Chapter 2 (Fox)

I groaned, with yet another splitting headache. I need to stop losing consciousness today (or today and 5 years). I slowly open my eyes to see I'm in a clean white room, on a bed with clean white sheets, with some beeping technology around me. I don't have my shirt or jacket on, or my boots. My bracelets and necklaces weren't on me either. I slowly sit up with a groan, my body is sore, but I eventually sit up on my bed to see I am alone in this room. There is a window to my right that shows a green forest out of it and a door to my right, also white. I throw my legs over the bed and throw the sheets off of the bed, with yet another groan.

"Aww, I see you're awake and lively." I turn to the door to see… a mushroom man. He was about 4 feet tall, with a white long coat, white shirt, jeans, and large leather like shoes. But, the most obvious thing on him was the mushroom on his head with plus signs all over it.

"You don't need to goggle." He said with a British accent.

I gain my wits quickly and say, "Sorry, I never met a, whatever you are."

I started walking to me, rather straight considering his large appending on his head, and said, "A Toad, Mr. McCloud. More specifically I am Doctor Penicillium. But most just call me Dr. Pen."

"Oh, I'm sorry Dr. Pen. Its just been a rather odd day for me. Speaking of, how long have I been out."

Dr. Pen picked up the chart at the front of my bed and said, "Mr. McCloud you have been unconscious for 12 hours. It is now 6:30 am Mushroom Standard Time (MST). You had a concussion, several deep gashes on your body, some that are rather odd." Before I could ask, with the Doctor not even looking away from the charts, raised his had and continued, "You also went into a fever at about 1:12 am MST, but it dissipated quickly, in less the 5 minutes you no longer had a fever." He took a deep breathe and looked right at me and said, "What is most shocking is that you are 18 years, 9 months, and 25 days years old today. As well as, 5 years ago."

I give a deep breathe and release it then say, "I know about that last one. I was, for lack of a better word, eaten by the lightwave that was 5 years ago to you. But to me, it was only about 13, maybe 14, hours ago. But, how do you know my age when I didn't say."

"Well," Dr. Pen said, "that would explain the odd scars."

"What scars?"

"Look down at your body boy."

I look and see golden marks that shimmer, almost liquid like, on my body that removed the fur on my body across my chest and stomach. I turn around and see some on my back, going all the way almost to my tail.

I lose some breathe and say, "What is it?"

Dr. Pen moved closer to me and said, "I have a few theories. 1 is that when you entered or exit the lightwave you gained those scars. 2, is that when you entered the Mega World you somehow gained them. 3, you came in contact with a high celestial being. Or 2 or more of the options above."

He gives a deep breathe and continues, "It should be noted that when you had a fever the scars started to glow slightly until your fever was gone."

"For now," he continued, "it is not harming you. Even more, its helping you, so for now we won't see a way to remove it. As long that is good with you."

I nod my head, not really sure what to do, but say, "How do you know my age."

The doctor smiled and said, "Well, us Toads vary in our age speed. So to see, we developed technology that looks the cells and see how they develop. We have gotten it down to a, at most, a 2 year margin of error, both up and down." the doctor took a quick breathe and continued, "When looking at other species, it was easier since they had a consistent cell age rate. So when looking at your cells, your race being Anthrons, we looked at the rate and it was 18 years and 10 months. We go by year and months for our calculations."

I speak before he continues, "And I am suppose to be 23 and you found out by my medical records or military work or, FALCO."

It hit me that I don't know about Falco.

And I say, in a panic, "Where's Falco, is he okay?"

"Relax Mr. McCloud." he says with authority, "Falco is fine, had a quick check-up. Nothing much but some gashes, but quickly stitched and he was all good." He said.

Then taking a deep breathe he continued, "Yes, you haven't aged at all since the event about 5 years ago. You are an interest anomaly Mr. McCloud."

I give a sheepish grin and say, "Thanks, I guess."

"No problem." said the doctor, "Everything else checks out just fine. But before you can leave you have been requested to see the princess."

I look at him quizzically, and say, "Um, why?"

"Well, as a subject of the kingdom I have to report on something anomalies to the government. Toads that have anomalies could be dangerous depending on he anomaly. This is extended to all sentient creatures while in the Mushroom Kingdom." The doctor said cooly, "She asked to see you before you depart. I believe that your friend Falco will be there too."

That got my ears to perk up and I looked at the doctor while he was checking the clipboard again. He then came put to me with a stethoscope while he instructed me to breathe deeply. The doctor first checked by the chest and then on my back, wrote something down, then looked at me.

He said, "Well, everything seems to be in order."

"Well that's good."

"Hmm, yes it is." The doctor said mater-of-factly, "Now, get dressed and we can head to the princess."

He was saying this while leaving the room. But before he could leave I got up and slipped on the floor, falling to the ground. I groan in pain.

