline whose face quickly reminded her of what was going to occur during this day. She slowly rose from the bed, leaning her head against the wall that sat behind the cushions she had been sleeping upon, her mind quickly refilling with all the thoughts that she had had the night before. The pink feline revealed a sorry looking expression as she realized that Krystal had just now realized what was to take place that day. She stood, looking down at the vulpine as she spoke in as gentle a voice as she could muster, "We need to get ready to go. It's almost ten in the morning and Falco told me this morning that we need to be down at the cathedral a little early." Krystal lowered her head as she heard these words, nodding slowly as she quietly responded, "Alright, just give me a little while and I'll be ready to join you soon." Katt hesitated to speak, knowing how hard it must have been for the vixen to have to face this day, but she gave a silent nod in reply and left the vulpine alone in her room once again.
As soon as Katt exited from the room, Krystal leaned her legs over the side of the bed, rubbing her eyes as she did so. She remained in this position for a short while, merely letting the thoughts reoccur within her mind. Today was the day she would get to see him for the final time before he was taken by the earth forever. She let out a quiet and disturbed sigh as she slowly stood from the bed, her eyes focused on the world outside of the large window in her room. In the distance she could see the mountain ranges in the distance, their slopes colored in several cheerful shades of orange and yellow. She quickly looked away however; it was just one more memory that she had shared with him that she would carry with her for as long as she would live. The vixen slowly placed the boots that had been lying on the ground for the duration of the night securely onto her feet, shortly after making her way towards the door that sat at the entrance of her room. She placed her hand on the door and turned her head back around to look out of the large window that now sat on the opposite side of the room, seeing those brilliant mountains still shining with the same glory as they had when she had first seen them with Fox by her side. Krystal took one final sigh before pushing the door open, thinking deeply about what she would soon have to face, the one thing she had feared for so long, and today was the day that it would come to pass.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Alright, so…that's the end of this chapter. That of course means that there are only 5 more left for me to type before I'm am finished with this sucker. I don't know how you felt about this chapter, but from my standpoint, I liked it a lot. Which probably doesn't mean much because I'm not really gonna sit here and tell you how much my story sucks, so take that as you may. Anyway, I deftly cleared the 166-review/200,000-word mark just recently, which is really an accomplishment for me. When I started this story, I had pretty much no one reviewing, but now it's like, the most reviewed story ever, so that's pretty darn cool I guess. For that I have to thank KrystalFox and GreyFox2610 for being my earliest supporters. Because of them, I was able to keep typing even though I didn't really get much of a response besides themselves. Of course, once I started getting reviews, I haven't seen them since, but thanks anyway you two. And of course, I like all my other reviewers a lot, yes, even the ones who cussed me out for killing Fox, I forgive all of you. I can understand where you are coming from, and I am sorry, but that's just the story dudes! Yep…
GOLF STATUS: Ya, I forgot to write these, but to sum the season up, I won the districts for our 2A league with a two-day score of 145 (74-71) So I'm going to State! HOOWAH! Because of this, I must now practice devoutly until next-next week, so I don't know if I'll be able to type as much…but I'll try darnit! Anyway…
(The Eternal Spirit)
Right, so this next chapter will pretty much just be Fox's funeral and stuff that happens afterwards, pretty straight forward, although I highly doubt that many of you are really looking forward to this. At least, I can assume that from all those hate mails I got for killing you know who…oh well, it's coming anyway, so can just try to work with it I guess.
EDITOR'S NOTES: I have prepared a haiku of sorts to fill in this section because editor kid isn't givin' me the thing that he usually puts in here…oh well.
My Editor, by FoxMC:
Yes, he does edit
Or does he?
To that, you may never know.
MAIL CALL:
SonicBreezie4ever
Oh my God...this story is freakin awesome! I'm just now reviewing cuz it'd take me a very long time to type reviews for each one, but I've been reading your AWESOME story and I love it to pieces! All the chapters before were very very good. Fox and Krystal are so great together! You are a VERY talented author! But anyways, this chapter was very very good. The thing with Falco's plan with the "magic trick" was really cool. And the cloaked figure bein General Scales is very interesting! I wouldn't ever think of that. XD But you put so much emotion into your story! It's really great! I think like a whole load of action really isn't needed. I like stories with emotion and twists etc. (Especially with Fox, even though I don't think he's dead. Seems like everyone thinks Corneria is under mind control...looks like I'm another one. -- Oh well, I can't wait to find out in the next chapters of your story.) I am saddened that the story's gonna end after 7 more chapters, but I'm sure you have a great end to it.Your story has been the best I've read, keep up the complete awesomeness!
