First of all, I deeply apologize for the severe lack of new chapters and the deletion of much of the story that followed. For a while now, I've been stumped over the latest chapter and how to better progress from there. After a lot of thought in consideration, I've decided to start over and redo much of the story. Shuffle around some parts here, added or removed other bits for a better flow.
With that all said and done, I hope to better structure the plot and eventually fully give ya'll the full story.
Fichina
Alse City
"How long has it been...?"
A pair of emerald eyes stares down upon a shot glass as a stream of caramel-colored liquid trickles from a near empty bottle and into the palm-sized cup until reaching the very rims. Their owner, a red vulpine garbed in a white button up shirt and black dress pants, immediately downs the small beverage before laying the empty glass amongst a few others. One would think he was a simple businessman after a tiring day of work. Would that have been true were it not for the blaster holstered on his hip clear for all to see. And yet, tired would be the best way to describe the fox's current state. Dark spots underneath his eyes showing signs sleepless nights and even his attire, while attempts were made to maintain cleanliness, show signs of wear.
Fox McCloud, leader of the once esteemed Star Fox team and hero of the Lylat system.
It was now almost three years since the conflict with the Anglar empire. Almost three years has he wandered aimlessly, slowly bleeding his funds awarded for his efforts. Almost three years it all came spiraling down for him. Star Fox was no more, having been disbanded for good this time. His friends and more close to heart, his old flame, had gone their separate ways. Or more specifically, he had left them. They did not deserve to be bogged by his own woes.
"A toast to a new year, McCloud..."
"Another bottle, Mr. McCloud?" An old gruff voice causes the vulpine's ears to flicker.
A pair of sliding doors flip open and from the other side, an arctic fox steps on out looking to be in his late fifties or early sixties, wiping clean an empty mug in hand with a simple cloth. Such age and occupation belies his appearance, resembling less like a simple bartender and more of a bouncer with muscle partially visible through the white shirt.
Fox kindly waved off the man's offer. He knew well when enough was enough. Better to be sober for when that golden opportunity eventually rears it's head up. Civilian jobs were rather hard to come by for a man of his skills, but it was better off than involving a blaster or being in the seat of a fighter. Unfortunate when offers of the later more often piles up in his emails.
"I'm good, Yoahn. Call it a gut feeling but I think I'll hit something tomorrow." He offered a weak smile as the arctic fox walks on over, taking the empty bottle and glasses.
"Heh... Still searching I see. Hope you find something soon. It feels like every other day, I find you here. Sooner or later, all of those spendings are going to catch up to you."
Upon arriving to Fichina, Fox had taken up residence at a simple apartment on the outskirts of the city not too far from the establishment. Perfect for one who prefers not to be around big crowds. Since then like the old vulpine said, he had became a frequent visitor to his bar; befriending the owner and his wife.
What Fox appreciated with the place was the more old school aesthetics. Unlike other clubs where he had spent many nights in with their many colorful flashing lights, loud music, and huge crowds dancing to the heart pounding beats, here the tod felt as though he was a part of those old detective movies he use to watch during his youth. Those things were a joy back then but in times like now, he needed something a little more tranquil.
Predominantly wooden furniture, dim-light yellow lights, leather seats, and even a juke box playing some slow jazz. For entertainment, a small stage was set up at the corner of the room reserved for a variety of shows. From stand up comedy to simple karaoke night; something Fox himself may have tried out once or twice. The walls were ladened with pictures ranging from simple photos of Yoahn's family to those of personal accomplishments such his daughter's college graduation or a younger version of the man himself in the ring holding up a championship belt.
But most patrons come for one show and one show only. To listen to a song performed by Yoahn's wife and former Miss Lylat, Kiel'va Sadu. Jazz being her preferred genre, the vixen would mesmerize her audience with her melodic voice; sometimes while playing the piano. These days though, the songstress rarely makes an appearance, having to spend much time running her clothing brand. For a woman being around the same age as her husband, it would be unsurprising if she was mistaken to be much younger.
The vulpine had been to a few of her shows and her music, while pleasing to the ears tended to open up a few old wounds. Seeing the old couple happily together, he could not help but feel just a hint of envy. It could have been him sharing such moments had things been different...
But the old vulpine was right though. His credits are near the red zone and he needs to find work soon before it gets deeper in the red.
Pushing himself off of his seat, Fox reaches into his pocket and lays on the counter a few credits before making way towards the door.
"Thanks for keeping the place open late for me, Yoahn. See ya if I'm not back soon.." He reaches for the coat rack, grabbing a brown leather winter coat as the old tod swipes up the credits.
"Just keep yourself out of trouble out there. Just because its the holidays doesn't mean there isn't going to be some rascals out with their shenanigans. And be quick about it. Tonight is going to be the monthly shut down at climate control." He waves the younger tod as he slips on the coat before stepping on out where his face as kissed by a chilling breeze.
