~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By Red Fox

Warning: This takes a long time to read as it is at least 50 pages long. If you would not like to spend so much time reading, stop HERE.

CHAPTER 1: Downfall

Although my conscience told me otherwise when I heard the news of his death, my heart believed that Fox was still alive.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fara Phoenix, Corneria

Fara stared dreamily out of a nearby window, looking down at the busy docking bay. Glancing through the huge entrance into the bay, her eyes lit up. A large ship approached, a ship she recognized well. The young fennec had been waiting a long time for this ship to arrive, and finally it had come. As it flew closer, Fara hurried down to the docking bay.

She panted loudly when she got there because she was so excited, she had run all the way.

She sat on a bench nearby, and waited for the Great Fox to land.

Aboard the giant ship, the crew of the Great Fox were silent. Their memories were blurry of the battle that had taken place just two days ago. The battle was still locked in their minds. The Venom forces were at first un-defeatable, and they were forced to retreat, but they soon returned, and they managed to create the fastest hit-and-run battles in the Lylat history books. After defeating the armies, and returning from those battles, they were called by General Pepper to take another mission. On the way back to Corneria to receive their reward money for that completed mission, they was a fatal crash. One of the best pilots in the Lylat system, and the leader of the Star Fox team, Fox McCloud, had been trapped and ambushed with his team. Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, and Slippy Toad can still hear the Venomian's wicked laughter as his crippled Arwing Class Starfighter impacted, bounced, and exploded on the sandy surface of Titania, the huge desert planet near Solar. Because of Solar's heat, many believe that is why Titania is so hot and dry. Peppy, Slippy and Falco managed to shoot down the remaining Flies, and flew around Fox's wreak, but their Arwings were so damaged from the battles, they failed to search long. Their fuel was dangerously decreasing so they eventually lost hope and limped back to Great Fox. ROB 64, Great Fox's robotic pilot and keeper, continually called Fox on the comlink, but he received no answer. After an hour, the team gave up. They had found nothing. They sadly flew off.

Aboard the Great Fox, the tired and battered crew retreated to their rooms. Peppy lay down on his bed and closed his eyes. A single tear trickled down his cheek.

CHAPTER TWO: The Mission

We didn't want to believe at first, because Fox was too good a pilot to go like that. Then again,

how long would you last with a half destroyed jet and fifty Fleas on your tail?

---------------------------------------------------------------------- Peppy Hare, Star Fox

"Another mission!" Fox exclaimed, surprised.

"That's what I said," General Pepper's voice rang out of the small computer on the bridge of the Great Fox. " I know scouting isn't really your thing, but you're the only one's who'll take the job. Also you might be interested that it pays good money. 30,000 credit dollars."

"30,000 credits? I think it'll be worth it. Tell me more."

Pepper nodded.

"We need you to scout Macbeth. We've received word that there's some strange energy force erupting from there, and it could be dangerous."

Fox looked at his comrades. They just nodded.

"Alright," Fox replied. "We accept."

"Good. Be careful, Star Fox."

Fox grinned. "We always are."

15 minutes later, Great Fox left orbit by Corneria and headed for Macbeth.

"Okay, guys, I'm heading out." Fox's voice blurred through the comlink.

"Hey, how come you get all the fun parts?" Falco complained, joking. Fox smiled.

The Star Fox team looked out the window of the bridge and watched the Landmaster roll away. Great Fox trailed behind, slowing to a near stop so not to ruin the element of surprise if needed. A few hours past.

Suddenly, "I see something up ahead!" The team looked up and squinted at the radar. A base had appeared in front, and fighters were coming closer to Fox's position.

"They've detected us!" Fox cried out. Peppy grabbed the controls.

"FOX! Get out of there!!" He barked. Fox turned the Landmaster and returned to the Great Fox. He ran to the bridge.

"ROB," He commanded as he ran. "Send seven powered-up nova bombs to the base and get us away as fast as possible."

"WHAT??!!" Peppy asked questionably. Fox scowled.

"You heard me. Blow this factory and all it's Venom scum to space dust!" He said coldly.

Peppy shook his head but he nodded to ROB. The robot pressed a couple buttons and they all watched the large balls of firepower head for the base. Great Fox pulled away as the bombs exploded, destroying the base and many of the fighters chasing them. The huge ship destroyed the rest. As they flew away, Peppy turned to Fox.

"What did you do that for? What if there were slave workers or something?" He asked him.

Fox stood back, stunned at the angry hare. Whoa, he thought, Chill out, Peppy.

"Peppy, I read some history about Macbeth. The Venomians used to enslave miners to work for them, but they realized work was going on too slowly and they created robots to work the factories. All we did was wipe out a Venom weapons facility with a bunch of robots."

Peppy looked impressed. " You've been doing you're work!" he exclaimed. "Sorry for accusing you."

Fox nodded, accepting the apology. Falco and Slippy were getting restless.

"Let's just get away from this sorry planet!" Falco grumbled.

"As long as the mission's done, there's no reason to stay here." Slippy pointed out.

Fox agreed. A few short moments later, Great Fox left for Corneria. Four Arwings flew around it, ready for anything. Or so they thought.

CHAPTER 3: Commander Boltz

Fox McCloud was an annoying fool to go against Andross. Even after his downfall, believing that Venom would totally give up was foolish, and caused him to finally fall.

------------------------------------------------------------------- Captain Haras, OutPost 459

"All-range mode!" Fox barked through his comlink. Peppy looked nervous.

"Fox!" He shouted back. "There are hundreds of Venom ships coming from Titania! There must be a secret base! We can't possibly..."

Falco interrupted him. "C'mon Peppy, we've had worse! Let's kick butt!"

"Yee-ha!" Slippy cheered. Suddenly a Venom pilot interrupted their cheers.

"Just try and shoot us down. You'll never beat our new jets!"

"Who are you?" Fox growled.

The Venomian grunted back. "I am Commander Boltz, of OutPost 601, and you are space dust! As soon as we defeat you!"

"We'll see who defeats who, Boltz."

Peppy looked stunned. "There is no outpost 601!" Boltz just laughed.

"Oh yeah? Where do you think we're coming from?" He clicked off the computer as the battle raged on. He turned and fought the Star Fox team's leader.

Fox quickly U-turned and headed at Boltz. Suddenly Slippy's voice echoed through the comlink.

"I've got a reading! 125 ships!"

"Great," Falco said flatly. " 25 for each, except for you, Fox. You get fifty."

"Thanks, Falco. Nice quick math job there." Fox replied sarcastically. But then he realized that he was right. Fifty ships tailed him, including Boltz.

"Uhh, I'm taking hits!" Slippy yelled.

Peppy replied "We all are, Slippy!"

Fox tried to shake his tailers, but their ships were much more maneuverable, and he could see his shields failing. Then he noticed Peppy fly by, with a bunch of ships tailing him. Team before me, Fox said to himself. He shot his lasers ahead and took about 10 victims. He somersaulted and took out a few more. His shields were falling fast, and it seemed too difficult to hope.

But slowly, the ships numbers decreased. Slippy called out, "There's a few more left! About..."

Suddenly a ship behind him shot his engine, and Slippy's jet slowed.

"Whoa, I gotta get out of here! Sorry guys, and good luck!"

They saw Slippy's Arwing head for Great Fox.

"Great," Falco grumbled. "We just lost the toad."

Peppy shot three more and answered him. "15 left. It could be worse. We could have lost Fox!"

"Yeah right!" Fox called. The remaining ships saw they had lost, and tried to escape, but the Star Fox team was not merciful. Those ships fell with their comrades. The team shouted their victories. Unfortunately, their scanners had missed one. Actually, they didn't. It wasn't on the scanner. Boltz's ship was equipped with a cloaking device, so he devilishly waited for Fox to come up in front of him. Boltz quickly followed him, and from behind, sent five sets of lasers directly into Fox's engine. Fox heard his engine nearly crash on him and looked around to see the culprit. Boltz came into view, but Fox couldn't do anything. Great, he thought.

"I'm losing my engine! I'm heading for the planet!" Fox told his teammates. Peppy watched his friend head for the field of debris around Titania. He frantically opened a channel to Fox.

"Fox, are you crazy?!! You'll never make it through with your shields that low!!"

"Maybe not," Fox replied, "But maybe I'll take Boltz here down first!" He sped up and went for the field. Boltz smiled. I have you now, Star Fox, he thought. He followed Fox carefully and dodged the huge rocks and rubble. Shooting precisely, he got right behind Fox and shot carefully. Fox tried to lose him, but Boltz was right behind him. Fox could see his shields go. He had a feeling he wouldn't win this battle. He managed to shrug the feeling off. Suddenly, he received a hard hit directly in the engine.

"Whoa!" he yelled. His right wing struck an asteroid, and broke off. Fox looked out the cockpit window and saw Boltz coming in behind him. He scowled. Great, he mumbled, Just great. Boltz laughed. "Sorry Star Fox, but you lose!" He teased him cruelly. Fox knew he had to get out of the debris, so he curved up and flew out. Boltz was going too fast so he lost Fox for a moment.

"Dang!" he cursed. He turned up and quickly followed Fox but he couldn't find him. Suddenly he found Fox. Right behind him.

"Curse you Star Fox!" Boltz somersaulted and shot Fox a couple more times. Fox's arwing went spinning out of control.

"Ahhh!" Fox screamed. The ship smoked and headed straight for the planet. Peppy and Falco watched as their leader crashed on Titania.

"No!" Peppy yelled. A few moments later, Fox's arwing exploded.

"Ha ha ha! I warned you, Star Fox! Looks like I win today!" Boltz yelled triumphantly. Then he looked around. Two arwings were right ahead of him. He gulped. A couple seconds later, he was blasted to bits. Peppy shook his head sadly.

"That was for shooting down Fox!" Falco shouted out to space. Peppy called him on the comlink.

"C'mon, Falco, let's go scan the wreckage. If I know Fox, he got out of that junk pile real quick."

"But why not just fly down and land?" wondered Falco.

"Too many risks of Venom troops around. If he's there, we'll pick up his signal." Peppy told him. Falco nodded. They started towards the crash sight when Slippy's arwing left Great Fox.

"Hey, don't forget me," he squeaked.

"Slippy! You're back!" Peppy said to him.

"Yeah, yeah, let's get Fox, wherever he is." Slippy replied. Three arwings flew down to Titania.

Peppy called ROB64. "Call Fox on comlink, see if he answers."

"Affirmative." ROB's emotionless voice said.

Down at the planet, they searched the wreak. ROB reported that Fox did not contact them.

"Fox," Peppy said silently, "Where are you?"

As if reading his mind, Falco called him angrily. "Where is he? He gotta be here!" His eyes were burning, and his face was full of detirmination.

Two hours later, they left sadly, heads hanging. They couldn't find him.

They walked to the bridge to get reports from Rob 64 of Fox's whereabouts. Falco cursing the whole time.

~ ~ ~ Peppy opened his eyes quickly, and sat up in his bed. He was sweating, and his pillow was damp.

CHAPTER 4: Hate For Venom

Love is a strange phenomenon. I'd say it's the strongest force in the universe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------Merlin the Magician, Earth

Fara met up with General Pepper who was also waiting for the Star Fox team's return. He noticed her coming.

"Good morning, Miss Phoenix." He said to her. "I suppose you saw Great Fox coming." Fara nodded.

"I can't wait. I wish they'd hurry!" she replied anxiously. Pepper smiled.

"All in good time." He pointed. "They're coming in, and they'll be here any minute."

Fara just looked out the landing door. Great Fox loomed in front, and soon, it landed. Fara ran ahead, and Pepper walked behind her. She stopped short when she saw only three pilots walk out. Peppy, Falco and Slippy were solemn and quiet. Fara was confused.

"Where's Fox? Is he still inside?" she asked them. They looked at each other sadly. Peppy put his hand on her shoulder.

"Fara, we need to talk." He said, looking very despairing.

Fara looked at him, and then at the team. General Pepper walked up behind her. He looked at Peppy, puzzled. Fara's eyes shown with hope, but Peppy's were dark and sad. They all walked to a small conference room unoccupied.

"Somehow, Boltz managed to cloak himself..."

General Pepper interrupted Peppy's story.

"That's impossible! Those Venom ships have no cloaking devices!" He said angrily.

"How could they create one in the desert planet? They don't have the materials possible!"

Peppy shrugged. "We don't know. Fox tried to lose him in the debris around Titania, but he lost a wing on an asteroid, and, Boltz took advantage of that." He said sadly. Pepper shook his head.

"I've heard of Boltz. He's a scum bag, traitor, and menace. How he made it to Commander is beyond me. What happened to Fox, and Boltz?"

"Well," Falco started, " Boltz ended up dealing with us, and Fox...." He stalled.

Fara looked up. "What happened to Fox?" She asked tearfully.

Peppy shook his head. He couldn't say anything. Slippy spoke up, stuttering here and there.

"F-Fox was shot by Boltz before we took him out, and cr-crashed on Titania, and then, his Arwing ex-exploded. We... we couldn't find him.." Slippy stopped. His eyes were dampening. Fara couldn't hold it back. She burst into tears, deleriously muttering. "Fox, Fox, Fox.." Peppy helped her up and took her to her room. He held her as she cried on her bed, trying to comfort her.

Pepper stood up.

"I'll call Commander Grey of Katina. He'll want to know about this." He left for the com room, leaving Slippy and Falco alone. They too left, slowly heading for Great Fox.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"WHAT?!!" Bill yelled through the communications net. General Pepper, on the other line, winced.

