Star Fox 40,000: Realm of Chaos

by GamerJay

Star Fox x Warhammer 40,000 crossover. The corrupt aspects of humanity has come to drown Lylat in it's own blood. Who can stand against it? Team Star Fox, an heroic yet complicated superhuman and the zealous, gothic Imperium of Man.

23. Chapter 20: Into the Unknown

Disclaimer: See the Prologue

A/N: Here is it, the final chapter…

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Chapter 20 – Towards the Unknown

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Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
- Quote, Tactica Imperium

Lying on a surgical table in the Apothecarium of the Battle Barge Emperor Incarnatus out of armor and only in his scarred carapace, Jacques fiddled with his crystal necklace in his right hand as the Apothecary, assisted by his medicae servitors, worked to reattach his left arm. No sign of discomfort was on the Grey Knight's face despite the amount of beep and whirring that came from the medical equipment, which was complimented by the sound of flesh, bone and nerve being connected and melded into his severed limb.

What felt like an electrical charged passed through Jacques, causing his left arm to spasm suddenly, dropping the necklace onto the clean, metal floor. He looked up at the bright down light shining down on him and sighed. He looked over at the Apothecary, who looked up from tending to his reattached arm at him. The stump where his missing hand should be was replaced with what appeared to be a large plug.

"Try to move your arm, brother."

Jacques did so, managing to slowly move it upwards albeit with feelings of electricity running up and down it's nerves. He disregarded his reattached him to try and reach for the necklace on the ground with his left arm, only to see Cassius standing before him, holding his necklace in his large left gauntlet. The way he held Krystal's gift made Jacques wince slightly, with the movements of the Master of Sanctity gauntlet to suggest he was going to grind it to dust.

Realising Jacques' reactions Cassius inquired, "I saw you reach out for this while the Chaos Lord had you pinned back on MacBeth's grey soil."

He then pointed at his reattached right arm.

"The beast-xeno vixen cried out and you lost your arm, now having been reattached thanks to the efforts of our Brother-Apothecary here, the one who bears the helix on his pauldron."

Jacques leaned his back, closed his eyes, and sighed inwardly, "You know of the bond I share with the Cerinian Princess, Brother-Chaplain, Master of Sanctity."

"It mystifies me as to how you believe you can serve both the Emperor and the last Cerinian female," Cassius said, "And why the Lord Macragge will not permit his Honour Guard to end your heretical existence once and for all."

Jacques frowned, "I mean you no disrespect, Brother-Chaplain, but do you recall the words of the Cerinian Seer from the 38th Millennium?"

"From the battle reports garnered from Captain Sicarius following Phase 1 of the Cerinian Conflict? Unfortunately" Cassius intoned, "It is pitiful to think the xeno-furs of that blue planet revered the coming of the Imperium. And even more pitiful that the High Lords had thoughts of debating whether to reclassify Cerinians as abhumans rather than xenos…"

"For their biology is similar to humanity," the Apothecary added, recalling the words of an ancient xeno text he believed he unfortunately committed to memory, "We all know too well from the Chief Librarian concerning the Cerinians, Master of Sanctity."

"Thank you, Brother-Apothecary," Cassius said, "But the most troubling of all is that their so-called 'prophecy' really centred around you…"

He was interrupted when two more medical servitors entered the room, with Jacques' right gauntlet with attached storm bolter was wheeled in and brought before Jacques. The Grey Knight raised his eyebrows, looking on in confusion as the servitors brought the gauntlet over to the plug attached to the stump on his right arm. Cassius smirked.

"That…will be your bionic hand," Cassius said, "And a remainder of who laid 'claim' to you following Medusa II."

Jacques grimaced, "My Aegis armour and the wards beneath my skin are 'reminder' enough."

Things then became silent between the Chaplain and the Grey Knight. He felt another jolt of electricity as his bionic hand/gauntlet was attached to his stump. He felt the impulse to wiggle his fingers, which they did. Cassius watched silently as he raised his right arm upwards and clenched his hand/gauntlet into a fist He stared at it for a long while, the only sounds to be heard were the whirring of medical equipment, servitors and Jacques' light breathing.

Jacques then turned to Cassius, "There is something you have the right to know, Brother-Chaplain?"

"What is that, Mortensen?"

"If you had taken Krystal's life if she had not preserved me," Jacques sounded emotionless, "I would have been happy to let you kill me too."

Cassius snorted in disgust, "So says the Man with Vulpine Eyes…the one to have been prophesied by the blue kemono to save them from extinction."

Jacques frowned, "Astrali's prophecy was not entirely flawed. Cerinia lives on through Krystal, and through her Cerinia has a chance to be reborn."

The Chaplain had to chuckle with amusement at that statement.

"Assuming, of course, that McCloud chooses to mate with the Cerinian."

"I have no doubt that Fox is in love with her," Jacques said firmly, "And Krystal in love with him?"

Cassius shook his head slowly, before inquiring, "But what if he were to reject her?"

He smiled, but to Jacques' detriment.

"Where does that leave you?"

Jacques tried moving himself off the table, but the Apothecary moved his hand to press him down and keep him from moving. He looked over at him to sense a wave of discontent aimed at him and he suddenly became still. He looked back at the Chaplain.

He frowned, "Do you know something?"

"Among many things," Cassius admitted, "It is best if you never find out."

"Why is that?"

"It will affect your judgement," Cassius responded, then added, "More so than usual."

Cassius then turned towards the entryway and begun walking out of the Apothecarium. Jacques narrowed his eyes, where he finally started to feel contempt for the Chalpain. He knew that the Highest Command of the Ultramarines was keeping something from him and that was beginning to disturb him. He knew they no longer trusted him as a 'devoted' servant of the Empreror but only as a good warrior, but if they were hiding something concerning his origins and pre-Eden history then he had the right to now. Did he not?

"I will just ask the Lord Macragge!" Jacques called out to Cassius as he retreated out of sight.

"I will not stop you," Cassius called back, "Just be ready to accept the same response."

----------

"Jakob?"

"Uhhhh…"

"La'Jakob?"

"Uh…wha…aw, not again…sorry…"

Tash sighed as he took the injector from Jakob's hands, pushing his braid back behind his head. Sitting behind a couple of crates, La'Jakob slowly and carefully picked himself up and back on his feet, feeling the environment around him heave and weave before and under him. He put his left hand to the side of his head as he fought back against the effects of his meds.

Tash's voice was distorted as he was asked, "How are you feeling, gue'la? Do you still feel drugged?"

"Give me…a few more seconds," Jakob said, slowly feeling the effects of his drug-induced sleep wear away. When he felt his mind recover, he immediately let loose a panicked cry.

"THE ATOMICS!"

Tash sighed and grabbed Jakob by his shoulder, gently shaking him, "They have been contained and are being transported right now."

"They are?"

The Tau nodded, "Yes. In fact, we had been assigned to guard the containment bay on board the Fang III Behemoth-class."

"Wha…? Oh, yes…of course."

La'Jakob recollected everything that had happened the past few hours, much to the protest of his aching head. After the battle on MacBeth he had first requested Star Fox, then the Cornerian fleet in orbit to be able to transport the Tau and the discovered nuclear weapons back to Venom. The former flatly refused, Jakob remembering the look of horror on Fox's face, but the later sounded almost happy to oblige. La'Jakob suspected it was fact that they had discovered untold millennia old nuclear warheads and the Cornerians were more than eager to use them against the daemonic enemy.

Jakob remembered the look of the weapons when they were transported out of the bunker by Cornerian hazmat teams onto the waiting shuttle to take them back to the fleet. Large, long yellow missile with black tips with the nuclear symbol slapped on the side of each missile. Next the rest of the Tau forces, Pathfinders and XV88 Crisis Suits, were herded on board the Cornerian starship en-route along with Star Fox and the Ultramarines back to Venom for debriefing while the Imperial Guard and regrouped Cornerian forces stayed to prep themselves for the next battle. He visibly shuddered when he remembered what came next.

O'Shovah assigned he and Tash the mission of guarding the doors leading into the containment bay where the warheads were being kept. Soon he had to take his meds and Tash had advised he do so behind some crates, and for the next couple of hours he endured a pained, drug-induced sleep, with his Tau friend keeping watch.

"You remember the look on that fox's face when you asked if the warheads could be transported on the Great Fox?" Task smirked slightly, "By T'au I thought he was going to pass out."

La'Jakob sat down on top of a crate and massaged both sides of his head, "Yes, he already appeared troubled when I, stupidly, asked him."

"Stupidly?"

Jakob looked at Tash closely, "I mean not to criticise, but what is O'Shovah thinking? Using weapons of mass destruction in a war to preserve Lylat not blow it up."

"That's exactly it, Jakob," Tash said, crossing his arms and leaning against he containment doors, "You can't tell what Commander Farsight is thinking, nor when he will decide to betray us."

"Do you believe he will?" La'Jakob asked.

"Do you?"

La'Jakob became pensive for a minute. But before he can reply his communicator sprung to life. He answered.

"La'Jakob.!"

Kindly ask La'Tash NOT to lean on the containment doors.

Tash suddenly leaned off away from the doors. La'Jakob glanced up at the security camera observing the area and mentally cringed, hoping that it was not pick up and audio, and therefore their conversation.

"Shas'O?" Tash said.

We are approaching the Venomian Defence Zone. Report to Hangar 4 and prep for transport and link with T'au forces on the surface.

"What about the nuclear warheads?" La'Jakob asked.

Leave them to the Cornerian authority. Out!

The cracking from the communicator as O'Shovah severed the connection stung La'Jakob eardrums.

"He didn't sound happy," La'Tash pointed out.

