Chapter 16
The Mysterious Invitation
Authors note: I changed the name of the Vice Lords to Blue Creek Mafia. So don't be surprised, this fits better anyway.
Shortly after Wolf was defeated by Roka, he challenged Fox. Fox however saw what happened to Wolf and certainly didn't want to go up against this southern child. He still couldn't believe that he spent most of his life in the South. But, there were those southern attributes: he was old fashioned, an excellent shooter, and a champion drinker. Fox just never really noticed.
Roka: Hey Fox, wanna have a go at it? I have been waiting for days! C'mon, I thought you were tougher than the Wolf O'Donnel. I guess I will just tell him that you wimped out me, at least he had the guts to go against me.
Fox: Roka! What ever you did to Wolf I will NOT do the same. Stop bothering me.
Roka: Fine...
Slippy: Hey Roka, will you help me out?
Roka: Sure, whaddya' need?
Slippy: We need to do a scheduled maintainence on the arwings. You could learn a lot.
Roka: Alright, I will.
Slippy hopped down to the docking bay and Roka was following. They began to clean the fuel lines and intake, Roka handed Slippy a wrench and he made sure the bolts on the fuel line were nice and tight among other things. They had been at it for some time. Krystal walked into the docking bay with some nice cold lemonade for the boys. Slippy had almost finished when he dropped the wrench and in nailed Roka in the head, giving him a nose bleed and a massive headache.
Krytsal: Roka, oh my gosh, are you ok?
Almost as if it was on cue Krystal set dow the lemonade and ran up to the befuddled vulpine who gracefully fell in her arms. He looked up into her eyes, his eyes were big and glossy, and in a way overdone hick accent he said.
"It's all over now darlin'. It's been a long hard journey but I finally made it to the last round-up, as my dyin' wish, bury me on Boot Hill." (sticks tongue out and "dies")
Krystal thinking this was funny and cute so she decided to play along.
Krystal: Why did you leave me honey?!
Fox: Ahem...
Krystal turned around to see Fox, arms crossed and toes tapping. She blushed out of embarrassment and put her hands to her face. In doin so she dropped Roka on the floor. SMACK!
Roka: Owwww! That was mean...
Krystal: Sorry...
Fox: Cut the stupid games Roka, you were here to work so do it.
Roka: Alright, alright... Lemme' grab some ice first.
Fox: For what? a common noze bleed...
Roka: No, I got nailed in the head by a wrought iron wrench which caused a nose bleed, it was a champion shot, not bad Slippy.
Slippy: I'm so sorry Roka.
Roka: It's ok, I think I need some Ice.
Slippy took the disoriented vulpine to the kitchen, opened up the freezer and pulled out a bag of ice.
--
Fox: Krystal dear.
Krystal: Yes Fox?
Fox: I need to ask you something. Why were talking in that ridiculous accent and why did you call someone years younger than you "honey"?
Krystal: (clearly blushing and embarrased) I'm sorry, after he got hurt I ran up to him, he fell into my arms and made that silly little last wish, I just wanted to play along.
Fox: I see. Now he has almost everybody pulled into his little games.
Krystal: Fox, it's no big deal. Why do you look so angry?
Fox: That little troublemaker is getting on my nerves, now he's corrupted you too!
Fox walked to the kitchen from the docking bay, as he walked past the cafeteria tables, he noticed a letter written in blue ink, it was adressed to Roka. Fox, being a bit nosy, read the letter and a cold chill ran down his spine, "How did this happen? Is Roka involved in gangs now?" Fox decided not to scold Roka at that time, he decided to get some answers.
Fox: Slippy, can you leave the kitchen for a while, I need to talk with Roka.
Slippy: Ok, I'll go. ( walks away)
Roka: Ok Fox, I'm sorry for making Krystal do that little skit, I'm just a goofball I know, I guess its the way I am.
Fox: It's not that Roka, I need to talk to you about something serious.
Roka: What about?
Fox: How you got involved in gangs.
