A Second Chance

By FoxMcCloude

Disclaimer: Fox, Krystal/Kursed and all the Star Fox series belong to Nintendo.

Part I: Fateful Encounter.

Somewhere in the galaxy…

The pterodactyl-shaped ship was traveling through space smoothly. Its only pilot, a blue-furred vixen, with light-green eyes and a long, messy purple hair which fell down all the way through her back, was in charge of the controls. Her face showed no emotions at all, she was simply focused on reaching her destination.

- I hope it's worth the payment. – She told to herself. It had to be. A week before she had received 500.000 in advance and she had been offered a special bonus if she completed the work within the given time limit. She would secure a cipher of at least seven digits, the first one being very high. She was used to face all sorts of criminals, but the enemy she was after this time was in a completely different league.

FLASHBACK

- So, exactly, who is my target? – She asked to a male husky in his middle 40's, wearing a military uniform, sitting on a desk.

- Well, it's not a person. Actually, we need you to retrieve something for us. –

- Retrieve something? -

- I'll explain. Our research division recently developed a very advanced software which we've labeled as "Zeraph". It's a program which integrates itself to any system it's installed on, and improves it immediately. It increases the speed of the instructions, and reduces exponentially the response time, it creates new functions to optimize the habitual operations of the system, and more importantly, it counts with a self-evolving system of resistance against viruses. It could be considered like an artificial immunologic system. -

- Well, well. Sounds like the kind of program which could be disastrous in the wrong hands. -

- It is. – The husky continued. – The program is still on test period, so it's not completed yet, however, the preliminary versions are operable enough for somebody to use them. -

- And, if my intuition doesn't fail me, one of those versions fell in the wrong hands. – She said crossing her arms.

- One of our officers stole the disks containing the Zeraph version 2.4, and we suspect he wants to sell them for a lot of money in the black market. – He handed her some documents, on top of them there was the photo of a puma in his middle twenties, dressed in a military uniform. – Lt. Colonel Nathaniel Feral, until not long ago one of the most prominent officers we've ever had. -

- And this Feral guy was the one who stole the disks with the Zeraph. -

- The program has a special protection installed in the disks. Even the best hackers with the most recent software would take several weeks to decode the protection; therefore we still have time to retrieve it before they can use it. -

- Where do I find him?

- We've followed his trail to planet Kew, and his last known position was in the capital. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Federation has no authorization to enter that territory, that's why we need your help. -

- … I have to warn you from now, my services are not cheap. -

In response, the husky got out of his desk a large, silver suitcase, he turned it around and opened it before her, it was filled with banknotes.

- I'm giving you five weeks as time limit. We can pay you 500 thousand now, and we'll give you a special bonus if you bring us the disks before that time expires. -

- And what do I do with Feral? -

- That's up to you, Miss. Our only interest is recovering the disks, if Feral or somebody else interferes, do what you think is convenient. Do we have a deal? – He said extending his hand. Hesitating for a moment, she finally extended hers and they both shared a handshake. – Very well. What did you say your name was? -

- Kursed. My name is Kursed. -

END OF FLASHBACK

Getting out of her memories, Kursed decided to focus on her mission at hand. This was in a totally different category to the kind of guys she usually faced. It was not your average thug, of those who only cause riot to have some fun. Rogue military officers were with no doubt much more dangerous, not like ordinary criminals who are easy to provoke and do not think rationally, this guy was surely enough trained to keep his cold blood even in the most stressing situations. She had to be very careful.

Her reflections in regards to this matter were interrupted for the sound of a communication. Pressing a button on the communicator's control panel, she opened an audio channel to answer the signal, while she put on a headset.

- You are entering the air space of planet Kew. – The transmission came from the space port, since she had entered the planet's atmosphere and she was about to land. - Please identify yourself. -

- Cloud Runner Interceptor. ID Number: 001-8764. I request permission to land on the planet. – Kursed replied.

- Verifying…ID confirmed. Permission to land granted, please head towards hangar 24. –

- Understood, 10-4. –

Kursed turned off the main engines of the ship to diminish the march, until the ship was suspended in the air thanks to the elevation boosters, above the roof of the hangar 24 she was indicated. The hatches on the roof opened wide, and the assistants below were clearing up the area so the ship could land. The Cloud Runner descended vertically once the terrain was cleared up, the landing gears coming out just before touching the ground. Seconds later, the ship had completely stopped, Kursed turned off the engines, all the zone being in complete tranquility.

