Remembrance by Ted Perrotti WARNING: This story has been written and posted free of charge solely for entertainment purposes. Fox McCloud Jr, Fox James McCloud*, Peppy Hare, Vixy Reinard, and all other principle characters, places, and other indica created by Nintendo are copyright © and TM 1993 Nintendo of America Inc. Used without permission. Star Fox is copyright © 1993 Nintendo of America Inc. Used without permission. All characters, places, and other indica created by me, Theodore P. Perrotti, are copyright © 1997 Theodore P. Perrotti. (However, feel free to use all of this story's characters, events, and places as you wish as long as you abide by the conditions described in the next paragraph.) This story may be redistributed, stored, or archived in any way just so long as it is unaltered, this entire disclaimer remains with it, and such action is taken free of charge. In short: DON'T SELL OR ALTER THIS STORY! Also, please ask my permission before using any of my creations (any characters, places, events, or other indica I've created) and give me credit. Parts of this story are based on characters, places, and events in both the SNES Star Fox video game and the Star Fox comic which appeared in Nintendo Power. I welcome your comments. Please e-mail them to me at author@galaxycorp.com. *Not the character's official name. He was called Fox Sr. in the Nintendo Power comic, and James in the new Star Fox 64 story line. This name is my attempt at a compromise. Prologue It was a beautiful Cornerian day as Peppy Hare prepared to depart. Today was a rare day off for him, and he intended to use it to pay a visit to some old friends he hadn't seen since he was young, yet had visited many times. The trip sometimes inspired him when he was down and sometimes brought him to the edge of despair, only to snatch him back again with fond memories. No matter what his mood, he never left them quite the same person he'd been before. Finally ready to leave, Peppy stepped out of his home and started walking toward the East. The bright Cornerian sun stared at the hare as one observing the first steps of a great journey. And a journey it was, but not of the body. Peppy was headed toward a small field about a mile away, but that was not his destination. And nothing would keep him from that destination, especially given the importance of this day. Fox, too, planned to make the trip, but not until later. You see, Peppy always made the trip alone, so as to be alone with his thoughts. As he walked, Peppy's mind began to hark back to the days when he was still a cadet at the academy. I REMEMBER THOSE DAYS AS IF THEY WERE YESTERDAY! he mused. Then, he remembered how it had happened, a story he'd partially lived himself and fully lived through his friends' retelling. A Time Long Ago As Fox James McCloud felt his arms and paws strain against their steely clamps that held them in place, he wondered how much longer he could last. The restraints were distributed all over his body to avoid concentrating the load all in a few places, but each muscle still felt like a rubber band about to snap with each high-speed turn. He had no idea how long he'd been in the Academy gravity machine but he was determined not to give in to his fatigue. At the time, there was no way to counteract the g's of a tight, high-speed turn. So, cadets had to be able to withstand such forces. After cadets had become proficient enough at keeping their lunch while riding the rollers (large motorized rings into which they were strapped and made to roll around in for as long as they could), they were allowed to move on to the gravity machine. Fox had recently earned that honor. The gravity machine was a large hollow, metal ball with motors attached to the outside. A cadet was strapped to the inside of the ball by their arms, legs, head and torso. The cadet was then subjected to a ride as wild and strenuous as the fiercest dogfights, with the ball constantly spinning about two perpendicular axes and quickly changing direction. As 'the ball' (as the cadets called it) turned and tossed Fox about at an incredible rate of speed, he felt an almost crushing pressure on his chest and felt glad that he'd only had a light breakfast that morning. He had a chance to get his name in the record books as the cadet who'd been able to withstand the ball the longest without calling out or losing consciousness- he'd known that ever since his first attempt. On the outside, Peppy, who'd also recently earned the right to attempt the ball, watched as his friend was tossed