Chapter 67: Goodbye, Fox

Thene felt exhausted. Although sitting in front of a modern computer, crafting digital code, thrilled her beyond any measure, her body had never maintained such a posture before. Hours of it left her back, shoulders, and several joints sore. Her eyes and mind felt weary beyond words. Dreadfully, the aches would surely sour the joy of remembering that time spent. At least some good had come out of her efforts.

The virus was complete. Almost, anyway. Simon needed more time to debug and perfect the program, but Thene's role in the project reached its conclusion. She could freely do whatever she wished whilst her darling continued their work in a closed room. Only Ashley accompanied him to assist. Thene suspected that Simon schemed to steal a private moment with his daughter. Given where their paths would lead, she chose not to begrudge them.

Instead, she turned her focus to the situation in Kezamat. Thene enlisted Dash's help in working the satellite camera and scanning for new radio signals. Given enough time, she would have figured out the Great Fox's controls herself. Asking another for aid was simply more efficient under the circumstances.

Special night vision hardware allowed them to see Kezamat in the darkness. Miraculously, the city appeared unchanged in the last eight hours. Thermal imaging picked up Aparoids lurking beyond the forest's borders. Their presence there – instead of inside the city – told Thene that the defenders were holding the enemy back. The Aparoids who had made it within the walls currently laid prone in streets or on top of houses. Thene marvelled at the difference that arethanite arms made compared to a year ago.

They spotted Cerinians on the surface – too many when evacuation orders should have still been in effect. The image quality wasn't clear enough for Thene to identify any soldiers. Perhaps the citizens were using the cover of night to brave the surface for new supplies? That shouldn't be necessary though. The bunkers should still be stocked with sufficient food. Something did not sit right with her.

"Is there any way to find out what's happening underground?" Thene asked Dash.

Slowly, he looked up from the other monitors. His eyes were droopy and a tad unfocused. "Not with the camera we're using. We can't send a probe either because of the dust layer. This is pretty much all we can see."

"Then is there a way to contact the people below ground?"

Dash rubbed his face. "The best thing I can think of is one of the radios you guys left behind. But unless someone down there has one and knows how to use it, I doubt we'll get through to them."

Thene sighed, frustrated. "So, we're deaf and unable to see clearly. Is that right?"

"Looks like it. Sorry."

Nothing for it, sadly. Although getting in contact with the Cerinians directly would give them a better understanding of their welfare, it was ultimately not that important. It wouldn't change Simon's plan. Thene supposed that she only asked out of curiosity. A silence grew between her and Dash. One that he seemed inclined to break after a few minutes.

"So… How are you finding it here aboard the Great Fox?" he asked tentatively.

Thene resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She didn't care for small talk, but this was her mate's grandson. "The air tastes stale, and the seats in your cells are hard and uncomfortable. The Cornerian soldiers are as obnoxious as they are vulgar. And the treatment that Simon and I have received since we arrived has been nothing short of disgusting."

She saw Dash shrink into himself. Only then did she consider how harsh he perceived her. 'He's your love's blood, Thene.' She sighed.

"However… I'll admit that the food here is interesting," she continued more softly. "I would like to spend more time learning about the ship's machinery. And I do feel privileged to see my home planet from the outside with my own eyes."

Dash relaxed. He nodded to the bridge's window. "It is beautiful."

"It is. Though I like the surface better. There's more to see there."

"Hopefully there's still enough left by the time we stop the Aparoids." Thene nodded. She hoped for that as well.

"Is… Is Grandfather happy down there?" Dash then asked. "I mean… I know he chose to go back on his own, so he must like it a little. But…"

She didn't need him to explain himself. Though as the young monkey rambled regardless, Thene contemplated her answer. "Our lives together were comfortable. Simon is more at peace nowadays than I recall when we first met. On Cerinia, he has room to work and study to his heart's content. He smiles when we are together, and his traumas haunt his dreams less than they used to. In that sense, he became reasonably happy living in Kezamat."

Dash stared off at the planet for a few seconds, thinking. "That's good. I'm glad."

As was Thene. If there were one thing that truly made her happy in life, it was witnessing her dear Simon's happiness expressed in front of her. Returning to Cerinia felt like a deplorable step backwards in her mind. However, if going back meant that Simon would be happier than continuing with their original plan, then she should consider it seriously. A life free in their simple warehouse lab was far better to one separated by iron bars and armed guards.

"Hey, uh… Another question?" Dash began again nervously. "You and Grandfather are in a… romantic relationship, right?"

Thene assumed that detail had already been made abundantly clear. "Yes. What of it?"

"Did you… like… ever marry? I mean… Do you also have an ehn? Like Fox and Krystal do?"