Kursed took off her headset and got off the pilot's seat. She went towards the back exit of the ship, in the cargo area she had a hoverbike she would use as transport while she were on the planet. Next, she opened the exit and taking the bike with her she went down the access ramp to meet the assistants, who looked at her with inquisitive eyes for a while, and it couldn't be helped, since that thigh and a bit revealing black suit which highlighted her sculptural figure left very little to the imagination. Even so, paying little to no mind to the looks, she closed the ship's exit, then she walked towards one of the assistants, and in an emotionless and cold tone she said:

- Take good care of her, that ship is also my home 90% of the time. -

- Eh… sure, of course. – The assistant said, a bit intimidated for her speech tone, it was strange to see so much coldness and toughness in a woman.

Kursed prepared to get out of the hangar; she was carrying a bag with the essential things, money, some changes of clothes, her personal objects and, y of course, the weapons and tools any bounty hunter needed to take along for a mission. She secured it with some straps to the bike's seat, and then she hopped onto it, and after putting on her helmet she activated the accelerator to start up. The assistants coughed due to the smoke trail she left behind after speeding up.

- Cough, cough, cough… Hey, next time start that thing out of the hangar! – One of them yelled at her, even though by that time she was too far to hear them.

She got out of the space port in no time and she went into the highway going towards the city. There was little traffic, most likely because it was the middle of the afternoon, since as she had been informed, that city was much more active at night than during the day. After a few minutes, she entered the city, and stopped for a few minutes to check on her map and orientate. In the map she had a reference point, marking a hotel in which she had made a reservation.

- Let's see… two more blocks north from here, then four more blocks west, and on the left corner. Fine, I'm close enough. -

She put away the map and started again her bike, a few minutes she reached the hotel she was looking for. Quite the structure, four floors not counting the rooftop, towards the entrance you could see a small hallway, several fountains with marble statues on both sides, and a bright red carpet on the floor, above the entrance you could read, in large golden letters: "HEAVEN'S GATE HOTEL", definitely one of those for important people like artists, politicians or simply people of the high society. Of course, since Kursed's expenses for dwelling were practically zero (as she had said before, her ship was her home 90% of the time), and thanks to the high bounties of the criminals she captured her bank count always remained on positive sale, she could always afford a room in the best hotels in the planets she visited.

Just as she entered the lobby, some of the present people looked at her oddly, which made her somewhat feel uncomfortable, although with the clothes she was wearing at the moment it wasn't completely surprising. Most of them were wearing suits and ties, or fancy dresses speaking of women. Deciding not to care about that so much, she approached the receptionist, a young female falcon, who seemed to be a bit… disturbed when she came close to her.

- Good afternoon, and welcome to the Heaven's Gate Hotel, what can I do for you? – She asked, trying her best to hide her uneasiness, although Kursed could see she swallowed before talking.

- Do you have a reservation under the name of Kursed? –

- Wait a moment. – The falcon checked the records on her computer, to see if the name was registered. A few seconds later, effectively there was a reservation with said name. – Yes, Miss Kursed, reserved a week ago, for all the month. – She took a keycard from the shelf behind her and gave it to Kursed. – Suite A20045, second floor, as soon as you come out of the elevator, go straight to the end of the hallway. We hope you enjoy your stay. –

- Thanks. –

She got out of the lobby and then she went towards the elevator, she pushed the button for the second floor and awaited. As soon as the doors opened, she walked with no hurry towards the end of the hallway. Half way through, one of the doors next to her opened, and a bellboy came out crashing backwards towards the wall in front of the door, followed by a very, very furious guest, more specifically a female panther who at the moment was only wearing a bathrobe, whose screams alarmed Kursed for a moment, and she could swear she saw flames on her eyes.

- WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WRONG WITH THIS HOTEL!! – The guest yelled, with a slight Spanish accent. – Didn't you understand Marie asked specifically for a decaffeinated coffee with ice, not a cappuccino!! -

- Madame, please get a hold of yourself. – The bellboy, an artic fox, tried to calm her down. – I think we tried to tell you we didn't have any more decaffeinated, but… -

- No but-ing!! Marie asked for a decaffeinated, and if she wants a decaffeinated, that's what she will have!! Now remove yourself from here before Marie demands you and your miserable hotel for your bad service!! -

The bellboy left, muttering some insults towards the woman, but unable to do anything because of that rule "the guest is always right". Kursed, who had witnessed the whole scene, had not shaken up the initial impression yet.

