Thank you to Kit Karamak for assisting a fellow writer with his struggles. I appreciate it 100%. I also thank all of you readers for enjoying the work I put into making the books. Extra thanks to those that have stuck with me since book 1; I hope that you all stay and continue reading once I leave Star Fox. One more thing; I thought of something interesting to do in the future. I like this universe I created for Star Fox, so I decided to do something BIG. I can't wait until I can start it. Anyway…

On with the story…

Chapter 5: A Day to Remember

Today's Monday; the busiest day I may ever have. I had the interview, my date with Rose, and take the armor to Beltino.

I awoke to the sound of my alarm. I looked over at the clock. The sun was barely rising over the horizon.

"6:30" it read.

I rubbed my eyes and tried to focus on it. After a while, I realized that I had the interview in a short while. Seeing as how I had to get the suit to Beltino first, I was a bit late.

"Oh crap" I said as I sprung out of bed and into the bathroom.

I turned the water on and quickly undressed. I stepped in and quickly rinsed myself. I grabbed the soap lathered my skin, I then washed it off. I then lathered my hair and washed it off as well. Once I finished, I stepped out of the shower and turned the water off. I opened the cabinet and pulled out a towel and started to quickly dry myself off. I wrapped the towel around my waist and walked out into my room.

"Okay, how am I going to do this?" I asked myself as I stood in front of the closet.

I opened the door and found a black shirt. I grabbed it and also a pair of dark denim jeans. I grabbed some socks and boxers and laid the clothing out on the bed. I slipped on the boxers and socks and then the jeans. I grabbed the shirt and slipped it on over me. I walked back over to the closet and started to ponder on how I would get the armor to Beltino.

"Oh!" I said.

I opened the glass that the suit of armor was inside of and activated the mechanism that put it on the ground. After a few seconds, the armor was standing in front of me. I walked over to my nightstand and grabbed my communicator; I slipped it over my right wrist and entered a command. The armor then opened the chest, legs, and arms. I turned around and slowly entered the Exoskeleton type armor. Once I was in, the chest, legs, and arms closed up. The locks then disengaged, giving me the sudden weight shock.

I cracked my neck, "Let's get going"

I walked over to my door and opened it. I grabbed my jacket and then headed out into the hallway. As I exited the room, Krystal walked by.

"Hey Kevin" she said with a smile, "Big day ahead of you?" she asked.

I nodded, "Oh yeah; interview, armor to Beltino, and my date."

She smiled, "Busy bee"

I told the team about Will and Rose when I returned from speaking with Ray Jones. They all loved the fact that I was really getting into life after the war; especially since I was the age I was, 16. I was surprised myself. The affects the war had on me was nothing now; I used to feel pain and had all the nightmares, now it's as if it never happened.

I chuckled, "Exactly" I then sighed, "I am a bit nervous about the interview though."

Krystal put her hand on my shoulder, "Don't worry, we'll be watching from here. Just make sure you know what you're saying and try not to stutter."

I chuckled again, "I don't think talking is a problem, it's just the overall attempt."

The two of us then started to walk down the stairs.

"Well, you said Ray was on your side, yes?" She asked.

I nodded, "He said he didn't know why people hated me."

Krystal chuckled, "If something happens on the show, I'm sure he will help you."

I nodded again, "I guess you're right."

The two of us reached the bottom of the stairs and walked into the kitchen that was across from where we were. Fox and Falco were standing on either side of the bar.

"Good morning, you two." Fox said as we walked over.

I smiled, "Definitely a good morning"

Falco looked over at me, "What's with the armor?"

"Beltino wanted to examine and probably make copies." I explained, "After I explained it to him, he said it was unlike he's ever heard of."

Fox raised an eyebrow, "What else did he say?"

I pondered the question, "Um…" I then jotted my memory, "Oh yeah! He said that the element that was used to create this was highly unstable."

Falco nearly choked on his drink.

"Really?" Fox said in little shock.

Falco got the liquids down, "And you're wearing it?" He took a deep breath, "Can't an 'unstable' thing kill you?"

I smiled and nodded, "It obviously doesn't hurt me."

I looked at the communicator; the time was now 6:45.

"I have to get to the studio. The show starts in a few." I said as I turned.

"We'll be watching." Fox called from behind.

"No pressure" Falco added.

I turned my head back, "Very funny guys"

I walked out to the garage and opened the large automatic door. Once it was halfway, I walked under it. I opened the door to my car and started it. Once it was off of the ground, I left to driveway and out onto the road. Seeing no cars in sight, I pressed the pedal to the floor and flew down the road. I was running a bit late, so I saw nothing keeping me from doing so. I reached the first turn and went down the next street.

As I was driving, I started to think about the date. I hadn't thought of any good places to go. As a matter of fact, there weren't any places I knew of! I was still fairly new to Lylat, so I needed to get used to it a bit more. I decided that I could discuss it with her when we meet up. We agreed to do so in front of Space Dynamics. 7:00 p.m. sharp.

I reached the Space Dynamics building and parked in front like I did last time. I looked down at my left hand, the plated glove missing. I was reminded of what happened on the ship, how I nearly died. I shook it off and exited the car. Once I was out, I walked straight for the building. Once I was in, the receptionist spoke.

"Mr. Beltino is waiting in his lab again." She said.

"Thank you" I said as I called the elevator down.

The door opened. I walked inside and tapped the level 3 icon. The doors closed and I was sent upward to the given level. It didn't take long at all, about a few seconds. Once the doors opened, I found numerous scientists walking to and fro in the hallways. I exited and walked down the main strip that led to Beltino's lab.

I reached the door that was labeled 'Beltino Toad'. I knocked and awaited a response. When Beltino opened the door, he had a face of shock.

"My goodness" he said, "This is the armor?"

I nodded, "Yes sir, pretty nice isn't it?"

He nodded, "Indeed, it makes my design look like garbage."

I chuckled, "I don't even think this is armor. I think it's an exoskeleton of some sort."

Beltino then gestured to enter.

I did as he said and walked into the lab.

"Go ahead and take the armor off. Place it over by the examination room, right over there." He explained as he walked over to a desk.

I looked at where he was pointing; there was a large window that looked into a room with equipment. I walked over and did as he said; I disengaged the armor. I put my arms to the side and engaged the locks. The chest, legs, and hands then opened up, allowing me to exit the suit with ease.

"Incredible" Beltino said from his desk.

I chuckled, "As you can see, a few things have happened to this marvel."

Beltino walked over, "Damage?"

I nodded, "Yes, the left plated glove was destroyed along with my hand. The right leg has some damage in its stability; this suit is most likely a prototype because my leg did not survive the fall. Also, the helmet system, which worked exactly like the mechanics on the previous suit, is completely ravaged. It's not only jammed, but the visor is shattered and the helmet has a major gash."

Beltino nodded, "Tough fight you had with Wolf."

I laughed a little, "Yeah, tough as hell."

Beltino sighed after he looked over the armor, "Well, it's not beyond repair. However, it may take a long time before it can be restored. We don't have the proper technology in order to get it back to the way it was. So some time will be added while we analyze the tech on this."

I smiled and nodded, "Take as long as you need" I looked at my communicator, "If you'll excuse me, I have an interview."

Beltino nodded, "I'll contact you on the results."

I nodded and exited the room.

I made my way back down to the lobby and then back outside to my car. I went over to the driver side and entered the vehicle. I started it and headed down the street towards the studio. People were walking around on the sidewalks and some were even heading in the direction of the studio.

I slowed down as I drove in front of the large building and watched as a huge crowd of people formed outside the entrance. I drove around and tried to enter via the back, however a gate blocked my entrance. I decided to take the front. I went back around and entered the front lot. I parked close to the street just in case something happened. I exited and found that I couldn't go around the crowd, but through it. As I exited, one of the assistants saw me and ran over to me.

"Mr. Michelson, please come this way." He said.

I slipped my jacket on and followed after the man in the suit. He led me to the sidewalk and then pointed down a long stretch into the building. On either side were people taking pictures and yelling. Many of the guest speakers were arriving as well and were walking down this strip.

"Head down after Morris Greenman." The man said.

I was confused, "Who?"

He pointed out to a red avian that was now walking down.

"Go go, you're the first interview of the night." The man then said.

I thought to myself, "I wish the back entrance was open." I honestly did not want to walk in front of all those people taking pictures and such; I just wasn't used to it.

I walked around and at the starting point. People then turned my way and started to yell and scream. As I was walking down, they were snapping pictures and asking questions. I disregarded them and tried to keep from any hostile remarks made.

"Just ignore them Kev." I thought to myself.

After what seemed like an eternity, I finally made it inside. Once I entered, a crew member walked up and told me to head to the powder room.

"Where is that?" I asked.

The member nodded, "Okay just follow me"

The crew member then led me to a room that was labeled 'Star Guest'. I entered and found a couple of people waiting.

"Mr. Michelson, please sit." One of them said.

I walked over and sat down in the chair.

"Now we are going to apply some cover up. It's only so you can look your best." The male stated.

I nodded.

The two then commenced with the powdering and covered my face with the substance. When they were finished, I looked at myself in the mirror in front of me. They did a pretty decent job. My face was clean enough that the cameras made it look presentable and real enough that I don't look like a doll.

Suddenly, a member rushed through the door, "Three minutes!"

The female then clapped once, "I think we're done here. Go on out and meet Ray at stage right. Just take a right when you leave this room, and then take another right. Go down two turns and take a left. Right stage entrance should be right there with some crew and Ray."

I nodded and smiled, "Thank you" I got up and exited the room.

I did exactly as she said and quickly found myself beside Ray Jones and a few cast members.

"Glad to see you made it!" Ray exclaimed as I turned the corner.

I extended my hand and shook his, "Glad I can be here."

A crew member then held up five fingers and started to count down.

"Here we go, Mr. Michelson" Ray said as he took a deep breath.

The member pointed at Ray, signaling him to enter. As soon as he hit the stage, the audience erupted in yelling and cheering. I watched as Ray made it to center stage and waved to everyone. After sometime, he quieted the audience down.

"Thank you all for coming. Today we have a very special menu of guests. We have the famous Morris Greenman here!" He said.

The crowd started to cheer at the name.

"We also have the incredible Roxanne Freeman!" He said as the crowd continued to cheer, "And also we have singer Dennis Martin!" The crowd cheered even more.

"Now please help me welcome our Star Guest of the night…" Ray said.

A crew member whispered in my ear, "When he says your name, head out and shake hands with him. Then sit down."

"… a very special guest that I didn't even think I could get…" Ray continued.

I thought to myself, "Let's do this"

"…Lylat Hero, Kevin MICHELSON!" He yelled. I was met with an unexpected huge roar of cheering.

I took a huge breath and walked out. I waved as the audience cheered and yelled. I walked over to Ray and shook hands with him. He gestured over to the desk and we walked over to our spots. I sat in the chair while Ray sat down at his desk. Once we were both seated, the crowd quieted down.

"Wow, can you all believe that a Hero of Lylat is sitting here?" Ray said as he faced the audience.

I smiled; I was flattered by the comment.

"If you all remember, me and guest star John Willis spoke about the news on Kevin Michelson and the rest of Star Fox when they arrived here a while back." Ray said. He then looked at me, "How do you feel?"

I took a deep breath, "I'm just… so relieved that this war's over; so much happened while we fought for my home." I felt emotions stir up inside of me. Excitement, joy, and fear all circled in my head and body.

Ray looked down at some papers, "Now I understand that this is a sensitive subject for you. Audience, please accept this."

He shuffled the papers quickly, "Okay, so what happened exactly? What caused this war?"

I cleared my throat, "The war was based on the anger that Wolf had on me. I think it started when I nearly killed him on Fortuna. The team was investigating a strange satellite reading coming from one of the abandoned bases. When we got there, Wolf had set up shop with his army; after we took out his forces, his team showed up to stop us. He shot me down, but I found my way to the enemy base and hijacked a tank. I was incredibly close to getting him, but he escaped with mere seconds to live. I don't know if I can say exactly how he escaped, so I'll just keep that to myself."

Ray was surprised; "Wow" he looked at the audience, "Tough kid!"

I nodded, "That's right"

Ray looked over the papers, "You mind telling the audience your age?"

I nodded, "Not at all" I looked out to the people, "I'm 16"

The audience started to clap and cheer, "On my planet, it's counted as a minor. I'm not sure what it is here though."

Ray answered quickly, "You're borderline adult. Seventeen is the legal age."

I nodded, "The more you know"

Ray laughed along with the audience.

"So, the news said that you received hate when you first arrived on Corneria. Is that true in any way?" Ray asked.

I nodded, "Yes and no" I said, "I got mixed emotions. When I started to train here, Fox took me to the Cornerian Defense Force Academy. The students didn't mind me at all; in fact they found me interesting."

Ray nodded, "So training that day went well?"

I nodded and smiled, "Oh yeah" I chuckled, "I remember this group of students that Fox and I surprised. We went to the simulators and found out that a class was using them. The instructor saw us and asked if we could put the class to the test. Fox saw nothing wrong with it, so we jumped in the spare machines and popped into their simulation."

Ray chuckled, "I bet they were shocked"

I shrugged, "I think I was more shocked. I literally had no combat training; the only thing I knew was how to control a ship. When we got in, it took the two of us a mere four minutes to take down the opposing squad."

The audience chuckled slightly.

"Don't get me wrong, they were excellent pilots; I was almost shot down actually. But the whole time, they were freaking out about how they were being beat by a couple of AI's. But they were pretty stunned to see Fox and I exit." I explained, "If you're wondering how we beat them, it's because I blew the last two pilots up with a smart bomb."

The crowd chuckled.

Ray smiled, "Very nice" he cleared his throat, "Okay so what about Wolf. How did you even find out about his secret army?"

I thought of the best way to say it. I was used to keeping secrets like this on Earth. The government hid lots of things from the public, so I decided to do the same on Corneria.

"Well…" I said, "…we were on a scouting mission. I was giving Fox cover while he went into the base to retrieve the intel. He got it with no problem, but I was captured when Wolf discovered my sniping position. He took me prisoner and left me to be killed by two guards" I paused and raised my arms, "Big mistake on his part."

The crowd started to laugh.

"The second they raised their guns, I spun around and kicked one to the ground. I then head but the second and grabbed the key. Once I was free, I got my armor and headed out." I explained.

Ray looked amazed, "Damn" he said as he looked at the papers, "Now for a serious question."

I nodded, "Fire away"

Ray nodded back, "Why wasn't the war shorter? Didn't you have the full support of the Earth armies?"

I shook my head, "No… no we didn't. Like I said in my news interview with the team, Wolf corrupted all the armies except for the three that helped stop him."

Ray was stunned, "Wow, so Wolf was really serious about revenge."

I nodded, "Yes" I cleared my throat, "At first, the armies were with us. And we were sent to the separate countries to set up shop. But that was Wolfs plan; have the team split to the different countries and have the armies turn against them. Thankfully, Falco was able to escape his ambush and warn the other about the plan."

Ray looked up at the cameras, "Falco, you are one tough bird."

"Any more questions?" I asked.

Ray cleared his throat, "Feel free to back out of the question if you feel it necessary." He said, "What happened with you and Wolf. During your fight, what happened that cost you your leg and hand?"

I looked down and started to feel a little uneasy. I pushed the feeling aside and answered the question.

I let out a deep exhale, "Well" I said as I thought about the question, "I entered the base, found that the final member of Wolf's elite team was keeping Wolf hidden. I found this member and killed him after he revealed to me Wolf's location."

I thought about what I said. This made me sound awful.

I looked up at the crowd, "Feel free to judge me on that. That was an action done by my… evil side. I couldn't contain the fact that my home was being destroyed by some power hungry animal." I shook my head, "Anyway… once he was out of the way, I went down to Wolf. We fought for a good amount of time. I nearly got him when he activated a nuclear self-destruct." I explained, "After he set the timer, I ran to him. He grabbed my fist and shattered it; he threw me to a wall and grabbed his blaster." I inhaled, "This is where I owe my life to Krystal."

Ray nodded, "The news said that she saved you."

I nodded slowly, "Yes, she says that we're even now since I saved her first. But I don't think so." I sniffled, "Anyway, when he fired time just slowed down. I heard my named being yelled and I looked over. I saw a staff like object flying towards me. I immediately knew it was Krystal's staff. I caught it with my good hand and slammed it to the ground, allowing the shield to go up. I yelled for Krystal to leave and got back up once the shot was deflected."

Ray and audience were silent and shocked. They seemed amazed at the story and they seemed sorry almost. Some had their hands over their mouths and others even had tears going down from their eyes.

I shook my head, "The next part is too graphic. All I will say is that Wolf was killed… in a very horrid and painful way. On my planet, punishment is placed on how severe the crime is." My voice started to shake, "Wolf's crime, wasting the lives of millions of innocent souls and troops, was so severe that he deserved to die in the worst possible way."

Ray shook his head, "I understand this is difficult for you. You can stop if you'd like."

I nodded, "It's fine..." I said. I wiped my face from a single tear that had dropped, "On my planet, we believe in a higher power. We call this power "God", the creator of life and everything we know." I explained, "With this life, he had to make a place to store the souls of the deceased; live a good life and be sent to paradise known as 'heaven', but live a sinful life and be sent to torture an eternity in 'hell'."

Ray seemed interested.

"Wolf now burns in hell with its master. He died on my planet, so he faces the consequences of what we believe there. It may sound odd to Corneria, but it was sturdy on my planet until Wolf invaded. He doing this shattered the belief." I explained.

Ray looked back at the papers, "Thank you very much for sharing your story with Lylat." Ray said.

He then faced towards the camera, "I have a message to send out to all those that believe Kevin is a bad guy." Ray said, "What he said today was very thorough and detailed. He came here to prove to everyone that he is not the monster you think he is. Kevin Michelson is a hero of Lylat, why would he be a monster?"

I decided to go in, "I and the team may have done some horrid things to stop Wolf. I even told you all that I gave no mercy to my enemies, but its war! I fight it to protect. I did this, not only to save my planet, but to also keep Corneria from starting a war with an even more powerful enemy than the Aparoids."

Ray looked over to me, "Listen to Kevin, he experienced this first hand along with Star Fox."

I nodded.

Ray then cleared his throat once more, "Final question, how are you and the team. Are you guys getting enough rest?"

I wiped my face, "By the way, thank you for moving to a less serious subject. I appreciate it."

Ray smiled, "Don't mention it."

I nodded, "Anyway, the team is doing great. We're getting our deserved rest and we're living a normal life now."

"Excellent to know that our heroes are relaxed and safe; it's the best news we can get from you all returning from something as serious as this." Ray said.

I smiled, "I'm just grateful that Corneria is assisting in the clean-up."

Ray shuffled his papers, "Okay, enough with my questions, let's get some from the audience."

The crowd then started to yell and raise their arms in the air.

"Go ahead and choose who you want!" Ray said over the yelling.

I looked out and found a few people I decided to pick. The first was a yellow furred feline. I pointed to him and signaled him to speak.