"Well," Doctor Pen said, "I guess we didn't count that in the diagnosis, your clumsiness."

"I could have gotten hurt."

"Then don't go into a space coma next time."

I just looked at him with my mouth hung open as he left. I got up and put my clothes on, which were on a chair next to my bed. They felt nice and clean, soft even. I look down at my chest wondering what those scars are from. It could be the flames that got me here, but I don't think that's the only thing. I sigh, knowing I won't get any answers, at least for now, so I walk to the door and open. I was standing in a large corridor filled with different art and lined with a bright red rug. The walls, floor, and ceiling were lined with grey stone that seemed to shine. It was drastically different then the hospital room I just walked out of.

"You ready."

I look and it the doctor, talking very calmly, standing to the right of me. He then started walking down the hall and motioned for me to follow him. As we walked down the hall, I saw different styles of art, with different things in them. One had a 7 stars in various colors surrounding a smaller star, another had the night sky filled with twinkling stars, and another hand a star with eyes in the hands of a person.

I say, trying not to make things awkward, "You guys seem to really like stars."

"Yes, we do don't we." He said nonchalantly, "While I'm not a follower, our religion is based upon the 7 stars of different color. We have seen star people, but I have never seen any of them relate to the powers of the 7."

"Which is?"

"Oh you know, raining down shooting stars, healing a person from near death, stoping time, seeing into depths of a person's soul, etc."

"They sound powerful."

"They do. But, its our religion."

"I'm not what people would call spiritual."

"Yes," he said passively, "neither am I. But, I find religions, all of them, interesting and important. I have met fanatics of both sides, but I never saw religion as bad, even if I don't agree with them."

"Well, your religion is different then my peoples."

Dr. Pen chuckled slightly and said, "Aw yes. A lamb sacrificed itself to expunge the sins off of all your kind, but the Wolves and Cats saw him as a heretic, correct."

"Yeah," I said with a drawl, "that's the one. But, I just head no mind and reagin in my control to make sure I don't do something stupid."

We hear a yell behind the large door we just reached.

"Was that the space coma acting up again?" I ask.

The doctor sigh and say, "No. Or else I joined you in that space coma."

The door opens and I see 3 people. One is Falco, slinking down in shame. Another was a women in a pink dress, pearl earrings, white gloves, heart shaped face, and corn blond yellow. Finally there was…

"Speaking of." Sated the doctor.

"Wolf?" I say in bewilderment.

Everyone turns to look at me. Falco in a combination of anger, relief, and pity. The women looked intrigued, and Wolf looked shocked. He was bigger then I last saw him (he was standing at least 2 inches taller than me), still with silver fur, dark armor on him, and he had scars he didn't have the last time I saw him.

"What the Fuck!?" Wolf screamed. "How the fuck are you still alive!?"

" Well I'm breathing so there's that." I say cooly.

The women laughs slightly and the doctor gave a big smile. It also looked like Falco was holding back a laugh.

"You know what I mean jackass." Wolf said, with a hint of murder in his voice.

"Relax, Wolf." Said the women with kind authority.

Wolf backed off, but was still growling.

"Fox McCloud." Said the woman as she walked to me, "I am Princess Peach Toadstool. But you may call me Peach. I see you are doing well."

I bow, assuming that is what I'm suppose to do with royalty, and say, "I am good your highness. And I thank you for your hospitality."

"It is nothing Fox, may I call you Fox."

"Yes your highness."

"Well that's all good, the dead came back alive met a princess. Yada yada yada." Interrupted Wolf, still so impatient. "That still doesn't explain how you are alive?"

I open my mouth the princess said, "Never you mind Wolf, what happened happened. And I personally like that there is another body here." The princess started to walk to her throne and as she sat she continued, "Mario currently has too much on his plate with Bowsers constant attacks. And before you ask Fox, I will explain later." She says knowing I was about to ask.

She breathes slightly then said, "Wolf, I need you to run an important message to the Star Planet."

"You mean to Dedede, why?" Wolf ask, gruffly.

"He is neutral to every single alliance and we have to make sure he stays that way."

"Not to sound stupid." I say, although I though I heard Falco say 'too late', "why not just call him."

"You are stupid." said Wolf.

The princess looked ready to ask something when the doctor spoke up, "Princess you best explain that in private with him."

"Why?" Said Wolf and Falco at once.

In response he walked to the princess and whispered in her ear. Her face was unmoving but she whispered back to him. They nodded and the doctor walked back to the spot he was before.

"Fox, when everyone is dismissed I want you to walk with me, in private." the princess stated.

Falco was gapping, Wolf was in shock, and I just stood there dumbfounded. I get to walk with a princess. I know I'm not a kid, but that got me all bubbly inside.

"As I was saying," the princess said to gain attention again, "Wolf you will leave immediately. As for you Falco." Falco flinched slightly, "You are grounded until further notice."