"Commander.." He started. Bill stood up and shook his head. Just minutes ago, he received a message that General Pepper wanted to speak to him.

~~~ "Commander Grey, sir, " Sherry Trevor, Bill's assistant said to him, "We've got a call from Corneria. General Pepper wants to talk with you." The young husky motioned him to the comlink. Bill asked her, " Why would Pepper want to speak to me?" Sherry shook her head.

"I don't know, but he said it was important." She looked mystified. Bill walked to the comlink and began the conversation. Now, he wished he didn't take the call.

"What do you mean he's been shot down? Fox was the best! What kind of mission was it you gave him?" Bill questioned him. Pepper shook his head. Bill was impatient. He carried on without waiting the General's reply.

"Is he okay? Where is he? When is he back?" Bill flooded Pepper with questions. Finally Pepper rolled his eyes and spoke. Commander Grey, please," He stopped him. Bill stared at the screen.

"Well?"

That was when Pepper told him. Bill practically keeled over. His best friend, gone? No way. But when he looked at Pepper's face, he knew. " Fox, dead?" Bill's unsteady voice could clearly show he was being torn apart inside. Pepper looked at the mournful bulldog with watery eyes.

"I'm sorry Bill, I shouldn't have told you. I knew you'd be upset, but," Bill shook his head gratefully.

"No, General, I'm glad you did. Really." He convinced the bulky general. As the conversation came to a close, Pepper assured him they'd keep him informed of any details. Bill thanked him and told him again he was truly grateful. More than you know, Pepper, he muttered, more than you know. Bill hung his head and walked out of the room. Sherry watched her boss, and she knew what he was going through. She had lost her best friend to the wars. She was still furious at Venom, even after Andross's downfall. Sherry had a lot to thank Fox for, but never got the chance.

"I hate wars." she muttered angrily. With one last look at Bill, she turned and continued her work.

CHAPTER 5: Titania

I hate Venom. They cost me everything I loved, and cherished all my life, and now they've killed the greatest hero ever to be in the Lylat system, and I hate them for that, too. Worst of all, they also made Bill miserable and depressed, and that's a wrong turn with me. I hate Venom and all their scum.

-------------------------------------------------------------- Sherry Treavor, Katina Home Base

Fox awoke slowly, and felt the hot ground beneath him. He tried to get up and immediately realized that something was on him.

"Uhhh, how long was I out?" He asked himself. He grunted and struggled to remove the burning metallic item on his back, but he was tired and weak from the...

"Oh my gosh! The battle! The crash!" Fox could barely think straight. Commander... oh what was his name? Boltz! He shot me down. What's the condition of my arwing? Where the heck am I? He muttered. He pushed and shoved as hard as she could, and managed to haul the metal off. Fox turned and looked up. He cringed.

"My arwing! Dang!" he cursed. His ship was a wreak. Parts were everywhere. Fire erupted from the engine. Fox tried to stand, but his right leg failed, and he fell to the ground with a crash. He grabbed a large stick nearby and looked at it. It looked sturdy enough. He struggled to his feet, but the stick snapped in two and he fell. He growled and grabbed the larger piece. He tried again, and the stick held him up. For a moment anyway. Fox struggled to the ship and searched it over. It was clear already it would never fly again, but maybe there was something inside still useful. Well, Fox thought, here goes nothing. He cautiously limped to the jet. Fox coughed from the smoke. He carefully looked inside the cockpit. it was a fuel mess. He looked around frantically, but he saw no sparks for the fuel to feed off of. Fox relaxed a bit, and took another look. He saw a small flashlight, and a small bag. He hauled the items out and noticed one more thing. He pulled it out, and saw it was a small transmitter of some sort, maybe even a short range comlink. Fox lighted up. Maybe he could call Great Fox and..... Oh my gosh, I forgot! He thought to himself. He looked up, and scowled angrily. Great Fox was nowhere in sight. They left. He shook his head. Just great! He looked quickly at the red planet above him. "Solar." Fox mumbled. The heat made him sweat until he pulled off his jacket. He stared at the jacket that he threw on the ground. He might need it at night. He picked it up and stuffed it in the bag. With one last look inside the arwing, or used-to-be, he limped through the sandy desert, staring at the ground. I can't stay here. Not with all the Venom troops around. Maybe I can find a safe place to stay, and then I'll get help.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bill sat on his couch in his room, staring ahead at the wall. His mind flowed with questions, but one sat in front. Is he really dead? Bill asked it over and over. He couldn't decide what to believe. He thought about it, and heard how upset Fox's girlfriend, Fara, was, so after a long period of time thinking, he decided to go to Corneria. Maybe they could help each other through this. He called Sherry. She was surprised to see him so energetic. He had been down and hadn't smiled since he heard of Fox's death. Sherry shook her head, frowning. Something was up. "What is it, Commander Grey?" She asked him. "Is there something else wrong?"

Bill smiled. "No, I just wanted to let you know I'm taking a break." he assured her. Sherry's mouth dropped. Bill Grey?! On a break?

"Why?" she pondered. Bill smiled weakly again. She was confused.

"Well, I'm planning on going to Corneria to see what is going on. With, uhh.." He tried to finish, but Sherry shook her head again.

"I know what. Now I do, anyway. Have you told the General yet?"

Bill shook his head.

"I'm going to. He knows of Fox's accident, and I'm sure he'll understand. I need to know what's going on."

Sherry looked down. "I know how you feel. Good luck."

Bill looked surprised. No one really knew much about Sherry's background. He nodded and dismissed her. Bill crossed his furry fingers and called General Reale of the Katina Air Force. Reale was a gruff rottweiler. He wore the K.A.F. badge of rank on his navy blue uniform, and he was started to see the grey dog on the computer screen. He explained the situation to the General, who surprisingly agreed with Bill, and briefly told him that they had not had a diplomatic visit Corneria in years and this was a perfect opportunity. Bill scowled when they disconnected. He doesn't understand why I'm going. No one does. Bill shed a small tear and quickly wiped it off before it was noticed by anyone. He walked to his room, packed a few things, and left for his ship. Corneria, here I come. He thought to himself.

"Commander Grey, welcome to Corneria city. I am Ambassador Telnah. I will be your guide." Bill regarded the short mouse-like creature. He walked by and headed for General Pepper's room, but Telnah stopped him. "I'm sorry, sir, but General Pepper is at an important meeting. You'll have to wait." Bill clenched his fists. Just then, Peppy came running to him. He was panting wildly.

"Bill, I'm glad you're here. Coming to see what's going on, I assume?" The old hare asked him. The bulldog nodded. "That, and I've come to see Fara. Is she here?" Peppy shook his head.

"She's here, but she's not speaking to anyone. She's pretty choked up. About Fox, I mean."

"I'm pretty surprised myself." Bill replied. The ambassador cleared him throat.

"Ahem." He spoke up. " I'll just go, if you're not in need of my assistance." Bill nodded.

"I'll be in touch." With that, the mouse left. Bill and Peppy walked through the halls, and stopped at a room with a sign on the door that read *Room #506* Peppy knocked on the door.

CHAPTER 6: Hope Of Survival

One reason I wouldn't face anyone is because I didn't want to talk about Fox to anyone. I knew immediately that the only person I wanted to talk to about Fox was Fox himself. Since I thought

I would never see or talk to him again, I refused all visitors.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fara Pheonix, Corneria

"Leave me alone!" Fara cried when she heard the knock. She had been weeping for hours, and she didn't want to be disturbed.

"Fara, I have someone who wants to see you!" Peppy's familar voice was heard on the other side of the door. Fara scowled. Not again. Peppy had tried many times to have Fara to see someone, but each time she refused. Peppy looked at Bill.

"Fara, it's Bill Grey! Can I come in?" Bill called through the door. Fara was startled. Bill Grey? Fox's best friend. Maybe... Fara shook it off. She couldn't speak to him. He would remind her too much of Fox. She couldn't bear that. Still...

"Alright, come in." Peppy looked astonished. Bill smiled. He pressed a button by the door and it slid open. Bill walked in. He looked around and noticed Fara on a couch. Her face was a mess of tears. Bill walked over and sat down beside her. Fara collapsed into arms and cried. Bill felt a little uncomfortable, since he was Fox's friend, and was holding his girlfriend. Still, Bill let the uneasy feeling go, and comforted Fara. He felt tears coming to his eyes, and he began to cry softly. Fara stayed there with Bill, and sobbed and sobbed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fox looked up at the stars. One shot across the sky like a meteor. He shivered and pulled his jacket over himself. He was glad he brought it. Fox had never realized how beautiful Titania was at night. He already knew how dangerous it was though. He reached for the small laser gun beside him. It was cold, and he prayed he wouldn't have to use it. With his leg broken, he wouldn't be able to fight well, and he knew it wasn't safe outside.

"There's gotta be somewhere I can hide." He had said that all day, but he had found nothing. Fox knew he had to find shelter, and food, soon, or he would starve. If he didn't dehydrate first. He wasn't used to this kind of heat, and his thick fur wasn't helping during the day. He was nearly about to tear it from his skin, it was so hot, but he thought hard and kept limping through the sand. In the small bag, he had found five ( Thank heaven) canteens of cold water, some food, and a small bottle of strange pills. Fox left them in the bag, thinking they would help if he ever became sick, but he pondered on what sickness they were for. Considering the conditions, maybe sunstroke. Fox still carried the small device, and had two things to wonder about. Suddenly, he heard a growl. He looked up, and came face to face with a huge Dagra. Dagras are huge scorpian-like creatures, with ugly black claws and bloodthirsty attitudes. He dropped his jacket, and made a grab for the gun, but the Dagra made a strike for his shoulder. Fox snatched the gun and fired. The monster screamed and fell. It quickly scrambled to it's feet, and swung it's tail at Fox. He fired again, knocking the creature again. Fox cringed when he felt the Dagra's monstrous tail scar his arm. He painfully felt the poison seep into his wound. He shot the Dagra again and it fell nearly on top of him. He rolled over, still clutching his pack, and his back pressed down hard on a small pointed root sticking out of the ground. Fox yelped in pain, and tried to move off the root, but suddenly the root moved under him. The ground beneath him disappeared, and Fox fell through a dark hole underground. His head hit something hard and metal, and he was knocked unconscious.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bill walked around a bit, waiting for his scouts. He had told Pepper of his plan after leaving Fara, and Pepper had agreed to help. A few moments later, eleven troops and four biologists/searchers came into the briefing room. Bill looked each one over. The scouts were wearing sun-protection gear, with bright red uniforms, easy to spot in the sand if one got off track. Bill nodded, approving.

"As you have been told, I assume, Fox McCloud crashed on Titania, and we are to find him." A lump formed in Bill's throat. "If he is still alive." The team nodded. Bill continued.

"If anyone sees him, they are to report immediately, and confirm dead or alive. If he is alive, and needs medical, I trust you four know how to treat him." He nodded to the biologists.

"If he is not..." Bill stopped. The team looked away uneasily. Bill shook his head.

"Let's think positively about this. If I know Fox, he's alive and trying to survive, and he needs our help to do so. Any questions?" Just then Peppy, Falco and Slippy quietly slipped in. Bill regarded them.

"O.K. team, let's go!" They filed out and headed for the small grey search transport. Five minutes later, the transport left Corneria Base, and docked inside Great Fox, and headed for Titania.

We're coming, Fox, Bill said to himself, We're coming for you. Please be alive!

CHAPTER 7: The Search

When I found a young fox in my storage room, I thought I'd kill him. He was unconscious and crippled, and I felt how hot he was. So I decided not to kill, because I figured his intrusion was accidental. Now, I'm glad I didn't. I've never seen anyone so happy to see me, even as a stranger.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peitro Sodie, Neutral

Slowly, Fox woke, but, he didn't open his eyes. His body hurt all over, and he couldn't feel his leg. He felt something wet on his forehead. It felt good. He could hear footsteps, so he opened his eyes and looked around. He was inside a room, that looked like a med room, on a small bed, and his leg was bandaged. He felt his forehead and found a cool wet cloth resting there. Fox looked up, and saw a small light on the ceiling. He noticed a door on the far side of the room that suddenly opened, and a old goat walked in. The goat regarded him. Fox watched him closely.

"Greetings." the goat said gruffly. He walked closer to Fox. He took the cloth off Fox's forehead. Fox stared at him, puzzled. The goat walked to a sink nearby and ran cold water over it. He walked back and placed it on Fox's injured arm. Fox gritted him teeth. He felt weak from the venom of the Dagra. He was lucky he wasn't dead. He figured his host was his rescuer. Fox tried to get up, but a sharp pain in his head forced him to lie back down.

"Who are you?" Fox asked his host. The goat considered the question.

"My name is Peitro Sodie. What is yours?" Peitro gruffly answered. Fox groaned from the pain in his leg. Peitro quickly walked to his side.

"Fox McCloud. Do you know what happened out there?" Fox asked.

"I found you in my storage room. You must have dropped through my chute. I use that to catch small desert animals. Everything that comes through that chute, falls into a cage. I check it every morning, but today I found you there. You were a mess. I treated your poison wound. You'll be up on your feet in a couple days. Rough time out there?" Peitro was struggling to be friendly. Fox could see that.

"Uh, yeah, my ship crashed and I guess I broke my leg, and last night I was attacked by a desert creature. I hope you don't mind the intrusion, er, much." Fox spat out the words quickly.

"No, no, actually it's good to have company, I haven't seen anyone for twenty years. I'm a loner. Pretty much all the time." Peitro said. Fox nodded.

"I can understand that. Do you have much technology down here?" He asked Peitro. The goat scoffed.

"Much?! This, Fox McCloud, is the most technical building in all Titania!" Fox's eyes widened.

"Technical! Where do you get your supplies?"

Peitro thought for a moment. "If you like, I can show you my tech room when you can walk. I can give you crutches."

Fox grinned. "Sounds great! Things are going on a lot better than when I first crashed here!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Alright people, let's get organized. Comlinks working alright?" Bill shouted to his team.

"Yes sir!" A chorus of workers answered him. Bill nodded, smiling.

"Okay, you, you , and.... you, come with me. The rest of you, split into four groups. Be sure that one biologist is in each team. First, we'll go to Fox's crash sight. Then we'll search from there."

The team took no time to organize the groups, and they quickly made it to Fox's arwing. Bill cringed when he saw it.

"Oh my.. whoa." Bill let out a whistle. The fire had stopped, but sparks still erupted from his engine. Fuel leeked out the side. The cockpit was a mess and Bill dared to look inside. Fox was not there. Bill sighed with relief.

"Fox got out okay. This is good. Now is there anything to show which way he..." A biologist interrupted him.

"Commander Grey! Look!" Bill walked over to where a small skittery chipmunk was crouching.

"I don't see anything."

The chipmunk motioned him to sit. Bill slowly crouched beside him, and looked closer. Slightly imprinted steps in the sand!

"Footprints!" Bill happy shout rang in the desert. The chipmunk smiled.

"Yes, and look, there's another. Look at the small circle-like shape?"

"Uhhh, yeah, I see it. What is it?" Bill asked him.

"That's a stick, and judging by the way it's imprinted..." He thought for a moment. "He used it as a crutch." Bill's eyes widened.

"He is hurt! He'll need meds. What's your name?"

The chip grinned. "Dr. Bluestin, sir."

"Well, thanks, Dr. I want you in my search team. Actually, now that we've found footprints, there could be more clues to Fox's whereabouts. Dr. Bluestin, and two scouts of your choice, stay here to check the arwing. You can catch up with us later." Dr. Bluestin nodded. Bill motioned to his team, and in a moment, they were following the footprints. Just above, aboard Great Fox, Peppy scanned the area. There was no sign of Fox, but there were signs of him being there. Peppy's spirit was lifted. Maybe we'll find him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fara walked out of her room. She had seen Great Fox go, along with the remaining members of the Star Fox team and Bill. She recalled the other day.

~~~ "I'm so confused. What if he's not dead, and trying to survive out there, and we're not doing anything! What if he's dead!" Fara sobbed.

Bill sniffed. "I don't know, Fara. But..."

"But what?"

"I'm thinking of going out there, to look for him." Bill said assuring her.

Fara's eyes lit up. "Are you?! Thank goodness, I thought everyone had given up on him. Even me!" She said sadly.

"I'll do everything I can to bring Fox back." He promised her. She hugged him.