La'Jakob quickly hushed him with a quick movement of his wrist, then nudged his head towards the security camera as it pointed away from them as it scanned the area outside the door. La'Jakob groaned as he sat up from the crate rubbed the back of his aching head.

'McCloud indeed did not look happy when I saw him last,' La'Jakob thought, 'Here's hoping it's something he can resolve as soon as humanly possible.'

He then snorted.

'Humanly, heh. Spare me.'

----------

Peppy was fiddling his fingers together nervously as he paced up and down beside the long table in the boardroom, waiting for confirmation on the report that the Tau had indeed found that secret stash of atomic weapons beneath Mount Twirlenkiller on MacBeth. As he waited he couldn't help but think back to decades earlier and James McCloud…

'You just happened to mention Twirlenkiller as you were dosed to the eyeballs on painkillers,' Peppy thought sadly, 'That was so unlike you, James. But then again, Kryptmann did personally break both your legs by the time Farsight busted us both out of that fortress.'

He sat down at the northern end of the table and sighed…

'Gosh darn it,' he thought, 'I wish you were here, Vivian. I so wanted to tell you of my year in the human galaxy, but…I kept thinking of our daughter, whom I'm proud of and currently afraid for her life.'

He then rubbed his brow and sighed louder.

'Alexander, you better make sure nothing happens to Lucy. I'm not one to make threats, but…'

The communicator buzzed and he answered it.

"General Hare."

Sir, transmission from General Sturnn, MacBeth orbit.

"Patch it through."

The sound of static was heard, before Sturnn's familiar gravelly voice pierced the airways.

Hare, I trust by now you know of our victory on MacBeth. The 12th Company of the Emperor's Children of the fell legions of Chaos has being routed and the Pleasure Cults have been smashed.

"At least on MacBeth, anyway," Peppy commented, "I'm sure those cults still inhabit the other worlds under Chaos control, by the dozens if not at least a hundred. We're just about ready for a mass redeployment of all Cornerian army forces to nearest Chaos invasion zones."

All right…maybe the Lylatian military can defend their own system after all, especially with the atomics the Tau managed to scrounge up.

Peppy's adjusted his spectacles and sighed, "So the reports are true. The atomics left over from the Titania Conflict."

Hopefully Cornerian Military Intelligence plans to use those weapons as a last resort, Sturnn continued, The last thing we need is our troops getting caught in a mushroom cloud…especially the Immortal Emperor's own divine forces.

"So what now for the 'Emperor's own divine forces'?"

The next world under Chaos yoke will feel the Emperor's wrath shortly, Sturnn replied, Where we go next, make sure you have whatever Cornerian forces you have left there alerted to our presence.

"We will let them know," Peppy responded, then heard another beeping from the communicator, "Please, hold the line, General…"

He pressed another flashing button.

"Yes?"

Sir, we have detected two cruisers approaching the Venomian defence zone – One Behemoth-class and one Dreadnought class…

Peppy smiled a bit, "Fox…"

----------

'Stupid…stupid…stupid…so very fucking stupid,' Fox berated himself mentally over and over again as he paced in front of the holo-projector on the bridge of the Great Fox II, 'Well, that was some way to break it to Krystal, wasn't it McCloud?'

The vulpine waited, bordering impatience, for contact from Venomian/Cornerian command as the Great Fox II and the Cornerian starship approached the boundaries of Venom's orbital defence zone. Slippy was present one the bridge and watched him quietly, his hand scratching the stiches on his forehead, feeling the itch beginning to drive him crazy.

"Jeez, Fox," Slippy said, "You're making me dizzy."

Fox looked over his shoulder and shot back, "Oh, I'm sorry."

Taken back, Slippy stepped back against the nearest wall mounted terminal. Fox stood in his place and turned fully to face the frog.

"Er…you ok, Fox?"

Fox shook his head, "No, I'm not. And no…"

Slippy had opened his mouth to speak again.

"I…don't want to talk about it."

The holo-projector activated itself, revealing the disembodied head of Peppy, causing Slippy's eyes to light up with glee, and Fox to quickly spin around and straighten his vest and shirt.

Fox? Peppy said, Oh, thank God. It's good to see you're still in one piece.

"I know I am," Fox said, "Falco isn't, as you already know."

Peppy nodded sadly, "I've read the reports. Don't worry, we'll be able to fit him with a cyber-prosthetic in short notice. You have my word."

"I always have," Fox smiled, "Now…"

Slippy? Peppy suddenly blurted out, Your face! What happened to you?

Slippy scratched the back of his head and looked at his feet, feeling ashamed, "I…went through the Arwing's canopy, face first."

Face first?

"And survived," Slippy chuckled hesitantly, "Yeah, I'm pretty surprised myself."

Peppy cleared his throat and straightened his uniform collar, Well…ahem…well it's good to see you managed to survive with the odds against you once again, Fox, Slippy. Report to me along with the atomics and the Tau and I'll debrief you personally.

Fox nodded, "You got it, General."

One last thing, Peppy inquired, Where is Krystal? She is usually present during holo-conferances.

Fox's eyes widened, "Errr…"

He then sighed and rubbed his left arm uncomfortably, grimly.

"She's occupied right now…"

----------

Wincing slightly as her arm still ached in it's sling, Krystal felt her mind was amiss as she walked the main hallway of the Great Fox II, taking a left turn down another corridor and towards the Infirmary, intent on being the good teammate and check on Falco. Even though Katt had never left his side she thought it would be prudent if she checked on the both of them. Katt had come close to passing out from stress piloting the Arwing during the battle and the vixen hoped she would remedy herself for it.

Before she walked through the door into the Infirmary she thought of how Fox had asked her to step down from the team. Before he could continue it was as if fate had decided to give them a reprieve La'Jakob had interrupted (apologising for doing so as well) and asked if they could assist in moving atomic weaponry back to Venom. The look on Fox's face was something that Krystal wasn't going to forget in a long while, the same went for La'Jakob's look of regret for asking such a question.

She stepped through into the Infirmary to find Katt sitting on a stool next to the gurney where Falco laid. Strapped to a IV drip the avian was conscious and was talking to the feline, the both of them immediately looked up to see the approaching vixen, who smiled comfortingly at them.

"Heya, Rupee," Falco muttered with a smile, "Didn't think you'd come to see old Falco finally flat on his back, eh?"

Krystal's smile faded. She frowned, "Excuse me?"

The avian chuckled, "Sorry…still feeling under from this so-called 'morphine' those Imperial pricks jabbed into my arm. Shit…don't tell Katt about this, right?"

Katt then narrowed her eyes in annoyance and cleared her throat. Falco then turned to face her, and cringed sheepishly.

"Don't worry," Katt mumbled, biting her lip in mock anger, "I won't ever know."

Krystal chuckled slightly and shook her head, "Well, this is what I would call 'awkward'."

Katt looked over at her and smiled, "Nah…you were just checking up on the clipped bird. Now if only…"

She then reached over and pinched him on the cheek, eliciting a slight 'ow' from the bedridden avian.

"…he would learn to be more polite."

"Aw, c'mon," Falco pleaded as he stared at her smirking face, "Ain't my fault I've lost everything under my knee."

Chuckling some more, Krystal turned to leave.

"Hey, wait…"

Krystal stopped and turned to face Katt, who appeared serious.

"Is everything alright with you and Fox?" Katt asked, concerned, "Last I saw he looked like he asking you to push off."

Krystal sighed and stepped out of the Infirmary, not answering the question. Confused, Falco and Katt looked at one another.

"Guess that means no and yes," Falco stated, "Respectively."

----------

The Great Fox II, the Emperor Incarnatus and the Cornerian starship were quick to be cleared and given permission to enter Venom's orbit once the planet's long-range sensors detected them. Immediately while the Battle-Barge held orbit, the Cornerian starship and the Great Fox II descended down towards the planet separately.

Everyone, sans Falco and Katt, was present on the bridge, with Krystal looking out the window back towards space as they made their descent.

"The Battle-Barge is holding orbit," Krystal pointed out, sounding worried, "Fox, you don't think…?"

She looked over at the vulpine to find him sitting down, staring at the holo-projector looking bored. Krystal looked at him oddly.

"Fox?"

He didn't turn his head to face her. At first she continued to look worried, then she frowned and before she had the chance to raise her voice, Slippy approached her.

"Er…Krystal," Slippy sheepishly said, "I don't think he's talking to anyone at the moment."

Shocked, Krystal stuttered, "B…but, I…Jacques…"

"Relax, quit worrying about him," Slippy reassured her, suddenly sounding chirpy, "Honestly, you're beginning to sound like his wife…"

He suddenly heard Fox clear his voice loudly and he immediately kept quiet. He looked over and noticed Fox's left eye swivel at him, a frown upon his face.

Turning back to Krystal, Slippy whispered, "Is everything alright between you two?"

Krystal shook her head as she looked over at him silently, noticing Fox still sitting there, resting his right elbow on the arm rest and his head on his right fist, not paying attention to her or Slippy.

"I…don't know…" Krystal uttered.

----------

The two Ultramarine Honour Guards near the massive ornate twin doors into the Inner Sanctum of the Emperor Incarnatus drew their gladius swords as Jacques approached, fully in armour and with Nemesis sheathed on his back. Krystal's necklace in his left hand, where he hadn't sought to put it back on yet. He looked at the two Guards and became cautious.

"Halt, Mortensen," one of the Guards cried, raising a hand towards him, "Stay your ground."

Jacques frowned, "I was told to come here."

"That you have," the other Guard said, "But not before you have your armour and weapons stripped off you for the purpose of security."