"But princess." Falco started begging.

"No buts, understood." the princess said with authority.

Falco looked defeated, but he said, "Yes your highness."

The princess said, "Right then, you are dismissed. Except for you Fox, we are going on a walk."

—

This was really surreal. I'm walking with a princess, in a garden, next to a castle, with ships flying over our heads. It was strange; very, very strange.

As we walked by our fifth rose bush the princess stopped and pulled a flower out of the bundle to sniff it. She then brought the rose right in front of me.

"Um," I say, not really knowing what to do, "I thought the guy was suppose to give the girl the flower."

The princess giggled slightly then said, "Normally yes, but things are not normal now are they."

I shrugged, knowing she was right, and took the flower and put it in my chest pocket on my right side. The flower head was sticking out.

"Doctor Pen told me about your situation and your interesting condition." The princess said, calmly.

"Yeah," I say plainly, "got some new, interesting, scars. And the space coma."

The princess continued, "Yes , your scars. While I do know magic and science, no expert mind you, I find them interesting." She lift her head up to look at a tree that had fruit in the shape of rainbow stars. She then walked to the bench that was under it. She motioned for me to sit with her and I did.

Once seated, she said, "I don't know how your scars got there or how to remove them, if you want them removed. There are powerful beings in they new landscape of ours that could have the answers, but no one in the Mushroom Kingdom has the answers."

I wasn't to worried about my scars right now to be honest. Yeah they were weird, but they are not the first thing on my mind.

"I think I did meet someone that you just described in the lightwave."

This perked the princess up and I could tell she was listening intently.

I continued, "She said she was sent to get me out since there was an evil or something on the move. She got me out to find it has been 5 years, when it has only felt like a day for me."

"You won't find many that believe your age." She stated, "But, I trust my doctors so I believe you."

"Yeah I kinda got that with Falco."

"Yes, Falco. Did you know that was his first solo mission and he didn't follow what he was suppose to do."

I ask, "What was he suppose to do?"

"Relay a basic message, but he started chasing a group of robots which hit his ship. Lucky he was able to land and then you found him."

"Why are you guys relaying messages anyway?"

The princess looked at me and said, "The mix of magic and technology don't go well. Some things work; like weapons, medical supplies, and small ships. But other things didn't. This includes communication, large ships, and mass food production."

"That explains the relay." I said.

The princess nodded and we were silent for a second.

"Who is this Mario guy and Bowser."

"Well, Mario is the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom. A lowly commoner, father being a construction worker, mother being a housewife. He was a plumber that, after I got embarrassingly captured, and magic changed at least 95% of the Toads were transformed. Him being human helped him to not being turned into stone. Plus, with his former job, had almost a photographic memory of the swearer system and was able to rescue me. Bowser conversely, is a dragon turtle and is King of the Fire Lands."

I look at her with a little of a shock and say, "You got some enemy there."

"Yeah." she sighs, "But he is powerful being, almost god like with his combination of strength, magical power, financial success, and natural leadership."

"Yikes." I say.

"That's not all, he is unforgiving. Once he fails, he immediately has a plan again. While he isn't targeting me anymore, he does not stop. Mario is now to busy with Bowser to help the Kingdom. Which makes me worried." The princess finished.

"Why's that Peach."

"I know that there is an alliance with Bowser involved, who is in it and what it involves, I have no clue. But I know its there. And with Mario constantly working I have no time to get him in on the plans to stop it."

"Well he is only one person."

The princess then says, "I know. But coming to this new land is difficult considering that we don't know who to entirely trust. That is why we need Dedede not to, at least, enter on the opposite side."

"You did say something about a King Dedede and about neutrality. What in the god's name is going on?"

The princess let out a sigh and slumped. Never though I would see a princess look unprincess like.

"Its very complicated Fox."

There was dead air for a second. Then I said, "I don't know where I am going, what I am going to do, or what is going to happen to me. Why not try and find out what's in my way."

The princess gave a small smile.

"Well, if that's the case." She said sweaty. "Well, we are more separated by planets then anything else. Only King Dededede's planet was the only one that didn't become, for lack of a better term, fused together. Other then this planet, Dedede's, and the dark planet are able to travel between planets or are in too much chaos to be a strong presence."

"Sounds like a mercenary's dream." I remark.

"You would think." she says, "But, the problem is the Dark Planet. That's were a good portion of the evil forces went. IF you are a mercenary and don't work for them. Well, it doesn't go well."

"How do you know that?"

"We got info about mercenaries being taken and, experimented on." She said coldly.

I shiver slightly.

"Do you know what they experiment?" I ask, fearing the answer.

"We've tried to find out, but it is very difficult to get any information out of that hell." The princess said.

"I lost too many good men for the little information we got." She said slamming her fist on her lap.