"No," Thene said. The answer disappointed her somewhat. "We haven't planned for that as of yet."

"Okay." Dash's head bobbed as he accepted the response. "But… If you do… Would that make you my step-grandmother?"

Thene scowled. Her staff extended in her right hand. "Don't ever ask me that again."

The boy blanched. His hands shot up to protect his head. "Woah! Okay! Sorry! Won't happen again."

"It had better not."

With a huff, Thene collapsed the staff and returned it to her hip. Step-grandmother?! Of all things he could have called her! It made her sound ancient. Or worse, like some kind of harlot who chased after grey-haired widowers. Asinine! Presently, Simon has the body of a man in his 30s, in terms of Cornerian time. She would roughly be a few years younger by the same metric. So, neither assumption would be true!

Step-grandmother?! Pah!

"I'm guessing I walked in at the wrong time."

As if this moment couldn't possibly get any worse! Thene seethed as Fox McCloud wandered onto the bridge. She'd been too distracted to sense him coming. The grin growing on his face aggravated her further.

"So… How are you two getting along?" Thene only glared at McCloud. "Something the matter, Granny?"

"One more word from you, and I'll freeze your mouth shut."

At least he dropped the stupid expression. McCloud turned to Dash. "I wanted to check on the situation down there. I'll then decide if we need to set off."

"Don't tell me you plan to fight the Aparoids now!" Thene exclaimed. "You look like you could drop at any minute!"

"No. All I mean is that if Kezamat's forces are under too much pressure, we might need to help them sooner rather than later. If not, I'd like to get a chance to sleep first."

McCloud rubbed at the dark bags around his eyes. His thoughts were sluggish from fatigue. "I've been on the simulators for longer than I planned. I'm not in the best condition to start a fight, but I will if it's necessary."

Good. He wasn't being stupid at least. "The Aparoids haven't taken the city yet." Thene informed him. "However, it seems that there is a large number of people aboveground. I haven't been able to deduce why yet."

"It's a pity Cerinia doesn't get any moonlight," Dash said. "We might've been able to see more than we can now."

McCloud crossed his arms and frowned. "Let me have a look."

Thene stood aside and allowed him to view the monitors more closely. He asked her and Dash only a few questions over the next few minutes. He then became silent. If McCloud learned anything from the scene, he didn't share it. Thene wondered: was this what he'd been like when he was captain of this vessel?

A sudden ringing sound cut startled them. Thene's ears swivelled for its source. "Incoming call from the Purgatory-Proof Observation Satellite," the ship's automated pilot announced through the speakers.

Surprise shot through her and McCloud at once. "Answer it!" he ordered. Dash pressed something on the console. A crackly, male voice soon spoke.

"He-llo…? Can any… hear m-?"

"Boosting the signal," Dash advised, tapping away. Meanwhile, Thene tried to place where she'd heard the voice before.

McCloud recognised it first. "Sabre…?" his brows lifted. "Is that you?"

"Oh, thank the gods this thing's working!" Sabre sighed loudly.

"What's happening down there?" McCloud asked. "Where are Nomar and Thalse? Is anyone hurt?"

Dash fixed a set of headphones over his ears. He adjusted the settings until the translator began processing Cerinian into his own language.

"We're fine mostly," Sabre replied. "Aside from us guards and the lythans, everyone is safe and well in the bunkers. Uncle Thalse is leading the troops, while Auntie is taking care of the civilians. She and Dad are all that's left of the council."

McCloud hung his head, his eyes emptied by shock. "Fuck…" he murmured. "How many casualties?"

"Over a hundred people in the palace. The eastern garrison lost another 25 or so. I haven't heard every report, but so far no one's been turned into an Aparoid."

"That could change with so many people running around outside," Thene remarked. "Why did you all leave the bunkers?"

"We haven't," Sabre replied, confusing her. "If you can see what's going on down here, those aren't our people. The city's overrun with Aparoid thralls. Just like last year."

"Thralls?!" McCloud exclaimed. A chill crawled up Thene's spine. She recalled those ghastly creatures that the Aparoids created by infecting helpless Cerinians, assuming control of their flesh. "I thought you said no one's been turned!"

"That's the thing! There are too many of them to have come from the palace, and nobody else is unaccounted for. The only explanation that makes sense is that they came from another town or something. Hiumart reckons he saw a few thralls wearing armour from Muhganoa's guard. Another fox from the Jad claims they took down someone from Chiteth. Frankly, I've been too busy trying to keep them out of the bunkers to notice."

