Much to Krystal’s disbelief and shock; she sees Falco’s body drifting toward the Great Fox with some object rammed into his mid section. “Oh my god! Falco is down! Tell Fox to get down here as soon as possible Slippy!” Krystal ordered. “Yes ma’am I’m on it!” Slippy said bolting off to Fox and Krystal’s room. Slippy starts to bang on the door rapidly and shouts. “Fox we need you at the docking bay it’s an emergency!” Slippy cried. “Not now Slippy I’m taking a Sonic Shower.” Fox said. “But Fox! It’s Falco!” Slippy said. “What, is he back from finishing off those assassins?” Fox asked. “Well yeah, but he is seriously hurt! He may be dead for all we know.” Slippy said. At that instant there is a lot of movement herd within Fox’s room. Then Fox appears in front of Slippy. “Falco’s hurt?!” Fox asked. “Yes he is! We must hurry! Time is of the essence!” Slippy said. The two run for the docking bay to meet Krystal wearing a space suit and jetpack. “I shall go get him. Slippy go fetch a Stretcher! Fox wait right here.” Krystal said. Slippy takes off and Fox waits patiently. “Please hurry Krystal. Falco is my best pilot and wingman. I don’t want to lose him.” Fox said anxiously.

“Don’t worry Fox. (Places hand on his shoulder) He will be fine, I promise you.” Krystal said. Krystal activates the jet pack and puts it into full throttle and flies toward Falco’s limp body in space. Krystal carefully takes Falco in her arms and Falco awakens. “Krystal? (Cough) (Cough) What are you doing here?” Falco asked blood dripping down his beak and neck. “I am here to save your life. Just take it easy and rest.” Krystal said patting his shoulder. “Easy for you to say; I got a big piece of Shrapnel lodged in my gut.” Falco said and then he passes out. Krystal lands on the docking bay floor to be greeted by Slippy and Fox. “Lay him out on the stretcher.” Slippy said. Krystal and Fox lay him on the stretcher; Fox rigs him to vital sign monitoring systems and Krystal covers him with a blanket. “Take him to the trauma ward Slippy. I need to call Fara Phoenix; she’s a great surgeon and she makes an attractive nurse too.” Fox said. “Who is this Fara Phoenix you’re going on about? Have you been holding out on me?” Krystal asked with crossed arms. “Fara was my old girl friend; I met her way back in the past during training or something. When I got assigned here I gave her a job on the team.” Fox said. “What happened to her then? I didn’t meet her here when you got me aboard?” Krystal said still not pleased. “You can talk to her when she gets here. Right now I need you to monitor Falco’s vitals.” Fox said.

Fox pulls out his holocommunicator and calls Fara. “Hello Fox, long time no see.” Fara said. “Same to you, can you come out to the Great Fox I need you to help an injured friend.” Fox said. “Let me guess, Slippy shocked the crap out of him when working on R.O.B again?” Fara said. “No not this time, thank god. Its Falco, His abdomen was impaled by Shrapnel. I need you to come here and operate on him.” Fox said. “Ooo, that’s horrible! I will be there in the next twenty minutes. You called me when I was called to a nearby planet that is close by your location. Just monitor him and call me if he condition worsens.” Fara said. “Ok Fara, I will have Slippy lower the Docking bay shield for your arrival.” Fox said. “Thanks Fox, I’ll see you then.” Fara said. “Alright Fara, I will see you shortly.” Fox said hanging up. Fox bolts to the trauma ward to meet Krystal. “She will be here in twenty minutes. How’s he coming?” Fox asked. “Why don’t you ask him yourself Fox? He’s awake right now.” Krystal said. Fox walks over to his bedside and pulls up a chair and Krystal leaves the room. “So Falco, give me the story, what happened?” Fox asked.

“Well when you Hyper jumped to the Great Fox a shield appears behind those assassins. The thing spits out thousands of ships; way too many to count. We became drastically outnumbered in a matter of seconds. Then they attacked relentlessly and unmercilessly, my squadron took hundreds of losses. There were about fifty left against two hundred of the targets. My wingman pleaded with me to leave I refused until my ship was plastered by those crazy bastards and I was forced to leave.” Falco said. “Would you have left if you weren’t forced to leave?” Fox asked. “There my best men; I wouldn’t lose them for anything. Even if it meant death do I part from them. Unfortunately they wanted my safety over theirs and demanded me to leave. Forcefully I had to leave. I will never forget them; or the family of my wingman. Those six children will never see their dad again. I promised his wife to let him retire from the fleet tomorrow after fifteen years service.” Falco said with tears welling in his eyes. “That’s very tragic, I’m sorry for your heavy losses.” Fox said. “I need a moment Fox. Nothing personal.” Falco said. “I understand Falco. Just relax, let me know if you need anything.” Fox said. “Will do partner.” Falco said trying hard not to lose it in front of Fox.

Fox walks back out of Falco’s room to meet Krystal. “Falco’s torn over the unfortunate death of his wingman.” Fox said. “So that’s why he was crying.” Krystal said. “Krystal, Falco has never been seen crying in public. He claims he is too cool for that.” Fox said. “Guess again, he’s crying! Look!” Krystal said using her hand to turn Fox’s head to look. “Speak nothing of this.” Fox said to Krystal. “Understood Fox.” Krystal said. “Slippy, get to the shield generator and drop the docking bay shield. I am expecting an important guest.” Fox said. “Yes sir!” Slippy said. “Knock off the formal act if you’re trying to squeeze a promotion out of me. You’re failing and only pissing me off. Being formal is only for the Cornarian Army, not a damn mercenary squad! Move it on the double!” Fox said in a fake angry voice pointing at Slippy. Slippy bolts for the generator in an attempt to avoid objects chucked at him by Fox. This only makes Krystal laugh. “I’ve always wanted to freak out Slippy and it worked!” Fox said happily. “Fox a ship has been detected on radar, your guest is here!” Slippy shouts. “Good, drop the shields, let her in.” Fox replied. “Affirmative, why were you soo pissed earlier?” Slippy asked. “I just wanted to scare you and it worked like a charm.” Fox said chuckling getting a sarcastic laugh from Slippy making Krystal laugh. The instant the shield drops the Great Fox shakes to the bass of the song How We Do by 50 Cent.

“Does your friend know when too loud becomes noise pollution?!” Krystal shouts. “I guess not, you can eat her out for it when she lands.” Fox replies shouting as well. “What did you two say?” Slippy shouted. “Slippy do me a favor. Shut up!” Fox shouted. The radio dies, cockpit opens and Fara leaps out. “Hello Fox how have you been? Looks like you got a new girl too, does she know about our past?” Fara said. “What past? What do mean? Fox please explain this. I’d like to hear this.” Krystal said. Ok, ok, a long time ago me and Fara were engaged. I had met her in Flight school and I fell head over heels in love with her. When I was assigned to Starfox after my dad’s disappearance I gave her a job in the team. We had a good four years to really get to know each other and then”………… “And then what Fox, do tell.” Krystal said. “I will finish the story. It was after we stopped Star Wolf from supplying Andross with nuclear weapons and advanced, restricted technology. Fox called me into the hallway. I thought he was about to propose marriage to me. Unfortunately he claimed missions were getting too hot for my safety lately and he gave me a wad of twenty thousand lylat credits and a suitcase full of my belongings and said I had to leave for my own good.” Fara said.

“That’s funny Fox, when you pulled that stunt on me you never supplied me with cash. All I got was hatred and depression, then was forced out of the galaxy.”Krystal said sarcastically. “He did that to you? Fox your cold, forcing her out because of safety, like you did to me.” Fara said. “He didn’t stop there Fara, he kicks me from the team after saving my life two years ago on the planet Sauria.” Krystal said. “Ok can we end the guilt trip please Fara and Krystal? You have someone to operate on Fara.” Fox said. “Oh right, Falco! Lead me to your operating room.” Fara said. “I will be glad to Fara.” Fox said. The two walk toward the operating room and Krystal goes to get Falco from his room.

“Hey Falco wake up, I have to prepare you for your operation.” Krystal said. Falco doesn’t respond to Krystal and she gets worried. “Ok Falco, enough games, seriously, wake up!” Krystal said shaking his shoulder. Still no reply, this scares Krystal. She picks up his hand and checks for a pulse, she gasps when there isn’t a pulse. “Fox! Fox!” Krystal shouts running to the operating room. Fox hears Krystal’s shouts and comes to meet her along with Fara Phoenix. “What’s wrong Krystal? You look horrible! Its looks as you’ve seen a dead body.” Fox said. “It’s Falco, I went into his room to wake him and he didn’t respond. I checked his pulse and there wasn’t one! He’s dead!” Krystal said tears running down her face. “He can’t be! Fara get the defibrillator out of the ER and get to Falco’s room ASAP!” Fox ordered. “I’m on it! Go on I will be there shortly.” Fara said. Fox and Krystal run into Falco’s room. “See for yourself, he’s dead!” Krystal said with a shaky voice. Fox pulls up a chair and checks Falco’s Pulse. “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me! Fox said. At that moment Fara walks in with the defibrillator. “He has no pulse?” Fara asked. Fox nods in response then stands up. “Step aside, I got this.” Fara said rigging the defibrillator to Falco’s chest. “Everyone clear; shock one!” Fara said. Fara administers CPR for 2 minutes then gets clear. “Shock two! Stand clear!” Fara shouts. Fara continues CPR another 2 minutes then stands clear. “Shock three! Stand clear!” Fara said. Fara gives CPR one last 2 minute attempt. “I got nothing, time of death, 1:54 PM.” Fara said sadly.

“Damn It! (Throws chair across room) He has never been affected by anything. This just doesn’t add up! He can’t be dead!” Fox said. “Well he is!” Fara said. Suddenly a gasp comes from Falco and his eyes open. “Wha-What happened, who died?” Falco said. “Falco your alive, I thought we lost you?” Fox said. “My heart stopped?” Falco asked. “Yes you were dead for forty-five minutes!” Krystal said. “I never died; I was in a special physical state. When my body gets a critical injury my body appears to be dead when I am saving energy. I never died.” Falco said. “You never died? You hear that Krystal, he never died!” Fox said. Fox, Fara, and Krystal knock Falco upside the head as hard as they could. “You dummy why didn’t you tell us before this?” Fox said angrily. “I wanted to surprise you.” Falco said. “Surprise us? That’s a definite understatement. You scared the shit out of all of us!” Krystal said slapping Falco across the face. “Ow girl! You hit hard! I was joking!” Falco assured. “Just shut up Falco!” Fox said embarrassed.

“You never ever play around like that, but I am amazed that the defibrillator had no affect on you.” Fara said. “Fara, don’t encourage him!” Krystal said angrily. (Coughs) “Fara aren’t you going to operate on Falco?” Fox asked. “I was, until that sneaky prick scared me to death.” Fara said angrily. “Well Falco I guess you have to suffer a bit more until she cools off.” Krystal said. “I’m sorry for deceiving all of you. I couldn’t help it!” Falco said. “You could have at least warned us!” Krystal said. “Well sorry! You’ve been warned!” Falco said. “I’m not in the mood to do the operation now. I can probably do it tomorrow morning. Could I stay the night here?” Fara asked. “I don’t see why not.” Fox said. “Thanks Fox, Where will I be sleeping?” Fara asked. “In the guest room at the end of the hallway outside; would you like me to show you where everything is?” Fox said. “I got it Fox; I would like to get to talk to Fara for a bit.” Krystal said.

“Ok Krystal, you can, I will see you two later.” Fox said. Fara and Krystal leave. “Way to go Falco.” Fox said then he leaves his room. “So tell me, what planet were you originally from Krystal?” Fara said. “I was born on planet Cernia; my parents gave me to the Cloud runner Queen as her child. I grow and develop under her care and learn the Saurian language when I was twelve. Four years later the Queen tells me that my home planet was destroyed by Andross and my parents died. It upset me, but it had no impact on my life mentally. It wasn’t till I was nineteen that I met Fox Mc Cloud when he was called to the planet to retrieve the Krazoa Spirits to stop the planet from ripping itself apart and destroying itself. I was held hostage by the Krazoa gods for their return or I would be slain to save the planet.” Krystal said. “Man that must have sucked.” Fara said. “Yeah being hostage by the Krazoa Gods wasn’t pleasant. They tortured me a bit, to speed up Fox’s efforts. It wasn’t my cup of tea either. What’s your story Fara?” Krystal said. “I don’t really want to bring it up. All I can say is that my father was abusive and my mom was a drug addict. My parents fought a lot. I was lucky enough to meet Fox, join the team, and be with him for a change.” Fara said. “Wow, I am sorry about your past.” Krystal said. “Don’t be sorry, it wasn’t your past. I’m happy that I am such a success.” Fara said. “Ok this is your room. The bathroom is connected to the back of the closet for additional privacy. Oh here’s how to get in scan your eye on this retina scanner, say your name, and say add to database.” Krystal said. “Thanks Krystal, maybe we can hang out someday.” Fara said. “Yeah, maybe someday we can.” Krystal said.

The two hug for a brief amount of time and Krystal heads back to Fox while Fara gets into her room. “I could get used to her being around; that’s it! I could have her here when I give birth to my son. I could trust another girl helping me when that happens. That’s what I’ll do.” Krystal thought. She walks up behind Fox quietly and puts her hands over his eyes. “Guess who baby.” Krystal said in sly voice. “I know that it’s you Krystal. You can’t fool me.” Fox said. Krystal body slams Fox. Then she gets on top of him. Krystal kisses Fox passionately. “I’m ready for round two!” Krystal said sweating in Ecstasy. Fox blushes, “we already had our moment already!” Fox said. “That’s not gonna stop me! We were rudely interrupted by Slippy remember?” Krystal said. “Oh yeah, I know where you’re going with this! I like where it’s going too!” Fox said. “Let’s get our freaks on!” Krystal said getting off Fox and helping him to his feet. Fox puts a sign up next to their door. The sign said, “If you hear the bed rocking. Don’t come knocking!” Now let’s spy on Slippy for Fox’s second affair with Krystal.

“I wonder what Fox and Krystal are doing?” Slippy said. He walks to their room and he notices the sign. “Hello, what does this say? If you hear the bed rocking don’t come (Krystal gives a really horny moan from within the room)………(Slippy blushes hard with embarrassment) Ok I heard enough!” Slippy said backing away. “Hey Slippy; can you come here for a minute?” Falco asked. “Sure thing Falco; what do you need?” Slippy asked. “I hear springs creaking, it’s aggravating me. Can you tell Fox or Krystal to knock it off?” Falco said. “You don’t understand Falco! They are having”………. “Hey! Hey! Hey! I don’t need to get that image in my head.” Falco said running his hand down his beak. “Well you shouldn’t have asked then.” Slippy said. “I hate you; also can you go fetch that fine girl Fara. I want to ask her something.” Falco said. “Ok Falco will do!” Slippy said. Slippy heads off to get Fara. This time he bypasses Fox and Krystal’s room; afraid of what he may hear next. He arrives outside of Fara’s room and he knocks on the door. “Who is it?” Fara said. “It’s Slippy; Falco needs to talk to you.” Slippy said. “Give me just a minute!” Fara said. Fara opens the door to see Slippy’s jaw drop as he admired the curves of Fara’s body. “Hey my eyes are up here Shorty!” Fara said giving Slippy a fiery glare. Fara was dressed in an exercising sports bra and shorts with an ice cold towel slung over her shoulders. Slippy struggles to form a sentence after being blown away by Fara’s body. “Don’t strain yourself. I know.” Fara said. Fara walks over to Falco’s room and knocks on the wall. “Enter!” Falco said. Fara walks in and Falco’s jaw drops once he had noticed that Fara had a six pack, Fara blushes slightly. “Do you like what you see handsome?” Fara said. “Uh yes; I never met a girl that had a six pack before! It looks good on ya. It highlights that hourglass frame you got!” Falco said. “You flatterer!” Fara said. “I’m serious; do want to go out on a date sometime; only if you want to.” Falco said. “I’m taken…..“Oh ok” Falco said……Just kidding I’m single.” Fara said. “So is that a yes?” Falco said. Fara nods, and Falco smiles. “Can you give this sore body a hug. “Sure thing Falco.” Fara said. Fara walks up to Falco’s bedside and gives him a hug. “Could I squeeze your boobs?” Falco said. “Not yet, you got to get my complete trust before we get to a physical level. I may go that far; I may not, you’ll have to wait and see!” Fara said.

This response wasn’t what Falco expects; but Falco was cool and he dealt with her decision. “Ok Fara, I understand. Sorry for being childish and asking to squeeze your melons.” Falco said. “Meh, you couldn’t resist. I could see it on your face. No worries, you did no harm. Now get some rest; you got a long day ahead of you tomorrow.” Fara said patting Falco on his back. “Oh the operation, right, I will.” Falco said. “See you later handsome.” Fara said walking out of the room. “Man I love it when she calls me that!” Falco said falling asleep. Fara was walking back to her room to see Fox removing something from the wall. Fox looked like he’d been sweating excessively. Maybe the A/C was out in his room she thought. “Hey sweaty what’s the matter with you?” Fara asked. Fox caught by surprise jumped, grabbed the sign, and incinerated it behind his back. “Yeah the A/C went out, I’m gonna murder Slippy for this!” Fox said covering the ashes of the sign with his foot. “Sometimes you can really over react Fox.” Fara said. “I do not!” Fox objected. “No matter how old you are; I still see the young sixteen year old fox I met on Cornaria.” Fara said. “Yeah, yeah Fara. Say what you want. It’s late, go on to bed Fara.” Fox said. “Ok Fox see you tomorrow bright and early.” Fara said. “God forbid me waking early.” Fox said. Fox goes back into his room and Krystal is sitting up in bed. “C’mon Fox! (Pulls back the cover and pats his side of bed) It’s late we need to call it a night.” Krystal said. “Alright Krystal, I will.” Fox said taking a seat on the bed and begins taking off his jeans.