- HMPH!! There is no good service anywhere nowadays. – The woman said, then she turned to see Kursed, who was looking at her like saying "What's wrong with you". – What's the matter, foxy lady? Marie has something on her face or what? -

- No, of course not. I just thought that was too much ruckus for a simple coffee, that's all. -

- A simple coffee? Well, aren't you ignorant. Somebody as important as Marie must keep herself from allowing any noxious substance to access her organism. Surely you can understand that. -

- Yeah, whatever. – Kursed said, continuing to walk through the hallway.

After getting over the impression, Kursed laughed secretly. That woman reminded her of Panther, first for the Spanish accent, and second for that annoying way of referring to themselves in the third person, as if they were that important. Inside she wondered if perchance they were relatives.

Finally she reached her room's entrance, Suite A20045. The vixen inserted the keycard in the reader, and the door opened immediately. It was a very ample room, it had a large bed, the sheets were made of fine sky-blue silk, and the pillows were very well kneaded, next to it there was, on a small night table, a golden telephone which should serve her to call for room service. There were velvety arm-chairs next to the entrance, and in the center of the room there was a champagne bottle on the table with a crystal glass, next to a card which said "Thank you very much for choosing us, enjoy your stay. Heaven's Gate Hotel". The balcony had a beautiful sight of the whole city, which with no doubt would be much better at night. Exhaling a small sigh, she left her bag on the table, not without first getting out the documents with the information about Feral, and she dropped herself on the bed to rest a bit.

- OK, let's start by seeing exactly who I'm going after. – She said while she started watching the documents.

/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /

7:21 pm, time of the capital of Kew...

After spending quite a while reading the documents, and memorizing as much as she could about her enemy, Kursed decided to take a cold shower to refresh herself. Feeling better, she decided to take a little stroll around the city to know better the surroundings, she went towards the closet where she stored the clothes she had brought. She took an indigo blouse, and a pair of matching, thigh pants, a pair of high-heeled black boots, and since it was getting dark, she also put on a black leather jacket. She tied her hair on a high ponytail and then she left the hotel.

Effectively, the city was much more active at nighttime. Neon lights illuminated the streets everywhere; people went around everywhere, and in all sorts of night activities. So much to choose to do Kursed didn't know for sure where to start. But after all, she would take that night to relax, and would start her work at full in the morning.

Of course, she couldn't help but attract some looks from the men, after all her slender shapes, that dangerous-girl look on her eyes and her stylish walking were not going unnoticed. However, she had no interest in that at all. Since the time she abandoned Lylat for good, she had stopped caring about men, and in the end, getting in a relationship with someone might hinder her current job as a bounty hunter. She couldn't allow her feelings get in the way.

- Hey, precious, wanna go for a ride? -

- You gonna give me your phone number, right? -

- Hey baby, let's go have some fun. -

These and any other flirtatious remark you can imagine came to her from everywhere. They just didn't stop insisting; wherever she went it was the same thing. But the response they always had was the same: a cold artic current. Kursed was not the type who went on single-night adventures and after the fun was over she kept on with her life as if nothing happened. It might be fun at the time, but later it leaves you a bad taste in your mouth, so why doing it in the first place? It wasn't worth it.

- Ahh. – Being distracted for a moment she bumped into a guy who was preparing to start his hoverbike. – I'm sorry. -

- No, I'm sorry. – He replied, she couldn't see his face because he had his helmet on, though when she saw his eyes through the transparent visor, she had an odd feeling, like if she had seen them somewhere before. But he had no time to reflect, because he started his bike and sped up. Kursed stood still for a moment; finally she decided to forget about it.

Tired of walking around, about two hours later, she decided to stop at a pub for a drink, and refresh herself a bit before going back to the hotel. Obviously when she entered, she attracted many inquisitive looks from the men, while some women evidenced jealousy and envy towards the attractive newcomer. Not paying any mind to it, she approached the bar, and took a seat.

- What do you want to order, miss? –The barman asked.

- Bring me some vodka and tonic, but not too strong, I don't want to get drunk. – She answered.

