The Search for Fox Part V
The Desert Moon
The U.S.S. Hedgehog was on its way to the desert moon. Due to its distance, they decided to go to not-really-as-fast-as-light-speed speed. They were all sitting around in the same room, Sonic, Umbreon, and Krystal was lying down on the couch, Tails was on the computer, Espeon, Skipper, Blazekin, and Treeko were watching T.V., and Shadow, Knuckles, and Amoeba were playing monopoly. Then, Umbreon stretched out and said "Man, Sonic, this place is amazing. Where in the world did you get this?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, Eggman made it, but not for us" said Sonic "You see, this was originally called the Egg carrier, one of Eggman's greatest toys, plus it wasn't easy. Tails and I flew in and took it down. Then, it fell in the ocean, we found it, claimed it, fixed it up, and called it the U.S.S. Hedgehog"
"Oh, it was Robotnik's?" said Umbreon "And you found it when he abandoned it, right?"
"Right" said Sonic
"I wouldn't worry" said Knuckles "It used to belong to Eggman, but it belongs to us now, and we can use it to kick his fat ugly rear anytime"
"Hey, let's all do something" said Sonic "We each take one guess at who the guy on the desert moon might be, does that sound good, Krystal"
"You, guys go on ahead without me, I've got other things I'm focusing on" said Krystal
"Oh, alright, so who's first?" asked Sonic
"OOOOO! Me me me!" said Treeko
"Who?" asked Sonic
"Richard Nixon?" said Treeko
"I doubt it" said Umbreon
"Who's next…" said Sonic
Krystal was really tired from that battle in the last chapter, and she didn't want to bother, or be bothered by, the others, so she left the room, went to the sleeping quarters, laid in one of the beds, and fell asleep.
Then, she had a dream. It was blurry at first; she saw a figure calling her name. Her vision got better and she saw Fox. Just Fox and her, and nothing else.
"Fox, is that you?" asked Krystal
"Yes, Krystal" said Fox
"Is this a dream?" asked Krystal
"It could be" said Fox
"Fox, why? Why don't you want me to find you? We all need you back at home"
"I'm sorry, Krystal, but I can't let you get hurt, and I don't want you to"
"Just where are you?"
"I can't say"
"Why not? What is it that you're hiding?"
"It's something that you can't handle, okay?"
"But, Fox, we need you to come back. There's something back in the lylat system, something really fast, that's tormenting everything, Sonic can't use his speed alone, and he needs your speed as well. Fox we need you to help us defeat it"
"Um… Krystal, I'm sorry, but……… You can deal with it without me. I'm not really up to showing myself to everyone. Krystal, you're going to have to live without me"
"Don't say that, Fox, the entire team needs you. And you know Falco hates me! I can never live on the team with him as the leader, what am I to do?"
"See the team you're with right now, the Sonic Team and the Pokeagents?"
"Yes, how did you…"
"That's not important. You see that team, that's your team, now. You can be with them"
"No, Fox, I'm a member of Starfox, and you're my leader"
"I'm not you're leader anymore, Krystal"
"What? Why?"
"There are some things not meant to be known, you know that"
"Fox, I don't understand; am I ever going to see you again?"
"I don't think so, Krystal, I'm so sorry, but this is how things are to be"
Fox walked to Krystal and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm sorry, Krystal" said Fox "You must understand, please. Good-bye, Krystal"
Then, suddenly, something was pushing Krystal back and everything got bright.
"Wait! Fox!" said Krystal trying to reach out to Fox "No! Fox! Don't do this! FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOX!"
"FOX!" Krystal jerked her head up, and looked around, she was in the sleeping quarters again, for she had just woken up, but was it a dream? It was so real, and Fox was so serious about it.
Krystal got out of bed, and everybody walked in.