“Our night was really eventful, wasn’t it Krystal?” Fox asked. “It was, but it was a good night because we got to be together most of the evening. Promise me you’ll never ever kick me again. I don’t know what I’d do with a child.” Krystal said. “I wouldn’t have gone this far with you if I was going to kick you. You’re here to stay.” Fox said. Krystal hugs Fox and Fox kisses Krystal passionately. “I love you and I will always will.” Fox said. “I always knew you did.” Krystal said. The two yawn and fall asleep. Nine weeks pass and Fara still was on the Great Fox. Falco was fully recovered from the operation. He and Fara got engaged; Fox and Krystal were happy for them. “Well the baby should be due in the next few days.” Krystal said happily. “What should we name him?” Fox said. “I got it! Marcus!” The two said in unison. Right at that moment Krystal winces with pain and then said between short breaths. “Fox, the baby, its coming!” Krystal said. “Can you move to the ER Krystal?” Fox asked. “Yes I can, please carry me. I don’t want to risk walking.” Krystal said. “You got it Krystal.” Fox said picking Krystal up and sprints off to the ER. “Ok Krystal, get comfortable. I will get Fara. Hang in there baby!” Fox said running out of the room. Fara was heading to the cafeteria which was two rooms down; lucky for Fox he caught her in the hall. “Fara, I need you in the ER! Krystal is in labor.” Fox said catching his breath. “Really! (Fox nods) I’m on it!” Fara said. “Thanks Fara!” Fox said. “No problem, congrats on the birth of your son; I have the pleasure of delivering. Fara walks into ER to see Krystal in intense labor. “Give me some morphine, Damn it!” Krystal said. “Ok Krystal (Picks up a quick acting Morphine needle and injects the standard dose and then gets back to work) how’s that feel Krystal?” Fara asked.

“It feels great!” Krystal said now tripping off her ass. “Stay focused here, now push! (Krystal obeys) Keep going girl, I see the head! Aw! He looks cute already! Come on, keep pushing! (Krystal gives it everything she got) Holy crap! It’s out, that’s a new record!” Fara said. Krystal groans with relief and takes a ton of deep breaths. Fara cleans the fur of the newborn Marcus and cuts the Umbilical cord. “Congrats Krystal, meet your son.” Fara said handing Krystal her baby in a blue towel. “Marcus, my sweet son Marcus, welcome to the real world!” Krystal said crying tears of joy stroking Marcus’s head getting a giggle out of Marcus. “I will get his father.” Fara said. “Thanks, he’ll want to see him.” Krystal said. Fara runs out of the room to see Fox outside waiting. “So Fara, has he been born?” Fox asked. “Yes, go on in, Krystal’s expecting you.” Fara said. “Ok Fara (Fara walks by Fox and Fox puts his hand on Fara’s shoulder) thanks for everything.” Fox said. “I’m only doing my job. It was special because it involved the both of you.” Fara said. Fox walks in and Krystal looks up. “Here’s our little boy Marcus!” Krystal said holding out Marcus for Fox to hold. Fox picks Marcus up and cradles him in his arms. Marcus looks up to Fox and laughs. “So this is the joy my parents described to me when I was born.” Fox said, tears streaming down his face. “I never want this moment to end.” Fox said handing Marcus back to Krystal. “Same here Fox; I never want this feeling of joy to end.” Krystal said.

Hours pass and Fox finally wakes up to find himself tied to a chair with duct tape over his mouth. The same was done to Krystal and Bryce. A bright spot light turns on and they all look away to adjust to the light and look back. There stood Miyu, snickering turning on a stun gun. “If you won’t take me back I will shock you into some sense.” Miyu growled approaching Fox with the stun gun aimed for his crotch. “Who’s idea was it to duct tape his mouth shut?! I want to hear him suffer!” Miyu said.

With one quick flick of the wrist the tape comes off and Fox’s eyes begin to tear up and he digs his claws into the armrests of the chair. After that Miyu rams the stun gun into is groin and gives fox a good shock. Fox fights the urge to kick her in the face even though she was in the perfect spot. Leave Fox alone! Krystal said. “Shut up you naïve bitch! I’d say yes if I were you. If you still refuse kiss the thought of having kids’ goodbye!” Miyu said evilly.

“I will never take a psychotic bitch like you back even for all the money in the world!” Fox said. Miyu looks up at Fox’s face. “Your fortitude should be admired. Have you been tortured before?” Miyu asked. “Ask that question to my size 13 boot!” Fox barked kicking Miyu hard in the face. Miyu rubs off the blow and slaps him repeatedly across the face. “Do you really think I am screwing around? You think this is all a joke? I’ll fix you real good.” Miyu said drawing a Desert Eagle.

“End of the road Fox Mc Cloud!” Miyu said slowly pulling the trigger. At that moment Krystal breaks free from the chair pulls off the tape and lunges at Miyu. Miyu pulls the trigger offset by Krystal’s impact shoots Fox in the shoulder. The gun flies out of Miyu’s hand, slides across the floor, and hits the wall. “How dare you ruin my execution, you’ll pay for this!” Miyu growled getting up.

Before Miyu completely straightened out, Krystal kicks her across the face. Offset by the blow Miyu collapses and Krystal runs over to free Fox. Are you alright? Krystal said. “I got shot in the shoulder, but that’s better than a bullet to the head.” Fox said. Miyu springs to her feet and draws a banana knife and puts Krystal in a headlock with the knife at her throat. “Make one more move and Krystal will get her throat slit open!” Miyu hissed.

Fox starts to sweat nervously, Miyu realizes that Krystal is his weakness and takes advantage of it. “What’s the matter Fox? Just because I have Krystal at knife point doesn’t mean you can’t kill me!” Miyu taunted. Fox looks around, there had to be another way. A way avoiding Krystal ending as a fatality; but what should he do.

Fox’s heart pounds in his chest, for once he has no options, no good way out. He falls back into his chair and puts his head in his paws. “As long as I am still alive, Krystal’s life will be at stake.” Miyu barked cockily. Behind Miyu, Bryce somehow wriggled out of the rope restraints on him, removed the tape and tackled Miyu. Miyu Releases the knife and spins around and knocks Bryce out cold; just to turn around in time to see Fox’s fist. The impact of the punch knocked her to the ground and Krystal gives Miyu a hard kick to the taco and said, “Look who’s on top now bitch!” Krystal said taking the banana knife and taking it to her throat.

“You can’t kill me Krystal, It would only be right if Fox ended my life.” Miyu said. Fox get over here! Finish this degenerate! She demands it! Krystal said. “I’ll be more than happy to kill you Miyu.” Fox said. He walks over to where Krystal was pinning Miyu to the ground, took the banana knife, and opened it. “I really thought you still were the old innocent Fennec fox I met years ago. That’s the person I remember vaguely, but you are not that fox, time to end it.” Fox said.

"Krystal get off of her, I wish to engage in hand to hand combat with her." Fox said. Are you sure about this Fox? You still can kill her now and be done with it period. Krystal said. "No I want to spice things up a little, have a little fun." Fox said cracking his knuckles. "You are not the brightest one Fox Mc Cloud! I shall duel you until one of us falls unable to move." Miyu said. Krystal pulls out her pistol and cocks it. I am not taking any chances! Krystal said to herself. Miyu gets up and rushes Fox and Fox mimics her move for move. He's not going to get very far with these tactics. Krystal said.

Suddenly Miyu surprised Fox by grabbing him by the arm and flinging him into a shatterproof window. The window cracks around Fox's body and Fox gets up, shakes off the impact, and knocks Miyu's feet out from under her. Before she hits the ground he nails her in the gut with his boot. Miyu goes flying into the wall the impact knocking Miyu out cold. "That outta Teach Miyu a lesson a lesson she'll never forget," Fox said walking over to Krystal.

Fox suddenly feels the cold steel of a barrel against the back of his head. Fox gives a Pitiful whimper when he finds Panther with a six shot revolver Pressed against the back of his head. Fox gulps and begins to sweat. “So you immobilized Miyu, but you forgot about me. I thought you ditched Krystal, for Miyu’s hand. Now you’ve decided to get her back. You betrayed her, I have come to finish you and do Krystal a favor.” Panther said.

“You have impeccable timing Panther.” Krystal said. Panther smiles at Krystal and looks at Fox. (Cocks revolver) “Any last words McCloud?” Panther said. In the background Krystal detaches an adjustable pipe and charges Panther. With one swift swing Krystal hits Panther in the back of the head knocking him out instantly. Panther hits the ground and releases his grip on the revolver. “I’ll take this; I don’t think you will miss it.” Krystal said. “Nice hit, do you think he is ok?” Fox said. “It was a hard plaster/plastic pipe. The worst thing the pipe did was give him a moderate concussion. Don’t worry about him; he’ll wake up in a few hours.

Let’s get out of here while they are knocked out!” Krystal said. “Let’s tie them together, that’ll piss them off. Krystal do me a favor and hold Miyu in one position.” Fox said. Krystal holds Miyu straight and Fox binds Miyu’s wrists to Panther’s and she leans them up against a wall. “Ok now let’s scram before one of them wake up.” Fox said to Krystal and Bryce. The trio bolt for the door and in no time are back aboard Krystal’s ship. “I hope Panther isn’t badly hurt, I liked him as a friend I don’t want to have hurt him.” Krystal said. “He’ll be fine, trust me, Panther is a quick healer. I shot him down in space numerous times and he has been back after me to get revenge five to seven days later. He has pulled off incredible recoveries in extremely short periods of time. But I do hope he is ok, he was a good rival, always kept me guessing.” Fox said.

“Hate to break up your catching up but we got company!” Bryce said bringing the turrets, lock on missiles, and plasma cannon online. “What are we dealing with Bryce?” Fox said looking intently at Bryce. “We have 9 hostiles, all Sephra class ships; we’re out numbered nine to one!” Bryce said getting a lock on the biggest ship. Give them all you got Bryce, prove to me your impressive skills.” Fox said. Fox turns to Krystal monitoring the ship’s power status. “We are good Fox but we have half a tank, we can’t stick around long. This ship has medium shields.” Krystal said. “Ok Krystal, Ezra give me diagnostics and a sitrep of every ship we are against. This is urgent!” Fox said. “Yes sir, scanning enemy ships. Analyzing……….. All the ships are agile and have heavy shield protection.

This is the command ship; you see the ship with a rounded middle?” Ezra asked Fox. Fox nods in response and Ezra continues. That is ground zero it has a shield generator on the underside of that ship. One of you will have to physically disable the generator to take it offline, and Bryce can finish it with a direct shot to the side of the ship with a blast of the Plasma Cannon. With that ship destroyed the rest of them should panic and disperse.” Ezra said. “Thanks Ezra, I will send a distress hologram to the Great Fox requesting assistance. Hopefully they will respond and come to aid us before it’s too late. Krystal Get the space suit on, jetpack on, the tool box, and Oxygen regulator, you are disabling that generator!” Fox said.

“I’m on it Fox, you can rely on me!” Krystal said. “Bryce keep them distracted, when Krystal leaves the ship, you are protecting her life out there.” Fox said unlocking the exit hatch. “I will keep you updated on the enemies and their chatter.” Ezra said. “Ok Ezra, Bryce get ready, Krystal is about to exit the ship! Once she left you are her guardian angel.” Fox said. Bryce with a sweaty brow gulps then nods in understanding. “Good luck Krystal, Bryce will protect you.” Fox said through the neural transmitter he had installed in his brain. Krystal takes a couple deep breaths, opens the hatch, and begins descending the ladder. She activates the Jetpack and starts her nerve wracking journey to disable the generator.

If Bryce wasn’t skilled with the cannons, she was as good as dead. After fifteen grueling minutes Krystal reaches the generator. “Ok Fox I’m at the generator. What do I do now?” Krystal asked. “Open the maintenance panel on the back of the generator. After that you have to pull the red, green, and blue wires and fuse them together. Once that’s done, fuse them to the motherboard and press detonate bomb. The electrical charge that is sent through those three wires to detonate the bomb; but instead overload the motherboard and it will destroy it.” Ezra said. “That sounds simple enough.” Krystal said. Krystal unlatched the maintenance door and gets out the laser cutter. “I forgot to tell you a vital direction. You have to cut all three wires at a sixty five degree angle. Failure to do so will result in the generator instantly exploding killing you.” Ezra said.

“Was that supposed to make this easier? Now the process will take longer. I wanted to get this over and done with. That computer is going to give me a full head of grey hair.” Krystal said to herself. Krystal slowly lifts all three wires and positions her arm at the required angle and begins cutting the wires. Ten minutes pass and Krystal has fused the wires and begun to weld them to the motherboard. Five more minutes pass and Krystal put the maintenance door back on the generator. “Ok now after passing that minefield I just have to press detonate.” Krystal said. “Hate to interrupt you Krystal, but don’t forget to set the timer so you have enough time to get to a safe distance.” Ezra said. “Ok what would be the best time limit to set it to Ezra?” Krystal said. “Set it to remote detonation, and I will detonate it once you are back aboard the ship.” Ezra said. “You got it sending you the detonation code now.” Krystal said.

Krystal pushes off the generator and puts the jetpack into full throttle. In five minutes she is back aboard the ship. “Welcome back Krystal. What took you so long?” Fox asked. There were complications rigging the generator but I took care of it.” Krystal said unzipping her space suit. “I’m detonating the generator now Krystal.” Ezra said. Fox turns on the view screen and locks onto the ship. “Bryce! Get ready to fire on that ship!” Fox barked. “Yes sir, I’m getting a lock on the ship now. Lock obtained, I’m ready to fire on your mark.” Bryce said. An ultrabright white flash surges through the shield of the ship and the shield dies. “Mark!” Fox barked. Bryce fires the Plasma Cannon. A blue streak shoots through space cutting the enemy ship in half. “Nice aim Bryce! I bet if a planet was nearby they probably saw that explosion. How would you like to join the Starfox Team?” Fox said. Bryce is stunned by the offer.

“You seriously want me on your team? You guys really want me?” Bryce asked. “I’d be honored if you joined the team. You have proven you have what it takes to join us,” Fox said. “Well my sister Tina wanted me to go get a job. I’ll take the offer Mr. McCloud; I won’t let you down sir!” Bryce said. “That’s the spirit Bryce!” Fox said. “Incoming Vidcom transmission from Falco Lombardi. Do you wish to accept the transmission?” Ezra asked. “Put him through, I have been waiting for a response from him.” Fox said. The View screen comes to life revealing an image of Falco. “I received your message and I came as soon as I could with one hundred Special Operations Cornerian Army fighters. We are ready to fight on your call.” Falco said. “Glad you could make it Falco; the only issue is that you brought an army to fight nine skilled assassins.” Fox said. “Yeah like you’ll take them on by yourself then.” Falco said.

“Well actually you guys can take them; I need to go refuel at the Great Fox. Can you send me the coordinates of the Great Fox, Falco?” Fox asked. “Sure thing Fox! Forwarding coordinates now.” Falco said. “Coordinates received, set new escape route to hyperspace jump to Great Fox.”Ezra said. “Affirmative Ezra and make the jump now.” Fox said. “Changing course now; strap in and prepare for hyperspace travel.” Ezra said. “I wish you the best of luck Falco, Fox out.” Fox said over the comm. “I’ll show these monkeys whose boss. All fighters activate your shields; let’s show these rookies how we do it back in Cornaria!” Falco said. Suddenly before Falco and his men launch the attack; a rectangular shield appears behind the nine fighters. “What trick are these guys pulling?” Falco asked scratching the side of his beak. In seconds thousands of millions of fighters pour out of the shield. “I think we are outnumbered boys; they were expecting this!” Falco said.

We return to Krystal’s Ship when they have come in radar detection of the Great Fox. “Panther, I know you have Fox, let him go, or I will blast you into oblivion! Slippy said. “Slippy, you dunce, it’s only me, Fox! Calm down!” Fox said. “Oh it is? My bad Fox, but how did you obtain a Pantherstrike Ship? What happened to your Arwing?” Slippy asked. “It’s a very long story Slippy. I’ll explain when we have docked.” Fox said. “Ok then, I’ll lower the Dock shield and depressurize the Docking Zone.” Slippy said. “Glad to hear your voice again Slippy.” Krystal said. “Wait, Krystal is aboard? Where’d you find her Fox?” Slippy said. “Slippy, Fox didn’t find me I found him!” Krystal said laughing. “You did not Krystal! I found you in ICU at Pantherstrike Headquarters.” Fox barked. “Do you recall having a crazed girl bothering you in the Asteroid Bar. She had long locks of purple hair down to her elbows.” Krystal said. “I remember that chick; I was as sure as hell that wasn’t you.” Fox said. “It was me; I was eating you out for ditching me because you feared my safety. I was enjoying that job; whether it was life threatening or not. You had no right to kick me from the team fearing my safety! That’s why you found be in ICU at Pantherstrike. I was critically injured during a conflict involving Wolf O’ Donnell; who’s dead now thanks to Panther’s highly trained bodyguards. I was a Bounty Hunter until you came back for me. Also you had no issues with getting me back on the team after my lung had been destroyed by an electro-tracer round.” Krystal said.

“Hey will you two love birds save the chit-chat for your room.” Slippy said. “Wait, what do you mean Slippy by our room? Fox what is he talking about? I demand an explanation!” Krystal barked. “Well because you were gone so long; Slippy figured you’d never be found so he transformed your room into a high class Arwing Combat Simulator.” Fox said laughing nervously. “Slippy did what to my room! Remind me to deal with him later Fox.” Krystal said angrily. Slippy gulps nervously and Fox laughs. In five minutes the ship was docked and the crew was out on the Arwing bay floor for atmosphere pressurization. “Initiating atmosphere adjustment now.” Slippy said. The room fills with a grey vapor. “All of you have to take a deep breath of this mist and then pinch your noses to pop your ears.” Slippy said. Everyone obeys and then the grey mist in the room subsides. “Welcome to the Great Fox Bryce! Feel free to explore!” Fox said. At that instant Bryce sprints down the halls looking in each room and enters the Arwing Simulator. “Well Krystal now that he is gone how bout we go to our room to get you up to speed.” Fox said.

