“Wolf's Obsession”

By Cyberwuffy

 

 

Prologue

 

It was a month since their wedding, and it was two days since Fox and Fara had returned from their second attempt at a honeymoon. Fox was in bed that night reading as he waited for Fara to join him. AHoney, where are you?@ Fox called.

 

AI'll be with ya in a sec.@ Fara said back to him. She came in the bedroom wearing her robe, and got into bed next to him. Fox kissed Fara as she moved closer to him. They soon fell asleep.

 

It was soon the next morning on Venom. Andross's fleet was more powerful than ever. He had about 1,000 fighters consisting of Fleas, Wolfens, Wolfen II's, and all three classes of Invader type vessels. He also had over 50 cruisers, frigates, and warships. Andross walked onto the bridge of his new flagship he names 'The McCloud Killer'. ASet course for Corneria.@ Andross ordered.

 

AYes sir.@ the lizard said as the fleet entered hyperspace.

 

Andross got up and left the bridge. He walked into the observation room where Wolf O'Donnell waited for him. AYou called emperor?@ he asked.

 

AI thought we've had this discussion before. I told you that you could do whatever you wanted with Fara AFTER I have Fox! I want to see BOTH of them in my chamber. Not just one or the other. BOTH! I don't want to hear about your little escapades like trying to marry Mrs. McCloud until I tell you it's okay! Is that clear?!@ Andross yelled at the mercenary.

 

APerfectly.@ Wolf answered, lying directly into the ape=s face.

 

AGood, now get out of here! You have a job to do!@ Andross scowled.

 

And then it begins…

 

Fox woke up to his phone ringing. It was a message from General Pepper. AFox, we need your help. Andross's fleet is heading towards us. I've already contacted the rest of your team. Please hurry!@ General Pepper said.

 

AYes sir!@ Fox said as he hung up the phone. Fox got dressed and turned to Fara nudging her side gently. She opened her eyes and saw Fox in his flight suit. AFox, what's going

on?@ she asked, yawning.

 

APepper called. He said Andross's fleet is moving towards us. Here, change into this.@ Fox said. He handed her a new Cornerian flight suit.

 

AFox, when did you get this?@ Fara asked, looking at the golden name plate. It read 'McCloud, Fara M.'

 

AI bought it before our honeymoon. It was supposed to be your birthday present, but I guess you get to see it now.@ Fox said.

 

AIt's beautiful!@ Fara said. She put it on, showing her great figure.

 

AWe'd better be going.@ Fox suggested.

 

AFox, if... when we get back, I'll give you a night you'll never forget!@ Fara said as they got in their car.

 

Fox and Fara were both met outside the CIA building by Peppy and Katt. ACome on, we don't have much time!@ Katt said. The four of them walked into the briefing room. A very disturbed General Pepper walked in.

 

AAttention, ladies and gentlemen, the last twenty‑four hours have seen some extraordinary Venom activity. Over 100 cruisers and 100,000 fighters are heading towards us now. All of our defenses have regrouped over Corneria. You are our last hope Star Fox! Please come back in one piece! All pilots SCRAMBLE!@ Pepper ordered. All the pilots ran to their ships. The pilots then took off to the skies.

 

AI can't believe Andross is attacking us. Why now?@ Falco asked over the comm.

 

AI'm not sure. He's probably trying to ruin my life.@ Fox said.

 

ANo, that can't be it,@ Fara said, AI think he's tried enough times.@

 

AI see something ahead. It looks like Andross's fleet.@ Peppy said. A familiar voice came over the comm.

 

AHello dear brother! We finally meet on the battlefield.@ Wolf said. He swung around and fired at Fox's ship, slightly missing.

 

AWolf? How'd you get out of prison?@ Fox asked, looking shocked.

 

AWhile you two lovebirds were on your second attempt at a honeymoon, some of the guys sprung me. Then I came to find you!@ Wolf explained. AI'm here to make sure that you and your wife never make it back alive onto Corneria!@

 

AYou'll never win, Wolf.@ Fara said. The arwings broke formation. Falco swerved away so he wouldn't collide with Katt. Katt turned around and headed towards a Zeram‑class cruiser.

 

AKatt, what are you doing?@ Falco asked. Katt increased her speed.

 

AI'm taking out the cruiser, hon!@ Katt said back to him.

AYou'll get killed!@ Falco yelled.

 

AI'll be fine.@ Katt said. She aimed right for the cruiser's bridge and fired her lasers wildly. Her lasers impacted deeply as the windows on the bridge shattered. The cruiser blew apart.

 

AKatt? Katt! Are you there?@ Falco asked, sounding worried.

 

AYeah, I'm fine!@ Katt said back.

 

AGet these guys off me!@ Peppy said as two fleas came up behind him.

 

AWolf is right behind me! There's nothing I can do.@ Fox said regretfully.

 

AI'm coming. Hold on!@ Bill said as he came up behind both of the fleas. He fired wildly at the one on his left, causing it to spin into the other.

 

AThanks Bill!@ Peppy said as he went to find another target.

 

AAnytime. Watch yourself.@ Bill said as he broke off and went towards the dogfight between Wolf and Fox.

 

AAndross has ordered me to completely ruin your life!@ Wolf said, laughing over the comm.

 

AWell that won't happen!@ Fox said.

 

AOh really?! Right now, the rest of my squadron is capturing your precious wife's ship. She'll be my wife by the end of the week.@

 

Fara's ship was being pursued by Pigma, Leon, and Andrew. The three ships fired mercilessly at Fara's rear. ASomeone help me!@ Fara screamed.

 

AOh no you don't!@ Andrew said. He pushed a button in his Wolfen that jammed Fara's

communications.

 

AI'm coming! Hold ON!@ Fox said as he managed to get away from Wolf and go help Fara. Fara's ship was under heavy fire. She recklessly tried to maneuver away from the fighters. Every time she would get away, the other two would sneak up behind her.

 

AFox, where are you?! If I get fired on a few more times, you won't have a wife to come home to‑aghh!@ Fara's message ended as a laser bolt hit Fara's arwing. The comlink on her head overloaded, sending a short electric shock through Fara's body. The built‑in comlink in her arwing kicked in.

 

AFara? FARA? Are you there?!@ Fox asked nervously. There was no response. Fox checked her vital signs on his computer. They were weak.

 

AFox. Help me!@ Fara said coughing. There was an exhaust leak in her cockpit. Leon, Pigma, and Andrew trailed behind her.

 

AFalco, Bill, ANYBODY! Come here quick! Get these fighters away from Fara!@ Fox yelled

over his comm.

 

AWe're coming Fox!@ Peppy said. Three arwings came out from the depths of space, firing at the Wolfens. The three Wolfens immediately broke off their attack on Fara's battered arwing.

 

AFara, are you okay?@ Fox asked, worrying.

 

AFox... I'm badly hurt!@ Fara managed to word out.

 

ACan you make it to the cruiser?@ Fox asked.

 

AI don't know. It's hard for me to stay focused.@ Fara said.

 

AFox, I've called a medical ship. Just get Fara to land safely and she'll be fine.@ Peppy said.

 

AFara, listen to me carefully. Steer left and head towards the cruiser.@ Fox said.

 

AI can't! Leon, Pigma and Andrew are right behind me.@ Fara yelled.

 

ADon't worry. The cruiser's lasers will keep you clear. Trust me!@ Fox said convincingly.

Fara's arwing cut through the friendly laser fire. Pigma stayed on Fara's tail.

 

APigma! What the hell are you doing?! I told you I want her alive! If she dies Pigma, I'll kill you myself!@ Wolf screamed.

 

Andrew broke off and retreated towards Wolf's fighter. Fara fought to stay awake as she tried to keep her ship leveled. A stray laser from Pigma's ship hit Fara's arwing, tearing off her left wing.

AFox, I love you‑A Fara's sentence ended just before her arwing crashed into the flight deck, engulfing in flames. Tears swelled up in Fox's eyes as he saw Fara thrown onto the deck floor by the explosion of her arwing. She was lying on her back, barely alive. Fox became raging mad and turned towards the bridge of Andross's flagship.

 

AFox. What are you doing?!@ Peppy exclaimed.

 

AFox don't do it!@ Bill yelled.

 

AWhy not! I've lost everything! Andross has finally managed to kill everyone I cared about! My mother! My father! And MY WIFE! He has tried to ruin my life since I was born! Now he will DIE!@ Fox yelled vengefully. Fox turned off his comlink.