Before he could argue compartments in the walls opened, revealing Servitors, which hobbled over towards the Grey Knight. With a exasperated sigh he stretched his arms as they begun removing the armour fragments off his body, one of them removing his sword and another detaching the storm bolter off his gauntlet/hand. This left him naked except for a blue loincloth.

Sounding defiant, Jacques asked, "Must I take my loincloth off as well?"

The Honour Guards looked at one another, their eyes displaying their silent amusement, then they looked at the physically scarred man. They stood aside and the doors opened slowly, revealing the massive room behind them and the Lord Macragge situated on his throne some distance away. He stepped through the doorway, which closed behind them, and begun his long walk towards Calgar.

All the while he noticed the Acolytes standing in the shadows near the edges of the dimly lit room, chanting in High Gothic as he walked. He felt no intimidation or worry for his being, or of his surroundings. Rather he revelled in it, mostly because of the Indoctrination, which was still embedded in a part of his mind.

Once he was before Calgar…

"Hold, Mortensen."

…Tigerius cried as he stepped out from the back of the throne, Force Staff in hand.

"I know what you tend to ask the Lord Macragge, Mortensen," Tigerius stated, standing at the right side of the seated Calgar, "Think about it carefully before you demand the truth."

Calgar frowned, "What truth is that, Jacques Mortensen?"

Not feeling hesitant for a second the stripped Grey Knight slash Ultramarine clasped his hands behind his back as stated…

"You tried to have McCloud's father killed."

Calgar narrowed his eyes tiredly, "Aye, I did. What of it?"

"Why?" Jacques asked, "What purpose would James McCloud's death have served? How is it that he bound to me?"

Tigerius glanced over at Calgar, doubt cast over his withered features. Calgar, however, was unshaken by Jacques' inquisitive nature, which to the Lord Macragge was considered irony.

"He had knowledge of the experiments and procedures that had brought you to existence," Calgar explained, "What you heard from O'Donnell was indeed true. You were conceived as part of the Ordo Xenos' experimentations into crafting the perfect alien-hunting Space Marine in order to compliment their Deathwatch legions."

Jacques felt a chill go down his back as he thought about the black-armoured Space Marine, composed of the Space Marine from every chapter known for their extreme contempt for xeno and xeno-sympathiser alike. The mere thought of being involved with the Ordo Xenos, a.k.a Alien Hunters, was enough to make him physically sick, especially when it comes to his precious people.

Hell, with his promise to protect his precious people there would be no doubt he would have to fight against the Deathwatch one day.

"You look nervous, Jacques," Calgar rubbed his chin, "Are you certain you want to demand the truth from the person who saved you from the same Inquisitorial order that destroyed Eden?"

Jacques frowned, "I believe I am entitled to the truths surrounding my birth and upbringing."

"Yes, you are entitled to know of your birthright," Calgar stated, "However, I must confess that out of personal concern…"

He leaned forward from his throne and rest his left elbow on his leg.

"You may not be able to handle the truth," the continued, "And that I am not the one to tell you, since I was not there when you were conceived."

"Then who was?"

"The late James McCloud and Peppy Hare," Tigerius explained, "And I believe they would not want you to know, either. Out of personal concern for your psyche, that is."

Jacques was starting to feel tired of all this hesitation.

"Why do you all show 'concern' for me?" Jacques demanded, voice raised, "Why do you persist in hiding whatever truth there is about me?"

Calgar stood from his throne and exclaimed, "For we had lost you to the xeno from the very beginning! The circumstances surrounding your birth were malicious, and to tell the truth, unnatural."

"Yes," Tigerius stated, "And besides, we are beginning to doubt your loyalty to the Emperor and the Chapter which took you in…"

Jacques found himself feeling defensive, "You should not! I am loyal to the Emperor, the Ultramarines and the preservation of humanity."

"Coming from you that is little assurance," Tigerius pointed out, "For if you were to find out, you would believe that your loyalty would have been misplaced."

"Most unlikely," Jacques said, "What would make you think I would believe my loyalty is ever in doubt."

Calgar looked at him sternly, "Well…if you wish to know the truth, then talk to General Hare. But I warn you…"

He balled his armoured gauntlets into tight fists. Though they were currently not within the bounds of the massive Fists of Ultramar, they could still be considered threatening to anyone of a nervous deposition, which wasn't the case for Jacques. Even when he suddenly noticed several boltguns now trained on him from Honour Guards emerging from behind the massive marble pillars lining the room leading to Calgar's throne from the door.

"…I warn you. Unless we are convinced otherwise that your loyalties to humanity will not be altered in any way from you learning the intimate circumstance you were born, you will be cast out of the Chapter," Calgar continued with a loud voice that was peppered with authority.

"It will be then that humanity under the Emperor's light will finally despise you," Cassius said as he approached Jacques from behind, the Grey Knight not turning to face to him, his back to the Chaplain, "You may still have the Children of Eden and the xeno under your thumb, but in all regards…the Warriors of Ultramar will finally have reason to hate you."

Jacques sighed loudly, his hand that held Krystal's necklace balling into a fist, gripping the chian tightly as the emerald hung loosely from his hand. With his other hand he ran it over his head in a tired manner.

"You seek to question my loyalty?" Jacques said, "I admit it is torn between my comrades and humanity…but I say to you now…"

He appeared determined as he put the necklace on before everybody present, much to Cassius' chagrin as he moved to be at Calgar's left hand.

"…I am loyal to the Emperor of Mankind." Jacques, "For on that day of Eden's demise, it is he that told me to take the path I have chosen."

Calgar nodded, "Just like you told me that moment I scooped up your battered youthful form from the arms of your wolfen lover."

Jacques downcast his eyes as he replied, "She was not my lover."

"And what of the Cerinian Princess?" Cassius inquired, "Is she to replace what you lost? To hopefully share with her what you and the she-wolf would have shared?"

Looking away as if in shame, he turned his back on the throne and the Space Marines standing there, "You can believe that as well if you like. I do not feel for her that way."

Jacques then began to walk away from them towards the chamber entrance. Cassius smiled and called out, clapping his hands loudly as he did so.

"Do you remember the writings of the xeno seer known as Astrali, Mortensen?"

Jacques paused, and looked over his shoulder as he recanted from memory, "'In a time of conflict, we will be aided by unlikely saviours not of our world. Warriors, priests and knights shall arrive from distant stars, a Man with Vulpine Eyes amongst them. With armour, sword, fire and faith, they will stand beside us against the growing Darkness and the Void, though not always of their own will, and ensure through martial strength that only Light prevails.'"

He then finished off.

"From 'Premonitions of the Future', by the seer Jaada Astrali."

"Yes," Cassius said, "Now…I wonder if she would have predicted this."

He pointed towards the northern edges of the room, an area shrouded in darkness. Light footsteps could be heard as something approached the light generated by the lamps in the room slowly. Jacques' eyes widened as he recognized the shuffling pattern of the way those footsteps were made, panic evident on his face.

"No!"

Cassius took silent pleasure as what revealed to Jacques shocked him immensely. It was a male Cerinian warrior, still dressed in his now tattered battle-dress consisting of a silver loincloth with armor shards over his shoulders, elbows, knees and extremities. His blue, blood-stained fur looked like it was covered in mange, his still-impressive muscles had lost some of it's tone and most disturbing of all…mechanical implants and apparatuses found in Servitors were attached all over his body, especially his skull.

Jacques felt himself swamped head to toe with complete and utter devastation, causing him to fall to his knee. He would have toppled over completely if he hadn't had kept himself up with his left hand flat on the marble floor. His eyes were clenched tightly as he held back a sob which threatened his leave his mouth as he felt his emotional barriers crumble in his mind.

"If we do win this war," Cassius explained again, "If Chaos is defeated, what hope is there for the xeno that survives when they find themselves surrounded by the Imperial forces that drove the Ruinous Powers back into Warp for them?"

Jacques looked over the Chaplain angrily, and choked out, "You…dared…!"

"We did not do that to him," Cassius pointed his power mace at him, "After fleeing Cerinia in a xeno transport craft he went as far as Kew trying to exact revenge for the destruction of Cerinia. He blamed us; he thought we were all based on Kew. He landed on the planet…"

He then snorted and rolled his eyes in boredom inside his helm.

"…and managed to kill a hundred Planetary Defence Force volunteers before he was captured by the Adeptus Mechanicus detachment there and…well, as you can see, they thought he was valuable alive then a corpse strapped to a power grid. Now remember this…"

He sounded more sinister now.

"…when you continue to feel conflicted of your loyalties, and when you continue to believe that man can exist alongside the xeno. The truth is standing there before you, half-starving and with what little mind he has left he wishes for death."

Jacques exhaled painfully as he stood back up, the grisly display before him continuing to etch at his emotional defences slowly and painfully. All this time Calgar and Tigerius watched silently, lifting no finger to put an end to this exhibition, opting only to see how Jacques would keep his resolve under such gruesome pressure.

'This may be the only time his emotions finally run rampant,' Tigerius thought, 'I pray that it is.'

Jacques stepped up the male Cerinian, a look of pity upon his face as he stared down at the once-graceful, strong Cerinian warrior, now a lobotomised wretch who just kept looking straight ahead at Jacques, with the life gone from his eyes. To the Grey Knight this left nothing but a husk that all Servitors and other poor victims of this inhumane, vile practice have in common.

The Marine moved his hand to both sides of the Cerinian's neck, with Calgar and Tigerius watching in anticipation as to what he would do neck. Jacques bowed his head, closing his eyes in silent prayer.

"Forgive us," Jacques said, "For we humans are wretched creatures. For I had no idea you survived Cerinia, only to be reduced to this…husk. This is the least I can do for you."