“I know you meant a totally different thing. I can read your thoughts.” Krystal said with arms folded. “I’m totally aware of that and I wanted you to notice. Shall we? Fox said offering his hand in a polite manner. Krystal blushes and takes Fox’s hand. As the two walk to their room Slippy and Bryce were exiting the Arwing Simulator room. “Where are you two heading to?” Slippy asked. “I am escorting Krystal to her room. She needs to freshen up; and I’m going to take a Sonic Shower. Do me a favor Slippy and keep Bryce and anyone else away from our room for three hours.” Fox said. “Nuff said Fox, Bryce how bout I take you for a test fight in an Arwing? Your results in the simulator were spot on.” Slippy said. “Hell yeah! Let’s go!” Bryce said then taking off in a dead sprint to the Arwing Bay. “Ugh! Not again. Bryce! Get back here!” Slippy said hot on Bryce’s heels. Fox and Krystal laugh and then they walk to their room. “Here it is Krystal. I’m glad you’re back on the team.” Fox said. “Likewise Fox, I’m glad to be back. Wait, you said this was the room. Where is the Door?” Krystal asked. “Who said we needed a door. I had Slippy modify our room door. Only we can enter the room with a DNA sample. Observe.” Fox said pulling a few hairs off his tail. After which he places on the scanner. “Analyzing Genetic sample; please wait. Fox McCloud would you like to use the handprint analyzer to add your DNA to the database?” Cory said. “Yes Cory, can I add a friend to it as well? We are sharing this room.’ Fox said. “Why of course Fox. Just have your friend to do the same as you and he/she will be added to the database as well.” Cory said. “You herd Cory Krystal. Just take a few hairs from your tail and give a hand print scan to enter the room.

“Ok Fox, that’s simple enough. I’ll do it!” Krystal said. Krystal pulls out her comb and removes a few hairs from it. She places them on the scanner and then scans her paw. “Analyzing results, Krystal is it, Fox when did you acquire such a shapely girl? She’s absolutely stunning!” Cory said. “For artificial intelligence you’re such a flatterer!” Krystal said blushing. “Thank you for such kind words Krystal. If I could hug you I would.” Cory said. “That’s quite enough Cory. Enough formalities; teleport us into our room if you don’t mind.” Fox said. “Why of course Fox. I almost forgot the reason you were here in the first place; teleporting now.” Cory said. “Well what do you think of our new room?” Fox asked. Krystal walks around scanning everything. “I had slippy compensate for the both of us and make the room twice as big and wide.” Fox said. The room had a love seat, 63” Plasma screen television, dance floor, massive speakers, two king sized beds, DJ station, and disco lights. “So, this is what you were doing while I was gone? Preparing for my return?” Krystal said. “Yes, do you like what I have done to the place?” Fox asked.

“Like it? No, I LOVE IT!!” Krystal said hugging Fox. “I’m glad you like the place. Feel free to unpack and make yourself at home again. Wait that reminds me; I have a surprise for you Krystal.” Fox said. Fox walks over to a wall and swipes a scanner with his hand and a door slides open. “I made a little present for you. Go ahead and take a look inside.” Fox said. Krystal walks through the door and gasps in surprise. The door leads into a massive closet with all her old clothes and a ton of new clothes that Fox got that were very stylish and were her size. “I……..I just don’t know what to say Fox.” Krystal said wiping a few tears of joy from her eyes. “You can thank me later; right now I want to “catch up” if you know what I mean.” Fox said slyly. Krystal takes a moment and blushes. “I thought you were taking a shower?” Krystal said. “That can wait; I have been waiting for this moment for what seemed like eternity.” Fox said taking his shirt off and begins to unbuckle his jeans. “You’re such a wolf Fox; but I’m ready with open arms.” Krystal said taking off her jacket and unbuttons her shirt and pants.

We rejoin Falco severely outnumbered by enemy ships. “Damn, there’s too many! Wingman watch my six!” Falco said maneuvering at high speeds avoiding laser rounds and enemy ships. “Yes sir!” The pilot responded. “Falco I can’t shake him! Hyper jump out of here! Go now!” The pilot said. “I salute all of you men, Falco out.” Falco said. “Initiating hyper jump; engines warming up.” Rachel said. Within the next three seconds Falco’s ship takes one hell of a beating then hyper jumps. "Damn it, this bucket won’t last the jump!” Falco said putting on the Hyper jump pack and bails from the ship. Two seconds later the ship explodes with eerie silence. Suddenly a piece of shrapnel lodges in his abdomen and he blacks out right when the jump was successful. “This is the end of me.” Falco thought. We return to the Great Fox after Fox and Krystal’s affair to hear intercom static in Fox and Krystal’s room. “Fox this is Slippy! There is an unidentified projectile approaching the ship. Can I have permission to engage?” Slippy said. Fox and Krystal groan. “Well, back to work.” Krystal said. “Man I was really enjoying that therapeutic massage you were giving me!” Fox said sadly. “Are you going to say anything Fox?” Slippy asked. “Just a second!” Fox hollered. “Krystal you check it out. No one is stupid enough to fight us alone anyway.” Fox said. “Ok Fox, I will be right back.” Krystal said. I’m coming Slippy. If you can’t control that trigger finger of yours and you shoot it; I swear to god, I will come up there and wring your damn amphibian neck!” Krystal barked getting dressed and making herself presentable. “Ok Krystal! Calm down, yeesh!” Slippy said. Krystal runs to the docking bay to meet Slippy. “Take a look at that with these.” Slippy said handing her high powered binoculars. "It can't be!"Krystal said in shock.

Back at Miyu's apartment Miyu is busy digging the bullet out of her shoulder. "That's it; I'll teach that son of a bitch to shoot me!" Miyu hissed pulling out a phone. She promptly dialed a phone number and awaits an answer. "Hello?" Panther said. "Hey Panther, do you remember me?" Miyu asked. "Miyu? I thought I told you to never call me again on this number! I have more important calls to receive than hearing from you!" Panther growled. "You know Fox Mc Cloud?" Miyu said. "He shot me and ran off with a girl I was visiting in the hospital. What do you think?" Panther said sarcastically. "He got you too?" Miyu said in shock. "Were you fucking listening? He shot me twice! That cocky bastard, what I'd give to get revenge." Panther said.

"Well in that case, I've got a proposition for you; we both want to get revenge. How bout we align forces until Fox has got what he deserved. What say you?" Miyu said. "You got yourself an alignment, what's the plan then?" Panther asked. "I will tell you later, right now I want you to get all your assassins on the line and have them hear this." Miyu said. "They were on the line the whole time I will add them to the call." Panther said. "It's about time Panther, I thought you'd never come back to my call. What's the problem sir?" Breece said. "Breece meet my friend Miyu, she has a job for you guys." Panther said. "Hi Miyu, we're all ears, what's the plan?" Breece asked. Miyu cackles evilly, "I'd thought you'd never ask!" "But five minutes ago I asked the same said question! Why didn't you tell me it then?" Panther asked. "Shut up, you're ruining my moment!" Miyu barked.

Back on Kursed's ship Kursed and Fox are at the controls while Bryce mans the guns. "Well what shall we do first Kursed?" Fox asked. Kursed shudders. "After thinking the name over, I think I want to be called Krystal again, because we are starting fresh. Anyway the name Kursed has a history I refuse to continue. As long as you're ok with it Fox, Kursed said. "I will respect your decision; I liked your original name to begin with. Kursed sounded too much like a "Bad Girl" name anyway. It's your choice." Fox said. Kursed puts complete control to Fox and walks into the dressing slash washroom and locks the door. Fox smiles at what she did. "She must need time alone to think. I have had plenty moments where I had to break off and have some time to myself. I wonder what she is doing in there." Fox wondered. Inside the room there is a dual sink, shower, a massive mirror, and hair up keeping supplies. Kursed hesitantly reaches for the hair kit and after two minutes grabs it and places it in front of her.

She reluctantly opens the kit revealing a hair salon trimmer, shampoo, a case of her famous irresistible perfume, her necklace, and head pendant. "Should I really do this?" Kursed said to herself looking in the mirror. Kursed pushes that thought to the side and picks up the trimmer, turns it on, and looks at her long hair "It's for the best!" she thought. Kursed cries slightly as her long untamed locks of hair fall and her hairdo returns to its old look. Kursed brushes off the cut hair and undresses. She walks to a glass one way door on the wall, grabs a towel from the rack, and opens it revealing a shower that she reluctantly turns on. Five minutes later she is out of the shower and pulls out her old favorite red, orange and blue Star fox flight suit. She picks up her Head pendant and places it on its rightful place on her head; and puts on her necklace.

After that she sprays her perfume on her in all the right places and exits the room. "Now there is the old Krystal I remember! You look stunning! You're even wearing that amazing perfume too!" Fox said. Fox stop it, you're flattering me! Krystal said. "I love the shade your cheeks turn when you are flattered; it makes you look soo cute!" Fox said. Well I must look my best for you Fox darling, Krystal said placing her arm around Fox's shoulder. Fox emits a high pitched giggle that surprises Krystal. What the heck was that? Did you step on your own tail or something? Krystal said. "No I didn't step on my tail, on rare occasions I get happy and it surges through my body and I make that noise." Fox said. Never make that weird noise again, it creeps me out! Krystal said. "Sorry, I won't do it again. I didn't mean to creep you out, Sorry." Fox said. Don't worry about it Fox as long as it will not happen again, Krystal said.

"So can I call you by Krystal now? (Krystal nods) Ok, it's good to have you back." Fox said hugging Krystal. Krystal accepts the hug and kisses him on the cheek only getting Fox to blush in response. After regaining his composure Fox looks at Krystal and notions her to take her seat at her main control panel. Right then, what is the first order of business? Krystal asks. "First we need to dock at the Great Fox then get the old crew aboard and plan out what to do while we tow the Great Fox behind us." Fox said. Good the bridge will be less spacious, that's what I missed most the chatter of the team.

I'm just happy to be back, Krystal said. "You wouldn't have been back if you hadn't agreed to start fresh when I offered it." Fox said. Let's just drop the subject, it is in the past and that's where it will stay forever. You did the right thing leaving Miyu, Fox. She has lots of issues that I would regret telling you, Krystal said. "Like what secrets?" Fox said placing his fingers around his chin. Fox!(Krystal blushes) You really need to get over that demented slut Miyu. She has a ton of mental issues OK? Krystal said. "I knew it! I knew it all along!"

Fox said enthusiastically. (Krystal giggles) Sometimes you worry me Fox, if you are all there mentally, Krystal said. "Whats that supposed to mean?" Fox said. Don't get worked up Fox. I Was being sarcastic! Krystal said. "Women, sometimes I think they are from another planet." Fox said to himself. I herd that! Krystal said. " What is she? Psychic?" Fox said to himself. Hello? I'm a Telepath, I can read your thoughts, Krystal said.

"Incoming Vidcom transmission from unidentified spacecraft, do you accept?" An automated voice said. "What's the fighter class?" Fox asked. "Scanning" The voice said. "Hey the computer's name is Ezra! She's the finest in artificial intelligence. Also it wouldn't kill you if you untied my hands!" Bryce said. "Go untie him Krystal, I will tell you if I need your help." Fox said. Krystal walks over to Bryce draws her Machete and cuts the rope restraining his arms. "Fighter identified, it is Arwing class, and it is pretty outdated for my time." Ezra said. "Hey shut up! Arwings are the best fighters I have ever been given the privilege to pilot. Watch where you tred Ezra!" Fox growled. Fox, its artificial intelligence! You're starting a losing argument! Forget about it! Krystal said. "Establish a connection with the ship, now!" Fox said.

"Connecting, connection established." Ezra said. "This is Fox Mc Cloud Captain of the Mercenary team Star Fox. State your business, or if you refuse, you have a few seconds to pray to your God before I blast you into the next Galaxy!" Fox barked. "Hey zone out of you're pent up rage, it's me, Falco!" Falco said in protest a hologram an eighth of normal size. "My apologies Falco, what got you out here?" Fox asked. "Your tracking chip gave your schematics aboard a Panther Strike Executive spacecraft. Peppy feared your were captured and sent me to get you back." That's not the case I guess, you are piloting the craft. How did you get it? Did you steal it from Panther?" Falco asked.

He did not steal it! Panther gave it to me! Krystal shouted from the back of the ship loud enough that Falco heard her from the microphone. "Wait, Krystal is aboard? I thought you were going out with"………… (Fox mutes Falco's voice) Then unmutes Falco's voice after he finished the sentence. "Falco, be quiet! I left her to get Krystal back. Miyu went crazy on me. She almost tried to kill me with a knife." Fox said. "I told you that crazy bitch Miyu had a lot of issues! Why didn't you listen to me and back out when you weren't too deep in it?" Falco asked. "I was foolish to ignore you and my instincts and go out with her. I apologize that I never listened and ignored you Falco. How could I ignore my best friend and greatest wingman I ever had a privilege to get assigned to me." Fox said.

"Miyu has a reputation across the galaxy of killing guys that leave her. You should have killed her while you were given the chance!" Falco said. "Miyu's a killer? You never told me that!" Fox said. "Yes I did, you ignored me! Now you've just dug your own grave. She always gets revenge! She successfully killed a whopping ninety five men that ditched her. Miyu is number one on all the most wanted lists in ninety five galaxies, and apparently she has just got her ninety sixth victim right where she wants him. It will only be a matter of time now." Falco said.

"Ok then, let's plan our counterstrike!" Fox said. "Now you're talking! I am good with a Beretta .50 caliber sniper. My father used to call me the "Silent Assassin" I will keep them guessing with my lethal shots. I never fail hitting a target." Bryce said. Wait, who said it will be on the ground? They may attack us when we are traveling through space. We only have a big ship and they have agile Arwing fighters. If they attack us in space, we are as good as dead! Krystal said. "You have made an excellent observation Krystal. If they do attack in space; what's our strategy?" Fox asked. "I never would have thought about that! What would we do if that did happen?" Bryce said. "If I may interject, the best plan of action would be" Ezra said. "Go on Ezra, continue." Fox said. All of a sudden the power in the ship gives and everything is dead. The Vidcom flashes on to reveal Miyu, Panther, and twelve henchmen.

Miyu locks eyes with Fox and Krystal hits the ground; so she isn't seen by Miyu. "Miyu……" Fox said. "Fox....." Miyu said. "What brings you out here; I thought I said we were done!" Fox growled. "I am only here for payback, nobody, absolutely no one fucks with me and lives to tell about it!" Miyu hissed. "What are you gonna do? Throw a knife at me?" Fox said mockingly. "I will get you when you are at your weakest point Mc Cloud; until then take this as a warning." Miyu said. At that instant the ship is hit by something and a pod shaped container drops out of a vent. "What the hell is this?" Fox barked. The pod explodes filling the ship with a thick green vapor. Fox, Krystal, and Bryce start coughing and getting tired with every cough. Fox collapses and goes out like a light; Krystal gives in seconds after Fox, and Bryce seconds after her. Miyu looked at the trio on the floor of the ship and starts laughing manically. "I told you I'd get my revenge Fox Mc Cloud!" Miyu said evilly then bursting into evil laughter.

Kursed hears the panicked voice of the sergeant and tries to tell him that she is ok, but she tries shouting at him through the darkness and gets no such luck. Kursed looks in the darkness and tries to come round by opening her eyes. "Krystal, are you ok?" a very familiar voice said. Kursed opens her eyes to look directly into the red eyes of a black and white fox. "Chase? Is that really you?" Kursed said stroking his cheek. "Of course it is girl, we've only been going out for one year now," Chase said. How long was I out? Kursed said. "Bout fifteen minutes, you said you needed a quick nap," Chase said stroking Kursed's head. Kursed sits up and looks around, scratching her head.

"Is something wrong Krystal?" Chase said. No, nothing, Kursed said. Kursed said to herself, "How the hell did I end up back on Sauria when Chase was alive?" "I must be tripping!" Kursed shook her head quickly, stood up, and walked to the edge of the cliff. Chase stands up as well and walks over to Kursed and wraps his arm around her shoulder. Chase looked at Kursed and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Are you sure you are all right?" Chase asked. Yes, I'm sure, Kursed said the soft feel of Chase's fur on her shoulder almost sent her reeling. She realized she had gone back in time, or that's what she thinks had happened. Chase, can I ask you something? How old am I? I know I should know that, but remind me again, Kursed said.

"You're sixteen, we started going out when you were fifteen. And again are you sure you are ok?" Chase said. I said I'm fine! Kursed said and turns her back on Chase and scans her body quickly; then she turns to face Chase again. I had the weirdest dream, I dreamed about being a social outcast, changing my name to Kursed and leaving the Lylat system. I remember going to Planet Kew in the Toyus System to start a new life. There I met a young raccoon that goes by the name of Bryce and he offers me a job. Then I meet Fox Mc Cloud at a Club called The Asteroid, and I ate him out for dumping me and ruining my life as I once knew it. I meet Panther Caroso a member of the team of crooks, Team Wolfen, who was now the founder and head of Pantherstrike Industries. He gives me a lot of things to get me by including a brand new ship, free of charge. Then I hunt down Wolf O' Donnell to get revenge on him for using me while I was on their team, it's a long story don't ask.

I catch him here on Sauria at Krazoa Palace up to no good. I run in with Bryce armed and ready to fight, we follow a Royal Sharp Claw Guard to the King and Queen. I call for back up and they arrive in less than five minutes, and they are rescuing me and Bryce. We are leaving when five gunshots echo though the Palace. Four hit Wolf three hit his heart, a fatal blow, before he hits the ground he fires a lone round at me, puncturing my left lung. I collapse to the ground clutching my wound and said, "I'm Hit" before blacking out. Then I woke up to see you! Kursed said out of breath." That must have been one hell of a bad dream, but at least you're with me." Chase said. Yeah, I guess so, it was horrible! I thought I died! Kursed said hugging Chase. "Ah dreams are dreams," Chase said stroking Kursed to calm her down. Thanks for your support, no wonder I went out with you. You know how to cheer me up all the time, Kursed said.