Alse City, a place bustling with life by day and peace and quiet at night, working the hours away and ending the day with a toast. It was that time of the year where families, friends, and lovers alike gather to decorate their homes with bright colors, sing songs, feast upon the magic of home cooking, and in the end exchange gifts among themselves. Those that were still out and about were either decorating the already bright city with vivid and appealing ornaments to help brighten the night sky with various colors, buying last minute gifts, or clearing away snow built up from days of snowfall. Typical for a planet where winter is the only season.
In no short of ten or so minutes of trekking through the ever increasing snowfall, Fox would come up to the apartment complex, standing many stories tall and covered in scattered lit windows. Just in time to as the winds began to pick up and followed up be heavier snowfall.
Near the end of every month, the climate control center temporarily shuts down for maintenance; in no doubt partly because of him. Ever since the incident with having forced to nearly destroy the only thing keeping that place from overloading and leaving Fichina a perpetual winter wasteland, the local planetary government had been working on ways to improve power consumption while at the same time, scouring the system for any leftover signs of aparoidation.
Not to mention the dozens of security drones he did end up destroying.
His apartment room being a quite a few floors up, the tod decided to take the lift up. Entering a small circular glass room, he taps a few keys before turning about to gaze down towards the shrinking city below him, taking in the bright colorful lights shining through the harsh snowy wind. The lift comes to a halt at it's destination, opening the doors to a faintly glowing white hallway given off by the lighting. Typical Cornerian aesthetics. Making his way to his room, the tod gives himself one last shake of snow off his person before hanging up the coat off a nearby coat rack.
"Where is that thing...?" He reaches around through the darkness before his hand runs across a small switch which he happily flips up, extinguishing the darkness.
If there was one disadvantage of having a predominantly white aesthetic the Cornerians had, it was the moment there is light, the whole room shines bright enough that it felt like having a flashbang go off in your face for the untrained eye. Other than that, it was a simple one bedroom apartment, having all the necessities.
TV, fridge, a couch, and most importantly a bed. The lack of a table was made up by food stand-like kitchen one would find in the more urban areas of Corneria. One such stand that came to mind was one Falco once introduced the tod to during Star Fox's early days. A slight smile of nostalgia formed around the tod's muzzle as the more fond memories came back to him. From the first time slurping a bowl of hearty spicy noodles to the pair trying to prove who could handle the most heat. Long story short, a certain bird had his head in a bucket of ice and the loss of fifty credits.
Falco Lombardi, as much a free-bird as one can get. Friend and rival, he could always count on him to find the fastest way to get into trouble. And yet despite everything, he stood with him through thick and thin during the Anglar Wars. Even after his... Poor decisions, he was there til the end. As both a parting gift and commitment to leaving his old life, he gave him the Great Fox II much to his and ROB's protest and along with his personal arwing. Last he had heard of the bird, the man had formed a new mercenary group alongside childhood friend, Katt Monroe, and had been taking jobs ever since.
Letting off a long yawn, the vulpine stumbled on to the bedroom where he drops face first upon the neatly made mattress. Turning his head to the side, he squints his eyes as they were bombarded by a ray of light. The curtains were left ajar, allowing for the moonlit sky to pierce through and send a trail of dim light across the room.
Too tired to even bother getting up at this point, the tod simply turned his head the other way and was greeted by something else.
Sitting at the nightstand was a small frame with a picture depicting his friends standing in front of what was left of the original Great Fox. Falco, ROB, Slippy, Peppy, himself, and... The edge of the photo had been folded up, leaving the vulpine's arm cut off.
He knew well what he wanted to hide away. What he didn't want to see staring back at him with what was once pure and gentle eyes.
Saving himself from the heartache that comes with delving too much thought in her, his mind immediately drifted towards the others.
Slippy Toad, Starfox's engineer and childhood friend. A surprise to be sure when out of everyone on the team, he would be the first to tie the knot. Nevertheless, his presence never ceased to lift everyone's spirits throughout the conflict. He remember fondly when he saw on the news where his father, Beltino Toad, had stepped down as director of engineering and appointed his son as his successor. The joyful look on the young frog's face during the announcement was nothing short of contagious.
If there was one thing Star Fox will never be the same without, it was dear old Peppy Hare. A member of the original team and a close friend of his father. In fact, he is the only connection left with the man, having been by his side until his death. After everything the team had went through; the Lylat Wars, the Plight of Sauria, and his reckless attempt of self-sacrifice during the Aparoid invasion, the old man deserved to peacefully retire. And yet, the Creator still has plans for the old hare.
To this day, Fox continues to wish Pepper a full recovery upon hearing of his crippling illness.