Roka: So you found my letter eh? Well, General Pepper wanted me to find a gang involved in a large drug ring. Apparently, the "Red River Gang" was the gange was involved with the sale of illegal drugs. Through a series of events I put an end to the gang by law enforcement or gunfights. I think that they all have been either apprehended or killed. Why do you want to know?
Fox: Roka, that letter you receieved was from the Blue Creek Mafia, do you know who they are?
Roka: Not really, all I know is that they are on my side.
Fox: Not many people know, but a long time ago they were one of the most powerful gangs in Corneria City, perhaps the whole planet. What they did as a gang remains a mystery because they were never caught red handed, in anything. Everything about them remains a mystery. I wish I knew more but that is all I had ever heard of them.
Roka: Cool, I'm a mob boss.
Fox: -rolls eyes- Take me seriously would ya'?
Roka: Alright.
Fox: Anyway, you probably want to be careful, this means that you have new friends, and enemies.
Roka: Got it. What happened here remains a secret ya'?
Falco: (walks into the kitchen) What's a secret?
Roka: I'm a mob boss. (with a straight face)
Falco: Funny... (walks away)
Roka: See Fox? If you tell the truth, they will never believe you, I learned it from the Bible.
Fox: I think you got that mixed up with lying.
Roka: Me and Slippy were working on those Arwings all day. I think I'll turn in for the night.
THE NEXT DAY
Roka: Yawn, my head hurts. Oh well, I always sacrifice my health for a good joke anyway... Better get dressed.
Roka walked out of his glorified closet and made his way through the main corridor to the bridge. He wanted to see if there was any messages or anything involving a job. There were no new messages or jobs. He quickly got bored so he hopped in Fox's big lazy chair and did an impersonation.
Roka: "Attention people of Corneria, I am Fox McCloud, and this ship, the Great Fox is my pride and joy, and it is aproximately one third the size of my ego! Kneel before me insects!"
Fox: So that's what you think of me?
Roka: YAAAAA! WHERE'D YOU COME FROM?!
Fox: Hmhmhmh. I caught you red-handed you little pest.
Roka: Uh-oh.
Fox: Come here you rotten little...
General Pepper here! I have a message for Star Fox.
Fox and Roka quickly stopped the chase and snapped to attention.
General Papper: Hey boys, how ya doing?
Fox: Fine sir.
General Pepper: Good, there is a big gala being held tomorrow, the proceeds go to charity, would you be interested in coming?
Roka: A party? Sounds great!
Fox: I think that would be fine sir.
General Pepper: Great! I will send you the location on your computer.
Roka: I hope to see you soon Sir, I have an important message. But it must wait till tomorrow.
General Pepper out.
Fox: I will exact revenge later. Before that I need to go talk with the rest of the team members, we have a party to attend.
Roka: "And I have a party to crash." Can I head on down early? I have some buisiness to deal with.
Fox: Well, ok. What kind of buisiness?
Roka: -wink- That's Classified.
Fox: Fine, see you later.
Roka entered the docking bay and got in his hand-me-down arwing. He pierced through Corneria's atmosphere flew throough the bright blue
sky and eventually landed back at the familiar Cornerian Air Base. He greeted some of the guards as he walked to his trusty old dirt bike. He pulled over the tarp and put a gallon of gas which he had stored along with the bike. He got on the nice cushioned seat and slammed the kick starter. The reliable oil-burner roared to life as he sped out of the base and towards Corneria City. A half hour later, he was back in the Capitol, the important thing was to first go shopping. He needed some of those dumb fancy clothes, but he decided to make the best of it. He drove to a major plaza and found an upscale tailor. He had a tux made to fit with the Star Fox logo. For added humourous enjoyment, he purchased a cane and a big top hat, along with a gold monicle. He looked like a gent. To the tailors surprise, he gave the old turtle cash to pay the bill, he said farewell and drove to an electronics shop in the plaza. He ordered the coolest flat-screen he could find and had it shipped to Fox's apartment. The next place he visited was a jewelry shop at the plaza. As he made his search he found what he was looking for. It was a beautiful silver chain with a rectangle cut sapphire. He asked the clerck about it. The tigress said to him:
"This necklace is over one hundred years old. There were only a few of these made and they are prized and sought after all over Corneria"
Roka: It is a fine piece... How much?