Muhgonoa and Chiteth? Those two cities neighboured Kezamat. If the Aparoids took control of civilians from those locations, where else were they attacking? The shadows over McCloud's psyche deepened. He seemed to follow the same line of thought.

"How are the civilians? How many are injured?" he asked.

"They're fine. A few dozen civilians got hurt during the evacuation, but their injuries aren't serious," Sabre answered.

"Are they safe?"

"Mostly. We did have a close call a couple of hours ago with some thralls trying to dig their way in. Fortunately, we took them down with arethanite before they broke through the walls."

Sabre then sighed tiredly. "Things then got a little ugly when the brainwashing victims from last year got loose. I think they heard about the thralls and felt inspired to escape. Tried to fight their way back to their 'masters', as they called it."

"What became of them?" Thene asked.

"The lythans couldn't risk them hurting anyone, so they had to kill them." McCloud seemed to take that news hard.

It was a shame, Thene thought. Those foxes would not have been violent towards anyone before the Aparoids' initial invasion. Unfortunately, they all had ehn mates who succumbed to Aparoidedation. Their minds were twisted by the swarm and fractured by their mate's deaths, never to heal again. Those tragic souls were merely sick and grieving. Yet, the people of Kezamat were forced to make a harsh choice when their own lives were threatened.

"What are the lythans and guardsmen doing about the Aparoids?" McCloud finally asked Sabre.

"Right now, we've got our hands full trying fight off the thralls. Arethanite makes it easy, but there's just so damned many of them. We haven't had a single chance to go after the Aparoids hiding in the forest. Some spirits have shown up to cause them grief, but we don't know how long they can keep it up."

"Have the Aparoids made any other moves against you?"

"Not since we drove off the first wave. They seem more content to throw our own kind at us rather than risk their own hides."

This news soothed the tension out of McCloud's shoulders. He rubbed his tired face and released a breath of relief. "Sounds like the situation is better than I expected. But I still have one question: How did you manage to contact us?"

"Yes. I'd have thought a radio console would be a tad too complex for you," Thene agreed.

"You know, I'm not nearly as stupid as you guys seem to think I am!" Sabre bristled. "It wasn't that difficult to figure out. I just nicked the thing when Nomar wasn't looking. The hard part was finding a place that wasn't crawling with thralls."

It was too bad that the Sythast boy couldn't see the apologetic look that washed over McCloud's face. "Nomar wanted us to get away from Cerinia as fast as possible. Has something changed?"

"Yeah! I decided that was a stupid thing to tell you! I don't know about Auntie, but I don't like the idea of lying around, waiting to die! I was hoping that you guys were still around and could help us out somehow."

"We can," Thene answered. "We've come up with a way to take out the…"

"Don't say another word!" McCloud snapped, startling her. Thene's hackles raised.

"Excuse me?!"

McCloud frowned as he pointed to the console. "This isn't a secure channel. If the Aparoids are listening in, they would have heard you spill the whole plan for them."

Realisation struck Thene like a hammer. She chided herself just as swiftly. In just a few short seconds, she could have unravelled hours of hard work and doomed their chances entirely. Thene shook her head. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Surprise lit up on his face, but McCloud quickly cleared it away. "Look, Sabre. We can't risk giving you any details, but we are going to save you and everyone else down there. Just hold tight for as long as you can."

"Wait… You're coming back?!" Sabre asked incredulously.

McCloud hesitated. His gaze wandered a thousand miles. "Like I said. No details. Just… wait for us to give you a signal. And tell everyone not to worry."

"I'll try. Don't know how much that'll put people at ease though." Sabre sighed. "What's it like up there?"

A sad smile cracked across McCloud's face. "Like nothing you could ever imagine."

"Kind of wish I went along with you guys now."

"Everything will be okay, Sabre."

"It'd better be. We're really counting on you." Sabre then cursed. "I think I hear thralls heading my way. Sorry, Fox. I should get out of here."

"Stay safe," McCloud urged.

Sabre chuckled. "I'll try."

When the sound from Sabre's end vanished, Dash closed the connection. Thene turned to McCloud. "It looks like Kezamat has things more or less under control for now. What do you think?"

McCloud nodded sombrely. "If the civilians are safe, we can probably afford to rest for a few more hours. We'll then be better prepared for the battle." He then yawned, revealing his body's most desperate need for the moment. "Before I turn in though, there's something I wanted to talk to you about, Thene."

Her ear pricked. "What is it?"

"The crew arrangements for our two ships. Krystal will be piloting the Star Tank. She's been learning alongside me; and thanks to our ehn, she's almost as skilled as I am."

Curious, Thene thought. Ehns have been known to induce profound effects on the partners. Muscle memory and innate knowledge were among the many traits that mates could share. If she practiced intensely enough with something her husband excelled at, it would be possible for Krystal to obtain similar talent within a short span of time.