"You're almost as charming as Fox. Thank you, Bill. This means a lot to me." Bill grinned.

~~~ Fara thought about the promise Bill had given her. What if Bill can't find him? She asked herself. What if... what if he's already dead? Fara closed her eyes. No. No. No...

CHAPTER 8: Discovery

Hope is what we had in our thoughts. Hope is what kept us going. Fox's life depended on our hope. Life without hope is pointless and empty.

------------------------------------------------------------------Doctor Anaka Bluestin, Corneria

"Oh my gosh!" Bill cried when he saw it. Fox's jacket, torn and next to a dead Dagra. A small patch of blood stained some sand near the jacket. Bill's heart stopped beating for a moment. Fox had been injured by the Dagra. He might be poisoned.

"He couldn't have gone far then. Where are the footprints..?"

Another biologist called him. "Sir, he rolled over. See these markings?" Bill looked confused.

"Where did he roll? Where did he go after that?"

The biologist shook his head. "That's just it, sir. He just, disappeared." Bill's eyes flared.

"He couldn't just disappear! He... wait a minute.." Bill looked at the ground. He saw a small root sticking out of the ground. A bit of blood was seen.

"Ouch! Fox must've rolled on that root. That's it! But how could he disappear?" He touched the root. It quivered slightly.

"Ah ha!"

~~~ "It seems we have visitors!" Peitro called to Fox.

"What? Anyone you know?" Fox yelled back. Peitro looked closely.

"Uh, you might want to hear this." Peitro turned up the volume on the small computer camera.

"He was been here. But where could he have gone?" Bill's voice crackled through the speaker. Fox's ears twitched. Am I hearing things? Is that...

"Bill!" Fox cried. "He came!" Peitro walked into Fox's new room.

"Who?!" He asked Fox.

"Bill! Bill Grey. He's my best friend!" Peitro looked surprised. Then he smiled.

"How would he like an invitation down here?"

Fox grinned. "You think you could...?" Peitro nodded. He walked back to the room next door, and pulled a small lever.

~~~ "There's something strange about this. Did you see the root move?" Bill turned to the biologist. He wasn't listening. He was staring at something. Bill followed his eyes. He saw the root, but it was in a totally different place. Bill's eyes widened.

"How did that.." He didn't finish the question. His stomach lurched as he felt the ground drop, and he fell through. "Ahh!"

"Commander Grey!" the team cried, but the root and the hole disappeared. Taking the commander with them. The team looked around helplessly.

"Uhhh, where am I?" Bill's uneasy voice was heard from the other room. Fox smiled. Peitro walked to the room. Bill looked up and saw the goat. He growled.

"Who are you? What happened?" He grunted. Peitro chuckled.

"I am a friend. Follow me please." Peitro motioned for Bill to get up. Bill looked at the stranger. He looks safe enough. But why did he bring me here? Bill asked himself as he walked through the home following Peitro. The goat opened a door, and gestured him to go in. Bill walked in and looked around.

"Hi Bill." A familiar voice called him. Bill turned. His eyes widened. He ran over to a small bed in a corner of the room.

"Fox! You're alive!" He cried happily. Fox smiled. Bill looked him over.

"Are you alright? What happened?" Fox sighed.

"I crashed on a huge desert planet. What do you think happened?"

"Well, thank goodness your alive." Bill was relieved.

Fox grinned. "You can thank Peitro Sodie for that. Peitro, come on in." Fox called to the goat. He stepped in slowly. Bill gasped.

"Oh, I never knew that... I thought.. oh never mind. Thank you, Peitro, for saving my friend's life. How did this, " Bill motioned to Fox's injured parts, "All happen?" Peitro shook his head.

"I don't know. Ask Fox. He should know." Bill turned to Fox.

"Well, I broke that, " Pointing to his leg, "In the crash. Part of my arwing's left wing fell on me. And my arm was struck by the tail of..." Bill interrupted him.

"The Dagra?" Bill guessed.

Fox nodded. "How'd you know?"

"I saw the carcass next to your jacket. When we found it, it was torn and ripped, and we thought the worst... but I guess we were wrong." Fox laughed.

"If it weren't for Peitro, you would've seen me right next to it! And I wouldn't be quite as lively as I am now." Bill looked away.

"We've been real worried. Fara's going to be so happy to see you alive. She's really upset. She'll be so relieved!" Fox looked startled.

"What? Fara thinks I'm dead? How is she? Is she okay?" Bill held his hands up to stop the questions.

"She's fine. Just a little, no, make that really upset." Fox frowned.

"As long as she's okay. What about the team? Where are they?"

Bill smiled.

"They're probably right above us. In Great Fox."

"As long as they haven't given up on me." Fox sighed with relief. Bill turned to Peitro.

"Do you have somewhere for me to contact them?" Peitro nodded. He motioned Bill to follow him again. Bill waved to Fox. He followed Peitro to a large room beside Fox's. It was brewing with all kinds of technology. Bill looked around, awed.

"Whoa. Is this all yours?"

"Yes. I designed it all myself." Peitro grinned. Bill stared at him.

"You designed this all?! What were you, a master technician?" Bill was baffled.

"No I was never a technician." Peitro laughed.

"Where did you get this skill?"

"I don't know. Just comes naturally."

They walked to the end of the room, where a huge computer stood. Buttons were everywhere.

"What do I do?" Bill questioned. Peitro laughed again.

"You don't do anything. Except speak." He began pressing buttons of all different colors.

"What's the ship's code?"

"Uhhh, let's see..." Bill told him a various selection of numbers. "I think." Bill mumbled. Peitro sighed. He tapped the number in, and stepped away so Bill could talk into the large speaker. They waited a moment, and Peppy's furry face appeared into view.

"Bill? Where are you?" He asked.

"Uh, I'm not exactly sure. I think.." He glanced at Peitro, who shook his head.

"I don't know." Bill corrected himself. "But I do know that you'll like what you hear." Peppy's eyes widened.

"You mean.."

"We found him." Bill grinned. Peppy quickly called the team to the Great Fox's bridge. Falco and Slippy came running.

"What is it Peppy? Is something wrong?" Slippy asked in his chirpy voice. Falco was more cocky.

"Spit it out Peppy."

Peppy grinned. "They found him!" Falco and Slippy looked at each other.

"Yahoo!!" Slippy shouted. He ran to the computer screen, where Bill was laughing.

"How is he?" Falco asked. Bill's smile disappeared.

"He's, uhh, not quite perfect." The Star Fox team looked alarmed.

"What happened?" Peppy asked, concerned.

"If you're worried that much, I'll tell you that he will be fine, I think. But he isn't walking, and he's been hit by a Dagra, " Peppy stopped him.

"Dagra?! Aren't they poisonous?"

Bill nodded. "Yeah, but he's been treated." Peitro took the speaker from Bill.

"Who are you?" Falco growled rudely. Bill stepped in again.

"This is Fox's rescuer. Peitro Sodie." Peitro looked embarrassed.

"I didn't do much. Just helped him with his health a bit. Got the poison out, treated his broken leg, this and that. Oh, and when he returns home, he might lapse into concussion now and again. He hit his head hard somewhere." Peitro told them. Peppy frowned.

"Can we see him?" he asked. Peitro shook his head.

"Fox is too weak."

Bill looked surprised.

"He is? He didn't look that way when I saw him."

"He may not look it, but the desert can take a lot out of you. Especially if you've been walking in it for two days non-stop. He's in no condition to move. Maybe in a couple of days. He'll have to stay here. That leg of his is taking him nowhere until it heals up. Luckily it wasn't a bad break, so he'll be on his feet in no time. Even with the crutches." Peitro assured him. Bill took the speaker again.

"We'd better go. I have to call my team. They probably have no idea what's going on, or where I am." Peppy nodded.

"Good-by, Bill. Take good care of Fox. Say hello to him for us." The group disappeared from the screen. Bill thanked Peitro and ran to Fox's room. He stopped short when he saw Fox had dozed off. Bill smiled.

"Good night Fox!" He teased as he closed the door. He turned to Peitro.

"Is there any way to get out of here?"

CHAPTER 9: Going Home

Fox isn't dead! Fox is alive! Hallelujah! Sound the trumpets! Oh, thank God! Okay, so I'm getting carried away. So?! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fara Phoenix, Corneria

"Okay, take it easy, grab 'em tight. Bill, hold him, easy, easy, okay.."

"Peitro, puh-lease!" Fox said, irritated. Peitro had been acting like this ever since he thought Fox was ready for the crutches. Fox stumbled, but Bill caught him. Bill smiled eagerly.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just not used to them, I guess. These things are heavy, and clumsy. I'm supposed to walk with these?" He scowled. Bill grinned.

"You'll get used to them, soon enough. Are you sure you're ready to go?" He asked.

Fox nodded. "I've been waiting weeks to go home. I'm not waiting any longer. Oh, I can't wait to see Peppy, Falco, and Slippy. And Fara. Take me home, geez!"

Bill grinned again, and patted Fox's back lightly, carefully avoiding his injury from the large root he rolled on. "Don't worry, you'll be home soon. I'm glad we found you so quickly. The guys were so sick of this desert. Glad they're on Great Fox. By the way, what are you going to do while you're recovering?" Fox shrugged.

"I don't know. Wait around, I guess. I'm pretty busted up, and I don't know how long It'll be until I can fly a ship again. Uh, I guess that won't be too bad, since I don't even have a ship to fly!" He joked. Bill suddenly thought of something. He thought about it, then let it pass. It can wait.

"I'm going to miss you're company, Fox." Peitro said quietly. Fox looked up.

"Me too, Peitro. You've been great, and, I owe you a lot. Thanks."

Peitro shook his head. "No, Fox, thank you. You taught me something important. That good company is always wanted. It's been a pleasure." He nodded his gratitude. Fox grinned.

"Peitro, how would you like to come with us to Corneria?" He asked. Peitro smiled.

"Thanks, Fox, but I don't know how well I would fit in."

Fox frowned. "What do you mean? Corneria could use you're great skills with mechanics. If you show them what you can do, you'll be sure for major success! Give Corneria a chance."

Peitro nodded after a moment. "Alright, I'll come. But I'll be back here if it doesn't work out. I'll have to get my stuff anyway, if I do decide to stay."

"Great! Now let's get me to Great Fox. I want to go home!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Fox!" Peppy's enthusiastic voice called when Fox boarded Great Fox. He grinned.

"Hi Peppy. Good to see you." Fox said back. "It's good to be back." He patted a steel wall affectionately. "Good to be on the Great Fox again."

"Well, look who's here." A familiar voice was behind him. Fox turned.

"Falco!"

He looked Fox over. "You're looking well." He said sarcastically. Fox rolled his eyes.

"You're such a pessimist, Featherbrain."

"Heyy, I was just kidding. Chill. It's good to see you." Slippy came running behind him.

"FOX!!!!!" He nearly ran into him. His huge eyes bulged when he saw Fox up close.

"Wow, you're a sight for sore eyes. What happened to you?"

"Ummm..."

Peppy stepped in. "Fox, I think you'd better lie down, rest your legs a bit."

"Peppy..." Fox warned. "I've been lying down for two weeks. Please let me stand!"

Peppy looked uncomfortable. "If you want to, Fox, but I'm still.." Fox cut in.

"Just don't worry. Have a little fun. We're going home!" Fox laughed.

"Yeah, yeah.."

Peitro stepped behind him. "Well, let's go!" Fox was puzzled. Peitro had never been this anxious to leave. Oh well. Must be lonely here.

~~~Later~~~

"Great Fox is approaching Corneria." ROB called them. Fox grinned.

"Alright! Fara, here I come!" He cried energetically. Peppy smiled.

"You really miss her, don't you?"

"Peppy, I've never missed anyone more in my life. Except Mom and Dad." Fox replied. He thought of his parents, who were both dead. He shook his lonely feelings away.

"Man, I can't wait. Can't we get there any faster?"

"General, Great Fox is approaching Corneria city." A small meerkat informed General Pepper.

"Hmmm. Maybe they did it. Does Fara Phoenix know?" The meerkat shook his head.

"Should I notify her?"

"No, I'll leave that to Commander Grey. Maybe even Fox McCloud himself. Contact them, and give them clearence to land if they ask. Tell them I want to speak with Peppy."

The meerkat nodded and left, leaving the general to sit back and wonder.

"Copy that. I'll let him know." Slippy replied to Corneria Comtact. He called Peppy, who came to the bridge, Fox hobbling close behind him.

"What is it, Slip?"

Slippy grinned. "General Pepper wants to chat. He wants to know the results of the mission. Peppy looked at Fox. He mouthed him not to tell. Peppy nodded.

"Peppy here. What's up, general?"

"Peppy, what happened?" Peppy stepped away, reveiling a crippled and banadged Fox. He was grinning like crazy.

"The mission was a total success, general. Though, I pray we don't have to do it again." Pepper looked surprised.

"Well, Star Fox, welcome back to life! How are you?" Fox pondered for a minute.

"OK, I guess, if you call being okay is having a broken leg, being stabbed in the back, getting a huge lump on my head, and having the worst three and a half weeks of my life. Other than that, I'm fine. Does, uh, Fara know that.." Pepper nodded.

"That you're dead, or assumed to be? Yes. Everyone does. It was front page the day of Great Fox's return!" Fox growled.

"You mean you all just gave up on me?! Well, you'll just have to print a new front page. STAR FOX BACK FROM THE DEAD! I can see it now.."

"Humph. Not everyone gave up. Bill obviously didn't."

"Okay, okay. Anyway, don't tell Fara I'm alive yet. I want to surprise her." Pepper nodded again. " I understand. Well, come on in. No point in just sitting in space, is there?" He motioned them to land.

"I'll be waiting at... let me check... Docking Bay 8. See you soon." He pressed a button and disappeared off the screen. Fox turned to the robotic pilot.

