The team of Styx Omega gathered around the skyscraper all of this just occurred. Workers exited the office building, some were escorted by firemen or cops, everyone grew worried. They all knew the shuttle crashed into this same building.
"Do you see him? Where the fuck is he?" Krystal said, as she pushed her way through the crowd, hoping to see me somewhere. A cop got in front of her and grabbed her from going any further.
"I can't let you go in there. It's too dangerous." "Fuck the danger! Fox McCloud is in that building!" "Miss. If he's in there, we will find him. You must calm down and relax." "I'm not going to fucking relax! Let me in there!" The maroon vixen yelled, struggling to get past, but she was held back by the rest of her team.
"What the fuck are you doing? Let me go!" "Krystal! Calm down! Let them do their job!" Wolf yelled at her, which caused her to stare back at him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You are going to let your new friend die?"
Krystal punched him and started to run away back towards the building, but now Adrian and Ryan held onto her. "Calm the fuck down! NOW!" Adrian yelled at her, which seemed to anger her even more.
She continued to thrash, she tried to scan my mind, but she wasn't able to pick me up. She feared the worst and that's why she had to find me. "LET ME GO!" She said, crying harder and harder, and thrashing even harder now, until finally a noise caused her to stop and stare.
Fara had stepped in front of her, and slapped her. She stared at the fennec, in shock. She had finally calmed, as she freed her arm and wrapped herself around Ryan, sobbing in his chest. He did his best to comfort her, but she didn't let up.
"I love you." Is what I said to her, before that trash fell upon me. She knew I couldn't have survived that. No way in hell. I may be part machine, but even a machine has its limit. "I love you too."
"Move! Make a path now!" A police officer said, trying to clear a path as doctors carried a injured patient on a stretcher. Krystal turned around and saw the patient. His body was burned from the flames, but something caught her eye.
He was a vulpine, but he was no longer white. He was more charred, but his face. Oh his face was the thing that sealed the deal. "FOX!"
Krystal broke through everyone, as she stopped next to my stretcher. "Fox! Wake up!" "He's unconscious ma'am. We found him underneath a bunch of debris. I don't know if he's alive or not."
"What? No. He's alive. I know it!" "Then get out of our way." The doctor said, as he pushed the cart into the ambulance. Krystal just watched in fear, with her friends around her, as they watched me get taken away.
Zeria and Wolf broke from the group and approached a nearby officer. "Where was that ambulance getting taken to?" Wolf said, worried about me. "Umm. I think Cornerian City Hospital. About three miles east." "Thank you."
The duo ran back to the group. "I know where he's being taken to. We need a ride." "Where are we?" Ryan asked, as he started to look around the area. "Why does that matter?" "That way! That's where I park my Excursion!" Ryan yelled, as he sprinted away from the group, towards a nearby parking garage.
It took them five minutes to get to the large SUV, which made Ryan always happy to see. Everyone got in, Ryan quickly inserting the key into the ignition, to allow the V10 motor to roar to life.
Knowing how much of a hurry everyone, especially Krystal, was, he shifted into Drive and floored the gas pedal, spinning the tires as we darted through the garage, before finally emerging out into the open.
Ryan drove rather reckless, but he wanted to make sure his friend was okay. By the look of it, the new scars were formed, the smoke bellowing off of my body. He couldn't really tell from his location, but he saw I was in bad shape.
"Slow the fuck down, sweetie!" Fay said, holding onto the seat rests, trying to steady her body as much as she could, but the violent driving the husky was performing. "Not a chance, babe. We have to see, Fox."
Car horns honking at the fast moving Ford, red lights didn't slow down the vehicle at all. It was on a mission to get to the hospital as fast as possible. Everyone sighed with relief when Ryan parked the vehicle outside the hospital.
"I'm never again riding with you, Cooper." Adrian said, as he made his way of the vehicle. Miyu followed, but was pushed from behind as Krystal tried to get out as fast as possible.
They all ran into the hospital stopping at the front desk. "Is Fox McCloud here?" The vixen asked, her eyes still watery from crying. "They just brought him to the ER on the second floor, but you can't… Hey get back here!" The nurse yelled, as the nine members ran to the nearest elevator.
They all piled in there, waiting for the doors to close, waiting for, what they hoped was a short elevator ride. They were wrong. The ride took ten seconds to get up to the next floor. Which pissed off Krystal.
They arrived at the designated ER, but were stopped by a couple guards. "You can't go in there. They just brought in a patient." The tall wolf said, as he held back Krystal. "Listen. You let me in there right now. Because I know you won't be able to take on all of us."
The wolf stared at the rest of them, all had the same look. "You're here for the vulpine right?" Krystal just nodded, tears starting to fall from her eyes again. "He's in the ER third door on the left, but they won't let you in. You have to watch through the window." "Thank you."
With that, the group made their way down the hall, and stopped in front of the window that peeked into my room. They watched me, laying absolutely still as doctors worked on me.
They stared, but things caught their eyes. My left hand was exposed, the skin and fur had burned away, leaving the metal appendage exposed in the open. Same with parts of my ribs, legs such as my knee. I wasn't bleeding, because the fire sealed the wounds.
Over an hour they waited, before a doctor looked over his shoulder and saw the nine of them looking at him. He lowered his mask and they saw he was a Saint Bernard. He walked through the doors, taking off his gloves.
"You all here for Mr. McCloud?" "Yes. Is he okay?" Krystal said, approaching him and stopping a couple inches away. The doctor smiled. "He's starting to come around, but he will be very disoriented. I recommend just one at a time, you all seem him."