 

Fox hit his boosters on full. A computer voice, which he programmed to sound like Fara's, filled his cockpit. AWARNING! COLLISION IN TEN SECONDS. PULL UP.@ it said.

 

AFox, please, EJECT!@ a very scared Katt pleaded.

 

AWARNING, FIVE SECONDS!@ the computer voice warned. Fox ejected as the last second before he hit the hyperdrive. Fox's arwing sped

right through the bridge.

 

AFox. Fox, are you there?!@ Falco asked as the flagship exploded. Several escape pods launched from it's hull.

 

AYeah, I'm fine.@ Fox said.

 

AFox, hold on. I'm towing you to the medical ship.@ Peppy said as he turned on the tractor beam.

 

About ten minutes later, Fox jumped out of his escape pod and ran next to Fara's burnt body. AFara? Fara! Oh God, don't leave me.

Please don't leave me! Honey, can you hear me? Please don't die.@ Fox said as he checked her pulse. It was very weak. Peppy walked

up to Fox.

 

AFox, Fara's dead.@ Peppy said sadly.

 

AI felt a pulse.@ Fox said.

 

AEven if you felt a pulse, it doesn't mean she can be saved.@ Katt said.

 

AI won't accept that!@ Fox said, administering CPR.

 

AThere's nothing you can do.@ Peppy said. Fox stopped what he was doing and put his paw on her body.

 

AThere are burns on ninety percent of her body. Fox, I'm sorry. Fara is gone!@ Falco said.

 

ANo! She can't be!@ Fox said as he put his paw around Fara's neck.

 

Fox continued his effort at mouth‑to‑mouth on the dying young vixen. APlease! Oh God, please don't go.@ Fox said as he started to

cry. He heard a faint cough coming from Fara's body.

 

AFox?@ Fara said softly.

 

AI'll get a doctor!@ Katt said as she to the closest turbo lift she could find.

 

AFox. Fox... I'm alive?@ Fara said.

 

AYou should thank Fox. He wouldn't stop trying to revive you.@ Peppy pointed out. Fox helped her lean up against her arwing and sat next to her. Fara put her head on Fox's shoulder and began to cry. Fox leaned his head on hers and put his arm around her.

 

AI never thought I'd see you again!@ Fara said as she put her arms on Fox's chest. A sharp pain hit in her back. Katt rushed in with several doctors. Fox helped get Fara onto the stretcher.

 

AWill you be okay?@ Fox asked sounding worried.

 

AI'll be fine. Get back out there and win this battle for me.@ Fara said as she was carried away.

 

ACome on guys. We have a battle to win.@ Falco said.

 

ABut I don't have a ship.@ Fox said.

 

AHere, use mine!@ Katt said as she tossed Fox the keys to 'The Catspaw'.

 

ABut where will you be?@ Fox asked.

 

AI have to keep Fara company.@ Katt said.

 

AShouldn't I be doing that? I'm her husband.@ Fox said.

 

AFox, she wants you to go protect her. Make sure nothing bad happens to her. Please go!@ Katt said convincingly.

 

AOkay, then let's go!@ Fox said as Falco, Peppy, and Bill took off. Fox sat down in Katt's heavily modified Invader 2‑class vessel. He managed to take off and return to the raging battle. Fox turned on the comm. switch. Several voices overlapped.

 

AI won't let you get away from me!@ Peppy yelled at the fighter he was chasing. The flea began to head towards one of the Venom

warships, but it turned to dust as Peppy blasted it to hell. Peppy turned fifty degrees to the left, and went to help Bill.

 

AGet this guy off me!@ Bill yelled into his comm. A Wolfen was chasing him. Bill tried to avoid him, but the Wolfen was too fast

for him to escape. Peppy came right behind the fighter and fired at it. The Wolfen broke in half.

 

AGotcha!@ Peppy said excitedly.

 

AThanks Pep!@ Bill said.

 

AAnytime.@ Peppy said as he went off to find another target.

 

Fox sat back in Katt's sleek fighter. He kept firing on the bridge of each warship, which destroyed each of them. Wolf's voice came over the comm. AHere kitty kitty!@ Wolf taunted.

 

APut a sock in it!@ Fox snapped back.

 

AFox? How? I thought you killed yourself.@ Wolf said, looking confused.

 

AYou crippled my WIFE!@ Fox yelled furiously. He was really mad. Fox swung around Wolf's ship and fired at it. Wolf was sent spinning out of control. It was about to explode, but Wolf managed to eject. Leon came from the battle he was fighting, and helped tow Wolf to safety.

 

AWhat did you do? I've never seen Fox act like that before!@ Leon asked.

 

AI crippled his wife.@ Wolf said. AWell, she'll be my wife soon.@

 

AHe has a wife?@ Leon asked surprisingly.

 

AYeah, that young vixen Pigma sent crashing into flames an hour ago.@ Wolf said.

 

AHer?! Well how did Fox take it?@ Leon asked.

 

ANot too well. I'll never stop trying to turn her. I want her!@ Wolf

 

AMaybe I can turn her and make Fara love you.@ Leon suggested.

 

AThen she'll marry and I can seduce her.@ Wolf smiled.

 

Meanwhile, Katt and Fara were talking about the last couple of months. ASo, how did Fox propose?@ Katt asked.

 

AIt was about a month ago. Just after I got back from my surgery. We were in bed, when Fox started to tell me how important I was to him. He said that he wouldn't let anything bad happen to me. Fox kissed me before he asked me the question. I took a minute to think about all the good times we've had together. I said yes and kissed him back. And you know the rest.@ Fara said smiling.

 

Back in orbit... Fox was sweating as he shot down another fighter. Peppy and Bill flew along side Fox as they approached a cruiser.

 

AThis brings back memories of your dad!@ Peppy said. Fox turned suddenly as he noticed an endless stream of fighters heading towards them.

 

ALet's take out this cruiser.@ Fox said as the three ships headed towards the bridge of the cruiser. They all fired at the bridge, destroying it. The cruiser began to engulf in flames. Just as the ship was destroyed, several escape pods managed to get clear of the explosion.

 

Wolf and Leon were back on their own ship, Wolf had named it the 'Fox Hunter'. It was the size as Great Fox, but it had slightly more weaponry and it was painted black. Wolf and Leon were walking towards the docking bay.

AWhy didn't you tell me that Fox was married?@ Leon questioned.

 

AI didn't know until after I shot them down. I was testing the new prototype fighter. You know, the one that could fire while cloaked.@ Wolf explained.

 

AYeah, I know. I'm the one who designed it. Remember?@ Leon said.

 

AWell, I landed about half a mile away from their crash site. When I arrived, I saw both of them kissing. Fox had a splint on his leg and Fara didn't seem to be hurt. Anyway, before I tried to end their pitiful lives, I turned to Fara and asked her to join me on Star Wolf. I fired my blaster, but missed. A second later, Fox took out his gun from behind him and shot me. I woke up a little later. I walked over to Fox and kicked him in the head. Then, I dragged Fara across the floor and lay her on top of me. We fell asleep on top of each other. When I woke up, Fara was partly conscious. She thought I was Fox so she moved her paws down my back. Fara rubbed up against my body and started to kiss me. She woke up, so I restrained her. We made it halfway to my ship then

everything went black. The strange thing is that I love her. I'll do anything to have her marry me.@ Wolf said.

 

AAre you nuts?! Hell would freeze over before she'd even think about joining Star Wolf. And besides, she's married now! It's too late now. Pigma shot her down. She's dead! Fara McCloud died a horrible death when she tried to land on that medical ship.@ Leon said.

 

AShe dies hard. I told them to capture her unharmed. That bastard! I said to CAPTURE Fara, not kill her. When I see that fat tub of lard, I'll kill him! That fat stupid bastard!@ Wolf shouted.

 

AYou seem to be so sure of yourself. Nobody could've survived that crash!@ Leon urged.

 

AThere's one more thing I want to ask you.@ Leon said.

 

AWhat is that?@ Wolf asked.

 

AYou're trying to take the only thing he has left. His wife.@ Leon accused.

 

AShe will be turned, or she will be destroyed.@ Wolf said coldly. Wolf got into his spare fighter and turned on the engines. Leon got into his Wolfen and did the same.

 

By the time Wolf and Leon returned to the battle, most of the Venom fleet had either retreated or was destroyed. AWhere's that ship I sent Mrs. McCloud to die on?@ Pigma asked.

 

AIt's about 10,000 meters off your starboard. Are you sure you know what you're doing Pigma?@ Andrew asked.