Chase smiles and blushes slightly. "Well I do know how to work with girls. Back in the Cornarian army flight school I became the shoulder for new female pilots that were not used to killing people. They came to me for a shoulder to cry on, I couldn't refuse them, and they needed my support. Hell, I admit that I checked them out, they all had racks to die for, but I knew deep down that they were not for me. Until I was assigned to the mercenary team Star Fox and told that I was supposed to protect Sauria, I obeyed and came to the surface, then I met you, I knew once I saw those emerald eyes, you were the one for me. " Chase said. I should slap you for checking them out, but I cannot stay mad at you Chase when you give that full of yourself smug grin, Kursed said. Chase was about to kiss Kursed when a high pitched beeping filled the air. "Aw hell! Always at the worst times! I got to go Krystal. I am needed in orbit. I will be back soon! I promise!" Chase said running to his Arwing fighter. Kursed giggles and waves to him, Chase returns the wave and leaps into the Arwing.

In no time he was headed for orbit. Kursed pulls out the hologram communicator he gave her and calls Chase. "Yeah Krystal, what's up girl?" Chase said a hologram an eighth of his normal size. Promise me you will be safe! Kursed said. Chase laughs, "Krystal, when have I been otherwise!" Chase cuts the signal soon after that sentence and Kursed laughs. I'll kill him if he gets hurt! Kursed said to herself. Hours come and pass and Kursed gets concerned about Chase. I know Chase; he never forgets to answer his Holo-communicator! Something bad happened! I can feel it! Kursed said. Suddenly Kursed's communicator rings and she straightens out her hair and answers it. Hello? This is Krystal, yes, I know Chase, what about him? Kursed said triggering the speakers on the communicator. "I regret to inform you that your friend Chase was shot down thirty minutes ago by enemy craft in orbit. We sent a rescue team to his crash site and they reported he was dead. I am sorry." Then the connection ends. What?! Kursed said dropping the communicator. Chase is dead? No, I know he's alive! I won't believe it! I won't! I will find out myself.

Kxaj aj Krystal succadw ud0 uluacurco Cloud Runners, a doot u hato ke vadt u vhaodt! Kursed said in Saurian the language of the Dinosaurs on the planet. In no time a Cloud Runner lands in front of Kursed and looks at her and says, "I understand English, no need to use the native tongue." Did you see a flaming wreck on the way here? Kursed said. The Cloud Runner nods; Kursed gets on its back. Take me there! Hurry! Kursed said. The Cloud Runner takes off and heads over to the wreck as fast as its wings could carry it. In seconds it landed in front of the mangled heap that was once Chase's ship. Kursed jumps off its back and runs to the cockpit glass and pries it open with every muscle in her body. Kursed gasps in horror to what she sees next. There sat Chase, bleeding from a gash in his forehead, warm blood matted the surrounding fur. Kursed gently picks him up and pulls him out onto the grass and stretches him out. She shoots for his hand and picks it up and rubs it, trying to get him to respond, nothing. She begins to administer CPR on Chase, and hadn't of done it for ten minutes when suddenly…… (Gasp) (Cough) (Cough) (Hack) "Ugh! Krystal? Is that you?" Chase said clasping her paw with his.

Yes, it's me! Are you alright? Kursed said. "I am, thanks to your quick thinking. I owe you my life!" Chase said rubbing his head to be surprised by getting a paw back coated in blood. Take it easy Chase! I will take care of you! Kursed said removing the Medical Kit from the Arwing, what was surprising is that it was still intact. She walks back over to Chase and sets it down on the ground next to his forehead. Ok, let's see what the damage is! Kursed said putting on sterile gloves. This may hurt a little bit, Kursed said. She slowly touches the wound and opens it and removes gauze from the kit. "Ouch! Damn that hurts!" Chase whimpers. Suck it up Chase! I won't take long. Kursed wipes up the blood on his matted fur with the gauze and then reaches into the kit to remove a sterilizing solution. Ok, I need to disinfect it, this may hurt a lot, it may not, Kursed said. "Get going, I don't have all day!" Chase said impatiently. Don't rush me Chase or you're eye will meet the solution in an unpleasant way! Kursed said. "Ok! Sorry for rushing you! Take your time!" Chase said.

Kursed pulls out more gauze and pours the solution on it. Then she slowly applied it onto Chase's wound on his forehead to only see him bite his lip and dig his claws into the surrounding soil in agony. I know it hurts, hang in there Chase, I'm almost done, Kursed said pulling out the stitching kit only getting a agonized groan out of Chase. Look! Either I finish or I will just let you bleed out! Kursed said. Chase quickly takes a submissive sigh and lays still. What color do you want; Black, Green, Blue, Red, or Yellow? Kursed said. "Black, I want it to blend in with my fur." Chase said. Ok! Black it is! Kursed said threading the string through the eye of the needle. You only need four stitches, so it will be a quick job, Kursed said finishing the first stitch. "Thank God!" Chase said in relief. Kursed finishes the remanding stitches, wipes any additional blood from his wound with gauze and pulls Chase to his feet.

"Thanks for saving me Krystal! I owe you one!" chase said hugging Krystal. Kursed rubs Chase's hug off and slaps him across the face. "Ow girl, what the hell was that for?" Chase said rubbing his cheek. That's for not keeping your word, Kursed said. "What? Oh, I see, about me being safe. Awkward!" Chase said regaining his composure wiping off the dust from his black metal combat jacket. I am glad I came as soon as I could. You would have been dead if it wasn't for me! Kursed said. "I got to head back into orbit to let them know I am ok. I will be back." Chase said walking away. Wait Chase! Kursed said making Chase stop in mid-step and fold back his lupine ears."What now Krystal?" Chase said in an annoyed tone. You can't go into orbit, the Cornarian Army sent a search and rescue squad and they pronounced you dead. You have been stripped from head of the Starfox team and the son of the original founder, James Mc Cloud, Fox Mc Cloud, has taken your place as leader. As far as they know, you're dead! Kursed said. Chase takes a deep breath, and swears, "Damn it! That was a high paying job! I made space ship loads of cash a day! How the hell will I find a job that pays as much as my old one?" Chase said in frustration.

You could look for one, Kursed said. Chase turns to face Krystal. (Sigh) "Look! That was the best job I have ever gotten in my whole life! I became family with that group. I have a high class ship I bought and I was one paycheck away from paying the fees. It's a multi-million Lylat purchase and I was 200,000 Lylat away! Ugh! Going into orbit was the biggest freaking mistake I could ever make!" Chase said angrily. You should be grateful Chase! If it weren't for me you'd be dead right now! Kursed said. Meanwhile back in the Conscious world; Kursed's body is loaded onto a stretcher and rigged to numerous life support machines. Bryce is in shock to see Kursed in her in her bad shape. "That lone round tore her left lung up pretty badly. We have to keep her in a medically induced coma until we can get her to a hospital and treat her wounds." The medic said. "It's really that bad? Do you have an image of the damage?" Bryce said.

"That information will be only distributed once Kursed has pulled through. There shall not be any acceptations otherwise!" The medic said. "Sorry sir!" Bryce said backing away and walking to the Evac ship. The leading assassin pulls out a cell phone that would only be used for private calls and punches in two phone numbers. One on individual lines, and listens for a voice answer. "Thank you for calling Pantherstrike industries, my name is Susan, how may I serve you?" Susan said. "Patch me through to Panther, Code Red!" The leader said. "Yes, right away sir!" Susan said. "This is Panther, what's the Emergency?" Panther said. "Kursed nearly was killed; she's barely hanging on as of now!" The leader replied. "Oh my god, what happened to her?" Panther said anxiously. "She has taken an armor piercing round to the chest and it tore apart her left lung. Her vitals are going crazy, and we have put her into a medically induced coma until we get back to the hospital. She'll be going into surgery as soon as we arrive there. I will call you when we are there." The medic said. "I will be there waiting for you! No need for the call!" Panther said and the call terminates.

He switches phone lines and calls the other number. "The paper said that this number is a last resort number. Hell, I might as well call it." the leader said. After five minutes of ringing someone with a tired voice picks up. "Hello?" Fox said. "Are you Fox McCloud?" The leader barked. "Yes sir, what does it mean to you?" Fox said. "I am gunnery sergeant Breece, your Ex-Fiancée is in a coma, she has been critically wounded when slaying Wolf O' Donnell." Breece said. A long pause is given on the other end, followed by crying. "Is she dead?" Fox said. "What's Wrong Baby?" Miyu said in the background. "Miyu, can you shut up! I am on an important call!" Fox said. "No, but she's almost there, I'm sorry sir." Breece said. "Where can I go to see her? I want to see her." Fox begged. "She will be in the Pantherstrike Operating room at the Pantherstrike Headquarters." Breece said. "Yes and where's that?" Fox said anxiously. "On Planet Kew in the Toyus System, the note said that I have to promise to keep you as far away from her as possible; or she'll gouge out your eyeballs and make you eat them." Breece said.

"Ouch, I will keep my distance." Fox said."You'd better for your sake." Breece said. Fox hangs up the phone and turns to face Miyu. "Miyu, I got to leave, a loved one is in the Hospital!" Fox said. "Ok, but hurry back, or I won't be in that mood you've tried to get me in six hours!" Miyu said. "I may be late; the hospital is in the Toyus System." Fox said putting his favorite stylish leather jacket. "You're going to the Toyus System! What the hell Fox! I was getting into the mood for our "Play Date" you cannot walk out on me like this!" Miyu said unsheathing a Machete. Fox immediately gets up and bolts for the door to be greeted by the machete that was flung at him and jammed halfway into the door frame missing his head by an inch. "Nobody walks out on me when I am about to get my freak on! You have picked the wrong time to leave me!" Miyu hissed gritting her teeth and revealing her claws. "Miyu the last thing I need is to put you in a body bag!" Fox barked drawing his stinger handgun from the holster inside his leather jacket.

He aims the gun at Miyu's forehead, cocks the gun, and takes off the safety. "You don't have the balls to pull the trigger! You're shaking like Jell-O! I see why you dumped Krystal now; you didn't want her to know you were a big fat softie! Miyu heckled lunging at Fox. Fox doesn't hesitate and fires a round into Miyu's right shoulder to see her collapse in pain and curse. Fox pulls the Machete out of the wall and walks over to Miyu. He lays it at her feet and grabs her chin and forces her to make eye contact with him. "We are through! I never want to see scum like you in my life ever again! You are trash, and that's what you will be forever!" Fox hissed.

Fox walks to the door and leaves, Miyu on the other hand is left mostly sobbing in pain and partially in hurt feelings."I'm coming Krystal!" fox said jumping in his tuner Arwing. Meanwhile back on Breece's ship Breece is monitoring Kursed's vital signs. "C'mon Kursed, you can pull through this, stay with us! Who am I kidding if she flat lines, I'm screwed!" Breece said. "What will we do if she does flat line?" Bryce said nervously. "Shut up kid! You'll Jinx us!" Breece barked branding Bryce with the Adolescent brand he hated."I need to call the Hospital ward of Pantherstrike and alert them that a "Code Blue" patient is enroute to them." Breece said. He walks to the entrance to the cockpit of the ship and alerts the pilots to make the call for him. Bryce takes a seat eyes glued to Kursed's vital signs monitors. Bryce gently picks up Kursed's paw and puts his free paw into hers. Kursed's paw closes around Bryce's paw, surprising him."Breece, Breece! Look! She responds to touch! Is that a good sign?" Bryce asked. Breece runs over to Kursed and Bryce. "Kursed responded to your touch? Impossible! Step aside!" Breece barked. Breece takes a seat next to Kursed and places his paw in her paw. "Kursed if you can hear me squeeze my paw!" Breece said. Automatically Kursed quickly squeezes Breece's paw; making Breece smile out of hope and happiness.

"She's going to make it! She's going to make it, Yahoo!" Breece said. Amazingly all the excitement from Breece causes Kursed's somewhat lifeless mouth to form a smile. "Look, you've made her smile!" Bryce said. "I Guess I did! We have got to get her to the hospital as soon as possible if she will be able to live a normal life again!I will need to do some diagnostic tests on her reactions to voice commands. This may take a little while." Breece said.

Breece pulls out a chest out of a hole in the wall. He opens it and takes out a data notebook and a list of vocal actions. "Ok Kursed; let us begin shall we? I want you to raise your right arm and make a fist with your right paw." Breece said clicking a fancy ballpoint pen. Without hesitation Kursed obeys Breece and does the command. "Fantastic! This is Fantastic! She's making progress! Let's go to the next command." Breece said writing down her reactions into the data pad. Bryce takes a seat in a leather recliner and props up the foot rest and dozes off. Hours come and pass, and Breece completes the diagnostics. He glances over the data, and smiles. "This data is perfect; Kursed will not have any brain damage from the induced coma we had to put her in. Unfortunately she'll need a lung transplant; that lone round obliterated her left lung." Breece said waking Bryce. "Ouch, that sucks for her. How far are we from Headquarters?" Bryce asked stretching his arms and legs. "I don't know, five minutes or so. Why do you even care?" Breece said in a sarcastic voice.
"Well I kind of like her." Bryce said sheepishly. "Wow, she's sixteen years older than you, man, you're desperate! Breece heckled. Bryce blushes and breaks eye contact from Breece. "Don't be embarrassed, I was only fooling with you. Jeez, lighten up!" Breece said. "You didn't sound like you were fooling with me."Bryce said. "Lighten up, jeez; you're worse than my ex-fiancée." Breece said. Bryce walks to the bar aboard the ship. "Ain't youse a little young to drink?" The tender said. Bryce growls and pulls out his Desert Eagle .50 caliber pistol and aims at the tender. Immediately the tender puts his paws up and begins to sweat. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't shoot! I'll give you a drink! Chill out and put the gun away! For a short guy you have a super short fuse!" The tender said. "In that case, give me a Tequila, Vodka, and a little Rum Bloody Mary, or it's your head!" Bryce growled pretending to grasp the gun and jam it into the tenders gut.

The tender gulps and makes his desired drink and puts it in front of him. "Oh god, please don't shoot me, I have a wife and six kids!" The tender said taking cover behind the counter. Bryce begins to laugh hysterically. "What's soo funny?" The tender said. Bryce pulls out the Desert Eagle and points to an orange tip. "It was a fake you idiot! Wow, you really thought I'd be mean enough to kill you? I don't roll like that. You're way to tense!" Bryce said catching his breath and downing the drink. The tender gets up soaks in what Bryce said and slugs him as hard as he could directly at his face. The blow knocks Bryce out cold, gives him a black eye, and sends him flying into the recliner he sat in earlier. Hours pass and he comes round in the waiting room at the Pantherstrike Headquarters. A nurse walks in with an ice pack.

"Who ever hit you was really pissed. That is a really bad eye he gave you." Mystica said. Bryce looks in a mirror and gasps when he sees his black eye. "Damn, that bartender was serious! Man, how will I explain this to my mother?" Bryce said taking the ice pack from Mystica and slowly applies it to his eye wincing in pain and biting his lip. "Who's your mother? I could go get her for you. Do you want her?" Mystica said. "Margrita Bandit? Hell no! She'd kill me!" Bryce said. The nurse instantly leaves the room at the sound of her name. "Hey, come back here! I want a milkshake!" Bryce said chasing after her. Suddenly the door slides open and Panther Caroso walks in. Bryce quickly takes a seat and covers his face with a "Dream Space Ships" magazine. Panther walks over to the entrance of the Operating room to be greeted by the surgeon.

"How's she coming Johnson? Will she make it?" Panther said. "Well we just put in the new lung, all that's left to do is to sow her back up and she'll be in the Intensive Care Unit." Johnson said. "Ok, I will be out here. Let me know when you're done with the procedure." Panther said. Bryce puts the magazine on the table and approaches the surgeon avoiding eye contact with Panther. "Excuse me, could I get an eye patch to hide this black eye?" Bryce asked. "Why certainly! Here!" Johnson said handing Bryce the eye patch. Bryce nods and puts the eye patch on. "Ahhh much better; thank you!" Bryce said in relief, happy that the eye is hidden from view. Johnson returns to the Operating room to finish up the procedure. Bryce goes back to his seat and picks up the Dream Ships magazine, and resumes reading. Thirty minutes later the main door to the Operating room opens and four medics pushing Kursed's stretcher run out and pass Bryce.

Panther gets up and follows them. Bryce looks up at the last second to see Panther leave and he throws the magazine on the table and sprints after Panther. Panther stops outside Kursed's recovery room and in a moments go in once the medics leave. Bryce stops outside the door to catch his breath. Inside the room Panther walks up to Kursed's bedside. By this time she was off the breathing machine and breathing on her own. Panther picks up her paw and rubs it, eyes locked on Kursed's face for a reaction. Kursed groans and her eyes open. "How are you feeling baby?" Panther asked. I feel fine, my chest aches!" Kursed whispers. "You had to get a lung transplant. Your old lung was beyond repair; my best surgeons were clueless on what to do with your old lung. Just relax and get some rest." Panther said.

Kursed closes her eyes. "I'm just happy to still be alive." Kursed whispers and then falls into a deep sleep. Suddenly the door flies open and Fox Mc Cloud enters. "Panther, what the hell are you doing here!?" Fox barked. "Fox how the hell did you get past security!?" Panther said. "I'm only here to see if my ex-fiancée was ok. What are you doing in Pantherstrike Headquarters? Are you trying to get a deal in for team Star Wolf?" Fox growled. "If you must know the team dissipated when I left. The only member is Wolf O' Donnell, who was killed three days ago! I'm founder of this industry, still killing Aperiods?" Panther said mockingly. "Hey, that was two years and four months ago!" Fox Growled. "Calm down Fox, get your tail untwisted! What's eating you?" Panther asked. "Seeing other men hitting on my girl drives me nuts; back away from her!" Fox barks.

