Death and Redemption - chapter 5
Okay guys and gals, sorry for the long wait. RL has been yanking my chain, yadda yadda, you know how it is.
But the story's back! And Happy New Year!
Our heroes are still in hot water. And Wolf's plans are still mostly unclear, even more so his motives. As for romantic developments, well, not much on that front yet. These things take time. Further in this installment: the plot thickens and some pieces of the puzzle start to become visible. Also Wolf makes good on his promise. Bad things. Corneria's in for a shock.
Enjoy!
(playing: Linkin Park, Steve Aoki remix "A Light that Never Comes")
The past hour had been tense. Wolf had returned her to his room and had told her to wait. She could have protested, could have resisted... but... after his final words she'd thought it best to play along. Bad things. What had he meant by that? She wasn't sure she wanted to find out. So she held her tongue like a good little girl and let him lock her in.
And now here she sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on her knees, staring down at the floor. Thinking. Nursing her anger, trying to stop it from clouding her mind.
If she wanted to beat Wolf, if she wanted to have ANY chance at escape, she needed a clear mind. She needed to be able think. And most of all, she had to get a handle on Wolf, she had to understand him first before trying anything. She had to get into his head.
And that's where she hit a wall.
Literally. When she tried to read his mind, there was just nothing there. It was the shielding she'd encountered before. But figuratively speaking she couldn't read him either. His behavior just didn't make sense, she couldn't figure out why Wolf was doing the things he was doing. Was he toying with her and Fox? Was this all just some elaborate cruel game? And when he tired of it, what was going to happen then, was this all going to end in a blaster to the head?
She sighed. That didn't seem to fit. Wolf didn't strike her as the kind of guy to play it like that. Oh she didn't doubt that he was capable of it. But at the same time she was pretty sure that if he had a real grudge and wanted them dead, they'd be dead already.
But what then?
Was he going to have some fun pushing them around, only to ship them off to Andross for the final chapter in this ill-fated adventure? Was that it?
It was possible.
But was it likely? Wolf had been talkative for some reason. She was intelligent enough to recognize that his actions and words weren't to be taken at face value, they held a subcurrent of something else, she sensed there was a deeper meaning. She was also intelligent enough to understand that nothing Wolf did was random, that was becoming very very obvious. They had so underestimated him. If he was acting in unexpected ways, there must be a reason for it. She groaned, wracking her brain for answers. What did it all mean, what had he been trying to tell her? Or make her understand? Was that it, was he feeding her small bits of information so she'd be able to draw conclusions on her own?
Maybe. She felt like she might be on to something. But was it real or was he just playing her? Perhaps so, but maybe she was just reading too much into this.
She wrung her hands, part frustration, part fear. But she resolutely pushed the fear down. It wasn't helping. Her anger was a much better motivator and helped keep her sharp, so she held onto it.
#########
"Arnis."
"Yes sir?"
"Make sure the Wolfen are on hot stand-by. I want them fueled, armed and ready to launch. Including the spare."
Leon and Panther had left to carry out their orders. Wolf was back in his office, scrolling through his datapad as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Arnis knew him well though and could tell that the mercenary leader was on edge, something was weighing on his mind.
"Sir? Are you expecting imminent trouble?"
Wolf shrugged. "Just in case. Don't want to be caught with our pants down."
His assistant nodded. "Of course sir, I understand." and made a note on his tablet while voicing his mental checklist "All Wolfen to be fully operational and prepped for immediate launch, including master Pigma's fighter."
A heavy silence filled the office. Arnis wasn't a warrior and his senses weren't attuned to danger, so he missed the sudden change in atmosphere.
"Arnis?"
The otter looked up, only to be met by his employer's scowl. In-his-face close. The large lupine had taken a silent step closer and was now looming over him, very much inside his personal space.
"Don't ever mention that fucker's name here again. Understood?"
"Y-yes sir!"
#########
Wolf was still in a foul mood when the doors opened to admit Fox back into the office, followed closely by the guard, Jeremy. The tall tan-furred canine loomed large behind his smaller captive. Two other figures trailed behind them, a feline with spotted tawny fur and tufted eartips, female, and a male avian with a mostly dark plumage, a coal-black coat interspersed with ocher yellow feathers. The two newcomers both carried compact video devices and were recording everything in sight.
Ah, the media team, as ordered. Good.
Fox looked a bit the worse for wear. His burnt-orange fur was disheveled, he'd obviously had a rough time. But the vulpine held himself upright, back straight and green gaze sharp. Defiant. As before they stopped just a few feet in front of Wolf, Jeremy keeping a firm grip on his captive. He wasn't going to be taken by surprise a second time.
Not waiting for Wolf to acknowledge him Fox spoke up, seizing the initiative. He kept his voice level, in an effort to sound reasonable. There must be some way to get through to Wolf, surely he could be reasoned with?
"Wolf. Enough of this, okay? We don't have to be at each others' throats, this can still be fixed, you haven't crossed any lines yet, you can still negotiate for our release with General Pepper and come out on top. You'll be able to present Andross with a victory!" He gestured to underscore his words, the shackles swinging in sync.
Wolf didn't look very impressed. He impassively eyed the vulpine for a few heartbeats, then replied.
"Haven't I?"
Wolf's answer stopped Fox in his tracks, derailing his train of thought. This wasn't what he had expected.
"Eh... haven't you what?"
"Crossed lines, Fox."
Fox frowned, not sure what the lupine was getting at.
"Seems to me I've crossed your precious lines a long time ago. There's no going back for me. Pepper wants me dead." and added, jabbing a sharp claw in Fox's direction "YOU want me dead."
"I don't- "
"Oh really? My actions against Corneria, the countless pilots I've shot down, your father's death, that's all fine with you?"
"..." Each of the dark wolf's words hit Fox like a blow to the chest. His lungs felt constricted. Godsdammit what was it about Wolf that he could so easily get under his skin? Fox felt his control slipping, anger building up again. Wolf's next words only made things worse.
"You still believe in some kind of 'peaceful deal' with the Emperor?" Wolf stepped closer, his gruff voice dripping with sarcasm as he made a quotation marks gesture with both hands to indicate what he thought about the notion of a peaceful deal.
"Y'know what? There IS no fucking deal to be made! It's submit or die, Fox!" he snarled, glaring at his captive. "So which is it going to be?"
Fox finally found his voice and grit out a reply past the pounding beat of his mounting rage.
"Corneria will never submit!"
Wolf huffed a small laugh of derision. "Yeah right." and turned away, sauntering back to his desk while casually adding over his shoulder "Fine by me. They're all a bunch of pricks anyway."
"Take him inside.", he ordered. Jeremy gave a curt "Yes sir." and started to move his captive towards the doorway leading to Wolf's lounge.
"Arnis. We're not to be disturbed, under any circumstance. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
#########
Fox was pushed to the center of the lounge. For all his earlier concern and gentle handling Jeremy was all business again. So much for small mercies, Fox thought to himself, wincing as the guard's claws bit into his shoulders. He had a brief moment to look around and examine the room they were in. Black carpet, black couches, a small bar, a door to his right. No Krystal.
The door he'd just come through closed behind Wolf, locking with an audible 'snick'. The media team had been left in the office along with the assistant, Arnis. Jeremy released his grip on him and took a step back, making room for his employer. Fox turned to face the lupine.
Whose expression didn't give him anything. His tone was surprisingly mild though, nothing like just a few seconds earlier.
"Fox, try to not be an ass. I'm not having the best of days."
Fox gaped. Was this guy serious? "What the hell Wolf? YOU're not having the best of days? What about being shot down, barely surviving a crash and burn, getting captured and dragged in shackles before your worst enemy, hell, getting SHOT!"
Wolf just gazed back at him as he ranted, gray muzzle impassive.
The guy was unbelievable. Fox snarled "Watching helplessly as a teammate is taken away to be ravished?"
"Where IS Krystal, Wolf? What have you done to her?"
He watched as the dark gray wolf took a step forwards, his piercing amethyst stare aimed right at him.
"You done? Got that outta your system, Fox?"
Oh no he wasn't going to take that kind of shit attitude, prisoner or not. His heart was pounding in his chest, the hot beat of anger was throbbing through his veins, threatening to cloud his vision. This was about Krystal and he wasn't going to be jerked around! Already he could feel a red haze closing in.
"ANSWER ME WOLF!"
That earned him a frown. And an unexpected reply. "Give it a fucking rest Fox, shut your yap for a minute."
Wolf turned to the guard "Jeremy, let the lady out of the bedroom."
Wait, what? Fox panted, catching his breath. He narrowed his eyes, suspicious, what was Wolf up to? Jeremy walked up to the door Fox had spotted earlier and knocked, adding a polite "Miss?"
And then opened the door. It hadn't been locked, apparently.
"Krystal?"
"FOX!"
She ran up to him and he barely had time to raise his cuffed wrists before she slammed into him, hugging him tight! He tried his best to hug back but the shackles were in the way. Not that he cared, she looked unharmed, in fact she looked just fine! Relief washed over him, the feeling was incredible.
"Krys, Krys, are you okay?" he spoke against the top of her head because she'd buried her muzzle under his chin, burrowing into the soft fur at his throat.
A laugh. "Am -I- okay? You're the one who got shot!"
She pulled back, a big smile on her face. Probably just as big as his own, he thought.
"How do you even know about that?"
She cut a glance past his shoulder. "Wolf told me."
That name brought back his frown. But Krystal wasn't done yet. Pulling out of his arms she turned to the guard. And to his surprise asked "Are you Jeremy?"
Jeremy blinked in confusion and looked towards his employer for orders. Wolf simply nodded.
"Eh, yes miss."
Fox watched in growing wonder as Krystal walked up to the guard and rested a hand on his arm. In a warm voice she continued "Thank you so much for what you did."
Jeremy blinked again. "For shooting Fox McCloud?"
Krystal giggled. Under the circumstances it was a wonderful sound. Strange, but still wonderful. To Fox it meant she really was okay, Wolf probably hadn't harmed her much if she was feeling good enough for this kind of behavior. At the same time it raised a lot of questions. What had happened while Wolf had held her captive? They'd been together for THREE hours. A LOT could happen in three hours. He grimaced. And what was up with Jeremy?
"No silly, thank you for what you did -after-." she smiled "You took care of Fox, helped him through the pain. I'm very grateful you were there."
Jeremy just stood stock-still, he wasn't used to this. Captives often spoke to him, sure, but it was usually curses, threats, attempts at bribery, that kind of stuff. This was... novel.
Fox's jaw dropped at what Krystal did next. She went on tiptoe and planted a chaste peck on the side of Jeremy's muzzle.
"And a special thanks for standing up to Wolf and defending my virtue."
Jeremy stood rooted to the spot, eyes wide.
Wolf had moved a few paces and stood leaning back against the small bar, elbows resting on the raised counter. His relaxed pose didn't translate into his voice though, it was still level and emotionless. Controlled.
"Yeah. I told Blue about your call. And the chat we had."
Jeremy was looking more and more worried. "S-sir?"
Krystal turned, her expression a mix of disapproval and mischief. "Wolf, stop being a bully. You told me yourself how impressed you were that Jeremy had the courage to call you out."
Fox, by now, had turned and was watching the goings-on, muzzle first turning to look at Krystal and Jeremy, then at Wolf, and back again. This was surreal. What were they talking about? And why were they acting so... almost friendly?
Wolf just smirked, a hint of a smile creeping onto his muzzle. "Yeahyeah. Stop corrupting my men, you hussy. Jeremy?"
"Sir?"
"The girl's right. We're good, no worries." He reached back behind the bar and took a moment to pour himself a drink. "And as you can see, she's not been harmed."
Jeremy nodded, his relief apparent. "Sir. Thank you sir."
"Oh and Jeremy."
"Sir?"
"Give the lady the key."
Fox blinked. What was going on here? Did Wolf mean the key to his cuffs and shackles? Really?
Jeremy did as ordered, pressing the small key into Krystal's palm, with a flash of a smile. Wolf took a sip of his drink and spoke up again. "Jeremy, a word in private. Blue, why don't you go and release your Fox from his bonds?"
If Krystal resented his new nickname for her she didn't let it show. With a nod of acknowledgement and a small smile she moved back to Fox, kneeling down to start unlocking the shackles around his ankles.
When Jeremy had joined him Wolf spoke quietly, calmly watching as Krystal freed Fox. "Jeremy, I value your loyalty. And I respect that you had the balls to speak your mind." Jeremy nodded, listening attentively. "Just don't ever do it where anyone else can hear or I'll be forced to take action. Understood?"
It was a clear warning. Wolf couldn't afford to have his men question his decisions in public, even if he valued their honest opinion in private. It could be a signal to others that his control wasn't as total as he'd like them to believe. It would undermine his leadership and that could lead to trouble. He couldn't allow that to happen.
"Understood sir. And if I may..." Jeremy looked uncomfortable, but forged on "I'm honored to serve under your command sir."
Wolf understood what he meant. But under the circumstances he could only grimace, he couldn't rightly accept the compliment knowing what he was about to do in a few hours. But he couldn't tell the guard that, now could he? Jeremy's faith in him was going to be put to the test, and harshly so. Stifling a small sigh he replied "Jeremy."
