Chapter 5
Despite having an incredibly sore pain in my legs, I still found the strength to get up and prepare for the day. I had to prepare for the unexpected and couldn't risk letting my guard down for even a fraction of a second. Grabbing my medicine and a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials Rich Chocolate Milk mix, I walked to the kitchen and found the team eating their own meals.
"Hey, Michael, you ready for today's mission?", Slippy asked as he swallowed a piece of toast. Even though it took me about a minute to be wide awake, I needed more energy in my body for it to fully function. I just sighed as I opened a cabinet above the sink and brought out a large glass, which I nearly filled to the brim with whole milk and added the chocolate mix to make my favorite energizing drink. After finishing it in ten gulps, I washed the glass, filled it with a bit of water and took my pill.
"Sorry about ignoring you like that, Slippy. I just needed energy, that's all.", I yawned.
"It's OK, but if you don't mind me asking, what's with those round pills you're taking?", he asked.
"Oh, these? They're a type of medicine called Lexapro. I started taking them because they help me with my stress."
"All the missions we go through every day give us some amount of stress. You don't really need to take pills to help you get over it.", Falco said.
"I'm not actually stressed from the missions or training, I'm stressed because of what happened during college.", I said.
"College? What's that?", Krystal asked. Since I knew that Krystal's world didn't have anything like the education Fox, Falco and the others went through growing up, I explained.
"It's sort of like going through learning at the Cornerian Academy. You learn simple things when you're young like how to spell, adding numbers and even playing an instrument. But as you grow older, the lessons and challenges get tougher. Soon enough, you learn how to preform CPR, you learn to solve complex equations and you even need to start building up your muscles. I took this one computer class with some classmates of mine. We were learning how to use computers to help us develop our presentation skills. I handled the first two courses pretty well, but the third was too much for me. It involved using a computer program called Microsoft Office Excel. The program was used to teach us about organizing meetings, keep track of money spent and saved and set important dates ahead of time." I noticed Fox nearly choking on his breakfast at the word 'dates', but Krystal read my mind out of curiosity and explained it wasn't like that.
"Sorry about that. It just caught me by surprise, that's all.", he wheezed.
"Anyway, the work got too difficult for me to handle in between schoolwork and my own life, so I had to drop out, because I couldn't keep up with my friends.", I said sadly. As soon as I finished, I heard a low snickering sound and noticed Falco cupping his beak with both hands. "Something funny, tough guy?", I asked sarcastically.
"Sorry man, but dropping out of school like that? That's hilarious!", he said as he broke out in an uncontrollable laughing fit.
"If you don't stop that, I'll do something so terrible to your body, that it'll haunt you forever.", I said with a menacing glare. The look on my face showed I wasn't kidding and Falco stopped after needing to take a moment to breathe.
"So what's with that powder you mixed with the milk?", Fox asked.
"I drink that because I'm quite fond of chocolate and I read an interesting study my kind discovered, called the chocolate milk diet."
"Chocolate milk diet?", the team asked in wonder.
"That's right. According to the study, drinking chocolate milk is good for you, because it contains less sugar than a energy drink and keeps you active over 40% longer. It's also a great source of vitamins for your teeth and bones."
"Can we try it sometime?", Slippy asked.
"I only have 4 packets left, but I'm sure your technology can clone or even improve it. Just don't say it was your idea or finding that led to this information, because that's a serious crime on my world.", I said. I went back to my room and gave the team the rest of my packets, which they enjoyed.
"OK. Now for today's mission briefing. There's a delayed shipment of money some scientists at Titania were sending to Peppy to continue trying to make it less dangerous and more hospitable for visitors. The shipment was sent late last night and was supposed to arrive at the Cornerian base this morning. Workers at the base have tried establishing contact, but nobody's responding there. We need to head out and find what happened. Think you can help us, Michael?", Fox asked.
"Hmm... I think it's OK for me to join you, but the sandy terrain is very unpredictable. I could be walking on very stable ground one second, then be swept into a sudden tornado the next. Oh well. I'm in. I just need a large helmet and a mask so the sand doesn't get in my eyes or body while I'm exploring."