 

AYeah, come on. We'll finish Fara off, then we'll kill her husband. By the end of today, the Lylat system will be rid of the McCloud name!@ Pigma ordered. Both of the ships turned towards the medical ship.

 

AFox, Pigma's ship is heading towards the medical ship!@ Falco said.

 

AWhat the condition of the medical ship?@ Peppy asked.

 

AIt's shields are down to ten percent.@ Bill responded.

 

AHe won't give up!@ Fox muttered as he made a U‑turn and went to defend Fara's ship. Bill, Falco, and Peppy followed him.

 

Pigma and Andrew managed to pack off a few shots before they had to break away. The room that Katt and Fara were in began to shake violently. A fire broke out on the deck they were on. AAttention! All hands, prepare to evacuate!@ the captain said over the comm.

 

Katt helped Fara try to get up. ACan you walk?@ Katt asked Fara.

 

AI think so.@ Fara said as she struggled to get up, but she was too weak.

 

AHere, let me help you.@ Katt said as she helped Fara get onto her feet. Katt managed to get both of them to the turbo lift. Katt pushed the button marked 'ESCAPE HATCHES'. The turbo lift came to a halt and the doors slid open. The entire deck was full of escape pods. After Fara was secured, Katt sealed the door. It was a tight fit, because the escape pod that they were in was only designed to fit one person; but Katt and Fara managed. Katt hit the button that flashed Ajettison@ and the escape pod lifted off.

 

AFox get away! It's going to blow!@ Peppy yelled. Fox quickly broke off as the medical ship, that Katt and Fara were on, exploded.

 

AFara!@ Fox yelled.

 

ARelax, flyboy! Fara is with me in this escape pod.@ Katt said.

 

AThank God you're alright!@ Fox said, relieved.

 

AKatt, can you make it to Great Fox?@ Falco asked.

 

AI'm not sure.@ Katt replied.

 

APeppy. Falco. Go protect Katt’s escape pod until she's safely onboard Great Fox.@ Fox ordered.

 

ARoger Fox!@ Peppy said.

 

ASure thing Fox!@ Falco said. Falco and Peppy flew along side the escape pod and headed towards Great Fox.

 

ALooks like it's just us Fox!@ Bill said.

 

ALet's finish off the rest of these cruisers.@ Fox suggested.

 

Andross was infuriated as he saw that most of his fleet had either retreated or was destroyed. He was sitting in his escape pod heading towards Venom. Andross was thinking about the ways that he tried to capture the young McCloud.

 

He had placed a bomb in Vixy's car. It was meant for James, but Vixy triggered it as she got in. He had captured, tortured, then eventually killed Fox's father; which he had stumbled upon when James accidentally opened the air vent leading to Andross's chamber. Andross took his blaster out and instantly killed James.

 

Andross remembered his last attempt to capture Fox. He had captured Fara, who at the time was just Fox's girlfriend. Shortly after Andross captured her, he staged Fara's fake death, which was displayed in the war room of the CIA building. It would have worked, but the Cornerian Army had found out that the execution was fake. Fox had later rescued Fara, where she was rushed to the

emergency room. Andross later sent as assassin to kill Fara while she was in the hospital, but that failed. Andross finally had Fox where he wanted him, but that was cut short when he was forced to abandon ship.

 

Andross thought that the only way to capture Fox was to turn or kill of his family. Once that happened, Fox would become careless, making him easy to capture. Andross would not give up until his plan worked. The only family Fox had left was his wife. Andross would stop at nothing until the young vixen was killed, or until she was in Wolf's arms, kissing.

 

Fox looked at his radar. Venom's fleet began to break away.

 

AWe've won!@ Bill said excitedly.

 

AFor now. But we'll be back McCloud, and you won't know what hit you!@ Wolf said laughing.

 

AWe'll see about that, Star Wolf!@ Fox said back as he flew towards Great Fox. Bill followed him into the docking bay. Fox got out of Katt's Invader 2 and went to the medical bay.  Falco, Peppy, and Katt were around Fara's medical bed. Fara had severe burns on her entire body. Fara was sleeping as Fox rushed in.

 

AHow is she?@ Fox asked.

 

AFara will be fine. She just needs her rest.@ Peppy said.

 

ACan I talk to her?@ Fox asked.

 

AYes, but please, keep it brief.@ Peppy said.

 

AHere.@ Fox said as he tossed the keys to the 'Catspaw' back to Katt.

 

ACome on, let's leave them alone.@ Katt suggested. Peppy, Falco, and Katt left the sickbay leaving Fox and Fara alone.

 

AFara. Fara?@ Fox whispered to her.

 

AFox... why are they doing this to us?@ Fara asked.

 

AAndross is out to ruin my life by killing all my family. And you're next on his list. He won't stop until you're dead or in Wolf's seducing arms. I'm afraid I won't always be around to save your life every time Andross tries to kill you.@ Fox said, kissing her.

 

AI love you.@ Fara whispered to him.

 

ADon't try to move. You're suffered severe burns all over your body.@ Fox said.

 

AIs it true what Peppy said when he told me you wouldn't stop trying to revive me?@ Fara asked.

 

AYes, I didn't want to lose you. I sat beside you performing CPR for about an hour.@ Fox admitted.

 

AFox, I feel tired.@ Fara said. The young vixen's eyes began to close.

 

AGoodnight honey.@ Fox said kissing her. Fox left, leaving Fara asleep. Fox walked up to the bridge of Great Fox. Katt was standing at the window, looking at the last of Andross's ships retreat. Fox walked up to her. AKatt.@ Fox said. Katt turned around looking startled.

 

AOh Fox, it's just you. You scared me.@ Katt said.

 

AOh sorry,@ Fox apologized, AI just wanted to thank you.@

Katt looked up at him.

 

AThank me? For what?@ Katt asked, looking puzzled. Fox cleared his throat and continued.

 

AWell Katt, if you weren't onboard that medical ship when you were, I would have lost my

wife today. I just wanted to thank you for saving her life.@ Fox said. Katt blushed.

 

AFox, I would have done the same for anybody. Besides, Fara is lucky to have a husband like you.@ Katt said, trying to cheer him up.

 

ABut if she wasn't married to me, Andross wouldn't be after her. I'm the reason that Fara is in that medical bay struggling for her life. Andross won't stop until he's killed Fara and I'm in his torture chamber. If she dies, then it's my fault.@ Fox said.

 

ADon't talk like that. Fara loves you. She doesn't care that being married to you is the reason Andross is out to get her. And if Andross ever did kill her, she'd NEVER blame you. No matter how many times Andross tries to spit you up, or kill you, Fara would never leave you.@ Katt said truthfully.

AAre you sure, Katt?@ Fox asked. A renewed feeling of strength entered Fox's body.

 

AOf course! She told me herself when we were in the escape pod.@ Katt said.

Peppy walked up to them.

 

AFox, about Fara.@ Peppy said.

 

AWhat's wrong? Is she okay?@ Fox asked, beginning to panic.

 

ADon't worry, Fara is fine.@ Peppy said.

 

AThen what is it?@ Katt asked.

 

AAs you know, she's suffered severe burns all over her body. She'll need about a month to fully recover.@ Peppy explained.

 

AWhat if Andross tries to kill her or capture her again before Fara fully recovers?@ Fox asked.

 

AShe may not survive another torture session at the conditions she's in now. It's not over, Fara's burns may get worse.@ Peppy said. Fox turned around and began to pace. An idea finally came to him.

AIt's me. I'm the one he wants. Andross won't stop trying to kill her until he has me.@ Fox said. Katt turned to him.

 

AWhat are you getting at?@ Katt asked, putting her paw on Fox's shoulder.

 

AThe only way he'll stop trying to kill Fara is when he has me. And personally, I'd rather sacrifice myself then to have my wife spend one more second in Andross's torture chamber.@ Fox said.

 

ABut what am I going to tell Fara? That her husband turned himself over to Andross so that his wife could live?!@ Peppy asked.

 

AYes.@ Fox replied.

 

ABut we'll never see you again! And more importantly, Fara will be heartbroken!@ Katt said.

 

AI will survive. I just need to be rescued.@ Fox said.

 

AWe don't even know what will happen to you. Andross may decide to put pain implants in you‑ or something worse. Fox, if you're going to do this, at least let me come with you.@ Katt pleaded.

 

AAre you crazy? he'll kill you! Besides, I can't ask you to do this. You have your whole life ahead of you. I have to go.@ Fox responded.

ABut you'll need someone to keep you alive. Please, let me go with you.@ Katt begged. Fox began to think about it.

 

AAlright. You can come. Are you sure you want to do this? You saw what he did to Fara. he could do the same to you.@ Fox said.

