A Second Chance
By FoxMcCloude
Disclaimer: Fox, Krystal/Kursed and all the Star Fox series belong to Nintendo.
Part V: Always with you.
Somewhere in Planet Kew, 10:40 pm…
- Ugh… what… what happened? Where am I, and how did I get here? -
Fox was barely coming to his senses. The last thing he remembered was he had fallen into an ambush, and hundreds of volts going through his body, before losing consciousness. Looking around, he noticed he was in a not very ample room, there were some boxes next to a wall. There was no exit on sight, only a very high window and the entrance door at the opposite wall. The only illumination came from a fluorescent tube hanging from the ceiling. His thoughts were directed to get out of there, but when he tried to get up, he noticed his hands were on his back, and cuffed. Obviously, his first reaction was starting to try and break free, for a moment it seemed he would succeed, but his attempt was frustrated when the cuffs started unleashing powerful electric discharges on him.
- Gaaaaaaaahhh!! – The electricity forced him to stop the struggle. – Ouch… fine, that was not a good idea. -
The shock left him numb for a few moments. When he finally felt he could move his body again, he sat to try and think how he could escape. Surely enough his captors had taken all his weapons and equipment, so he'd have to resort to his own intelligence to get out of that situation.
- Now, how am I supposed to get out of this? – He mumbled.
While he as thinking, the door opened, letting him see two very well known faces, a puma with military uniform and a black cat with a red dress. Fox turned to see them and his stare became loathsome towards them.
- Well well, finally the sleeping beauty awoke. – Kitty said. – Had a good nap? -
- I've slept better. – Fox replied with sarcasm. – Hey, weren't you with Furio? -
- A change in plans. – Kitty replied with not much enthusiasm. – I'm doing this only out of convenience, understood? -
- Well McCloud, you have very interesting toys. – Feral said showing a hexagonal device, Fox recognized it immediately, it was his reflector.
- That's mine. – He said standing up as he could, he was about to attack Feral, but Kitty got in the way showing her whip, which made him desist.
- I'm afraid not. – Feral said. – Tell me, how does it work? -
- Even if I told you, it wouldn't be of any use to you. – Fox said.
- Why is that? -
- The trigger has a fingerprint sensor. If it's not mine pressing, it won't work. – Fox explained.
- That's too bad. – Feral said, putting the reflector in his pocket. – Oh well, I guess I'll keep it as a trophy. -
- Stop the small talk already. – Kitty said. – What are we gonna do with them? -
- For now we need him alive. Until his little friend brings us what we want, at least. -
- What are you talking about? -
- That little vixen friend of yours still has something belonging to me, and I'll keep you here until she brings it back. – Feral said. – Be grateful, because if it wasn't for that I would have gotten rid of you. -
- You know something, McCloud, if you're nice I might have mercy with you and make you into my personal toy. – Kitty said.
- No, thanks, I would rather drop myself into a black hole. – Was Fox's response.
- That can be arranged. -
- That will have to wait. – Feral stopped her. – Until the vixen shows up, McCloud will stay here. We better prepare her welcome. -
- Fine. – Kitty said. – Say your prayers, McCloud, you still have time. -
The two left the room. Fox walked towards the wall, and sat resting his back on it. They were using him as bait to lure Krystal, with no doubt as a ransom for the Zeraph. Fox started thinking about his current situation. He constantly used to think about the mistakes he made in the distant past, but in that very moment he focused on the recent ones. If only in that moment he had listened to his heart, and not his head, if only he had not decided to run away, after pushing Krystal away from him, again, if only he had not decided to help that "woman in troubles", perhaps he wouldn't be in that mess.
- I was a complete idiot, again. – He muttered to himself, even though nobody was there to hear him anyway. – I had the chance to recover what I lost, and I was foolish enough to let it pass. -
After the way he pushed her away, and the words he said, he couldn't blame Krystal if she decided not to go after him. He knew he couldn't go back in time, so he had no choice but to resign and await his destiny, whatever it was.
- Krystal… - He whispered while looking through the window, imagining her face on the moon.
/----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /
Meanwhile…
Krystal finally came to the rendezvous point. She had taken all possible precautions, even while she thought they might not be enough. They were expecting her, certainly enough armed to their teeth, and the fact Fox's life was in the line was another point against her. Nevertheless, that was not important. Many times she had had the odds against her, but she had managed to come through. Of course in that time she counted with the support of Fox and the rest of the Star Fox squadron, but not because of that she was going to give up so easily. In actuality, deep inside she didn't care if she died in the attempt, at least she would know she didn't abandon Fox to his luck without trying to help him.
