Chapter 52
The new year was just around the corner, only a few days before January was upon them, it was December 27th. Fox and Falco were just on their computers, playing a game together that they both got for Christmas.
"I like it overall. Sure it isn't piloting but I enjoy the tactical parts of it." They were playing a shooting game that involved a team of counter terrorists attempting to defeat a group of terrorists, they could play online together and against other people.
"Yeah it controls well and all, plus there's a huge selection of guns you can work with." Falco was not normally one for ground based missions, but he enjoyed having something to play with his friend. "What do you think is your favorite gun to use?" Falco scratched his head at his friend's question. "Man I really don't know, there are some that I like but they're just total garbage compared to some others."
"Ha! Yeah I know that feeling for sure, I like the one with the basic scope. It fires fast and it's accurate. I guess I live for the basic stuff." "Don't knock it, I like that thing too. I also like the dual pistols, even though they aren't that great, they're still cool." Fox nodded, forgetting that he also was a fan of the dual pistols.
"So what about that thing that your dad is giving you for Christmas? Is that what you would call it?" Fox scratched his head again at his friend's question. "I guess we can call it that. I don't really wanna think about it, it's a lot to take in, especially at our age. It'll change things, that's for sure. I mean just think about it, we would be-" Falco cut him off mid-sentence. "Hey dude like you said, let's not think about it for now. Let's focus on the game since it's a lot to take in. Not like we have to make the decision now." Fox nodded in agreement, even though the bird couldn't see it.
When the eve of the new year was upon them, the McClouds decided to go to the Corneria city firework show. Fox dressed in his normal flight jacket and made sure his scarf was tightened since it was so cold out that night. "So why the sudden interest in pyrotechnics? Not that I have any problem or objection, just thought that you got enough explosions and bright lights from all your piloting days."
"Well I just figured it's something we haven't really done before, gotta find some way to make every day or night an adventure right?" James normally does not like fireworks, but this time he wanted to try and garner a bit more family time.
"Wow I can't believe there are this many people here. Look at this crowd, it's like a music festival without music." Fox saw people spanned for miles on the outside of the city where the show took place. "I don't think I've ever seen this many people in one place."
"Yeah neither have I, and I've even gone with your father to all sorts of piloting ceremonies and conventions." Fox looked at his mother a little confused when she said this, "You know, I never really thought about you and dad going places. Since you've both almost always been there every day when I come home from school for the past 17 years. What a thought." Vixy put an arm around her sons shoulder and pulled him in for a hug.
"Mom come on, there are people here." She just laughed a little at his embarrassment, "Shhh, just deal with it or I'll make your father join in too." Fox laughed back and hugged his mom while James went to find a snack stand for them.
"Here, they had a few different kinds of taffy and I also got some cups of hot chocolate since its so cold out." He handed Vixy a cup of cocoa and held out his other hand so his wife and son could pick which flavors they wanted.
"Oh look! They're starting!" Fox pointed towards the night sky that began to be lit up by the multi colored fireworks.
"Wow, you know, I never really thought about how little fireworks I've seen." He looked over at his parents with a wide smile, and his wide smile caused them to smile as well. Fox was mesmerized by the fireworks, he really didn't realize how long it had been since he saw fireworks, he almost forgot about seeing them before now. He looked over at his parents and saw James put an arm around Vixy and pull her closer to him while they were smiling and watching the night sky light up. Fox felt a warm feeling in his core seeing his parents like this, he never really saw them like this in the past, he was glad he got to see this.
He walked up to them with a grin on his face and they turned towards him with their smiles still wide, "Hey you crazy kids, I'm gonna go get another snack, do you want anything?" They both just rolled their eyes at their son's clever comment. "Yeah dad, I'll take another hot chocolate. Now get outta here, I'm trying to hang out with my girlfriend!" Fox and his mom both just laughed at James' comment towards Fox.
He made his way through the large crowd towards where his father described the two snack stands, all the while turning around to miss as few fireworks as he could. As he paid for the warm drink he turned his head and saw Wolf standing by who he presumed to be his parents.
"Wolf!"
He yelled trying to get his attention. The lupine looked around a little trying to locate the noise, and noticed when Fox started waving. Wolf had a smug grin on his face but still waved back as Fox turned around to return to his parents. 'I'm glad he has time to spend with his parents too.'
The fireworks got larger as the night neared its end, Fox could feel the heat from the airborne explosions as it got later, realizing just how large this event really was. The grand finale of the show nearly put the sun out of commission with how much light it produced across the sky. "Here's to a new year." James said as he pulled Fox into the embrace that he was already holding Vixy in. "What? You don't get embarrassed when he hugs you?" The family of three just laughed at Vixy's astute observation.
Fox was astonished too at how much he takes the city for granted. Going from the dark outskirts of the city to the lightbulb that was the heart of the city, the city squares never got dark no matter what time it was thanks to all of the lights. "Amazing how different things are from there to here. And how incredible the city really does look at night."
He liked the contrast between the city and suburban areas. As he looked out his window at the sky when he got home preparing to go to sleep his thoughts wandered
'Indeed, what a contrast.'