Krystal smiled and hugged the doctor. "Oh thank you much for saving him." The vixen said, as she was sobbing, but this time, with joy. "It's my pleasure. You can go see him."
She let go of the doctor and slowly made her way into the room, where I just laid there. I didn't move, but she saw my chest rise with every breath I took in. When she stood next to the bed, she stared at all my new injuries.
My left hand, right elbow, both knees and my right foot, half my ribs, the artificial ligaments I needed, were exposed. She covered her mouth in disbelief, but she brought her eyes to look at me. My implant was black and my right eye was closed.
"Fox?" She said, rubbing her hand against my cheek, which caused me to stir a little. Her attention was brought back to my implant, as it started to flicker on, followed with my normal eye opening up.
I looked all dazed and confused, but I finally was able to settle my eyes on the one animal I knew with the color maroon. "Hey." I said weakly, as if I struggled to breath. A smile plastered on her face, as she bent over to kiss me on my lips.
"You crazy bastard! Why would you do this to yourself?" She yelled at me, as she tears dripped from eyes onto my face. "I….I had to do it. I know I'm not immortal, but it was the only way to do it."
"But you almost killed yourself. I wouldn't be able to live if you had." "Nothing could stop me from keeping me away from you. I love you too much." "Oh Fox. I love you too." She said, leaning forward to place a kiss on my lips.
"Go to my jacket and get the item in my right pocket." Krystal turned around and saw my trench coat laying on the counter right behind her. She lifted the jacket and felt something solid in the pocket I spoke of. She reached inside, made a little crinkle sound.
She pulled it out and stared at it, very confused. "A Milky Way?" I snapped my fingers and waved my hand, telling her to give it to me. She placed it in my hand and I fumbled around with it, in attempt to rip it open.
I finally did so, and threw the wrapper away. "Thank God. I'm starving." I said, just before I sunk my teeth into the delicious chocolate bar. Krystal, standing at me with wide-eyes, continued to stare at me. "When did you get a Milky Way?" "Just before I jumped form the shuttle. I saw it sitting there and I couldn't let it get destroyed."
I got to about halfway, still enjoying every bite. "Do me a favor and get me some milk." "Get it yourself." I just stared at her, getting an angry, annoyed look on my face. "Fine. I'll get it." I said, attempting to get up.
"No wait! I'll get it." "No. I got to do everything around here." I said, pushing Krystal away as I was finally able to sit up. Took a lot of energy out of me, as I was now breathing very hard. The next step was to get on my feet.
I turned to look at my hand, seeing the lights flashing faster than they were a moment ago. The neural links were getting put to work, that's why the harder I worked my body, the faster the lights.
With all my strength, I pushed myself off the bed, almost collapsing to the ground, only to lock my knees from making me collapse any further. I finally stood up, taking deep breaths every two seconds. I finally just turned my head towards Krystal.
"Got to do fucking everything around. Can't even get me a simple glass of milk." I said, as I took another bite out of my candy bar, before I started walking towards the door.
Everyone on the other side of the window saw me, amazed at what I was doing. More than a hour ago, I fell five stories through a skylight, crashing onto a desk, then having several hundred, maybe thousands of pounds of metal fall upon me, and I was still living. Made all of them, stare as if I were an immortal.
I walked through the door, everyone just staring at me, I told them to relax. I had a bad limp, but who wouldn't. I may be half metal, but a body can only take so much abuse. The doctor that helped me saw me walking and immediately ran towards me.
"Mr. McCloud, I'm sorry, but you are going to have to get back in bed." I just stared at the talk, gritting my teeth at him, mainly because of the pain. "I'm getting a glass of milk first." "A nurse can bring it to you." "No. I got to do everything myself." The doctor stood in front of me, and I just stood tall and glared at him. "Get out of my way. Or I'll make you."
The doctor did as he was told, as I slowly started to walk by. Everyone just watched me limp away, Krystal felt guilty. She couldn't just watch me walk from her, she ran after me, as did everyone else, except for the doctor.
"Fox. Wait up. I'm sorry." Krystal said, slowing down as she now walked parallel with me. I walked through the doors, making sure the doctor was far out of hearing range. "Thank you. I needed an excuse to get off that bed."
Krystal just stared at me, confused, but I just smiled at her. "I do need milk though. Which way would be quickest to go get some?" "Umm. The cafeteria. First floor." "Well fuck the stairs. I'm taking the elevator."
Krystal gave a slight laugh, as I scanned down each hallway, trying to locate the elevator. When I turned my head to the left, I saw a sign, saying 'Elevators'. I slowly limped in that direction. "You sure you're okay to be walking?"
"Probably not, but you think I would lay on my ass and wait for my body to heal? I don't think so. I'm too fucking arrogant to do that." I said, as I continued to walk down the hall, with Krystal at my side.
There was a moment of silence between us for a few moments, before the maroon vixen spoke. "I have a couple things to ask." "Yeah?" "Well, first off. When do you think you'll be wanting my blue fur back?" "I don't know. I'm really liking the maroon."
She laughed as she stared at her fur, focused on the shine it provided from under the lights. "Second. When were you thinking about a wedding date?" I just stared straight forward, not turning to look at her. I expected to die, I hadn't thought about it.
"Umm. Well shit. Maybe a month?" "Why a month?" "Well. We got find a church and set that day. Gotta find a caterer, a decorator. A lot of shit has to get done. I don't think we can do it in a week."
"Does it have to be in a church?" "Well. I figured you would want it in a church." "All I want is to be married to you." "Me too, Krystal." I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close to me, before stopping and wrapping my other arm around her to embrace her in a hug.