"You hear that, ROB? Dock 8." ROB nodded and headed for the bay. A few moments later, they had docked.

~~~ Fara sighed. Peppy had told her she should take a shower whenever she felt tense and upset. She must be the cleanest person in all Corneria. She had been in 25 showers since they left, a shower almost every day. She sure felt good though. Fara just got out of her 26th when the door blipped. She scowled.

"Fara? Are you there?" She looked up suddenly when she heard the voice.

"Peppy! You're back!"

Peppy smiled from the other side of the door. She'd be really surprised.

"Can I come in?" He asked her. Fara frowned. I? She thought. Fox isn't with him.

"Ummm, can you wait a minute?" She called back. Peppy replied, saying alright. Fara quickly slid on some clothes, dried her fur slightly with a towel and brushed it roughly. She opened the door, revealing a very sad looking hare. Fara's spirits drooped.

"Did you....?" Peppy shook his head. Fara's eyes watered. She fought back tears.

Peppy stepped aside.

"Fara. Great to see you."

Fara looked up. She gasped.

"Fox..." She said quietly. He grinned. Fara ran right into him, embracing him tightly. He gasped.

"Whoa, loosen up!" He hugged her back. She backed away.

"Peppy, you lied to me!" She said accusingly. Peppy smiled.

"Actually, I didn't. Fara, I'd like you to meet Peitro Sodie." Peppy turned and motioned to

someone out of view. Fara squinted in the light. She saw an older looking goat, who she assumed was Peitro Sodie.

"Fara, I'd like you to meet Fox's rescuer. Peitro?" The goat nodded to Fara.

"A pleasure, miss. Fox is lucky to have met such a lovely young lady like you." He kissed her hand. Wow, she thought, A classic.

"Well, Mr. Sodie, it appears Fox is in your dept. Fox?"

"Uh, yeah, Fara, you're right. We brought him here so we could maybe carry out that dept. Peitro says he's been living on Titania for a long time and hasn't seen that much civilization. We brought him here so he could maybe work for Corneria's bases of technology. They could really use a great mind like his." Fara nodded.

"Peitro, I hope you feel welcome here. And, I want to personally thank you for bringing Fox back to me. He means a lot in my life." She smiled at Fox. He smiled back.

"Let's go. General Pepper's waiting. He never did give us our reward for the last mission."

Fox growled.

"Uhg, I don't even want to think about that mission. Not now, anyway." He thought about it. He hoped he would never go through that again.

CHAPTER 10: Betrayal

I suppose the Star Fox team hates me. I had to do what I did. I was tired of my life and wanted Great Fox for myself. It's such a magnificient ship. If I have to kill the team to get it, well, sorry Star Fox, but, I want it and want it bad. You're already half dead already. I won't do much. Just ease you're pain. Good riddance to you, Star Fox!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anonymous

"You want to leave!" Fox cried out suddenly. Peitro had just told the him.

"Sorry, Fox, but I don't fit in. I've never worked well with others, anyway. You promised to take me home if I wanted to, and I do. Also, I want to go on Great Fox again, just to feel luxury again. It's a beauty. I'm all ready to go. We'll leave as soon as possible, I expect."

Fox nodded miserably. He had hoped Peitro would give Corneria a longer time to get used to him. But, here he was, demanding to get sent home.

"Alright. I'll notify the others." He called Peppy.

"Get the Fox ready to go, Peppy. We're taking Peitro home."

"What??!!"

"Be careful." Fara hugged Fox.

"Hey, it's not like I'm going to risk anything. I'm not risking my life, trying to save a city, or planet, trying to take over one, you know, dangerous stuff. I'm just taking Peitro home. Chill. It's not like we're never going to see each other again. Right?"

Fara looked away uneasily. "Right."

"Fox, we're leaving!" Falco called from the ship. Fox looked at Fara.

"Bye."

"See ya." She replied.

"Hey, wait for me!" Bill called. Fox looked surprised.

"Bill! You're coming too?"

"Yeah, someone's gotta look out for you while you recover, isn't that right, Crippled?"

Fox smiled. "Ha ha. Very funny. Save you're jokes. We're leaving."

Fox limped up the ramp with his crutches and entered the ship. Peppy helped him to his room. A few minutes later, they took off.

~~~Later~~~

"Hey, food!" Fox cried when Peppy walked in his room with a tray. Peppy grinned.

"Be careful. Slippy cooked." He joked. Fox made a disgusted face, but then smiled.

"That's okay. I'm so hungry, I'll eat anything! Speaking of which, what's there to eat?" He viewed the small food assortment on the tray. He bit his tongue.

"Uh, he went a little overboard with the cookies, didn't he?" Fox commented. Peppy looked at them.

"Yeah, he cooked them too long. Just extra crispy. A little burnt at the bottom." Fox laughed.

"A little!"

"He tried. Give him a break!" Fox stared at Peppy.

"It was a joke."

"Oh."

Fox dug into the tray, munching on some sizzled waffles and burnt toast. As he was finishing, Peitro walked in. He nodded to Peppy, who gave a gesture to Fox as good-by, and left. Peitro turned to Fox.

"Good morning."

"Hello." Fox said between bites. He quickly finished and looked up.

"What's up?"

Peitro snapped to attention.

"Huh? Oh. Yeah. Um, I made a drink for you. It's original, and quite good. I tried it." He held up a small glass. "Uh, with a different glass, I assure you." Fox looked at it. The liquid contained inside was a yellow-orange color. He took the glass and smelled it. It was appealing, but Fox couldn't help but notice the hope and anxiousness in Peitro's eyes. Fox let the look pass and drank the liquid in a single gulp. His eyes widened.

"That's great!" He grinned and handed the empty glass back to Peitro. The goat smiled in a notorious sort of way.

"Excellent. Phase one is complete."

Fox stared at him. Then, in a second, everything was black.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Peppy!" Peitro screamed to him. Peppy ran in.

"What?!"

Peitro pointed fearfully at the bed. Peppy stared beyond his finger. Fox lay motionless on it, eyes shut.

"He just, blacked out, just like that. One second he was fine, the next..." He continued to point. Peppy ran to the bed.

"Fox? Fox!" He called him. He carefully lifted his seemingly lifeless arm and checked a pulse.

"Good. He's alive." Peppy sighed. Not for long, Peitro thought to himself. He slowly pulled a gun from his waste. He hid it in his coat.