He opened his eyes and without battering an eyelid and with one swift motion he twisted the Cerinian's head till it broke, killing him instantaneously. He let the body fall to the ground, Jacques looking down at the body, shame playing on his face.

Jacques turned to face Calgar and Tigerius.

"Would you do the same for the Cerinian Princess?" Tigerius inquired, "If the time should come she faces a similar fate?"

Jacques looked away from him at the floor, eyes closed tightly. He sighed and looked up, replying, "I would do whatever it takes to make sure that does not happen."

"But what if it does?"

Jacques frowned and stated with finality, "It will not."

Turning around he walked straight towards the chamber door, noticing the boltguns aimed at him but choosing to ignore them. Tigerius waved them down as he and the Lord Macragge watched him leave silently and grimly.

The Chief Librarian turned to his Lord Macragge, "Do you regret sparing him from Eden's flames now, Brother?"

Calgar frowned, "You would like me to say 'yes', would you Brother-Librarian?"

'I would,' Cassius thought.

"I prefer you not," Tigerius replied, overhearing Cassius' thoughts with embitterment, "For some strange reason I believe the Seer Astrali's words indeed hold merit."

"That remains to be seen, Brother-Librarian. That remains to be seen," Calgar said, "Now…have Mortensen put on the Thunderhawk and spirited back to his…friends."

----------

The massive Cornerian Behemoth-class wedged it's way slowly through the massive automated hangar doors situated on six football fields worth of flat earth, revealing the massive underground hangar, where dozens of small Venomian cruisers were in dry dock. Support personnel scrambled, with Hazmat teams mingling amongst them as they pushed their way to the ship's cargo doors in order to ascertain it's destructive cargo.

The Tau left the ship through the ship's side entryway reserved solely for personnel. With O'Shovah in the lead, Pathfinder and Shas'vre stepped off the ship, many of them lugging their equipment behind them. La'Jakob and the Pathfinders kept close to one another, the human helping another move a crate full of com equipment. He noticed O'Shovah making conversation with a mastiff in army uniform.

"Commander Shovah?" Colonel Mick stretched his hand forward.

"Standing right before you," O'Shovah replied, shaking the dog colonel's hand.

"First things first," Mick smiled widely, baring his sharp teeth, "You kicked some serious skinny ass back there. Somehow I feel a lot safer now we've taken back at least one planet."

"It's only the beginning, mind you," O'Shovah reported, returning the smile, "I assume you are here to direct us to the Infinity."

Mick snapped his fingers and a small detachment of Cornerian soldiers in blue sentry plate armour approached them, blaster rifles slung over their shoulder.

"Just follow the guys in blue," Mick pointed at them, "Your battle suits and equipment will be waiting for you in the Tau hangar.

"Thank you. Follow, cadre!"

The Tau shuffled past the Colonel, where he briefly made eye contact with La'Jakob, who had overheard his 'skinny' remark, but wasn't affected in any meaningful way and didn't seek to confront him about it. He just nodded in Mick's direction as he passed him, leaving the Colonel scratching his head.

'Heh, a human not bitten by the zealot bug,' Mick thought amused, 'Bet he's trying to suck up to Mortensen'

----------

Some miles away in a separate hangar located in the mountain where central command was located and the majority of the refugee camps, Team Star Fox stepped off the Great Fox. All were accounted for, even Falco, who was now on crutches with Katt close by, ready to lend her lover a hand at the first sing of him about to topple over.

"Gee, Falco…you look ready to keel over," Slippy pointed out, "Did the Imperial dope you up enough?"

"Not enough," Falco retorted, slightly slurring, "I'm still conscious and feeling like absolute shit."

"Think you should lie down a bit longer?" Katt asked, sternly albeit concerned.

Falco spat to the side and snorted, "No way. If the old hare's gonna spill some more history regarding fucking humanity I wanna hear it."

Fox rolled his eyes as he thrust his hands into his pockets as he hunched over slightly, eyes downcast, 'God, he sounds worse than the morning after shore leave.'

Krystal saw that he was trying to keep himself from her. When she briefly looked into his eyes before they docked, she saw that he was ashamed of what he had said to her, which he wanted her to step down from the team. Fox not talking to her hurt worse than any physical pain ever could, and she decided to ease the pain.

She stepped up to him from behind and started, "Fox…"

"SLIPPY!"

They all jumped when they heard that familiar, slightly squeaky voice. Falco groaned slightly as he recognised the voice that only belonged to Amanda, Slippy fiancee. The pink frog with the yellow ribbon pushed her way through the hangar guards and almost tackled Slippy to the floor.

"God," she sobbed into his chest, "You're ok, you're OK! Thank God, you're OK! I was having terrible dreams the second you left for…"

She recovered herself and noticed the stiches on his face. Her eyes widened and she practically screamed loud enough to make everybody's ear drums hurt.

"YOUR FACE! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE? TELL ME!"

Falco grimaced as he moved his lower beak in his mouth to make his eardrums pop back to normal, "Jeez laweez, you're not married yet. Quit fussin', will ya?"

Fox groaned and cried, "Look, we need to see General Hare right now! Could someone please direct us."

A Cornerian dog officer approached Fox and saluted, "That's what I'm here for, sir. If you can just follow me."

Fox nodded, "Gladly."

The roar of the Thunderhawk pierced through the hanger's airwaves as it flew through the still open hangar doors from outside and docked right next to the Great Fox II out of Team Star Fox's eyeshot, drawing the team's attention and causing the officer to cringe and swallow nervously. The Thunderhawk then surprisingly took and departed quickly, leaving whomever it dropped off obscured by the Great Fox II.

When that individual stepped into view onto the platform and walked towards them away from the Great Fox II they could see that it was Jacques. Immediately Krystal eyes brightened and she couldn't hold back a wide smile of happiness, which Fox didn't miss.

"Jacques!" she called out.

Her smile faded when it seemed he didn't seem to acknowledge her, as if he was preoccupied. She suddenly noticed Amanda already getting up at him…

"HEY!" Amanda cried out as she hobbled before him, trying to get his attention, "HEY, HUMAN! I'M TALKING TO YOU? WHAT DID YOU DO TO SLIPPY?"

"Amanda!" Slippy grabbed her by the arm and pulled out of Jacques' way, "The heck d'ya think you're doing?"

"Hey!" Falco cried, "Where you going, Jacques?"

The Grey Knight just passed right by them and exited the hanger, much to their surprise, especially Krystal. She couldn't remember any time that he never responded to her when she called out his name, and that immediately made her feel confused, and misguided.

"Where's he going?" Falco turned to Fox, "He just plan right ignored us."

Fox shook his head and sighed loudly, "I…just…don't know any more…"

Falco's face fell flat. He narrowed his eyes and snorted quietly in disgust.

----------

The moment O'Shovah and his bodyguards stepped into the conference hall on the Infinity, Aun'shi was immediately before him, with the Tau Water Caste personnel standing in the background, not wanting to be part of the Ethereal's rage and instead just watching…

O'Shovah appeared bored as Aun'shi said with his voice raised, "Commander Farsight, this time for sure you have gone too far!"

The Shas'O asked plainly, "Whatever do you mean?"

"We just heard over the communication lines between Venom and MacBeth that you have uncovered Cornerian Atomic weaponry!" Aun'shi exclaimed, "Do you realise what raw power, unstable power we know possess?"

"I do," O'Shovah replied, smiling slightly, "And I bask it in, seeing that it can bring death to our enemies."

Aun'shi ran his left hand across his face in frustration, "Did not the events surrounding the Marquis above one of our septs give us first hand the potential devastation such weapons could unleash. If McCloud and Hare's words ring truth, then they would make the Lylat uninhabitable. There would no hope of allowing them to embrace the Greater Good…"

He noticed O'Shovah looking at him oddly.

"…afterwards."

A few seconds passed, before O'Shovah asked, "Is that all?"

Aun'shi eyes widened as the Shas'O walked towards him in a threatening matter. The T'au guards nearby aimed their pulse rifles at him, but were waved down by Aun'shi. The Ethereal defiantly stood his ground as O'Shovah stood over him. Though he was only at least a metre taller, he appeared imposing towards the elder Tau.

"Tell me, Honourable Ethereal," O'Shovah said, "Who saved you from those unenlightened pirates just near the Warp tear connecting our space and outside the Lylat?"

Aun'shi looked at him bewildered.

"You did," Aun'shi asked.

"Yes. Now…tell me who was brave enough to personally lead the assault against the Marquis and dispose of his atomic weapon?"

"You did."

"Again, I must ask: Who saved McCloud and our human helper Lucille Mortensen from certain death at the hands of the notorious human Inquisition?"

"You."

"Who suggested that we try to bring enlightenment to the next galaxy…starting with Lylat?"

"It was you."

"The one to have argued for that temporary peace between Tau and the Ultramarines many years ago?"

"You?"

"And finally: Who agreed to turn himself over to Aun'va himself once his mission was complete here in Lylat."

The Ethereal frowned, "You."

O'Shovah smiled wider, "Thank you for clarifying all that with me, Honourable Ethereal."

La'Jakob and La'Tash stepped into the chamber as Aun'shi asked, his eyes darting toward the gue'la, "Just what do you seek here besides enlightenment, Commander?"

O'Shovah smirked and turned to face La'Jakob, "You shall see soon enough, Ethereal. Now, La'Jakob…"

Jakob eyebrows raised stood to attention as O'Shovah walked over towards him.

"Or should that be…Ui'Jakob?"

The Water Diplomats all appeared alarmed as they begun chattering amongst one another. Aun'shi appeared intrigued as he faced the young human. Tash stepped away from his friend as O'Shovah approached him, and put a friendly hand on his shoulder. La'Jakob felt himself surprisingly tense.