"Good news, Krystal" said Sonic
"We've reached the moon?" asked Krystal
"Almost, but no, we've all agreed on who we guessed who the guy where looking for on the moon is" said Sonic
"Who?" asked Krystal, pretending that she cared, when she really didn't
"Richard Nixon" said Sonic
"I tried to convince them" said Umbreon "But you know what they say, if you can't beat them, join them"
"Hey, Krystal, are you okay?" asked Knuckles "You look like you saw a ghost"
"Oh, it's nothing" said Krystal "Just a bad dream"
"Napping on the job, are we?" asked Sonic
"What job?" asked Krystal
"Well… um… some………thing, oh, never mind" said Sonic "Hey, Tails, how close are we?"
"We should reach there in a few minutes" said Tails
"Cool, what should we do until then?" asked Sonic
"Um… guys" said Krystal "Can I talk to you all?"
"Sure, Krystal, what is it?" asked Umbreon
Everybody sat down on the bed as Krystal explained her dream, when she was done, everybody was quite confused.
"Us, a team?" said Sonic "Sorry, I have enough dealing with these four goof balls… although, they're not alone, being one myself"
"I don't know, Krystal" said Umbreon "It was a dream, you said, right? Well, it can't really be Fox; you must really worry about him"
"You may be right, but this has happened to me before" said Krystal "Sometimes, I communicate to others in my dreams"
"Kind of creepy considering people really being in your dreams" said Sonic "I'm glad it's you and not people like Amoeba"
"The doughnut knows all, Sonic" said Amoeba "Mmmm, doughnuts"
"I don't know, what if that's what Fox really wants" said Krystal
"'Tell you what, if things don't work out, then, yeah, we'll all be a team" said Umbreon "But, don't count on that happening, 'cause I'm going to find Fox and I'm not giving up until he's safe at home"
"Dude, you're not doing this without me, Umbreon" said Espeon
"Um… Didn't we do this before we went on our search?" asked Shadow
"Oh, yeah, sorry about that" said Umbreon
"So, what are we going to do when we get to the moon?" asked Sonic
"Find the person who has seen Fox" said Krystal
"Works for me" said Sonic
Then, there was a loud rumbling.
"We're here" said Sonic "Let's go!"
They all went to the tractor room and got beamed down to the desert moon. When they got down, it was a vast desert with Sand dunes and cacti. They could see sand storms brewing up in the distance.
"This shouldn't be too hard" said Sonic
"What makes you say that?" asked Knuckles
"No place to hide" said Sonic
"That's logical" said Shadow
Treeko was starring at a cactus.
"Cactus, cactus" said Treeko "CACTUS! HUG!"
"No, Treeko!" said Umbreon pulling Treeko's tail away from the cactus "How many times do I have to tell you, don't hug a cactus"
"Sorry, Umbreon" said Treeko
They started searching for the person who saw Fox. They kept searching the vast desert, yet, no one was to be found. Finding that person was getting more and more exhausting, for they were all growing tired, in addition to the extreme heat that was beating on them like a bat. They decided to take a break and fell down in the sand.
"Man, who would have though that something so big, would be so exhausting" said Sonic
"Aw, don't complain, Sonic" said Umbreon
"Complain? This is complaining" said Sonic "Because of you slow-pokes around, I can't use my speed, which would make things a whole lot easier"
"That does sound like a good idea, Sonic" said Umbreon "But, look at it this way: We're in a desert! If you got ahead of us, you'd get lost! There's nothing different here, because what you see, is what you're going to see everywhere else on this moon!"
"Hey, I didn't say I was going to use my speed" said Sonic
"Will, you two stop it!" said Knuckles "You're giving me a headache! Listen, we all need to stick together, but we all need to keep going!"
"But, I'm tired" said Tails
"Me too" said Shadow "Might as well bury ourselves and consider us dead"
"That won't happen in a couple of decades, and if we're lucky, a few centuries" said Sonic
"I got an idea, dudes" said Espeon "Let's all, like, totally drink some water out of Amoeba. He's totally made of it, after all"
"Here's a better idea, let's not" said Sonic "We've tried it, didn't like it, puked, got sick, peed it out, which really wasn't pleasant, and got on with our lives"
"Hey, Krystal, are you okay?" asked Skipper
"I'm fine" said Krystal "I'm just a little…"
Then, Krystal froze.