- OK, Feral, here I am. – She muttered, while looking around everywhere to evaluate the perimeter. – The question is, where are you? -
A few minutes passed, and Krystal saw no activity signals at all. She touched her belt, where she carried the three computer disks with the Zeraph. During the time she had assumed the identity of Kursed she had never had to face something like that. Maybe in other circumstances she would have left with the reward to a place far away, but in that moment, Fox's life was more important than the money. She wouldn't leave until she had assured Fox was safe and sound.
Suddenly, without warning, Krystal's ears perked up when two guys jumped over her to catch her, but the vixen could perceive their movements and evaded them, while throwing them some sort of shurikens (those stars used by the ninjas, for those who might not know what they are) which while flying let out some energy cables which tied up the two guys, who started twining on the ground like leeches, trying to break free, but they soon gave up when they noticed the cables were getting tighter the more they struggled, the vixen decided to finish the job giving each of them a hard stomp on their stomachs, just to make sure they wouldn't be a nuisance. She looked everywhere to make sure there was no other guy in ambush over there.
- You're more attentive than McCloud, I have to admit it. – She heard Feral's voice. Krystal turned back to see the corrupted military officer coming out of the shadows. Staring at him with hatred, the vixen clenched her fists, and instinctively raised her blaster and aimed at him.
- Where is he? What have you done to him? -
- Whoa, whoa, calm down, first things first, OK? – Feral said placing his hands forward in a semi-defensive gesture, but not showing any fear. – We haven't done anything to him… yet. -
- Listen up, you scum. – Krystal said gripping more tightly her weapon more and placing the finger on the trigger. – If you do something to him, I swear I'm gonna… -
- Keep in mind if you kill me you'll never find out where he is. – Feral said. Krystal had to get a hold of herself upon hearing those words. It was true, and she knew it. Reluctantly she lowered her weapon and put it back on the holster, but never stopping staring at Feral with hatred. – Much better. Now, show me the disks, and I'll take you to McCloud. -
- Always you bad guys have to be the ones placing the rules, don't you? – She asked with sarcasm.
- Well, I think that depends on who thinks is one of the good guys. – Feral replied in the same tone. – We have a deal, McCloud for the disks. -
- Yeah, yeah, I know. – The vixen pulled the disks out of her belt. – Well, where do you want me to leave them? -
- Just come here, and give them to me. -
- How do I know you're up to something? -
- You're quite sharp-witted, that's a good thing. – Feral said. - OK, since you're putting it that way. -
The puma dropped several weapons he had, and dropped his utility belt. He kicked them to a distance in which they were out of his reach as of to take them again and catch Krystal by surprise.
- You see now, I'm totally disarmed. – Feral said. – Tell me, could you really bring yourself to shoot somebody who is totally defenseless? -
Krystal stopped to think a bit. The guy had dropped his weapons, and was turning himself in just like that. That was easy, perhaps TOO easy. Because of that, a small hunch was telling her he was up to something, and it was no good. Then again, she had not much of a choice, so she decided to play along, at least for the time being.
- Fine, here I come. – Krystal started walking slowly towards Feral, occasionally watching on the corner of her eye just in case of any attack. She stood in front of him and nothing happened, she then handed the disks. – Fine, here you are. Now let Fox go. -
- Don't get so impatient, I said I would take you to him, didn't I? – Feral said maintaining his smirk. – Kitty will help me escort you. -
- What? –
WHACK!
- What the hell?! – Krystal felt something taking hold of her ankle, and a second later she was pulled and fell to the ground. The vixen pulled out her blaster, but before she could shoot she received a lash on her hand which made her drop it, moment in which Feral took a hold of it.
- Stay quiet, vixen. – Feral said aiming at gunpoint. – Or you'll never see Fox again. -
- Curse you, you deceived me! – Krystal yelled in rage.
- Uh-uh. – Feral said denying with his finger. – I didn't deceive you, darling. I said if you gave me the disks, I'd take you to him. I'm a man of word, so I'll fulfill my part, and I'll take you to him… so you can spend your final moments together. -
- Nnnghh! -
- As the saying goes, there's no misspoken word, but misunderstood. – Kitty said. – Too bad you misunderstood Feral's word. Well, to make sure you won't be a nuisance on the way… -
WHACK! ZAP!
- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! – Just as she did with Fox, Kitty submitted the defenseless Krystal to an overdose of high voltage, and the vixen dropped unconscious. Next, Feral carried her on his shoulder, with not much of a problem; he seemed to be stronger than his size.
/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /
A bit later…
Fox still remained in the same position as he was two hours ago. That was the elapsed time from the moment Feral and Kitty showed up to tell him he was a piece of ransom. Surely enough he would be exchanged by the Zeraph which still was on Krystal's possession. However, that software was the ticket for her payment, and he wasn't sure she would bring herself to sacrifice her money just for him.
- I told her I would come back to clear it up, pity I won't be able to fulfill that promise. Unless, of course, in the highly unlikely scenario of her coming here to rescue me. -
Fox was not to be the victim and wait to be rescued. The normal for him was the other way around.
- Put me down! Put me down, I say! -
Fox heard a familiar voice screaming at the other side of the door, seconds later it opened wide, showing Feral carrying an very angry Krystal, who didn't stop screaming and kicking around.
- Put me down! -
- As you wish. – The puma brusquely dropped the vixen on the ground, he held her arms and cuffed her, with cuffs similar to Fox's. – Enjoy your last night together, lovebirds, tomorrow you guys will sleep with the fish. -
- Bastard! – Krystal screamed tried to get on her feet and race towards Feral, but she only encountered a closed door, not wanting to give in she tried to break free from her cuffs, Fox noticed it and yelled.
- Wait, don't do that! -
But it was too late, the vixen kept her struggle and received a discharge, falling stiff to the ground.
- I tried to warn you. – Fox said. – Those cuffs zap you if you try to break free. -
- Thank you very much. – Krystal said, finally feeling she could move again. She then stood up and sat resting against the wall opposite to Fox.
The two remained silent for quite a while, with their looks on the other's eyes. There was so much they wanted to say, but the words didn't come out. That absolute silence was becoming quite inconvenient. A couple of hours passed by with both of them saying nothing at all, until at last, Fox decided to break the silence.
- Did you cut your hair before coming here? – Was all he could say.
- I see you noticed. – She replied, looking away.
- I think you had it that way before we separated. -
- You've started remembering now, huh? -
- You didn't look bad with long hair, but… I think that way is more, well … like you. -
- Hmm, thanks. – She said, letting out a half-smirk.
They both remained silent again, but now they were a bit less tense. A few minutes passed, and Fox broke the silence again.
- Why did you come here? -
- What do you mean "why"? – She asked, not understanding.
- You didn't need me anymore, you had what you wanted. – Fox said.
- You always used to say you never need a reason to do the right thing. – Krystal said. – I don't think it would have been the right thing to abandon you after you helped me. -
- I used to say that? Hmm, must have been long ago. In any case… thanks. -
- Thanks for what? – She asked. – Look at the good job I made, I was supposed to come to rescue you, and I ended up being caught again. -
- Intention is what matters. -
Their talk was helping a lot, even though they were in a complicated situation. Something within Fox was about to explode, so the male vulpine finally decided to swallow his pride and let it out.
- I… I wanted to apologize with you. -
- Apologize? Why? -
- The way I acted... in the bottom I didn't mean to. I just… everything was so… -
- Hasty? – She completed. – No, I don't blame you. I should have known better how you felt. Obviously you had not fully recovered from what I did to you, it wasn't right for me to tell you that way. -
- Come to think about it, which other way could you have done it? – Fox said. – I wasn't exactly very willing to listen to you. -
- I think you're right on that. – Krystal let out a small giggle.
New silence. Fox and Krystal both looked away, they were not looking at each other, or anywhere in particular. In that moment, they both started remembering. Remembering about the time they spent together, about what they did, and what they didn't do and should have done. So many memories in an instant, time seemed to stop for both of them, until they decided to continue.
- Hey… has all your life flashed by in a blink just now? – Krystal asked.
- Indeed. – Fox. – Especially about all the things I should have done, and I didn't do in all this time. -
- Me too. – Krystal said. – They say that happens when you're about to die, right? -
- We could say our hours are counted. – Fox said.