"I love you, Fox." "I love you too." I said, as we pressed our lips against one another. We parted and I looked up and saw that we were standing in front of the elevators. I reached behind her and pushed the button, and waited a few seconds before the doors opened.
"Son of a bitch. I'm so glad to be out of that hospital. How long have I been in there?" "A day. You're complaining that you were only in there a day? The doctor recommended two weeks." "Not a chance I'm staying in that hospital for two weeks, Cooper."
I slowly walked down the snow covered stairs, as it was now winter in Corneria. Spent a winter in Detroit, now a winter in Corneria City. "Damnit. Why do I always have to deal with snow?"
"You're a fox, pup. You're suppose to love the snow." "That goes without saying." I said, as I limped to a halt, in front of Ryan's Ford. "Where is everyone anyway?" "They're at the Cornerian Base. General Hare is giving the details of the battle."
I gave a sigh, mostly in relief as I relaxed in my seat. My body was very sore and I was having regrets leaving the hospital, but there was no way I would stay there for two weeks. No injury would make me.
We arrived at the base, the guard letting us pass as he gave a salute to us. He had heard on what my team had done to help secure our victory over Cyrus. "Where's the Matchitehew by the way?"
"A team of ships are still trying to pry it from the Allmachtiger. Natasha wedged herself pretty good. And still managing to maintain her control with both ships." I just chuckled a little, as I turned my head to look out the window. Just in time to see a pair of Cornerian fighters takeoff into the snowy sky.
We pulled in front of the main doors, a guard who had been expecting us, opened my door for me as I slowly made my way out. "Nice thought, but I know how to open a door." "Sorry, sir."
I gave the Doberman guard a pat on the shoulder, as I slowly walked past him, but I knew he couldn't help, but stare at my face. "And don't stare." "Sorry, sir." I sighed as I continued to walk forward, with Adrian, Ryan and Wolf at my side.
We walked through the door and saw the receptionist about twenty feet away. It was the poodle I hadn't seen in ages, but when I saw her look up at me. I could sense her disgust when she saw me.
I stood in front of her, I could tell she was dumbstruck. "I know I may look hideous, but I'm still the same fox you remember, Claudia." The poodle just stared at me, she recognized my voice. "Fox? Is that you?"
"Not all of me, but yes." I could see tears forming in her eyes, as she ran around her desk to embrace me in a hug, which a groaned in pain. "I'm sorry, but it's so good to see you again." "I know. Same here." I said, as I patted her back.
"Since when did you start being friends with Wolf O'Donnell?" "Recently." He said, with his arms folded across his chest. She just laughed, as she stared at him, followed by Adrian and Ryan.
"Well. General Hare is expecting you. Please go on ahead." "Thanks, Claudia. Don't work too hard." "I never do." I just laughed, as I made my way towards Peppy's office, which was down the hall, about a hundred feet away.
By the time we got to the door, I was very tired and sore. Still having regrets on leaving, but too late to go back. I opened the door and I saw Peppy, talking with my team and Bill was there too, along with Falco.
I turned my gaze towards him, immediately turning my gaze into a glare. The sight of me sent chills through his spine. I stared at him for a long time, before a hand landed on my shoulder. When I turned to see who's hand it belonged to, I just smiled at the familiar husky.
"God, Fox. It's so good to see you again." "Like wise, Bill." I said, as we embraced each other in a hug. It was good to see my friend again. Then seeing Slippy, Beltino and Peppy made the moment even better.
"FOX!" "Slippy. Good to see you." I said, as I wrapped the green toad in a hug. "You look good in white." I laughed as I raised my arm to look at the white fur. "I do look good, don't I? Maybe you should try a different color." "Nah. I think I'll stick with green."
"Beltino. Pleasure to see you again." "Mr. McCloud….or should I say Mr. Aurelius?" "McCloud's fine." I said, as I shook the older toad's hand. "Peppy." "Fox." With that, I embraced the hare in a hug.
I took a seat in the chair, I was very tired and sore, with Krystal in the chair next to me. We all stared at Peppy, as he was working on his computer to bring up the information from the aftermath.
"It was a victory no doubt. The battle turned in our favor when your ship collided with the Allmachtiger, Fox. Only a matter of time before we are able to separate the two." "Well, make sure you can repair it. That could be one helluva battleship for you Peppy."
The hare laughed, as he continued back with the debriefing. "Anyway. The remnants of Lector's forces have retreated….most likely back to Sector Z." "I wouldn't think so." Wolf interrupted, which made everyone look at him.
"Going back to Sector Z would be too obvious. They know that we would find them there. They must have a backup location." "Matt?" The collie looked up, staring at Peppy. "Hmm?" "You were undercover in that base for a long time. Did you hear anything about a backup location?"
"No and believe me. If I knew, I would've told you already, General." "Maybe I should've asked that question quickly before I killed Cyrus?" "It's okay, Fox. The remaining forces are only about eight ships. A small force like that won't have an effect on us for the time being."
"I don't think it be Earth either. Another too obvious place to go." I nodded at Adrian, who was standing next to Bill and Miyu. "Too many damn planets in this system. It's hard to say where Cyrus had influence with." "Well. We have a lot of people working on this. We will keep you updated. That will be all."
I knew what was coming next, so I reacted quickly when I grabbed the muzzle of Ryan. "When we find the remaining forces, we will ask about payment." I said sternly at Cooper, who just nodded. "Go spend time with Fay. You both deserve some time off." "Thanks, Fox."