FoxMC: Thanks for the long review fellow Sonic lover. (I'm guessing) I'm glad you like my story so much, I'll try and keep it up, and with all the stuff that's coming up as I near the ending, well, that shouldn't be too hard I guess.
deathscall
well... I must apologize for my rudeness, it's just... the shock of Fox dieing just kind of (sobs) it struck a loud angry nerve, even if you killed off Falco, i'd have probably done the same, all the characters.. no matter whom they are, contribute to your story, again, my apologies for yelling
FoxMC: Hey man, I expected to take some flak for doing what I did to Fox, I don't care about what you said, it pretty much tells me that you really care about what is happening to Fox in my story, or just in general, whatever. Don't worry man, it's cool.
A fan of Star Fox
...Wait a minute... I KNOW how this will end! I won't say it, but I'm prety sure of my theory... Let's just wait and see...
FoxMC: If you're thinking that Krystal will die and then they'll all be happy because their both dead and they can live with each other forever because they can't be separated when their both dead, you're wrong. Ehh…just made that up, but heck, that would be cool, just not very original…
Reader
Hey FoxMC, I thought this is supposed to be a story centered around the Fox+Krystal relationship? I was a bit surprised when your story stated Fox's dead. I hope it's not so. I was really anxious to see more development on the Fox+Krystal relationship. It'll be a shame to see it so abruptly end.
FoxMC: Yes, even I find it kind of sad that there's no more relationship, but…stuff happens.
Black Phoenix
This makes no f-ing sense. Last I checked, Fox was alive in the hospital room. WHAT THE F- IS GOING ON?
FoxMC: …I don't know, he's dead?
halomasterchief
After reading this chapter, something crossed my mind. If Fox had died, wouldn't Krystal have felt the pain of his passing? Oh, well just a thought.
Good chapter despite this question that plaques me in my dreams. NO! GO AWAY!
P.S: My name is halomasterchief, not hallomasterchief. I understand, you're an busy (and important) person and it probably was just a typo. Oh, and answer my question before I go insane!
FoxMC: Sorry about the typo, but as for your question, I know you don't want to hear this, but it will be answered latter, ok? So just, don't sleep for a while and you'll be fine…
Whinnie
Wow... this seems to be going pretty hard on everyone, even Falco. Now, about the ending... I guess we'll just have to wait and see, huh?
Six chapters left! I'll be with you till the end:D Wow, a 17 year old watching Sonic X... :
FoxMC: Ya, even Falco can be a bit of a softie, but more importantly…What's wrong with me liking Sonic X? Sonic's like, the best ever, if not almost better than Star Fox. So what if I'm old and stuff, I can still like Sonic…I guess a 17 year old writing a story about talking animals is pretty normal then?
Ben Stylin
Good chapter.
And, for all you poeple that are upset over Fox dying, get over your frickn' selves!
It's just a damn story!
Don't get mad at Fox MC for writing a good story.
FoxMC: Thanks, but I don't think I need you to be get on the case of my reviewers. I don't mind if they don't like what I did to Fox, but it really don't matter to me. I'll just type and be happy. Besides, I don't blame them for being mad, I'd probably be mad at me if I wasn't me.
Obsidian Thirteen
I am not pleased.
FoxMC: That's too bad, I'm sure Marvin the android guy isn't either. Sorry to both.
Cut It Out Of My Soul
Nice chapter. You know, apparently a lot of people don't like Fox dying. I do, because it's something different. Not exactly original, but different. It's also very daring of you to try. Keep up the good work. I knew you were a Sonic lover, because I, my child, am Jesus... or not. Actually, in one chapter, you said that if you wrote another fanfiction, it would MOST LIKELY be Sonic. Anyways, keep writing. If you don't, I will bring you down with the power of Death Metal!
SPIT... IT OUT!
FoxMC: Ya, you're right, Sonic is cool. When I get this over and done with, maybe I'll try my hand at some hedgehog inspired action. Or maybe I should just stick to my guns and keep flyin' with Star Fox. I don't know, haven't had to make that decision yet, but it's coming…
Tie
I believe ya FoxMC...Fox must be dead, but anyway it was a great chapter and even made my eyes wartery from sadness. This seems to be going pretty hard for everyone and Falco.
Here is a little poem I made up:
We've been loyal
We've been true
We'll always be here to review for you.
PS: I know that sounds kinda gay but dont take it that kinda way.