about inside. The ball was at its top speed and he could hear Fox straining from within. He checked his chronometer. TWENTY SECONDS TO GO. Then, he looked at the instructor, who had the power to stop the test if he felt that Fox could take no more. The hound wasn't moving, but was intensely watching the small pad that displayed Fox's vital signs and listening for Fox's voice. Fox wasn't a glory-seeker, but still wanted very much to be remembered for something special. This, he'd told Peppy, was that something. Peppy so much wanted his friend to succeed that he was barely thinking about his own upcoming test. Fox could feel his muscles straining, yet he felt no pain. His mind began to drift, and he felt separated from his own body. Suddenly, he noticed the machine beginning to move more and more slowly. He strained against his fetters, as if doing so would keep the machine moving. But, in spite of his efforts, the ball slowly came to a stop. Fox shook his head to clear it, and looked over as he heard the door open. In walked the instructor, a pleased grin on his face. "Congratulations, Cadet McCloud! You've just set a new Academy record. Sorry I couldn't let you go longer, but your heart rate was getting kind of high. How do you feel? Dizzy at all?" "A little, Sir," Fox admitted, grinning from ear to ear. "Other than that, I feel fine." The instructor stood in front of Fox and started to remove the restraints. "Just the same, I'd like you to have a seat for a few minutes before going on with your business. You've been for quite a ride!" "Yes, Sir," Fox replied, saluting. Once Fox was seated outside, the instructor recorded his feat and prepared the machine for the next cadet. As Fox sat there, Peppy came over and payed him a visit. "You were incredible in there, Fox! Damn! I didn't think that record'd ever be broken!" "Ha! With my luck, one of those guys there'll break it a few minutes from now!" Fox replied, chuckling and pointing to the other cadets awaiting their turn. "Somehow, I doubt it. Runs like that aren't very common," Peppy pointed out. "Of course, there are some cadets who might be able to do it." "And would one of those cadets happen to have ears as long as my left arm?" Fox teased. "You might be able to come close, if those things don't fly into your mouth, forcing 'um to stop the test to keep you from choking to death!" "Wiseguy! I'll let you know the next time I need to paint something! Using that built-in paintbrush on your behind, I'll be done in no time!" Peppy replied good-naturedly. "Cadet Hare!" the instructor called out. "It's your turn!" "Well, here I go!" Peppy said, taking a deep breath. "Break a leg!" Fox replied as Peppy headed inside. "That's what I'm afraid of!" Then, Peppy stuck his head out of the door and said, "Salero's tonight. 20:00 hours. We've got some celebrating to do!" "If either of us is able to move by then!" Fox cracked, rubbing his shoulder. Later that day, Fox headed down to a nearby park to rest. His muscles were still aching from the test, and he didn't feel like walking back to his room. So, he lay down to rest on a bench overlooking a small lake. As he set his head down on the bench, he felt it press on something. He sat up and looked to see what it was. It was a small hand-held computer. It was on and the words of a story were on the screen. He picked it up and looked for a name. On the back, he found a small label with the name 'Vixy Reinard' on it, along with a communications code. There was also an address there. But, Fox didn't recognize the street name, and was too tired to walk the distance even if he had. So, he saved the file and shut off the computer to save the battery. Then, he lay down again and set it between his legs. Chances were, he figured, that this 'Vixy' had been reading it here and had forgotten it. Sooner or later, she'd miss it and come looking for it. When she did, it'd be nice if it were still there when she arrived. So, Fox planned to keep it where he could see it until that time. And, if she didn't show before he had to leave, he'd take it with him and call her. His idea was perfect, except for one thing. The bright sun and peaceful surroundings proved too potent a relaxer for the young canine, and soon put him to sleep. Vixy looked around frantically for the computer. "Ugh! My folks keep telling me, 'a place for everything and everything in its place'! But, do I listen? Noooo! Mom and Dad'll kill me if I don't find it! It cost about a hundred units!" She stopped and looked around her room, which she'd pretty much