With that, Ryan walked over to Fay and grabbed her hand, as the two walked out of the office. Everyone followed suit, but my attention was brought onto Falco, who just stared back at me.
Though, his stare was broken when Katt pulled his head towards her. I just glared at the couple, before a hand landed on my shoulder. Krystal's. "Come on, sweetie. Let's go get some food. Bill wants to join."
I looked up at saw the husky finishing up some business with Beltino and Peppy, before he walked in our direction. "So? We going to get food or not?" "You impatient bastard. Let's go." I said with a smile on my face, as we walked out of the office.
We sat at a table in a fancy restaurant, it's reputation was known for being fancy with excellent food. Bill offered to pay after all the work we did for this mission. Though, as nice as this was, I wasn't happy.
"Will you people stop staring at me?" I yelled across the restaurant causing everyone to stare at me, and those who were staring at that moment, to look away. The rest turned away, as I retook my seat.
"Maybe you should get some surgery to hide that up?" "I asked. Won't do any good. I told them my body was worse the first time, but they can heal and graft it, but can't create it from the skeletal structure. So I'm stuck like this."
"Makes you very distinctive, that's for sure." "What about you? Since when did you start wearing sunglasses all the time, and what's with these piercings?" I said, flicking the one in his ear. "I got one in both ears. I got a couple tattoos on both arms, legs, chest. Trying a new look."
"With that look, Bill….you won't be attracting any women anytime soon." "Speak for yourself." Krystal laughed when she heard that. "Who would date you?" Bill just stared at her, confused. "What? Am I that bad-looking?"
We both laughed, as Bill just shook his head. "Anyway. Her name is Electra. A Doberman in one of my platoons before I was giving command of the Bloodhound." I nearly choked on water when I heard that. "You? A platoon? You've always been a flyboy?"
Bill's facial expression changed, from happy to serious. "Well. When I heard that you had died. Part of me had died. Flying in the skies felt emptier and I couldn't take that feeling. I gave up my command with Bulldog and Husky and enlisted as a marine."
"How did that go?" Bill took a sip of water, before he continued. "Well. Tough, of course. But I got through it and just as I completed training. A struggle broke out on Macbeth. I was sent over there, but because I did so well. I was given command of a platoon, Charlie Three, aka The Judges."
"The Judges?" "Hey. Shut up! It was very creative at the time." Krystal and I just looked at each other, before turning our focus back on Bill. "Anyway. So we are on Macbeth, and we encounter some harsh resistance. A couple of my men were hit, not seriously, but had to be taken care off. Electra is who I took care of. I don't know, man. When both of us looked onto each other's eyes, everything felt like a puzzle coming together. The pieces fitting were fitting together and it's been about four months now."
"Nice, man. Now how did you obtain the Bloodhound if you were a marine?" "Well. I was serving on the Bloodhound as my platoon was stationed there during the struggle. During that time, Captain Stewart retired and no one on that ship had the qualifications as much as I did when I was a flyboy. The ship was given to me. But I also remained a marine until the struggle subsided. So I reenlisted back into the Katinan Air Force, and also been training Electra to do the same. Right now, she just serves as my tactical officer. As well as a marine."
"Wow. Then you heard Fox was alive and….here we are." Krystal said, taking in the story she had just heard. "Yep. When I heard you were alive, my flyboy life came back to me like a sucker punch. I'm still a marine when necessary, but when we battle like the one we just had. It ain't necessary."
I turned my head towards the waiter, who brought us our food. I stared at my t-bone steak, medium-rare, with a lobster tail with melting butter on it. A side of mashed-potatoes oozing with brown gravy, it made my mouth water.
"Where is Electra now?" "She's actually on her way. She couldn't make it to lunch, but she wanted to have coffee with the famous Fox McCloud and Krystal. She always thought you two were a cute couple."
"Did she or did you tell her to think that? Don't lie to me, Bill. I can read minds now." "You can read minds? Like Krystal?" I turned my head towards the maroon vixen next to me, before I turned back towards Bill.
"I'm a more powerful telepath than she is, but her talents was genetic. Mine are artificial." "What you mean?" I took a bite out of the lobster, before I started to talk. "You heard about my encounter with Caruso, right? How he got a knife through the head?" "Of course."
"And how he shot me eleven times then burned me alive? You see my artificial ligaments and all that. I got one fused with my brain. Somehow, the implant in my head is giving me the ability to read minds. I'm trying to see if I can do more, but it's a bit more harder than what Krystal has to deal with. It comes natural to her. I have to put a little more effort into it."
"So. She's more powerful?" "My powers are more powerful, but she learns faster. So I say we are about equal." I wrapped the vixen in my left arm, as she chewed her fish in her mouth.
"Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a bit bad." A voice said, as she approached the table. I looked up and saw it was a female Doberman. She was mostly black, except for the white spots over her eyes, with her gold hair. Very unusual for a Doberman, but she did look attractive. "So, you must be Fox McCloud?"
"What's left of him. Sorry I'm not more handsome." "It's just a pleasure to meet you." "I'm Electra Wilson. Are you Krystal?" Krystal just laughed as she looked at her maroon fur. "Well. Yes and I'm just trying a new look." "I love it. You look beautiful." "Thank you." Krystal said, with a big smile on her muzzle.
Electra took a seat next to Bill, and I started to compare the two. She had a lot more piercings on her ears. Five on her left, seven on her right. She had a tattoo, a tribal band on both of her forearms. Her nose and actually, her tongue was pierced too. No wonder she thinks Bill is attractive.