 

AI don't care. I have an old score to settle.@ Katt replied.

 

AFine, then we leave tomorrow.@ Fox said.

 

It was ten minutes after the meeting on the bridge. Fox was walking towards the medical bay. He sat beside Fara's bed.

 

AHoney, I don't know if you can hear me, but listen anyway. I have to leave. I swear to you that I will kill Wolf. He doesn't deserve to live after what he did to you. I promise I will be back. I love you!@ Fox said giving her a long passionate kiss goodbye. He walked towards his bunk.

 

*                                  *          *          *

 

It was soon the next day. Fox and Katt met in the docking bay of Great Fox. Fox and Katt got into the shuttle and lifted off. Their ship slowly headed towards Venom. Katt and Fox were in the cockpit talking.

 

AFox, if we don't make it back alive, I just wanted you to know something I've been keeping a secret from you since we first met.@Katt said shamefully.

 

AWell, what is it?@ Fox curiously asked.

 

AI shouldn't, you might laugh!@ Katt said sadly.

 

ANo, go ahead.@ Fox said.

 

AOkay,@ Katt sighed, AWhen I met you, after Falco and I started our relationship, I've always had a crush on you.@

 

AYou have? Why that's nothing to be ashamed of!@ Fox said, letting out a short laugh.

 

AYou're right, anyway, can I ask you something?@ Katt asked nervously.

 

ASure, but why are you so tense?@ Fox wondered. Katt sat back in her chair. Fox put his paw on Katt's shoulder. Her nerves loosened up.

 

AWell, it has something to do with what happened to you on your disastrous first honeymoon.@ Katt explained.

 

AAsk me anything.@ Fox said as he looked at a control console.

 

AWell, what did Wolf do to Fara?@ she asked. Fox was suddenly silent. Katt could tell that her question had made him uncomfortable.

 

AFox, if this upsets you, you don't have to tell me.@ The feeling finally returned to Fox's body.

 

ANo Katt, you have a right to know, but...@

 

ABut?@ she asked. Katt was very concerned.

 

AWell Katt,@ Fox suddenly began to cry, AWolf tried to seduce Fara... he forced her to sleep

with him. Fara was barely conscious, so she thought it was me.@

 

AOh my god!@ Katt gasped. Katt moved closer to Fox so that she could comfort him. Fox buried his muzzle in his paws. Katt put her paw around him.

 

ANo, fortunately Fara is okay physically, but she's still really suffering emotionally.@ Fox answered.

 

AIt's fortunate that she survived. Isn't it?@

 

AYes, it is.@ Fox said. Their ship finally reached Venom. A warship began to hail them. Fox pushed the 'transmit' button on the console.

AThis is Fox McCloud of the Cornerian Army. I wish to surrender!@

 

AStand down and prepare to be boarded!@ the voice blurted out.

 

AI will comply.@ Fox said hesitantly. Katt never imagined that she would find Fox say that.

 

AIs that it?@ Katt asked.

 

AI don't know.@ Fox replied as the ship was boarded. Sleeping gas was used, causing Katt

and Fox to pass out.

 

Fara was in the medical bed on Great Fox. She woke up, as she found Bill in the cot next to her. ABill! What happened?@ Fara asked shocked.

 

AA power conduit in my cockpit overloaded when I was making repairs.@ Bill said.

 

AAre you going to be okay?!@ Fara asked the young fighter pilot.

 

AYeah, I'll be fine.@ Bill responded.

 

AWell, it looks like I have a roommate.@ Fara mused. The young vixen's condition improved each day. She was able to move some parts of her body without feeling a burning pain.

 

AHow are you doing?@ he asked. Bill shifted himself into another position on the bed carefully so the burns on his face and chest wouldn't sting when he tried to move.

 

APeppy said I'll be in here for at least three more weeks. It still hurts when I try to move my head and legs.@ Fara explained.

 

ASo don't move them.@ Bill said sweetly. She smiled at the young hound.

 

AOkay, I won't,@ Fara said kindly, AI'm glad I have someone to talk to.@

 

AYeah, me too.@ Bill answered. They both sat back and relaxed. Fara started a conversation. It was something that ate up at Fara since her and Fox had first started their relationship so many years ago.

 

ABill, I have something to confess.@ Fara said.

 

ASure, what is it?@ Bill asked.

 

AIt's something that I've been doing to Fox since we first met. Something that I have felt guilty about for not telling him. I wanted to, but when I tried, we always seemed to drift apart.@ Fara said. She could never forgive herself.

 

AWell?@ Bill asked. Fara cleared her throat.

 

AEver since we met, I've treated him like a child. I mean, I ALWAYS had feelings for him,

and now that he's my husband, I still do. It's just that... out of all the bad times we've had together, no matter what I've done wrong, even when I cheated on him, Fox has always been there for me. Bill, If I die I want you to apologize to Fox for ignoring him, for all the bad things I've done to him,

and for treating him like a child all these years.@ Fara said.

 

AHey! What kind of talk is that? I promise that you'll live to tell that to Fox himself. Now try to get some sleep. Okay?@ Bill said.

 

AThanks, Bill, you're a great friend! I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight.@ Fara said cheerfully. She slowly turned on her side, so she wouldn't rush and risk further injury of her badly burned body, and went to sleep. Fara started dreaming.

 

AOkay, goodnight.@ Bill said as he lay back.

 

Fara sat in the crash site of the ship during their first honeymoon. Fox was next to her. She recognized that they were near the time where Wolf was due to appear. AFara, I love you.@ Fox said as he continued to kiss her.

 

AI felt the same way when I first met you ten years ago.@ Fara said. As she kissed Fox, she looked for Wolf's body at the doorway. Wolf wasn't there. Fara closed her eyes and continued to kiss him. Fox stopped kissing Fara. AFox, what's wrong?!@ she asked. Fara opened her eyes.

 

AHello honey!@ Wolf greeted. Wolf had taken the place of Fox's body. Fara was taken by surprise.

 

AGet away from me!@ Fara screamed. She pushed herself away from Wolf and ran towards the exit of the ship. At the arc of the exit, she bumped into a mysterious figure. The stranger pushed Fara back inside. They both returned into the light.

 

AAh, right on schedule!@ Wolf said charmingly. Fara looked up to the stranger who was holding her.

 

AFox,@ Fara said excitedly. She swung her arms around him and began to cry. AFox, protect me!@

 

AYou will die!@ Fox growled. He held Fara's arm as tight as he could. Fara reacted immediately.

 

AFox, what are you talking about?! Fox, you're hurting me! Fox let go! Fox PLEASE!@ Fara begged. Wolf came over to Fara and retrained her.

 

AFox, do you recognize this vixen?@ Wolf questioned.

 

AYes.@ Fox answered.

 

AWho is she?@ Wolf asked.

AShe is‑was a friend. She is now a traitor!@ Fox replied.

 

AWas? A FRIEND??!! Don't you remember our wedding? I'm your WIFE! God dammit Fox, what has gotten into you?@ Fara cried.

 

AYou don't remember, do you?@ Fox asked the very frustrated vixen. Fara began to shiver uncontrollably.

 

ARemember WHAT?@ Fara yelled.

 

AYou and your petty love games! Every time we had a relationship, you would drive it apart. You had no feelings at all when you broke up with me. You did that just because you felt you looked like my mother! Then, during the tangle with Illiria, you had my picture under your pillow. You didn't even have the nerve to tell me how you truly felt. And after that crisis, you never even

suggested any of your feelings towards me! You gave me all the right hints, and you knew it too! Then, when you met my cousin, you went right into his arms! You didn't even stop and think about how I was affected! You chose to sleep with Grey, but at least you had enough common sense when you didn't let him seduce you! After you met Grey, you never cared about the damage you did! You

emotionally scarred me! Now I realize that it was a mistake to save you from that anomaly. I should have let you die a horrible death! When you were in the hospital, after Andross captured you, I should have pulled the plug on your life support when I had the chance!@ Fox accused.

 

AYou don't mean that!@ Fara cried.

 

AYes, I did then, and I do now!@ Fox snapped back.

 

AWhat are you Fox?!@ Fara asked frightened. Fox pulled a knife from his boot.

 

AI'm doing what must be done!@ Fox said. Wolf held Fara tighter than ever. She desperately struggled to get away. Fox came over to Fara with his knife drawn.

 

AFox, listen to me, I love you‑ no please DON'T‑ Aghh!@ she screamed out just before Fox stabbed her in the heart.