"Just a little what?" asked Sonic "Tired?"
"What's up with the pause?" asked Umbreon
"………I'm sensing something coming here" said Krystal
"What? Are you sure?" asked Knuckles
"It's not that sandstorm is it?" asked Shadow pointing to some sand brewing up high in the air.
"Shadow, that's not a sand storm" said Krystal
"What is it?" asked Sonic "Wait……… I see it"
It was a black blur coming from the distance and it kicked up tons of sand as it ran. It passed the others and went to a complete stop, having sand fly in front of it as it did. It was a hooded figure with every square inch of it's body covered, no fur shown, no tail shown, you couldn't tell what it was. It was wearing a fully covered hood on it's head, a black shirt with black gloves and the neck connected to the hood covering the neck, the pants were all black and reached down to it's ankles, and it was wearing black shoes. And every part of the garment was connected.
"That must be it, the U.S.O!" said Umbreon
"There's something odd about this thing" said Krystal "But what?"
The hooded figure turned and bent down to a running stance.
"Oh, you want to race, eh?" asked Sonic "Well, bring it on! You guys stay here and watch while I show this thing what true speed really is"
Sonic bent down next to it. Then, they both shot out like blurs.
"Come on, let's follow them" said Umbreon
"I'm not sure that we can" said Krystal
Meanwhile, not to far ahead, Sonic and the U.S.O were running as fast as they could neck in neck.
"Oh, not bad" said Sonic "But, let's see how fast you can really go!"
Sonic burst into speed and broke the sound barrier, he was moving faster than the speed of sound.
Sonic looked back and said "Ha! What's the matter? Too fast for you?"
Then, the U.S.O came up, and zoomed by Sonic so hard, it sent Sonic flying in the air and Sonic's body was dragged in the sand as he rolled down the landscape. When Sonic stopped, he got up and saw that the U.S.O was nowhere to be found.
"Sonic!" yelled Tails in the distance; he was flying in the air with the others running with him.
Sonic got up, spit the sand out of his mouth, and tried to stand.
"Sonic, are you alright?" asked Krystal
"I'm fine for the most part" said Sonic
"What happened?" asked Umbreon
"I almost had him!" said Sonic "If I wasn't so tired, I could have beaten him easily! But, I can't think of anyone who can go that fast, and I must admit, it really caught me off guard"
"Sonic the Hedgehog, beaten in a race?" asked Knuckles "I can't say I blame you, because you didn't know what was coming"
"Sonic, what was that?" asked Krystal
"I don't know, Krystal, but what I do know is, the next time I race that thing, I'll be at full energy, then, we'll see who's faster" said Sonic
"Careful, Sonic, you're pride will be the end of you" said Shadow
"Sorry, guys" said Sonic "It's just that, loosing a race to anything really gets me fired up"
"Well" said Umbreon "you can use it to help us find the………"
Then, Umbreon froze.
"What is it?" asked Krystal
"Look" said Umbreon pointing to a building complex
"Who in their right mind would put that there?" asked Shadow
"Someone who doesn't want to be found out" said Sonic "Come on, let's check it out"
They got closer to the base and found the door. They tried to open it, but it was no use.
"Stand back, watch and learn" said Sonic
Sonic started rolling faster and faster and faster, until he became a buzz saw, and he ran into the door. Sparks flew everywhere as he kept rolling. Then, Sonic bounced off, not leaving a scratch.
"Man, that's some pretty tough materials" said Sonic "It makes diamonds look fragile"
"Let me take a whack at it" said Knuckles
Knuckles raised his fist and hit the door as hard as he could, leaving a large dent in it, he repeated this until the door flew off.
"Piece of cake" said Knuckles
They walked in and there were machines and buildings everywhere, but no one was there and the machines looked like they haven't been used in years.