We continued to sit around in the restaurant, drinking coffee and eating dessert that we all ordered. I had to order the key lime pie and it is absolutely delicious. Krystal had gotten a slice of strawberry cheesecake. Bill just got apple pie. Electra had gotten the same as Krystal.
"So. Now that this is all over. What are you and your team going to be doing?" "Well, Bill. You remember as we were engaging, you heard us call out Styx Omega?" "Yeah? What's that about?"
"That's going to be our new bounty hunting group." "No shitting. That's pretty cool. Where are you going to have your headquarters?" I just looked Krystal, while tapping my finger on the table. "Not a clue."
"I guess we were thinking either Corneria or somewhere on Earth." Krystal answered, as she grabbed my hand. The conversation was interrupted, when a ring tone began to fill the restaurant. I grabbed my cell phone and saw it was Peppy calling.
"Yes, Peppy. What is it?" "Fox. I need you to get down to my office. Immediately. I just learned some new information that must be heard." "Alright, Peppy. I'm on my way." With that, I flipped my phone closed, as everyone was looking at me.
"Peppy found something. Bill? Wanna drive me back to the base?" "Sure thing, Fox. No problem." We quickly finished eating and paid, as we all hopped into Bill's Yukon XL and drove back to the base.
"What?" "I'm afraid it's true. I wish I was lying, but it makes sense, you know?" "Wait. Wait. You are telling me, that Lector had a rat in the Cornerian fleet. That is how they were able to direct their fleet to come from Meteo?" "I'm afraid so."
"Son of a bitch." I said, flipping the chair in front of me, causing it to land about five feet to my right. "Who is it?" "We don't know. We don't know at all." "Come on, Peppy. You must know something." Krystal said, entering with our conversation.
"We don't know anything, Krystal. Has anyone on your team been acting suspicious?" "Are you saying that it's one of my team members?" "Who do we have then?" "You fucker! How can you accuse me or my team of this treachery?" "I'm sorry, Fox, but if we don't find this rat. The remnants of Lector's force will always be able to evade us. Thus be able to gain strength overtime. They might even get influence with Venom."
"Who would you accuse? O'Donnell and Phoenix? Just because I have a bad history with them doesn't mean they would go this far." "Do you know that for sure?"
I just stared at the old hare, a look that showed that I was beaten. I didn't know…as of yet. I couldn't believe that I would consider those two rats. "So what do you want me to do? Read their minds? See if I can find out who gets nervous when I bring it up?" "Precisely."
I just stared at Peppy, I pretty much had stopped breathing. I couldn't believe this. It was horrible that I was thinking this way. But Peppy was right. I just pulled out my phone and the first person that I saw on my contact list was Adrian.
"Yeah, McCloud. What's up?" "Get everyone over here. There's something we have to discuss. We just learned something." "Yeah sure. We are all here actually. We'll be there in a few." "Okay."
Peppy had left us his office for us to use. I just sat in a chair, with Krystal at my side. Bill and Electra were on the other side of the office, staring at us. They had a feeling what my mind was going through right now. It upset them both.
"It's not anyone on this team. I know it ain't." "Have you probed their minds about this before?" I only shook my head. "Fox. I believe you. It couldn't be. Not even Fay and Miyu. Cyrus almost killed them. Why would they still help him?" "They wouldn't."
We all turned towards the door, as my team walked through the doors, leading them was Wolf and Fara. "Take a seat everyone." "Where's Peppy?" Ryan asked, as he entered the room with Fay at his side. "He had a little meeting with some generals."
I spun my seat around, and stared at everyone, who were all sitting now. "Peppy and his team found some Intel dealing with some bad news. Besides the remaining forces belonging to Cyrus, there's still another member out there working for him."
"What you saying, pup?" "I'm saying that Cyrus has a rat in the Cornerian Army." "What?" Everyone said in unison. "I'm afraid so, and no one knows who it may be." "You're not assuming it's one of us now, are you?" "No, Miyu. I know for a fact it would never be any of you. Mainly because you all would know what I'd do to you if you were."
Everyone just nodded slightly, but I continued. "What I want for you is to look for any suspicious activity out of anyone you come in contact with. If you find anything, please tell me immediately and we'll deal with him or her." "Sure thing, McCloud." "Yeah, of course." Adrian and Ryan said immediately.
"Thank you. That's all." Everyone started to get out of their chairs and exited the room. I just leaned back in my chair, with my hand across my face. Zeria looked back and saw this and started to grow a little worried.
The door closed behind them, as Bill and Electra walked up to us. "You guys find anything?" "Just like I said, Bill. No one on my team is a rat." "He's right. I didn't sense anything either."
"So we are back to square one." I just sat there, my hand still across my face, just trying to think of any ideas. Then a thought popped into my head. It was rather upsetting to think about it, but it has already happened to me once before.
"Think about it." "What?" Electra said, as she turned her gaze away from Bill. "Out of nowhere. Who decides to leave my team and buy the Great Fox from behind my back? Who has enough money to buy a whole new ship? What was the last ship to come into the battle? Out of all the people that were once on StarFox, who would be the one person that would want to hurt me the most?"
Krystal just stared at me, wide-eyed as Bill and Electra just stared at each other, trying to think of the answer. Like being stuck with a needle, his head shot up as he blurted out the name, the one that I was thinking. "Falco."
Wolf sat in the recreation room of the base, relaxing. He sat there, waiting for Falco. I informed him of the situation and he wanted to see for himself. He never did like the bird, but the fact that he was betraying everyone just sickened him.