- Well… if we have to die this way … at least now I think I'll be able to rest in peace. -
- Why is that? -
- All the things I did in the past, were haunting me for years. In particular, the biggest mistake I ever made, having betrayed you, the person I loved the most in the world. -
- Don't pin all the blame on yourself. – Fox intervened. – Maybe I should have trusted you more, trust you and your capacities as a pilot. As the leader of Star Fox I felt it was my responsibility to watch over the safety of my team, especially yours. But when I tried to go on my own to face the Anglars, it was then I realized that, just as a team needs its leader, the leader needs his team too. You know what they say, you never know what you have, until you lose it. -
- Yes, I pretty much understand what you mean. – Krystal admitted. – But well, the point is, I finally feel at ease with myself, now I let go of all that. It feels good to be myself again, after all this time. -
- Yeah, I feel the same. As if I have been relieved of the weight of a whole planet. –
The two of them smiled, even despite the situation they were in, inside them a well-being sensation ensued. Even if those were their last moments, they had no fear of death, seemingly having relieved themselves from that guilt which choked them for all those years ended up overshadowing the bad of the situation.
- So… that means you forgive me? – Fox finally asked.
- What do you think? – She said. – Of course, as long as you have forgiven me. -
- Sure I have. – Fox said.
Krystal stood up as she could and walked towards Fox. She sat next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. He gladly received her, only being sorry because having his hands cuffed he couldn't hug her, but having her close to him was more than enough for him. She felt the same way.
- If it wasn't for these accursed cuffs, I would hug her as I've never ever have done it. – Fox thought. – If only there was a way to…wait a second, maybe… - In that moment, a small spark of hope lit up on Fox's mind and heart. – Krystal. -
- What's the matter? – She asked.
- Turn around, and put yourself back to back with me. – He said.
- For what? – Krystal asked, she didn't understand what he wanted.
- I just got an idea to free us from our cuffs. – Fox explained. – Listen, these things have electrodes which trigger with the struggling, right? -
- Right, so? -
- If we can have the electrodes of our cuffs to make contact with each other, we'll make them short-circuit and break apart. -
- But for that we would have to… - Krystal knew what he meant. In order to do that they needed to trigger the cuffs by struggling, and endure the discharges until they made contact.
- I know, but I can't think of anything else. – Fox. – Since I was alone it didn't occur to me before, but if there are two of us, we have a chance to get out of here. What do you say? You want to risk? -
- … I'm ready, if you are. – Her face showed determination.
- We'll finish them off, or they finish us. – Fox said. - End of our problems, one way or another. -
- We have nothing to lose. – Krystal concluded. Finally, they placed themselves back-to-back, putting the cuffs as close as they could. They both took deep breaths to prepare themselves for what was coming.
- Ready? -
- When you say. -
- At the count of three, one... two... three! – At the voice of three, both foxes started to struggle to trigger the handcuffs, which immediately started unleashing their powerful discharges. Putting up a huge effort to endure them, Fox and Krystal tried to put together the electrodes of their cuffs so they would short-circuit, but as they couldn't see where they were, not to mention the agonizing of enduring the electricity, it was no easy feat. They both held their eyelids shut tightly as well as their teeth in order to not to scream, even though they couldn't help and let go some groans in pain.
- Fox, I'm reaching my limit! – Krystal yelled, she couldn't take it much longer.
- Hold on just a bit more, we're almost there! – Fox yelled in his turn, managing to get strength from who knows where to endure the discharges, until at last...
POP! FLASH! After a hard effort, they managed to put both electrodes together, and in a small explosion like a camera flash, and making a short but deafening pop, the cuffs broke open. They had to await a few seconds to recover from all the electricity they received. Once they could move again, they got up.
- Fine, that resolves a problem. – Krystal said. – Fine, now which is the plan? Shall we get out and face them, or wait for them to come after us? -
- I don't think we'll have to wait for too long, listen. – Fox said, perking up his ears. Krystal did so as well, and effectively, he heard voices and steps approaching, most likely Feral or any of his henchmen, possibly they had heard the noise the cuffs made upon short-circuiting. – Pretend to be asleep, we'll catch them off guard. -
Krystal nodded and immediately she and Fox took their position, next to the door to be as close to their adversaries as possible. Fox sat against the wall, his head curled up between his shoulders, Krystal laid down, her head resting on Fox's lap, both of them taking the precaution of hiding well their hands so they wouldn't notice they had broken free from their cuffs. They pretended to be fast asleep while they heard the door opening. Fox half-opened his eye to see two of Feral's escorting soldiers, specifically the two Krystal had tied up with her energy ropes a few hours before, both carrying assault rifles. He shut his eye again and pretended to be asleep.