"I suppose that's better than Simon and I relying on that vicious brute you call a mother."

McCloud frowned darkly. "Watch what you say about my mom. Because you're riding with me on the mission." Thene's stomach then turned.

"Say again?"

"With Krystal onboard the Star Tank, I need your help to get my ship through the arethansphere. Otherwise, I'll be sitting in a dead hunk of metal."

Thene clicked her tongue. Of course, he needed her magic without his wife by his side. "Fine. Just don't get us both killed."

McCloud nodded. "Good. That's settled then."

As he made for the exit, Thene deigned to stop him. "One more thing, McCloud." He looked over his shoulder. Fury rose from deep inside her. "Make sure that your mother behaves herself. Because I swear that if she lays another hand on Simon, I'll...".

"Krystal will make sure that she and Andross get along," McCloud said firmly. "Now, if there's nothing else, I'm going to bed, thank you."

Thene made no further act to obstruct him. She continued to harbour tension inside her gut, thinking about her beloved being confined with that violent bitch without her. Thene was aware of the cause for the woman's hostility. She accepted that Simon was at fault. However, she would not permit that as an excuse for any harm that came to her own mate. She would tear out Vixy Reinard's eyes and vital organs if the need arose.

Dash cleared his throat, reminding Thene that she wasn't alone. "Maybe you should get some sleep too. You'll need it."

Too much adrenaline surged through her body for rest right now. Yet Thene acknowledged his logic and concern. "I want to check on your grandfather first. If anyone is going to work themselves through the night, it will most likely be him."

A gentle smile appeared on Dash. "Okay. I'll be up here a while longer if you need anything."

Thene expressed her gratitude and bade Dash goodnight. Upon leaving the bridge, her thoughts soon turned toward the plans that McCloud just shared. His ehn would limit the distance that their starfighters could move from each other if his wife was also piloting. How far exactly, Thene would need to find out. It might impair their ability to fly freely, yet it could also enhance their coordination. So many factors to consider. Too late in the day to do so. She wondered whether she'd get any sleep before the battle at all.

Maybe she'd stand a better chance if she could drag her mate away from his work long enough for them to snuggle in a soft bed.

Setting off on a journey to Cerinia's surface. A ludicrous decision many might call it. Vixy agreed that it was at least an incredibly impulsive one. Yet her heart had made that decision. It compelled her to follow through. Any thoughts on the contrary quickly fell away from her head. They felt oddly inconceivable.

If there was one thing that perhaps dissuaded her, it was deciding what she would take with her. Funny how Vixy found herself coming full circle from when she first moved into the Great Fox. Her room held more inside it compared to then. More comforts. More memories. Now she was leaving with even less than she started. The suitcase that she planned to take could only hold so much.

Several changes of clothes. Pyjamas. Thermal clothing. Fox had warned that Cerinia's winters were nightmarishly bitter. Vixy kept her choices sensible. Fancy or stylish garments would do her no good. What she had already filled her case almost to the brim. She'd never abandon her family's photo album or the few precious mementos that she had left of James. Vixy glanced forlornly at her Swanburger Prize standing atop the desk and shook her head. It had no value where she was going.

A knock at her door twitched Vixy's ear. Over the years, she'd learned how to distinguish her crewmates from the sharpness and rhythm they each made. That was how Vixy knew Peppy stood outside when she answered. Her heart predicted the saddened expression he wore.

"How was Fox's training?" Vixy asked.

"We've done all we can," Peppy replied softly. "The rest is up to him and Krystal."

Vixy blinked. "Krystal?"

"It's quite a story." A faint smile pulled Peppy's cheeks.

Vixy stepped aside. "Then perhaps you should come in and make yourself comfortable." He obliged her.

Peppy's face fell again at his first sight of the suitcase open atop Vixy's bed. Her ears dropped. She felt a sudden urge to hide the thing under her blankets or throw it back into the closet it came from. Anything to avoid the soul-crushing silence that now hung between them.

"So…" Peppy began. His voice carried barely louder than a whisper. "It's really happening. You're leaving."

Vixy hung her head. "Yes."

Peppy shook his. "I didn't want to believe it. I still can't."

"Peppy…"

She went for his hand, but Peppy stepped forward beyond her reach. He stared down at the photo frame atop the pile. In it sat Vixy, James, and Fox in the park, all those many years ago. Peppy picked the picture up. His ears hung listless over his eyes.

"I can still remember when we were all still together," he murmured. "We all laughed. We were happy. Everything felt right with the world."