"Don't worry, Michael. I'll provide constant scans of the area from my Arwing and let everyone know if it's safe or not.", Slippy said.
"OK. Everyone get to your Arwings and prepare to launch. We need to be ready for any kind of ambush or trap.", Fox ordered. Each of us took off in a sprint, but I had to take several seconds to catch my breath when I was a third of the way through the launching bay.
"You OK, Michael? If you want to call it quits, you can. None of us will think any insulting thoughts.", Falco said as he tried not to wince as his injuries sent a short pain inside of him.
"Don't worry about me. It's just a quick breather. Go ahead and launch without me. I'll catch up.", I said. The team nodded and took off, while I made sure I wasn't close enough to any of the Arwings at the same time. My Arwing was prepped and in a matter of seconds, I launched in the same direction. I didn't care if any foe I encountered gave me strange looks before gunning me down or trying to steal my ride, but I had to be cautious anyway. As soon as I was through Titania's sandy atmosphere and three or so feet above the ground, I transformed my Arwing into the Landmaster and activated my cloaking device to make it look like an Operation Desert Storm tank used by the U.S. Army. Quite an effective disguise if not tacky or weird.
"OK. I'm finally here. What are the rendezvous coordinates, Slippy?", I asked.
"They're 52 degrees southwest and 40 yards away. You need to look for a large burned-out construction site surrounded with thick supports that's untouched by any sand."
"I'm heading there now. Any reports on the missing workers yet?"
"There's different footprints everywhere and it looks like there was a large struggle. I sense some survivors in the distance, but whoever took them won't let them live for much longer.", Krystal said with a hint of worry in her voice.
"Falco, you and Krystal find them and capture whoever did this. Me, Michael and Slippy will search this rubble for clues to what happened here. Watch your backs and guard them until we regroup, OK?", Fox said.
"As much as I don't want to aggravate my injuries, I want to start shooting already! Man, this is boring beyond belief.", Falco grumbled as he left his Arwing and started walking with a homing launcher and sniper rifle strapped across both shoulders.
"Falco, you need to learn more self-control of your actions. If you don't, you'll regret it.", Krystal warned as she walked alongside him with a Gatling gun and some grenades.
I was at the building in about 3-5 minutes, then I shut my vehicle down and locked the hatch on my tank while closely crouching over it in case someone was watching me through a pair of binoculars or a rifle scope. "Holy shoot, man. I haven't seen anything this bad since The Great Depression. It's a wonder this place is still standing with this kind of interior.", I gasped.
Fox and Slippy gave me confused looks that said, 'Great Depression?', but I promised I'd tell them later. "Anything your UV light can pick up, Slippy?", I asked as I examined some ash on what was left of a chemistry set. Slippy activated the option from his communicator and shined the deep purple light from floor to ceiling, making sure not to miss even 1% of the room.
"Hmm... There's traces of evaporated metal caused by grenades, a dried blood drop from a camel that got shot by a blaster, fingerprints from a armadillo, faint traces of smoke from a bad chemical mix and our culprits took out anything that could have recorded them.", Slippy said after 3 minutes of scanning.
Author Note: Just so you readers know, the animals I'm describing in this story are based on my knowledge of what's capable of living in each planets' background. If you'd like me to insert different kinds, in case the ones I currently mention bother you, simply ask what kinds you'd like to see and I'll get to work.
"OK. We know what's happened, but we don't know why. Let's contact Falco and Krystal to see how they're holding up.", Fox said.
"Krystal, any thought pattens coming from the bad guys or the hostages?", Falco asked as he and Krystal stopped in front of what was left of a distant camp.
"Yes, there are. And they're coming from the hostages being held beyond those dunes over there.", Krystal said as she pointed northeast.
"Alright, let's get to shooting! I don't want to stand another minute in this dry wasteland.", Falco said as he removed his sniper rifle and took a running stance.
"Falco, don't do that! There's a bunch of snipers hiding in the sand and trying something like that will get you killed. I'll show you where they're hiding, but don't give us away."