"Peitro! Go get the others! Hurry!" Peppy yelled at him. Peitro growled quietly. Phase two will have to wait. He ran to find the other crew. " Turn Great Fox around! Head for Corneria!"

~~~ "Oh, come on Fox, wake up, don't die on us now! Come on!" Bill moaned. He softly shook Fox, calling his name over and over. Peppy stood sadly.

"Come on Fox, we've come this far, hang on just a little further!"

ROB's voice suddenly called them.

"Great Fox is approaching Corneria." His voice called from the bridge. Peppy looked at his teammates.

"We'd better go down there."

"But what about Fox?" Slippy protested. Peppy shook his head.

"As long as he's alive, he'll be okay. The help he needs is on Corneria. We have to get there as quickly as possible. Let's go!" They hurried down to the bridge. Except for Peitro.

"Well, Fox, I'm sure this is a surprise. The one who saved you, will kill you. How... appropriate. I'll finish you off later. Right now, I have to kill you're teammates." He laughed wickedly and left.

"ROB, how far are we from Corneria?" Falco asked. ROB turned to the computer.

"Approximately 1 hour." He said. Falco growled.

"Can't this tin can go any faster?!" He angrily kicked a near wall, which caused him to jump back in pain. He sat on chair and rubbed his sore foot. Peppy paced around uneasily.

"Calm down, Falco. Just a little further." Falco looked up.

"Me, calm down? What about you? You're wearing a hole in this lousy floor!" He stomped the ground, stubbing his toe again.

Peppy looked out the large window. "Just a little further. We'll be there soon." A dark figure walked up behind him.

"Stop the ship." A voice said suddenly. Peppy, Falco and Slippy turned, and came face-to-face with a very angry goat. Peppy stared at him, confused.

"What do you mean, stop the ship? Why?" He froze when Peitro held up a large gun.

"This is what I mean. If you don't stop the ship right now, I'll kill you."

"Why are you doing this?" Slippy asked cautiously. Peitro laughed.

"Why? Ha! I want this ship. For myself. I'm sick of the heat of the desert. If I have this ship, I can be alone, and I can be cool. Such a magnificent ship. That's why I drugged your leader. So I could get to you."

Peppy frowned angrily. "You did that to Fox?! We should have known. What will you do if we refuse?" Peitro smiled.

"I was hoping you'd ask." He reached in his shirt pocket, and pulled out a small device. He held it up.

"This device is what can keep Fox alive. If I activate this, Fox dies. Immediately." Peppy drew back. He sighed.

"What do you want us to do?" He asked the traitor. Peitro grinned. Good. Phase three done before Phase two. How interesting. The rest of the team gasped.

"Peppy!" Bill gaped. "Are you crazy? You actually believe this nut?!"

Peppy sighed. "I have no choice. What if he's telling the truth? Fox would die." Peitro grinned.

"And he will, believe me." He laughed.

Fox opened his eyes wearily. What the heck happened? He thought, drowsy. He got up slowly and sat in his bed. He looked over. A small glass was seated on his night stand. There were traces of a yellowish liquid that struck him familiar...

Fox stood up quickly, then sunk to the floor. He grabbed his crutches beside his bed and pulled himself up.

"Peitro." He growled. "You traitor.." He hobbled out the door, heading quietly to the bridge.

"Now, turn around, and head for Titania again. Once we land, I can set you down and you can stay at my place. There's plenty of technology there, and as soon as I'm gone, you can contact your General, and I'm sure he'll send someone to pick you up. If you try anything, remember.."

Pietro waved the small device around. The team grumbled angrily, but sat at the controls. Suddenly, Falco lunged at Peitro, and the old goat was startled. He stepped back, and Falco landed neatly on the hard metal floor. Peitro turned.

"Nice try. I don't tolerate much, so be warned." He pointed his gun at Falco's head.

"Let's hope this to be a warning to the rest of.... what are you all staring at?!!" He asked angrily.

Peppy was looking beyond Peitro, so the goat turned around just as Fox's hard wooden crutch smacked him hard on his head. Peitro wobbled and just as he fell, his weak hand clicked the trigger button. The bright blast flew out at Fox.

"Fox, look out!" Slippy called to him, but his cry was too late. Fox fell, stunned, along with Peitro's unconscious body. Peppy flew forward, looking Fox over.

"It, hit him right in the face! But there's no blast mark. He's fine!" Peppy cried happily. Falco walked over after picking himself up. He stopped where Peitro lay.

"If he's fine, why isn't he awake?" He asked. He aimed carefully and kicked Peitro nicely on the head. He snickered.

"Hey, Slip, come here for a minute. Look at this." He called the toad over, who had already knelt beside Fox. He waddled over. Slippy looked at the small device Falco had in his feathered hands. He gasped.

"Hey, that's the machine that goat-butt over there threatened us with!"

Falco snickered again.

"Well, what do you know! You do have a brain!" He handed it to a red-faced Slippy, who carefully examined it.

"Careful," Peppy warned. "Don't trigger it. We don't know if it really works or not. I'm taking Fox back to his room. Why don't you check it out, Slip? Falco, you can do the honors of dropping our goat friend down somewhere, locked? Bill, you contact General Pepper. Tell him things didn't quite turn out the way we planned."

CHAPTER 11: Darkness

Well, things didn't work out half as well as I planned. I'll be in jail for a couple decades, I lost the only thing that can give a chance, and that is the way to kill Fox McCloud in one easy step. Oh well. I'll have plenty of time to think about how to set my revenge. By then, I'll probably still have the bump. Do you have ANY idea how painful a well-made crutch blow is?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Peitro Sodie, Titania

"Oh no, oh no, oh no.." Fara cried as the med team wheeled Fox's limp body out of Great Fox. She followed them, moaning and crying. Bill followed her, trying to get her to sit down.

"Fara, please, why not.." He started. She turned to him, fury in her eyes.

"Sit down? SIT DOWN!! My boyfriend is unconscious, and has been for the last, oh, 2 hours, and you want me to sit down? No way! I want to find out what happened, whether he'll be alright, EVERYTHING!!!" Bill sighed.

"Fara, most of your questions can be answered by me, Peppy, anyone who was on Great Fox. Um, except Peitro. He's a little out of commission right now." He chuckled, watching Falco along with two of Pepper's guard drag Peitro along the dirty floor. Fara watched them throw him hard into a dark cell farther away. She turned away.

"I don't even want to think about him. How could he do this? He seemed like such a nice person.." Her gaze followed the med team rolling the stretcher, and she started to follow them again. One of the nurses, a small skinny cheetah, turned to Bill.

"Will you get that twit out of here? She's disturbing the other patients!"

Bill turned back to her angrily.

"She's not a twit. She's just upset. Fara's not like this, all the time."

The nurse backed up, and was about to say something back, when someone called her name and she flicked her long tail in Bill's face and rudely trotted off.

"I should send a complaint about her." He muttered, and took Fara by the hand.

"Fara, don't worry. He's just a little stunned I bet. He'll be fine!" I hope, he said to himself. He led Fara back to her room, where he told her about what happened.

"Ahem." Peppy's voice rang through the door of Fara's room. Bill and Fara looked up. They were playing cards, and were in the middle of the game. Bill had suggested it, to keep their minds off Fox. Actually, he really said it to keep Fara's mind off him, but he needed the break too.

"Oh, come on in, Peppy." Fara called. Peppy slowly entered and both Bill and Fara came running to him like two kids on Christmas Day.

"Well?" Bill asked first.

"Come on, tell us!" Fara added. Peppy laughed.

"The nurse says you can see him now. He's awake, thank goodness, but..." Bill looked at him, horrified.

"But..?!" He said, waiting.

"But, we have a small problem."

Fara gasped.

"Problem?! What problem?!" She asked carefully. Peppy shook his head.

"Come see him. He's been asking for you."

Fara and Bill looked at each other, then shrugged and followed Peppy. He led them to a small room in a hospital-like building, where in the middle of the room was a bed. Fox was resting his head gently on the pillow. He sat up when he heard them come in.

"Fox!" Fara called. Fox grinned eagerly.

"Hey, Fara. How are you?" He asked.

"Fox, you joker. I'm fine. Look at you!" She scolded. She stared at the small bandage covering his eyes.

"Fox, why are your eyes covered?"

Fox slumped. His grin turned to an unhappy frown. Bill, still in the doorway with Peppy, turned to the older hare.

"Peppy?" He asked. Peppy frowned as well.

"Bill, Fox WAS hit by the weapon. Right in the eyes. He, doesn't have sight right now."

Bill looked at Fox.

"You mean, he's blind?" Peppy nodded miserably. Fara looked up at them.

"Fox...." Fara started. Her jaw dropped. She was silent for a couple minutes. "I.. I heard what Peppy said. I'm so sorry..." She finally said quietly. Fox turned back to where he assumed she was.

"Fara, I'm sick of people feeling sorry for me. Sure, I'm blind. I'll just have to get used to it. And so does everyone else. Don't be sorry!" He turned away angrily. She touched his shoulder, hurt.

"Fox, I didn't mean it that way. I, I'm sorry that Peitro took you're sight. You don't deserve that. You're a great person, and boyfriend, and I hate to see you upset, especially when you're upset at me." She turned his head toward her face. Fox hung his head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, either. I just, oh, I don't know, I feel so helpless."

"You? Helpless? I can't imagine that." She joked.

"That's not what I meant, Fara."

She growled quietly.

"I was joking, I hope you know."

Fox looked at her, and then his face cracked and he started to laugh. She stared at him.

"What are you laughing at?" She pointed accusingly.

"Oh, listen to us! We're arguing for no good reason. It seems so stupid, it's funny." He stopped.

"Sorry. Can't help it sometimes." He muttered.

Fara looked at Bill and Peppy, and they all started laughing. Fox sighed. Look what I've started.

"Besides, the doctor says it might only be temporary. I won't be blind all my life, hopefully." Fara sniffed.

"What if you are?" She asked him between sniffles. Fox shrugged.

"Then I'll have to retire my dreams and give up my pilots life. (sighs unhappily) I can't even think about what I'll do for a living. My life is in the air, flying an arwing. If that goes with my sight, I'll just, fall apart." He said sadly.

"I hate Peitro! He may have saved my life, but he nearly took it back, along with my team, and my ship! Speaking of the scum, I wonder what they'll do to him?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Peitro sighed, and leaned his head against the wall. Here I am, rotting in jail, because I tried to get free. Why did I try? Why didn't I just stay on Titania? Why didn't I just let Fox die? Because I needed company? Because I wanted a friend? Now, I'm in jail, and have gained a million enemies. Sighs loudly. He weakly looked up as he heard footsteps. The door opened and General Pepper walked in, and behind him came Fox McCloud himself. Peitro looked at him, surprised. He regarded the bandage around his eyes. He smirked.

"So, Fox McCloud, back from the grave I assigned him? What miracle is this?"

General Pepper walked up to him and punched him in the face. Peitro turned his head, red from the general's rough fist. Fox hobbled up to him, but Pepper stopped him.

"Fox, your going to run into the wall! I'll help." Fox pushed Pepper away gently.

"I'm alright. I just want to talk to him." Pepper shook his head, but he pulled up a chair and helped Fox into it. He stepped out, and fingered his gun and waited for Peitro to try to try anything. Peitro lifted his head back and looked at Fox, continuing to smirk.

"What do you want to talk to the traitor for? What honour do I have in this?" Fox walked up close to him.

"Listen to me! You're in no position to say a word. So shut up before I.."

Peitro smiled.

"You'll what? You're blind. You can't even see me! What are you gonna do?" Fox drew back.

"Listen, PEITRO," He said the goat's name as if it was poison. "I don't have to tolerate this. I can go, and you'll be left here to rot."

"Good! I don't want your company! You put me in this mess in the first place!" He shot back. Fox laughed.

"I did? Ha! You did this yourself. You're the one who decided to try any take over my ship!" Fox yelled angrily. Peitro looked happy.

"Yeah, I know. It was fun while it lasted! Watching your stupid team drape all over you while you slept like a lazy baby and their horrified faces when I told them I could kill you with a single false move they made, and to see you now, not able to see me, all blind and helpless..."

"Shut up!" Fox lashed out at him, but he missed. Peitro laughed eagerly.

"C'mon, Star Fox! Where's that pointblank shooting accuracy of yours? Lose the touch? Or the sight, I mean? Ha ha ha!" Fox backed up.

"You're nuts." He muttered. Peitro laughed hysterically.

"Yeah McCloud, I'm crazy! I'm as crazy as you are, thinking you can keep me here forever!" He ran up to Fox, pretending to attack him, but instead sat beside him.

"You know, Fox, you've got too much of your father in you. You've got too much ego."

Fox looked at him, surprised.

"How do you know what my father was like, to say that? You said you've lived on Titania all your life." Peitro laughed again.

"Did I? Oops! I may be nuts, but I'm not stupid." He grinned.

"Sure seemed like it when you took control of my ship." Fox muttered.

"Hmph. I did live in Titania while your father was alive and traveling through the Lylat system, creating chaos for whoever he was hired to create chaos to. Including Andross. Your father planned to kill Andross himself, but the deed was carried out by you, his son."

Fox growled lowly.

"I already knew that. Dad was always risking his life with his team, while I sat in Great Fox wondering and worrying that I'd lose him like I lost Mom. Then one time, I did. I still remember that." Fox stomped the floor angrily. A small tear trickled out from underneath the bandage, disappearing into the soft fabric. He shook the sadness away.

Pepper walked in.

"Fox, that's all the time I have to spare." He slowly helped Fox out.

"Thanks, general, for letting me in there. He's an ex-friend." He scowled toward Peitro, who was looking at him, pity in his eye slightly. Fox looked at him.

"I didn't even know why I told you that. Got carried away, I guess." He heard a noise. His ears perked.

"Hi Fox," Peppy's familiar voice called him. Fox looked around, searching for the place his voice was coming from.

"Hey Peppy." He replied. Pepper regarded the hare.

"General, I'll take him back, if you want." Pepper nodded.

"C-mon, Fox." He put his arm around Fox's shoulders, and led him out.

"It's funny Peppy. I've never, ever, been this scared or alone since Dad died. Maybe it's because my world is just darkness, no lights, no faces, just, voices and sounds coming out of nowhere. It's really frightening. If I ever get my sight back, I'll never take it for granted again! If I don't....."

"Fox, we don't even want to think about that." Peppy said quietly.

Fox frowned.

"That's what's wrong with us, Peppy. We don't want to think that it's a possibility. If being blind is what happens to me permanently, we'll just have to make the best of it." Fox sighed. "If I do, then I'm still thinking about what I could do for a living. I'll have to think about it while we figure it out. I said it back there, you guys are great support and all, but I need real family. I need Star."

CHAPTER 12: Family Matters

Blindness can really freak you out. It overcomes your life until it either goes away or until you die. It's scary, and it can take a lot out of your life. My whole world now is just one big sound, feeling around for where you are, or what's in front of you, not knowing whether someone is good or bad if they're around you. Yeah, I hate being blind, but it can either toughen you or soften you. I took it the way that went best with my mood, and didn't go well with everyone else.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox McCloud, Star Fox

"No!" A young vixen woke up yelling in her bed. Gasping, she sat up in bed and looked in the mirror across the room. She went to her bathroom and rinsed her face. Just a dream, she muttered to herself. A nightmare more like it. What's wrong with me? She brushed her fur lightly with a brush and dressed. She thought about her dream. She was walking through a desert, and she could barely breath, and the sun was beating down on her. Suddenly, a gun floated in front of her, and the blast made everything dark. She heard voices, soft and comforting, and someone weeping. The she woke up.

"What does it mean?" She asked herself. She looked in the mirror again. Star McCloud, a fox of eighteen, she knew something was wrong. Her leg hurt, and so did her arm. Her eyes were aching and her vision was blurry. She thought about her special link with her brother, Fox McCloud.

"Fox!" She gasped. "That must be what it means! I wonder if he's okay.." She quickly had her breakfast and headed straight for one of her her arwings. Custom made, ARCTIC was painted across one side. She was a small ship, but a powerful and fast one. Capable of carrying 9 nova bombs, it was almost the fastest and most reliable ship in the Lylat system. Probably the most maneuverable, but she hadn't been out from her den for a long time.

"Maybe it's time I left for a while." She rubbed the cockpit tenderly. She loved her ship. Star nodded.

"Okay. I'm leaving. Today." She thought for a moment. "No. Right now!" She was about to jump in, when she looked over at her other ship, Midnight Fox, right beside Arctic, and patted it.

"Sorry, baby. Next time." She felt a little silly talking to a ship, but then again, she had no one else to talk to. Star hopped into Arctic, fired up the engine, and sped away from her home. She set auto pilot on and locked onto the coordinates of Great Fox. Here I come, Fox.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Star?!" Peppy's surprised and loud voice made Star cringe a bit.

"Uh, tone it down a few notches, Peppy."

"Sorry Star. Good to see you!" He said apologetically. "How did you..?"

"I've told you before. I know when my brother's in trouble, vice-versa. What's happened this time?" She joked. Peppy shook his head.

"It's nothing to joke about. We all thought he was dead." He said solemnly. Star gasped.

"I-is he okay? Where is he?" She stammered. He drew back.

"Don't worry so much. He'll be okay, we hope. He's been hoping that you've come. He's been real down for a while and could really use your help. Why don't you come in?" He motioned to a view screen, where she saw a docking bay in the back slowly open. She flew her ship into the large bay. She noticed that Great Fox was hovering over a Cornerian base, and wondered what was going on. Star carefully landed Arctic in the bay beside three other arwings. She was alarmed when she saw only three. Fox's arwing is missing. She thought. I hope he's okay!

Peppy walked in.

"Star! Welcome back!" He cried.

"Hi Peps. Can I see my brother?" She asked quickly.

Falco lumbered in behind Peppy. He grumbled when he saw Star, and started to walk away. One look from Peppy, and he whirled around and nodded a greeting.

"Hey, Star!" Slippy's girlish voice rang out as he skipped over. Star stood back as he nearly ran into her.

"Uh, sorry." He muttered. He stepped back.

"It's okay. Now, let's go see my brother. Where is he?" She asked impatiently. Peppy shook his head.

"You're always so impatient." Falco muttered quietly.

"Hey, it takes one to know one." She shot back. Falco shut up. Peppy motioned her to follow him.

"Now, Fox is in a hospital.."

"A hospital?!" She yelled, surprised. "Geez, what did he do to himself this time?"

"Ahem. Fox was shot down on Titania, by a Venom fighter pilot called Commander Boltz. He crashed and we couldn't find him, so we returned to Corneria to get help. Bill Grey," Star nodded knowingly, "Led a rescue team to find him. Fox had found refuge with a goat named Peitro Sodie, who saved his life."

"You must remind me to thank him."

"Not yet. After Bill found him there, he contacted us, and we brought Fox and Peitro into the ship. Later, we got back to Corneria, where everyone thought Fox was dead, even Fara."

"Anyways, Peitro decided he wanted to go back to Titania. We brought him back, but halfways, he betrayed us and tried to take over the ship by killing the captain."

"Is Fox okay?"

They reached the hospital, and Peppy and Star walked in. Peppy headed for a room far in the hallway. She bit her lip. Her vision became blurry again. Peppy stopped at a room at the far part of the hall, and Star stepped inside. She looked around, and saw Fox lying on a hospital bed. Beside him, sleeping in a chair, was a pretty young fennec. She was clutching one of Fox's hands, cradling it in her lap. Star walked over to where her brother lay. The fennec slowly opened her eyes, and fixed them on the twins. She gasped lightly.

"Who are you? You look just like.."

"Yeah, I look just like him. I'm his sister." Star said quietly. The vixen's eyes widened.

"My name's Fara." She said, still stiff and surprised from Star's sudden appearance. Star stifled a laugh.

"I know already. Fox has told me a lot about you."

Fara scowled.

"He certainly hasn't told me anything about you." She said lightly.

"That's my brother." Star laughed again. Fox stirred. Star shushed her, and they watched Fox. He gradually woke up, but he did not open his eyes. At least, Star thought he didn't. His eyes were bandaged tightly, and Star took a moment to look him over. His left leg was in a cast, and his right arm was in a bandage going halfway up his arm. Fara leaned over him.

"Hey, sleepyhead."

"Wha..? Fara! Were you here the whole time I was sleeping?" He asked her, a bit embarrassed.

"Actually," She confessed, "I was sleeping too." She giggled. Star stepped in.

"Okay, Fox, what did you do to yourself this time?" She asked him loudly, and he turned his head in alarm.

"Who..? Star? Is that you?" He sounded like he was in a trance. Star laughed.

"Yeah, bro, I'm here. So tell me, what did you do to yourself?"

Fox ignored the question. "When did you get here? I'm really glad you made it. It's been scary. Seriously, it has. I know you hate hospitals, so I thought you wouldn't even come! Thanks for coming. It means a lot to me." Star drew back in surprise.

"Whoa! Mr. Sentimental! What happened?" Once again Fox ignored her question.

"Star.." He started.

"Will you stop ignoring me, young man, or go to your room!" She mimicked her mother, who had been dead for 10 years. Fox scowled.

"That's not funny, Star." He said angrily, but even he couldn't hold back a smile. It suddenly disappeared, and he looked up. "There's... there's been an accident." He mumbled. Star quieted down.

"An accident? What kind of accident?" She asked him cautiously. He sighed, dreading having to tell her. Star bit her lip again, wondering if she hadn't asked. She could feel his thoughts, but he was blocking them from her.

"Star, I'm blind."

Star stepped back, nearly fell over with her surprise.

"Excuse me? What did you say?"

"You heard me. I'm blind. I can't see anything. Not you, not Fara, not the room I'm in, not even whoever is pacing back and forth in the hallway." He gestured where Peppy was, sure enough, pacing in the hall outside the room. Star's usually clear eyes were cloudy.

"You're lying. I don't believe you." She said flatly. Fox sighed.

"Star.."

"I don't believe you!" She yelled angrily and ran out of the room. Peppy tried to say something to her, but Star pushed him out of her way. Peppy whirled around and regained his balance. He walked in.

"Well, " Fox muttered. "That went well." Fara held tight on his paw.

"This is hard for her. She'll probably go somewhere alone, and think it over. She just needs a little time, I hope." Fara assured him. Fox scowled.