Through both hardship and prosperity, such nostalgia forced the tod to at least offer a faint smile before his eyes become too heavy to hold up and drifts to slumber in a slightly more pleasant mood. Just in time as the howling winds pick up and the snowfall growing heavy.
And yet... Try as hard as he might no matter how far he pushes it back... In the end, she will never leave.
"Fox... Fox, it is time to wake up..."
At first the tod would quietly groan, having being awakened from deep slumber. As his enter person begins to boot up per say, the voice calls out to him once again. Soft, gentle, enough to make one's heart melt. Rubbing his eyes, it didn't take long before his mind could process what he is hearing. At the very moment of realization did his eyes widened like dinner plates and immediately jump to his feet which sank slightly into soft white sand.
A cool sea breeze gently blows in his direction as the sound of rushing waves, heavy waterfalls, and rustling leaves fills his ears. Scanning about, he deduced that he woke up in a large cove, surrounded by rock formations reaching many stories high. To his left, he could unmistakably make out what looks like stone walkways leading up to an oh-so-familiar face carved into the stone walls.
Such sight casted away what little doubt left. He has been here before. He knew exactly where he is.
"Cape Claw...? Then that would mean this is..."
The beginning of the best and the worst times in his life. What started as a simple save the world mission on paper became an adventure like no other. Discovering the world's natural and supernatural wonders. Meeting, talking, but mostly fighting dinosaurs ranging from all sizes. From small critters to towering monsters. Even going as far as to convince him without a doubt that ghosts do exist. The one planet he could never forget even if fifty years go by and he was nothing but a senile old vulpine.
"Sauria..."
"You really had me worried there, Fox. I was starting to think that I messed up the ritual somehow and you were never going to wake up."
The voice immediately snaps the tod back from his nostalgia trip and turns towards the source of the voice. Sitting off in the distance beneath the shade of a palm tree, dressed in a simple cyan shirt and gray cargo pants, was many consider as the last surviving Cerinian.
"Krystal...?"
His old flame... One he pushed away for her sake. One who tore at his heart by throwing herself into the arms of his rivals. Perhaps worse even to her own demise. Deemed, The Traitor in the eyes of the Cornerian people, Krystal had left Star Wolf in the midst of their peak of fame without a word and faded away into obscurity. Some say all the guilt had finally caught up and her life ended by her own hands. All the more to skewer his heart knowing that is all she will be known for in Lylat's history and that he was the hand that unintentionally pushed her there.
What a complete fool he had made of himself that day.
He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by another voice. His voice. Resting on her lap was none other than himself dressed in similar attire.
"S-sorry, Krystal. What happened?"
"Well, sleepy head, we were just about done with the bonding ritual when you passed out."
This was a memory and one he recalls well of the details. The Cerinians were taught at a very young age to create a mental barrier to shield themselves from all but the most powerful of psychics from prying. In a bonding ritual, two or more parties would prepare a key of sorts that would grant an outsider access. This was considered the ultimate form of trust within her kin, second only to actual marriage. The process involved a lot of meditation, requiring a clear and tranquil mind, and he may have gotten a little far into the practice.
With her never having actually performed it herself and the fact that it is with someone without psychic abilities, they were unsure what could happen. Could work like a charm or he could end up braindead. Thankfully the later never came to pass. Either way, he was happy and honored to be part of her people's culture and to be able to open more of themselves to each other.
The two foxes shared a laugh and the seemingly invisible vulpine couldn't help but smile as he watches the happy couple.
"Those were better days, wasn't it...?" His ears perked at another voice coming from behind.
Krystal's voice. Bereft of the kind and gentle tone, now replaced with cold and venomous.
As he turns, the entirety of his surroundings had became pitch black save for a beam of light shining down upon him like a spotlight. The source of her voice is nowhere to be seen and yet he could feel she is there, standing in the darkness watching him with hate filled eyes. In fact, it feels as though he is being stared down by dozens of eyes all around him.
"Krystal, is that really you? I just want to talk! I want to apologize... For everything..."
He hoped that by some miracle that the woman he loved is still alive and reaching out to him. A chance to reconcile. Dream or not, the opportunity is too tempting to resist not trying.
The response is far from what he wanted as voices from all around the tod began to echo throughout. All too familiar to him.
"You really screwed that one up!"
"Lucy...?"
"Save it, loser! I don't need your help!"
"The great Fox McCloud at a loss for ideas!"
"Krystal..."
"The Krystal you once knew is gone."
"She is no longer a part of your world!"
"Please stop..."
"You hurt me, Fox!"
"Please... I'm sorry! Just make it stop...!" He reaches up and covers his ears as the vulpine shook about, trying fruitlessly to block out the voices.
"If you've got a message for Krystal, I'll deliver it!"
"This was her plan after all!"
"Make it stop! MAKE IT STOP!"
"And I couldn't be happier with my fantastic new partners!"