"OK, then. Work your magic, girl.", Falco said as he relaxed his mind and let Krystal guide him with her acute telepathy. He fired a shot at a scorpion, but it dodged, even though the shot somehow managed to remove its stinger. The scorpion looked outraged upon losing one of his most lethal weapons, but knew he couldn't do anything about it. He simply left it behind and retreated to his leader to warn her.
Meanwhile, at a nearby dune... "My patience is growing thin. Where's the rest of your money?", an angry coyote snarled as she looked through several open briefcases equally filled to the brim on both sides with vast amounts of money.
"That's all we saved, honestly. Please don't kill us.", a hawk with a broken right arm said as he shivered at the angry woman's outburst.
"You're lying. You've got a secret savings stashed away, don't you?", the woman said trying to sound alluring enough to make her hostage's defenses crumble away like a mountain avalanche.
"Don't listen to her, William! If all of our money's gone, all the time and research we've spent here will set us back to square one.", a armadillo said as he struggled to remove the rough rope securely tied in a way that prevented him from curling up into his protective shell.
"Don't speak, Harry. If she takes what's left, there's no telling how long it will take to rebuild our outpost.", William said as he inadvertently moved his broken arm and the resulting pain made him nearly fall out from his chair.
All of a sudden, a brown and yellow scorpion with a missing stinger burst into the room breathing heavily, since the wound he had still caused intense pain. "Captain, our positions have been compromised by a blue vixen and a blue falcon. They're both on their way here to save the hostages. We have to leave right now. UGH...", he said as a shot from a sniper rifle burst right through his chest cavity, killing him before his legs and the rest of his body fell to the floor.
"So, the famous Star Fox team has come to stop us. I've been waiting for a fight against them.", the coyote said as she kicked the body away and reached for both blasters on her hips.
"Falco, untie the hostages and get them to safety. I'll hold off the leader long enough for you to meet Fox and the others.", Krystal said as she reached for her Staff and activated its indestructible force field in a fraction of a second.
"OK, but don't take too long. We still have to rescue any remaining hostages and apprehend the other criminals here.", Falco said as he grabbed Harry's chair with one hand, William's good arm with the other and took off into a jogging pace, taking extreme care not to lengthen the time his ribs needed to recover.
"Falco, Krystal, is everything OK over there? We hear blaster fire coming from behind you.", Fox said over Falco's communicator.
"I'm alright. I've got two of the hostages with me and Krystal's giving us a chance to get away by fighting this coyote girl who's behind all this."
"Aw, man. Why'd it have to be a woman? I can't hurt any in real-life, because it's a serious felony on Earth and the last thing I need is a criminal record.", I thought to myself.
"Michael's chivalrous. That's sweet of him, but I'm sure any other female will use his nobility to their advantage. I must help him later.", Krystal thought.
"Michael, what's wrong? You look worried about something. Are you feeling well?", Slippy asked.
"I'm fine. I just need to clear my head. Where are the other hostages? Maybe we can split up and find them all faster.", I said.
"If you must know, there's only three of us left. Tomas, Bianca and Richard. The villain who's staging this is planning to rob us of all our hard-earned money, but the only way to access the safe containing the rest of it is through all five of our security cards, eye scans and voice recognitions.", William said.
"OK, we know their names, but what about what they look like, or where they are?", Slippy asked.
"Tomas is a fox with sandy-colored fur, brown eyes and a bit of a hoarse voice from a chemical accident that happened before we were captured. Bianca's a bactrian camel that was trying to escape our captors, but the leader shot her in the leg. Finally, Richard is a horned toad who almost never takes his goggles off his face. He tries to scare anyone who might harm him by crying tears of blood, but if he doesn't cooperate, blood will be coming from more than just his eyes.", Harry said.
"I'd help untie you, Harry, but this broken arm of mine has left me unable to write, let alone untie you.", William said looking at him.
"Leave that to me. I'll help you out!", Falco said as he crouched a bit to untie the tightest-looking knot that was keeping Harry's arms behind his back. Although Falco tried moving as little as possible, staying in one spot for too long was dangerous and caused you to fall asleep because of the lack of movement.