Clerck: Young man, if you really think you can afford this I'll tell you. I'll take four grand.
Roka: Deal.
The rather shocked clerck watched the young vulpine pull out a fat stack of cash. The paycheck the general gave him was a lot more than he expected to be payed. He gave the money to the clerck who was still twitching. "How did a boy that can't possibly be older than eighteen get this kind of money?!"
Roka: Thank you miss, I will be on my way.
The loaded little vulpine drove to Fox's apartment and foun the TV sitting in front of the door. He unlocked and gragged the TV inside. He picked up the old flat screen and set it on the floor. With all his might, he lifted the new one out of the box and placed t on the wall mount. It hid the burn holes in the wall quite nicely, it was a lot bigger than the old one. He put his tux on the couch and took a deep breath, now his mission was about to commence. It would be a hard task but he was a man now, he had to do it. He went downstairs and left the apartment complex. He grabbed his bike and drove to Roxy's house. This was not gonna be easy. He walked up the stairs to the porch and rang the doorbell. An old gray fox opened the door. He had a smile on his face and the smell of whiskey on his breath.
Roka: Hello Mr. Beryl, is Roxy home?
Mr.Beryl: -hiccup- sheeeee's upstaaaaiiirrrsss.
Roka: Oh dear, he's drunk again. Sir, you need to quit binge drinking. You might kill yourself.
Mr.Beryl: OOOOK! Come in son. -hiccup- I'll go take a nap. Mayyybe I shoouuuld quit.
Roka: Roxy! Come down here!
Roxy: (runs downsairs) Roka! Where did you go last time I saw you! You didn't even say goodbye! Well, the tip was nice anyway, thanks.
Roka: Turn around Roxy.
Roxy: Well, ok. (turns around)
Roka walked up behind and put the necklace around her. She looked down at the glowing blue gem and nearly fainted.
Roxy: Roka! You're so sweet! I love it! Hehehe! (thats a giggle if you didn't notice)
Roka was blushing and tried to leave. He was nervous, he didn't know what to say. He turned around and started walking towards the door.
Roxy: Oh no ya' don't! You aren't getting away this time!
She grabbed him by the tail and yanked him over to her, she put her arms around the neck and kissed him full on the mouth! Roka turned awfully red for an orange fox.
Roxy: How was that Roka? Roka? Helloooo!
Thud!
He fell on the floor, right eye twitching. He was parylized from the neck down.
Roxy: Oh dear, I don't think he was ready for that one. Come on Roka, pull yourself together.
Roka: Ehehehehe!
Roxy helped him to his feet, the brave little gunfighter was utterly shot down. He was still giggling as he stood there.
Roka: Wow... that was the best one of em' all! (regains composure) YEEEEEEEHHHAAAAAAAA! Ahahaha! Yeah!
He picked her up off her feet and kicked his heels. He had the strength of ten men. He was in a state of ridiculous euphoria.
Roka: -pant pant- Wow, how long was I out?
Roxy: Long enough. You can put me down now.
Roka: Oh uhhh, right. There was somthing I wanted to ask you. There is a big gala on the high rise complex tomorrow, have you heard of it? I would love it if you could come.
Roxy: I would love too, but tickets are probably a thousand credits, I could never afford something like that. Besides, that something for famous people, I don't even have any nice clothes.
Roka: I can pay for a ticket. It's no problem at all!
Roxy: I don't know, it's such a formal party. Besides, it's meant for beautiful people anyway.
Roka: I'd say that you fit in that category. Besides, I'm a member of Star Fox, getting you in would be no problem.
Roxy: Thats exactly what I mean! All of the famous people go there, famous people like you.