Vixy said nothing. All she could do was wrap her arm behind him and gaze into the photograph as well.

"I'm not sure how it all happened." His voice cracked. "First, we lost James. Then Vivian. And Fox. Now I'm losing you too."

Tears burned in Vixy's eyes. "I'm sorry, Peppy."

"It isn't fair."

"No. It's not," she agreed.

"But you won't stay if I ask you."

A part of her yearned at those words. But… "No. I can't."

"Are you sure about this?"

Peppy looked into her eyes. Worry filled them. Heartbreak as well. Vixy's chest tightened until it hurt to breathe.

"If it were Lucy in Fox's place, what would you do?" she asked.

Peppy sighed, pained. "That's not fair, Vixy."

"I know. And I'm sorry. But I know that you would do anything for Lucy, just as I want to do for Fox. I can't walk away from this, Peppy. I'm a parent."

Her words crushed him, and that hurt Vixy. Peppy tried to speak several times, clearly wanting her to reconsider. But he held back each time. He couldn't bring himself to speak his heart. Vixy pulled him into her arms. He didn't need to.

"When Fox first left home…" she began, "it felt like my world had split apart. James was gone, and Fox rejected me. I spent day after day alone at home, feeling how empty that house was without them. All I'd hear was the silence and the blackness in my own thoughts. I couldn't tell you how I bared through it all."

Peppy squeezed her. "If I had known, I would have pushed Fox to come back sooner."

"When he did, I started to feel better. It wasn't like the way it used to be, but I could stand the absence more. Fox was an adult, and I came to accept that. Just having him visit every once in a while started to make home feel like home again for me."

Vixy then pulled away and looked Peppy in the eye. "But that went away when Fox went missing. I spent years fighting to try and get him back. And we managed it!" She shook her head. "But now that he's going back to Cerinia, I realise… I can't go back to that empty house without him, Peppy. I just wouldn't be able to cope."

Tears fled her. Vixy wiped them from her face. Her breath hitched as Peppy embraced her gently. His warmth… his scent… comforted her in a way that only James used to manage.

"I understand…" Peppy said sadly at last. "I know that this is something that you need but… I can't bear to lose you after everything that's happened." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm sounding selfish."

Vixy held him tighter. "No, I understand." Truth be told, she did not want to lose Peppy either, or anyone else from the crew. They'd all given her so much, from hope of saving Fox to many moments of joy that they shared. And Peppy specifically… He'd been her rock for the last five years. Her central pillar of support. She didn't want to let him go.

Alas, she needed to. So, Vixy held Peppy close, committing the shape and tenderness of his embrace to memory. She relished it for all its worth. All so that she would never forget a single thing about Peppy, her dearest, most treasured friend.

As the elevator descended, so did Fox's heart. Its mechanical groans conveyed the ship's sorrow and resonated with his own. He felt his friends surrounding him. Falco. Peppy. Slippy. Lucy. Katt. Vixy. They all shared his sentiment. Their grief. Their despair.

How had the time come so quickly? Fox wished he had spent the hours prior with the people he loved; not while training but cherishing them instead. Practicality insisted otherwise, yet it could not silence how Fox felt. He would never get that time back.

"Make the most of what's left," Krystal consoled him wordlessly. Fox squeezed her hand, acknowledging her wisdom.

The elevator stopped with a shudder. Its doors opened. The Cornerian soldiers greeted them sternly throughout the hangar. They stood in a formation of two columns, leading to two starships. Fox's chest tightened again at the sight.

Not everyone had arrived yet. Whilst they waited, Fox acted on Krystal's advice. He turned to his loved ones. Made small talk. Pretty much said what he felt what he needed to while he still had the chance. Leave nothing without closure. All the while, the elevator brought more and more people onto the floor. Everyone onboard soon became present.

General Pepper took position in front of his troops. "Attention!" They saluted. "Although this is not an official operation of any sort, I feel the need to say something about the stakes that we face. Even now, the Cerinians continue to fight with all they have to keep the Aparoids at bay. We, too, have worked tirelessly to counter the threat their enemy poses. It is now time for us to help those brave Cerinians and launch our own offensive. Let us wipe every trace of the Aparoids off the planet!"

"Hoo-har!" the soldiers chorused; the Cornerian Army's unofficial war chant.

"I thank each and every person here for your efforts, both until now and from here onwards," Pepper declared. He turned to Fox and Krystal. "And more so, I thank the courageous individuals who will soon take the Aparoids head-on. The fate of all organic life may be at stake. I ask that you do everything possible to ensure we are victorious today."

"Don't worry, General. We won't let you down," Fox answered. He smiled a little. Ostentatious as it was, he enjoyed hearing Pepper's call to arms once more. He would miss it. And him.

