Chapter 4: The Phone Call

The entire Star Fox crew, including Peppy who joined them at their apartment, was puzzled and worried.

"It could be anybody!" exclaimed Slippy.

"At least we know it's not Andross," joked Peppy, attempting to bring some levity into the situation.

"Yeah, really." Fox shifted slightly, trying to get his arm comfortable.

"You think Wolf got away from the Apariods, and is behind this?" suggested Falco.

"Not his style. Wolf wants to take me out in an even, Arwing-to-Wolfen fight.

"Yeah, I guess. Hmph, doesn't leave many choices."

"No, it doesn't." Krystal looked uneasy.

"Don't worry, Krystal," Fox said reassuringly. "Now that I'm aware of this, I'll be fine. Plus, how many people in the world have an old-fashioned gun like that? The cops will nab his so fast, he'll never know what happened."

"I know," the vixen replied. "I just can't shake this feeling - " Just then, the phone in Fox's room rang.

'All instantly froze in place, each thinking the same thing: Was this the attacker? After a couple of tense rings, Falco went and got Fox's cordless. At Fox's nod, he answered.

"Hello?" He frowned. "Who is this? How did you - Tell me who this is first." A pause, then Falco's eyes became as hard as diamond and cold as ice. "Listen, you bastard, if you think you can scare us - What did you call me!"

"Falco!" Fox hissed. When Falco looked, he said, very calmly, "Give me the phone." You just didn't argue with that kind of tone. Fox took a steadying breath, then held the phone up his ear. "This is Fox McCloud."

"Son of James McCloud?"

"Yes. Who are you?"

"You're worse nightmare." Fox couldn't repress a shiver at the malice, the utter hatred in that tone.

"Who are you? Why are you after me?"

"Listen up, Fox the Favored. I'm only gonna say this ones, just to be fair. It's more than you deserve, but I'm going to give you more of a chance than your bastard father gave me."

"Take that back!"

"Shut up and listen! I'm going to kill you, end of story. Your death will avenge all the hurt I've suffered. It's inescapable, and if you're smart you'll make this easy on us both. Don't run, face me, or I'll destroy everyone in my way to get to you. And I won't hesitate to hurt anyone, catch my drift?" Fox glanced at Krystal as he replied,

"I get it."

"Good. Now meet me at the Academy grounds at midnight tonight. Come alone. And be ready to die."

"Tell me who you are? What does my father have to do with this?"

"He never told you? Hah! Typically cowardly act!" Fox growled into the phone. "Take comfort that I'll tell you what secret he kept from you, about the one he gave up on... before I kill you. Remember! Tonight, midnight! Come alone!"

Click!

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppppppppppppppp...