Chapter 9
The next few months, after the family visitation and James and Vixy's first date, James, Maverick and Bandit were all helping Theo prepare for graduation. "How does it feel to be finally graduating from here, tomorrow?" Maverick asked.
"It's a weird feeling" Theo stated, "I know I'll be joining the army, but I've spent much of my life here."
"I can imagine the feeling" Bandit stated, "I'm half way through the program."
"You know what I just realized?" James asked.
"What's that?" Maverick questioned.
"Since Theo is graduating, that means Andross is too" James pointed out.
"Oh shit!" Maverick shouted, "I can't believe I forgot about that."
"I'm surprised it took you that long to realize" Theo stated.
"I knew you were in the same year, but it kinda became less important than ignoring him" James replied.
"Are you ready to do your last workout at the Academy?" Maverick asked.
"I guess so" Theo shrugged.
The four mammals arrived at the gym and were greeted by the familiar ape, Andross, who spotted them. "Ah, if it isn't my favorite canines and bunny" he said, walking up to them "How's Lana's pops?"
"How should I know?" Maverick asked.
"He's your girlfriend's dad" he stated, "you mean you don't keep in contact with her parents?"
"Oh, hell no!" Maverick stated, "At least not her dad. We've cut all contact with him because of all the shit he's put us through in the past three years."
"That's too bad" Andross said, "he seems like a cool guy to me."
"So, Andross" Theo spoke up, "You ready for graduation, tomorrow?"
"As if you really need to ask, Pepper" the ape smirked, "I'm done with this place."
"Shall we get started with the workout?" James asked.
Andross and Theo looked at James, "Okay, I guess I'll let you guys get on with your night" Andross said, walking away.
The next day was filled with a ton of commotion. The families and friends of the graduating cadets were arriving. They were all shuffled into the auditorium. The graduating cadets were seated closer to the stage and General Pepper was sitting on stage with the commanders.
Suddenly, some music started playing, silencing the crowd. General Pepper walked up to the podium and the music stopped, immediately. The General cleared his throat and began speaking.
"Welcome friends and family of the graduating Cornerian Academy cadets" he began, "today we are celebrating the incredible accomplishments of these fine young men and women who are about to join one of the branches of the Cornerian military."
He paused, seeing Theo in the group of cadets he was speaking of, before he continued. "Cadets, congratulations on making it to the end. I know you'll be a great new addition to whichever branch you join; you'll be vital in keeping the planet and most importantly, the Lylat System safe."
Pepper continued talking for a few more minutes and finally he said, "Now comes the part you've all been waiting for. Each cadet will come up on stage, one at a time, and announce which branch of the military you'll be joining. Friends and family, please hold cheers till your cadet goes to walk off stage."
Each of the cadets names were called and the auditorium would randomly erupt with cheers. Eventually, Andross' name was announced. He took his time striding up to the stage, beaming with confidence. "Fellow cadets, I've thought long and hard about where I'd be able to best serve the Cornerian army and I decided that I will be joining the scientific division" he stated.
As Andross was walking off the stage, an extremely loud cheer came from a small section of the audience. Maverick and James turned their heads, to be greeted by the sight of Lana's dad standing and clapping.
"What is he doing here?" James whispered.
"No idea" Maverick replied, "I guess George and Andross did connect a little bit when they met at Lana's party."
"Should we confront him after the ceremony?" James asked.
"Heck no!" Maverick exclaimed, "Today is Theo's day to celebrate, I'm not going to let George ruin that."
The rest of the cadets had gotten up on stage, except for Theo, who still had to go up. "Saving the best for last" the General stated, "get on up here Theodore."
Maverick and James could see how nervous he was being the last cadet to walk up on stage. They weren't sure of what to expect. "Theo" the General began, "I know it's been a long six years for you and growing up as the son of the general has been tough on you, but I just wanted you to know, no matter what path you choose, your mother and I will be proud of you."
"Thanks, dad" Theo smiled, turning to the audience. "As most, if not all of you know I am the son of General Pepper. I've grown up feeling others hold me to such high expectations, but I've come to realize that no one will ever be able to live up to the many amazing things my father has done for the military. With that being said, I wish to follow in my father's footsteps by becoming the next general of the Cornerian military, hopefully it won't come to that anytime soon. Until then, I want to be a part of every branch of the military so I can be the best general I can be."
After Theo finished, he hugged his dad. James, Maverick, and a handful of the other cadets stood up clapping and cheering for him. Theo found his way back to his seat and the General gave his final statement to the graduating cadets, ending the ceremony.