- You sure you heard it? – One of them asked.
- My ears have never failed me. That noise came from in here. – The other replied.
- Well, I don't see anything which could have made it. – The first continued, he then turned his sight to the "sleeping" Fox and Krystal. – I know, let's ask our guests to be sure. -
- Good idea. – He approached the vulpine couple, and he started giving small pushes on Fox's shoulder. – Hey, sleepyhead, wake up. -
- Hmmm, nnghh... what's up? – Fox said with a feigned drowsy voice, he then looked at the two soldiers. – Hey, can't you let us spend our last night with the living in peace? -
- We heard a noise in here. – The soldier said. – Didn't you guys cause it, perchance? -
- Noise? What kind of noise? – Fox asked, playing along.
- Like a light bulb burning up and exploding. – The soldier explained.
- Ah, that noise. Yeah, I think I heard something like that... when our cuffs broke. – Fox showed his hands, now free.
- Eh?! -
- YAAAAAAAHH! -
They had no chance to assimilate the surprise, and in less than a blink Fox and Krystal jumped over them, one of them received an uppercut, courtesy from Fox, who wasted no time and took his rifle, as for Krystal she had no problem taking care of the other, giving him a kick straight to the weakest point of men (you know what I'm talking about) which forced him to drop his rifle, which the vixen picked up from the ground immediately. Next, when the two rogue soldiers were recovering, the two foxes ended the job and left them out of circulation giving each one of them a hard blow on the forehead with their own weapon's haunch. The two foxes checked on the rifles, they took the spare ammo the soldiers had, not to mention their access keycards to get out of there.
- I think they'll do fine while we get back our weapons. – Fox said. – Time to move it or lose it. -
- I'll follow you. – Krystal said. -
The two foxes left the room, shutting the door behind them to lock up the two soldiers. Verifying around, they were inside one of the warehouses Feral had summoned Krystal. Possibly they were used long ago as cargo deposits or something similar. They were very careful on every step they gave, just in case somebody might show up while they tried to escape. After walking a long hallway, Fox heard voices coming from a close room. Making a silent gesture to Krystal, they both got closer, and perked up the ears against the wall to hear the conversation.
- You're becoming quite a hard customer. – That was Feral's voice.
- I didn't accept your help for such a misery. – This time Kitty's voice. – Two more zeros on the right, minimum. -
- Hey, do you think money grows on trees or what? – Feral said, he sounded angry. – In offering you twice what Furio was paying you. -
- Yes, but he paid me each month and now he's "permanently retired" he will not pay me anymore. – The cat argued. – This will be a single payment; I need enough to survive until I get another work. -
- In the army I was taught, if you desire something, you have to earn it. – Feral countered. – If you want me to pay you more, you'll have to be worth that price. -
Hearing the discussion, Fox and Krystal wondered what to do, it seemed a good moment to strike, but as soon as they were about to enter, Krystal saw a silhouette about 20 meters from where they were, aiming at them with a weapon.
- Fox, look out! – The vixen screamed, pushing him behind a corner, stopping the shot from hitting him, although it scorched a bit her right arm. - Aaahh!! -
- What the heck was that? – Kitty said inside, she and Feral were on alert upon hearing the shot.
- Lieutenant Colonel, sir! – The soldier entered. – They escaped! -
- What?! – Feral exclaimed. – Damn it, how did they do that?! -
- Is that important in this moment? – Kitty interrupted, pulling out her whip. – Step aside, I'll make sure myself they don't cause troubles anymore. -
- You stay quiet, don't forget who's in charge here. – Feral said, getting out of a drawer the disks of the Zeraph and a gun. – I don't think they'll leave yet, at least not without this. Hey, Kitty. -
- What? -
- I think now's your chance to prove me your worth. – Feral said. – Help me get rid of those two pests, and I'll gladly add three more zeros to your cipher, if you like. -
- Now we're speaking the same language. – The cat smiled. – Let's go get them. -
/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /
A few minutes later...
After running from that unexpected attack, Fox and Krystal had gotten a few seconds to rest, which Fox used to check on Krystal's wound, while hiding behind some containers. It just caused her a small scorch, but it was no serious harm, fortunately for her. Nevertheless, Fox improvised a bandage with his bandana, just in case.
- That'll be fine, thanks a lot. – She said while he finished tying up the bandana on her arm.