"You don't know Star like I do, Fara. She doesn't believe what she doesn't want to believe, unless she gets proof. She'll never believe it until I get rid of this stupid bandage. She's very stubborn." He rubbed his bandage and it shifted a little. Fara readjusted the band, and kissed his cheek gently.

"As stubborn as you?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Star leaned on Arctic's metal surface later that day.

Now I understand, she said quietly. Now I know why my leg hurt, and my arm hurt. Now I know why my view was blurry. It's true, She thought, It's true. She stepped back and rubbed the hard surface of her ship affectionately. She walked to the nose and leaned on it, facing the empty space through a window. Ships occasionally flew by, but quickly. She sighed, and put her head in her paws. Star began to cry again, but she heard footsteps. She looked up and saw in the slight reflection of the window Falco walking towards her. He edged closer, and when she saw he was right behind her, Star whirled around and faced him. Falco stepped back, surprised that she noticed him.

"So, how's the Crippled One?" He asked jokingly. She glared at him.

"Whoa, if looks could kill! Sorry, I just figured you had seen him!" He apologized.

"I did." She muttered. Falco's cold expression changed, and he faced the ship.

"Is this Arctic?" He asked her, pretending to be interested. Star's sad face brightened a bit, but not much.

"Yeah, this is my baby. She's my best ship when it comes to dog fighting. I decided to bring her to show off. But now, there's not much to show off to." She said sadly. Falco knew right away she was talking about Fox's blindness.

"Hey, we don't know for sure if Fox will be permanently blind. We can still hope. I'm not giving up." He said firmly. Star looked at him.

"Thanks, Falco. I needed that. I guess I better get back to the hospital. Fox needs me right now. No reason to walk out on him." She headed for the exit. She turned when she noticed she was being followed.

"Mind if I come?" The tall falcon asked. Star smiled, and together, they left Great Fox, and headed for the hospital.

CHAPTER 13: All Hope Is Lost

I was surprised to see Star. We hadn't seen her since we were kids, she and Fox were little kits, and I was just a pup, and we were best friends. I hadn't seen her for a long time. Yep, I was really surprised to see her. She was real different. I was recovering from Fox's dilemma, and seeing her made some difference. She's a helpful person, and no one I know can back talk Pepper the way she does.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Grey, Katina

"Well, you take care of yourself. And mind that leg. I don't want you walking on it without crutches! And try not to use your arm. It's still quite painful, I'm sure.." The doctor dragged on, and Fox grew impatient.

"Okay, okay, I know how to do this. Can I go now?" He complained, tapping his foot. He had spent a week in the hospital, and he was anxious to leave. Peppy and Star looked at each other and smiled.

"Fox, calm down. You'll be going soon enough." Peppy assured him. Fox waved him off. He reached for the crutches, and tapped his foot again. He still couldn't see, so he couldn't find the crutches. The doctor reluctantly handed them to Fox, and he immediately got up and leaned on them. He grimaced, but stayed up. The doctor watched him uneasily.

"Uh, are you sure you're ready to leave?" He asked.

"Doc, I've never been more ready in my life. Get me out of here, Peppy!" The old hare smiled and led him out, followed closely by Star. The doctor left after a moment. He had never treated a more important patient, and famous too. He knew he never would again.

"Okay, just because you're on crutches and out of bed doesn't mean you're alright. You have to be careful with yourself and get plenty of rest and.." Peppy went on. Fox scowled at him.

"Peppy, you sound just like the doc. Lighten up!" He moaned. Peppy grinned.

"Alright." He agreed. Fox hobbled along, and heard another voice.

"Hey, Fox. How ya doing'?" Bill's unmistakable voice was all Fox heard.

"Bill! You're still here?" Fox asked him happily.

"Yeah, I figured I better hang around here for a while. Just to make sure you're okay. Are you getting better?" Fox nodded.

"Uh huh. I'm getting along fine. Slow, but fine. I'm just worried about my sight. They say I might have lost it for good." Fox hung his head.

"Fox, no! You can't lose your sight! If you can't see, you're not qualified to be a pilot anymore! You'll have to retire!" Bill clenched his fists. " Isn't there anything they can do?"

"I don't know." Fox muttered. He turned and looked around.

"I may have lost my sight, but thankfully I didn't lose my life." He said quietly.

"Let's be thankful for that," Bill muttered. " Uhg, I could ring Peitro's neck for doing this to you!" He punched a nearby wall, and pulled back his sore paw and rubbed it. Fox laughed.

"That was real smart." He smiled. Bill winced, but he grinned.

"I'm just mad, I guess. I mean, what kind of friend would do this?" He angrily stomped his foot, not risking hurting his paw again.

"Obviously the kind of friend Pieitro is." Fox mumbled. He hung his head in defeat.

"What am I gonna do? I can't see! What kind of life can I get without my sight?" He said sadly. Star walked up beside him. She laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't give up yet, Fox. I know we haven't." She gestured to the rest of the group, then remembered that he couldn't see the gesture.

"I still won't believe it. Just get me home." Fox speed off on the crutches, and Star ran after him.

"Hey, brother, you can't see where you're going! You'll run into somebody!" She tried to stop him, but only succeeded in slowing him down. He puffed and breathed deeply, smelling the fresh air.

"Sorry, but I'm tired of being taken care of. I want to do something myself. But without sight, I don't think I can do anything." He shook his head. "I wish Mom were here. Or Dad. But they aren't. And it's my fault." Star looked at him in surprise.

"Fox, you couldn't have been there. You couldn't have done anything! It's not you're fault!" She cried. She knew her brother was in distress, but she didn't think he'd go as far as blaming their parents deaths on himself!

"No, Star, don't you see? It was my fault. I wasn't there to stop mom from getting in the car. I wasn't there to help her. I wasn't there when dad was betrayed and tortured. I wasn't there to set him free.." He cried sullenly, and covered his face with his paws. Star reached up and took them off his face.

"Listen to me, Fox. If you'd have been there, you'd have been killed too, and I wouldn't have any family right now. I'd be all alone!" Star yelled to him. Fox scowled.

"You're always alone. You never see me anymore, and I never see you. You never call, and I can't contact you when I want. I haven't seen you in a long time, and now, I might never see you again."

Star realized that he was right. Everything he said was true.

"Fox, I.." She started, but Fox shook her off.

"Just forget it."

He walked away, leaving Star alone with her guilt and sadness. I'm sorry, Fox. She said to him telepathically. I'm so sorry.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fox lay in bed and stared at the ceiling he couldn't see. He looked like he was asleep, and when Peppy looked in, he stopped and tiptoed to the bedstand. He looked at the picture there. It was a picture of the McCloud family, when Fox was eight. James and Vixy were holding each other close, and below their exact duplicates, Fox and Star, were grinning. They were posing in front of a ferris wheel, and Peppy assumed it was the day James took the twins to the fair, and Vixy decided to come along. In his mind, Peppy watched the family disappear, first Vixy, who died in a car explosion, then James, who was betrayed and murdered by Andross, then Star, who ran away after they died. Fox was seventeen when they stopped disappearing, and he was left alone standing there. After the crash at Titania, Peppy thought that Fox would disappear from the picture as well, leaving the McCloud's name a history. Now, it seemed Fox would disappear also, and be replaced by a blind look-a-like that was always depressed. Peppy quickly placed the picture back on the dresser and quietly left the room. Fox looked up. They always think I'm asleep because my eyes aren't open. I don't feel like talking, either. I just want to see! He whispered quietly.

Fox rubbed the bandage around his eyes. He was always hoping that somehow, if he kept rubbing it, his sight would magically return. It was a stupid fantasy, but he couldn't help it. He paused when he heard footsteps. The door creaked open. Star looked in, and Fox turned his head to the door. Star smiled and walked in. She sat down beside his bed.

"Who's that?" Fox asked quickly.

"What's you're first guess?" Was her reply. Fox smiled a bit, but Star could tell he was forcing it.

"Uh, listen, Star, I'm sorry about what I said before. I didn't mean it." He mumbled an apology.

"Don't be. I guess I deserved it. I know I haven't been there for you, and I'm sorry for that. I.... I hope you can forget that and maybe, we can be brother and sister again." She replied. Fox shook his head.

"No, you didn't deserve that. I was upset. I, I can't stop thinking about how I would be if we hadn't taken Peitro from Titania. I would be walking around without you guys watching me like hawks, and I could do lots of things I can't do now."

Star felt sorry for Fox, now more than ever. Her fury for his would-be killer grew. She grasped his hand and held tightly. Fox smiled, but the smile faded. He turned his head and stared at the side wall. Star hung her head sadly.

Peitro, you'll pay for this, she swore, you'll pay.

With that, she stalked out the door and ran down the hallway. She headed for the prison.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Peitro looked up weakly from the floor he was staring at. The metal door of his cell creaked open. A young fox he didn't recognize walked in and stared at him, her cold eyes piercing through him. He looked at her, and something struck him. She was amazingly resembling Fox, but she was a bit different still. Her eyes were a deep blue-green, while Fox's were a lighter green. Peitro thought he could see fire and hate rippling in her eyes. She walked up close to him and grasped his torn collar.

"Are you the one who tried to kill Fox McCloud and take over his ship?" She asked coldly. He turned away, ashamed. She grabbed him tighter and pulled him close.

"I asked you a question!" She yelled. Peitro nodded fearfully. Never before had he seen such hate for him in a person. The fox loosened her grip.

"Who are you?" He asked her. She glared at him.

"I'm Fox's sister. That's all you need to know." She growled.

Peitro gasped.

"Fox has a sister? I... I didn't know that." He said quietly. Star let him go, and walked close to the door. She turned back to him and continued to glare.

"Because of you, Fox is blind. I don't know whether I should kill you right here," She reached for her gun dangling from her belt, and Peitro backed away fearfully, "Or not." She pulled out the gun and pointed at his head. "Maybe I'll take you're sight." She walked up close to him, placing the barrel of the blaster to his nose. Peitro closed his eyes. Star felt him shivering.

"You afraid? Fox is afraid. He's scared stiff that he'll never see again. And it's all you're fault." She continued to stare at him with her deadly eyes. "Better be more careful how you treat you're friends. My finger's gettin' itchy." She moved her finger to the trigger, and Peitro broke.

"Please! Please no! I... I'm sorry! Don't do anything to me!" He begged.

"Saying you're sorry won't bring Fox's sight back."

Peitro stared at the gun, shuddering.

"Killing me won't either." He muttered. She drew closer.

"What'd you just say to me?" Star asked him angrily. He closed his eyes and repeated what he said. Star smiled.

"You got courage. I won't risk it. If I shot you, Pepper'd throw me in a cell so fast you wouldn't have been dead yet." She smiled and got up. Peitro still had his eyes closed. He felt the cold steel leave his nose. When he reopened his eyes since he didn't feel the blast, he saw Star had left the room in one swift second. The door creaked behind her, and he threw himself onto the bars, and wondered why he ever tried to kill Fox McCloud.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Star walked through the halls of Great Fox, a satisfied look on her face. After her visit with Peitro, she had spent some time with Bill Grey, and he had told her something she was surprised by. If Fox ever regained his sight, he'd be surprised too.

"Mmm. Star, that smells so good." Peppy smiled as she entered the dining room. The team had already gotten there, and Star had just walked in with a couple plates. Falco followed her with a couple more. They placed the plates around the table. Star peered around, and looked puzzled.

"Where's Fox? I made his favorite." She said cheerfully. Peppy frowned.

"He's still in his room. Hasn't left there for a while. Guess he has nothing to do." He said sadly. He turned to Slippy.

"So, Slip, how's the research on that weird device Peitro created?" Slippy scowled.

"Not well. I almost triggered it today. I'm afraid to fiddle too much with it. What if I hurt Fox?" He muttered. Peppy continued to frown.

"That's a problem." He said.

"Let me give a try." Star piped in. Slippy smiled.

"Would you? I'd feel much better if you tried, since you're so much more into mechanics than me. You made you're own arwing, so you must be." He noted gratefully. Star nodded.

"Okay. Tomorrow, I'll try. But right now, I'm going to get Fox. He's not going to stay up there and starve." She huffed and ran out.

"Fox doesn't know what he's missing." Falco said greedily during slurps.

"Hey, Fox, we're eating. Come on down." Star said loudly through the door to his room. Fox scowled and got up. He reached for the crutches beside his bed and reluctantly got up. Star smiled when he walked out, and together they walked to the dining room.

"Uh, Fox? You sure you know where we're going?" She asked him.

"Star, I know this place like the back of my hand. I'm trying to remember how things were before, when I could see." She tried to help, but he pushed her away.

"Um, Fox.." She started.

"Star, just let me walk alone. Don't guide me. I'm trying to get used to this."

"Fox.."

"Ow!" Fox cried. He had slammed right into something. Star smiled.

"Just thought I'd let you know, Slippy moved the pool table."

Fox scowled again.

"Right in the middle of the room?"

After dinner, Fox went into the rec room to listen to some music. He had nothing else better to do, except walk around with his crutches, and he found that extremely boring. It was in the middle of his favorite song, when Peppy solemnly walked in.

"Hi, uh, whoever!" Fox said cheerfully. Peppy just walked up to him and sat in the chair beside him.

"Uh, Fox? Could you turn that off for a minute?" He asked Fox quietly. Fox barely heard him, but he switched the music off.

"Yeah?" Fox asked the older hare.

"Fox, we've just heard some disturbing news." Fox's cheerful expression changed.

"About...?" He started.

"From the hospital." Peppy said.

Fox's ears drooped.

"What, what is it?" He asked carefully. Peppy pulled a page from his large coat pocket. It was a lab report on a patient's condition. Written neatly on the top of the page was McCloud, Fox.

"Fox, this is a report, on your condition. It says your leg and arm will heal quickly, but your eyes.." Peppy trailed off. Fox looked at him urgently.

"Come on Peppy. I can take it." He mumbled.

"They say, you won't be able to see again." Peppy muttered angrily. Fox hung his head.

"I thought you'd say that." Was all he replied. Peppy stood up.

"I better tell the others." He said quietly.

"Uh, leave Fara, Star, and Bill to me. OK?" Fox called. Peppy nodded, but didn't reply. His spirits were dropped. All hope was lost.

CHAPTER 14: Lost Forever

When I heard of Fox losing his sight permanently, my life fell apart. I knew now that Fox was right. He'd never see me again. And it's my fault. I hate myself for that. I wish there was something I could do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Star McCloud, Neutral

"Oh no." Star's voice rang out. She had been unusually emotional ever since she arrived at Corneria. She was mostly very cocky and active, but Fox's accident had left her angry. Now more than ever.

"Oh no." She repeated. " I..."

Fox nodded. "I wish I could see you're expression right now. You're probably a little surprised!" He joked, but no one laughed. No one could. Fara threw herself in Fox's arms.

"Oh, Fox. I.. I don't know what to say." She sobbed. "Why did it happen to you?"

Fox shrugged, his faded eyes stared into Star's eyes. She had to look away. She couldn't stand those eyes, without feeling or movement, while everyone else's darted around uneasily. The only person who didn't know of Fox not seeing again was Bill. He had been so hopeful, and this would tear his heart apart. As if scanning her mind, Fox backed away.

"I better go tell Bill." Star put her hand on his shoulder.

"I don't think Bill wants to know." She muttered, but Fox shrugged her off.

"Whether he wants to know or not, I should let him know. I sort of am afraid to tell him. Maybe he'll punch a wall again or something." He laughed, but it was forced.

"Errrrrrr!!!" Bill's fist wore an angry hole through the punching bag. As Fox predicted, Bill didn't like the idea. Fox cringed as Bill continued to bang the leaking bag.

"I'll kill Peitro! I swear, I'll kill him!" He screamed, until Fox walked up so close he nearly got a punch in the nose from Bill's mad blows.

"Easy! Calm down!" He put a hand on the angry dog's shoulder, and Bill turned, his face red and sweating.

"I can't understand how you're so calm about this! I couldn't stand it!" He said, and sat on a bench. Fox had told him while Bill was in his rec room, with some workout equipment. It was clear that he needed it.

"Sorry, but I'm really mad right now, and I can't take anymore right now." He mumbled.

"That's okay. I can't wait to see, er, hear Pepper's reaction." Fox laughed. Bill smiled weakly. Yeah. Funny. He thought.

Star's dark eyes stared back at her through the mirror. Her sad, cold expression broke her heart. Fox's bandage had been taken off today. His eyes were cold and faded. It struck her right away that he was blind. His eyes never moved, they just stared out forward. They scared her, and she was ashamed because Fox knew she was slightly afraid. He could sense it. Their telepathic link told him. She tried to block her thoughts from him, but the boundary around it was destroyed, and he knew.

"What's he going to do now?" She moaned. Fox was left helpless to control his life. Without sight, he couldn't do anything.

She had been with Bill yesterday, and he had told her the greatest idea she had heard in a long time. Bill was going to wait for Fox's sight to return, and then surprise him. Now, there was no point.

Or is there? She said thoughtfully to herself. She ran to Great Fox's com room. It was quiet and deserted, just the right time for her to make an important call. To a friend very far away...

"Thanks. I appreciate this." Star said happily to the other speaker. Soon, her friend would be here, ready to help. She closed the channel, and Slippy suddenly walked in.

"Star! Who were you talking to?" He said cheerfully, but watching her, puzzled. Star shrugged.

"An old friend." She replied.

"Star, I was just scanning that weapon Peitro used on Fox. You know, the one that hit him in the eyes?" His lips mouthed the words, but Star hardly heard them.

"Yeah." She said mindlessly. She couldn't stop thinking about what her friend was capable of.

"Well, the scanner discovered it contained a, now this is weird, disease."

Star's eyes widened. She perked up. "A disease?" She asked. Slippy shook his head.

"I can hardly believe it myself. I re-scanned it three times, but it all came up the same. It's called paralysis, or paralyze. It damages the nerves of the body, preventing it from operating properly. Not only that, but it is permanent. If Fox hadn't stopped Peitro from shooting Falco, he would be dead right now." His face was serious. "It would have hit him right dead on in the brain, and without the brain operating..." Slippy trailed off. Star looked away uneasily.

"Fox's eyes are totally incurable." The toad said quietly.

"Uh, what about the device he threatened you with?" She asked, trying to escape the subject.

"No progress whatsoever." He admitted. "I'm sorta afraid to touch it, for fear of triggering it."

Star nodded. "Well, then, I'll work on it." She followed Slippy to his tech room, filled with all kinds of mechanics and tools. Slippy led her to a bench and table, where she saw a scanner, and just below, the gun that Peitro used. He picked up a small device and held it in front of her.

"This is it." He handed it to Star, and she carefully turned it in her hands.

"Strange little thing, isn't it?" She said, and Slippy smiled.

"Try to be careful. It might work, and we don't want to try it out." He said cautiously.

"I will." She promised, and the short toad waddled away, and began working on something she couldn't recognize. Star shrugged and turned to the device. She picked up a micro tool and hoped her mechanical skills were as advanced as Peitro's.

Moments later, a small light blipped and flashed on the side. It went BEEP, and the intricate little machine exploded in her face. She cursed and coughed, and looked at here hand. It was sooty black, but it wasn't burnt. Strange, she thought. Then she turned as Slippy ran up to her.

"What happened?" He asked anxiously. Star scowled.

"Can't you figure it out?" She said angrily. She studied her hand, and moved her fingers slightly.

"Well, I'm okay. What's happened to the machine, I wonder?" Star said. Slippy shrugged. Peppy called them.

"Hey, guys! What happened in there? I heard an explosion, and Fox suddenly collapsed on the sofa!" He sounded confused and concerned.

"Fox! Is he okay?" Slippy shrieked, and Star lowered her head. If something happened to Fox, it would be her fault. But Peppy smiled slightly.

"Don't worry. I think he's okay. He stayed awake, but he says he's got a headache. Says he feels like he has a migraine. I hope.." His voice sounded uneasy. "Hey, what happened? You never told me. Star, is you're hand okay?" Peppy blasted them with questions. Star and Slippy looked at each other.

"Uh, just a little accident. No real danger, as long as Fox is okay." Star stalled. Slippy examined the remains of the machine. Unfortunately, there were no remains. Just a big charred splat on Star's hand. In the background, they could hear Fox groan. Peppy turned.

"Um, as long as nothing's the matter." He clicked off the channel. Star turned to Slippy.

"We are going to have to be more careful, Slip. I hope Fox is okay." She said, and Slippy nodded.

"Okay, trash that," He motioned to the charcoal on Stars hand, "And let's check out the gun he used." Star washed her hands and walked over to where Slippy stood.

"Now, don't blow this one up." He cautioned jokingly. Star didn't smile. She couldn't stop thinking about Fox. What if she had killed him?

Star blocked the sad thoughts from her head and examined the gun. It looked normal enough, with a regular trigger and barrel, but when she opened the cartridge carefully, a small test tube was connected on the inside, and it's contents were a greenish liquid. She placed it under a microscope nearby, and was puzzled by it's structure. It was bubbling and moving slightly when she scanned it up close. Star was really confused.

"Hey, Slip, check it out!" She stepped back as Slippy looked through the lens.

"Wow! It's totally unstable! One touch of this, and you go totally numb!" He stammered. Star shuddered. Slippy removed it from the microscope.

"Don't drop this." He cautioned as he handed the test tube to her. "Or this place will go BOOM real fast because of the unstable chemicals. There's a test tube holder in that cupboard. Over there. Why don't you label it and put it there?" He pointed, and Star quickly did so. Slippy began to pace.

"This is very, very bad. Oh what are we gonna do with that?" He muttered. Star rolled her eyes, but she couldn't shake off that awful feeling people get when they think something bad's about to happen.