"Well, what info did you get."

"I can't really say, its of utmost importance."

"Understood."

We sat there for a minute seeing some flowers float by.

"Would you like to go on a missions Fox." The princess asked while looking straight forward.

"Sure. What else do I got to do."

—

"This is beyond bull shit. This is like every bull on the planet ate each other until one bull was left then had a giant shit. That's what this is."

"Will you calm down Falco." I said, leaning against his door frame.

After agreeing to what the princess asked, we headed back to the castle to go over the details. The princess then asked who I wanted to take with me. She offered a squad of elite Toads, but I said that this mission doesn't seem to need that much. I then offered to give Falco another chance (since he got grounded and was no longer allowed to do any missions until further notice). The princess reluctantly agreed, based off my record (which despite being 5 years old was technically up to date for me), what was reported to her about when I first arrived, and her belief I can keep Falco cool headed (even if he is still unhappy with me).

It didn't help that it took me 45 minutes to find where Falco's room was and had to get a guard to get me here. He asked if I'm stupid (apparently he has never met a person that can't find his way around the castle). I then mumbled something about space coma. Once I reached Falco and told him what's happening he flipped.

While he was raging I looked around his room. Very plain, definitely a guest room (if he was a messy as he was 5 years ago). He must live somewhere else. When I told him we got a mission he got excited. He then asked who are we going with, and I said just us 2. His face dropped and then went to a rage when I said I was in charge. He's been going at this for 5 minutes, didn't even let me finish the mission plan.

Finally he started huffing with no words coming out.

"You done?" I ask.

"Why in the flying star fuck are you in charge!"

"Do you want it alphabetically or chronologically." I retort.

Falco growled. I say, "Hey, I'm a Fox, I growl. You chirp."

"That wasn't funny 5 years ago, it's not funny now." Falco said in a mix of deadpan and anger.

"Well it just feels like yesterday to me." I say.

Falco rolls his eyes and says, "So why are you in charge."

I sigh and say, "1, I was asked first. 2, I have more experience and a better record then you. 3, I wasn't grounded. And 4, older brother privileges."

"That's no fair," said Falco, "and if you claim to not have aged, that makes me the older brother." He finished with a big grin.

"Not mentally."

"Fuck you Fox."

"Are done with your belly aching."

"Fuck you I am."

"Too bad, you need to know the mission. Or would you prefer to stay. I was offered a full team of elite Toads."

That made Falco shut up. I can see he wants to say something but knows better. So he just goes and sits on his bed. Only a twin size under the window. I closed the door and sat at the desk not very far from the bed. The room was not big.

"We are heading to the jungle about 200 miles from here to the west. There has been some strange activity going on. We are to recon and nothing else, unless the situation is extreme. The rulers there are the Kongs. While not royalty, they are the alpha family and in charge. Donkey Kong is the leader, while not the brightest bulb, he is at least intelligent enough to communicate in non conventional means with us. Donkey is sterile, so he has his nephew Diddy Kong, as his successor. We are to meet with these 2 and see the situation and then scout the area separately. We are to be there about 3 days and take 2 days to travel, there and back. Pack light, and bring survival gear just in case."

Once I finished Falco nodded seeming to understand. He then asked, "What are we looking for?"

"Any presence of the princess's enemies."

"Is this mercenary, military, or off the books ?"

"Off the book due to my, um, problem."

Falco raised an eye brow. "What problem.

"Never you mind. Its not an interference to the operation."

"Bull shit, your problem becomes my problem in a mission."

"Trust me Falco, you won't be affected by my problem on this mission."

"But-"

"No buts!" I said, very aggressively, almost like a bark.

This cause Falco to shut his mouth.

"Everything clear." I said, realizing in my voice half way through I may have been slightly to harsh.

"Understood."

I got up from the seat and walked to the door. I stopped once I grabbed the handle and said, "Don't worry Falco, the problem I have won't get to you, or affect you. But in this mission, if you feel unsafe, just say the word."

"And then you will think I was weak."

"No, I wouldn't. But I would know you know your limits. And that is more important then proving you can do anything and everything."

I opened the door, walked out, and closed it. I let out a sigh, I was a little to harsh in the end, especially considering the situation we have. But there was nothing I could do now, I just reign in my emotions and move. As I walk down the hall, hoping to find my room, I ran into another Toad. He was dressed differently then the guards (as they only have crowns on their heads, swords, and shields), he was dressed in cloth that came to just under his eyes and covered his whole body. His mushroom head was also covered in the same black cloth.

"Um, can I help you?" I ask.

He just looks at me and hands over a folder. I grab it and look down at it real fast.

"Thanks, but what is this." I say while looking up. But he was already gone.

Creepy. I look down at the folder and open it. The first sheet, on black paper with white ink, said:

PROJECT - METRIOD FUSION.