- Certainly. – The barman went searching for some bottles with vodka and tonic, he mixed both liquids and then he brought the glass to her. Kursed started drinking with no hurries, she had a lot of time after all.

Not much time passed before the doors of the pub opened brusquely, and a mafia-look-alike guy entered. He was a Siberian wolf dressed in a gray suit, with a white tie, and followed by two huge bulldogs with mastodon-sized bodies, his bodyguards surely. Making a gesture to the large dos to stay by the door, he walked slowly towards the bar, specifically, to the place next to Kursed. The barman approached, and before he could speak, the thug said.

- The same old thing. -

- Yes sir. – The barman replied a bit nervously.

While awaiting his drink, the wolf examined from top to bottom the attractive vixen next to him. She noted he was looking at her unceasingly, and tried to remain indifferent to let him know she was not interested and make him move back on his attempt, but it didn't work. As soon as the barman brought his drink, he picked up the glass and shook it a bit, finally speaking to her:

- Well, well, what do we have here? Haven't we seen each other somewhere? -

- I don't think so. – She replied coldly, not turning to see him. – It's the first time I come to this planet, or this part of the galaxy. –

- Really? – The wolf continued. – So, what's the reason for you to honor all of us with your beauteous presence? Business or pleasures? -

- Business, you could say. –

- How boring. You know, I know many places where you can change those business for the greatest pleasures in this planet. If you please, I could take you there. - Kursed realized he wouldn't let up to indifference, so she went for direct defense.

- Excuse me, but I'm not interested. I've got better things to do. -

- You don't say. – The guy said while taking her chin to force her to look at him. This of course was not very pleasing to her; however she maintained her composure to avoid making a scene, but she was ready to strike physically at any second if needed. – Fine, I know… other ways to make you change your mind. -

- Hey. – A voice behind his back called out. When turning back, he saw a male, reddish-brown-furred fox standing before him in a somewhat menacing way. He wore black sunshades, a black jacked, and a red bandana on his neck. – Didn't you hear the lady? She said no. -

- Are you talking to me? – The wolf said with feigned naïveté.

- Hmph, what do you think? – Was the response of the fox, while he showed a half-smirk. The wolf, starting to get fed up, stood up from his seat to face him. He looked down to him, since there were about 8 centimeters of difference in height, but this didn't seem to intimidate him, as he kept his half-smirk like so. Kursed could only look.

- Listen up kit, you don't wanna have troubles. Do you have an idea who you're messing with? –

- Should I? -

- Don't you know who you're talking to? You're speaking to Sabre Fangs. I'm wanted on over twelve planets on this side of the galaxy, so, so why don't you go home and let me deal with my business? Capice? -

- Am I supposed to be afraid now? – The fact of not being able to intimidate the fox with his large size, or his apparent reputation of being one of the most wanted was starting to drive him mad, so he grabbed his bandana and dragged him closer to give him the final warning.

- Fine, no more Mr. Nice. If you don't behave yourself, I'm afraid I'll have to punish you, capice? -

In response, the fox raised one of his hands, and directed it towards Fangs wrist, then he applied a pressure point with the thumbs and the index finger, Fangs let go a scream in pain while he was forced to release the bandana of his adversary, but the scream was cut by a high kick straight to his jaw, which made him fall backwards on a table, everybody in the bar went to cover themselves, staying as far as they could. The bodyguards went to verify he was OK. He took a few seconds to straighten his jaw before saying:

- What ya doing, idiots? Don't stand there, give him what he deserves! -

Without further ado, the two giants jumped over the vulpine, but he knew the best way to deal with an attack of somebody larger and stronger than you, was not being there, so he ducked to evade the "embrace", and they both ended up headfirst behind the bar, the barman had to step aside to avoid being crushed by them. Without thinking much, each of them took one of the largest bottles they saw on the shelf and broke them against the bar to use them as weapons, but the first one was greeted by a kick straight to the liver, followed by a punch on the nose which left him out of combat, his partner tried to help him, but being struck by a knee right on the crotch made him give up, falling to his knees before a kick in the stomach finally put an end to his intentions. Fangs was barely recovering from the kick he had just received, and was in shock when he saw his two bodyguards KO'd, by a solitary fox, roughly half the size of any of them.