~~~ "You know what to do gentlemen." A stranger spoke quietly to a team of ruthless mercenaries. They nodded, but the stranger looked around uneasily.

"Just to make sure, you are to obtain Celestria Reins and Fox McCloud, aboard the ship Great Fox. Safety remember. I am not hiring you to kill." She glared at the leader, who was grinning to himself about the thrill of killing. His face drooped when she said not to.

"I will give you a code that will disable the ship, and you will be able to board the ship quietly. Do not harm anyone at any costs. If you are discovered, leave quickly, and return here. You will not be paid until Fox and Celestria sit here in this room, unconscious if possible. Remember that. You are dismissed. I will give you the code in and few minutes. Captain, do you have the necessary equipment?" Captain Meletts patted his waist.

"Loaded and ready for kidnapping!" He grinned devilishly. The stranger nodded and waved them out, stopping only the captain to hand him a piece of paper containing the code needed.

Excellent, she thought to herself. Sorry, Celestria. It had to be done. See you soon. She got up from her chair and stared out the window.

Fox awoke in his room, when he heard whispering in the hall, and his door creaked open. He heard footsteps, and then someone walked in. Fox lay somewhat alert, ready to act.

I may be blind, he thought to himself, But I'm not helpless.

But Fox was helpless to stop the stranger. Before he could react, the stranger grabbed his arm and jabbed something thin and sharp into it. Fox gasped in pain. Moments later, he blacked out.

Star lay awake on her soft bed. She had been awake for most of the night, and it was now 2:30 in the morning. She closed her eyes briefly, and suddenly opened them when she heard a noise in the hall. Star rolled off her bed and silently onto the floor. She reached for her uniform and slipped it on, and pulled her gun from it's holster. She hid behind her bed, and watched as the door opened, and a face she didn't recognize peeped in and looked around. Star held the gun, ready to shoot, and was surprised, and somewhat disappointed when he left. She scowled and crept out to follow him. She snuck up behind him.

"Ahem." Her voice broke the silence of the morning. The stranger turned, alarmed.

"Sorry to surprise you," She said sweetly, and pointed the gun at his head, "But would you kindly tell me what you're doing on this ship and what you want, before I blow your head off?" She growled. The stranger in front of her snarled lightly.

"Oh, I don't think so." He said slowly. He snapped his fingers, and cold, strong hands grabbed her from behind. Star struggled, but suddenly she felt a sharp shocking sensation all over her body. She closed her eyes, fell to her knees, then to the floor, and passed out. The leader smiled with pleasure. He put his electro shocker away.

"Let's beat it. Our job is done." He said quietly to his team, "Don't forget her." He pointed to Star. The crew nodded lightly and silently brought the two siblings to their ship in the docking bay near the arwings. Moments later, they left Great Fox and headed for a planet very far away...

CHAPTER 15: Just Here To Help

Oh, I'm not a bad person, just desperate. I couldn't get to Celestria, so I brought her to me. I had to do it. The others wouldn't let me go. Thought I'd never come back, the fools. Now, Celestria is here, and I can do what I owe her. Soon, I hope.

---------------------------------------------------------- Jodie Bongo, Planet 9: Barclay System

Star slowly opened her drowsy eyes, and found herself somewhere she didn't recognize. She looked up, and saw a face she knew right away.

"Jodie!" She said happily. A tall springbok stood in front of her, smiling.

"Nice to see you again, Celestria." She said to her. Star stood up. She heard the name she had not heard or been called in a long time. Star had used that name in school, as a code name so no one would know who she really was. She looked at her friend. She wore a long scientist coat, and she had short, curving antlers.

"How have you been? I haven't seen you for a long time." Celestria, er, Star, asked. Jodie grinned.

"At least two or three years, I think." She replied. Star looked around.

"Where am I?" She asked her friend. Jodie changed her expression.

"Uh, I can't really tell you, exactly, but I can tell you you're not in the Lylat system." Star gasped.

"I'm not! What system am I in then?"

"You're in the Barclay system, far away from the Lylat system. Far west. Couple hundred light years." She replied. Star looked puzzled.

"Well, why did you bring me here? I thought you were coming to me."

Jodie looked around.

"I couldn't go. The other scientists wouldn't let me leave. We're in a secluded area, and if we leave, we can be charged with death!" She said fearfully, and Star bit her lip.

"Well, what can you do here?" She finally asked. Jodie smiled.

"I've already done something." She said and turned. She motioned for Star to follow her.

"What do you mean?" Star asked as they walked through a hallway of rooms, filled with scientists running from one place to another.

"I mean, you asked me if I could help your brother. I'm trying, but it's strange what he's going through." She answered thoughtfully. Star looked surprised.

"You mean, he's here?" She asked quickly. Jodie nodded.

"Yeah. His eyesight may still have a chance, thanks to modern technology we have and that Corneria doesn't."

Star smiled. Jodie was a genius, and a technician. She went to school with Star. They had met just before Star ran away, after her dad died. Jodie had been her best friend since then, but they had been separated after graduation. Star had seen her very little since. She was surprised and pleased to finally see her.

"So, can I see him?" Jodie grinned.

"I was hoping you'd ask."

She led her to a room, and when she walked in, Star gasped. Fox was lying on a bed, unconscious, (as usual) and his eyes had a strange device on it. Jodie walked up to him and picked up a small, twisted tool and clicked it on the device.

"Time to test my results," She said softly to Star. She turned the tool and clicke it again. Fox stirred, and a minute later, woke up. His eyebrows went up. The room he was in was a light green colour, and he was on a bed. A gazelle stood in front of him, and standing beside her was Star. But it wasn't the surprise of being in someplace diferent. It wasn't being around Star and a stranger.

"Wow! I can see!" He shouted. Star stepped back.

"I can see! What the heck's going on?" He continued. Jodie smiled and looked at Star.

"Well, looks like it worked."

Star grinned.

"I can tell." She said. Fox looked at her funny.

"What happened?" He asked. He tried to stand, but Jodie laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't try to get up, Fox. You're too weak." She lightly pushed him back down. He grabbed her arm and polietly pushed her back.

"Who are you?" He asked her, puzzled. Jodie smiled.

"My name is Jodie Bongo. Celestria here has been asking to see you."

Star stepped in. Fox looked confused.

"Celestria?!" He exclaimed. Star frowned.

"Um, not now Fox. I'll explain later." She whispered. Fox's eyes widened, but he was still befuddled. (I love that word!)

"Fox, she gave you back your sight. She's one of my best friends!" She said.

"Oh." Was all Fox replied. There was a pause. "Thanks for that."

Jodie nodded. "You're welcome. It was my pleasure, helping Celestria's brother. I hope it lasts. By the way, how did you two end up having different last names?" Fox looked alarmed. He ignored her question.

"What do you mean, 'I hope it lasts'?" He asked. Jodie frowned uneasily.

"Well, I don't know whether it will last as long. I may have to keep you here for a while." She explained. Fox nodded.

"How did you get my sight back, anyways?"

Jodie smiled.

"I used our technology. Using a special tool," She held up the tool in her hand, "I implanted an electrical eye patch that will serve for a partial amount of time, until I get far enough to study your condition with sight. If this works well enough, then I'll know that I'm on the right track."

"Then what you're saying, is that I have no really healed eyes?" He said questioningly.

"Yeah, I guess." Jodie replied, unsure. "I think it's really too technical for even me!" She laughed. Fox smiled.

"I hired Captain Meletts to take you here. I paid him a lot. He's in real demand for money." She scowled. "But I guess it was worth it, to see you." She grinned at Star. "And you too, Fox. Celestria never really talked about you until recently."

"Aw, it doesn't matter, 'cuz I never really talk about her either." He replied. The young springbok smiled.

"Well, let me see what else I can do for you with those eyes." She picked up the tool, and Fox gulped.

"Uhhh, shouldn't you do anything to put me out or something?" He stammered. Jodie looked up.

"Huh? Oh yeah. Sorry. I feel a little light-headed today." Fox's eyes widened.

"Um, maybe not now." He said carefully. Jodie laughed.

"Don't worry, I was just kidding!" She giggled. Star joined in, then finally Fox.

"Anyways, the other doctors say I have to sedate you, before I work on your eyes, because you wouldn't survive. You wouldn't stand the pain, most likely." She said.

"I feel kinda tired anyways. What time is it?"

"3:30 exactly."

Fox gasped softly. "3:30?! My teamates are probably freakin' out by now!"

Jodie smiled. "They'd be doing more than just freaking out! Ha ha!" She threw her head back and laughed. Fox looked away uncomfortably.

Great Fox: 8:00 that morning

Peppy yawned as he walked in the den. He could smell something delicious erupting from the kitchen. Mmmm. He thought to himself. Smells great. Slippy was lounging about on the couch, reading a magazine. Peppy heard Falco in the kitchen.

"Dang it!" Falco cursed. Peppy walked in, still drowsy from the last night's sleep.

"What's the matter?" He asked. Falco turned to him, scowling a a frying pan on the stove.

"It's the bacon!" He yelled, pointing a feathered finger at the pan. "It almost got burned! And I was too busy with the toast, and the eggs, and, well, everything!" Falco motioned angrily aroung the room. Peppy smiled.

"Sounds like you need some help." He chuckled. Falco glared at him.

"Yeah. Sound like." He scowled. Peppy walked over to the fryer and began to stir around the near-charred pieces of bacon sizzling inside it. Slippy walked in.

"When is the food ready?" He asked, yawning. Falco grumbled to himself. Now he had someone else to glare at. He did so.

"As soon as the food stops burning! Now leave me alone, you little, GIRL, before I..." He didn't have to finish. Slippy scowled at the insult, but couldn't think of a comeback.

"I... I think I'll go get Fox and Star." He stammered. "I'm sure they wouldn't EVER want to miss this breakfast." He snickered sarcasticly. He turned and fled from the room when Falco raised a pot. The angry bird turned and continued to make breakfast.

Slippy walked down the halls of Great Fox. It was a huge ship, and he envied Fox for having it. The whole team wondered who would lead the team now that Fox couldn't. Slippy always wished it would be him. But he knew that Peppy, or, even Falco, were much better pilots than him, and thet could stay in formation longer. AND they don't always get into trouble. As Slippy reached Fox's room, he noticed it was silent. He knocked, but there was no answer.

"Hey, Fox? Time for breakfast!" He called. Still no answer. What's going on? He asked himself.

He slowly opened the door.

"FOX??!!" He called. Fox was no where to be found. He ran out, leaving the door ajar.

"STAR?!!" He once again shouted in a room. Star was gone as well. Slippy ran to the kitchen. Halfway there, he noticed something on the floor.

Star's gun. A small syringe lay next to it.

"PEPPY!!"

Peppy jumped when Slippy rushed into the kitchen. He was sweaty and gasping for breath, and it was clear the toad had been running.

"What's the matter, Froggie? Slip and fall on your face" Falco teased. Slippy glared at him.