When the ceremony finished, the friends and families of the cadets were asked to exit the auditorium and the cadets would be able to talk to them soon. Maverick and James left the auditorium and found Theo's mother. The three were talking, when they were interrupted by an all too familiar voice. "I knew you two would be here" came the deep voice.
Maverick turned toward the voice, "What do you want, George? I am in no mood to be getting into a fight with you today."
"Neither am I, punk" George replied, "I'm here because Andross invited me."
"Well, we're here because we're fellow cadets and Theo is our friend" Maverick stated.
"Ah, sucking up to the General's son I see" he exclaimed, "no wonder you think being here will help support my daughter and your bastard of a son."
"George! Leave now before I make you leave" Maverick demanded.
"How dare you talk to your almost father-in-law like that?" he asked, sarcastically.
"First of all, you will never be my father-in-law, even when Lana and I get married, nor will you ever see your daughter again" Maverick stated, "also, I'm not that scared little pup anymore, I can and will stick up for myself and my family, so I will give you one last chance to leave peacefully."
"I'd do what he says" James chimed in.
"Don't be getting involved in family matters that don't concern the likes of you lesser canines" George stated, eyeing the fox.
"James and his family have been more of a family to me in the past couple months than you were my whole life" Maverick pointed out, "so you will not talk to my brother like that again!"
"James? Maverick?" Theo questioned, walking up "What's going on over here?"
"George won't leave us alone" James stated.
"Good, then he's doing his job" Andross said, entering the scene.
"You invited him to cause problems?" Maverick asked.
"I was hoping he'd cause you and James to have a conflict with each other" Andross admitted, crossing his arms.
"Why does it matter to you anymore?" James asked, "You're not going to be at the Academy ever again after today and won't have to bother with us the rest of your life, if you're lucky."
"I still don't like you losers" he stated, "you come in here trying to show everyone who have been coming here in past years up by doing the advanced plan."
"That's not why we're doing the advanced plan and you know it!" James argued, "I just wanted to show everyone that a fox can succeed at the Academy."
"And I'm doing this so I can join the army sooner and support my family faster" Maverick stated.
"You know what would help support your family even faster?" Andross asked, "Not going to the Academy and joining the army."
"That's enough, Andross!" Theo shouted, "All I wanted from today was to get through it happy and celebrating this huge accomplishment. But no, you have to cause problems, like always."
"You exaggerate, Pepper" Andross argued, "I never caused problems until these two showed up."
"And what makes us so freaking special to have you magically change?" James asked.
"Isn't it obvious, James?" came a strained voice from behind, "You and Maverick are clearly a threat to Andross here."
"How? He's a sixth-year cadet whereas we're just getting started" Maverick exclaimed.
"From what I've heard from the commanders in the Academy, James flipped Andross onto a table within the first few days of being here" he commented.
"That was to try to get him to leave us alone" James stated, "that clearly didn't work."
Suddenly, the doors to the Academy swung open with a giant, muscular man, with purple skin and a wrinkly chin walking in. "Hello, my son, what did I miss?" he asked.
"Hello, Father" Andross replied, "you didn't miss much. I finally graduated from the Cornerian Academy and even made a friend" he said, motioning toward George.
"Wait, this is your dad?" James said, looking at the purple behemoth standing before them.
"Well, he's my adopted father" Andross replied, "he adopted me when I was two and when I was old enough, he started training me to fight. Father, did any of my siblings come with you?"
"No, they're all on various missions" he replied.
"I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before" General Pepper stated.
"I am Thanos" he introduced himself, "I am from the planet Titan, which no longer exists. Now I travel through the many galaxies trying to help various planets to continue having prosperous lives."
As Thanos and Andross were leaving, Andross turned to George saying, "George come with us."
George hesitated until Maverick said, "Please go with them."
So, George left the Academy with Thanos and Andross, leaving everyone still confused. "Well, that was a rather abrupt exit" James commented.
The rest of the attendees of the Academy were beginning to disperse. "So, what are you guys going to do this summer?" Theo asked.
"I'm hoping to go on my second date with Vixy soon" James stated, "other than that, I have no plans."
"How about you, Maverick?" Theo questioned, "You going to spend time with your girlfriend and kid?"
"I mean that should be a given" Maverick smirked, "James and his parents too."
"Oh, by the way, my family likes to take trips to our lake house on Katina throughout the summer" James advised.
"Nice, I'll most likely get a temporary job for the summer" Maverick stated.
"Oh? What for?" Theo asked.
Maverick paused, "For and engagement ring."
"It's about time, Maverick" Theo smiled, "You two have been together for a long time. You belong together."
"I know" Maverick sighed, "I just want to show her I can be traditional and faithful to our family."