- Well, guess it's just you and me now. – He said cracking his knuckles. Groaning, Fangs tried to pull a gun out of his clothes, but the fox foresaw his intention and was faster, pulling out his own and pulling the trigger in less than a thousandth of second, the shot hit the hand holding the weapon, forcing him to drop it. He was disarmed, his bodyguards KO'd, and the guy in front of him was threatening him at gunpoint. He couldn't escape. – I don't want any unnecessary casualties, not to mention I need you alive, so be good and don't go anywhere while the cops arrive, capice? -

The wolf said nothing, but he knew he was dead serious so he knelt and did as he was said, the fox made a gesture to the barman to call the police. Kursed had still not gotten over the impression of what had happened, the mess had finished as fast as it had begun.

Minutes later, the cops arrived, and they took Fangs and his two bodyguards in custody, and as the rule went they cleared up the place. The barman had to close earlier due to having to clean up the mess the altercation had left, but not before the fox with the black sunshades approached him, and giving him a large roll of cash he said:

- Sorry about what happened. -

- Oh no sir, I'm very grateful. You have no idea how badly we wanted to give that darned gangster what was coming to him. –

- Speaking of him… do you know where they're going to take him? -

- My guess is, the Detention Center. -

- Can you tell me how I can get to that Detention Center? –

The barman gave him some directions, and grateful, the mysterious fox left the place so they could close, and went towards his bike, parked by the entrance.

Outside, Kursed, who had not left yet, was waiting for him. Nothing unusual, she simply felt she should say thanks for what he did. Perhaps she was a ruthless and cold bounty hunter, but that didn't mean she wouldn't show any gratitude towards a benefactor. Among other things, she had the feeling she had seen him before somewhere.

- Hey. –

- Yeah? Can I help you? –

- I… just wanted to thank you for taking care of that jerk. Even though, I would have been able to handle it. –

- No need to thank me, I was doing my job, that's all. – At that moment he took off his shades to put on the helmet, and it was then when Kursed could see him clearly. And she lost her breath. That face, those eyes, it had to he him, there was no doubt. That's why he was so familiar.

- Need a ride? –

-Huh? – She snapped out of the shock and regained her composure, trying to hide her real state. – Er, no thanks, I can walk. -

- As you wish. Goodnight. – He started the bike and quickly disappeared between the traffic.

Kursed had not still assimilated what had just happened. She had seen his face, she had talked to him, to her great lost love, Fox McCloud. It was evident the time had changed him physically, but not as much for her to not notice it was him. How many chances did she have to find him again? Very few, yes, but there were, and she had just ascertained it.

- I can't believe it… I've just seen him… him. The galaxy is smaller than I thought. – She said in a low voice, still looking at the direction he had left.

/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /

10:45 pm, Heaven's Gate Hotel…

Kursed was lying on her bed, but she couldn't sleep. Just thinking about the fact she had just met with Fox, whom she thought she wouldn't see anymore, had completely taken out her sleep. Her feelings for him were buried deep inside her, remaining dormant for years, but still alive, and now she had just seen him, they started cropping out again.

– I wonder… did he realize who I am? -

It didn't seem so. Fox was not happy, surprised or anything similar after seeing her. From what she saw, he did not recognize her. Perhaps after so long, he had forgotten about her.

- Though, come to think about it,… perhaps it's better this way. – She told herself. – I did anything but causing him pain and suffering … if he's happy without me… I have no rights to ruin his life again… -

Coincidence? Fate? Whatever it was, Kursed couldn't stop thinking about her fateful encounter with Fox, and began to wonder what to do about it. Her rational side, or what could be called, Kursed by herself, told her to stay at bay, the relationship failed once and it wasn't worth to try and risk again. On the other hand, her sentimental side, or her former self, Krystal, was starting to resurface after being buried for years, the feelings she tried to rip off her heart for years, but in the end she couldn't, were screaming to get out.

Would it be worth it? Would Fox be willing to give her a second chance?

To be continued…

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Author's notes:

Well, you guys tell me, how was it? Just like in the Star Wolf Returns ending had stated, Krystal/Kursed runs into Fox in planet Kew during a job, put he doesn't recognize her. Since the ending didn't made clear what both of them were feeling at the moment or what happened afterwards (that being the reason why I don't know if I liked or hated the ending) I more or less pictured their encounter like this.

Fine, nothing else to say, see ya at the next chapter.