- That was a close one, one more second and maybe I wouldn't be here now. – Fox said. – There must be more of Feral's henchmen, we better be more careful. -
- Shhh. – She suddenly hushed. – Here they come. -
Effectively, several of Feral's soldiers appeared watching the perimeter. The two foxes held their breaths to avoid being found. One of them got dangerously close of them, Fox held tightly his rifle and prepared to receive him, but before seeing them, he desisted and went the other way.
- They're not here. – He said.
- They cannot have gone too far. Don't let any place unchecked. -
After they left, Krystal and Fox got out of hiding. They both still wondered what they would do now. Obviously the wisest thing was escaping that place while they had the chance, but without the Zeraph, Krystal wouldn't get her payment, and Fox's sense of ethic and morale would never let him allow a guy like Feral to be on the loose, let alone with something like the Zeraph in his hands.
- We could go to the upper level, and try and take them by surprise. – Krystal suggested.
- It's not a bad idea. – Fox said.
They both went to a stepladder which led to the walkways on the upper levels. Krystal went up without problems, but while Fox was going up, they were spotted by Feral and Kitty.
- Aha! This time you're not getting away! – Feral pulled out his blaster and started shooting at Fox, fortunately at that distance he did not hit him, Fox only tried to evade as he could while watching the sparks impacting next to him.
- Take care of the vixen, I'll go after McCloud! – Kitty screamed, taking her whip and running towards Fox. Feral decided to take her word and went after Krystal, trying to shoot her, while she ran to avoid the shots. – You're mine now! -
- No way! – Fox finished going up the stepladder, while Kitty followed, he prepared his rifle, setting it to stun. The cat had some difficulties, having to go up with her heals, and also her dress got stuck, having to torn off a piece to free herself and continue. When she finally arrived, the fox had his weapon ready to fire.
- Oh my, would you actually be capable of shooting a lady, McCloud? That's not very sensitive from you. -
- I wouldn't shoot a lady, but a whore like you, I'd certainly do. – Was Fox's response.
- Do you really have the guts? Go ahead, try your luck. -
- Since you insist. – Fox pulled the trigger with no hesitation, after all the shot wouldn't kill her, but something strange happened, when it impacted on Kitty's womb, the shot vanished, leaving no more than a burnt mark behind. – What the? -
- Finished yet? Now it's my turn. -
WHACK!
The whip tangled around Fox's rifle, and Kitty pulled it from him. Fox was still not out of his shock, How could she be standing? Not like she had seven lives or something like that.
- How the heck did you? -
- The latest fashion, my dress is made of polymerized titanium, the best to protect yourself from laser shots. -
- I should have known. – Fox said. But of course, his jacket, while being made of leather in the outside, had a layer of the same material below, pretty useful in this business.
- You've been wild for too long, it's time to tame you. – The cat charged up the electricity of her whip, Fox on his turn got ready to evade it.
Kitty started lashing out, Fox jumped behind to avoid the attack. Seeing hanging at his side the hook of a crane, he jumped off the walkway grabbing it, and taking advantage of the impulse he turned back and swung towards Kitty, kicking her and making her fall off the walkway. The cat managed to use her whip to get a hold of the walkway's railing and swing before falling, but Fox decided to leave her for the moment and went down to meet with Feral, while Krystal still ran and jumped around trying to evade his shots.
- Stay still, you darned vixen! – Feral exclaimed never stopping shooting.
- My grandma has better aim than you! – The vixen said to mock him, even though it wasn't true, to see if she could make him lose his self-control.
- I'll make you eat your words! –
- FERAL! -
Just as he heard his name, Feral turned back, and Fox charged towards him, the two ended up struggling on the ground. When he less expected, Fox bit his hand holding the weapon.
- Aaarghh!! -
- You have something belonging to me, bastard! – Fox yelled, while giving him a hard punch in the stomach, for a moment Feral's pupils condensed so much they almost disappeared along with his breath, Fox searched the right pocket of his pants and got his reflector back. Getting back on his feet he placed it on his belt and proceeded to kick Feral while he was still on the ground.
Meanwhile, Kitty was still making a hard effort to climb up his whip, she had been hanging to no less of 25 meters off the ground and she didn't want to find out if it was true the cats always fall standing. When she finished going up, a few warning shots, courtesy of Krystal, made her stop, not giving her time to disentangle her whip.
- A movement in false, and you'll be filled with holes. – The vixen warned her while advancing slowly.