"You mention that you are such a young age. Really, 16 years is very young to be doing what you do. Anyway, seeing as how you are so young, how did you leave Earth?"

I was intrigued, "Very good question." I cleared my throat, "Well, when the shuttle arrived at my house, Fox gave a simple yes or no question; do I want to go along? My mother was not home, she was on a business trip at the time. Since I had a rough life and that I wished for a do-over, I took it. I thought about all the struggles I had, the life I had, and then I remembered how badly I wanted to try again. Joining the team was the only way I was to get this. There are other reasons, but I will not say for the protection of you." I couldn't tell the public about their existence in a video game back on earth; it would cause so much controversy.

The feline looked confused, "Protect?"

I nodded, "Yes, it's a reason that would really affect society. A secret I must keep for the greater good."

The feline just looked at me and sat down.

Ray spoke up, "We have time for one more question."

The crowd suddenly started to yell once more. I found the second person I wanted to call on and pointed to him. The cameras moved over to face him. He was a tall, thin, red fox.

"Earth is basically destroyed, yes?" He asked.

I slowly nodded, "Most of the cities there were destroyed, and others still stand."

The fox continued, "How about your family?"

The question hit me, it hit me hard. I had forgotten all about my mother and the rest of my family. Was she safe; were my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents safe?

I pondered the sudden realization, "Um…" I stammered, "…I couldn't… I couldn't really say. I haven't been there and we left immediately after the base detonated. I didn't have the time or ability to check on them."

I looked down at my robotic leg, and then my robotic hand. "I assume that they are all fine. I remember my countries leader saying he had put them in protection." I was quiet for a second. I quickly convinced myself of a simple answer, "They are safe. I know my family very well, and they would have gone into hiding the second they heard of my departure from Earth."

Ray spoke up, "Thank you very much for your question. You guys are just awesome with helping Kevin with life here." Ray extended his hand, "That's all the time we have for our interview with Lylat Hero Kevin Michelson; stay tuned for our next guest Morris Greenman." Ray looked over to me and extended his hand, "Thank you so much for being here; it really was an honor having you on the show."

I nodded and smiled, "Thank you for having me and helping me clear my name."

Ray looked at the cameras, "We'll be back with our next guest after this commercial break."

The two of us got up as the camera lights turned off. The crowd started to clap and cheer loudly.

"Let's head backstage. We're on break anyway." Ray said as he headed off the stage.

I followed after him and waved as the crowd continued to cheer and yell.

"So what'd you think?" Ray asked as I met him in the hall.

I shrugged, "That was awesome. I really think this helped a lot."

Ray smiled, "Definitely, people out there won't see you as the monster they thought you were anymore."

I nodded, "Thank you very much for that message. I really appreciated it."

Ray gave me a smile, "That was nothing. I only spoke what I felt; it's what I do."

I nodded, "Well, thank you for having me." I looked at my communicator, it was now 7:30 A.M. "I have a lot more time on my hands." I said.

Ray spoke up after he finished drinking his water, "You have other plans?"

I nodded, "Yes, I actually have a date."

Ray seemed surprised, "Wow, really? So much hate and you find one person that liked you?"

I smiled, "Actually two; they helped me when some people crowded around me."

Ray nodded, "Very nice, good to see there are some people here that are social."

I nodded back, "I have to get to the hospital now. A friend ended up there after a fight."

Ray shook his head and shrugged, "No problem; good luck living on here." He said as I walked away.

I turned and waved, "Thanks"

I then walked out the front door. To my surprise, hardly anyone was outside the building. A few news reporters were giving a report as I walked by. Thankfully, they didn't see me, and I made it to my car in peace.

To Be Continued…

Sorry this took a while. I had that training session last week, which kept me from writing. Anyway, a lot of work was put into this and I feel it paid off well. Next chapter should be up soon. It will be a bit shorter since it is less dramatic.

Until next time…