Roka: I did a pretty good of keeping myself hidden. I'm not that famous anyway. Please Roxy! I wan't you to come so bad! I can even find you a perfect dress, I know there's one out there. "Time to unleash my secret weapon."
Roka looked at her with the biggest blue puppy eyes he could muster up, and stuck out his lower lip just a little.
Roxy: Stop looking at me that way! Alright, I'll go.
Roka: Hoooray! I'll pick you up tomorrow!
Roka left Roxy's house kicking his heels all the way to his bike. He sped off through the city sttreets. He made it to Center Street hoping to see Mike, when an old lion walked out in front of him. Roka hit the brakes stopping only inches in front of him.
??: You must be Roka Embers, My name is Emedio de Luca. I am head of the Blue Creek. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Roka: -gasp- You are the leader? What do you want?
Emedio: I am getting on in years, I need someone to take my place, someone with a strong heart and a will of iron. You finished off more that half of the Red River. They are either dead or in jail. You put an end to their tirade, they were a thorn in our sides for years.
Roka: I'm no mob boss, I'm not a killer, I'm just a regular guy. I operate within the law.
Emedio: You may be law abiding, and you may have respect fot innocent life, but you are not normal. You have finished a war single-handedly, you are a killer Embers. My last few men will follow you loyally to the death. If you want to be law abiding, so will they. As for me, my time grows short. I know the hour of my death and for that I am blessed. Gentlemen, meet your new leader.
A group of ten men all in black suits walk out of an alley way and greet the young fox.
Roka: I don't know if I can do this Emedio, I work with Star Fox. I can't always be here.
Emedio: These men can take care of themselves, but when you are here, they will take your orders.
Roka: This is too strange, I...I...
"Look here son, our leader trusts you completely, and so do we. You finished off a gang that has killed our families and friends, you accomplished more than you think. We are greatly indebted to you."
Emedio: Coming out in the open like this was the last move I will ever make. They know I'm here.
Just then, a small group of gangsters came out of an alley from across the street, they fired apon Emedio. Roka pulled out his 38. and the rest of the team put the gangsters under heavy fire. The last of the Red River gang were finished. The ten or so gangsters had been gunned down. As for Roka's team, they all made it out fine. Emedio de Luca however was hit. His chest was bleeding and there was nothing he could do.
Emedio: Before I die, I want you to know one thing, the Blue Creek mafia was never caught because we never commited any crimes. We were an organization built for the sole purpose of bringing other gangs to justice, you are just like me Roka Embers. You want to end the rings of violence by force, not diplomacy. And now, I die with my boots on. This is a true honor. With my last breath, I give you my blessing, farewell.
Roka: Farewell Emedio de Luca.
The old lion breathed his last and died in Roka's arms. He seemed somehow peacefull, like his task had been accomplished. Roka looked up at the team that was so gracefully bestowed apon him.
Roka: It looks like we are going to bring this crime laiden part of town to justice boys!
Sir!
Roka and his team began the long task of nabbing the gangs of the South Corner. The Red Rever was finished, next was the Gentlemen 12. A small group of ex-cons that once served in the military. The Blue Creek mafia found their hideout rather quickly because of their fame as a small gang. They broke into the ratty old building on Madera Road all with blasters ,and firearm, in hand. They were completely surprised that there were some of the Blue Creek vigilantes left. They were bound and gagged and left on the streets with their stash of meth sitting right next to them. Roka opened his cell phone and played the role of wittness. He told the cops that the gang was mysteriously tied up and sitting in the streets. Law enforcement arrived and locked up the whole gang and retreived the drugs as evidence. The Blue Creek had taken out two gangs in one night. The secretive group went their way for the night. Roka went his way and drove back to the apartment. It was late, so he sat down on the couch, then he noticed something. The broken flat-screen was still in the living room, he got angry at it and threw it out the window, it hit the sidewalk below quite hard. He had a lot on his mind. Will have to lead a double-life as a merceary and a vigilante? Will the team find out? How will they react? It was a lot to think about. He threw his tired self into bed, awaiting the big party tomorrow.