"Me and the Ethereal have been talking, and considering your bravery and leadership following the unfortunate passing of your Shas'Ui. As already a first for humanity for joining the ranks of the Fire Caste, we have decided to make you another first."

"What is that, Shas'O?"

"Did you not hear me before?" O'Shovah continued, "Ui'Jakob?"

The Gue'vesa felt his breath catch itself in his throat, "You…you are promoting me?"

"And feel pride because of it," O'Shovah stated, "You can be forgiven just this once."

Jakob couldn't hold the smile back from his face, especially when he looked over at Aun'shi and appeared confused. Aun'shi just smiled and nodded, and at that moment he did feel pride swell up inside himself. Even Tash looked proud.

'Perhaps our suspicions regarding the Commander are unfounded,' La'Jakob, now Ui'Jakob, thought.

His smile faded, which was visible to everyone present.

'No, once again I cannot think like that,' he mentally disciplined himself, 'No matter how much I advance humanity alongside the Greater Good, I must stay vigilant.'

He then mused to himself.

'Besides…is that not what Shas'O Shovah has said?'

----------

Peppy sat alone at the head of the table in the conference room as he waited for his former team to grace themselves with their presence. He tapped both sides of his head with his pointer fingers all the while, bracing himself for what their first major battle with the denizens of the neighbouring galaxy would have done to them physically, mentally and mostly spiritually.

If his experiences from decades ago taught him anything it was that when facing against the Forces of Disorder, there is a chance that the first, mere sight of them is enough to drive even the most stalwart Lylatian kemono soldier insane. Though his battle with Chaos had been merely restricted to a small cult he, James and Pigma had came across the mere sight of the Lost and the Damned had mad the pig squeal louder and run for cover, away from their blood-stained Guardsman uniforms and occult symbols.

The door opened and Peppy stood to greet…Jacques Mortensen.

"Jacques?" Peppy sounded surprised, "What are you doing here?"

The Grey Knight frowned and stepped into the room, the door closing behind him. "You called for Star Fox to meet you. I assume I am still part of the team, am I not?"

Peppy smiled and sat back down, "You still are, son. Where are…?"

"Some distance behind me," Jacques said, interrupting the old rabbit, "While they take the time to arrive here, it was give us that chance to talk."

Peppy felt uncomfortable with Jacques' eerily behaviour, "What about?"

"You, and James McCloud."

Peppy swallowed, "Fox's father."

"Yes," Jacques nodded, frowning as he approached the table.

He leaned over placed both his hands on the black metal furniture, peering across towards Jacques. While he could just examine Peppy's mind for the answer, he believed the he owed the aging kemono courtesy, seeing as how he was practically the first person beside Krystal to accept him onto the team that year ago with any reservations whatsoever.

"What do you wish to know about us?" Peppy asked, "Besides being best friends since our Academy days."

Jacques relaxed his frowning state, "Is it true that you ventured into Segmentum Ultima a year before I was born?"

Peppy sighed, "Yes, we did. It's a long story…"

And so Peppy took the time to tell of Star Fox's tour through the human-dominated galaxy after the crazed Venomian noble and his stolen atomic, with Jacques paying heed to each word the elder hare had to say. Peppy thought he saw him shudder when he mentioned the Inquisitor known as Kryptmann and how he had tortured James on two occasions.

"Kryptmann," Jacques muttered softly.

Peppy looked at him thoughtfully, "Do you recognise the name?"

Jacques nodded, looking pensive, "The foremost expert on xenos, particulary Tyranids. He was responsible for destroying Eden and killing my friends."

'Just to get you back,' Peppy thought, equally sad, 'Millions of innocent people died, all over finding you.'

"But your story intrigues me very much," Jacques commented, "What was the purpose of holding you captive?"

Peppy shook his head, face down and focusing on his notes before him on the table, "I…don't think I should tell you."

"Why?"

"We made an oath," Peppy explained, "That me and James would never tell this story again…oh, wait…"

He clearly looked embarrassed as he looked up at Jacques.

"I've told the same story to Fox, seeing as how his father is dead and that humanity has stepped over our doorstep, so no actual harm done," Peppy explained, "But…I don't think I should tell you."

"But why?" Jacques now sounded both eager and bitter, "There are too many secrets being kept from me, and I am not one to abuse my psychic gifts in prying into my comrades' minds to find out for myself."

"I know," Peppy agreed, "I know you, Jacques. Even for those three months face to face, I feel like I've known you for much of my life."

Surprised, Jacques asked, "How?"

Peppy sighed again and scratched the back of his head, "By now I'm sure Calgar has told you how he tried to have me and James murdered by Wolf O'Donnell, there's reasons for that I'm not sure if I should tell you."

"Because it would mean your life?" Jacques asked.

"No," Peppy shook his head, "It's because of how you would respond to it."

"How would I respond to it?"

Peppy stood from his seat as he continued, "You were right…people are keeping too many secrets from you. It's about time you started learning the truth, as it concern both you and Fox."

"Fox?"

"What I want to tell you, I don't think you should tell Fox," Peppy said cautiously, "I know how he'll react. He'll resent his father for keeping such a big secret from him, and even more because…well…"

He looked at Jacques, growing ever more cautious by the second.

"Do you want to know how fit into both Fox's, James' and, by extension, my history and that of Star Fox?"

Jacques crossed his arms and frowned, "I will not think any of you different once I start receiving answers, if it concerns my past."

Peppy thought he was holding his breath, so he exhaled loudly and sat down.

"It does concern your past. I'll tell you, then," Peppy said, "Now, how should I…?"

He tapped his forehead as Jacques stood outside the table, growing impatient as Peppy thought of how he should deliver such scalding revelation. The rabbit then smiled lightly.

"Alright," Peppy begun, "Thirty-eight years ago, Kryptmann used James'…"

He groaned in annoyance as the door opened and in stepped Fox. Peppy downcast his eyes while Jacques stepped out of the way, allowing Fox to take his seat. Fox looked at both Jacques and Peppy, confused.

"Um…" Fox bit his lip, "Did I interrupt something?"

"No," they both said, then glanced at each other bewildered at this interruption…this annoying twist of fate.

Fox looked at them wryly, and before he could act on his confusion Falco and Katt walked (and limped) in, followed by Krystal, Slippy and Amanda. They all sat at the right side of the table, with Falco needing some help sitting down as he placed his crutches against the wall. This prompted Jacques to step over to the other side of the table and stand there.

Peppy smiled and looked over at Falco, "It's good to see that everyone could make it."

Falco smirked, then winced painfully as he pointed downward at his bandaged stump, "Not in one piece here, you know. And by the way…"

He gritted his teeth slightly.

"…gonna need more painkillers."

"Big baby," Katt muttered.

Fox glanced over at Jacques, standing there and not returning his glance as he focused only on Peppy.

"You said you wanted to Team Star Fox, General?" Fox reminded him, "Here we are."

"This is an informal meeting, Fox," Peppy stated, "No need to remind me of my rank."

The vulpine crossed his arms and gave a small smile. He then turned to Jacques, annoyed.

"Next time, Jacques," Fox frowned, "Don't go ahead of us like that. You looked like you were marching off to kill someone."

Peppy was grim, 'It probably would have been me if he couldn't handle the truth.'

Jacques noticed Krystal looking at him thoughtfully. He then nodded and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. Peppy then suddenly remembered something…

"Hey Pep," Slippy said, "Where's dad?"

"Oh, he's in R&D right now," Peppy replied, "He and the staff from the Zoness Orbital Station are working more on the technology salvaged from there. I'll tell him you're back but…"

He then appeared serious.

"…only after I've finished with you."

Falco feigned nervousness, "Er…what are you getting at, old timer?"

"That finally the real reality have finally found their way here," Peppy replied as he rubbed his forehead between his eyes, "That the universe is a violent, horrific and hypocritical mess spurred on by the terror that lurks in the Immaterial realm. That terror…called Chaos. And the beings that are fighting against it are no different or worse off than daemons of dark Space Marines."

He then paused, then moved his hand up to his sleeve.

"I should know, I crossed their path many year ago…"

Everyone, except Jacques, felt themselves hold their breath to stop gasping in shock as he revealed the Inquisitorial 'I' insignia branded into his shoulder joint. Amanda covered her mouth, feeling herself shake in terror.

"They…they did that to you?" she asked, "When?"

"When Team Star Fox ventured into the human systems in their early years," Peppy solemnly replied, "Believe me, the worst aspects of humanity were introduced to me and my team-mates intimately."

Fox nodded sadly, 'Dad.'

"I thought I would go insane," Peppy recounted, "Especially when they threatened that one day when the God-Emperor's light would spread across the entire universe that they would finally come to 'reclaim' Lylat from the Beast-Xeno and destroy everything and everyone we held dear."

Krystal looked at him sadly, and fumbled with her words, "I think I know what…what…you are saying that we can all expect worse now that the worst parts of our existence in physical form have come here?"

"It's not comforting, I know," Peppy nodded, "Good and evil will no longer exist. Now that we know everyone is capable of inflicting such dark, disturbing atrocities upon themselves and others, and in time I believe we will not be able to tell one another apart when it comes to being the hero or the villain. But…"

He smiled straight at the people sitting away from him.

"…I know what you are all: Heroes."

Fox smiled softly as Peppy continued.

"I've known you all for a long time, and can see what you are capable of. And as far as I am concerned – it is only good. But I know for sure that you all try to act as nothing more or less than heroes. And to me, well…"

Peppy paused a bit, still smiling.