FoxMC: Well, it's original, I can say that much. But I wouldn't call it a poem as much as a cheer of some sort. Like the ones you do at b-ball games or something, but ya, same effect I guess…
Fox McCloudSaviour of Lylat
... Sorry for such hostilities last chapter. I was on a caffine high, trying to think up new ideas for story... But yeah. So I hope you make the end good and emotional so as not to disappoint viewers... Hope you make a sequel... Uh, yeah. Well that's all I got to say. Later.
(P.S. My last post was intended as hate mail. Not flame. Sorry if you took it that way.)
FoxMC: Hey, I don't really care if you hate/flame/wanna kill me. It's no big deal, I thought it was pretty impressive on your part how you were able to type so much profanity in such a small space. And ya, caffeine highs can do that to you, so I can forgive you I guess. As Spock would say, the needs of the many outweigh the…wait. I meant, Live long and prosper!
DragonOTDarkFlame
OOKKAAYY then! HOW do you explain the StarFox Assault game if Fox dies before it even happens? COME ON MAN! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK!
FoxMC: Hey, who said stories had to fit into the real storylines? Besides, wouldn't it be kind of lame if Fox just came back to life? And how in the heck could I even bring him back to life at all? Sorry dude, it was just meant to be I guess…
Yami11
Wow...deep chapter and a really great story, one of the only ones on the site to have me check almost every day for updates. also i'm not as uh, angry,yeah thats it, about Fox being dead and all so yeah keep up the awsome work and Ill see you next chapter :)
FoxMC: Thank you mister Yami for not hating me for Fox's death. At least he's dead and not in the SHADOW REALM where your mind is trapped for all eternity! Isn't that right Yami? Too bad Yugi got fed to the Leviathan thingy, that's too bad, but I have a feeling he'll be ok in the end.
f-zerofan
This is well written, and usually I only read the stories that are written well, so far I only have seen about 5 authors at the most that had written stories well. Anyways I thought that Krystal on traveled the galaxy to find the cause of death for her parents, and in the chapter titled "Remembrance," it states that Krystal's father was murdered in front of her. Another thing, how could a war still continue on Cerinia if Krystal if the only sole survivor of her entire planet. It meantions so in the Instruction Booklet. Still, its well written and I enjoyed reading it.
FoxMC: Thanks for the compliment, but I think I can probably explain myself on those two occasions. How could there still be a war on Cerinia if Krystal was the last survivor? Well, there isn't. The war ended shortly after Krystal escaped, because the rest of the Cerinian's wiped themselves out. Other things helped that too, but I can't tell you right now. Now, how is Krystal still trying to figure out how her parents died if she saw her father die in front of her? Well, she doesn't really know how her mom died, but for her father, it's more a question of why the war started in the first place that caused his death. I don't think she can really understand why a whole war would come about by assembling the scrolls. It's kinda complicated, and I know it doesn't make much sense when I explain it, but there is some story left and I intend to fill whatever holes I have left in the story. Cool…
lombaxworship
hey great story. hes... dead well thst blows but it IS just a story. GREAT U ROCK.
FoxMC: Thanks again, I think that's the third time a person said I rock, but it seems that when I actually start rocking, people get mad and tell me to stop, so ya, thanks anyway.
Black Phoenix
Me again. First off, I want to apologize for my outburst in the last review(I normally don't type the f-word without little signs to censor it.) Second, I KNOW you're gonna bring Fox back.(I just ain't gonna say how I think-er, wait, KNOW-you'll do it.)Either way, this story rocks, dude. But still, if you don't bring Fox back, I'll lose my respect for you.
FoxMC: Well, I guess I can admire the fact that you are still saying that Fox will come back even after I've said he wasn't going to so many times, but whatever, say what you want, I control their destiny! Kind of…
MasterChief101
this is a great story u have to continue.
P.S Fox is dead? NO!
FoxMC: Fox is dead? Yes! Thanks for the compliment, now I have two halo guys reviewing my story…didn't know Xbox kids even cared about Nintendo games…
Looneyman
I can see how upset the Starfox community is about your plot twist. Unless you do something amazing you'd beter brace yourself for some more hatemail, flames etc. Otherwise, this was an interesting chapter. I'm STILL annoyed about you killing fox, that must be the worst move to do. It's like having Bugs Bunny killed in a Looney Tunes Fanfic or Samus dying in a Metroid Fanfic or Pikachu Dying in a POKéMON fanfic or you get the idea. Don't take this as hatemail but I must now hit you with lots of attack points. Sorry
FoxMC: Pikachu dying in Pokemon? That'd be awesome! Anyway, I was fully aware of what people would think when I revealed that Fox was dead, but if everyone did their stories the same way, well, that'd suck. And nice attack by the way, never really seen that much damage done before…