Right at that moment Kursed's eyes pop open and she sits up in bed. "Fox, shut the hell up!" Can't you see I am trying to recover here! What are you doing here anyway? I thought you didn't love me." Kursed said in between medium lengthed breaths. "I didn't want you getting hurt, I still love you; I just don't know what I'd do if you got hurt. Miyu was a psychotic hooker, she tried to kill me! I left her after shooting her in the shoulder. I'd rather marry you than that crazy bitch." Fox said out of breath. Panther's jaw drops and he tries hard to refrain from laughing his ass off in front of Fox.

Unfortunately he failed and goes into a fit of laughs. "What's soo funny Panther?" Fox growled. "You really went out with a hooker? Wow, you're freaking desperate. If you don't like dudes hitting on your girl her partner is just outside. The door flings open; two men carrying Bryce walk in and hurl him to Fox's feet. Bryce looks up at Fox and gulps. He turns to the guards and says, "Is this how you treat guests around here!?" Bryce said. Kursed rolls her eyes and groans. Ugh! Always at the worst timing! Bryce shut up and stay still! Kursed said. "This punk was flirting with your girl on the way over here. I will stop my attempts if you teach him not to flirt with her." Panther said tossing a Desert Eagle to Fox.Fox looks at the gun, cocks it, takes off the safety, and takes aim at Bryce's head.

Fox, please don't kill him! He's only a kid! Bryce is desperate! Kursed said. Bryce begins to cry; for the first time in his life he agrees with Kursed. "Please sir, let me live! I have my whole life ahead of me! Please don't shoot! Bryce said between sobs. Fox keeps an emotionless face and his hand holding the gun begins to shake."Kill the punk, redeem you're girl! Kill the punk, redeem you're girl! Kill the punk, redeem you're girl! Kill the punk, redeem you're girl! Panther chants. Fox looks at Bryce and Puts his finger on the Trigger and slowly begins to pull it. At the last second he aims at Panther and shoots him. Two rounds hit their mark. Both rounds go around the heart and lungs by millimeters one on each side; both leave exit wounds on his back. Panther collapses, "That crazy bastard shot me!" Panther said before blacking out.

Kursed glares at Fox and Fox holsters the weapon. What were you thinking?! You could have killed him! What's wrong with you? Kursed said. "I needed to talk to you. About an important matter, it is a bit personal and I know Panther can't keep his howling screamer shut. I want you back Kursed, I don't care about your past, and my only care is you. We will start over settle down on Sauria and have a family there. Please take me back; I am a wreck without you!" Fox pleaded. What makes you think I want you back? You almost killed Panther in front of me, and my partner Bryce. I don't trust you. Kursed said. "Oh come on, I only lost my cool for a second. I was also getting Panther back for hitting on you when we'd encounter Team Wolfen in space. Did you really think I didn't care about you?" Fox asked. Yeah when you kicked me from the team, shattered my dreams, and sent me into a spiraling depression, then yes. Kursed said. "Do you have to make me feel soo guilty about that? I'm plenty sorry; I want a new fresh start." Fox said holding out his hand to Kursed. Ok Fox, we will try this again. Kursed said shaking Fox's hand.

Uh, what are we gonna do with Panther? We can't just let him lay there. Kursed said pointing at Panther sprawled out on the floor. "I have an idea! Get out of bed and get your clothes on!" Fox said picking up Panther. Kursed gets out of bed, removes the IV's from her arms and nodes on her chest. She quickly throws on a tube top and a pair of booty shorts and helps rig them to panther after taking off his clothes. "I will Press the "Code Blue" button so he can be treated." Fox said reaching for the button. Kursed presses a button on the Bounty Hunter Ship key chain and the Ship rises up and docks at the window. C'mon Fox, lets get out of here! Kursed said. "Uh, what about me, you're taking me too right?" Bryce said. Kursed groans and picks up Bryce by the back of the shirt and throws him into the ship. Fox presses the button and follows behind Kursed and they both enter the ship and leave. "Well, are you back in the team?" Fox asked.

Kursed nods and Fox hugs her and they begin to kiss. Bryce gags and runs to the lavatories to puke. It's good to be back after all this chaos! Do you want me to change my name back? Kursed asked. "Nah, I like your new name, I think it is pretty sexy. It gives you that bad girl accent to your attitude at times." Fox said openly. Kursed smiles, for the first time in her life Fox wanted her back when other girls wanted him. That made her feel even more special. Perhaps this time her "Dreams" will finally come true.

Liar!
Cheat!
Betrayer!

The vixen awoke with a jerk, banging her knees against her ships control panel with a frustrated yelp. The cockpits light flickered on in response to her movements, though it did not matter. Nothing had changed since the last three times she awoke from her sleep cycles. Outside the cockpit of her small spaceship was nothing but the blackness of space. The shinning lights of countless stars in the distance offering only a reminder of her loneliness. "Damn it!" The vixen cursed as she fell back into her chair in an attempt to calm down. Her breaths were still coming out in labored pants and a cold sweat matted her fine blue fur and hair. It had been almost three weeks since she had fled the Lylat system; a place she once dared to call home. Yet the nightmarish events that forced her departure still lingered. The vixen was once known as Krystal; an orphaned girl with no memory of her past, only the knowledge that her home planet, and probably everyone that knew her, was destroyed. A lucky encounter on the dinosaur planet of Sauria, however, gave her a chance at a new life. It was on that planet she met Fox McCloud. He was an expert pilot and adventure seeker, yet the most timid person around the opposite sex she had ever met. Shortly after that she was welcomed as the newest member of the Star Fox team. The vixen sighed dejectedly as she gazed out the cockpit window at the stars, memories of a past life offering a little peace. Her and Fox had gone from respected friends to lovers in just a short time. They spent a lot of time fighting alongside each other; gaining such prestige as defeating the widely feared Aparoids. Fox was always the first to run in, guns blazing, yet always blushed and stuttered if the subject of them was brought up. Naturally this caused Fox a lot of banter, especially among his team mates, but it still made the vixen smile. She wondered if those childish traits were what had made him so appealing. Between the wild adventures, fun vacations and just plain living life, those days were like something out of a fantasy for her. Perhaps that was why it was so surprising when Fox decided to dump her. The vixen's claws dug into the armrests of her chair as she recalled that day with intense accuracy.

They had just completed another successful mission in Sector-Y and returned to the newly built Great Fox. The last one had been blown up during the aforementioned Aparoids crisis. Yet she could tell something was off as soon as they boarded. Fox had been acting more nervous and aloof than usual. She didn't need her psychic powers to tell something big was on his mind. Since they had been going steady for almost two years, she had even been naive enough to think he was preparing to purpose. The thought now made her laugh dryly, bringing a bit of fog on the cockpit glass. Instead of completing her dream of a happy life, Fox did the opposite. There was no warning, he just simply turned to her in the hallway and said she was no longer a part of Star Fox. Fox never was the most tactful of furs. Even now the vixen wished she could have inflicted that kind of pain back on him tenfold. Lord knows she tried, even becoming as desperate as to join Star Wolf, the lowest pilot scum Lylat had to offer. It had been a fun, albeit short, affair that really got under Fox's fur. She had even tried starting up a relationship with one of the pilots, Panther Caroso. He was a bit of an oddball for an assassin, but still a sweetheart when he wanted to be; which was usually whenever he talked to her. Perhaps it was those decisions that doomed her out of the entire galaxy. Leaving the 'noble' Star Fox team was not dismaying enough for the populace, but promptly going to wanted criminals had made her down right hated. Forget the fact she and the rest of Star Wolf had helped save the system from a whole new Angular empire, or that Fox had stepped all over her feelings for his own reasons. No, she was the marked black sheep and everyone went out of their way to let her know it. The mutters behind her back she could take, if at least for Panthers sake, but people quickly grew vicious over less then accurate tales of her so called exploits. Just the thought of the shouts she received for walking down the streets made her want to cry all over again. Even her face still burned from where a child had spat in it, much to the approval of his parents. That had been the final straw. If Lylat no longer wanted someone who risked her life to save them, she would just have to leave. The vixen had no idea where to go, or what to do when she got there, but it seemed better than the alternative. She wanted to abandon everything.

Her life, her possessions, even her own name were now light years away in the Lylat system. She never wanted to hear the name 'Krystal' again. That name had too much of a cursed past to bear any longer. That idea had made finding a new name easy though, as it already seemed to apply to her. The vixen was, and forever would be, Kursed. It was all a choice Star Wolf, and the few friends she had left were less than thrilled about but she was glad they did nothing to stop her. Panther had taken it much better then she had expected, even giving her the rose sitting on her control panel as a parting gift. Her best friend Lucy had been a big help. Being the daughter of former Star Fox member, now grand Cornelian General Peppy proved to have quite a catch of connections. The vixen's fighter plane had been given a complete upgrade. Additional engine fuel tanks, several months worth of food and the latest in simulated sleep cycle environment controls. She had little else to do in such a cramped cockpit anyway but look at stars and reminisce. Everything a young girl would need for fleeing to another galaxy. Kursed sighed dejectedly as she flicked off the cockpits small lights, intent on yet another few hours of simulated sleep to keep her sanity together. It was only then that she noticed another dim red light flashing across the chest of her purple jumpsuit. "Aw crap!" the vixen bolted up in her chair. She had been expecting this for a few days, but the red light blinking across her full gauge was still less than welcome. Her gloved paws quickly flew across the control panel, bringing to life the small screen displaying the ships computer functions. "Please input command," the automated voice stated. "Emergency course alteration; Target the nearest known civilized planet." "Accessing." Kursed bit her lower lip as she waited for the computers results. Seconds later a mostly brownish looking planet filled up the right half of the screen. The vixen didn't bother reading the display stats printed out on the left side. "Planet Kew; Toyus system selected. Confirm destination?" "Yes," Kursed barked irritably. She had no idea how far this new system was from Lylat, but it would have to do. "Initiate course change now." "Destination confirmed." The ship promptly gave a sharp turn, causing the vixen to grunt in surprise as she was pushed against the seats safety harness. "ETA: forty-three point seven standard hours.

" The vixen groaned as she ran a paw through the lose bangs of her thick blue hair. Months of hygiene neglect had resulted in a simple ponytail keeping the bulk of it dangling against her middle back, but a few locks still managed to find their way around her gold headband into her sparkling emerald eyes. The hair was the least of her worries right now though. If the instruments were still working properly, she had just barely enough fuel to reach this planet. And if she was really lucky, she might even have some left over to land safely. "Hell with it," Kursed muttered to herself as she shut the system back down. She plopped back into a resting position on the chair and let the next sleep cycle gas seep its way in peacefully. Whatever curse life threw at her next she will deal with it when it came. "BRYCE!" The young raccoon squealed as he fell off his captains chair, his face smacking straight to the floor. The electronic magazine he had been reading slid along the metallic floor before slapping against the far wall of the bridge. He just laid there for a few seconds with nothing but the squeaking of the spinning chair as sound. Finally he sat up, rubbing the aching underside of his furry chin. "Is that you god?" "Yes," the room's speakers said in a softer, feminine tone. "But you know you can call me Tina, silly." Bryce Bandit rolled his eyes as he stood, taking a moment to re-adjust his chair before falling back into it. His paws straightened out the wrinkles in his red sleeveless t-shirt and brown pants. He had not bothered to wear shoes or socks; he never did on his own ship. An orange with black striped bandana kept most of his spiky black hair at bay, though a big bang found its way out to droop over most of his grey eyes. Feeling presentable enough, the young raccoon reluctantly hit one of the many switches on the armrest of his chair with a sigh. "What do you want, sis?" A video image flicked into focus on the bridge's display glass. On it was a slightly older, but attractive looking, raccoon girl giving Bryce a smug grin. Unlike him, she was dressed in a smooth clad white business blouse and mini-skirt. A black undershirt and yellow tie completing her neat look, even if it did stretch across her impressive bust. Her black hair had been cut into a tomboyish short style so as not to get in the way of her own grey eyes. "Same thing our father always sends me to bug you for," she responded almost happily. As she spoke her paw worked feverishly on the PDA she was holding. The plastic pencil that went with it ran all over the unseen screen as she talked. Bryce noticed with a bit of awe that she was not even glancing at it. "What's your excuse for not paying him this time, hmmm?" "Same excuse I always give when you bug me," Bryce replied with a wave of his paw. Tina sighed with a little more fringed disappointment than he wanted. "Look, it's not my fault no one will hire me." Tina raised an eyebrow.

"Have you actually tired LOOKING for a job?" Bryce crossed his arms, slumping in his chair with a huff. This only made Tina laugh, but her expression quickly turned serious. "Look, Little B, daddy won't left you sit off in space forever without paying for his ship." "I know, I know, I know!" Bryce stretched out in his chair, glancing around the bridge of his starship. It was a fairly large room, which was only exaggerated by its lack of furs. There was a small control stand and chair near the center of the display glass meant for the ships navigator, as well as two similar stands on either side for radar and weapons controls. His chair sat back a bit in the middle of the room, with most override controls linked directly to its armrest. There were several more control stations along the back walls, but Bryce honestly had no idea what they were for. The raccoon just assumed they gave readings on the internal parts of his ship. "Finding a crew and going on adventures has just been a little more…difficult than I expected." "You'd think with our family, crews would be falling over themselves to join you," Tina offered with a laugh. "One would think," Bryce said as his rested his head in his left paw thoughtfully. The implied sarcasm of his sister totally going over his mask furred head. Tina took a break from her PDA to rest her wrist on her shapely hips and glare at her brother. "Well you're not going to get anywhere sitting on your puffy ass all day. Try going into town or something. Or hell, I can find you something you can actually accomplish." Bryce grew pale at the suggestion. "No, I don't think I ever want to have you in charge of my missions again. Not after last time." Tina gave an evil cackle as she resumed writing on her PDA. "But you looked so cute in that dress. A little make up and not even Daddy recognized you." "A fact I'm grateful to this day. I'm cutting you off now, Big T." "But I'm not…" was all Tina got out before Bryce hit another switch on his armrest, instantly killing the connection. You handled that better than normal, Captain, said the ships computer. Yes" I was in a good mood, despite the reminder of my debts." Bryce stood from his chair, covering his mouth with a paw as he yawned. "Anything on the agenda for today, Ezra?" Zip, zilch and a whole lot of nadda. We might as well follow your sisters advice for once and go looking for work. "Oh sure, take her side!" Bryce replied with a smirk. The ship his father had supplied him as an official business investment had come with its own AI computer to help with its operation, but it had proven way too bland for a teenager like him. Fortunately he knew enough about programming from his sister to give it a bit of a personality lift. To this day the raccoon wondered if it had been a good idea.

"Very well, prep the shuttle while I got changed." Very good sir. A few instruments bleeped as Bryce made for the exit doors. He had just reached them when Ezra suddenly said, That's odd, there's a ship coming in. Bryce perked a rounded ear at this, turning halfway back to the glass screens. "Ship traffic this early? Coming our way, Ezra?" No, it seems to be heading straight for Kew. I'll bring it up on screen. A new video image flicked on the glass, causing Bryce to walk back to his captain's chair with increased interest. On the display was a small looking angular craft obviously meant for fighting, yet it had clearly been outfitted with several add on engines and compartments. The resulting image appeared to be a very bulky and almost clumsy flying airship. "What IS that?" It appears to be a fighter of Lylat origins. It is possibly of Arwing class, but its specifications don't seem to fit any model standards."Custom made, eh?" Bryce laughed as he watched the ship speed by. "Did you try hailing them?" No response. Scans indicate the cockpit environment to be similar to cryogenic stasis. "Someone made it out here from Lylat in THAT thing?!" Bryce laughed with a dismissive wave as he moved once again for the exit. "I hope I don't run into the fur dumb enough to attempt that on Kew." I'm sure the odds of that happening are very slim, captain. Ezra agreed before the raccoon left the bridge. To say that Planet Kew was the industrial center of the Toyus system was an understatement. A more appropriate comparison would be that it was the industrial heart of the whole galaxy. Over seventy-five percent of the planets were built under the machine of Panther Strike Industries; leading manufacturers of everything from electronic toys to military grade weapons. Almost no one in the Toyus system was without at least a handful of its products. Other business's felt it was better just to voluntarily sell out to them, rather than the profit loss of trying to compete. Unfortunately for Bryce he barely had money to feed himself, much less get his ship repairs from such prestigious manufacturers. His father had made it clear the first time he tried that family took second place to business. And so far he had proven less than a viable investment for anything other than lunch money. One of the many reasons he enjoyed shopping around the other twenty-five percent of the planet. Any shop not owned by Panther Strike was always family run. They don't ask questions, take anything of value and, Bryce's personal reason for going to them, they took things on credit. "For the last time, no, you stupid leech of a raccoon!" Unless, of course, you already were in debt to them for three straight payments; then they might refuse you. "Aw come ooooooooooon, Floyd!" Bryce clasped his paws together in a begging position on the counter. "Just one more little bit is all I need to feed my starving family. The portly bore on the other side of the shop counter grunted a warning at Bryce.

His hoof like digits more concerned with cleaning out a piece of engine material with a wire brush as he talked. "Kid, all your family are Panther Strike executives, who you got left to feed?" "…myself?" Bryce offered meekly. Floyd laughed harshly, turning his attention back to the parts he was cleaning. Grime from the inner parts fell off in clumps to add to the already impressive collection across his plaid wool jacket and semi-white shirt. After a few minutes of this he turned his snout back to the counter, not the least bit surprised to find Bryce still there. The raccoon looked up at him with glossy eyes. Giving out an irate groan, the bore set down his current task and turned his full girth towards the boy. "Look Bryce, do you know why I even bother putting up with you?" "Because you think my sister is hot," Bryce replied with a smirk. "That too!" Floyd blushed slightly, only momentarily losing his composure. "But mostly because I'm scared as hell what would happen if your father found out I was letting you get off with supplies on I.O.U.'s" "So what's wrong with one more to the pile if I don't tell him?" The bore slammed his fists onto the counter, sending Bryce stumbling backwards onto the floor in surprise. "Because I won't have a business if you keep taking everything!!" The bore stood up to his full height, the stool he had been using giving off a creek of relief from the pressure. "Now I'm giving you five seconds to get back to your ship or so help me…" The door to the shop chose that moment to swing open, the bell tapped above it ringing in response to announce the arrival of a customer. Instantly the bore turned towards the potential customer with an expression of happiness. "Welcome to Floyd's Used Parts and Ships! Anything special I can do for you, Ma'am?" Bryce was initially too shocked at the bore for the current surrounds to register to him; despite the fact Floyd no longer seemed to have an interest in him. But as the clicking of solid heels on the tiled floor came to a stop just feet from the raccoon, it became apparent the new occupant to the room was. "Am I interrupting something?" Said a soft, yet hard edged female voice. "Not at all," Floyd said as he rubbed his hoofed hands together, his smile looking a bit more faux then usual to Bryce. "That one never comes in for business anyway." Bryce felt a pair of smaller paws clasp around one of his own and was suddenly jerked up to his feet.