"I just wanted to say…that I'm proud of each and every one of you. The scars we each carry, physically and mentally, binds us together, allowing us all to stand against the darkest reaches of this universe."

"You flatter us way too much," Katt giggled a bit, "We're not exactly saints, you know."

He then chuckled, having humoured himself with his words.

"Look at me…I'm acting sentimental, but I guess that's the point."

Jacques smiled softly, "Bold, philosophical words…whatever it takes to keep our souls from oblivion."

"Yes," Peppy nodded, "I guess we really do have to rely on faith in a higher power, as well as each other if we want to survive. But whatever happens, like I said, I'm proud of each of you. Especially you, Fox…"

He smiled warmly.

"Your father, the founder of Team Star Fox, would be so proud of you."

Fox leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms, smiling back, "Thanks, Pep."

He then looked at Jacques, still smiling, "And the people that gave you life. They would no doubt be happy that their son, despite the tragedy that was your teenage and adult life, did not sit in a dark corner hoping to die as painless as possible…but survived and stood tall."

Jacques nodded, "Your words…are very profound, Peppy."

Peppy exhaled gently and turned his back to them, "That's all I have to say to each other. I'll let you know when you're able to redeploy. Until then, I suggest you spend whatever free time you have appreciating life and each other."

Slippy squeezed Amanda's hand and said, "We intend to, Pep. C'mon Amanda…I need to get these stitches looked at."

"And I need something to keep my head in the clouds," Falco whined, gritting his teeth as he felt the pain return, "Right behind me, Katt?"

"Meh, got nothing else to do, anyway?"

And so Team Star Fox left their seats and exited the conference hall, except for Fox, Krystal and Jacques. The Grey Knight found that both Fox and Krystal hadn't stood from their seats and opted to stay put, sensing friction between the vulpine and vixen.

"Oh, Jacques," Peppy said as he turned his back, "We can finish our discuss if…"

He cut himself off when he noticed Fox and Krystal still sitting there, the vixen looking at Fox hopefully while he trying his best to look away from her. Jacques noticed his actions towards her and frowned.

As he turned to leave he said, "No need at this time, Peppy. The Lylat System is a more interesting place with you in it."

And Jacques left as well. Fox stood up from his seat and slowly stepped to the door.

"You have more questions for me, Fox?" Peppy asked, "I know what you overheard over the com lines back on MacBeth and I feel I owe you an…"

"Save it, Peppy," Fox sighed, sounding hopeless, "Things are too messed up at the moment to know why dad nearly died years before he was suppose to. See you around."

And Fox left Krystal sitting there, and Peppy standing there dumbfounded. The old hare then turned to Krystal.

"Krystal?" Peppy said, concerned, "Is there everything wrong?"

She looked up at him with sorrow-filled eyes, eliciting pity from the General. She shook her head and stood up, slowly stepping out of the conference room. Now Peppy was all alone, and wondering about…well…everything.

"I hope whatever it is that between those two, they can work through it," Peppy said to himself, "A year ago they seemed perfect for each other, until we found David floating amongst Cerinia's remains."

He then frowned for the last time.

"David…I hope I can count on you to keep your brother and sister on the straight and narrow."

----------

After they both stepped out of the conference room, Krystal immediately found herself running towards Fox. The vulpine had his head hung low as he stepped down the dimly lit steel hallway, both their footsteps echoing around them. Fox looked over his shoulder, immediately rolling his eyes downward away from here, not wanting to look at her with feelings of sadness and shame.

"Fox wait, stop…"

She heard the vulpine sigh as he stopped, and slowly turned to face her. Krystal frowned, face to sad face.

"Why are you trying to avoid me, Fox?" Krystal demanded, "Why won't you talk to me?"

Fox raised his voice, "I shouldn't have to. You're off the team, remember?"

"FOX!" Krystal yelled angrily, "STOP IT! JUST STOP IT!"

Fox was taken back by her outburst…

----------

…as were the other members of Star Fox as they walked ahead of Fox and Krystal. Their heads jerked backwards and looked at the corner leading down the hallway to the conference hall. Falco furrowed his brow as he leaded against the wall, his crutches held securely to his sides.

"Looks like Krys' finally managed to get Fox's attention," Falco said.

"Yeah," Slippy nodded, "You'd think he was trying to avoid her."

"You think, scarface?" Katt questioned, crossing her arms and huffing slightly.

"That hurts," Amanda pouted as he noticed Slippy's hurt expression regarding his face, "Slippy was just making an observation…"

"Quiet. All of you."

Jacques raised his voice slightly as he stood back against the wall near the corner leading to Fox and Krystal. Everyone kept silent as they noticed the Grey Knight as vehement, hands clenching tightly, especially his right gauntlet/hand.

"Uh-oh," Slippy whispered into Amanda's ear, "When he's got that look on his face, someone's gonna get hurt."

"Yeah," Falco overheard him as they begun to walk away, or in the avian's case 'limp away', "We should get out of here. Don't feel like hanging around when Jacques gets up at Fox. It'll be brutal."

"How do you know that?"

Falco scoffed, "Idiot, it's about Krystal…"

Jacques shut them off as he listened only to what was around the corner. Slippy cleared his throat…

"Er…maybe we should…go?"

"Good idea, frog boy," Katt murmured quietly, "Don't feel like hanging around when Jacques tears Fox a well-deserved new one."

At that they departed, leaving Jacques standing there near the corner.

----------

After recovering from the initial shock of Krystal actually being angry at him…

"I'm sorry, Krys," Fox said, "I am, really."

Krystal softened up a bit and nodded, "I believe you…"

She then looked stern.

"…but I can't believe you would want to push me away."

Fox coughed a bit into his hand before he replied, "It's just so you won't get hurt for no good reason."

"For no good reason?" Krystal was bewildered, "We're at war, Fox. The only real reason we'll ever be hurt is when we're fighting against Chaos, and it would not be for no good reason because we're trying to save everything and everyone."

"Yes, everyone," Fox agreed, moving forward to grasp her by her shoulders and look at her softly. He spoke sincerely at her, "Like you."

"Me?"

She backed away from Fox, staring wondrously at him. Fox looked back, equally wondrous and cringing slightly.

"I'm not delicate, Fox. I'm not going to shatter the next time a bolter shell nicks me behind the ear or a chainblade shears off some fur off my arm," Krystal said firmly, "I know how to protect myself, and you…."

She paused a bit to collect herself.

"…and Jacques."

"Jacques?" Fox inquired.

Krystal leaned against the opposite wall away from Fox, both of them unaware of the behemoth human listening in around the corner as the vixen continued to speak sense into the emotionally conflicted vulpine.

She ran a finger over her scar as she said, "I promised myself I would protect him just as he protects me, that someone like him needs to live in case there is no other human like him that exists. I know he would give his life for me, I would do the same for him."

She then narrowed her eyes.

"But I don't want him to."

----------

Jacques' eyes widened inexplicably by Krystal's bold statement. Confusion and anxiety found their way into his gut as he allowed his emotional safeguards to drop as he forced himself to comprehend what both vulpine and vixen were saying to one another.

He was about ready to act when he heard Fox growl and push Krystal up against the wall…

----------

Fox felt he couldn't control himself as he growled in anger and roughly pushed up Krystal against the wall, causing her cry of surprise to echo around the hallway.

"And I Don't want YOU to either!" Fox exclaimed in disbelif.

Out of sheer instinct Krystal cried out and pushed Fox away from her, sending him falling onto the ground with a loud thud. The door leading into the conference room opened…

"What's going on out here?" Peppy questioned. Surprised to see Fox lying on the ground and Krystal backed away as if afraid of him, "Fox? Krystal?"

Fox raised his hand toward Peppy and said, eyes closed tightly, "Keep outta this, Peppy."

Gathering herself, Krystal demanded angrily, "What is this really about, Fox? Tell me…"

Picking himself up, Fox shot back with a cracking voice, "I want you to be safe, Krystal! I don't want you hanging around me, Jacques, the guys or anyone else carrying a lasgun, or a bolter, or a blaster or…or…or anything else…."

He slapped his hand to his forehead as he looked away from Krystal, trying to think of words that would finally reach out to her and stop her from

"I don't want you fighting in this war," Fox responded, now rubbing his aching back, "Please, just trust me on this. I don't want to lose you…"

"Fox," Krystal interrupted, "I told you, you won't lose me. I can take care of myself. I know how to fight, I know how to turn back the corruption of Chaos, I know…"

She stopped being stern and opted to just embrace Fox, resting her head against his chest as she begun to sob quietly. Abruptly taken back and in full view of a silent Peppy, Fox hugged her back, wrapping her around her waist and holding her to him.

He heard her whimper…

"Why, Fox…?"

She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. Fox felt his heart rendered in two as she spoke.

"Why won't you let me be with you?" she asked, "Why are you suddenly trying to push me away?"

Fox felt his own eyes water as he said, "Because if you die, I won't be able to go on. You mean everything to me. Ever since Sauria. Ever since I found you on the roof of the Krazoa Temple…I…already lost my parents, my best friend and nearly lost the team just today."

She shook her head slowly, a tear streaking from her eye as she whispered sadly, "Fox, oh Fox."

She kissed his cheek softly. She then let go of him and stared into his eyes, and almost into his soul.

"I want to continue to fight against the Dark Gods who destroyed my world and killed my people. I'm not promising you won't lose me," Krystal continued, reaching out to caress the side of his muzzle, "But I am promising to stay by you as we continue to fight against Chaos and whatever else comes forth from the Void."

She then stopped smiling.

"But, gods willingly, only if you let me. We promised each other we wouldn't be without one another. I couldn't stand to be without you at my side."