Pepper saluted. "Rest assured that there will be no secrets kept of this day. The Lylat System will learn about what you achieve today, as well as the sacrifice that you've made, Fox. I know in my heart that you will succeed."

He then regarded Andross, standing away from the group with his family. "Simon Andross. Please step forward."

Fox half-expected the man to refuse. His firm frown pretty much foreshadowed it. Yet, Andross did as he was asked. He moved to stand before Pepper. Both men stared hard into each other's gaze.

"For your many crimes – which include unlawful weapons development; unlawful genetic experimentation; the use of both weapons of mass destruction and biological weapons; and the use of deadly military force upon civilians – I hereby exile you to the planet Cerinia. I also thank you for your services to the Cerinian people and wish you luck in the battle ahead."

Andross listened without expression for a moment. He then scoffed. "You always had to make a spectacle out of everything, didn't you, Pepper? You never change."

Despite his response, Pepper smiled. "Perhaps. Though I hope you'll humour me a bit longer, for I have one more thing that I must say."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

"I'm sorry. I was not the friend I should have been all those years ago. Certainly not the friend who you needed. You were innocent of any fault when the Catalyst happened, and I failed to defend you when our superiors falsely blamed you."

Dozens of gasps rose at the same time. The collective shock in the room made time feel as though it had frozen. Even Andross faltered for a second before sneering once more.

"It's too little, too late, Pepper. Nothing you say now will change the past."

Pepper nodded solemnly. "I know. That is why I now seek to reveal the true past to all. When I return to Corneria, I'll tell everyone what really happened on that day."

Though he didn't show it, Fox and Krystal sensed something shift in Andross again. "You expect me to believe you?!"

"Whether you believe me or not, my intent is the same," Pepper replied. "The people around us now know the truth and will hold me accountable. Even if I do nothing after all, someone else will inevitably tell the story instead. It'll be like I said. There'll be no more secrets from today."

Andross turned his gaze to his family. Only Thene masked her astonishment, if only marginally. Great relief also washed over Ashley. Andross looked back to Pepper.

"Do whatever you want. It makes no difference to me." Andross then walked away. He stopped after a few brief steps. "Good luck to you, General. You're going to need it." He then went to spend his remaining time with his loved ones.

Pepper watched him for a moment. A pensive look overshadowed his gaze. Blinking once, he turned it to Fox and approached him. He offered his hand. "Good luck out there, Fox. We believe in you."

"Thank you, Pepper," Fox replied, shaking. "You really mean to come clean about the Catalyst?"

"I do," Pepper nodded. "After all, there are people who expect me to do the right thing."

Fox smiled. "Good luck then. Take care, sir."

"To you as well." They shook again. "I'll leave you to say your farewells."

Fox turned away from Pepper. So many mournful faces looked back at him. "Well… I guess this is it," he said, hanging his head.

"Looks like it," Falco sighed. "Make sure you give those Aparoids hell."

"I will," Fox smiled. He then pulled an envelope from his flight jacket. "Here, Peppy. I want you to have this."

Taking it, Peppy flipped the letter over to read its writing. "It's my will," Fox explained. "I made it so that it can take effect if I ever get stranded on an alien planet again and can't be rescued. I'd like for you to make sure my affairs get settled back on Corneria."

Peppy's ears dropped. "Fox…"

"I have one too," Vixy said, holding out a second envelope. Tears ran down Peppy's face as he took it as well.

Lucy wept too as she pulled Fox into a tight hug. "Please be careful."

Fox gave her a long, reassuring squeeze. "I will. I promise."

She pulled away and dried her eyes. Lucy then retrieved something from her pocket. She slipped it over Fox's wrist. "I want you to have this."

It was a slender ring of green and white threads woven together. It looked identical to one of the many friendship bracelets that Lucy had made for him when they were children. Fox's eyes grew wet.

"Promise me that you won't forget about us," Lucy sniffed.

Fox embraced her again. "I won't. Don't worry, Luce." Feeling her warmth; feeling her heart; he swore that he would never forget any of them, least of all the little sister whom he'd grown up alongside.

"I love you," Lucy wept.

Fox squeezed tighter. "I love you too."

When they finally parted, Slippy stepped forward with tears in his eyes and a blue folder from under his arm. He held it out to Fox. "I was gonna give you this when we got back home. Katt helped me put it together. It's got all the trashy tabloid articles we could find about Falco while you were gone."

He might have laughed if he wasn't so heartbroken. Fox took the folder and weighed it in his hands. He then looked to Falco incredulously. "It's kind of light."