 

AI'm very proud of you, brother!@ Wolf said.

 

ANo, Fox, please don't, NOOOOOO!@ Fara cried out. Peppy, Falco, and General Pepper had to restrain her. The nightmares that Fara experienced were too much for her. She was hysterical.

 

AFara! FARA! Wake UP!@ Peppy shouted. Fara woke up. She began to cry.

 

AMake it stop! Please, make the dreams STOP!!@ Fara cried.

 

ADon't worry. We're trying to develop something to help you. The scientists on Corneria are working on some sort of chip. Like the one you used during the crisis of Illiria. It's still on the drawing board, but you must hold on.@ General Pepper assured her.

 

APlease hurry! I don't know how much more I can take!@ Fara cried out.

 

AOkay, we'll be looking out at the comm. Bill, if Fara starts having the nightmares again, inform us immediately.@ Pepper said.

 

AYes sir.@ Bill said. Bill and Fara were left alone again.

 

AFara, hang on. They'll find something any day now. I'm sure!@ Bill said.

 

AFox... Fox... please... help... me!@ Fara cried out with her last ounce of strength. She passed out. Her vital signs started to drop rapidly. The burns on Fara's body got worse from all the moving she did when Peppy, Falco, and General Pepper had to retrain her after the terrible nightmare she had. Bill turned on the comm.

 

ABridge, this is Bill! Fara vital signs have dropped to critical!@ Bill shouted into the comm. next to his bed.

 

AWe're on our way!@ Falco said. The three of them rushed to the medical bay.

 

AHang on Fara!@ Bill said. Peppy, Falco, and General Pepper arrived.

 

AWhat happened?!@ Peppy asked as he picked up a medical scanner and ran it over her body. Bill told Peppy what happened.

 

AShortly after you left, Fara let out a cry for to help her. It overwhelmed Fara then her vital signs began to drop.@ Bill explained.

 

AFara is in a coma. We almost lost her. She must be saved soon, because if her burns don't kill her, the dreams will. They'll shatter her mind to pieces.@ Peppy said.

 

AWell, what can we do until there's a breakthrough at the labs‑or something?@ General Pepper asked.

 

AWell, sir, all we can do now‑ is pray.@ Peppy sadly answered.

 

AOkay, then may God help you Fara. Especially for Fox's sake.@ Pepper said. They all sat next to Fara and Bill, and just sat there.

 

Katt woke up alone. AFox?@ Katt asked nervously. Two lizards dragged Fox into her cell.

 

AKatt!@ Fox moaned. Katt rushed over to him. Both of the guards left them.

 

AFox, can you hear me?@ Katt asked as she tapped Fox on his muzzle. She looked into Fox's eyes.

 

APlease... help me.@

 

AFox, I can't find any physical injuries.@ Katt told him.

 

AKatt, I have some bad news.@ Fox said grimly. Katt helped him sit up.

 

AWhat?@ Katt asked him.

 

AI overheard a discussion between Leon, Wolf, and Andross. They're planning on capturing Fara again!@ Fox said alarmed.

 

AHasn't he done it enough? Why does he want her now?@ Katt asked.

 

ALeon's going to try to turn her to their side. Similar to what Illiria did to me a little over a year ago. Remember that?@ Fox asked her.

 

AYeah, Fara was devastated. When we were in our bunks, every night, she would hold a picture of you over your bunk and just start to cry.@ Katt said as she began to shiver.

 

AKatt, what's wrong?@ Fox asked. Fox began to feel better.

 

AI'm freezing. It's probably just me though.@ Katt admitted.

 

ANo, you're right, it is getting cold. Come closer, I'll keep you warm. Just don't get the wrong idea or anything.@ Fox said. He let out a short laugh.

 

AOf course, but I mean you're married.@ Katt said back.

 

AKatt, our actions are that of survival. Whatever we do, we're doing that because we need to depend on each other to live. So let's just stay focused on keeping each other alive, okay?@ Fox said.

 

AOkay.@ Katt answered. She moved up to him. Fox rubbed his paws back and forth across Katt's body. Katt continued to shiver. Fox took off his heavy sweat shirt and his under shirt.

 

AFox, what are you doing?@ Katt exclaimed. Fox handed her his shirts.

 

AHere, put these on. If these won't keep you warm, then I don't know what will!@ Fox said.

 

ABut you'll freeze!@ Katt protested.

 

AKatt, please, put on the shirts. I'll manage. I'm not going to have my wife's best friend die when I could have done something to save her. Please.@

 

AOkay Fox.@ Katt said reluctantly. She took Fox's undershirt and squeezed into it. Fox handed her his sweatshirt, as she put the thickly layered piece of clothing on.

 

AThere. Is that better?@ Fox asked. Katt took her paws and rubbed them across her legs.

 

AI can't feel my legs!@ Katt said, frightened.

AHold on.@ Fox said. He put his paws at his belt and begun to unbuckle it.

 

ANow wait just a damn minute!@ Katt interrupted. Fox was left in his boxers.

 

AKatt, don't object. I have a thicker coat of fur than you do. I don't want you to die. Fara would be crushed if she lost both of us. Please, just put them on!@ Fox insisted. Katt thought about it for a minute. She didn=t want to freeze to death, but she didn=t want to leave Fox shivering in his boxer shorts.

 

AOkay.@ Katt said hesitantly. She knew that she couldn=t change his mind.

 

AWell, well, how touching!@ Andross said to himself as he watched the performance over the hidden security camera in the cell.

 

AWolf, Leon, get in here.@ They both came into his chamber.

 

AYes Emperor?@ Wolf reported.

 

ALeon, I'm putting you in charge.@ Andross ordered.

 

AFor what?@ Leon asked surprisingly.

 

AThe torture of the female.@ Andross said, pointing at the screen. AWolf and myself will torture Fox.@

 

AYes Emperor Andross..@ Leon said.

 

AWolf, go get the young McCloud!@ Andross ordered. Wolf rushed out to get Fox. ALeon, stay.@

 

AWolf told me that you could possible turn Fox's wife over to our side. Is that true?@ Andross asked.

 

AYes, but it will be a very long and hard process. I'll need to emotionally scar her first, or something that makes her feel so guilty, that she'll have a nervous breakdown. Then I can work with whatever memories she has left, and start turning them against her until she obeys us.@ Leon explained.

 

AVery good. I'll start to plan something after I let McCloud and his friend go in a few days.@ Andross said.

 

ALET HIM GO?? YOU are going to let FOX MCCLOUD go?@ Leon asked hysterically. Leon couldn't believe what he was hearing.

 

AYes, I want his life to be completely ruined. I could easily kill the young vixen when we capture her, but that would serve no purpose at all. Instead, after we turn Fara to our side, it would be more fun having Fox watch his own wife kill him. Wouldn't it?@ Andross explained.

AYes, I suppose so.@ Leon answered. At the same time, Wolf walked into Fox and Katt's cell. Katt was keeping warm and Fox was shivering.

 

AWell hello brother!@ Wolf said cheerfully. AIt's time for us to go.@ Wolf had a snow coat on.

 

AYOU! I'm going to KILL YOU for what you did to my wife!@ Fox yelled. He lunged at Wolf and started to punch him wildly. Wolf tried to fight back, but he had really pissed Fox off. The last thing Wolf could do to make him enraged was to get to Fox's wife. Two guards rushed to pull Fox aside. Wolf stood up and walked towards the guards that were restraining Fox.

 

AYour wife is a beautiful young vixen.@ Wolf said.

 

AI know. That's why I married her.@ Fox snapped back.

 

AWell, I learned that after I finished kissing her. Soon, your wife will be turned to our side. Not now, not in a month, but soon.@ Wolf said.

 

AWhy you!@ Fox said as he tried to free himself so he could kill Wolf, but both the lizards managed to hold Fox back.

 

ATake MCCLOUD to Andross, but get him clothed first. We wouldn't want our guest showing up in his underwear, now would we@ Wolf ordered. Fox was dragged out of the cell. Wolf walked towards Katt, who was dressed in her own and Fox's clothes. Katt became uneasy.

 

AIf you even try to do what you did to Fara on me, I'll scratch out your other eye!@ Katt threatened.

 

AI wouldn't think of it, my dear. Tell me, why are you wearing Fox's clothes?@ Wolf asked.

 

ABecause Fox said that he'd rather sacrifice himself, then let me freeze.@ Katt explained.

 

ASo that's why you're wearing Fox's clothes and he's freezing in his underwear?@ Wolf

questioned her.

 

AYes, he gave me his clothes so I wouldn't freeze.@ Katt answered. She became very nervous.