A door in the distance opened up and Wolf immediately shot around, seeing who was entering. A bit surprised, he couldn't help, but smile. "Leon. I didn't think to see you here. I figured you were getting ready to move Sargasso."
"No. Not yet. A few Cornerian and Katinan ships docked this morning, dropping off some supplies to help us in the future. A thank you present I guess. What are you doing here?" The iguana said, with his raspy voice as he took a seat across from Wolf.
"I'm here to meet Lombardi." The answer made Leon laugh. "You serious? What you two friends now?" Wolf just looked serious at Leon, as he shook his head. "No. Not ever." "What you mean?" "We have reason to believe that Lombardi is working for Cyrus as a rat against Corneria."
Leon just stared at Wolf, his face stuck in a shocked expression. "What? You fucking with me?" "Afraid not. This is a serious matter." "Holy shit. Can't believe my arch rival is a rat."
The two looked at the table in front of them, but shot their heads towards the door as they opened, revealing a familiar blue avian. He spotted them almost immediately and made his way over. Leon could see him snarl at him, which made him chuckle.
"Still hate me after all these years, eh bird?" "What the fuck is he doing here?" "Wasn't expecting him to show. Just appeared and I couldn't shoo away my partner and friend after who knows how many years." "Whatever."
Falco took a seat next to the couches that Wolf and Leon were sitting on, turning his head back and forth. "Some battle, eh Lombardi?" "I've seen worse, but definitely was one of the hardest to fight in. Especially with a ship the size of the Allmachtiger."
"Certainly was. And I fought from a space station. Speaking of which. The station was hit a couple times. So don't be mad when you see a few breach holes in the hull." "Only you, Powalski." There was a moment of silence before Wolf spoke.
"So. You and Fox still having your issues?" "I guess you can say that. The man doesn't know how to let go of a grudge." "From what I hear, bird. You left his team again and bought his ship from behind his back. That's a huge knife you stuck in him. I don't blame him for not forgiving you." "Yeah sure."
Leon just stared at Wolf and Falco, trying to see where this was going. "Did you have your own bank account or something?" "What?" Falco said, staring at Wolf, as he continued. "Seriously. I mean. How do you manage to buy the Great Fox? The ship was worth, a few hundred thousand dollars. How did you manage to get that kind of money?"
"I saved over the years. Yes. I had a bank account that no one knew about. Not even Katt." "I can't believe Katt would side with you. I thought she had a secret crush on McCloud." "Doesn't everyone?"
"Yeah. I guess that's true. You got to be blind knowing that everyone in Lylat has a crush on the pup." "You're not too bad looking yourself, Wolf." "Shut up, Leon." There was a moment of silence, before Wolf continued.
"Does Katt have any regrets betraying Fox like that?" Falco just stared at Wolf, his eyes fixed on his. "She has a couple nights were she can't sleep, but she's living with her mistake." "She must really like you, Lombardi." "She does, but if I did something like that to Fox again. I don't think she'll follow my decision. She probably leave me."
"Make sure you don't do anything like that to Fox again." "Can't help it. I hate his rules." "You're still alive, aren't you?" "Can't hate him for that." Wolf just laughed a little, before he continued. "Try and settle your difference with him. It's sad that you won't admit to your mistake."
"Shut the fuck up, O'Donnell. I'll apologize whenever I'm ready." With that, Falco got up and left the room. Leaving Wolf and Leon to themselves. "He's right. Falco is a rat."
"You detected it too?" "The uncertainty in his voice when he explained how he got the money and everything after that? I think we made it too obvious though. Let's hurry and contact Fox."
I sat in the radar room of the base, staring at footage of ships trying to pry apart the Matchitehew from the Allmachtiger. Krystal, Bill and Electra sat next to me, staring at the same footage. "Can't believe my ship did that. Unbelievable."
When I turned around and saw Wolf and Leon entering the room. Walking in some sort of great haste. "Pup. You were right. He's a rat." "Hard to say what to think right now. Let's inform Peppy and get the orders to kill him."
I shutoff the screen and started to walk towards Peppy's office. Which was about a five minute walk from here. As we walked through the halls, everyone got out of our way, seeing that we were in a great hurry. We were practically speed walking.
We reached a door saying General's Office, I pushed through, not bothering to stop at Claudia's desk. She just stared at us, as we made our way in the hare's office, as he was talking to Katt.
I just glared at her, as she hid behind Peppy. "Yes Fox. What is it?" "So you know?" "Know what? Katt was here just to say hi. Why? What's going on?" "Falco's the rat."
Katt jumped out from behind Peppy and confronted me. "What? You got to be fucking kidding me. Falco is a prick, for sure, but he's no rat!" She yelled at me, which didn't cause me to flinch.
"Where is he?" "I don't know." "Call the hanger." Peppy immediately jumped on the phone and started calling the hanger. I just stared at Katt, as I could see worry coursing through her. I could see it in her eyes. She was believing me.
"Hello. This is General Hare." "Hello, general. What can I do you for?" "Have you seen Falco Lombardi at all today? I need to see him." "I'm sorry, sir, but he just got clearance to takeoff. He was on his way to the Ultra Falcon." "How long ago was this?" "Umm. About six minutes ago." "Okay. Thank you."
I just stared at him, I was reading his mind the entire time. I immediately got on the phone. "Natasha?" "Yes, Fox?" "Is the port-side Pulse Cannon operating?" "Affirmative. Request firing orders?" "Open fire upon the Ultra Falcon." "Fox. I'm not at the proper angle to open fire. It's about fifty degrees from a straight shot with the cannon."
