All the battleships on Wolf's side launched their full power, with Wolf and his teammates Leon and Panther striking with their Wolfens. His com-system was abuzz with the confident remarks of his men.

—We got 'em cornered!—

—There's only one battleship on their side; they can't win!—

Wolf sent back encouragement.

—That's it, men! Give 'em blood n' vinegar!—

Back on the Twilight Star, Fox and his team were confused and desperate.

"Amarra, if you don't call on the other ships, we'll be—"

Fox was cut off when the Twilight Star shot down. The ships that were hidden suddenly appeared.

"Lieutenant!"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Open a com-wave to everyone."

The link connected as the battle stopped.

"Cerinian fighters, you heard this Wolf O'Donnell;" she emphasized on his name, "he wants his men to give us 'blood n' vinegar.' Our policy is to give what is expected to be received, or even that which is given. But I leave it to you; do we return the favor or let them pass?"

An uneasy silence settled over. Then, all the captains of each and every ship called out their cry.

"Aiyamaeeeee!"

The cry resounded even after the captains were finished. Krystal knew what they had said, and she whispered the word to her friends. It was clear that they were to get no explanation.

"Death…."

No sooner that she had spoke it, the guns of every ship fired off, destroying all of Wolf's battleships. The Wolfens could be seen flying off, each pilot shocked by what they had seen. Star Fox looked to Amarra. Her entire frame was tight with her ears turned back and every strand of fur on her body standing up. As soon as Star Wolf was out of sight, Amarra calmed down, knowing that her people were safe. She turned to Star Fox, who nearly jumped when she looked at them.

"I'm sorry you had to see that." She sat down, relaxing in her favorite armchair.

"Now then, the fate of Cerinia. You see Krystal, though you were a loyal guardian and friend to me, I could not allow you to see the death of your people. You were the only person we were able to evacuate."

"Why?" By now, Krystal's voice was breaking with sorrow, and tears swam in her eyes.

"Because King Xerxes and his force of Drago-Cerinians descended upon us. Xerxes was the son of King Darius, whom had created a treaty between us. We never even suspected rebellion.

"Xerxes charged upon the capital city of Alma-Dar with such ruthlessness that it was a miracle that anyone was able to escape. Xerxes had built a force so strong that the only choice for survival was a total evacuation of the planet. Riders sped before the death that the Drago-Cerinians brought in order to warn civilians of the danger. But without the Cerinians to keep balance in the planet's natural power, the planet was supposed to be doomed. But Xerxes had managed to save the planet somehow. I cannot help but remember the vow he made as we left our rightful home.

"He swore that all Cerinians would die, even if he had to chase us to Hades and back. But in the time that we have drifted, he has not seemed to follow us."

Krystal could not help but begin to sob. Fox held her close and allowed his shirt to dry her tears. He began to stroke her head, whispering to her. She slowly cried herself to sleep within the warmth of his arms. Fox was just about to take her to her room when Amarra stopped him.

"Fox, I want to thank you for watching over Krystal. She not only protected my life, but she has become a close friend. If I hadn't known that she was safe, then I probably would have lost all will to live."

Fox nodded a silent acknowledgement and left the bridge.

Just then, Beltino's face popped on screen.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"POP! IT'S YOU!"

"Slippy! Oh, thank goodness you're okay. But the ship you're contacting me from isn't Great Fox; what happened?"

"You wouldn't believe it! The Aparoids are all gone; you're bomb worked! Now get a gate opened so I can tell you the rest!"

Fox rounded the corner that lead to Krystal's room. He opened the door and carried her through, feeling a strange sense of dejavu. He shook it loose as he set Krystal down on her bed and tucked her in. He kissed her on the forehead and smiled when she rolled over, apparently dreaming of him as she blushed. With that, Fox turned to leave.

Klang! Rour, rour, rour...

Fox followed the sound to the kitchen. He stopped just as a can halted at his feet. Slowly picking up the can, he proceeded to return it to its place on the shelf. When he turned around, he was stopped by a pair of cold, yellow eyes staring into him.

Thanks for reading my second chapter, and I'm happy with all the stuff I'm getting! I'm sorry it took so long to post this chapter, but I've been swamped with home work! Stay tuned for the next chapter!

Issuldra Moonfang