"Somehow I knew I'd find you here."
It was about strange for Fox to hear his own voice speaking to him, as Sir Fox, sans armor, came to stand next to the rather large rock upon which the Arwing pilot sat under a tree in the courtyard, now empty or anyone save them.
"How'd you figure that?"
"Pretty easy. I first tried to figure out why you'd left so abruptly. Because something upset you. Then I thought 'if I was upset, where would I go.'" Fox looked over at his knightly double to see his knowing smile. "It's like you said: I'm another you." Fox gave a wry chuckle.
"So I take it you often came out here to think."
"Yes, and to climb." He hopped and caught hold of one low branch, pulling himself up to sit with legs dangling. "Seems I always liked being up high, as far back as I can remember." Now Fox had to smile knowingly.
"Remind me to take you up in my Arwing before we leave." Sir Fox blinked in confusion, but nodded anyhow.
"So..."
Here it comes...
"If you don't mind tell me, what upset you?" Fox sighed, but began.
"My father, also James McCloud, was a pilot, like I am. He was the best! No one could ever beat him in air battles. His Academy scores have yet to be beaten..." He trailed off.
"You say 'was.' I am sorry."
"It happened when I was in the Academy. Peppy, my father, and a new member of their team named Pigma Denger were going out to scout around Venom to see what Andross was up to - "
"And Pigma betrayed them." Sir Fox nodded. "Blackguard Pigma - then Sir Pigma - betrayed our side in the first war."
"Sadly, when the Pigma I know betrayed my father, it resulted in the capture of both my father and Peppy." Fox shook his head. "Peppy won't talk about it much, what was done to my father. Andross had him tortured in from of Peppy, to try and make them give information about the Cornerian Military. Neither would talk, then they attempted an escape." Fox started to choke up a bit, his hands clenching into fists. "But - but my father couldn't go too fast. He was too hurt. And - he told Peppy to go, that he'd hold off Andross' thugs long enough for Peppy to get away. Peppy argued, but my dad made him go.
"The last he saw of my father was Andross' men approaching and ready for a fight. It was at least fifteen to one." Sir Fox gave a sympathizing sound; how well he could understand! "What got me was - when I saw your father - heard his voice - saw his smile - it was just like my father - and - and when he had Falco's shades - m - my dad always wore a p - pair of shaades - his lucky pair..." Fox couldn't continue, biting his lip hard and struggling to rein in his emotions. Sir Fox's first instinct was to offer comfort, but then he realized that he himself wouldn't want any. So he just sat there as a silent support for a few moment before speaking.
"When we hard Andross had tortured both my father and brother to death, I wept for every night for three straight nights. I thought my grief would never end. I felt lost, bereft. Peppy was there for me, though, and then Slippy and Falco when they joined. Eventually my hurt eased."
"Falco and Slippy were my Academy squad mates. They kept me from leaving the Academy altogether, from giving up on life. But... for me... it still hurts."
"When your friends explained what they thought to be the cause of your disappearance, my father said if it would be easier on you, he'd stay out of sight until after you leave." Fox gave a short laugh.
"No, I'll be okay. It was just a shock for a moment, like seeing a ghost. But after all, he's your father, Sir James, not my father. I might have to remind myself of that every now and then, but it'll be cool."
"Cool?"
"It means it's okay, or fine, indicates a yes response. It's slang from our world."
"Cool... I like it." He hopped down from the tree. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah."
"Good. There's a feast planned for tonight, with you and your team as the guests of honor." Pilot Fox blinked in surprise.
"Huh?" Sir Fox laughed.
"You were the ones who set the king's soul free, and enabled the defeat of Andross. It's only right and proper that you be given your due praise." Fox could tell there was no point in arguing, so he just nodded and grinned.
"Okay... but I don't have to dress formal, do I?" The other laughed.
"Not at all!"