"Thanks. Now then, here's how you can find the rest of our colleagues.", Harry said after massaging the pain away from his wrists and typing some information into Falco's communicator. A few seconds later, it emitted a steady beeping sound like a sonar and showed three bright red dots fairly close to each other.
"You guys getting this?", Falco asked as he sent the data to our group.
"Roger that. Judging by the distances of these dots, I'd say that's where we'll find the captives, maybe even whoever took them.", I said as I looked at the information on my communicator screen.
"OK. Slippy, you go and rescue Bianca, Michael, you head over to help Tomas and I'll go rescue Richard. If there's any problems, report to us and we'll see what we can do to help.", Fox ordered.
"Yes, sir!", me and Slippy responded. I went back into my tank and headed southeast, where my rescue operation was to take place. I knew I had to keep my cool against all odds. I just hoped all of the kidnappers weren't female. Soon enough, I stopped about five yards away and slowly made my way to reach Tomas on foot. As I was on the outside of a small supply building, I heard faint voices coming from the other side of a wall.
"Come on, Bryce. Isn't there any other food to find? I mean, a planet like this needs more food than just canned peas, soup, bottled water and corn bread.", a male said as he angrily knocked his hand on a stack of soup cans, sending them all crashing to the floor and some of them leaked out the water and food they held inside.
"I don't like the looks as much either, but it's all there is in this place.", Bryce said.
"Hey. Shut up, you two. Do you want the boss to kill us for making her wait over a stupid meal?", a female said.
"No, ma'am. We're sorry.", Bryce responded.
"Yeah. I was just annoyed at the thought of eating this slop, that's all.", the first male said.
"Good, you'd better be, Carl. Anyway, my guard shift's already over. It's your turn to keep an eye on our 'friend' back there.", the female sneered.
"OK, OK. Don't get your pants in a knot. I'm heading over there, May.", Carl grumbled under his breath.
"What was that?", May shouted.
'N-Nothing.", Carl said.
"Hurry up, already! I've wasted enough time listening to that nerd babbling about his family."
I'd heard all that I needed to hear. I just had to be careful about how I acted. I slowly made my way past the wall, making sure not to pass in front of any windows or security cameras I came across. The front door was much too obvious to use, so I found my way in through the back. Since the building wasn't big enough to need pass codes, I made my search through the kitchen very brief. Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming from the ceiling above me and figured that's where Carl was working on his shift. I would've made made my way through the ventilation, if it weren't for the fact that I was too heavy and the noise caused by my weight would definitely warn the guards to my presence, so I quietly climbed the stairs instead. I heard faint muttering accompanied by what sounded like whimpering.
"Shut up, already! Jeez. You're as worse as May when she's trying to get her hair and face ready.", Carl said from behind a metal door on my left, about three feet away. I couldn't just walk up to the door and let Carl see me right in front of him, so I sat down and waited quietly. My patience soon paid off, as I saw the time was about 12:35 P.M. and it sounded like he'd fallen asleep on the job. I walked up to the door and cringed as it noisily hissed open and moved up through a wide hole in the ceiling, but Carl simply mumbled something and continued to sleep.
"Who or what are you?", Tomas asked me as I helped pull himself onto his feet.
"Shh. Listen, your friends Harry and William told me how to find you through the communicator on my wrist. As for my name and kind, we'll get back to that some other time. Right now, I have to get you out of here. Is your security card and voice okay?", I asked after putting my index finger to shush his lips. Tomas looked confused about how I knew so much, but realized I was with the Star Fox team and nodded yes in relief. "Good. Now listen, there's no telling how long that guy's going to stay asleep or even if his friends are coming to change shifts again. All I know is that we have to get out of here fast, or we're both in the fire. Anything we can use to disguise ourselves, or even cover our tracks?", I asked.
"Sorry. If I'd known this was going to happen, I would have my cloaking device ready and waiting in the blink of an eye.", Tomas said with a look that showed a lot of regret from not planning ahead.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up over this. It'll be okay. We just need to get into my tank outside and we're home free. Think you can handle a half-story fall?", I asked pointing to a small window in the corner.