 

AFox cares for you, doesn't he?@ Wolf asked.

 

AY‑y‑yes.@ Katt answered. She was very scared of what Wolf might do to her.

 

AI'd better get going, but don't worry, you're next!@ Wolf said as he left. Katt was left alone.

 

AFara, I hope you're okay!@ Katt said to herself. Little did Katt know, that Fara was fighting for her life in the medical bay of the Great Fox.

 

Onboard Great Fox, Bill's bandages were being removed.

 

AThere. Is that okay Bill?@ Peppy asked as he helped Bill get up.

 

AYeah, it's just fine.@ Bill replied. AAnything from the labs on Corneria?@

 

AYes, they think they're close on developing a device to cure Fara's nightmares!@ Peppy said excitedly.

 

AHow close?@ Bill wondered.

 

AA few days, at most.@ Peppy said back.

 

AWill Fara survive a few more days?@ Bill asked.

 

ANot if she's dreaming. I think she can survive only two more nightmares, maybe three.@ Peppy said regretfully.

 

AIf Fara gets hysterical again, what will her burns do?@ Bill asked. He sat down beside Fara's bed, and stroked his paw gently across her head.

 

AWell, if her burns aren't treated and fully repaired before that happens, the shock will overwhelm several areas of her body. Then...@ Peppy stopped and became very uneasy.

 

AThen what?@ Bill questioned.

 

AThen Fara will seize up and die a slow painful death, I'm sorry. The only way we can save her, is if we can get the device and attach it to the base of Fara's skull before she goes ballistic again.@ Peppy said regretfully. Bill stood up and covered Fara's body with a blanket.

 

AI'm going to stay here and keep Fara company. Let me know as soon as the device arrives from the Cornerian Labs.@ Bill said.

 

AOkay!@ Peppy said. He walked towards the lounge. General Pepper was sitting at a table looking at a file folder. Several snapshots of Fara were lay out across the table.

 

ABusy night, huh?@ the hound asked. He looked up from the pictures he was studying.

 

AYes, a very busy night. What are you looking at?@ Peppy asked, he sat down beside the General.

 

AI'm just looking at Fara's records. It's been a while, hasn't it?@ Pepper asked.

 

ASince when, sir?@ Peppy asked, puzzled.

 

ASince Fox and Fara first met. You know, I promised Fara's parents that I'd look after her before they were killed. It's funny, really.@ Pepper said.

 

AGeneral, I don't see how the fact that Fara's parents are dead is funny.@ Peppy said. He was shocked over what he was hearing.

 

ANo, no... you misunderstood. I meant it's funny that I'm looking after both of them. Both of their parents... dead. It's hard to believe that Fara doesn't have any immediate family left behind anymore.@ Pepper said.

 

AI'm confused. How did Fara's parents die?@ Peppy asked. The General sighed.

 

AIt was during Fox and Fara's second attempt at a honeymoon. Her parents were in a transport when it was ambushed by Star Wolf. Fara found out when they returned from their trip. She was crushed. Fara was more disturbed than Fox was when he lost his parents. She couldn't bear the thought of living anymore. Fara tried to kill herself by jumping off the balcony of her house, but Fox managed to stop her in time. He convinced Fara not to take her own life. They both have suffered much emotional trauma over the years. I can't figure out how they manage to go on.@ Pepper explained.

 

AThey say that they have each other, and that it's all they'll ever need.@ Peppy said.

 

ALook at this.@ Pepper said. He handed Peppy a photo of a very young fennec climbing a rock. Peppy examined the photograph closer.

 

AWho is she?@ Peppy asked. The General put down a copy of Fara's background and history, then turned towards Peppy.

 

AShe is your friend and teammate.@ Pepper replied.

 

AThis is Fara?!@ Peppy exclaimed. He couldn't recognize her under all the safety gear.

 

AYes, it is. Fara is fifteen years old. This was taken a year before she met Fox and the others.@

 

AFara never said that she enjoyed rock climbing!@ Peppy said.

 

AOf course not. Fara quit after she broke both her arms, her left leg, and her neck. She didn't want anyone to know.@ Pepper said.

 

ABut you know.@ Peppy said.

 

AOf course, I was there.@ Pepper said.

 

AYou, sir?@ Peppy asked.

 

AYes, I'm a very good friend of her family. Or at least I used to be.@ Pepper said.

 

AWell, I'd better be getting some sleep. Goodnight sir.@ Peppy said. He went towards his bunk and went to sleep.

 

Fara was still lying in her medical bed. She was having another nightmare. This was different from her last one. They were on the resort planet during their honeymoon. Fara was standing on the balcony of their hotel room. Fox was beside her. ABeautiful isn't it?@ Fara asked. They stared at the sunset.

 

AYes, but not as beautiful as you.@ Fox complimented. He out his arms around her body. Fara kissed Fox. A shadow emerged from their room carrying a knife. Fox looked up.

 

AFara, look out!@ Fox screamed. He pushed himself in front of her and battled his assassin.

 

AFox, be careful!@ Fara said, worrying that he would get killed. The stranger pulled out a

knife and stabbed Fox in the back.

 

AAghh!@ Fox yelled in agony. Fara was very annoyed and heartbroken. Fara cursed to herself and lunged at Fox's killer. The assassin grabbed Fara and stabbed her in the shoulder. She stumbled and managed to crawl towards Fox's dying body.

 

AFox, no, please don't leave me!@ Fara cried. Her killer picked up Fara's dying body.

 

AGoodbye, my sweet!@ Wolf said. He threw Fara's dying body over the balcony.

 

ANoooooo!@ Fara screamed as she fell to her death. Bill sat beside Fara's bed. Fara began to shake again. He tapped the comm. unit that was next to her bed.

 

ABill to anybody, it's happening again!@ he screamed. Peppy and Falco rushed in. Peppy was holding a metal chip, he handed it to Bill.

 

AWhat is it?@ Bill asked.

 

AFara's cure. We'll hold her down while you place it on her forehead.@ Peppy instructed. Peppy and Falco struggled to keep Fara restrained. Bill placed the chip on her forehead. Fara stopped moving and went silent.

 

AWill she live?@ Falco asked.

 

AYes, she'll live, but the burns on her body are close to life threatening. I'll have to keep her in bed until her burns fully heal.@ Peppy said, AI only hope Fox and Katt get back alive.@

 

Back on Venom, Fox was dragged into Andross's chamber. He was in a P.O.W. (Prisoner Of War) uniform. AWhere is HE?!@ Fox yelled

infuriated.

 

AI'm right here, young McCloud.@ Andross said.

 

ANo! Wolf, where is WOLF?!@ Fox asked angrily.

 

AWolf will be along shortly.@ Andross said.

AI'm going to KILL Wolf!@ Fox yelled.

 

ALeon, you can go torture the female now.@ Andross ordered.

 

AYes Emperor.@ Leon said.

 

ANo! Katt hasn't done anything! Leave her alone!@ Fox pleaded. Leon went to torture Katt. Wolf walked into the room. Fox was in paw cuffs.

 

AI'm going to KILL you!@ Fox yelled. He rammed directly at Wolf.

 

AGet off me!@ Wolf yelled.

 

ANo! Not until you're dead! I'm going to make sure that you pay for what you did to my wife!@ Fox yelled vengefully. Fox tried to strangle Wolf with the chains of his paw cuffs. Wolf punched Fox in the face, and sent him sprawling on the floor. Fox lay unconscious.

 

At the same time, Leon walked into Katt's freezing cell. AHello, kitty cat!@ Leon greeted.

 

AGet away from me!@ Katt shrieked.

 

ANot yet, I'm here to torture you. Get up!@ Leon ordered.

 

ANo!@ Katt yelled. She was VERY scared. Leon became angry.

 

AI said get up!@ Leon yelled. Katt lay still. Leon moved closer to Katt. Without warning, Leon smacked her across the face. Katt jumped up at Leon and began to claw at him, but Leon threw her down. Katt tried to get up, but Leon hit her in the head. She fell down on the cold hard floor. There were cuts all over Katt's neck. Leon picked her up, and walked towards his torture chamber. Katt woke up in a bright room. She tried to move, but found her paws were restrained. The temperature in the chamber was the same as her cell. Katt found that she was lying on a cold metal table. There were several instruments above her face. One of them looked like a laser drill. The beam's emitter was aimed right between Katt's eyes, but it was several feet away from her. Katt heard a door open.

 

Leon entered, wearing a snow coat. He picked up a remote and pushed a button. The table that Katt was restrained on began to turn vertically. Katt tried to get loose, but she failed.