"Turn the ship. I know you are stuck with the Allmachti….wait! The starboard Flash Laser on the Allmachtiger? Is that operating?" "Affirmative and I have access to it." "Open fire. Take out the Ultra Falcon." "Of course, Fox."
I hung up the phone and hoped the ship hadn't left yet. Katt, who had been crying, looked up at me. "Fox? Falco's Arwing? Doesn't have enough fuel to take off." "You sure of this?" "Yes." "I'm going after him. What kind of car did you guys drive in?" "A silver Grand Cherokee."
I turned around and sprinted out of the room, leaving everyone in the dust. The phone started to ring and Peppy immediately answered. "This is Hare." "General. This is Roberts over in Radar. Sir, the Allmachtiger just fired and destroyed the Ultra Falcon!"
"It's okay, Roberts. Everything is going to be taken care of." "Yes, sir." Peppy hung up the phone, and just stared at everyone. "The Ultra Falcon has been destroyed."
I ran out of the building, must've missed Falco already because I didn't see any silver Jeeps. I ran over to my Vista Cruiser, and quickly opened the door. I closed the door, just as I inserted the key into the ignition and turned it.
The engine roared to life, as I shifted into Drive and took off, leaving a tire trail behind me along with a cloud of smoke. Everyone stared at me as I peeled away, wondering why I was in such a big hurry. I had to catch and find Falco.
As I drove down the long stretch of road before the gate, I stepped on the accelerator, increasing the speed, showing I wasn't slowing down. The guards saw this and started to open the gate as quickly as they could. It was only open about half way, before I broke through the chain-linked gate, taking out the right front headlights.
I turned left at the end of the driveway. I didn't know if Falco went this way, but I had to try and find him. I started thinking. He had no ship. Where could he go to escape off of this planet? The idea hit me, as I pulled the emergency brake, and turned right as I drifted around the corner.
I released the E-brake and stepped on the gas as I sped down the busy streets. Cars and trucks honked at me, as I swerved through traffic, not letting up on the gas. Falco had about a five minute head start on me. He could be in a hurry, try to escape or he could play it cool. I didn't know.
I just couldn't believe though my ace pilot and so called friend since the mercenary days, was only my friend just to play me at the end. It made me angry, as I grasped onto the steering wheel, literally crushing the metal under my grip.
I never knew anyone would sick this low. Rats are the sickest people ever. Especially when you find out that person is someone you thought you could trust. I mean, I hung out with the avian. Always made our battles more like competitions, see who had the most kills at the end. I mean you think you know someone. I mean, it's like they punch your lights out, just like what I'm going to be doing to this car. OH SHIT!
I slammed on the brakes, but it was too late, as the front end t-boned a car in the intersection. The impact sent the other vehicle towards the sidewalk, causing everyone to jump away in fear of getting crushed.
My car slid to a halt, the entire front end was wrecked. Coolant and oil was leaking, spilling out onto the streets. I grabbed my head, as my head smacked the steering wheel, causing my head to bleed.
I sat there disoriented and confused on what just happened. I slowly turned my head towards the direction of the other car, seeing that it broke through the window of a coffee shop. People started to gather around both cars, making it harder to see what I hit.
I quickly shook my head, getting the feeling out of me. When my eyes focused, I saw what I hit. I couldn't help, but laugh a little. A silver Grand Cherokee.
I slowly got out of the car, almost losing my balance, as people helped me stand up. I turned back towards the Jeep and saw the driver door was open, with no one inside. I immediately started to look around.
"Where did that driver go?" "What?" I ran over to the crowd staring at the wrecked Jeep, as I quickly spun around a mongoose. "Where did that driver go?" "He went that way." The mongoose said, pointing to his right, my left. "Was he a blue avian?" "Yeah." I took off running down the street, everyone staring in confusion, the rest just at the wreckage.
I must've ran about an eighth of a mile, still feeling no fatigue within my body at all. I was hoping I would've killed him then and there, but no I get to make this more personal.
I continued to run, but suddenly, I came to a stop. Felt controlled instead of natural. Something wasn't right. My senses was telling me something. I had picked up Falco's mind. It was coming from…..the building next to me. The Cornerian Court House. A building definitely thirteen stories tall.
He was hoping that I would miss him. He must've forgot that I was a telepath. I tracked him down with no problems. I ran into the building, scanning around, hoping to see him. I did see him, but not in the way I wanted to.
He was hiding around a corner, his blaster fixed on me, as he squeezed the trigger, firing a round at me. The dove out of the way as the burning plasma shattered the window behind me. I looked up and saw Falco took off running.
I got up from my laying position and took off running after him. People were screaming and running out of the building, trying to get to safety. I looked down the hall and saw nothing, but the door towards the stairs.
I cautiously opened the door, looking up to make sure Falco didn't have the jump on me again. He was running as hard as he could, on the fourth floor by now. I had to start if I wanted to catch up with him.
I started climbing the vast staircase, which went up all the way to the roof. I didn't know if Falco was heading there, but it seemed logical. I'll sense it if he goes anywhere else.
By the time I got to the seventh floor, I was definitely tired. The occasional gunshot fired at me, which I was easily able to dodge, but that stopped two floors ago. Falco must already by on the roof.
I continued up my ascent, reaching for my revolver and flicking the safety off. It was loaded, I was sure of it because I hadn't fired a shot since the fight on Cyrus' shuttle. I reached the final staircase, breathing very hard, as the door leading to the roof laid in front of me.
I pulled back on the hammer, as I cautiously walked up the staircase, reaching for the doorknob. I gave it a turn and quickly pushed the door open. I jumped out and aimed everywhere from my left, to my right. Nothing. It was quiet.