"Sure. Let's go for it!", Tomas accidentally shouted, causing Carl to wake up and look around in a daze. By the time he was wide-awake, me and Tomas were safely on the ground and running to my tank.
"Hey, get back here with our prize! We caught him fair and square!", Carl yelled, nearly halfway out from the window.
"You snooze, you lose, sucker! We're out of here!", I yelled as I shut the hatch, locked it tight and drove away with a smug grin.
"Hey, what's with all the yelling and what happened to that scientist you were supposed to be guarding?", May yelled as she and Bryce burst into the room.
"Some weird thing broke in here and left with the guy as I was waking up from a nap.", Carl said with an arm pointing to the window.
"Don't just stand there, idiots! Get them and bring them both alive! If we don't have all the scientists captured, we'll never get our share. So, get to moving!", May shouted, almost shoving Carl out the window, before taking off into a sprint down the stairs and out the door.
"Hey, it's me, Michael. I got Tomas with me and we're heading back to meet up with you. How did things go on your ends, Fox and Slippy?", I asked opening up a channel to each of my friends.
"I got a minor bruise on my shoulder and a few scratches from this crazed cheetah, but I'm OK and so's Bianca, despite the fact that her leg's making it difficult to walk.", Slippy said. I heard Tomas breathe a sigh of relief.
"I rescued Richard after dealing with this bunch of knife-wielding thugs that didn't even stand a chance of beating me. I knocked each of them out in ten seconds and didn't even break a sweat.", Fox said.
"Krystal, is everything fine on your end?", I asked.
"Don't worry. I'm unharmed and I caught the leader. I'm already here with everyone else waiting for you to arrive, Michael.", she answered.
"Alright, then. I'm heading over and should be there in about two minutes. Think you can lend me a hand with capturing this girl that's leading the group behind me? I wouldn't feel right harming a woman, even if she was my enemy.", I said looking out from the nearby sonar on my right.
"No problem, Michael. I'll be right there.", she said as she gave her empty Gatling gun to Fox and ran in my direction. It didn't take long for either of us to cross paths and just as I was about to help Tomas get out of my seat, Krystal suddenly pulled me out of the way of a blaster shot and growled angrily at a female civet cat that was trying to gun me down for trying to escape.
"I don't care if you are the most legendary team in the Lylat System! You'll hand over that scientist, or else, die where you stand.", May growled, showing her sharp fangs.
"Fine. There's no point in trying to harm a female without getting a record.", I sighed, slowly putting both my arms up. However, before Carl could finish wrapping his dirty fingers around my blaster, I activated my reflector and the shock that coursed through his body gave me enough time to barely climb on his back and start pounding my fists on him as much as I could. Krystal nimbly went after May and used some cover caused by tossing two grenades into the sand to disarm and capture her in a matter of seconds.
Seeing both of his comrades out cold in front of him, Bryce took off away from us, but I fired a quick stun blast at his back and he fell to the ground.
"That's all of them. Let's round 'em up and head back to the team. I'm sure Fox is worried about us.", I said. Krystal giggled in reply and helped me out by securing the captured thugs onto my tank. A few minutes later, we were back with the rest of the team and our mission was a success.
"Great work out there, everyone. Especially you, Michael. You showed admirable traits out there and didn't even feel bothered by what was happening around you. It takes a lot of stuff to do what you did and I'm glad to have you on our side.", Fox said.
"Aw, it was nothing. But if you don't mind me asking, shouldn't we be helping our friends here with their pay? It still needs to go to Corneria, you know.", I said pointing a thumb at the group of scientists around us.
"Don't worry, we can handle it. Besides, the faster we finish up here, the sooner we can get back to our families.", Tomas said as he and his friends began walking to another part of the desert, where the safe was waiting. About ten minutes later, each of them carried about two or three large bags of money under both of their arms and began stowing them inside the Great Fox's cargo bay.