Falco bristled. "Hey! I'll have you know that I've matured a lot over the last few years! I don't get up to the same hijinks that you used to get into trouble for."

"Sure, Falco," Katt rolled her eyes, smirking.

Fox did manage to chuckle at that. Folder in hand, he then pulled Slippy close. "Thanks for everything, buddy. I'll miss you a lot."

Poor Slippy began to bawl. "I'll miss you too, Fox. Make sure you come back safe… Or I mean… Wherever you go… Just get there safely." Fox knew exactly what he meant.

When he turned to Falco, it became hard to look each other in the eye. "Fox… I…" Falco started. He sighed – his pain evident. "This is fucked up. We spent years trying to rescue you, but now we're throwing you back."

His chest tightening, Fox nodded sadly. "Yeah. It sucks. I was hoping to see which one of us got played better in the movie before something like this happened."

Falco snickered despite his best efforts not to. "Fucking dumbass," he shook his head. Fox chuckled too. Falco sobered first. "Sorry that you won't be going home after all."

"Don't think about it like that. I think… Maybe it's my ehn… Or the years I spent on Cerinia… But it doesn't feel like going back is the wrong choice." Fox pondered for a bit whilst everyone else looked at him with intrigue. "I think… I really am going home. Where I should be. Where I'm needed."

He met his friend's gaze. "What I'm trying to say is: Don't worry about me, Falco. I'm okay with this. I'll be okay."

Moments passed until Falco gave a single nod. He wasn't happy still, but he was content with Fox's answer. He could work with that. Fox offered his hand, which Falco firmly shook. "Keep looking after the Great Fox for me, would you?"

Falco's eyes brightened. "Like I always have."

After everything they'd been through together, it felt weird to leave it all behind with a simple handshake. Thus, Fox opened his arms. Falco squirmed a little; his eyes darting around at everyone around them; before slowing extending his own and accepting Fox's embrace. Their fists thumped each other's backs in near-perfect sync.

Katt harboured no such reserves when she threw her arms around Fox. "Take care of yourself, Foxy. We'll miss you."

"Same here," Fox smiled. "Keep Falco out of trouble, okay?"

"All part of the job," she grinned. She soon released him and allowed Peppy to take her place.

Looking at the man who had guided him for much of his life, Fox found it hard to find the proper words to say. Peppy also struggled and instead held Fox for as long and dearly as he could. "I'm proud of you, Fox."

"Thank you, Peppy. For everything." He took in a painful breath. "I don't think I'd be who I am today without you." Peppy's arms tightened just a little bit more around his chest.

Meanwhile, Vixy made her own rounds to say farewell. Lucy and Slippy cried the most for her. Falco embraced her discreetly but tenderly. When she arrived at Peppy's side, their hug lasted longer than Fox's had.

At last, they parted. Vixy gazed into Peppy's eyes for several unspoken moments. Her hand cupped his face. Her lips pressed upon his other cheek. "Thank you for everything, Peppy," she said before breaking away. Touching his cheek, something mournful overtook Peppy's gaze as he traced it after her.

Final farewells with the rest of Fox's friends followed the same trend. Tearful hugs. Some handshakes. A kiss from Fara that mirrored Vixy's surprised Fox. Every touch conveyed how they felt in full. Fox would miss each and every single one of them. At last, he turned to Krystal.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"I am." Fox dug into his pockets. "I know we planned to do this on Corneria, but I want to get it done now while everyone's here. I'm sorry that it's not what we hoped for."

He opened his palm to her, revealing two golden rings. "Krystal… Will you marry me again?"

Smiling lovingly, she took one of the rings. "I will."

It became funny how Fox's heart began to race. He smiled as well. "Peppy, could you please do the honours?"

"I'd be happy to," Peppy replied warmly. He positioned himself beside them. "We're gathered here today to celebrate the union between these two souls. They've faced many great obstacles together, but their love has always seen them through. Do you, Fox McCloud, take Krystal to be your wedded wife?"

Fox slipped his ring over Krystal's finger. "I do."

"And do you, Krystal McCloud, take Fox to be your wedded husband?"

Krystal's tail wagged. Her own ring found its place upon Fox's hand. "I do."

"Then by the power that… I wish was vested in me…" Peppy chuckled awkwardly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Their lips met. Their ehn hummed. A raucous applause and Fay's squealing filled their ears, though Fox barely heard it. All that Fox paid mind to were Krystal and her glistening, blue eyes.

"I hope that was enough for you," Peppy said.

"It was perfect. Thank you," Fox smiled. He and Krystal looked to Vixy, wiping her eyes. "Are you ready to go?"

Vixy took in a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Fox gave a solemn nod. "Andross?"