- I had never known anyone a stubborn as you two. – Kitty said stepping back. – You should feel honored, for the first time I'm getting serious. But now you'll pay. -
- We'll soon see about that, kitten. – Krystal said. – But, I feel merciful, and I think I'll give you the chance to defend yourself... with no toys, of course. -
- Be warned, foxy lady. I'll do something else than scratching your pretty face. – The cat said exposing her long nails in a threatening manner.
- Give me your best scratch. – Krystal said, throwing the rifle to the lower level and preparing herself to receive Kitty.
The cat charged onward with her nails extended straight to Krystal's face, but she held her wrist before she could reach her, and took advantage of the impulse to throw her off while giving her a double kick on the abdomen and sending her flying. Fortunately she fell inside the walkway, and got up very furious, she immediately charged again, but the vixen just limited herself to evade the slashes, just when she was reaching the edge, Krystal gave her a high kick at the jaw making her fall backwards. And before she could get up, the vixen grabbed her from the hair and started slapping her mercilessly, then finished with a knee straight to her womb, with enough force to send her flying a couple of meters before falling. She managed to get back up, still combative, but clearly that last strike had made a lot of damage. However, Krystal wasn't going to stop there, and with no words she gave a spinning kick to a side of her head, almost throwing her off the walkway. Still stunned for the kick, but she was conscious enough to realize what had happened, but she was unable to assimilate when Krystal grabbed her hair again, this time also getting a hold of her left arm and twisting it against her back.
- Aaaaahhh!! Let me go!! That hurts, let me go!! -
- You want me to let you go? – Krystal said, holding her even tighter. – If you say the magical words I will. -
- Stop it, please!! – The cat screamed, fighting to hold back the tears of pain. – I beg of you, let me go!!
Krystal decided the cat had received enough punishment already, so she released her grip, but just in case she could think of attacking her by surprise, she struck her on the back of her neck, leaving her out of combat. Using her very own whip she tied up her hands and left her hanging of the rail as a pendulum.
Meanwhile, below, Fox had beaten up Feral to a bloody pulp, so much he couldn't stay on his feet anymore, the rogue soldier was barely conscious, all his face bloody and dirty.
- That's enough, Feral. If you appreciate your life, give me the Zeraph. – Fox said.
- Yeah... how much... you'd like... that. – The puma barely said.
- Stubborn till the end, typical. Well, I guess I'll simply take it from you, after all you can't cause any more problems. – Fox said, leaving him on the ground and checking him. He found the disks inside his jacket, he checked them and after seeing they were OK, he smiled and put them in his pocket. Right then, Feral's remaining henchmen entered the place, and Fox immediately put the barely conscious Feral in front of himself, as if he was using him as a living shield, when they aimed with their rifles.
- Lieutenant Colonel! -
- None of you move a finger. If anyone tries something funny, you'll pay dearly. Start by dropping your weapons. -
- Yeah, sure, say goodbye, kit. – One of the soldiers stepped forward and tried to shoot his rifle, but the fox foresaw it and triggered his reflector, which deflected the shot back to him, and the unfortunate soldier fell to the ground, never to get back up, the other stepped back upon seeing their fallen comrade.
- Next? – Fox said grinning evilly. The others understood the message and immediately dropped their weapons. – Much better. -
With the situation secured, Fox picked up Feral's gun, and threatened the soldiers so they would all withdraw to a corner. Krystal helped him put them into custody. They both retrieved their stolen weapons and equipment, and wasting no time they called the authorities to deal with them.
Not long after, sirens wailed all over the place and red and blue lights illuminated the entire zone, while they took away Feral, Kitty and the soldiers who were still alive.
- Mark my words, you low-born vixen! – Kitty exclaimed while she was being taken towards the truck, cuffed. – When I get out of prison I'll get my revenge, on you and your little boyfriend, you heard me?! -
- Save your threats, you won't get out of there for a long time. – The cop said while pushing her into the truck, along with Feral, and closed the door. Inside, and before they departed, Kitty looked at the rogue soldier before her with hatred.
- It was all your fault, you little buck private. – The cat said. – I should have guessed you couldn't handle this. -
- Don't blame on me your own incompetence. – Feral replied. – You're no more than a third-rate mafia girl. -
- Look who's talking about incompetence. -
The truck wailed the sirens and left at full speed. One of the officers approached Fox and Krystal.