The ride back to Corneria was somewhat pleasant, if not annoying. The loud wails coming from the prisoners was total eardrum-busting torture. Even a simple trip down to the docking bay was painful, if you happened to walk there. I was constantly being bombarded by many questions each of the scientists had for me, but I answered them and with Fox's approval, showed them about life in my galaxy through Krystal's unmatched telepathy. The scientists each scribbled what they could into small notepads they carried and asked my permission to share this information with the rest of their colleagues throughout the galaxy. I allowed it, provided they didn't breathe a word to anyone public, lest a war broke out that could bring the end of my planet and all its occupants. They all promised and continued writing what they could.
"Is that all you needed to know?", I asked.
"Well, all this info is quite shocking, to say the least. None of us had even come close to finding an entire galaxy so similar to ours, let alone a being like you.", Tomas said.
"OK. Anyway, we're entering Corneria's atmosphere already. Better stay buckled up.", I warned.
"Attention all on board passengers, Cornerian atmosphere successfully exited with minimal corrosion on hull. Estimated time for landing: two hours, fifty-one minutes and thirty-nine seconds. Please remain stationary until the designated time has passed.", ROB said over the intercoms. We followed his instructions and soon, everyone was safe and sound on the cement below our feet.
A bunch of Cornerian soldiers escorted the prisoners to be sent to their proper cells after going throughout all the basics; fingerprint stamping, front-to-side photo shooting and being measured for their uniforms. Needless to say, none of the prisoners liked it. And waiting for their bail or determined sentences was even worse.
"Next time, this won't be as easy for you, freak. When I get out of here, I'll hunt you down and shoot you into very tiny pieces, whether you're guarded or not.", Carl thought as he tried to look at my face. Krystal sensed his thoughts and sent a message to the guards escorting him. They nodded and made sure to add 'witness assault' to Carl's account of crimes.
All of a sudden, a bunch of news reporters were all over us, like honey bees to a hive and I tried my hardest not to get noticed, but soon, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd and I realized I had no chance at avoiding the paparazzi once they saw me. "Hey, isn't that Star Fox's new recruit?", Rachel asked, trying to make her way towards me with a microphone.
"Oh, man. I don't want to be interviewed right now in front of so many people. It's much too soon for this kind of thing.", I thought to myself as I made a break for my tank, which was currently the only safe haven I could find until the reporters settled down.
"What are you getting so nervous about, anyway? It's just a bunch of people wanting to meet you.", my conscious said.
"Hey, this isn't going to be as simple as getting a diploma along with the rest of your friends at your high school graduation. This is much more and I don't think I can keep my cool this time.", I answered back.
"Come on, man. You're a part of the coolest team in the known universe. It's only fair that you be nice to the public, like they are."
"Sigh... Fine, but I'm not answering any personal questions, OK?"
"Don't worry. I'll help you get through it." I made my way outside, dusted off my clothes and regained my composure at the sight of the seemingly endless crowd in front of me.
"Ahem. Um, sorry about that. I just don't want to be part of the Star Fox team for fame or money. I'm just in it for the adventure and memories.", I said to the first reporter on my right, who happened to be Rachel from earlier.
"It's perfectly understandable. Now if you don't mind, would you start answering our many questions about you?", she said, practically shoving her microphone into my face.
"I will. Just don't use flash photography or ask any personal questions. I'm very sensitive about these kinds of things.", I said, trying to cover my eyes from the onslaught of light bulbs coming and going with each passing second. The crowd got the message and respected my wishes on the spot. "Now then, ask away."
1-2 hours later... "Man, I don't know how each of you manage to handle all of that. I'm really going to try not bringing any attention to myself.", I sighed as I sat down in a chair and started rubbing my eyes.
"Yeah, the life of being a superstar can be stressful, but it can bring good things into your life.", Falco said as he leaned back into his favorite relaxing position.
"Oh, like what?", I asked jokingly.
"You can get discounts on many things like clothes, accessories, food and other things everyone else buys. The only difference is the money you save, courtesy of the people you know as friends or even family.", Slippy said.
"OK. It's getting close to 4:00. Anyone else want something to eat?", I asked. Everyone's stomachs seemed to growl at the same time. "Well, better get started on that food. Time waits for no one.", I said.