"Peppy! Fox and Star, they're.. they're.. they're gone!" He finally said, still gasping.

"What do you mean, they're gone?" Peppy asked casually. Slippy showed him the gun.

"I went to their rooms, and they're not there! And on the way here, I found this." Peppy gasped lightly.

"That's Star's gun!" He said out loud. Falco observed it.

"Did you find anything else?" He asked sharply. Slippy nodded.

"A small burn mark on the floor. I didn't examine it much. Oh.., all right," He admitted when Falco sent him an unbelieving look, "I didn't even touch it." Peppy dropped the spoon he was holding.

"Let's find out what's going on before breakfast." He said, and bolted out. Falco shook his head as Slippy followed him closely.

"Hmm." He mumbled as he quickly touched the stove, giving a knob a small ajustment before walking out.

"What took you?" Peppy said coldly in that 'I'm the boss so do what I say and follow me' tone of voice. Falco glared at him.

"Oh, nothing really. Just turned off the heater so Great Fox wouldn't turn into an ash bucket." he replied hotly. Peppy just scowled and turned back to what he was doing. Falco looked over his shoulder. He saw what he assumed were footsteps.

"What's that pattern?" He asked loudly. Slippy looked up, then stared at what Falco was seeing.

"I don't see a pattern." He muttered. Falco scowled.

"What an idiot." He said silently. He carefully pinpointed the pattern out.

"Ohh! That's a foot pattern. It shows, that someone was struggling here! And this is where I found the gun!" He gasped. Falco snickered.

"Team to bridge." ROB64's emotionless voice rang out through speakers above them. The team grumbled and reluctantly made their way to the bridge. The robotic pilot was by the computer.

"Message from inidentified ship." He said. Peppy took the speaker.

"This is Peppy Hare of Great Fox. Please identify."

"Hey guys! What's up with the heros of the universe!" Bill's unmistakable voice was heard through the speaker.

"Uh, hi Bill. Are you near us?" Peppy asked the dog. Bill laughed.

"Near you? I'm practically at your door!!" He grinned.

"Good. Come on in the back bay. We have some bad news." Peppy smiled weakly. Bill frowned. He could sense if there was something wrong. There was definitely something wrong. He docked in the right bay and landed next to the arwings. He noticed Star's ship, The Arctic Fox, was shiny and looking brand new. He longed to see Fox's arwing there, but it had been totally destroyed on Titania. He rubbed Arctic's smooth surface, but quickly removed his paw from the cold metal. If Star caught him touching it, he'd be dead. He knew how protective she was of her ships. He saw Peppy, Falco, and Slippy walking solomnly towards him. That was it.

"Where's Fox? Where's Star?" He asked as soon as they were close enough.

"We... we don't exactly know." Peppy mumbled. Bill frowned again.

"What do you mean, you don't know?" He asked. Peppy shrugged.

"They were gone this morning. We can't find either of them. They couldn't have left, because all the ships are here." Slippy peeped in.

"I wonder if they've been kidnapped." Falco said thoughtfully. All eyes came to him.

"What do you mean by that?" Peppy gasped. Faloc shrugged.

"All the pieces fit. Someone broke our shields with a code, like Star did once, and went in and got Fox probably. He'd be easier to get because he can't see anyone coming. Then maybe Star heard someone in the hallway, and put on her outfit, ('cuz I noticed it was gone,) and got her gun. She was caught by someone, and they had a struggle, and they took her and Fox to, wherever!" He said. Peppy stroked his chin.

"You might have something there." He noted.

"Of course." Falco beamed. "I always do."

Slippy scowled. "Not always." He muttered. Falco growled.

"But who would want to kidnap the McClouds?" Bill asked. "It just doesn't make sense."

"Well, " Peppy said. "It kind of does." Bill frowned, confused.

"How? Why would anyone... hey, wait!" He growled lowly. "It all makes sense now..."

"So, how's he doing?" Star asked Jodie, who was bent over examining Fox's eyes. She stood up.

"Progress is going well. His eyes are so easy to fix, it's like, a snap to get him to see. It's just a matter of time. Soon, I hope, he'll be seeing things without those dumb mechanical eyes." She replied. "I wonder how his team are doing."

Star laughed. "Yeah, me too. I bet they're hyperventilating, or something. Naw, they're probably yapping with Pepper, deciding what to do." Jodie looked confused.

"They're talking to pepper? Why would they do that?"

Star laughed again. "No, General Pepper, of Corneria Air Force. Fox sometimes works for them." Jodie nodded, then grinned, feeling stupid.

"Well, your brother will be waking up soon. The sedation doesn't last too long, unfortunately."

"Um, Jodie? I have to ask you something." She asked. Jodie nodded.

"Shoot. But think about it first. I can only tell you so much."

Star nodded. "Okay. If you couldn't come to us, why didn't you call us and let us know? We would have come here." Jodie shook her head.

"Remember how I told you that I couldn't let you know exactly where we were? Well, it goes the same as before. I couldn't tell you, because we're in secrecy here." Star frowned.

"Well, if you're in secrecy, why did you let the mercinaries come here?"

Jodie put up her hands. "I told you, I can only tell you so much." And then she remained silent. Star clenched her fists, frustrated. She's definitely hiding something. But what?

Fox stirred, and his eyes fluttered open. Star grinned.

"Hey, Jodie? Can I talk to him, in private?" She asked as he woke.

"No problem, Celestria." Jodie nodded, and quietly left the room.

"Hi Star. You still haven't told her your name isn't Celestria?" He asked when he saw her. Star shook her head.

"No, and I don't plan to. She's been calling me Celestria ever since kindergarten. She'd probably have a heart attack if she found out that's not my real name. And you better not call me Star when she's around." Star laughed lightly.

Outside, Jodie gasped as she silently eavesdropped.

CHAPTER 16: Surprise

I can't believe Celest- I mean, Star, has been lying to me all these years! I thought we were the tell-secrets-not-keep-secrets kind of best friends. I still won't believe it. Although Fox called her Star, and he should know her better than I...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jodie Bongo, Planet 9

Jodie peeped into Fox's room at the research center and giggled quietly. It was fairly clean, which seemed normal enough, but it was the position that the teenager was in that made her laugh. He was lying on his bed, arms crossed behind his head, which was resting gently on a tall pillow supporting his back. His broken left leg was healed and was comfortably draped over his right. His eyes were closed, and he was smiling, his face full of pleasure and contentment. To Jodie, he was totally relaxed.

"Comfortable?" She teased him as she stepped in. Fox jumped at the sound of her voice, and his eyes fluttered open. When he saw Jodie leaned against the doorway, stifling a giggle, he blushed furiously, embarrassed, and tried to speak.

"Oh, uh... hi Jodie, I.. um...." He stuttered, which only caused her to smile more.

"Have you been standing there long?" He asked finally.

"Naw. Just got here. So,... enjoy your little.... nap?" She continued to tease him. He continued to blush.

"Um, yeah, actually, it's nice here." Fox replied. He got up and blinked at the light blaring through an open window nearby. His eyes quickly adjusted to in, and he smiled.

"Where's St-Celestria?" He quickly covered up his fault. Whew, that was a close one. He thought. Almost blew it that time.

"Don't bother faking it. I know your secret." She replied coldly, ignoring his question. Fox stared back, started and confused.

"Wha-what do you mean?" He asked. Jodie rolled her eyes.

"Don't play dumb. Celestria isn't her real name, is it?" She scornfully asked. Fox froze instantly. How did she figure it out? He suddenly realized he had better calm down. His face clearly showed that Jodie was right.

"Her name is really Star McCloud, is it not?" Jodie accusingly continued. "Makes sense now. Brother and sister, yet your last names are totally different, McCloud, and Reins. Neither of you are married, too young. And I overheard you call her Star."

Fox remained silent.

"I have just one question." She looked deeply into Fox's waiting eyes. "Why?"

"I, I can't answer that." He replied sadly. Jodie flared her eyes and snorted.

"Of course you can. You just don't want to 'cuz Star told you not to. Or that you don't trust me." The cold words struck Fox like an ax.

"I..." He began, but Jodie whirled around and left Fox alone in the room, hurt, still in mid-sentence.

Star looked out of her room, yawning slightly. It was early morning, and she usually got up early enough to eat breakfast and get started on whatever she did. But today, she didn't feel like getting up as there was nothing to do.

Jodie stalked past Star's room, and turned and glared at her. Star looked at her, confused. Jodie cleared her throat.

"Good morning," She finally said, angry, "STAR." The young fox stared at the springbok in disbelief. How did she... Fox. I'm gonna kill you. As Jodie walked past, fire flickering in her eyes, Star quickly walked to Fox's room. When she arrived, he was still a little shocked by Jodie's sudden change of mood. He was staring out the window. Fox barely noticed her come in.

"Okay, Fox, what's the big idea..." She started, but Fox turned to her.

"About Jodie? I figured you'd be here, raving about me telling her." Star's angry eyes flickered.

"Why did you tell her?"

Fox laughed quietly. "I didn't tell her anything. She figured it out by herself." Star's expression changed. Her eyes stopped burning Fox, and she calmed down.

"But.. but how?" She asked.

"She overheard one of our conversations. Man, was she mad." Fox informed her.

Star groaned. "As if I didn't know already. Why me?" Fox turned and stared out the window. Star watched him curiously.

"What are you looking at?" She asked him. Fox, his eyes not leaving the window, motioned her to look.

"Come see. I can scarcely believe it." He said quietly. Star walked up to him and looked out the window with her brother.

Outside, Star could see nothing. It seemed as if the whole planet was bare. She gasped silently.

"There's nothing there!" She said, unbelieving. Fox nodded.

"I just figured that out. Jodie lives on a dead planet, surrounded by other planets just like this one."

Star looked at him. "What did Jodie say to you?"

"She wanted to know 'why'." He replied.

"Why? Why what?"

"Why you've been lying to her since you met." He said, and turned to her. "Why did you, anyway?" Star hung her head a bit.

"That was always Dad's idea. He wanted me to stay a secret if anything happened to you or him. If you had died on Titania, when you killed Andross, or when Peitro shot you, I would've been ready to take over as Star. Maybe because he didn't want me to be swarmed, because he was the coolest guy to ever live. And you are now." She looked deeply into Fox's eye-patched eyes. The color was shaded, and hard to see. He hung his head slightly at the mention of his father. Star shut up, seeing that Fox was uncomfortable. She couldn't blame him, as she was also uneasy. She put a paw on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Fox."

Fox shrugged her off. "That's okay. I'm just not used to dad not being here. Even after, I can't remember how long it's been."

"Well, I doubt to see Jodie for a while. On purpose, anyway." She said laughing quietly. Fox smiled, but he couldn't shake a sadening feeling. Jodie was really ticked, but why at him?

"Fox? Gone? What could've happened?" General Pepper's voice boomed through the com speakers. Bill and the Star Fox team winced a bit at his tone and volume.

"Sir, it's true. We have to find Fox,.... and Star."

Pepper stepped back.

"Star too? What is with the McClouds bad luck these days?" He scowled. Bill shrugged. "I don't know, but still, how can we find them? We don't have any way to find him! Where to start looking? Who to go to? Oh, Lord, why now?" He growled.

"One thing's for sure, there must've been a lot of them, to be able to get Star AND Fox." Falco noted.

"What I want to know is, how did they manage to cripple us and get on board without us noticing them? Great Fox had those new sensors I designed. It should have detected them long before they got to us!" Slippy squeaked.

"Maybe we're dealing with some new superior technology." Peppy said. All eyes turned to him.

"Maybe, but nothing's going to stop us from getting them back. Not even that." Falco said firmly. The rest of the group nodded. Pepper thought for a moment.

"I'll send escort fighters with you to help. Not that I think you'll need it," he added.

"Commander Grey, when are you planning to continue your work on Katina?"

Bill shrugged. "I contacted the main base, and they've agreed to give me more time. I guess because I've worked so hard for so long. I'll go back when we get Fox and Star." He reassured the general. Pepper nodded gruffly.

"Alright. I suggest you leave soon, for their sakes." He clicked a button, and disappeared. Peppy turned to Bill when he was gone.

"Have you notified Fara yet?" He asked, a twinge of worry in his voice. Bill shook his head.

"No, and I don't intend to tell her. She was upset enough when Fox disappeared on Titania. What will she be like this time?" He asked no one in particular. Everyone shrugged.

"She'll probably find out soon enough. It'll probably be on tv, when everybody finds out Great Fox is leaving. And the reporters have ways of finding out what's going on, either from Pepper, or from another source. They'll figure out that Fox isn't with us." Peppy said, a little upset. The others could tell that he was sad about the happenings. The Star Fox team had suddenly fallen on bad times, and he had taken the most of it, aside from Fox, with a broken leg, poisoned but now hopefully healed arm, blindness, and now kidnapping. Peppy was afraid of losing Fox just like James, and Star now, too. He was terrified of losing a great friend. They all were.

"They have McCloud's son?" A stranger in a black cloak screamed at his officers. They shook a bit from his screeching voice, always angry. The stranger gloated to himself.

"This will finally be the revenge I need. Although I will not have the pleasure of killing McCloud, I can always be slightly content and ever so slightly closer to fullfilling my dream of revenge for my life being stolen from me, by killing his son." He growled. "My whole life." The strange figure silently weeped. Then, his face changed to a wicked smile.

"Send five hundred Star Streaker squadrons and attack Planet 9. If possible, bring young McCloud to me, alive. I want to see him wither and die, like I hope to one day see his father." The cloaked stranger ordered. He waved a clawed hand to an officer of high rank beside him.

"I want you to scout the area near them. Go as a diplomat, if possible, and when the squadrons attack, " He looked into the fearful, but still, officer's eyes, " STRIKE."

***********************

*****What will happen next? Will this mean the end of Fox McCloud? Who is this mysterious stranger? Will the Star Fox team arrive in time to save him? Will Jodie finally stop ranting and help him? Will Pepper finally stop sitting on his duff and do something? Will I ever stop asking questions? (not likely)

Please read my sequel:

Of Death And Torture: A Leon Wannabe??

Author's Note: Many of the characters in this story are copyright. I would like to thank:

*J. Wolfman for his permission to use Captain Haras of Outpost 459, and Sherry Trevor.

*Kay Twilight for her permission to use Star McCloud, and her school name, Celestria Reins.

*Nintendo for Fox McCloud, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, Fara Phoenix, General Pepper, Bill Grey, many others, and the Lylat System and its planets.

I would also like to note that:

*Jodie Bongo, Peitro Sodie, and the guy in the dark cloak (you'll find out his name in the sequel), are my characters.

Many thanx to Fox's Crew, the largest Star Fox page on the web's help, (although you don't know it) you've helped me a great deal in writing this story.

If any other characters are recognized as your own, but were not mentioned, please e-mail me and tell me, leaving your address for replies.

Anyone wishing to use my copyrighted characters, please e-mail me.

ron.french@hwcn.org

I would be delighted to hear from you.

Red Fox