"Looks abandoned" said Shadow "Well, no one's here, let's go back!"
Shadow turned around, but Sonic grabbed him by the arm before he could walk away.
"Wait" said Sonic "Something tells me……… Oh, never mind, it has nothing to do with it"
"There's someone here" said Krystal "I can feel their presence. We should search this place before we leave"
They went up to one of the buildings, but the door was locked. Umbreon spotted another way in. They went though an air vent. The air vent was large enough for them to stand up and walk though. Then, they found themselves over a room, and they saw some strange looking aliens, they were black aliens with a large chest, but a thin stomach, and a sword-like gun that they all held, and they were wearing helmets.
"Man" said Sonic "Those things are ugly"
"Yeahrey" said Umbreon
"Be quiet, they're saying something" said Krystal
One of the aliens spoke in a weird language.
"Of course, I will hold up my bargain" said a voice
It was General Scales! And with him, a small group of Sharpclaw.
Another alien spoke.
"Of course" said Scales "After all we have the greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy and her brother. Bring them in"
It was Samus Aran and her brother Samus Erik restrained by the wrists and ankles on a floating table. One of the aliens pushed them in.
One of the aliens spoke
"Of course, my friends" said Scales "I'm sure the mother brain will be very pleased. For as long as the Sharpclaw army and the space pirates band together, we will be invincible"
"Samus Aran and Erik" said Krystal "How in the world did they get captured?"
"So, the great Samus Aran and her brother Samus Erik, finally captured" said Scales
"You won't get away with this, Scale-face!" said Aran
"No, my girl, for as long as the Sharpclaw and the space pirates remain allies, we will be the most powerful beings in the galaxy" said Scales
"You're wrong, Scales" said Erik "There are others besides us"
"Oh, really" said Scales
"Yeah, there's the Sonic Team, The starfox, the pokeagents, not to mention Hamtaro" said Erik "And they will take you down"
"Don't worry" said Scales "I've already got someone to take care of them"
"Who would that be? Hm?" asked Aran
"Do you know the U.S.O attacking the lylat system?" asked Scales
"Yeah, Scales, we know he's working for you" said Aran
"Yes, and he will do a good job in defeating your friends" said Scales "after all, he's never failed me, yet"
Then, a space pirate spoke.
"Do what you wish to them" said Scales
Krystal didn't know what to do: She felt like getting out and saving Samus Aran and Erik, but doing so would blow her cover. She decided to remain quiet. Unfortunately, Amoeba broke wind, and everybody noticed them.
"Wait……… we have guests" said Scales
"It's over, Scales……… Whatever you're doing" said Sonic jumping out.
"Who might you be?" asked Scales
"My name is Sonic the Hedgehog, the world's fastest hedgehog!" said Sonic "And these are the Sonic Team, the Pokeagents, and Krystal"
"Wait! I remember you" said Scales pointing to Krystal "You're the girl who tried to meddle with my plans of conquering Sauria! You failed miserably, but got rescued by Fox McCloud! You have more clothing on than what I can remember"
"That's right, General" said Krystal climbing out "I am Krystal, and I am a member of Starfox"
"So, you joined their team?" said Scales
"Yes, I did, and right now, I'm trying to find my leader, Fox" said Krystal
"You're looking for Fox?" said Scales. He laughed and said "Well, then, so be it, but you will not foil with my plans again, I will crush you!"
Then, the Sharpclaw and the space pirates started attacking. The Sonic Team attacked the Sharpclaw, and the Pokeagents attacked the space pirates. Krystal started to fight General Scales with her staff; Scales used his sword and claws.
"You won't beat me, Krystal, is it?" said Scales
"You're wrong" said Krystal
Scales swung at Krystal and missed. Krystal charged at Scales and tried to hit him with her staff, but Scales grabbed her by the neck. The Sonic Team and the Pokeagents were to busy fighting to notice.
"You have still much to learn" said Scales
"I'll……… Never surrender…to… you!" said Krystal trying to breath though Scale's hand.