"Sir?"
"Things are gonna get rough around here. Don't believe everything you see or hear in the next few days. Understood?"
Jeremy looked confused. "Er, no I don't understand. But I'll bear that in mind sir."
Wolf nodded "Fair enough. Dismissed, go get some downtime."
Jeremy glanced aside at Fox and Krystal. If Wolf was confident he could control the two captives by himself, who was he to question that? "Yes sir."
"And not a word to anyone about what you saw here."
Jeremy nodded and left, as ordered. Wolf secured the door behind him.
#########
He turned back to the room, only to be met by two pairs of eyes, watching him intently. Fox's candid green that hovered somewhere between jade and emerald, offset by Krystal's vibrant blue that held the middle between cerulean and turquoise. He huffed a breath. Panther's pansy-speak and expensive words were rubbing off on him. Fuck. That just pissed him off. He folded his arms across his chest and shot them a glare, expression darkening.
"What are you two staring at?"
Wolf's frown deepened when they didn't immediately answer him.
"What, want some alone-time? Bedroom's right over there, be my fucking guest!" he growled, stalking back to the bar to retrieve his drink, ears pinned back in anger.
Krystal squeaked an embarassed "Wolf!" and blushed, taking a small step away from Fox. Fox on the other hand just looked suspicious, oblivious to Krystal's reaction.
"Holy shit Wolf, what's gotten up YOUR ass? You going to tell me what in the heck is going on here?"
It's true that Wolf was tense. And in a bad mood. He wasn't looking forward to the next few hours but he wasn't going confess that. Instead he just turned back and took a swig of his drink. Self-medication? Fuck yes.
"Well pup, since you mention it, I was planning on bending you over that couch over there and showing you some genuine Sargasso hospitality."
His hostile stare matched his words. It was intimidation, pure and simple. With a dash of mockery and disdain. Wolf was being a dick and knew it but didn't care. He needed an outlet for his stress and Fox had the misfortune to be the focus of his wrath. Hell, he was the perfect victim to torment.
His eyes narrowed as he noticed something. Was that a blush on Fox's muzzle? No way. No fucking way. Hahah this was precious. He couldn't resist. Blood in the water and all that.
"Oh for fuck's sake Fox, did that sound good to you, you like it when I talk dirty?" he smirked "You getting a rise off've this? Is that a flashlight in your jumpsuit or are you eager for some rough riding?"
That earned him an outright snarl and a "Dammit Wolf!". Which only made his smirk widen. Coming from McCloud that display didn't make much of an impression on him. He'd faced down much much worse predators. Real monsters. And walked off to live another day.
Fox had a point though, he thought, his smirk slowly fading. He WAS being a dick and it was getting kind of old. Krystal's reproachful gaze only served to underscore that. Taking his anger and angst out on Fox was below his dignity, he realized. Worse, it was a sign of weakness, grr. So suck it up and do what has to be done Wolf, like you always have. You've had your childish fun, now get back to business.
He nodded to himself, concluding his inner dialogue. Taking a breath he slowly huffed it out, hand raised in a placating gesture.
"Okay okay, let's rewind and start over." he started, and added "I'm not giving you to Andross, alright? THAT's what all this is about."
A nagging little voice reminded him that he wasn't telling the whole truth. Well fuck it, one step at a time. And it wasn't as if the girl could read his mind, so he could get away with it for now.
Fox couldn't let it go of course. The suspicious frown was back.
"What? I mean, great, thanks even, but why would you do that? You'd be risking... " Fox paused while he thought things through. "... lots. What do you stand to gain by going against Andross' orders? This doesn't make sense Wolf, stop lying!"
He shrugged, expression closing down. "Believe what you want. I have my reasons."
"Not good enough!"
Wolf's lip twitched in the start of a snarl. What was it with Fox that he could so easily get under his skin? So he growled back.
"Well it's all you're getting now! Be a good little soldier and I might tell you more." The way he said it didn't leave any room for negotiation. Krystal heard it too and understood that the conversation was stonewalled if nothing else happened. Ugh, men and their cursed egos.
"Wolf...?"
He turned his frown her way.
"What is it Blue?"
She started cautiously "Wolf, you have to admit that all this is a bit... surprising." She paused a moment to be sure she had his attention. His one eye was trained on her and that's about all she got. The frown was gone but... no expression, no body language. He wasn't telegraphing any emotions at all. Talk of a level stare. Damn.
"No offense, but... we both expected to be treated badly." she bit her lip, then gathered her courage and forged on "Wolf, we fully expected that this was it, that this was the end of the line. That we wouldn't survive." She saw something in his expression, and added "That we'd DIE here."
Krystal was an empath. But being an empath was only useful if you had a understanding of psychology, of how peoples' minds and emotions worked. It was like having a strong sharp blade. If you didn't know how to make proper use of it, if you didn't train and become proficient with it, it was just so much inert steel. Useless. And Krystal HAD been trained, extensively. So even if she couldn't catch Wolf's feelings through her telepathic powers, she still had enough knowledge and experience to get a handle on his thoughts through more conventional methods.
She used that knowledge and experience now. Wolf was a hardened mercenary, a tough rogue, a resourceful warrior. That much she could see and had experienced first hand. But in most peoples' eyes he was also a traitor, a remorseless thug, a cold cuttthroat killer. His paws were covered in the blood of innocents, Corneria would have them believe. Krystal had been together with him for less than a day and had already caught enough glimpses of the real Wolf O'Donnell to cast serious doubt on that image.
Behind the gruff mask there was an intelligent person. Fierce, uncompromising, willful, dominating? Driven? Sometimes infuriating? Yes to all of those. And at the same time she had reason to believe there was more to him, layers she hadn't yet uncovered. There were things he cared deeply about, values that he held dear, she just wasn't exactly sure yet what they were. She'd seen evidence of a kind of loyalty. In that sense the exchange with the guard, Jeremy, had been telling. And his behavior just now, there was something that was troubling him. She'd seen him force it back, get it under control but she wasn't fooled. It was still there.
Fox was looking from one to the other, recognizing the strange rapport between the two that he'd noticed earlier. Wolf's anger seemed to melt away when talking to Krystal. And Krystal... she seemed to know how to handle him. Was she reading his mind, or his emotions, and was that her key to success? Yeah that must be it.
Wolf took a shaky breath. He hoped neither of them noticed how deep Krystal's words had struck.
"Blue... I'm not going to hurt you. I am not going to kill either of you." his gaze shifted to Fox, with a return of the frown. "Even if you're fucking irritating." Fox silently glared back.