Fox spent the better part of the next minute staring at Krystal, eyebrows crossed and in deep thought, with Peppy and Jacques looking at them quietly and hopefully, the latter bringing himself to risk peering around the corner to see them. The vulpine and the vixen never noticed the Grey Knight and completely ignored the rabbit as they continued to stare into one another's eyes. Krystal knew that Fox was looking for an answer and silently prayed that he would no longer attempt to push her away.

Sadly when it came to virtues relating to relationships, love and war, Fox thought differently. Different, yet at the same time strangely noble.

Fox shook his head sadly, tears welling up in his own eyes now, "I'm sorry, Krystal…"

Jacques by now was gritting his teeth and clenching his fists so hard his bionic right hand/gauntlet almost cracked from the pressure.

"…I can't let you. I'm not as brave as you and Jacques. It's too much for me to handle."

Krystal closed her eyes and sobbed quietly as she turned away from Fox's embrace, running her right hand up her left arm as if trying in vain to comfort herself of her apparent broken heart. Feeling the same way, Fox wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Please," Fox choked on his words now, "Don't hate me for this."

"I don't hate you, Fox," Krystal said quietly, "I'll never bring myself to hate you. But…"

Peppy removed his spectacles to wipe the moisture from his eyes, brought upon by this tender scene. Jacques looked away from the corner and begun banging the back of his head against the wall in frustration.

"…but," Krystal continued, before she erupted into tears, "But…I can't bring myself to be with you, if you won't let me protect you. I'm sorry, Fox."

Krystal then walked out of the hallway, not even noticing Jacques having stood there the whole time and listening in as she turned the corner, tears running down her cheeks. Jacques kept silent, not knowing how to comfort Krystal in a situation such as this, with such emotions completely alien to the partially indoctrinated human.

Well, emotions Jacques are familiar with but seldom felt. Which any case, Jacques still had no idea how to confront Krystal about it. He just let her walk by him, crying into her hands and watched by her guardian, who felt like he could nothing to elevate her grief.

'Damn you, Jacques,' he berated himself mentally, 'You are suppose to do something. So go and do something.'

"What can I do?" Jacques questioned himself, "It is not my place to be of intimate comfort to her. That is Fox's responsib…"

He paused when he realised what he was just saying, Jacques felt anger replace his feelings of awkwardness as he thought of the person who was supposed to comfort her, not cause her to feel grief. He stepped out of the corner to confront Fox. He found he was no longer standing in the hallway, and saw Peppy looking out at him from the doorway into the conference room.

"Jacques," Peppy called out.

Jacques exhaled out his knees in exasperation and nodded. He walked over towards him, suddenly reminding himself how small Peppy was compared to him and his armour as he looked down at the general.

"You heard all that, I assume?" Peppy asked.

"And watched briefly," Jacques said, then asked quietly, "How could he bring himself to do that to Krystal?"

Peppy wiped his glasses clean with a handkerchief, and replied as he put them back on, "Only when he thinks he doing the right thing, and trying to protect Krystal is the right thing to do. But…"

"He…he made her cry," Jacques stated with little emotion, "He is never suppose to do that."

"I thought that was the case as well," Peppy sighed, "I thought Fox would be able to compromise. It is her fight as well, but I suppose he did he was thought was right."

"What he thought?" Jacques reiterated venomously, then said, "That is exactly right. That is his thought, only."

Peppy looked at him curiously, seeing the anger well up within him. To a Space Marine, such an emotion was dangerous, and the rabbit knew that.

"Please, Jacques," Peppy said, "Don't think bad of Fox because of Krystal. This may be the only mistake he will ever make."

Jacques turned away from him and begun walking, calling out over his shoulder, "You are right about that, Peppy Hare."

Peppy watched him leave quietly, then shook his head as he downcast his eyes, then stared at his feet.

"Tsk tsk tsk…" Peppy appeared solemn, "I guess for someone like you, emotions are fickle thing. Just don't let it affect your judgement, David."

He then sighed again.

"Sorry, James. The boys are going to be at each other's throats from here on end."

----------

Within the boundaries of the simulation of an abandoned Corneria City street the simulated Venomian shogun battle suits were the ones to receive the full brunt of Jacques' anger and frustration. That being he ruthlessly attacked them with Nemesis, stabbing and slicing through the bio-mechanical cretins, scattering pieces of metal, robotic limb and flesh all over the place. The simulants were firing wildly at him and he took their laser, plasma and missile blasts, not bothering to dodge them as he charged them.

Jacques had made sure that the difficulty was raised to EXTREME, the number of simulants to OVERWHELMING and graphic violence generator ACTIVATED, revealing the blood and gore for what they were in a real battle.

He looked emotionless as he hacked the shogun suits apart, thrusting Nemesis through the chest plating of one suit, pulling it out and shoulder-charging another, before slicing upwards and tearing apart machine and flesh. The suit fell down and the helmet rolled off, revealing a grey vulpine.

He was not surprised that there were a fox amongst the simulated apes and proceeded to impale the fox pilot through the skull with Nemesis. He then sighed and got down on one knee, the point of Nemesis touching the steel floor, his head bowed as he begun to pray.

'I failed Krystal…when I did nothing to stop her tears on account of McCloud…' he thought pensively.

"I…should have known that McCloud would do such a thing to Krystal," he spoke to himself, "All for the sake of protecting her. I should have done something to stop him but it appeared none of my concern…"

He wiped the sweat of his brow as he continued to talk to himself, not realising that a certain orange vulpine had stepped into the simulator and was watching him quietly from the door, a wry look of interest towards the Marine in his state of prayer.

Jacques suddenly beat his chest with his left hand as he felt his inner conflict gradually fade, "I swore to protect the Princess of Cerinia, from any and all forms against her mind, body and soul. Her tears told me I failed her when her happiness was shattered…I will not fail again."

He paused to reflect, before finishing off.

"I vow to myself…in the name of the Primarch and his Father. Give me strength."

Fox decided to step in before he started to really hurt himself, "Hey Jacques."

Jacques tensed up and he didn't turned to face him. Him of all people, "Yes, Fox?"

Fox walked up to the Grey Knight as he unsheathed Eden, and holding it flat in the palms of his hand he presented it to Jacques. He smiled, as Jacques looked over his shoulder, tired like.

"Figured you'd want your sword back," the vulpine said, "It managed to keep me alive, so it's a real good one."

Jacques turned around and took Eden and examined it closely, observing the sword closely and seeing how it was now clean, free from the taint that shed Chaos blood would have stained upon it. He turned it sideway, seeing the thin blade and how it's sharpness rivalled that of any other sword forged within the Imperium. He smirked turned the blade around so that the hilt faced Fox.

"It will still keep you alive," Jacques said, "Keep it. I will do fine only with Nemesis."

Fox's eyes widened inexplicably at the offer of such a powerful blade. He shook his head as he smiled and took Eden back, carefully extricating it from Jacques' grasp and putting back in it's sheath. He then took the straps that were on the sheath and tied it around his torso so that it was fastened onto his back. His smile then faded and he sighed.

"While I'm accepting gifts from you, Jacques," Fox said, "There's something else I'm gonna be needing from you, and hopefully as soon as possible."

"What is that?"

"I'm a Psyker, aren't I?"

"Most definitely."

"I need you to…" Fox wheezed gently, "I need you to find a way to…er… 'disconnect' me from the Warp."

Jacques raised his eyebrows, "Pardon?"

"I don't want to be like you," Fox replied, "The thought of wielding such…freakish power scares me. I've seen what happens when you abuse it and…well…frankly…"

He looked down at his feet, sounding ashamed.

"I'm not as brave as you or Krystal when you draw your power from that place."

Jacques looked at him hard, "I understand your feelings on the matter, Fox. When you are born with the Psyker gene you cannot deny the fact that your mind is one with the Warp. But there are ways to not utilise your power."

Fox noticed his tone of voice didn't carry any sense of warmth or friendliness, "How?"

"Do not think about using it," Jacques said seriously, "Even in the most dire situation, do not think about attempting to lend a hand. If you saving me, Cassius and Krystal back on MacBeth is any indication…"

Suddenly Fox felt mad, "SCREW that! If I hadn't thought of shredding that piece of building apart I'd be slitting my own wrists by now if I wasn't dead already."

Jacques was alarmed that he would say such a thing, "Why?"

"Krystal."

"If she died, you would follow her to the grave?"

Fox gritted his teeth and looked downward. He said softly, "I wouldn't be able to go on without her…"

Jacques watched quietly as the vulpine begun pacing before him as he explained:

"If she died, then I would lose my will to keep breathing. She means so much to me, I'd do anything to make sure she would not get hurt or worse."

Fox looked over at Jacques, tears in his eyes.

"I love her. I want us to have a future…"

"Then why did you reject her?" Jacques interrupted.

Fox almost gasped, "What?"

"I spoke clearly the first time, vulpine," Jacques crossed his arms, sounding louder to the point of basso, "I was just around the corner when she begged you to not take her off the team. And that she reminded you that you and she could not be without one another and that this was her fight. But…"

Fox mouth was agape with the knowledge that he overhead everything.

"…you pushed her away, figuratively speaking. I felt her sadness and anguish when you told her to stay away from him and me, and anyone else that would demand that she stand and fight."

Jacques then raised his voice, anger in his tone of voice.

"To put it simply and loudly enough so that you may hear: You broke her heart!"

Fox was speechless. Coming from Krystal's oldest protector and friend it felt like a revelation of biblical proportions came down upon him, immediately making his reasons to break up with Krystal unjustified and cruel. But here was the Grey Knight making him feel like he was one of the villains they were fighting against, apparently not even going to point out that he was just as dangerous to hang around.