"I should kill you right now, so you wouldn't foil with my plans again" said Scales.
Scales raised his claws and was about to stab Krystal with them, but he was interrupted by a call. It was the U.S.O.
"I've completed my task, General" said the U.S.O "I think it should be wise to return back to the planet Sharpclaw"
"Good job, I'll be on my way" said General Scales
Scales dropped Krystal and said "I'll let you go with a warning, but if we meet again, I will kill you, and no holding back. Come, Sharpclaw"
The Sharpclaw came and followed Scales out of the building and the space pirates fled. Krystal was still on the floor, she put her hand on her neck and started gasping for air. Afterwards she got up and freed Samus Aran and Erik.
"Hey, thanks, guys" said Erik
"No problem" said Sonic
"So, Aran, Erik, are you the one's who's seen Fox?" asked Krystal
"Yes we have, but not here, take us to the ship you took to get here" said Aran
"Okay" said Sonic
They all got out of the base and got beamed up to the U.S.S. Hedgehog, and Samus Aran and Erik's ship was beamed up, too.
"So, how in the world did you guys get captured?" asked Umbreon
"Long story short, we were caught off guard" said Erik
"About Fox" said Krystal "Have you seen him"
"Okay, Krystal, but first, I want you to sit down" said Aran
They, both sat down on the couch.
"Krystal, this is going to be hard to say but…" Aran started to say "You see………Fox has………… Well…"
"Fox has what?" asked Sonic "Spill it!"
"Krystal, I'm sorry" said Aran "But……………Fox has joined General Scale's army!"
"WHA?!?" said Krystal
"WHAT!?!" said Sonic
"How in the world?!?" said Umbreon
"Dude!" said Espeon
"Really!?!" said Shadow
"It can't be!" said Knuckles
"Holy crap!" said Skipper
"Why?!?" said Amoeba
"Eh? Wah!" said Treeko
"Did I miss anything?" said Tails walking in
"That's a lie! Fox would never do anything like that!" said Krystal
"He did, Krystal" said Erik
"Krystal, I'm so sorry" said Aran "But there's proof. You know that U.S.O? That's Fox, Fox is the U.S.O."
"Guess that explains the speed" said Sonic
"We were sent on a mission to stop the U.S.O. er……Fox" said Erik "We somehow got him knocked down, but his hood flew off and there we saw him. It wasn't until later that we found out that Fox was also working for General Scales. But I don't know why"
"Fox……" Krystal lowered her head. She couldn't believe it, Fox joined the enemy? Her mind was going in a spin, she was so heart sunken.
"If you want to know, Fox is on the planet Sharpclaw, where Scales rules" said Aran
"Where's that?" asked Umbreon
"You see that star" said Erik pointing to an on-screen view of a star "that's the planet Sharpclaw, and there Fox is"
"Fox, why?" said Krystal.
There was a long pause………
"We… should get going" said Erik
Aran put her hand on Krystal's shoulder and said "Krystal, I'm so sorry for this, but… It's the truth, Fox is a part of General Scale's army now. I wish this wasn't so, either"
Aran and Erik left the room, got on their ship and left.
"Well, now we know where and what Fox has been up to, right?" said Sonic
"Fox……… An enemy now?" said Krystal
Umbreon sat down next to her and said "Listen, Krystal, if you want to make that team, then, fine, but I suggest that we see Fox one last time and at least find out why. So, what's it going to be?"
"I……… I don't know" said Krystal "maybe, we can…… go see him and at least find out"
"Alright" said Sonic
"He can be turned, right, Sonic" said Krystal
"I don't know……Maybe" said Sonic "I guess we'll have to find out"
"Next stop, Planet Sharpclaw" said Tails
"I have to be alone" said Krystal
She walked out of the room and started wondering, why would Fox do such a thing? Will she find out? And is there a chance of turning him back? Please, if you're still reading this than, hold on until the next chapter.
To be continued…