Chapter 1

The first Chapter of Till Death do us Part

Chapter 1

A black furred vulpine sat, staring at a computer screen. At the endless figures that make up the cost of rebuilding the HMAS ANZAC; two hundred million dollars just for one engine. Well, at least the Tomcats survived… Just. He had spent the last three days calculating the cost for the Carrier, and was almost finished, when the computer gave out.

“Ah, useless wanker!” He yelled, slamming the LCD screen to the ground.

“Shadow?” Shadow turned to see Krystal, her yellow fur glinting in the low light. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing Krys.” He sighed. “I’m just tired, that’s all.” She came over and placed an arm around him.

“C’mon, let’s take a walk.” She gave him her most reassuring smile. He stood up and bent backwards. Krystal could almost hear the joints in his spine cracking back into place. She stared at him. “Okay, that’s disgusting, and not at all surprising.” Shadow smiled and took her paw in his.

The base they were staying at was swarming with personnel, most doing their daily jobs, some were seeing to the Tomcats, others were scurrying around looking for their superiors.

“Incoming.” An old wolf yelled and they stepped back in time to dodge a cargo truck. It was Luis, original leader of the Tomcat squadron, now the general of the Australian Military. Shadow regarded him as a father.

“Luis, so good to see you.” Shadow gave him a hug.

“Jeez, Shadow.” Luis replied in his slow drawl. “Nearly get yourself run over why don’t you?”

“I’ve tried harder....” Shadow replied, scratching at the ragged beard that had grown on his face.

*

“Right!” Shadow called, standing in the lounge room of his parent’s house. “Round up! Time to assign sleeping quarters.”

“Joy, just what I wanted to spend the arvo doing.” Connor replied. He was a deep green falcon with trace amounts of purple on his feathers. An old friend and fellow warrior, he had ended up living with Shadow since his mortgage fell through.

“Get over it.” Shadow glared at him. “Now; Krystal, you can have the master bedroom. Connor, my old room, I’ll have the lounge, any arguments?”

“Why don’t you sleep in the guest bedroom?” Krystal asked.

“I wouldn’t sleep on that thing even if my life depended on it.”

“Whaat-ever” Connor said, sauntering off towards his room.

“Hold up Connor. One last thing; what are you going to do for work?”

“Eh? Work?” Connors stopped and faced his friends. “Wadda you mean work?”

“A job, dumbass.” Krystal spelt out for him. Shadow looked at her, surprised such words were even part of her vocabulary. She looked at him and shrugged.

“No clue. Oh, that reminds me.” Connor said. “Cupboard’s empty.”

”Does most of your life revolve around your stomach?” Krystal asked as Shadow sighed and grabbed his keys.

“No, just three times a day.”

“You guys go apply for jobs.” Shadow said, waltzing towards the door. “I’ll go shopping.” Krystal thought of going with him, but decided a job was more important.

*

 Later, a knock on the door interrupted her as she went to take a bath. It was Luis, wearing his favourite outfit; a Gillie suit. Everyone had long since given up asking the wolf why he wore a Gillie suit.

“Yes, yes.” Luis replied as she greeted him. “Sorry I can’t stay long, strictly business.”

“Business, sir?” Krystal inquired. The old wolf nodded slowly.

“I’d like you to meet a new member of your team.” He stepped aside and there stood a lynx, no older than seventeen. Krystal looked her over, judging her on the general scale of first impressions.

“Well,” She said after a minute of awkward silence. “This throws a spanner in the works.”

“W-why?” The lynx asked quietly.

“Because, now Shadow has to fix the bed in the spare bedroom.” She winked at the lynx. “And he hates work.”

Just then, Connors speaker system boomed through the house. She threw the ball that always sat next to the door at his room, and the system quietened down. She turned to the lynx. The only trace Luis had even been there was a boot print in the mud. “Well, guess I’d better introduce you to the team.”

*

Shadow looked around his hometown. Rockhampton looked so different to when he was younger. The local pub seemed smaller for one thing. As he crossed the bridge, he noticed the river was larger than usual.

‘Fitzroy’s in flood.’ He thought. ‘Must’ve had some rain further north.’

After stopping at countless traffic lights, he arrived at the shopping centre. He grabbed a trolley and entered the supermarket.

‘Won’t be taking that route again.’ He thought slowly, inspecting their tinned goods. He didn’t notice a vixen come round the corner and they collided. Shadow fared better because of the trolley. He hurried to her; she had the purest white fur he’d ever seen. He offered a paw to help her up, which she took.

“Sorry miss, didn’t see you there.” She stared up into his green eyes and he stared down into her blue eyes.

“Is that you Shadow?” She asked quietly.

“Alicia?”

“Shadow, it is you!” She leaped up and hugged him tightly. After a while he placed his arms around her.

“Where have you been Alicia? It’s been too long.” He said after they broke apart.

“I should be asking you that. I’ve been living here most of my life. You, on the other hand, never sit still.” She replied.

“Heh, I guess you’re right.” Then they noticed their groceries were still on the ground. Hurriedly they picked them up.

“You want to grab a coffee?” Shadow asked after they paid for their items.

“Sure.” Alicia replied.

“Your car or mine?”

“I walked here, I don’t live far away.”

“Righto, all aboard!” Alicia giggled and Shadow grinned at her.

*

 Connor stuck his head out the door; annoyed at being interrupted doing God only knows what, in his room.

“What now?” He snapped, and then noticed the lynx. “Well, well. A newbie.”

“Hey, lay off would ya?” The lynx snapped back. Then, as if she was ashamed of her outburst, she placed a paw up to her mouth and bit it lightly.