Unfortunately he failed to find his balance in the process and got saved a fall by the same pair of paws. "Whoa, kid. You okay?" Bryce pushed away from the woman, intent on telling her off at being given an adolescent brand. Instead he found himself awestruck staring into a pair of perfect emerald colored eyes. The cute, blue furred vixen they belonged too had a shocked expression for a moment, and then twisted it into a knowing smirk; as if reading his suddenly less then mature thoughts. Bryce blushed despite himself and released his grip on her shoulders. "Y-yeah, I'm just having a bit of an off day." Very smooth, he added with a silent mental kick. The blue vixen giggled softly, her smile on that cream furred face only made the raccoon feel more awkward. A gold headband kept her long blue hair from dropping in front of her sparkling eyes, though a few strands broke loose anyway. Attached to it was a string of gold beads draped across her forehead, supporting a red diamond resting right between her eyes. Fortunately she only gave him a quick glance over to check for injury, and then turned her attention back to a fuming Floyd. "I need to exchange my current ship for a newer one if possible." "Splendid!" Floyd said as his false smile returned. "I just need to see the specs on your ship and we can negotiate a bargain." "Oh, right." The vixen began to dig through the pockets of her flight suit as Bryce looked on. He couldn't help but take this opportunity to admire the curves of her backside. The snug fit of her purple jumpsuit seemed to compliment said curves nicely. The pattern of red and white stripes running up and down her body suggested military background, but were not any markings he was familiar with. No sooner did his eyes come to rest on the swell of her rump though then the vixen halted her rummaging to give him a brief, but very menacing, glare. Bryce quickly backed away in embarrassment, making his way towards the soda machine in the far corner of the store with as little noise as possible. "What is she? Psychic?" He wondered to himself as he dug through his own pockets for loose change. Behind him the vixen gave out a cry of triumph as she produced a folded piece of paper rubber banded to a yellow plastic card. She handed the card to Floyd before working exasperatingly to get the paper unwrinkled. Floyd, meanwhile, had dug out a large computer board with a card reader along its top. Quickly swiping it through the reader, he began to tap the screen with a black hoofed finger as it came to life. The boar took a few seconds to read over the screen displays while waiting for the vixen to finish smoothing out the registration papers as best as her small paws would manage. He looked away from the screen to skim over the offered papers before giving the vixen a curious look. "Well, Ms. Kursed is it? You have an unusual ship here." Floyd taped the computer screen a few more times, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he studied the information on it. "Where did you get these kinds of modifications done?" "Cornaria, "The vixen named Kursed replied as she leaned her elbows on the counter with intent eyes. Her tied up blue tail swished patiently against the spandex of her legs while answering his questions.

"I admit it was a bit of a rush job, but everything still works." "Cornaria!?" Floyd repeated in surprise, earning an ear perk from Bryce. The raccoon had finally managed enough change and was busy retrieving his favorite brand of cherry cola from the machine. He popped the top and began to take a large swig as Floyd continued, "Your specs show the fuel tanks almost bone dry too. What happened? You sail all the way out here from Lylat until you ran out of burn?" The vixen returned his smirk with a dry laugh. "Actually, yes. I didn't really have any other connections to afford a better-" She was suddenly cut off by a loud spraying sound from behind. Kursed and Floyd turned with wide eyes in its direction, though neither seemed surprised to see Bryce gagging on the soda he had been drinking. Most of the drink now dripped off several rows of nearby shelves and glistened on some ship parts being displayed. "You're paying for that, you brat!" Floyd yelled as he started to rise from his chair. Before he could move after Bryce, however, Kursed turned sharply to glare at the Boar. Her sudden motion sent her long blue haired pony tail whipping around her shoulder to rest against the swell of her chest. "My ship, please!" Both Floyd and Bryce were surprised by the sudden ferocity of her voice. Even more surprising to Bryce was the fact the boar actually sat back down after only a moment's hesitation. "Yes, well," Floyd tapped his screen a few times and nervously looked back at Kursed. "I'm afraid Lylat technology is considered somewhat primitive out in this galaxy, you don't even have any fuel left to exchange so it'd be very hard to find a good buyer for it." "Figured as much." Kursed said as she sunk her muzzle into her paws. "What about scraping it?" Floyd chuckled lightly. "Well raw materials are another story. There's definitely enough there for a decent recycling price. However, we won't know that until we take it apart." Kursed looked up hopefully from between her paw fingers. "Is there anything you can give me for now?" "Most I can offer right now is three thousand for the ship, and then my finder's fee is ten percent of her total worth." Bryce watched a bit nervously as the vixen hung her head with a groan. It was a bit of a relief to know he was not the only one suffering money problems, but he also wished he could somehow help out an obvious damsel in distress. He took a sip of his remaining soda as he watched Floyd try in vain to comfort her. Suddenly, the notice of Kursed's military style jumpsuit began to spark something inside the raccoons mind. It was a bit of a desperate idea, but knowing him it was crazy enough to actually work too. Not to mention it would benefit them both, so he felt no guilt about having personal motives. All that really mattered was that she did what he hoped as good as she looked. If the vixen was picking up on his thoughts this time, she showed no signs of it as she continued to consider her options with Floyd. Her conversations with the boar were quickly cut short when a loud gurgling sound filled the shop.

Placing a paw on her slim belly, the vixen let out a nervous laugh between red cheeks. "I guess I'll take you up on that offer, but can you throw in directions to the nearest, and cheapest, hotel with restaurants?" "Certainly Ms. Kursed!" Floyd said happily. The bore swiped the yellow card across the reader again, pressed the screen a few times and then handed it back to the vixen. "That takes care of the down payment. I probably don't need to ask if you have any accounts reaching this galaxy so I put the currency directly on your card." "Thanks," Kursed said as she slipped the card into her right hip pocket. She watched calmly as boar filed away the ships registration then began to write down directions on a piece of scrap paper. Though her eyes never left the counter, Bryce did notice her pointed fox ears swivel back his way every now and then. Floyd merrily handed her the poorly written directions and answered the last of Kursed's questions. Finally the vixen gave a cheerful wave and moved towards the door, content to at least have some cash to live on for the time being. The bell above the door dinged as it was flung open and the vixen was gone, never giving Bryce a second glance. Bryce waited a full minute while quietly finishing his soda. The moment Floyd had turned his back to finish up this latest transaction, the raccoon bolted for the door as quietly as he could. "Don't think I haven't forgotten about you, brat!" Floyd said in a near scream just as Bryce placed a paw on the door handle. "You better bring money or your sister next time you come through that door, or else!" Bryce looked back at the boar's wide backside, giving a sly smirk through the black mask fur of his muzzle. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Floyd." Bryce quickly dashed out the door to avoid any insults, or projectiles, Floyd might have been ready to throw at him. Having memorized the directions he had overheard, Bryce wasted no time catching up to the cute blue vixen only a few blocks away. The original plan was to simply follow her for a little bit, both to see what she would do next and also fine tune the proposition he was plotting to share with her. Those hopes were quickly dashed as he slowed down to a good following distance. The moment he had matched their walking pace she stopped abruptly and turned completely around to stare expectantly at him with arms folded under her chest. The raccoon stopped dead in his tracks as their eyes met. The vixen no longer wore that angry flare she had given Floyd earlier, but the way she seemed to be almost second guessing everything he was doing was vexing. Sighing dejectedly, Bryce resigned himself to the inevitable and shambled up to the vixen looking like a cub caught with the cookie jar.

"Something I can help you with, kid?" she asked softly as soon as he was within normal speaking range. Bryce turned a little flush at being branded his most hated name. However she was addressing him with very soft and gentle nature now, which made him quickly forget his pet peeve. "W-well, I…um…that is to say I was wondering…" The vixen could not help but giggle as she watched the raccoon struggle to form a coherent sentence. He quickly found it through his growing embarrassment. "What's so funny!?" "Nothing, I'm sorry." She raised a paw to add to her apology. "It's just that you remind me of someone I…used to know." Bryce raised an eyebrow as the vixen struggled out her last words. Her eyes suddenly had a far away, yet pale look to them, as if remembering something painful. Another loud gurgle suddenly brought her back to reality, this time from Bryce's own stomach. The vixen laughed then offered her right paw as a handshake. "I'm Kryst…" She stopped suddenly with a bite on her lower lip while glancing away anxiously. Bryce recognized that expression, having used it often when nearly saying something he should not in front of his father or sister. "Kursed," she finally said, though her gaze stayed at her flight boots with folded back ears. "My name is Kursed." "Bryce Bandit," the raccoon said, giving her paw several firm shakes in return. His motions seemed to jar the vixen out of her sudden depression. The soft feel of her fur almost sent him reeling again, but he quickly pushed those thoughts aside when he noticed Kursed trying to suppress a giggle. "It's nice to meet you, but, no offense, please stop acting like you know what I'm thinking." "Who says I don't?" Kursed gave him a wink before promptly turning to resume walking down the nearly empty sidewalk. Bryce stood there with his jaw hanging open, watching the sway of the vixen's tail as the implications of her retort sank in. It was not until she started to turn a corner that he jerked back into focus and sprinted to catch up after the strange, but very cute, vixen. Fortunately he did not have to run very far as he turned the corner and collided with her backside. Kursed staggered forward slightly from the impact, but was too distracted to notice Bryce's bottom smacking against the sidewalk. The raccoon moaned weakly as he rubbed his sore lower back. "What the heck is the matter…now?" The last words escaped Bryce's muzzle in a high pitched yelp as looked up and beyond at what had grabbed the vixen's attention. "What's the matter?" Repeated an overly large bear as he slammed his right first into his opposing palm. "I wouldn't say there's a problem yet, squirt. But there could be!" Bryce initial reaction to a situation involving something over twice his size was getting back to his feet and running like hell. Both phases of this plan were promptly cut short when he heard the rattling of chains just inches from his ears. A risky glance upward with a whimper confirmed their only escape was now being flanked by two scraggly Fennec foxes. In their paws were two foot long links of iron chains, complete with a series of nails embedded near the ends dangling dangerously close to the raccoon's muzzle. He wrinkled his nose slightly, but decided best not to bring attention to their greasy stank. The flies buzzing over their ripped ears did the job well. The Fennec's on the other hand did not seem to even care for Bryce's existence. Their attention stood totally focused on Kursed. Although, much like Bryce a little while ago, their eyes were more accurately focused on the curves of Kursed lower back. If Kursed had noticed anything about what was behind her, she gave it only a flick of the left ear to show it. She merely looked up at the towering bear with a genuine smile, paws clasped together for exaggerated innocence. "If there's not a problem, would you mind getting out of our way?" she asked. "You're blocking our way and our sunlight.

" The bear thug let out a huge roar, which could barely be recognized as a laugh. Even his two Fennec companions were startled by this sudden outburst while Kursed raised an eyebrow. "You got guts, lady." The bear cracked his knuckles as he spoke, though that only succeeded in making Bryce scotch backwards from where he sat. "I like that in a woman, but there's only two ways getting past me; money or blood." Kursed looked untroubled as the bear advanced slowly on her. In fact, Bryce could almost swear she looked bored of the thugs display. "I really don't want violence, sir. This is only my first time on this planet." "Good then." Then bear extended a massive palm towards Kursed expectedly. "Just hand over everything you got and we won't have to damage your pretty little face." "Well, you people certainly don't ask for much." Kursed giggled as she unzipped a pocket near the left hip of her jumpsuit. She slipped a paw into the opening while giving the confused Bryce a confident wink. "Okay then, you are more than welcome to this." The bear started to chuckle triumphantly, intending to do a lot of work on this beautiful piece of fox even after she had given up all her valuables. Those thoughts were quickly pushed aside as Kursed laid a simple metal pellet the size of a golf ball in his large paw. Various lights flashed about its surface as the bear first looked at it, then at the innocent smiling vixen in anger. "What is this crap!?" he demanded between bared teeth. Bringing the metal object up to his face he began to move it about with a clawed finger from his free paw. "Exactly how is this little piece of crap of any val-" It was at this moment the bears claw accidentally pressed down on the almost invisible button attached underneath the flashing lights. Instantly the device exploded with a bang in his face, flooding it with a thick green vapor. The bear staggered back in a frustrated growl while trying in vain to wipe the gas from his inflamed eyes and nose. Kursed wasted no time finishing off the surprised thug. With one fluid motion, she brought her right foot up into a straight kick against the bears crotch. As the bear folded forward in pain with both giant paws shooting for his neither region, the vixen pushed off the sensitive area, spinning in the air to smack the heal of her left boot against the bears exposed face. Kursed finished the spin to land gracefully into a crouched position facing the startled Fennec's and Bryce. Behind her the bear also twirled both from the impact of her strikes and the gravity of his own massive weight, quickly losing his balance to come crashing to the ground. The impact alone was enough to create several cracks in the pavement as well as set off the alarm of a nearby car. "Why are bad guys always so gullible?" Kursed asked no one in particular as she straightened back up. She quickly reached behind her to pull out a gold decorated stick from its hiding place just below the collar of her flight suit. It was only about a foot long from what Bryce could tell. On its head sat a large gold teardrop shape made of glimmering gold with a blue stone embedded in the middle, while it's bottom was a much narrower rectangle like shape that came down to four sharp points, though it also had a blue jewel encased in its center.

With a flick of her fingers, the stick in Kursed's paw rapidly extended on either end, quickly becoming several feet long. The entire length of the now staff like weapon was decorated in similar blue colored designs, though Bryce could not figure out their meaning. The outer layer of the staffs head extended outwards slightly, forming some space between the gold and the jewel even as it began to emit a soft glow in the evening sun. The Fennec's just stared in awe for several seconds at their leader being dynamically and effortlessly taken down by this small vixen. However her gaze on them seemed to give them a smack back into reality. They charged her as one, chains flailing wildly in downward swings roughly aimed at her face. Kursed rushed them unexpectedly at the same time, passing between the strikes of the chains unscathed. Soon as she was parallel with them the narrow end of her staff came up to strike the right thug directly in the jaw, simultaneously tripping the Fennec on her left with the heel of her boot. Performing a spin on the spot, Kursed brought the head of her staff around to smack the chin of the left Fennec before he could even begin his descent to the ground. Using the momentum of the strike, the staff continued its circle arc to smack into the back of the other Fennec's exposed head. Kursed finished her spin as a complete three-sixty, facing Bryce again with a satisfied smirk. A second later, both Fennec's fell to the ground and made no further movements, save for a few painful grunts. Kursed flicked the hidden switch on her staff and it instantly reverted back to its former small version. However, instead of putting it back to its hiding place under her flight suit she settled for hanging it off one of the accessory clasps at the suits right hip. Bryce sat motionless on his sidewalk seat and blinked; a lot. The entire scene had lasted only two minutes at best and he still was not sure if it had really happened at all. He didn't even notice Kursed offer a paw to him until she had to give a polite cough. "You okay, kid?" She asked while pulling Bryce back onto his shaking feet. "I'm not a kid!" Bryce said as anger quickly replaced his amazement. Though his actions only seemed to amuse the vixen. "My name is Bryce Bandit." "Bryce then," she said with a giggle. "You seem to fall down a lot. Didn't hurt your tail or anything, did you?" "No, I don't have any pride left to get injured," Bryce smirked back, earning another giggle from Kursed. The raccoon quickly walked up to her and wrapped an arm around her narrow shoulders. Before Kursed could muster a reply he was forcing her to continue walking along the sidewalk along their original path. The giant bear let out several pitiful grunts as they proceeded to stomp across his massive chest and face along the way. "Listen," he said in a low tone as they walked. His eyes seemed to dart around as if checking for eves droppers. "Let's get some distance before those yo-yo's wake up. That was awesome what you did! You in the military, or do you just work out on the side?" "Um…" Kursed felt the cheeks of her white furred face take on a bit of red tint. "Thanks, I guess. I was part of a special team for a while…""Free agent!" Bryce interrupted gleefully while smacking the vixens shoulder with his entangled paw. "You're perfect, Kursed. I'd like to make you a proposition." Now a few blocks away from the attempted mugging incident, Kursed promptly stopped her walk and brushed Bryce's paw off her shoulder. "Look Bryce, you're a nice kid but I really don't think I'm your type." Bryce couldn't tell if he should be angry or depressed at her statement, but quickly decided both would hurt his case and pushed it aside. "Not that kind of proposition, silly! Have you ever considered a career in bounty hunting?" Kursed's eyes went wide at the question, a bit taken back by the question. "You're a bounty hunter?" "Well…not necessarily," Bryce confessed sheepishly. "I obviously have no qualities to hunt down criminals. Heck I can barely stand up to my sister half the time." Kursed crossed her arms, giving her yet another staring down at the smaller raccoon suspiciously but also with an aura of curiosity in her voice. "So why the sudden interest in such a dangerous profession?" Bryce instantly brightened back up. "That's just it! You see I got everything a team could need. Fully equipped starship, state of the art weapons, information databases out the wazoo. You name it, I got it." He scratched the back of his head with a chuckle, trying to choose his next words very carefully. "I've been trying to start a 'jack-of-all-trades' business for a while in this system, but I find myself lacking a….um…" "Meat shield?" Kursed offered with a flick of her tail.