dismantled during her search. Pillows, clothing, books, and just about everything else was strewn about. Then, as she retraced her steps, she remembered. "The park," she said under her breath. She'd been using it on one of the benches when an old friend she hadn't seen in several years came up to her. In their reminiscing, she must've forgotten about it. Fortunately, Fox's unexpected nap didn't prove costly. In fact, it afforded him what he would later call the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. He stirred as he felt something rubbing the inside of his leg. Then, he opened his eyes to see a pretty young vixen standing by the bench. She looked as if she wanted to do something, but was hesitant for some reason. He sat up, his eyes never leaving her. As she saw him move, she stepped back a bit. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." "Oh, ah. . . No problem," Fox replied, coming out of his trance. "I wanted to get up soon, anyway. My name's Fox McCloud. What's yours?" "Vixy. Vixy Reinard," she replied, forgetting why she'd come. HMMM. HE'S KINDA' CUTE! Then, Fox remembered the computer. "Oh. Then. . . this must be yours," he said, handing it to her. "I've been keeping an eye on it for you. Well, sort of." "Oh yes. Thanks," she replied, putting it in her pocket. "I've been looking all over for it." Then, she motioned toward the bench. "Do you mind? My feet are kind of tired." "Of course not," Fox replied, setting his feet on the ground. "That uniform you're wearing," she said, taking a seat a foot or so from him. "Are you a pilot?" "Close. I'm a cadet at the Academy. You know anyone there?" "One of my dad's friends is an administrator there. Also, I have a friend who's thinking of applying there next year. So. . . I've visited the place with her a couple times." Just then, Fox felt another twinge in his shoulder. Seeing him rubbing it, she asked, "Is something wrong?" "Oh, ah. No. . . no," Fox lied, trying to impress her. "It's just that I set a new endurance record in a training exercise today and I guess my arm's a little sore." "Oh, I see," she replied tentatively. "Listen. I'd better be getting back home now. It's getting late." "Sure, ah. . . maybe I'll see you around again sometime," he said, positive that her departure had more to do with his attempt to impress her than it did with the time of day. "Sure, maybe!" Vixy called back as she walked away from him. Disgusted with himself, Fox muttered something about having a terminal case of foot-in-mouth disease and walked off. Salero's was an eatery not far from the Academy. It was often used as a hang-out by the cadets, especially those who didn't care for the nightclub scene. Peppy, Fox, and several of their friends arrived there in good spirits-partly due to pride in Fox's accomplishment and partly due to the fact that they'd be able to blow off some steam that night. There were about six or seven in their group, three of whom were female. Looking at his menu, Fox shook his head at the vegetarian offerings and moved on to something more befitting his vulpine tastes. But, truth be known, he wasn't very hungry. Such was often the case with these gatherings, which often were more for social gathering than eating. As Fox set his menu down before him, Aeda, a female wolfhound, turned away from her conversation and looked at him. "The cuisine doesn't appeal to you, Fox? You know they won't like it if you don't order anything," she said with a half-grin on her muzzle. "I'll order a drink," Fox replied. "I'm just not very hungry right now." "You know what I think," Peppy said, leaning toward him. "I think you're still thinking about that girl you saw today in the park. You were chattering on about her the whole way to Aeda's place!" "As if you've never been. . . impressed with a girl before!" Fox teased, leaning back. "Besides, she wasn't a girl. She was a woman. I could tell." "Ah ha! I stand corrected!" Peppy replied. "Of course, chances are I'll never see her again." But then, Fox saw her walk in the door, alone. "Well, I'll be. That's her," he whispered excitedly, pointing over Peppy's shoulder. "Well, you gonna' talk to her?" one of the others prodded. "She doesn't seem to be with anyone." "I dunno. What if she's just waiting for someone?" Fox wondered. "What if she isn't? Maybe Vixy's just out for a bite to eat," Peppy suggested. "Maybe it's the creator's way of telling you to get your behind over there and talk to the girl!" "Ok! Ok! I'll do it," replied Fox, getting up out of his seat. "You don't have