 

ADon't bother, it's titanium alloy. I doubt that you can get free.@ Leon cracked. He picked up an electric shocking device, which looked like a tazor, and prodded it at her skull. Katt let out a loud scream of agony.

 

AAghh!@ Katt screamed as several trillion volts of direct current rushed through her body. Leon pressed the button again. Katt stopped screaming.

 

AI think that's enough of the shocker for today. What would you like next? The electric whip or a physical beating?@ the iguana asked pleasantly.

AGo to hell!@ Katt answered back.

 

AOh come now Ms. Monroe. You only have two days left.@ Leon said.

 

AUntil what? My execution?@ Katt asked frightened.

 

ANo my dear, until you and your friend are let go.@ Leon answered regretfully. He'd hate to lose a good victim.

 

AYou're letting us GO?!@ Katt said surprisingly.

 

AYes. It's all part of Andross's master plan. A few years ago, we were successful in capturing and turning Fox McCloud. Perhaps you remember that nasty little skirmish with Illiria. Do you?@ Leon asked.

 

AI wasn't there when it happened, but I read all the reports.@ Katt responded.

 

AWell, we're planning to capture Fara again.@ Leon said.

 

AAgain?! Haven't you done enough to her? In the last three months, you captured and tortured her. Then, after she married Fox, Wolf showed up on their honeymoon and tried to abduct her. Fara was exposed to severe frostbite, it was a miracle that she walked again. And after Wolf shot Fara down, she has severe burns on every inch of her body. Thanks to Wolf, Fara is having nightmares that are tearing her brain apart. Why won't you leave her alone?@ Katt said.

 

AThat's not my decision. Besides, all I know is that Andross has given me whatever I need to make Fara MCCLOUD turn to our side. See that laser above your head?@ Leon asked.

 

AAre you going to use it on m‑m‑me??@ Katt asked frightened.

 

AOh no. It's not for you. It's for Mrs. MCCLOUD.@ Leon answered.

 

ASo that's your idea of turning somebody? By drilling holes in their heads?@ Katt asked quizzically.

 

ANo, it's not that kind of drill. I'm saving it for her!@ Leon answered as he picked up the whip. Leon turned the dial on the handle. Katt suddenly changed the expression on her face. Leon started to strike the whip hard across Katt's upper body. She screamed out so Fox could hear her.

 

AFOXXXX!@ Katt screamed. Leon became pleased. He loved hearing the helpless screams from his victims.

 

AKeep it up, kitty! Your screams are like music to my ears.@ Leon ordered. Katt continued to scream for help.

 

AFox help me!@ Katt yelled. Even she knew that Fox couldn't hear her. Leon smacked Katt in the face to hear her scream even more. Katt became very angry. She struggled to free herself, but Leon kept

striking at her mercilessly. There was a knock at his chamber's door.

 

AHelp me!@ Katt screamed at the top of her lungs. Leon walked away from Katt and opened the door. Wolf was standing there.

 

AWhat is it. This better be good!@ Leon murmured to himself.

 

AAndross said your time is up for now. You can continue tomorrow before we let them go.@ Wolf ordered.

 

ADo I have to?@ Leon asked hesitantly.

 

AYes, but I promise that when we capture Mrs. MCCLOUD, we'll have all the time we

need.@ Wolf said.

 

AYou're working with me?@ Leon asked.

 

AYes.@ Wolf answered flatly.

 

AWhy?@ Leon asked.

 

ABecause when this is all over, that young vixen and her body will be MINE! One way or another. Is that understood?@ Wolf asked.

 

AYes sir.@ Leon answered.

 

ADo you need help taking Ms. Monroe back to her cell?@ Wolf offered.

 

AYes, but look out, she is very resistant.@ Leon warned.

 

AOkay, where's the manual release button?@ Wolf asked. He searched for a button on one of the control panels and withdrew his blaster.

 

AIt's the red button on your left.@ Leon pointed to a large red button next to Wolf. He pushed it. The restraints that were holding Katt released. Katt made a dash for the door. Wolf immediately reacted by shooting her in the back of the neck. Katt instantly fell. Wolf picked Katt up, and carried her over his shoulder. Wolf carried Katt down the endless corridors. He opened the cell door and threw Katt in. Fox was lying against the wall. Fox rushed to Katt's body.

 

AKatt? KATT? Can you hear me?@ Fox asked.

 

AFox? Fox, help me!@ Katt begged.

 

AWhere does it hurt?@ Fox asked, looking at the cuts and bruises on her body.

 

AI can't feel my legs.@ Katt cried.

ATry not to move. You're going to be okay.@ Fox said. Katt gathered enough strength to talk.

 

AFox, about Fara.@ Katt started.

 

AYes, I know, they told me everything. I can't believe they're doing this to her.@ Fox said.

 

AWhy aren't you hurt?@ Katt wondered.

 

AWhen Wolf entered, I tried to kill him again, but he hit me over the head. After I woke up,

Wolf was holding me back, and Andross explained everything. The next thing I know, I'm lying here when they threw you in.@ Fox replied.

 

AWhen are they letting us go?@ Katt asked.

 

ATomorrow morning.@ Fox answered.

 

AI may not survive.@ Katt said.

 

ADon't talk like that!@ Fox said.

ANo, Leon said that he's going to torture me again before we leave. Fox, I'm scared!@ Katt cried.

 

ADon't worry. I'm here. Just go to sleep. I won't let anything happen to you.@ Fox assured her.

 

ADo you mean it?@ Katt asked. She stopped crying.

 

AYes, I do.@ Fox said.

 

AOkay, then goodnight.@ Katt said. She rested her head on Fox. Fox stayed up the entire

night in his freezing cell.

 

Katt woke up dazed. She realized that Fox was still lying next to her. Fox had stayed awake the whole night.

 

AKatt, are you awake?' Fox asked nervously. He left Katt's body rub up against him. Fox was relieved.

 

AYeah, I'm here. You really stayed awake the whole night?@ Katt asked.

 

AYes, I did,@ Fox replied, AHow are you feeling?@

 

ABetter.@ Katt answered. Fox saw a laser burn on the back of Katt's neck.

 

AKatt, what's that laser burn on the back of your neck?@ Fox asked.

 

AI don't know.@ Katt replied.

AMaybe I do. Katt, can you move you legs?@ Fox asked.

 

ANo.@ Katt cried.

 

AOh no.@ Fox gasped.

 

AFox? Fox, what is it? Fox, tell me the bad news.@ Katt begged.

 

AKatt, I don't know if you can take this, but I think you're paralyzed from the waist down.

I'm not sure if it's true yet, but I'm sorry.@ Fox said regretfully. Katt instantly broke out in tears.

 

AFox... Fox... WHY?!@ Katt sobbed. Wolf came in the cell door holding a blaster at them.

 

AHi Ms. Monroe. It's time for your last torture session. Now get up!@ Wolf ordered. Fox could feel Katt hold him tighter.

 

APlease! No more!@ Katt begged.

 

AI said GET UP!@ Wolf ordered.

 

AShe can't move her legs. You paralyzed her from the waist down.@ Fox defended. Wolf motioned for Leon to come forward.

 

APick up Ms. Monroe. It seems that I paralyzed her when I shot her last night. I know you've been looking forward to this, so whenever you're ready, I'll drop the force field.@ Wolf instructed.

 

AI think what Katt is suffering right now is enough torture. Let's leave them until it's time that they leave.@ Leon suggested.

 

AOkay Leon, it's your call.@ Wolf sighed. They both left Fox and Katt alone. Time passed as Katt continued to cry. Fox did his best at trying to comfort Katt. Her only hope was to get to Great Fox's medical bay before it was too late. Fox couldn't determine Katt's injuries for two reasons. First, he had no medical equipment. Second, he had no medical experience like Peppy did. Katt suddenly began to clutch her heart.

 

AKatt? Katt?!@ Fox yelled. Katt's scarred body lay on the floor. Fox leaned over to Katt and checked her heart beat. It was gone. Fox knelt beside her. He began to administer CPR to Katt.

 

ADamn it! Breathe, Katt, breathe!@ Katt began to cough.

 

AAck, ack,@ Katt coughed, AFalco?@ A blurred image appeared in front of her.

 

ANo, Katt, it's me... Fox.@ Fox replied.

 

AW‑what happened to me?@ Katt asked. She lay on the ground, still in shock from what had just occurred.

 

AI don't know. One minute, I was trying to comfort you. The next, you had your paws over your heart and passed out. I almost lost you, almost like I did Fara...@ Fox said. Wolf entered their cell.

