Disclaimer: I still don't own any of these characters, in case you thought things had changed. *sigh*

Chapter 2: Resign

"What?" Fox gasped, thinking he must have misunderstood Falco.

"I said that General Peppy has assigned us a mission that involves team Star Wolf," Falco said, "He wouldn't say anymore; we'll have to go accept it first."

Fox shook his head, "It doesn't matter; I'm not the pilot I used to be."

"Alright, I've had enough!" Falco suddenly picked up Fox, hoisting him up onto his shoulders, where Fox couldn't move or escape. "I'm sick and tired of you complaining about how useless you think you are; you are going to go on the mission, whether you want to or not!"

Falco started carrying Fox to the mission control room of the Great Fox III, a new ship that Slippy helped create before going to Aquas. The Great Fox III very much resembled the original Great Fox, only it was silver and had new weapons (plus great interior decorating!).

"I know you think that you can't accomplish anything," Falco continued when Fox started to be temperamental, "but don't you see? This is your chance to make Krystal come back!"

Fox immediately fell silent. After a moment he said, "Krystal won't come back. She chose her path, and will never believe that she belongs to this team."

Falco finally set Fox down and looked him in the eyes. "But you do. You know that she deserves to be with us, and not with those other losers."

Fox lowered his gaze. Falco unexpectedly hoisted up Fox by the neck of his shirt. Fox's feet were dangling off the ground. "Listen buddy, you know I don't play around. You are going to go win her back, because you know where she needs to be in this universe. You love her, and want the best for her, am I right? Now let's go find them, or so help me I will throw you off this ship!"

Fox knew from experience that Falco wasn't lying.

"Fine. I'll go."

Falco abruptly dropped Fox and started walking away to the control room. Fox got up to his feet. He couldn't resist grinning a little. Falco was always so mysterious and unexpected. But in his mind, Fox knew every word that Falco had said was completely true. Fox stood there silently in thought.

"Hey bonehead! Are you coming or not?" Falco called out.

"Yes, I'm coming," Fox replied, running to the control room, "Let's go destroy our former competition!"