"I'm just... " He glanced down at his drink, frowned, then finished it off in one fiery gulp and looked back at them. "... it's something I gotta do, okay?"
It was very uncharacteristic for Wolf to behave like this. There was something so guileless in his look that it struck a chord in her. Something had happened, something that had become a milestone in Wolf's life, something so significant that he was willing to go to extremes to redress the balance. And refusing to deliver them to Andross was part of that.
On top of that she'd caught a flash of hurt, of pain. It was only brief and Fox had most likely missed it. But she was better attuned to Wolf now.
She took a small step forwards and carefully continued. "Thank you... that's more of a reassurance than you've given me all day." she added with a smile "Although, after you -"
Fox interrupted. "You expect us to believe a bullcrap explanation like that?"
She grimaced and bit back a sharp comment. Couldn't Fox be quiet for a moment? She was making progress here!
Wolf growled. "I don't expect you to believe anything, McCloud. You want to live? Right now Star Wolf is your only fucking hope."
He glanced at his comm, checking the time.
"Now take your clothes off."
#########
"You want us to WHAT?"
Wolf huffed and cut Krystal a glance before focusing on Fox again.
"No, just you."
Fox was outraged. "Are you out of your mind Wolf? If you think for a moment that I'd ..." Fox's words trailed off as he noticed that the lupine had drawn his heavy blaster and was silently adjusting its settings. "Wolf, what are you doing?"
Wolf shrugged.
"Am figuring I should just stun your ass and save myself all the fucking aggravation." His tone was businesslike, calmly matter-of-fact.
In the sudden silence Krystal stepped forward. They were at it again and she had to stop these two hotheads before someone got hurt. And she thought she had a way to do that. Something had been nagging at her, had been in the back of her mind. Now was as good a time as any to put it to the test.
"Wolf... you didn't just save us from Andross for any random reason. You have a purpose. You need us for something."
He shot her a sharp look.
"You... " she took a breath. "Look, Wolf, if you want someone's cooperation it's a lot easier to get it if they understand WHY, instead of just forcing them to do your bidding."
His expression clearly showed her what he thought of that notion. He was still listening though, he hadn't interrupted her yet. She could see he was thinking, was actually considering her argument.
"So... please... explain to Fox why you want him to ahh... that." She blushed. And sincerely hoped Wolf DID have a good reason for wanting Fox to strip and wasn't just acting out some sordid powerplay fantasy. Oh goddess. That would be bad.
Wolf sighed and pinched the bridge of his muzzle, silently counting to ten. Then, much to Krystal's relief, holstered his blaster.
"Alright, fine." He turned to Fox. "That little display out there in the office, have you understood the why of that yet?"
Getting only blank stares, he elaborated "Andross' eyes are everywhere on this station. He has cameras almost everywhere, including my office. You still with me?"
They nodded.
"I can't just outright refuse him, you understand. He can force me to hand you over, he has that power." Wolf growled, clearly unhappy at having to admit that. Not waiting for them to comment he continued "So I have to mislead him. He has to believe that I have a plan, a plan to hurt Corneria, a plan to put Pepper and his lackeys in their place."
He looked pointedly at them.
"Which I do. And you two are going to help me."
Fox bristled. Krystal opened her mouth to reply but Fox beat her to it.
"NO WAY Wolf! You think we're going to help you with something like that? You're out of your mind!"
Wolf didn't seem offended, as if he'd expected that reaction. Which he probably had.
"Even if it means your survival?" he narrowed his eye "Even if it means getting a chance at Andross?"
THAT got their attention.
#########
"You sure you transferred my moneys?"
The voice was slightly nasal and off-key, as if the owner was speaking an octave higher than their vocal chords were intended for. Nervous maybe, or naturally high-strung.
"You saw the transaction log." Leon's reply was as dry as the deserts of his home planet.
"Yeah but I'm not gettin' swindled here, no way. Remember, all I hafta do is open my yap and Wolf's game is up, dontcha forget!"
Panther was trailing their talkative companion, bringing up the rear of the small group.
"Panther advises you caution, Jared. Wolf is not as patient as Leon and I, and will most certainly not take kindly to threats. Nor will he much enjoy your incessant verbal deluge."
Jared stopped and turned, looking offended. "My what? What did you just call me?"
Panther stifled a groan. "Just keep going, we are already close to running late." and gave him a shove. Jared stumbled back and shot the feline a death-glare before turning around to resume walking.
"You better be nice to me, you need me cat!"
They continued on through a narrow passageway and onto a causeway that ran between heavy bulkheads that separated two of Sargasso's six major compartments. Lights were few and far between down here but Leon knew the way since this was part of a network of old maintenance corridors that Star Wolf used to move around the station unseen by Andross' watchful eyes. It was cramped and claustrophobic. The two Star Wolf members weren't bothered but the figure walking between them was not nearly as calm. And apparently needed the sound of his own voice to keep his angst at bay.
"What the hell's this about anywayz? Yeah I know whatchas all told me and I'll stick to the plan but what's the point? I don't get it."
"Mmm that is none of your concern for now. In time you will understand." Panther growlpurred.
"Yeah but, like, is there any chance at a repeat performance? Coz I'm liking the pay just fine! If Wolf needs me for a next round I'm game, just hit me up!"
Leon actually smiled. And behind him, in the darkness, Panther's toothy grin shone white.
"We will keep that in mind, Jared. But Panther does not think there will be a repeat performance."
#########
"Okay, this still doesn't make sense." Fox was pacing, finally rid of his restraints. "You're saying all the aggro we had to go through was just an ACT, that everything you said and did was just set up to fool Andross?"
"No."
"What?" his head snapped around, green gaze pinned on the wolf "What do you mean, "no"?"
"I mean not all of it was an act. You really DO irritate the fuck outta me." Wolf smiled evilly, a twinkle in his eye.
"Aagh!" Fox ran his fingers through his cheekfur, trying to stay calm. Wolf was so infuriating! "Look Wolf, quit playing around, I see what you're doing and it's NOT going to work! I'm not going to let you bait me anymore!"
Wolf just raised an eyebrow. He did 'sardonic' really well, Krystal thought, and bit her lip.
"So say, for argument's sake, we do this. Whatever THIS is, since you haven't told us yet!" he resumed his pacing, arms gesticulating "Why would you want to help attack Andross? He's your ticket to success, if he wins you'll be top dog in his post-apocalyptic dystopian totalitarian dictatorship!"
A frown. "Holy shit Fox you're starting to sound like Panther, cut it out. It's bad enough I have ONE wingman who farts haiku and sounds like a walking thesaurus."