I scanned the area, and everything was out of the ordinarily quiet. I took a couple steps forward, but then something hit me. My senses immediately picked up a life, Falco's but it was in motion. It was falling. He had jumped from a ledge….no wait. On top of the door!
I looked up and saw the falcon a couple feet in front of me. I immediately raised my hands and grabbed onto his shirt, as I threw him over me, onto the ground. He landed hard as he groaned in pain from his failed attempt to tackle me.
He quickly spun around, trying to aim his pistol at me, but with fast reflexes. I fired two shots, two arms, a bullet for each of the falcon's arms. He dropped his blaster in pain, and collapsed onto the ground, as I approached him, kicking his blaster away.
"Sorry to say I have to meet you like this, Falco." "Fuck off, McCloud. You know you are going to enjoy this." I just laughed at him, almost stunned. "You think I'm going to enjoy shooting you?"
"Why wouldn't you be? I betrayed you and now you are getting your revenge." "Ha-ha. I never thought I had to get my revenge like this. Sure I was mad at you, but I could never think of killing you. Just wanted to scare you a little. Remember the Great Fox?"
"I was hoping that was the last time I would see you, you bastard. You made life hard for me." "Hard? You were working for fucking Lector. How could things be hard for you?" "You know how many deals I had to make before I was able to buy another ship?"
"It's like you made a deal with Davy Jones. Well, here you are now. The captain is gone, but the empire still needs a captain. Guess you were that captain." "What the fuck are you talking about?"
"My God. Don't you watch Pirates of the Caribbean? The Flying Dutchman needs a captain. When the captain dies, another must take his place. Lector is dead and you were going to take his place." "You're comparing that movie with this situation? Get a fucking life."
I just kicked the side of Falco's head, causing him to spit out blood. The thought of him spitting blood, did something to my mind. As I hunched over, coughing up blood, as it drooled out of my mouth. Falco just stared in confusion, as I just stood up and spit out the residual blood onto his face.
"Past injury, you fucker. Remember Panther?" "Yeah, sure. He shot you and burned you alive. I wish he'd killed you. I wouldn't be here." I just stared at him, shaking my head ever so slightly. "I just can't believe you would go this far. I treated you like a brother. Doing this to me, to Peppy, everyone you worked for. It's like you sliced off all of our heads. Why would you do this?"
"For money. Why else?" "You son of a bitch. Did you really think you were going to get away with this?" "I don't see why not. If I hadn't forgotten to fill up my Arwing, I would be flying away from here right now. I know what you did to my ship. Shame. I'm going to miss it."
"Quit your bullshit. You don't care about anything, but yourself. Which makes it easier to forget you once your gone." "Now you know I'm suppose to get a fair trial. And I got a great lawyer. And remember. Innocent till proven guilty. So I suggest you help me up so we can get this trial started."
I growled at the falcon on his back in front of me, as I reluctantly pulled him up. He stumbled as he got onto his feet, as we just glared at each other. "It's gonna be good to be able to fly out of here. My lawyer has never lost a case."
I just snarled at the falcon, as he laughed and started to walk away from me. "Just so you know, McCloud. I only joined you for the fame and money. You'd think I would fight along side someone as weak as you? Probably why Krystal left you. Good thing your parents aren't around to see their son grow up to be weak."
It was at that moment, when something just completely snapped inside my head. My eyes glowed a fierce red, my fangs now baring ravenous. I slowly turned around and glared at the falcon walking away, who seemed to be laughing.
I began to walk towards him at a gradual pace, getting quicker as every other step was took. The last couple feet, I raised my hands and basically just grabbed the back of his shirt, while pushing him.
"Hey! What the fuck are you doing?" He said, trying to stop, but I was too focused. I picked up a little more speed, cancelling out his yells, telling me to stop, but the only thing my eyes were focused on, was the edge of the building.
"Fox! Stop! You can't do this!" The distance was closed to fifteen feet, Falco's feet unable to stop me from pushing him from behind. "AHH!" Falco gave one last cry, before I used all my strength to shove him off the building.
Falco yelled at the top of his lungs, crying out as his body freefell off the thirteen story building. I just stared at the edge of the building, watching his body slowly getting smaller as our distance between each other grew rapidly.
I just stood at the very edge, smiling and laughing as I watched the falcon ironically fall to the ground. "Let's see you fly now, you son of a bitch!" I yelled from the top of my lungs, physically and mentally. Falco continued to scream, fear plastered all over his face.
People, hearing the yell from Falco, looked up to see him falling at a fast rate. No one dared to help him, none of them were going to risk themselves in order to catch someone they didn't know. They also didn't know it was Falco himself, but all they could do. Was stare.
Just as it emerged from the ground, was the laundry dumpster. The cat that stood next to it as it popped out of the ground, went across the street to the nearby store. Falco was right over that dumpster. There was nothing he could do, as he continued to fall. I could've sworn I heard the volume of his scream increase, just seconds before his body crashed into the dumpster.
I could hear the noise from up here. It sounded like a drummer taking his mallet and with all his mind, banged it into a bass drum. People had gathered around that area, backing away in disgust. I scanned the minds of those who saw the dead bird. The image I saw only brought satisfaction.
I just smiled and chuckled to myself, as I continued to look down, seeing cop cars approaching the scene. I slowly walked away from the edge, heading back towards the stairs. I just held my revolver, flicked off the safety, before putting it back into my holster. Before I turned around to make my long way down the stairs, I just spit off the side pf the building, hoping it would land on Falco's body.