Even though me and Krystal were really great chefs, I didn't want Fox thinking the wrong thing about us. I knew they loved each other, but if Fox was trying to get something off his back, I'd help him slowly and carefully. Fox was watching each of my movements very intently, as if he was thinking I'd steal the most important person in his life when he'd least expect it. "Is something wrong, Fox? If you want to talk about what's on your mind, you're welcome to join me in my room.", I said.
"Maybe later. I've got to satisfy my appetite.", Fox said almost deadpan.
"Alright, then. See you.", I said taking my lunch to my room. It consisted of a grilled cheese sandwich, a granola bar and some water. I felt like having a small meal, even though I must have used up a lot of energy back on Titania. When I was finished, I needed to relive the adrenaline rush I felt, despite the moderate climate. I opened up my closet and kept it propped open with my bag of snacks. I activated the light switch and looked at my shadow from the left side of the wall. Then I bent my knees a bit, made tight fists and began throwing an intense volley of punches, blocks and dodges, while making sure my shadow followed my movements perfectly. I was shadowboxing and it felt great. To make my exercise more interesting, I imagined myself fighting against the cast of Punch-Out for the Nintendo Wii. Sure, it sounded strange, but it was a great way to pass the time.
About 15 minutes later, I had just finished pretending I won the match against that tough, muscle-bound Soda Popinski. "Phew, that match was exhausting. I sure hope the other fights won't take as long.", I panted.
"What 'other fights'?", a voice asked as I was tapped on my right shoulder. I turned around to find Fox staring at me with his arms crossed defensively and a somewhat serious look on his face.
"Oh. Hey, Fox. I didn't hear you enter. I must have gotten too caught up in my exercising.", I admitted with a goofy laugh.
"Hmm. Anyway, you seem to be enjoying your stay here. All the adventure, memories, experiences. It must mean a lot to you, doesn't it?", Fox asked.
"Yeah, but what about it? Is everything OK?", I asked. What happened next wasn't really worth experiencing. Fox suddenly grabbed me by the throat, beneath the Adam's Apple and slowly tightened his grip, each second appearing to come and go much slower.
"Hey, what's going on? I'm not trying to be your enemy.", I struggled to breathe while futile attempts to free myself kept failing.
"Now you listen up and listen good. I don't ever want you even a single millimeter near Krystal. If you try it again, I'll break your jaw beyond recovery and make both of your eyes black.", Fox growled menacingly as he seemed to revel the fear building in my eyes. I knew that trying to talk while being choked was stupid, but I was desperate enough to try something I hoped would get through to Fox, if only somewhat.
"Jkef. Fcoujo, ted'k xihk mo, Fox!", I pleaded. Upon hearing that language, Fox's eyes widened instantly and he let go of my pained throat. "Thank goodness that worked.", I thought as I rubbed my sore throat, trying to get the pain to stop. Almost at once, Krystal ran into my room and began shouting her lungs out right into Fox's face.
"Fox, what were you even thinking, trying to do something like that?", Krystal asked as she helped me to my feet and looked at the reddish-pink marks on my neck, from where Fox choked me. "He spends at least five minutes alone with me on a mission and this is how you react? That's not how a leader acts, Fox!", Krystal yelled as tears came into her eyes.
"Hey, Krystal, it's not his fault. It's mine. If anything, I should be the one who's punished, not Fox.", I said.
"But...", Krystal started.
"No, not another word. If it makes you feel any better, Fox, I'll resign from the team if it means making you happy."
"Michael...", Krystal whined. I could tell neither of them were taking this well, but if my being here would cause problems, I'll gladly leave without a second thought. I started gathering my things, when suddenly, I felt weak and dizzy. I'd seen this kind of thing dozens of times in point-of-view movies and cartoons, but this was still a strange feeling as it enveloped me. My world slowly faded to darkness and I fainted.
Well, that's that. I'm sorry if this chapter didn't quite turn out like you readers expected, but hey. This is my kind of writing, OK? I'm also sorry I couldn't update in March, like I wanted to, but I was too distracted by reading other fanfictions over the past few days. I'll try to be faster, but I can't guarantee it'll happen. Just please have patience. See you soon.