to browbeat me!" Though, truth be told, he'd wanted to talk to her, anyway. But then, he stopped. "Wwwwait a minute! How'd you know her name was Vixy? I never mentioned that to you! And then, she just happens to show up here tonight?" he said, crossing his arms and shooting a slightly-annoyed accusing look at Peppy. Peppy looked up at him innocently. "Educated guess?" Fox's face took on a 'Yeah, right!' expression. Now, everyone at the table was looking at the hare. So, Peppy shrugged and said, "Our parents knew each other, and I knew her through them. She just moved here recently. She must've been impressed by you, Fox, because she called me and told me about the encounter. Then, when you told me about what had happened, I figured that it must've been her. You both clearly wanted to see each other again. So, I arranged it." "So, that's why you were in your room for so long! You were calling her," Fox concluded. Peppy nodded in confirmation. "Does she know why you wanted her here?" Peppy shook his head, "I only told her that I had something I really wanted her to see." "And if she'd been the wrong person?" Fox questioned. "She wasn't. I could tell," Peppy replied, grinning. Then, he looked over at her. The place was fairly busy and Vixy was standing by the entrance, waiting to be seated. She was looking around and apparently hadn't yet noticed them. "Come on! I'll walk over with you." "She did seem nice. Alright, let's go." Soon, Vixy spotted Peppy and Fox walking toward her, and was visibly surprised. "Hi, Vix!" Peppy said. Then, he noticed that she was looking at Fox with an indecipherable expression on her face. "I'd introduce you two, but I believe you already know each other's name." "Right. Fox, isn't it?" "That's right," Fox replied, grinning. "Listen, I'm sorry if I came on too strong in the park today," he apologized. "I didn't mean to scare you off like that." "You didn't do anything, really. It was just kind of, sudden." "I guess. It's not every day that I wake up and see a good-looking woman standing over me. I wasn't sure how to react." "Me neither. Though, I thought what you did for me was kind of sweet. Thanks." Then, a waitress came over and asked how many there would be for dinner. Vixy turned to Fox and asked, "Would you like to join me? We could talk some more, then." "Love to. Peppy, I'm going to. . .," Fox started. But, the hare was already back with the others. "Peppy," he smiled. "He certainly can surprise a fellow, even a close friend." "Ya' gotta' love him!" "By the way," Fox asked, searching for something to say, "what was that you were reading? I was so tired, I didn't even look!" "A story called 'Alire'. It's about. . ." "an expedition to find the legendary world where paradise awaits," completed Fox. "That's been one of my favorites since I was nine!" The two of them only talked for a short while that night. But, from that seemingly insignificant beginning, a powerful relationship had been forged. A relationship that Peppy felt certain couldn't be broken, not even by death. Peppy could still remember Fox's words to him that night after Vixy'd gone home: "Peppy, something very special just happened to me tonight. And I'm not talking about the record!" Then, a chill came over Peppy as he recalled a conversation he'd overheard between them sometime later when Fox offered to take her home on his land rover. She said, "I'd like that, Fox. But, I can't. I don't like those things. They just make me nervous for some reason." Disappointed, Fox, said "Ok." But, he then added that someday he'd show her that there was nothing to fear. And, eventually, he did. Epilogue "It doesn't seem like that many years ago that you two first met," Peppy said quietly, thinking of all the years that had passed. "But once again, it's the anniversary of your first meeting." Several hours had passed, and Peppy decided he should be getting back. As he got up, he looked at the headstones that served as their memorial. There was nothing in their graves, of course, as neither of their bodies had been recovered. But still, they were there, together. He could tell. He looked about him and saw Fox approaching. No doubt he too would want to be alone for a while, as Peppy had been. So, he turned to the stones and smiled. "Well, my friends, I'd best be going. But, you two won't be alone. Your son is coming. He's an excellent pilot. . . and a good friend. You'd be-I'm sure you're both very proud of him. Happy anniversary." And with that, he laid a flower in front of each headstone, and left. The End