 

AGet up MCCLOUD. Pick up the girl and get moving.@ Wolf ordered. Fox picked Katt up. He put his left arm around Katt's back and his right arm underneath her knees. Fox carried Katt out of their cell. Wolf had ten guards swarm around Fox and Katt so they couldn't escape. They soon reached a small escape pod. The hatch was open.

 

AGet in!@ Leon ordered. He came in from behind Wolf. Fox carried Katt inside the escape pod, and Wolf closed the door behind them. Fox was strapping Katt into her seat when the escape pod rapidly began to accelerate. Fox was thrown towards the rear and hit his head hard on the wall.

 

AFox!@ Katt shrieked. She took off the straps that were keeping her in place and fell to the floor. Katt lay on the floor. She saw a med-kit under one of the seats. Katt managed to grab it and crawl over towards Fox's body. She opened up the gray metallic box and withdrew some bandages and a pain killer. Katt took her paw and checked Fox's pulse. She felt that it was strong, and was relieved that he wasn't dead. Katt saw a wound next to Fox's left ear. She took one of the bandages and placed it firmly over the cut. Fox began to moan.

 

AKatt?@ Fox moaned weakly.

 

AFox, you're going to be fine.@ Katt answered. Fox got up and checked the sensors. It read that the Great Fox was within tractor beam range. Fox switched on the comm.

 

AGreat Fox, this is Fox MCCLOUD. Do you read me?@ Fox asked.

 

AFox. Fox, is that really you?@ Falco asked.

 

AYeah. Yeah Falco, it's me?@

 

AHey, is Katt with you?@ Falco asked nervously.

 

AYes, but she's paralyzed from the waist down! We need medical attention.@ Fox yelled.

 

AHang on. We're towing you in.@ Falco said. The sparkling blue stream of light, which was

the Great Fox's tractor beam, grabbed the escape pod and pulled it into the docking bay. Peppy and Bill ran towards the escape pod and ripped open the hatch. Fox picked

up Katt and carried her out. Just after Bill took Katt from him, Fox collapsed.

 

Fox woke up in the medical bay next to Fara and Katt. Katt was fast asleep. The microchip that had been placed on Fara's forehead earlier was gone. AHoney. Honey, are you there?@ Fox asked.

 

AFox... Fox... I'll NEVER forgive myself for what I did to you!@ Fara cried out.

 

AFara. Honey, what are you talking about?@ Fox asked.

AFox, it was horrible. I had nightmares again. We... we were on the ship! Wolf‑ Wolf and

you‑A Fara rushed out.

 

AWhoa, honey slow down. Take it easy. Now tell all about it slowly.@ Fox urged.

 

AOkay.@ Fara said. She was still unable to move most of her body.

 

ANow, what happened first?@ Fox asked.

 

AI woke up with you next to me. It was on our first honeymoon. We... we were kissing. I

looked up for Wolf, but he wasn't there. Then I turned around to where you were, and Wolf was there. I got up and ran towards the door in the ship. I bumped into you. You

grabbed me and gave me to Wolf and you pulled out a knife. You blamed me for cheating on you, pretending that I love you then taking it back, and you said that I emotionally scarred you. Then... you took your knife and stabbed me in the heart. And the worst part is that it's true. Fox, I'll never forgive myself for what I did to you over these years. Fox, I don't deserve to live!@ Fara cried out

wildly.

 

AFara. FARA! Don't talk like that! You DO deserve to live. Honey, I know what you did to me in the past. We both do. And as far as I'm concerned, what's done is done. Fara, please, can you just try and forget all those horrible memories?@ Fox pleaded.

 

AYes, I'll try. Honey, I love you.@ Fara answered.

 

AI know. I know you too. Just get some sleep honey. Goodnight.@ he said. Fox turned on his side until he was comfortable. He slowly reached towards the end of his bed and grabbed the blanket. Fox pulled the blanket over himself. Fox soon fell asleep.

 

Katt woke up. Falco was next to her. AKatt, don't worry, your legs are fine. You'll walk again.@ Falco said cheerfully.

 

AThen why can't I move them?@ Katt asked.

 

AThey've suffered severe trauma, but they just need time to heal. Katt, I love you!@ Falco answered.

 

AI know, I love you too. I just need some time to myself. Okay?@ Katt said.

 

AOkay, I'll see you later.@ Falco said. The automatic door in the med bay slid open as Falco

walked out. Katt was left alone with Fox and Fara. Fox still lay in his bed with the covers over him. Fara was in her bed and had bandages all over her body. Fara didn't know it, but Katt looked up to her often. When Fara was relaxed, hurt and dying, or even when she wasn't thinking straight, Katt saw her as a maternal figure. Fara let out a yawn.

 

AFox... honey, are you awake?@ Fara asked. She saw that Fox was fast asleep and decided to let her husband sleep in.

 

AFara, are you feeling okay?@ Katt asked.

 

AYeah. Why?@ Fara wondered.

 

AI just don't want to lose a good friend. Fara, can I ask you something?@ Katt asked.

 

AOf course. What is it?@ Fara answered.

 

AWhat does it feel like to get married?@ Katt asked.

 

AWhy? You and Falco?@ Fara asked.

 

AIt's not official yet, but I have a feeling he's going to ask me soon.@ Katt answered.

 

AWell, it=s the best feeling in the world. Don't let anything stand in your way.@ Fara said. Peppy entered the room carrying a clipboard.

 

AHi everybody.@ Peppy said.

 

AHi Pep!@ Fara said.

 

AHey Peppy!@ Katt said. Peppy walked towards Fara's bed.

 

AIt's time to take your bandages off.@

 

AWhat about my husband?@ Fara asked.

 

AFox will be fine. He just has a mild concussion. He'll be back on his feet tomorrow.@ Peppy

assured her.

 

AWhat about me? Am I going to be okay?@ Fara asked. Peppy began to remove the bandages

from Fara's body. Her burns were almost healed. She was now able to move freely without hurting herself. Peppy removed the last of the bandages from her back. He helped Fara get to her feet.

 

ALucky you! You can walk.@ Katt sighed. Fara walked towards Fox.

 

AYeah, you'll be on your feet soon Katt, just be patient.@ Fara assured her.

 

AOh, Fara, one more thing.@ Peppy said.

 

AWhat?@ Fara asked.

 

AYour burns haven't fully healed yet. So don't move around too much. Okay?@

 

AOkay.@ Fara said. Peppy walked out of the med bay. Fara knelt beside Fox's bed and put her paw beside his muzzle. Fox began to talk in his sleep.

 

AMom? Mom, it that you?@ Fox groaned.

 

ANo honey, it's me, Fara.@ she answered.

 

AFara?@ Fox asked opening his eyes. Fara stood over Fox and kissed him.

 

AGood morning honey.@ Fara said sweetly.

 

AWhat's good about it? We're both hurt and in the med bay.@ Fox said jokingly. Fara smiled.

 

AI'm fine now. I just can=t move around like I used to. At least until my burns have fully healed.@ Fara said. She took the blanket off him.

 

AWhen will that be?@ Fox asked.

 

AIn two days. By then, we'll both be back home on Corneria.@ Fara said smiling. Fox sat up in his bed. Fara climbed up on his bed and sat on his lap. Fox shifted the pillow behind his neck.

 

AFara, I love you.@ Fox said. He kissed Fara.

AI know.@ she replied. Fara kissed him back. She slowly pulled her legs onto Fox's bed and lied down next to him. Fara put her arms on his chest.

 

 AFara, what are you doing?@ Fox asked. Fara rested her head against him.

 

AI just want to keep you company until your concussion is healed. Unless you want me to...@

 

ANo honey. I'd rather have you keep me company.@ Fox replied. Fara looked at Fox's face. Something told her that Fox had bad news.

 

AFox, honey, what=s wrong?@ Fara asked.

 

AWolf is planning to capture you again. Then he'll try and turn you to his side. He's obsessed with you.@ Fox informed.

 

ABut that won't happen.@ Fara said.

 

AI'm afraid that it will. Fara, when I married you, I never thought anything like this would happen to us. I won't let him take you.@ Fox sad.

 

AI'm sure you won't. Fox, if I get captured, I promise that I'll be alive when you come to rescue me.@ Fara said sweetly.

 

ALeon is in charge of your torture. He plans to tear your mind apart. I'm afraid that when I come to rescue you, you won't want to leave. I can't imagine what our lives would be like if this keeps happening to us.@ Fox admitted.