"I was going to say field agent," Bryce said through a red face. His attempts at trying to remain formal only fueled Kursed's amusement. "I'm an expert on research and tactics, but the hands on parts always make me fall short." "I couldn't tell," Kursed remarked, making the raccoon blush harder. "Hey I'm trying to be nice here!" "I was just kidding! Damn, you're way too tense." Bryce stuck his tongue out at Kursed in response, though she surprisingly repaid the favor. She brushed a few loose hairs out of her face and sighed. "Okay, so you need a partner. Why me, a total stranger you know nothing about?" "Um…I'm desperate?" Bryce admitted while twiddling his paw fingers sheepishly. He was not surprised that this response got a huge laugh out of Kursed. Even when being mocked though, the raccoon could not help but think her loud yelps were very pleasant to the ears. His current financial condition was not the only reason he wanted to peg this vixen as a partner, but hell would freeze over before he admitted to her the other. Kursed laughed for almost a full minute, and even after that had a hard time not erupting into giggles as she regained her senses. Bryce shifted his weight nervously as their eyes met, and then he quickly broke the gaze pretending to look at something on the ground. If he was not a full fledged raccoon, she could almost swear he was looking just like Fox when Kursed had first met him. Unfortunately the mental image of her former lover but a prompt halt to her joy, the familiar feelings of hurt and anger flooding her being to replace it. Paws clasped into tight fists as she shut her eyes in an attempt to quickly silence her anger. "Kursed?" Bryce approached the vixen uneasily upon noticing her sudden distress. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to offend you. It's just that I'm up to my tail in debt and thought…" "It's nothing personal, Bryce." Kursed straightened back up, peace once again in her eyes. Even though Bryce could see a hint of pain behind them, he decided not to push the issue just yet. "I really appreciate the offer, but I don't think I'd make a good partner for you. It's like I said: I don't think I'm your type." The vixen turned to leave in the hopes it would end their conversation. A paw reached up in a motion of moving hair strands away from her face, but they were actually wiping a stray tear from her eye. Bryce just glared in frustration at her retreating back. "Do you really have anywhere else to go?" Bryce stated flatly, making Kursed stop in mid-step. If there was one quality he was proud of, it was his legendary stubbornness. "You wouldn't have flown all the way out here from Lylat on a short ranged fighter for a simple vacation." Both of Kursed's lupine ears flattened against the sides of her head. Her paws began shaking as she fought every urge to turn around. "You really shouldn't eves drop on conversations, kid! That could lead to trouble." Bryce grinned triumphantly despite being called a kid. As expected, she could not even try to refute his statements anymore. "What happened to you is your own business, I won't pry into that. But I see a kind and rather pretty vixen with barely a cent to her name, and a lot of potential. I won't lie; I'm barely in a better position than you, so we could benefit a lot even in a temporary partnership together." This time Kursed did turn to fix Bryce with a solid glare. The raccoon moved back a few steps in surprise, but this time refused to break their gaze. "Now look here…" "Just for a little while," Bryce interrupted almost pleadingly. "At the very least you can have a free home for a few days and get on your feet in this system. After that, if you want to leave I won't stand in your way." Kursed stared at him with an open mouth, which she promptly closed upon realization. She fidgeted in place, desperate to say something yet nothing came out. The raccoons offer was genuine, her telepathy made sure of that, but still she hesitated.

There was no way she expected to come to this system only to be rushed into a new business on her first day. Even if they had skills that seemed to fit well together, the blue vixen could not get over how much Bryce was reminding her of a young Fox McCloud. Unfortunately all those memories only did was bring up painful reminders of hurt feelings that lead ultimately her to this new system. The last thing this raccoon needed was pent up anger being vented at him. "Well?" Bryce interrupted her thoughts after what seemed like an eternity. He stared up at her with hopeful eyes. The almost childish look as he stared at Kursed unexpectedly only threw her off more. Not able to think of anything else, she turned her back sharply to the raccoon. As she heard Bryce inhale sharply behind her, Kursed gazed up at the sky and finally began to take stock of her situation. Here was a young, former military vixen stranded in a metropolitan city with no clue about even the local customs. She had only a small amount of money and nothing but what she was carrying to her name and, as she just learned a little while ago, not everyone was as friendly as her new companion. Not to mention the sun looked ready to be setting within the hour. It also didn't help her case when her stomach chose that moment to remind her of its currently empty state in the form of a very loud series of gurgles. Upon the later part, she could clearly hear Bryce let out the breath he was holding followed by a fit of laughs. "Looks like you got me into a corner on this issue," Kursed said, also a bit amused by her bodies poor tact. She turned to Bryce making no effort to hide her red cheeks. "I'll make you your first job offer then; take me to the best researched restaurant in this city and I'll consider your offer over dinner." Bryce literally leaps for joy with a cheer. "All right! I like you as a partner already, treating your captain to dinner like this!" "What!? No, I…" Kursed trailed off as the raccoon dashed past her faster than she ever expected. "Follow me; I know a great place just past the floral district!" Bryce called back without even slowing down. Kursed blinked in surprise, and then quickly sprinted after him in frustration. "Hey wait! I never said I was treating you, you punk!" Bryce ignored her as he ran along the pavement deeper into the city, Kursed hot on his heels all the way. The vixen sighed dejectedly as they ran, already beginning to wonder what this lunatic raccoon would bring her on the second day of her new life. Yet in the back of her mind she could not help but feel a sense of relief. Maybe tonight she might even be able to sleep without nightmares.

It had been about an hours’ worth of running and they finally reached the place Bryce was soo ecstatic about. Here we are Kursed! The Asteroid! This is the most popular area here! Just look at the line! Bryce said pointing at the line that went down two blocks and around the corner. Kursed groans loudly and startles Bryce. What’s the matter Kursed? Do you need to go to the restroom? Bryce said jokingly. Kursed slugs him on the shoulder as hard as she could with her fist. Ow! Damn Girl! You hit hard! I was only fooling! I am well known here, watch me smooth that bouncer over, Bryce said. Bryce combs his hair back and tucks in his shirt and walks over to the big husky German Sheppard Bouncer. Kursed giggles as he walks up to the Bouncer and then runs over to cover Floyd’s ass if he pisses off the Bouncer. Alright you can go in, The Bouncer said. Excuse me sir, I believe you know who I am? Bryce said trying to sound as professional as he could. The Bouncer who was easily over 6’ 6’’ crouches and scoffs in Bryce’s face. You’re not on the list small fry, quit wasting my time and scram! The bouncer said. Hey buddy, pipe down! Now be gentlemen and let us in, Kursed said. Look ma’am, I am not letting y’all in, you have no reservations, do me a favor and beat it before I have to call back up and have them through y’all out in a very painful way, he said. Oh well I guess you’d better not let us in! Kursed said. What the heck are you doing? You’re not trying to use reverse psychology on him! Bryce whispered. Wow, you really think reverse psychology will work? I am calling back up! The bouncer said.


Way to go Kursed now we’ll get our asses handed to us by a group of them! Bryce said. Just watch, he won’t do nothing, Kursed said. Dispatch I have a disturbance at the……… I am soo sorry y’all are on the list, g’wan in! He said. You have a disturbance where Makonnel? The dispatcher said with anxiety. Cancel that dispatch they paid in full, Makonnel said. How the heck did you do that? Bryce said. It’s a trait I was born with, Kursed said. So, where do you want to sit? Bryce said. Over at the bar, I need a drink, Kursed said. I have to be with you on that one, I could use a Pina Colada Martini right about now, Bryce said. They walk to the bar and take their seats. I will be right with you two in a moment! The bartender said. The bartender runs over to them with a note pad. So whatcha want to drink? Today is free drinks Friday, all alcoholic drinks are on the house, the tender said. I will take a Bloody Mary on ice with five shots in it, Kursed said. Alright and you sir? A Pina Colada Martini with a hint of Scotch and two shots in it, Bryce said. Ok I got a Bloody Mary on ice with a punch and a Tropical Martini with a buzz, I will get started on your drinks, the tender said. Thanks! Kursed said politely. So about the proposition earlier, what is the pay? Kursed asked inquisitively. You shall be paid $5,000 per head and $10,000 for most wanted felons, Bryce said. Wow, that is quite a paycheck! Kursed said. It is ain’t it, Bryce said. Two seats down sat Fox Mc Cloud and Fara Phoenix. So Fox do you have any plans this evening aside from getting wasted like usual, Fara said. No, not really, why do you ask? Fox said. Well we’ve known each other for 5 years in the past. Do you want to resume our relationship? Fara said. Fox blushes and picks up the bottle of Vodka and takes a massive gulp from it. I guess so Fara, Fox said.


Back over on the other side Kursed recognizes Fox’s voice. Excuse me Bryce, I think I heard someone who caused me a great deal of depression in the past, I need to see if it is who I think it is, Kursed said angrily with a clenched fist. Sure, go ahead! I feel sorry for whoever you’re gonna deal with, Bryce said. I will be back in a few minutes to finish discussing the remainder of your proposition, Kursed growled. Whoa! There’s no need to get mad at me! Bryce said. Sorry kid, I am not trying to be mad at you, I am just really pissed off at the person who RUINED my life! Kursed said. That’s pretty HEAVY! Bryce said. Kursed gets up and walks over to Fox Mc Cloud. I am sorry for interrupting your moment but I believe I know you, Kursed said. Fox turns to face Kursed and looks at her and locks eyes. I don’t believe I know who you are, Fox said. Of course you don’t know who I am! Kursed said jabbing Fox with her finger. You single handedly destroyed everything I came to know and love! Kursed barked pounding her fist on the table. Fox stands up and puts his hands up to exaggerate his innocent look. Look lady, you got the wrong guy! Fox said nervously. Why are you so nervous Fox Mc Cloud! Kursed barked clenching her fist and gritting her teeth. Hey how do you know my name? Fox said standing up. Fox do you know who this vixen is? Fara said nervously holding Fox’s hand. By this time Kursed had got the attention of the entire building and Fox and Kursed felt all eyes on them. Of course he knows who I am! He broke up with me Four months ago!! Kursed Screamed. Fara falls backward on her stool and hits the ground from Kursed’s sudden outburst. Krystal? Is that you? Fox asked. Fox shut the hell up! My name isn’t Krystal anymore! Kursed said. Fara gets up and looks at Kursed. Look, you picked the worst time to settle a score, Fara said. Shut up you naïve bitch! Kursed hissed. Ok! I’m sorry! Fara said picking up her chair and taking a seat. All of Kursed’s yelling attracts the bouncers from outside. Hey lady! I’m afraid you must leave now, Makonnel said. Kursed gives an angry glare at the bouncer and the bouncer backs away and calls off the other bouncers. As I was saying! YOU RUINED MY LIFE! Kursed barks. Look, I didn’t want you getting hurt! Fox said. Kursed glares at Fox with an enraged glare that almost makes Fox hose himself. Look Krystal! I really loved you! I kicked you from the team for your safety! Fox said. Bull crap!! Kursed hissed slapping Fox across the face numerous times. The fighting draws Bryce’s attention. Ooo! Somebody’s angry! Bryce said. Hey don’t be so mean to him! Fara said.


Oh don’t even get me started on you! Kursed barked. Why? What did he do that was so bad? Fara asked. Fara, shut up! Fox barked. Shut up Fox! Kursed said slapping Fox across the face again. If you must now, Fox and I Four months ago had been going steady for two years. After the Aperoid threat was neutralized, Fox was acting a lot antsier around me. One day while we were in the Y vector on the newly reconstructed Great Fox, Fox calls me into the hallway. I asked him what was troubling him and he locks eyes at me and said, “I’m kicking you from the team Krystal. Missions are getting too risky for you.” I tell him, “Then why didn’t you kick me out before the Aperoid invasion on Sauria?” He replies, “That was your home planet! If I kicked you then you’d think I was a jerk!” I say, “Well why did you decide to kick me now! Did you really think I’d be Ok with this?” Fox replied, “Well sort of, that is why I packed your Arwing and gave you $1,000 so you can start a new life” Fox said. I teared up and ran to the Arwing bay. I look back to see if he was following me, wanting to say he’d changed his mind; but he walked back into the briefing room. Anyway he’ll do the same to you Fara! I was able to read his mind while that conversation ensued and found out he had two other loves that were dumped in the same way, in the same hallway! He’d done it to Miyu, Me, then he’ll do the same when it gets too risky for you to be on the team! Kursed said out of breath. Is that true! Did you have two other girls after me, and you dumped both of them when it got too dangerous? Fara said anger building in her voice. Truth hurts don’t it, huh Fox? Kursed said. Look we could have settled this but Fara had to open her mouth, now you have ruined my chances of hooking up with another girl! Fox barked. If you think this is over, ITS NOT! I will not stop until I have inflicted enough emotional pain on you till we are even! Kursed barked grabbing Fox’s shirt and holding him at nose to nose level.


Kursed flings him over the counter, gives the I’m watching you gesture to Fara and goes back to her seat, downs her Bloody Mary, and tells the Bryce that it’s time to leave. Bryce downs two Martinis he never drank and sprints out to catch up with her. Wow! That was the second best thing I have ever seen! Aside from the way you took out those three hoodlums ten blocks back, Bryce said happily. Thanks for the kind words Bryce, Kursed said. Hey! You didn’t call me kid! Bryce said. I guess I didn’t. Oh, I accept your bounty hunter offer! Kursed said. Fantastic! I will show you the ship and all your weapons tomorrow, Bryce said excitedly. That works for me! Kursed said. They walk for another two blocks and enter the Majestic Hotel. Bryce checks in and Kursed gets a drink from the water fountain. Ok! We got the presidential suite for 4 nights for that thousand in cash your ex-boyfriend gave you, wait! Does that include room service? Bryce said. Yes Sir, please use the presidential suite teleporter. Not the elevator that’s for poor people, the clerk said. Kursed enters the teleporter first, and then Bryce follows. Wow! Look at this place! Kursed said in awe walking around. Kursed look! They got a 72” plasma screen TV! Bryce said. Kursed walks out onto the rooftop to be greeted by a cool breeze, a rain bowed Aurora Borealis, and a steaming Jacuzzi. Bryce come look at the sky! It is beautiful! Kursed said. Bryce walks out onto the rooftop. It is isn’t it, oh look a Jacuzzi! I’m getting in Kursed I don’t know about you, Bryce said. I’m getting in too, these sore muscles need a soak, Kursed said. Out of now where two butlers appear with swimsuits that were the perfect fit and their favorite blend of colors. I will change first, Kursed said. Five minutes later Kursed walks out in a bath robe and goes to tell a butler to prepare two glasses of champagne on ice. Bryce bolts in the bathroom, and in no time flat he is in the Jacuzzi. Kursed walked out onto the rooftop. You’re just going to stand there? Get in! The water is perfect! Bryce said. Aright, but when this robe comes off don’t get any sexual ideas from my body. If you do you will be free falling from the top of this building! Also, no touching! Kursed said.


(Scoffs) Like I’d get any ideas like that! Bryce said. You’d be amazed at what my body does to men, Kursed said. Kursed removes the robe revealing her slim hourglass frame in a hot red bikini and she gets into the Jacuzzi. Bryce couldn’t keep his eyes at eye level. Bryce scanned her body. To him he just met a girl who could really kick ass and had a body that could make a man Jizz himself on sight. Kursed’s frame was slender, her hips, breasts and butt were soo irresistible that he couldn’t break his eyes away from them. How could that guy in the bar dump a piece of heaven like you? Bryce said. Kursed settles in a massaging chair and gives a loud sigh of enjoyment. What can I say, he was a pussy when it came to commitment, Kursed said. Wow! He dumped you over that! He must have been dropped when he was a baby, Bryce said. Yeah, and after two years of going steady I thought he was serious about it. Hey do you want some Chardonnay champagne? Kursed asked. Uh sure, Bryce said. (Clap) (Clap) then two butlers appear out of nowhere. Your Champagne, they said in unison. Thank you! Kursed and Bryce said in unison. So, I have the list of criminals on this data holopad. Ok who’s the next felon? Kursed said. How about you check it, Bryce said. Ok then I will, Kursed said. Kursed taps the convict list and it auto zooms in on the list. Oh well this is not a surprise, Kursed snickered. Hey Kursed who is it? Floyd said. Its the leader of a group that I was on and used for my telepathic skill. Maybe you herd of him. Wolf O' Donnell,Kursed said. I have herd of him and hos scumbag team? Bryce said. He is charged with one rape charge, involving Fara phoenix and is given the death penalty by the Cornarian Supreme Court! Maybe i can get him back for using me! Kursed said. He is a felon right? How much is on his head? Bryce said. Exactly 1.5 million dollars, Kursed said. The price makes Bryce spit the drink out of his mouth. (Cough)(Cough)(Cough) Say WHAT, 1.5 mil on his head? Holy Crap! Ok either kill him or hurt him enough to make him sorry for using you;and recognize and fear your new name, Bryce said.

Aw shit! Bryce said. Bryce could only watch as the glass continued to gain speed and peg an overweight boar over the head. Ow! Who the hell threw that! Show yourself! Floyd shouted. Sorry boss! That was my bad! Bryce said. Don’t let that happen again or you are fired! Floyd said. Sorry sir! Bryce said. Kursed giggles at his misfortune. Hey that wasn’t funny! Bryce said angrily. I wasn’t laughing at you I was laughing because Floyd’s voice cracked midway through his sentence, Kursed said. Well that was kind of funny, Bryce said. Hey Garson! I need another glass of Chardonnay wine please! Kursed said. Yes ma’am, the butler replied. Three minutes later the butler reappeared. Your Wine sir, he said. Thank you, Bryce said. Bryce gives him a wad of 10 one thousand dollar bills. Here’s your tip! Go buy yourself something nice, Bryce said. The butler stammers and finally takes the wad. Thank you sir, thank you! He said backing into the suite. Wow, what was that? Kursed said. That was a little something that he can remember me by, Bryce said.