And with that Fox frowned and stated boldly, "What goes on between me and Krys isn't your business, Jacques. Besides…you swore to protect her. If you care for her that much you'd do the same thing I did."

That was definitely the wrong thing to say. Fox's boldness disappeared entirely and was replaced by fear when he found himself suddenly hoisted into the air off his feet by two silvery gauntlets, which grabbed him by the collar of his undershirt. And brought him face to face and green eye to green eye with an incredibly angry Jacques.

He shoved him against the wall as he spat out; "I would never wash my hands of her completely!"

"Wha…WHAT?" Fox cried as he winced from Jacques' tight grip on himself, "You make it sound like I'm abandoning her!"

"To her, it is!" Jacques gnashed his teeth, hands gripping the fabric of Fox's vest, "You say you are in love with her, yet you turned her away, going as far as breaking the bond you shared…"

He paused as he looked away from Fox so that he can compose himself, feeling overwhelmed with rarely felt emotions. Fox felt his grip on him loosen, until he unceremoniously fell onto the floor. Feeling scared of the much larger human before him he backed up against the wall, tensing up when Jacques looked back at him.

Jacques' eyes outwardly showed his sadness and regret for hurting the closest person he has to a brother as he finished softly, "…Just so you could keep her out of the war. A war…that is just as much as hers as it is ours."

Fox growled, "It's the only way to keep her safe!"

Jacques raised his voice again, "You fool! There is nowhere safe for anyone now that Chaos now strikes the Imperium from Lylat. They would sweep through every planet in the system, and reduce all life to something beyond dust!"

"And what's that?" Fox sneered.

"Complete and total oblivion…including Krystal!"

Getting angry, Fox cried, "Bullshit!"

"What?"

"You just sounded convinced that they are gonna destroy everything!"

"I do not intend to let them!" Jacques snarled, "Neither do you or anyone else who holds a weapon and swore to stand against the bane of life."

Calming down, Fox asked, "Do…do you honestly think she'll be any safer if she sticks with us and continue to fight?"

Relaxing himself, Jacques sighed and responded calmly, stepping back from cornering Fox and explaining, "Though I swore to protect her, we all each have the same chance of dying by tainted hands. It would be folly for her to just stay here on Venom and do noting when she could stand alongside us and make a difference."

He paused to reflect, before continuing.

"I believe…she may be our only hope to put Chaos in it's place for good."

Fox looked at him, intrigued, "How? How do you know that?"

Jacques shook his head, "I just do."

Things were silent between them for a few minutes as they each took the time to dwell on what each had said concerning Krystal, someone they both treasured deeply. Fox slunk to the ground, sitting on his behind while Jacques leaned on the wall next to him. He looked down at his counterpart, who ran his hand through his headfur.

Fox chuckled sadly, "I acted like a real asshole, didn't I?"

"Do you want me to be honest in answering you?" Jacques raised his eyebrows.

"Heh, why not."

Jacques frowned, "You did. You still do."

The vulpine chuckled louder at Jacques' dry sense of humour.

"Can I still make it right?"

"Does it involve asking her to stand beside you?"

Fox suddenly sounded serious, "No."

"Then that would be impossible."

"She really was in love with me, wasn't she?"

"Undoubtedly. She still is."

"You read her mind to find out?"

"No."

Fox exhaled out of his nose and just shook his head, then chuckled some more. He then stood back up and sighed, putting his hands on his back and cracking his back some. He looked at Jacques in the eye, and he looked back, still leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and appearing stoic once again.

"I think I made the right decision, Jacques," Fox stated with finality, "As long as I know Krystal is safe back here on Venom with Peppy and the rest of Cornerian military command, I can keep looking straight ahead in the cockpit."

Jacques shrugged, "If that is what you firmly believe. But let me ask you…"

He stood up straight and looked down at Fox, once again as if trying to impose on him with his height once again, but by now Fox could be hardly intimidated by anything.

"What if she was to lead herself onto a battlefield without your word?"

Fox frowned, "Then I'll make sure she gets off it, and do anything to make sure she doesn't set foot on it again. How's that?"

"Even if it is against her will?"

"If that's what it takes."

Jacques clenched his hands into fists by his sides, not liking where this conversation was heading once again. Still, he kept his composure.

"Alright," Fox nodded, rubbing his back in an uncomfortable manner, "I'll think about it. Just…just trust me on this, OK? As a member of Star Fox, just trust me."

The Grey Knight nodded, "I will trust you to make the right decision."

Fox begun to step away from the Grey Knight and out of the simulator, leaving Jacques to watch him quietly leave. He then turned his back on the retreating vulpine and ran his hand through his short hair, before tracing the scars on his face with his finger. He flinched a bit when he heard the simulator door close, dwelling on the fact that this was the first time he had ever acted hostile towards Fox, his brother-in-arms.

And it was for Her.

"Cancel program," Jacques announced out loud and the simulation mechanics shut themselves down. He then muttered to himself in vehemence, "Damn vulpine."

He then paused to reflect.

"I have to see Krystal."

He then looked at the doorway leading out of the simulation, where Fox had disappeared through seconds ago.

As he walked towards the exit, he growled as he remembered what had occurred on the Emperor Incarnatus that had burned a complete image in his brain.

"And damn you, Cassius."

----------

Krystal shuddered when she felt two separate negative waves of emotion pass by her, from the two men she ostensibly held close to her heart. She was already shivering from grief as she leaned forward against the railing on the observation deck overlooking the canyon, which the underground base was built into. She took some time to study the sight before her, seeing that parts of the underground base complex was sticking out of the canyon walls in the forms of hanger, gun platforms and other observation areas.

Though she had stopped crying, her eyes were still red and puffy, and had soon become itchy. She ran the back of her hand against her eyes as she thought about how it all came down to this.

'Fox breaks up with me just to keep me safe,' Krystal thought, 'Where exactly is 'safe', Fox? Did you even consider my feelings before saying those things? Did you think I'd understand and be alright with that?"

She gave a small hiccup as she glanced out into space and the fleets orbiting Venom.

"We said we loved each other," Krystal said to herself, still in grief, "We said we wouldn't be without each other? Yet, you…you broke my heart."

Resting her elbows on the railing she held her head in her hands as thought of someone else, which brought about a fresh wave of grief. She noticed her reflection in the window and traced finger across her scar. Then, fresh tears escaped her eyes, seeing how she now bared the scars of war upon her body and that drove the person she thought she loved to want to push her away, just for 'her safety.'

'Jacques?' she now thought about the Grey Knight, 'Are you going to leave me, too? Are you going to tell me to just stay here and do nothing?'

"Krystal."

She froze, eyes widened and feeling her fur stand on end. She turned around slowly to see Jacques standing in the doorway. She looked at him peculiarly, noticing that his hair was damp and he was breathing roughly. She reasoned he must have gone through a very rough tour through the simulator. An incredibly rough tour, as Krystal could sense the bottled-up emotions and anxiety radiating from him, and that in turn made her feel bad for him.

Jacques felt confused when he saw her just standing there looking at him, noticing a sense of longing in her sapphire blue eyes. He stepped closer towards her away from the doorway, which shut behind him, and he saw that her attention was immediately drawn to his left arm. She stepped up to him as stretched her hands, immediately running them up and down his arm, stopping at his bionic hand and grasping it, seeing that it was just his gauntlet.

She looked up at him and he downcast his eyes at her and nodded. The vixen then sighed and turned her back to him, gazing back out over the canyon. Jacques rolled his eyes, wondering what he should say next, and whatever it would remedy the situation, or make it worse.

"I am sorry…" he said slowly and hesitantly, "…about Fox. I do not defend him, but I must say that he…thinks he is doing what is best…for your wellbeing."

Krystal's ears perked up and she looked over her shoulder. Jacques exhaled out his nose and clenched his hands.

"However, you may continue to fight alongside me if you wish. I have no intention of making you sit out…" the Grey Knight stated, then quietly admitted, "I apologise, I wish I knew how to…comfort you when it comes to breaking off with your mate."

She blinked away her tears and ran a hand underneath her nose as he continued, now feeling upset of her friend's inability to fully comprehend her feeling.

"Please," Jacques said, his voice starting to crack from the pressure he was unknowingly putting himself through, "Tell me…what should I do?"

The vixen turned around to face the superhuman, looking up into his eyes as he towered over all. Jacques felt himself frozen in place as she placed her hands on his chest-plate and leaned forward against him. Knowing full well what she wanted, he moved his right arm across her back and held her to him. Krystal then smiled as she rested her head against him.

"Jacques. Just…don't push me away…"

She felt his new bionic hand grasp her left arm gently as he embraced her hesitantly. He just stared out past the window and across the canyon as he felt Krystal embrace him tighter.

He then felt himself cringe when she stood on her toes and brushed her nose near his ear.

"Jacques, brother," Krystal whispered, "You're the strongest out of all of us."

A few moments of silence passed. Gradually Jacques felt calm enough to respond, eyes narrowing slightly as he felt a warm feeling pass over him as he felt all his troubles and the pains of his past fade with each second he spent with his just cause in life. His eyes downcast at her, his eyes half closed as he felt serene.

"No. You are, sister," Jacques said softly, mirroring Krystal's whisper, which made her smile wider, "You always have been."

And so they held each other, comforting one another like siblings should…for once deciding to be unwary of what the future will bring…

And that future: The coming of the Realm of Chaos…

---

Special thanks to SF Ghost for use of her character Jaada Astrali, featured in his authorised prequel to Star Fox 40,000 – Cerinia Daemonica.

It's not quite over yet. Stay tuned for the Epilogue and news regarding the inevitable sequel.