The voices finally ceased as Krystal's last words echo throughout the darkness before it too fades away along with the others. Dropping to his knees, he buries his face into his trembling hands.
"I'm sorry, Krystal... I'm so sorry... I shouldn't have been so stupid..."
All alone, the broken vulpine quietly sobs to himself as tears began leaking between his fingers. This was all his fault. His emotions had gotten the better of him and in one simple mistake, had thrown his entire life down. And for what? Her own safety? Even after knowing first hand of her skills as both a pilot and warrior, his fears had clouded his judgement and now continues to haunt him at every turn.
Just as he thought that no more tears could be shed, the vulpine lifted his head just in time to see a silhouette of the cobalt vixen standing at the edge of the spotlight with her back turned towards him.
"You hurt me, Fox... More than you realized that day..." The voice now pained as if sharing his sorrow.
"... I know..." At this point he wasn't sure if it is actually her or just what his mind is telling him.
An echo with every step, he watches as his old flame begins to step out of the light. In a last futile attempt for her attention, he reaches out for the vixen as the darkness slowly engulfs her entire form.
In her place though, something emerges with a faint light that gradually brightens with every step towards him. A figure donning pure white robes with sleeves long enough to obscure it's arms and a slender vulpine-like tail of similar hue. It's face however was covered almost entirely by a black porcelain mask vaguely depicting a fox.
What sent a deep chill down the tod's spine was the figure's eyes or lack thereof. In the mask's eye sockets were pitch black save for a faint white glow around the edges seeping towards the center as if they were black holes.
"Who... Are you...?"
The figure said nothing yet the voices around him came back, no longer of belittlement from those he knew but indiscernible whispers. And yet, there was familiarity with the hushed words being spoken. Something he had not heard since...
His train of thought was immediately shattered as an almost ear piercing screech ring into his ears, similar of that to a certain insectoid race he had fought in the past.
"Argh! Creator, what is that?!" He immediately clutched his ears, unaware of the figure now standing just a foot away over him.
Realizing that the screeching was coming straight from the figure itself, he gazes up to see a pair of tiny yellowish sparks in it's blackened eyes staring straight down into his as a pale hand seemingly stretches out of it's sleeves and reach for him. As if experiencing sleep paralysis, Fox found himself unable to move anything more than just his eyes, leaving him completely at this thing's mercy. Something about it's gaze shakes him at his core to the point his mind races through any answers to it's intentions. Some even painting a vivid and terrifying image in his head.
As though without a mouth and yet he wanted to scream, Fox's only option left was to shut his eyes tight in hopes of waking up from this nightmare.
The vulpine shoots up from his bed with eyes wide open as he find himself back in his bedroom breathing heavily and cold sweat running down his face.
After a couple of light smacks against his face to ensure that he truly was awake and is back in his apartment, the vulpine finds himself wrapping his arms around himself, shivering from a sudden chill blowing in his direction and bits of snow scattered across his bed. He must have forgotten to lock his windows and in his sleep, had been blown open, letting in frigid winds.
"Shit shit shit shit shit...!" With the cold helping skip the drowsiness stage, he immediately ran to pull the windows shut before his bedroom could become a winter wonderland.
With the blizzard shut out once again, the room was left just slightly more damp than he'd like with the snow already melting and soaking the sheets and carpet. In the midst of making runs between the bedroom and the bathroom with handfuls of melting snow, his ears would perk up at the sound of ringing coming from his wrist pda.
"A call...? At this hour?" An unknown number according to caller id. Perhaps fortune finally turned his way.
After wiping his hands with a towel, Fox takes a seat at the driest side of the bed with a finger hovering over the accept button where it remained, unwilling to push any farther.
Hesitation stayed his hand.
Why is he so nervous? He needed the credits and any longer spent without work, he may as well gain a few pounds in all the wrong places. Though timezones vary greatly between planets, the employer should be aware of how late they are calling. That is unless they saw his name and are simply too excited to hire the great Fox McCloud. Part of him felt somewhat glad that he had remained largely forgotten...
Taking in a deep breath, he quickly builds up the courage and hits the accept button. The call took a moment to open before playing that familiar tune that had once came before general Pepper appearing to the team back during the Saurian Crisis. When an image finally appear, the first thing the tod saw is arguably one of the last people he expected to see.
Dressed in a deep red military uniform stood a middle aged hare, showing signs of stress of having to lead an entire nation taking a toll but no less healthy.
"Peppy..."
"Fox... It has been a long time..."
A part of him is relieved to see the old hare again, fairing well considering his new occupation. Another, dread for what would come next. Of all the people he left behind, leaving Peppy had gave him the most regret.
While the vulpine is mentally preparing for the worse, he failed to notice the lone figure standing outside, watching from the rooftop of a building across from his window; robed in snow white and bearing a mask of a fox.