For a raccoon, you can be really generous, Kursed said. Well I was giving him the night off, Bryce said. So what time will we head over to the bounty hunter ship? Kursed asked. Probably at six thirty in the morning, I hope you are a morning person, Bryce said. The next morning before dawn Bryce and Kursed, after a good 2 hours of walking they stopped outside an expensive office building. Kursed looks around eagerly for Bryce’s high tech ship. Wha? Where is the ship? Kursed asked scratching her neck. It’s on the roof of this building on a landing pad. We need to be identified and allowed up to access the ship, Bryce said. That is a lot of security protecting your ship, Kursed replied. Yeah, only the best for only expensive high tech ship on the premises. Shall we? Bryce said holding open the door.

Alright, you’d better not be lying to me Bryce! Kursed said walking through the door. Trust me I wouldn’t lie about this, Bryce said. Welcome to Panther Strike Headquarters! My name is Susan what can I do for you Ma’am? Susan said. Hey she isn’t alone! Look down! Bryce said with a slight aggravated tone. Sorry sir, what can I help you with? Susan said. I would like to see my father? His name is Carmon Bandit, Bryce said. Kursed notices the attendant shudder at the name and pick up the phone. Your son is here to see you boss! Susan said. Splendid! I have been expecting him! I am sending my body guards to escort him up. Bryce, please refrain from tampering with their machine guns; we don’t want that incident to happen again, do we? Carmon said. Bryce gave a long pause. Do you understand? Carmon said with a sudden ferocity in his voice. Yes sir! Bryce shouted, surprised by his by his father’s sudden outburst. The guards arrive a few minutes later. Your father is the president of Panther Strike?! Kursed said in shock. I don’t mean to brag but, yeah he is, Bryce said. I was partners with Panther Caroso and was temporarily in love with him! Kursed said. You were in love with the “Panther Caroso?’’ Bryce said in shock. Yes I was! I wonder if he still remembers me. Kursed said. Any time today! One of the guards said impatiently motioning to come on gesture. Sorry guys, c’mon Kursed! I will introduce you to my dad personally, Bryce said. The guards lead them up the elevator to the president’s office and take their assigned posts outside the door. He is ready, you may enter, the guards said in unison standing at ease and pushing open the doors. Bryce! We’ve been expecting you! Carmon said. Sorry I am late father, Bryce said bowing in his presence. Who’s your friend? Carmon said pointing at Kursed. Her name is....Kursed, Kursed said cutting Bryce off in mid sentence.

The Executive leather chair in front of Carmon’s desk quickly spins around to reveal Panther Caroso sitting in it. Panther locks eyes with Kursed’s eyes. He gives a knowing smirk and rises from his seat. I know those eyes from anywhere! Panther said excitedly walking over to Kursed. Ah hell, he recognized me! Kursed thought rubbing her paws. You’re Krystal from the Lylat system! I recognized those eyes and body frame from only one person and that was you! Panther said. Carmon’s eyes grow in shock to where the beautiful vixen was from. Do you remember me Krystal? Panther said. Kursed slaps Panther across the face and smiles and Panther rubs the sore cheek. First off, my name is no longer Krystal! It is Kursed, second of all recognize this? Kursed said reaching into a pocket and pulling out the rose Panther gave her from his dash as a parting gift looking good as new. My rose! You do remember me! It looks just as good, hell, better than it did when I gave it to you! You can still slap as hard as you did when I asked you out too! Panther said excitedly. Yes, I admit you were an oddball of an assassin, but I loved you as you were. Look at you head of the Panther Strike company! I'm glad it kicked off for you! I knew somewhere inside you, you had the potential of getting your idea started! Kursed said. I couldn’t have done it without your motivation Kursed; I owe my success and money to you! How would you like to be Vice Founder and be my personal adviser? Panther said regaining his composure.

Bryce’s and Kursed’s jaws drop in shock of Panthers offer. Kursed shakes her head, closes Bryce’s agape mouth, and thinks over her options. On one side she could be a bounty hunter and kill crooks for a living. On the other was a position at Panther Strike Headquarters as Vice Founder and Panther’s adviser with no strings attached. Kursed stammers. No need to feel rushed Sweetheart; I will give you a week to thing things over. Here’s my card, give me a call if you want to accept the offer, Panther said handing Kursed his contact card. I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless! Kursed said. It’s the least I could do for someone who helped me break away from Star Wolf and start a new life, Panther said. You were a member of that scumbag team Star wolf? I thought you were an employee of some famous company! That’s what you told me! Carmon said in shock. Hey Carmon! Pipe down! Don’t make me demote you! Panther angrily barked. Sorry sir! Carmon said giving the invisible zipper sealing mouth gesture.

Bryce shook his head to regain his train of thought. Dad, could I borrow your decoy ship? Bryce asked nervously. What makes you think I will let you? Carmon barked. I have to show Kursed something. Please? I’m begging you! Bryce said dropping to his knees. Let him show her, I will replace the ship if anything happens. Kursed don’t let Bryce trick you with his tom foolery! Panther said. Kursed glares angrily at Bryce and Bryce laughs nervously. Here are the keys, make sure to lock it when you park it! Carmon said. Don’t give the keys to your son. Give them to Kursed! Panther said. Carmon stammers. What? Give complete control over the ship to a vixen who I hardly know? No way! Carmon said. If you don’t give her the keys in ten seconds, you’re fired! Panther hissed. Ok sir! Here are the keys, Carmon said tossing the keys to Kursed. Bryce get out of my sight, NOW! Carmon said embarrassingly.

Bryce runs to the ship while Panther turns to Kursed. Kursed can I speak to you in private? Panther said notioning her to enter a soundproofed room. Kursed blushes. Of course Panther, Kursed said. Panther enters the room followed by Kursed and a Secret Service guard closes the door and takes a post in front of the door. What I am about to tell you, cannot be told to anyone else! Panther said. Secrecy is my specialty. What’s on your mind? Kursed said ears perked and turned forward eager for audio. You can keep the ship, I’m making soo much money it isn’t funny. I’m giving it to you so if you reject the offer you can use the ship for whatever you need it for, Panther said. Kursed faints to be only to be caught by Panthers big paws. Panther taps her face gently, and Kursed wakes up.

I thought I was dreaming. I could have sworn you said I can keep the ship, Kursed said. You can keep the ship as my gift to you for everything you’ve done if you reject the offer. There will be plenty more gifts on top of that if you accept my offer. Oh here is a button press it once and I will send my best protection agents to cover you and get you out of there fast and brung straight to me, Panther said handing Kursed a little box with a red button and a glass top. In a caption it said “In Case Of Emergency Press Button.” I don’t know what to say! You really care for me, Kursed said blushing. That’s because I cannot live without seeing those luminous emerald eyes! Panther said kissing Kursed gently on the side of the cheek. Well I got to get back to my conference with Carmon Bandit. Think over my proposition, you got my card! One call that’s all! Panther said backing out of the room. I will think it over Panther! Kursed said. Bye-bye sweetheart! Panther said winking at Kursed and he leaves the room.

Kursed stows the button on a key chain on her right hip next to her staff and leaves the room. She heads out to the ship and opens the main door. Bryce runs in to the ship leaving Kursed in the dust. Bryce! Don’t touch anything! Kursed hollered chasing him in.Bryce runs in to the ship leaving Kursed in the dust. Bryce! Don’t touch anything! Kursed hollered chasing him in.

The main door shuts and locks for safety and security reasons. Kursed walks in to see Bryce sitting in front of the flight control panel and gives him an angry glare. “Look it’s not what you think.” Kursed continues glaring at him. Ok I lied! You caught me red handed! At least we got my father’s ship, right? Bryce said sheepishly. You mean, MY SHIP! Now get you’re furry ass to the on board weapons control panel! That’s an order! Kursed growled. Hey, you can’t boss me around! My father is the President of Panther strike you know! I could have you arrested for this! Bryce Barked. His power doesn’t scare me! If you must know this ship is my property now! I now own it with Panther’s permission! Now MOVE!! Kursed said. Bryce gulps and gets out of Kursed’s warpath. Kursed takes a seat at the main controls. Voice Identification, please. A robotic voice said. Kursed groans, than has an idea. Total override! Complete Control! Kursed barks. Who authorized you to override? State officers name, the voice said. Panther Caroso! Kursed barks. Accessing…… Kursed bites her lip and crosses her fingers. Override granted! You have complete control! Ms…….. Kursed, Kursed said. Right then, state a command, the voice said. Take me to the Lylat System! Planet Sauria! Kursed commanded. Yes Ma’am! I recommend using the hyper drive to conserve fuel. It will also cut standard travel time in half, the voice said. Do it! Kursed said.

Suddenly a harness lowers from the ceiling. Please put on safety harness, for hyper space travel, the voice said. You got it! Bryce! Get that harness on! Kursed ordered. Yes Ma’am! Bryce said. Kursed straps herself into the harness. Hyper drive at 10% capacity! The voice said. Bryce man the guns! I have a score to settle! Kursed barked. You got it! Bryce said. Bryce swipes his hand over the control panel and a blue light comes on and the controls come to life. Bryce pushes a few buttons activating the main pulse cannon and all other weapon armaments. Guns ready! Bryce shouted. 100% capacity, charging engine, T-minus 10 seconds! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,1! The ship springs forward engines roaring pushing Kursed into her chair. The view screen goes from normal stars to a blurred glare. Speed 500mph, 750, sound barrier broken, Mach 1, Mach 2, Mach 3, Mach 4, Mach 8, Mach 15, approaching Light speed! Kursed shields her eyes when the view screen goes completely bright white. Bryce starts to panic. We’re going to die! Bryce said hysterically rocking in his chair. Bryce! Shut up and calm down! Kursed barks deactivating the view screen for the sake of her emerald eyes. Eerie green emergency lights activate illuminating the bridge in a sickly green color. Ugh! Can you change the light color the green lights make me sick, Bryce said. I’ll see what I can do! Kursed said. May I be of any assistance? The computer asked. Can you change the emergency light color? Kursed asked. Say a color, the computer responded. White light please, Kursed said politely. The lights change from green to normal light in a split second. Is this better? The computer asked. It’s perfect! Kursed replied.


Exiting slip space, we are now in the Lylat System. Arrival to the planet Sauria will be in 2 hours, the computer said. Excellent! Kursed said rubbing her paws together. You may move about the bridge, the voice added. Bryce unbuckles his harness and gets out of his seat to walk but he glides through the air. What the? What’s going on? I can’t walk! What gives? Bryce said in confusion. You forgot to activate the artificial gravity, the voice said. Artificial gravity! Man this ship is high tech! Bryce said floating in the air. Well then, engage artificial gravity! Kursed ordered. Wait Kursed! Bryce said. (Thud) Bryce face plants the deck. Sorry Bryce! Kursed said trying her best to refrain from giggling. Kursed tried to hide her red cheeks but failed. Ha, ha, very funny! Bryce said getting up. Kursed removes her harness and stands up and stretches. Well we will be at my home planet in two hours. Intel says Wolf O’ Donnell is on the planet’s surface at the Cloud runner Fortress on a vacation. Too bad he will die here, Kursed said.So you’re taking up my offer? Bryce said. Yes, for now, where is the weapon armory on this scrap heap! Kursed growled. You’re looking for a weapon armory, huh? The voice said. Kursed slaps her forehead and runs her paw down her face. Yes I need weapons, where are they? Kursed said. Right here! The voice replied. Suddenly a wall spins around to reveal state of the art weapons. You will find all the weapons you need here, the voice said. Kursed scans the weapons to find the one that will best suit her purpose. Ooo! I like this one! Kursed said reaching for a whip like weapon. Excellent choice! You are holding a one of a kind weapon. It connects to the users brain waves and transforms into whatever the user needs. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of weapons; I won’t tell you all the functions. That is up to you to find out for yourself, the voice said.

That sounds good enough for me! Kursed said. Kursed grabs the handle and concentrates. Before her eyes the whip turns into a loaded Stinger handgun, then a machete knife, baseball bat, grapple launcher, chains, flail, RPG, AK-47, M16, 1911, and much more. Kursed concentrates on the whip and imagines holding a 1911 pistol. The whip changes into said gun and Kursed smiles. Time for my revenge! I hope you like the taste of Titanium bullets Wolf, Kursed said cocking the pistol and places the gun in a holster on her right hip. The Ship is now entering Sauria’s atmosphere; please return to your seats for the landing, the voice said. Bryce and Kursed take their seats and strap themselves in. Kursed activates the view screen and takes full control of the ship. Target has moved to a new location. Wolf is now at Krazoa Palace, I suggest immediate coarse adjustment, the voice said. I’m on it! Kursed said making a sharp right turn flinging Bryce out of his seat. Uh Ow! Bryce said. Sorry again Bryce! Where specifically is Wolf? Kursed said. Intel states he is inside Krazoa Palace talking to King Tricky and Queen Earth Walker, he’s trying to negotiate some business deal with them. Investigate ASAP! The voice said. I’m receiving a telepathic distress call, coming from King Tricky. Don’t worry Tricky I’m coming! Kursed said flooring it sending Bryce flying into the wall. HEY! What’s with you and sending me flying all over the place? Bryce said. You should have put your harness on correctly! Now be quiet! I need to monitor Wolf’s Comm. Network, Kursed said.

What’s a Comm. Network? Bryce said. Shh! I’m getting chatter from Wolf, Kursed said. Now King and Queen Earth Walker; how would you like protection? I hear you still have some psychotic Sharp Claw remaining after the fall of General Scales. I will protect your tribe for a small fee. I have state of the art weapons at my fingertips. I promise you total protection, Wolf said. That Wolf is soo full of crap! He just wants power! Ever since I left and team Wolfen broke up, he has become desperate for power! He never keeps his word, the other members could but he couldn’t keep promises or I.O.U’s. Now he shall pay for all those lies and fake deals or promises! Kursed growled. I don’t know Wolf, we have heard of your groups’ bad reputation by Fox Mc Cloud! No deal! Guards! Guards! Seize him! Tricky shouted. Oh no you don’t! Wolf said drawing a loaded Stinger handgun. (Gun cocks) (Gunfire) (Screams) He is attacking Tricky! We must help! Kursed said. Who said we? Count me out! Bryce said. What!? You’re the leader you have to join me in battle! He’s my best friend! I can’t stand around and listen to him being massacred! I’m going in! Bullocks to your cowardice! Kursed hissed. Fine I will be here listening to the…. Kursed removes the keys and exits the ship and the radio dies…… radio, Bryce said. Kursed heads over to the entrance of Krazoa Palace. Ok! Ok! I’m coming! Bryce said snatching an AK-47 from its rack and a Desert Eagle.

The Duo enter the Palace to be greeted by rapid gunfire and laser fire. Stinger Electro-tracers and laser streaks criss crossed the air. “You two!” Shouted a royal Sharp Claw pointing at them. “Hit the floor!” Suddenly he stands erect lets out a dying whimper, blood starts to ooze out of his mouth and he collapses onto the floor. “I NEED A MEDIC!” Another Sharp Claw shouts dragging his body into cover. Hey! Who sent the distress call? Kursed said. “King Tricky did!” “Stay low and follow me!” “Cover my six!” The Sharp Claw shouted drawing a Uzi sub machine gun. Yes sir! Kursed said pulling out her 1911 pistol. In a split second it turns into an AK-47 and she turns around and sprays Wolf with a barrage of body armor piercing electro-tracer rounds. “He’s massacring us!” One Sharp Claw said frantically loading a stun shotgun. “Stow the bellyaching and take him down!” The higher ranked Sharp Claw said. “Yes sir!” He replied. The Sharp Claw rises into the Barrage of gunfire and a laser round lodges in his armored helmet. He sits down exposed by a soldier sprawled out on the ground shooting at the threat. Then the soldier makes the biggest mistake by removing his helmet to check for injuries. He is unscathed, one shocked soldier in cover looks at him and his eyes grow in amazement. “You lucky bastard!” Soon after saying that he receives another round that blows a 3 inch hole through his forehead. His limp body collapses and a pool of blood begins to form around him. That was really gross! Bryce said in disgust gagging. Shut up and keep moving! Kursed barked. “Ok ,we are here, Tricky is behind this impenetrable door.” The soldier said opining the door just enough so they could slip though and he closes the door. We can’t take him! He’s too strong! We need re-enforcements! Bryce said. Time to use that button! Kursed said. What button? Bryce asked. Don’t worry about it Bryce! Kursed said.

Kursed pulls out the button, removes the cover and presses the button. The bottom of the button opens revealing a tiny screen and a microphone. the screen comes to life showing 50 PantherStike highly trained assassins. We are at your location and ready on your mark Kursed! The leader replies. Then mark! There are friendlies in the crossfire. Sharp Claw Royal Guards and King and Queen Earth Walker. I’m with the King and Queen, they are behind a impenetrable door. Hurry! Kursed said. You herd the boss! We have a hot LZ, friendlies in the crossfire! Only engage targets that aren’t Sharp Claw or King or Queen Earth Walker! The Sergeant said. Sir yes Sir! The Assassins reply. Double time to the Drop Pods! NOW! We will be there in an ETA of two minutes Kursed! The sergeant replied saluting Kursed completely out of code. Kursed smiles and returns the salute. Then the screen goes to static, then a black screen. Ok, they are en route to our location, we can hold here until they arrive, Kursed said. Outside the massacre ensued, then suddenly……. (BOOM) (BOOM) (BOOM) numerous drop pods crash into the Palace. The doors on the pods hiss and fly off. “Go! Go! Go! Go!” (Shouts) (Gunshots) The door flies open.

“C’mon we’ve got to get the hell out of here!” the sergeant said. Bring his body to the ship! Kursed said. You got it Ma’am! The soldier replied. You herd the lady! Kill him and bring his body to her! He shouts. (Rapid Gunfire) (Grunts of intense pain)(Eerie Silence) Wolf receives four rounds to the chest, three hits his heart, and he collapses. Before he hits the ground he fires one last round that punctures Kursed’s left lung. Kursed flinches and grunts really loud, and drops to her knees. Her paws shoot for the left front side of her chest, only to be pulled back in a coat of her warm blood. I’m hit! Kursed whimpers and collapses. Kursed is down! I repeat Kursed is down! The sergeant said. Those were the last words she heard before blacking out.