He shot Fox a smug look that said 'yeah I know big words too'. Krystal stifled a giggle.
"Answer the question Wolf!"
The lupine's expression darkened. Why did he even tolerate this kind of backtalk, and on his own turf no less, was it all really worth it? He didn't shove them out of the nearest airlock when he could have done so, right? The pup should be grateful! Ah fuck. If only Fox was more like his father. He had the looks, sure, but not yet the experience to be the iconic figure who had been an example to so many. The potential was there though.. well, maybe. In time he might grow to fill James' boots. If he didn't get his sorry ass killed first. The thought of James McCloud sobered him. Yes. Yes it was worth it. And even if it wasn't, it was something he just had to do.
So he merely shrugged, looked away, and answered a half-truth. "Am protecting my business interests."
"You're lying!"
Wolf turned back and snarled, pushing off from the bar against which he had been leaning. "I am NOT!" his hackles were raised and his claws were out, a clear sign he was on the verge of violence.
Krystal stepped between them.
"Stop it you two! Enough!"
She clearly had had her fill of their bickering and was angry now, her luxurious blue tail all bushed out. Both males froze.
She turned to her teammate. "Tone it down Fox! Wolf may not be very gracious about it but he IS offering us a chance! That's more than we had when we got here! And I know what you really think of him... " she tapped her temple for emphasis "... you've always seen him as a rival and not so much an enemy. You don't hate him, you respect him! Heck Fox, every time you go against him in a dogfight I can feel your happy anticipation, he's like your favorite ice-cream!"
Wolf slow-blinked, as did Fox. They shared a wide-eyed look. Whoa, visuals.
Krystal wasn't done yet though. She turned to Wolf "And you, mister!" she poked a finger against his chest "You're not much different! You both need to control your egos, goddess, if you worked together you'd be unstoppable! But instead you're acting like two little kids!"
Wolf hmph'd and looked off to the side, folding his arms across his chest again, a stubborn expression on his muzzle. Fox ran a hand through his neckruff, looking properly scolded.
"Ehh... okay Wolf, Krys has a point, let's-"
Just then the door to the secret passageway clicked open and they all turned to look. Leon came into view, eyes unreadable, followed by Panther who was guiding a third person into the room, his big black paws gripping the figure's shoulders.
Krystal gasped.
Fox's jaw dropped.
"What the- ? But that's... that's ME!"
#########
"Nice, Leon." was Wolf's only comment.
The new vulpine's snarky voice assaulted their ears. "Hahah hey Foxy, surprised?" he said with a wide grin and stepped closer to Krystal "Imma gonna be YOU! Does this mean I get to bed the babe too?"
Fox and Krystal were still speechless. Leon was silent and shifted to stand next to Wolf. Panther... well, Panther growled low and made a move towards Jared, in full stalking mode, murder in his eyes.
Wolf cleared his throat. Panther froze. In the sudden silence Wolf's voice was calm and authoritative.
"Panther, I keep my promises, so take a moment to say hello to Krystal. Fox and..." he paused and turned to Leon "What's the guy's name?"
"Jared."
"Fox and Jared, strip and exchange clothes."
Fox shot him a look but finally seemed to understand what the plan was. And accepted it, for now. That was good, Wolf thought, and watched impassively as the vulpines started to take off their clothes. Jared was openly enthusiastic, smirking and shooting looks toward Krystal as if to say, 'like what you see?' while Fox on the other hand was less enthused. His undressing was slower and he chastely kept his back turned to his blue-furred teammate. They got down to their briefs and Fox hesitated.
Wolf raised a brow. "Everything."
Fox rolled his eyes and dropped his boxers, muttering.
Over his head Krystal and Wolf shared a glance, the latter's lip curling up in a half-smirk. In answer he got a an admonishing frown, which only added to his mirth.
As the two males finished stripping and exchanged clothes, Leon laid a hand on Wolf's arm and drew him aside out of hearing range. Leaning close he spoke quietly. "Illicit cargo, he broke your laws. I had plans for him."
"What kind of cargo?" Wolf responded, equally quiet.
"The kind you really really hate."
Wolf's expression hardened and he cast Leon a sidelong glance. "You sure about that?"
"Oh yes."
"And the cargo?"
"Safe. We're analyzing his ship's logs to determine points of origin and intended buyers. We've got about half so far. When we've got them all we'll follow procedure." and added, a after a moment's hesitation "Well, as soon as possible, under the current circumstances."
Wolf nodded, expression still grim "Well done. And Leon?"
The chameleon turned his head a fraction to angle one eye towards Wolf.
"Thank you."
Leon knew exactly what Wolf meant. They had been together for so many years now that they only needed one or two words to convey complex context or meaning. In this case it was both. That Wolf actually voiced his thanks was rather unique and was a clear indication of the depth of his gratitude.
His tone didn't change, nor did his expression, but Leon new better. He nodded curtly in reply and that in itself carried meaning. He was Wolf's lieutenant and would do everything to protect his lord, it said, he had his back covered. But in this case it wasn't that simple. They both knew he couldn't totally shield Wolf from damage but Leon could damn well make sure that his wounds would be as shallow as possible. And for that Wolf was grateful.
Panther meanwhile had his own matters to attend to. He unsubtly shouldered Jared out of his path and approached his target.
"Ah... the lovely Krystal" he purred. "Words do you no justice, my dear. I am Panther Caroso, at your service." and before she could react he had raised her hand to his lips and had planted a not-so-chaste kiss against her fur, his lemon-yellow eyes never leaving hers. Was that a touch of tongue, Krystal thought? Oh ick.
"Um. Pleased to meet you... Panther, is it?" Not for the first time she regretted wearing her skintight flightsuit. She felt decidedly uncomfortable but tried her best not to let it show.
"Indeed it is, my dear.". He didn't release her hand. Things were quickly becoming awkward.
Wolf's voice cut through the 'moment'. "Panther."
Panther flicked an ear but didn't take his eyes from Krystal, nor did he release her hand. Wolf's eyes narrowed, that was verging on disrespect. He showed his teeth and raised his voice, with a hint of a snarl "You had your two minutes now back the FUCK off!"
The feline's eyes widened and his ears folded back against his skull. Wolf's harsh command tone reached deep inside and he hastily took a step back, a look of confused hurt crossing his blunt muzzle. Why was Wolf lashing out at Panther like that? He'd seen Panther make moves on females countless times before and his only reaction then had been mild distaste or total disinterest. Now though... What made this so different? Did he want the Krystal for himself? He grimaced and backed further away, much to Krystal's relief.
In the meantime Fox and Jared had finished exchanging outfits.
"Blue." There was still a hint of a growl in his voice.