"I'll be there in a moment," Andross answered from afar. He then turned to Dash and shook his hand. Afterwards, Andross said something softly to his daughter. They embraced for a long time.

Staring down the hangar, Fox's throat tightened. Pepper and his soldiers saluted as he passed them with Krystal and Vixy at his shoulders. Thoughts of his old life flashed before Fox's eyes. The friends he'd made. The missions and adventures they'd shared. The planets he'd visited and called home. Then, there was the Great Fox, which Fox had poured his heart and soul into. This last march would bring an end to all of it. He would say goodbye to his life as Fox McCloud of Star Fox.

He felt a mix of sorrow and excitement when they reached the starfighters. Lucy's Sky Bunny was clearly a custom job. Fox could see where she and Slippy had tacked on military-grade parts on what had originally been a commercial vessel. It was still a beautiful ship.

The Star Tank, on the other hand, exuded the Cornerian Army's pride. Though wide in its body and wingspan, the armoured hull possessed a streamlined aura of elegance. Fox expected it could take whatever the Aparoids could throw at it in stride. And with the moving energy turret on its back, it would give them something to worry about in return.

They were both fine ships.

When Andross and Thene joined them, Fox embraced Krystal. "Be careful when the fighting starts," he cautioned her. "Stay close and follow my lead."

"I will. And be careful, yourself."

Fox then placed his arms around Vixy. "Please get along with Andross while we're flying," he whispered so that only she could hear. "I know how you feel, but we need to work as a team for now."

She huffed. "I understand. The Aparoids first. Everything else later."

"Thank you."

Beside them, Andross touched his brow to Thene's. "Keep us in contact," he told her.

She kissed him. "I expect you to return that after the battle."

Andross chuckled. "Then I'd best take good care in the meantime." Behind them, Fox caught Falco gagging. He fought hard to keep his own face straight.

He climbed into the Sky Bunny's cockpit and ran through start-up procedures like an unbroken habit. The ship's controls were largely similar to an Arwing's. Fuel and ammunitions were fully loaded. Diagnostics came through clear. Fox was satisfied that they were good to fly by the time Thene climbed into the seat behind him. Through their ehn, Fox saw that Krystal, Vixy, and Andross had all settled into the Star Tank.

Looking out to the floor, Fox's heart tore further apart. This will be the last time he would ever see his friends in the flesh. "I guess this is goodbye now."

Falco nodded sadly. "Looks like it. See ya around, Fox. Or I guess… You know…"

"Goodbye, Fox," Peppy said.

"Goodbye, Fox," Slippy sniffled.

Lucy couldn't even bring herself to say the words. She struggled to hold in her tears. Fox understood how painful it was. "Hey, Lucy?" She turned her reddened gaze up. He smiled for her. "Thank you for the ship. I'll take great care of it."

She nodded a few times, finally smiling. "Goodbye, Fox. Stay safe."

Others shouted their farewells. They addressed theirs to Vixy as well. Fox kept his tears in check as he closed the canopy. He was grateful to them all. For now, and for all the years they spent together. He vowed never to forget any of them.

Fox was ready. Thene was comfortable. Krystal and the others were prepared too. There was no reason left to linger. He gave ROB the command to commence deployment. Everyone inside the hangar retreated to safety as the two ships came to life. Fox took a deep breath. Might as well make the most of this last hurrah.

"This is Fox calling in. All units, deploy now."

The engines rose to full power. Fox engaged the thrusters. His ship shot forward, clearing the hangar in seconds. No time at all. It hardly felt like enough. The black expanse of space surrounded them. Cerinia hung brightly in front of them. Waiting. Inviting. Calling for their help. Yet, Fox glanced at the Great Fox through the rear-view display. A part of him still didn't feel ready.

"Hey, Thene?" he said tentatively. "Do you mind if we take a quick detour before we head to the planet? I… promise it won't take long."

He didn't wait for her to answer before veering the ship around. Still though, her long silence prickled at him. Finally, Thene let out a sigh. "If you need to."

"Thank you."

The Great Fox reappeared through their windscreen. They cruised around it in a slow lap. Fox discovered Krystal following their same course. He took in every edge and angle of the Great Fox; every splash of colour; and committed it to his heart. The Star Fox insignia gleamed across the ship's hull.

James McCloud commissioned that ship and started the team. Fox inherited both after his father's passing. Now, he entrusted them to Falco and the others. That brought a sad yet proud smile upon Fox's muzzle.

Cerinia came forward again. This time, Fox flew towards it. He'd said his goodbyes. He'd made his peace. Now, it was time for him and Krystal to return home and save everyone.

'Hold on just a little longer. We're coming.'