- We'd like to thank you for your cooperation. We'll be contacting the Galaxy Federation so they can take care of him. -
- We were glad to help, officer. – Fox said.
- Speaking of which, would you mind to hand those disks containing that program called Zeraph? They're key evidence, you know. -
- If I do that, what will happen to my payment? – Krystal asked. – I'm supposed to deliver them personally to the Galaxy Federation so they will pay me. And I don't want to give back the part I received in advance. -
- Don't worry about that, miss. We'll give you the necessary justification, and we'll make sure you receive your payment. – The officer assured.
- I hope so, I really need that money. – Krystal said, handing him the disks. The officer went away and soon all the police force around starting leaving the area.
- Uff, what a night. – Fox said. – I can't wait to drop myself on the bed to rest. -
- I'm with you, I'm exhausted. – Krystal said.
They both remained silent for a moment, and then looked at each other with a bit of malice.
- Shall we go to your hotel, or mine? – Fox asked.
- Mine is closer. Not to mention, I have a larger bed. – Krystal replied with a seductive smile.
- Sounds like an invitation to me. – Fox said in a similar tone.
- Just don't go annoying me, if you get my drift. -
- I wouldn't even think about it. It'll be a long road, will you drive? -
- Gladly. – She said. The two foxes held hands, and left the place with no hurry.
/----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /
Two days later, at the space port...
With their jobs fulfilled, the two foxes were now preparing to depart. Since Krystal needed to deliver the justification the police gave her in order to use the Zeraph as evidence in the tribunal against Feral, they would have to take separate ways again, but only for the moment.
- Well, I guess this is goodbye... for now. – Krystal said.
- You sure about this? – Fox asked. – I'm sure the others will be very happy to see you again. -
- It won't be easy to show up at Corneria after all what happened. – Krystal said. – It won't be long. I just need some time to prepare myself to face them, that's all. Not to mention, I need to take this to the Federation to receive my payment for this work. -
- Well, then it's OK, come when you feel prepared. – Fox said. – It's a bit hard to say goodbye to you after just finding you again. -
- I know, it's hard for me too. But at least, I'm through with the hardest part, which was making amends with you, and that's quite an advance. I had not felt so lively in years. -
- Same as me. – Fox said, looking at her eyes intensely, she stared back at his, both of them stayed that way for a while.
- Well, it's time for us to leave now. – Krystal said, blushing upon seeing some people around there staring at them. – Ah, I almost forgot, I had to give you this back. – She was about to take off Fox's bandana, which was still on her arm, but he stopped her.
- No, keep it. – Fox said. – You can give it back to me when you return to Corneria. -
- You sure? -
- Yeah. Besides, with that I make sure will meet again. – Fox said with a bit of sarcasm.
- Fox, are you saying you don't trust me? – Krystal said with a semi-feigned annoyance, and putting her arms on her waist.
- Hey, if I didn't trust you, I wouldn't give you that, would I? -
- Hmm. – The vixen stared at Fox for a few seconds, but then she softened her expression and smiled. – I'll go back to Corneria when I'm ready, I promise. -
- I'll be waiting for you. – Fox.
They both went towards the hangars in which their ships were being stored. Krystal boarded her Cloud Runner and Fox boarded his Arwing. After the area was clear, they both took off and flew up until leaving the atmosphere of planet Kew. Once in orbit, Fox was preparing to activate the hiper accelerators of his ship, when the Cloud Runner flew next to him. Fox looked outside and saw Krystal smiling to him from the cockpit of her ship. She sent him a flying kiss, and then she waved her hand to say goodbye, Fox smiled and waved back to her, he activated the accelerators of his ship, disappearing in the vastness of space.
- I won't make the same mistakes of the past. – Krystal said to himself after Fox left. – From now on, in the good times, in the bad times, and in the worse times, no matter what happens, I'll always be with you, Fox. Always with you. -
FIN.
/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /
Author's Notes.
Oof, well, I made it. Hehe, I'll be sincere, this chapter came out a bit different from what I originally had planned. Specifically, I had planned to end Feral and Kitty's lives, but in the last minute I decided to leave them alive and send them to prison, besides, I think the beatings they got from Fox and Krystal were more than enough.
Before closing, as usual, thanks for the reviews: The Lammynator, demonic fox 16, DTP78, ninjafoxshadow, WhisperingZephyr, theXbeat08 and LilGstryker.
Well, nothing else to say, all what's left is the epilogue for the definitive conclusion, see you there.