Her eyes were still on Panther, wary. "Yes Wolf?"
"Would you be so kind as to get those shackles and cuffs on... Jared, was it?" The fox in question nod-nodded and Wolf continued before he could resume his irritating jabbering. "Make sure the restraints are attached in exactly the same way as they were on Fox." and received a businesslike nod from Krystal. She was on it.
Wolf took a breath. So far so good.
"Fox."
He received a 'look'.
Wolf bit down on a sharp retort, controlling his temper. It wasn't easy, there was a cold knot in the pit of his gut and his nerves were crawling under his pelt. Time was counting down and with every second that ticked away he got that much closer to the next phase of the plan. "Go with Panther. He'll set you up with a false identity and living space, cash, you get the idea. He'll also make sure you're unrecognizable."
Forestalling the question he saw on Fox's lips he continued. "Work with him Fox. We can't afford the smallest slip. This has to be perfect. Understood?"
Maybe it was the tone of his voice, maybe it was the silent appeal in Wolf's expression, but Fox didn't protest or whine. He just asked "And then?"
"Tomorrow we'll have time to catch up." and added, uncharacteristically "I promise."
Fox stared at him for a moment... and then turned to Krystal.
"You okay with this?"
She closed the distance between them and rested a hand against his chest. "He hasn't hurt me so far, Fox. I'm full of questions too but... " she shot a glance at Wolf and breathed a small sigh "this feels like the right thing to do."
Fox knew Krystal's 'feelings' were rarely wrong. At the same time it bugged the hell out of him that he was totally powerless while Wolf effing O'Donnell was calling all the shots. That wasn't the way things were supposed to be. Star Fox always won, right? Just you wait Wolf. Your time will come.
Fox kept his thoughts to himself and silently turned to follow Panther down the secret passageway, but not before giving Krystal's hand a gentle squeeze.
#########
And then there were four.
Wolf eyed the now-cuffed and -shackled Jared.
"Good job Leon. The eye color's brown but I can work around that. And he doesn't sound anything like Fox. But apart from that he's a perfect likeness. You dye his hair?"
"Yes. And hands, feet and tailtip, also trimmed his fur here and there."
Wolf nodded. It really was a good job, and on such short notice even.
"Blue. I need you and Leon out of sight for this next bit. Jared and I are going to meet the media."
Krystal digested that information and stared. "Wolf... you can't be serious. This... person " she said it with obvious distaste "can't possibly pass for Fox!" She moved to Wolf's side, while keeping her eyes on the other vulpine. "The moment he opens his mouth the game will be up. You know that, right?"
Wolf just shrugged.
Jared chose that moment to pipe up. "It's okay babe! They's gonna computer-edit the final cut, Leon told me so, 's no big deal!"
Wolf cast her a sidelong glance "See?" but Krystal wasn't buying it. Something felt off here. Leon was impassive as usual. No clues there either. All he said was: "We need to get out of sight. Come on." and preceded her towards the bedroom. Krystal took a long look at Wolf, a pensive frown on her brow, but got nothing in return. She pursed her lips and followed Leon.
That left just Wolf and the fox, Jared.
#########
Leon locked the door behind him and finally let his long whip-like tail lash freely, a clear sign of agitation. Krystal had walked past him and had taken up position at the foot of the bed, keeping a healthy distance between herself and the chameleon. Being alone in a room with Leon Powalski was not her idea of a safe situation. She knew his reputation.
From the other side of the bed Leon eyed her. She didn't know him well enough to understand his facial expressions and body language but she got the impression that he was angry about something. So she just asked.
"What's wrong?"
"What's wrong? What's WRONG?!" During their encounters in space his voice had always sounded shrill to her, edgy somehow. It was worse now, like chalk on a blackboard. She grimaced and folded her ears back. Whatever was bothering him must be something major. His mind gave her nothing except cold reptile rage. A chill ran down her spine.
She was feeling less safe by the minute. But she needn't have worried, Leon was on a rant and barely took notice of her.
"Wolf should have just spaced the both of you and been done with it! Ghah but instead he's got this stupid notion that he can get away with anything! That he can fix everything! He's an idiot, a malakka-g'un-dashi!" he finished on a screech-like curse.
Krystal grimaced, okay that was just plain painful. And that last bit, was that zonessian slang?
"And YOU!"
She took a step back and wrapped her arms around herself. Uh oh. Here it comes.
"I'm not blind, I can see what's happening! You're using your feminine wiles to cloud his mind! Or your mind powers! Or BOTH!" Was his hand inching towards his blaster? She had to do something, fast.
"Leon, STOP!"
"Wolf's done nothing but intimidate me all day! He had me chained to his damn bed and got close and personal enough to breathe down my cleavage! I've never been so scared in all my life, he even HIT me, he's been a total bastard!"
That wasn't the whole truth but she figured it's what Leon needed to hear. That Wolf had also been half-way friendly and, in his own rough way, considerate, was not something that would help her here. And she wasn't going to say anything about Leon's 'femine wiles' comment either, surely he wasn't serious?
"For all I know he's still planning to dispose of us after we've served his purpose, whatever THAT is! He hasn't told us ANYthing, we're totally in the dark and honestly Leon, it's downright TERRIFYING!"
That seemed to give him pause. She couldn't detect any motion, he was unnaturally still. His obsidian eyes were staring straight at her. It was unnerving.
When he spoke though, he sounded calmer. Still very intense, but calmer nonetheless. She breathed a silent sigh of relief.
"You don't know Wolf. You know nothing about him." It sounded almost reproachful.
"He's a survivor." Leon took a breath and looked down, lowering his voice. "But he's also a dreamer." He looked back up at her. "That combination is what's kept him alive all these years." His voice rose again. "In spite of everything that has happened, everything that's been done to him!"
Krystal was silent, watching his every move. She didn't understand everything Leon was referring to but it seemed wisest to not question him at the moment. Let him get this out of his system. She might learn something useful, something that could help them escape.
Leon shook his head in wonderment "In spite of everything he's still hopeful." as if he couldn't comprehend how such a thing was possible. His tone hardened. "We had a plan. Alright, it was an insane plan but it had a chance of being succesful! And then you two just had to come along. That wasn't random, it's karma of the WORST kind! Fox will be Wolf's undoing, the bones are clear! They both know it too. And Wolf seems to be okay with it, even seems to welcome it!"
Whoa, this was getting weird. Was Leon unhinged?
"Oh I know why. I know why he's like this. But dammit I thought he'd gotten over that!" Leon was pacing now, short jerky motions, two paces to the left, turn, two to the right. Was he still talking to her or to himself? She had no idea.
"This is going to end badly. Fox will never trust him, he'll never understand, he'll never forgive! Fox will fail him. The plan will fail and no one will ever know how close we came to success! Worlds will burn, corpses will be piled high, blood will run like rivers! If Corneria manages to survive they'll pat themselves on their backs and congratulate each other on having weathered this terrible crisis. Not knowing how close they came to avoiding it altogether, how close WE came! But Star Wolf will be dead by then. Gone!"
He turned to her and pointed, one slim green finger aimed straight at her.
"Knowing your luck, you and Fox will rise from the devastation and be welcomed as heroes. And that will be the greatest injustice of all."
He said something else but she couldn't catch the words, his voice had dropped to a dark muttering. She could pass this off as the ravings of a madman, she thought. Shrug it off as delusions of an unhinged criminal. Too easy, she thought. All their intel suggested that Leon was highly intelligent.
She took a gamble. Dangerous but it was the only way to get more information.
"Is that what your bones tell you?"
A hit. His head snapped up and he narrowed eyes at her. "You want to meet my bones? Perhaps add some of your own to my collection?"
Oookay, that was too close for comfort. Time to try something else.
"I'm just trying to understand, Leon. Wolf hasn't told us anything yet. How can we even begin to trust him when we know next to nothing? You can't just expect us to put years of animosity behind us, surely you can see that?"
Maybe if she appealed to his reason she'd have more success.
Leon pursed his lips, as if giving her appeal consideration. For a moment she thought she'd get some answers but then he half-turned away, muttering "That's Wolf's call. If he hasn't told you then that's because it's not time yet."
He turned back. "But I will tell you this. You have no idea of the lengths he's already gone to. And how far he's still willing to go."
That just didn't make sense. Did Leon mean in the past? Or in the future?
Leon's next words chilled her to the bone.
"Like right now."
Had he read her mind? That wasn't possible, right? She'd notice. It must have been one of those freak coincidences. Still, her heart had almost leapt out of her throat.
Leon picked up a remote from the bedside table. On the wall across from the end of the bed was a large viewscreen and he switched it on. Krystal turned to watch, wondering what Leon was up to. No sound, just image, and something that seemed like a news report. A pale snow leopard was talking into the camera. At the bottom of the screen was a simple notice, reading "Breaking news".
She turned questioning eyes towards the chameleon but he he just pointed the remote at the screen.
"Watch."
The image shifted to a view of... she knew that room. It was Wolf's office. Wolf himself wasn't in sight, all she could see were the door to the lounge, Wolf's desk and the assistant, the well-dressed mustelid. Arnis, she remembered. He was talking to someone off-camera.
Suddenly the door to the lounge burst open and a tangle of gray and orange fur tumbled through, locked in a violent embrace. They slammed into the desk, gray on top, she saw claws and Wolf's fangs flash white and... oh, oh goddess! Krystal raised a hand to her muzzle and stared, eyes wide, watching in mounting horror as events unfolded. Blood. There was so much blood. She blindly stumbled back and the bed hit the back of her legs, causing her to sit down.
The sudden jolt snapped her out of her shocked trance and she turned to Leon, tears in the corners of her eyes. "Turn it off! For heaven's sake Leon, TURN IT OFF!" she yelled. The chameleon's expression held something between glee and rapture, whether it was for the gruesome scene on the viewscreen or for her obvious distress, she wasn't sure. But after a second or two he did as asked and the horrific scene was extinguished.
Krystal was panting, chest heaving, still staring at the now-black viewscreen, trying to rid herself of the afterimages. That... that must have happened while she was talking to Leon, right next door, only a few meters away, oh spirits, how could she not have heard or felt anything, how...
The door to the bedroom abruptly opened and she whipped her head around. Wolf. Covered in blood.
He didn't look at her. Didn't look at Leon. Just turned left and headed straight for the bathroom, stumbling into the doorjamb in his haste to get inside, leaving a smear of red against the light gray metal.
Leon cast her a look.
"NOW do you understand?"
#########
"So you're Jared."
"Yeah that's me! We ready to rock?"
"In a moment. Are you clear on what's expected of you?"
"Yeahyeah, been through that with Leon, I just look sullen an stuff and only say" and here he pitched his voice low, in a ludicrous attempt at Fox's tone "Fox McCloud, leader of mercenary team Star Fox, serial number 7635 dash 195643." It sounded nothing like Fox.
"Six four seven."
"What?"
"Fox's serial number ends on six four seven, not six four three."
"Oh. Oh, sorry, I'll remember!"
Wolf didn't seem impressed.
"You a successful businessman then, Jared?"
"Oh I get by, you know how it is, a bit of trade here, a bit of smuggling there..."
"Like kids much, Jared?"
"Kids? Haha oh hell no, no kids for me! I'm a free spirit, nobody's gonna ball an chain me down with half a dozen drooling little sprogs that do nothin' but eat and poop and whine and -"
"But they're fine for trade, hm?"
"Ah heheh yeahhh... about that, you not still mad are ya? I mean, I know you don't allow it but hell, the profit margin's incredible y'know, even if y'lose a few along the way, doesn't make sense y'd be against it, I'd be happy to cut you in for a fair share, no problem, whaddaya say? We're good, right? You still have 'em?"
Jared was slowly backing away. He must have seen something in Wolf's expression. Or his brain was finally catching up.
"To answer your question, no we're not good, Jared. We're not good at all."
"Wh-what do you mean...? Wolf, don't -" Another step back.
Don't hesitate. Act.
Jared didn't even see him move. One moment he was standing there, the next Wolf slammed into him and brutally bounced him off the door behind him. His head hit hard, dazing him.
Eyes. Wrong color.
Claws flashed. Two vicious diagonal rakes that left Jared's eyesockets empty and his muzzle in bloody shreds.
"OMG WOLF NO STOP MY EYES I'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN I- ! "
Voice. They mustn't hear his voice.
He clamped a hand around the fox's muzzle, ending his appeals for mercy.
Media. Time to go public.
Wolf's other hand actuated the door's release and he wrested Jared through into the office, keeping him close and making it look as if they were locked in struggle. He knew exactly where his desk was and slammed them into it, hand pushing up to force the fox's head back. The angle was perfect for the media team's cameras.
Drama. Add emotion.
"You little bastard! You thought you could stand up to ME?" he snarled!
Kill. Make it bad.
His snarl had already exposed long sharp fangs and now he dove down and buried them in the fox's throat, biting down HARD. Ivory pierced skin like well-honed blades and his mouth was flooded with the hot coppery taste of Jared's lifeblood. He had to swallow in order to breathe, almost gagged. Then the taste and scent hit him like a jolt of lightning, went straight to his brain where it spiked something primal, something feral. In an instant all restraint evaporated, a red haze filled his view and he felt unleashed! Clenching his jaws Wolf viciously shook his head from side to side, growling like an enraged animal and PULLED, harshly ripping the fox's throat out, fur, flesh, viscera and cartilage in his maw, blood geysering up against chin and face.
Make it worse.
Wolf's fists hit the fox's body like a piledriver, again and again, the force of the punches caving its ribcage in. The meaty thuds and wet cracking of bones were horrific. A barrage of disemboweling slashes and strikes, a whirlwind of tooth and claw, Wolf had seemingly lost his mind and tore blindly into hot vital organs, surrendering himself to a red haze of bloodlust and uncontrolled rage.
Finally he stopped and straightened, letting the lifeless husk slide to the floor where it landed with a dull wet sound. He was breathing hard, panting, tongue lolling out and fought to pull himself back, fought to regain control.
Don't think. Don't think about what you just did. Stick to the plan. Hold it together.
Easier said than done. Wolf had never killed in cold blood. Never like this. Worse, this person had been helpless, cuffed and shackled even. Wolf wasn't a murderer. Or was he? A part of him was appalled at how easy it had been. Another part reveled in it. How GOOD it had felt, how RIGHT. It tugged at him, a whispering invitation to let go, to ignore all moral restraints and just give in, be the way you were meant to be. Be the apex predator, it's in your blood, it's your birthright!
He mentally shuddered and pushed those thoughts into a thick steel cage, locking it firmly.
Not now. Later. Deal with it later.
Arnis and the media team saw nothing of his internal struggle. All they saw was the leader of Star Wolf who had just rabidly killed Fox McCloud before their very eyes in the most horrific way possible, drenched in his victim's blood and gore, who turned towards them and bared pink-stained teeth in a wicked grin. He spat out a chunk of flesh, ohgods, was that a piece of Fox's HEART?
"Well."
Blood dripped down off of Wolf's muzzle like crimson drool. He rolled his shoulders. Licked his lips, long red tongue curling along his muzzle.
"So much for having a diplomatic chat."
He pointed a red-clawed finger. "Cameras. On me."
The shocked media team hurried to comply.
"General Pepper." he started, an inner fire lighting his single amethyst eye. The black eyepatch, surprisingly, hadn't even shifted during the carnage, although it too was spattered in blood.
"THIS is where resistance will get you, Pepper. It will end in pain and suffering. It will end in death."
"You've gone and made this personal. You just couldn't leave things be, had to stick your nose where it doesn't belong. And instead of using your own forces, you keep your precious CDF sheltered from harm and send others to do your dirty work. Like Fox McCloud." he bared his teeth in a silent snarl "You sent him to fight your battles while you stayed at home!"
Wolf's voice dripped contempt. He leaned down to the side and got a grip on the corpse's neckruff, lifting it up into view. The sight was horrible, the mauled and torn husk dangling like a ragdoll from the wolf's clenched fist.
"You sent him to his DEATH. Just as you did his father!"
He raised his voice, words filled with deep emotion and conviction. No one would doubt his true feelings on this.
"I DESPISE you for that, Pepper. You are a coward, you are beneath my contempt!" Wolf's voice could cut diamonds.
He glared into the cameras for a second, then raised his voice. "People of Corneria!"
"Your leaders are WEAK! They oppress you, force you to lead a life as second-class citizens! While they and their elite friends have it rich! They keep you happy and sedated with vacuous media programs and game-shows while denying you your true freedom! Wake up, I say! You are being used! Emperor Andross offers you an alternative where you can develop your full potential and become who you DESERVE to be!"
He took a step closer and turned to gaze at the corpse he still held. He huffed a sigh.
"I regret that this had to end this way." and turned to look back into the camera. "I had great respect for James McCloud. And for his son. They were brave and fought for what they believed in."
He lowered the body and let go, let it slide to pool at his feet. He let steel back into his voice.
"But they were misguided. And in the end they could not protect you. General Pepper and his CDF cannot protect you either. What's more, he would have you believe that Emperor Andross is a threat. That Andross wants to enslave you all."
"Let me be very clear on this. It's all LIES. Andross does not want war, Andross will bring you prosperity and freedom! Based on your individual strength, skill, intelligence. No class distinction, no species distinction. Equal opportunity for all, FREEDOM for all! The rewards are great for those who are willing to make an effort. Join with us and the universe will be at your feet!"
He stared straight into the camera.
"Now's the time. Choose freedom!"
It was a powerful speech and would appeal to many, Wolf knew. And most of it was even true.
"Cut."
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Holy shit.
That was intense, am still stoked. Never know how the story will unfold exactly, what twists and turns it will take, what the characters will say and do. Writing is like that for me, it's like finding a book with all your favorite characters except instead of reading the pages you have to write them out first. It's no less exciting or surprising, on the contrary.
And these characters never get boring.
Wolf is a scary one, intense, driven, powerful. Luckily he still seems to have some sense of right and wrong, of moral values. But they're twisted and might be eroding. So much easier to let go and follow the dark path, right? Something is holding him back though, something still has a life-line to his soul. Am sure we'll find out what it is, eventually. And whether it will prevail.
And Krystal. Damn I pity her. For now she's just a pawn and has no idea of how important she'll be to Lylat's future. She's had a rough ride so far and as for her feelings for Wolf, well, she may understand him a bit better but that's still a long ways off from developing romantic feelings for him. At the moment, to her he's nothing more than the leader of Star Wolf and her captor. If she could escape she would do so without a second's hesitation.
Hard for Wolf to get closer too. He recognizes that she's attractive, duhh, that's pretty much right up in his face. He's also come to know her better and admires her spirit, her willfulness, her strength. But Wolf still thinks she's Fox's girlfriend and that's paws-off territory for him, subconsciously. Wolf is rather basic that way, he's fiercely territorial but that also means he has an innate respect for others' territories. Or females, in this case. So he's not seeing Krystal as a potential love interest, yet.
How will they ever break through those (mis)conceptions?
And then there's Fox. He's worse off than Krystal, to be honest. At least Krystal is more in touch with things as they're happening, poor Fox has mostly been in limbo. I'll be giving him more story-time in the next chapters So where Krystal is cautiously developing a better understanding of Wolf, his plans and Sargasso, Fox can't do the same for lack of information. He's still stuck in his initial mindset of dislike and distrust.
Leon is right. That's going to be a problem.
Well.
A number of these issues will be resolved in the next chapter. Hope you liked this one! If so, please leave me some feedback, either as encouragement or to point out weaknesses in my writing, I appreciate it all!
Take care for now,
Ise