“Whoa,” Connor replied, stepping out and putting his wings up. “This one’s got some bite.” Krystal rolled her eyes.

“Her name’s…” Then she paused and turned to the lynx, who shrank back slightly. “What is your name?” The name Fiona escaped from her lips before she could stop it.

“Fiona?” Connor smiled. “Not often I’m alone with this many girls.” He winked and she drew back behind Krystal.

“You pervert.” Krystal said, frowning.

“Takes one to know one.” He replied, quickly withdrawing his head as she swung a fist at him.

*

“Ah,” Alicia said, taking a sip of her coffee. “Midnight mix, infused with Cinnamon, just the way I like it.”

“Knew it.” Shadow replied, sitting down with an iced coffee.

“Don’t you ever drink real coffee?” Shadow frowned slightly and looked at her mug.

“Bleah.” He replied, pulling a face. “Can’t stand the stuff.”

“It’s not that bad you know.” A smile crept across her face, but she suppressed it. “Either way; what brings you to this old town?”

“First; real coffee is disgusting. Second; the ANZAC was destroyed when we attacked a pirate’s Warp Gate terminal.” He grinned savagely. “Got a good score too. Warp Gate, the CS Vulpis and her captain, Jessica Omahey.”

“Nice.” Alicia replied, but her face was blank. Shadow’s grin dropped.

“The name means nothing to you, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, sorry.” He just sighed.

“Captain Omahey commanded the base carrier for the Patriot Squadron” When she gasped, he smiled. “Now we’re getting somewhere. Unfortunately, the Pat’s were out raiding a medical outpost, so they’re still alive.”

“Bugger.”

“Yeah.” Then Shadow noticed their drinks were finished. “So… You want to come back to my place, meet the old team? Catch up on recent events... Play cards?” She stared at him; his eyes had gone a vivid pinkish-yellow. The smile crept back across her face.

“Aw,” She said as if she was talking to a kit. “Widdle Shadow doesn’t know how to talk to a pwetty vixen.” She came round and stroked his silver hair. “Poor widdle Shadow.” Shadow’s eyes had changed to silver with a pink tinge around the edges; he was blushing at the same time.

“C-c’mon Alicia, knock it off.” He mumbled. She cut the act and hugged him.

*

“Finally!” Connor cried out as he opened the door. “Shadow’s gotten cuter!” He winked at Alicia.

“Bite me bird boy.” Shadow spat. Alicia placed an arm around his waist.

“Calm down foxy.” She soothed, using her nickname for Shadow. They broke apart as Krystal entered.

“Who’s she?” She and Alicia asked at the same time. Connor smirked.

“Tread lightly dude.” He chuckled and retreated to the lounge room.

“Uh, Krystal, this is Alicia. Alicia, Krystal.” He smiled awkwardly. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some dinner to prepare.” He fled and Krystal raised an eyebrow at Alicia, who did the same.

“So…” Krystal began, but Alicia cut her off.

“How long have you known Shadow?” She asked.

“Uh… About a year. He rescued me from a medical outpost being attacked by pirates.” Alicia’s face softened.

“Aw, you poor thing!” She hugged Krystal who stood there with a bewildered look on her face. “Must’ve been horrible.”

“What about you?” Krystal asked smoothing her fur after Alicia had let go.

“I’ve known Shadow since the academy.”

“Really? Lucky.”

“I know ay?” Just then a scream echoed down the hall, followed by Shadow’s voice.

“Who the hell are you?!” Krystal listened for a second and then smiled.

“Oh, Shadow just found Fi.” She turned and headed for the bathroom.

*

“Okay, new rule.” Shadow said pointing a finger at them all. “Next time we tell our leader the new recruit’s naked in the bathroom.”

“Why?” Connor said between laughing fits. “It’s more entertaining!” He laughed harder, but stopped when he got pounded by Alicia, Krystal and Fiona at the same time.

“Thanks girls.” But when he got slapped by Fiona he stopped thinking that. “Argh! Jesus woman!”

“That’s for not knocking.” Fiona said, and walked back to her room. A knock at the door snapped Shadow back into reality.

“Speaking of knocking.” He muttered. He opened the door to find a purple feline standing on his newspaper. ‘Kate.’ He thought. He smiled slightly ‘Connor’s got a soft spot for her.’

“Sorry, no Asians.” He joked, but got punched in the face for his troubles. Only then did he remember Kate’s parents were Asian. “F**k that hurts.” He let her in and twisted his nose back into place.

*

“Okay guys, girls and Connor. “ Shadow called. “Dinner’s on.”

“Beer anyone?” Connor asked.

“Oh, me!” Kate said, and snatched the first can he withdrew from the fridge.

“Bad day at work?” Alicia inquired.

“Like you wouldn’t believe.” She replied after draining the can dry. “Kids in the air ducts, kids on the fans, and one even managed to get himself stuck in a paint barrel.” Connor grinned but Krystal’s stare was icy cold, so he refrained himself from saying it.

“So, Kate right?” Krystal said not looking away from Connor. Kate nodded. “What do you do for a living?”

“I teach at the Academy, usually young ones no older than nine.” She replied.

“Is it… Fun?”

“Fun?!” Kate nearly choked on her second beer. “I’d rather fight Alicia here when she’s pissed during her periods.” Alicia’s face turned tomato red, even tinging her fur. “But it pays well so I live with it.”

“Not a drinker Fiona?” Shadow asked, anything to steer the conversation.

“I’m seventeen.” She replied, pinning him with a glare.

“Oh… Right.”

“What about you Krystal?” Kate said, looking questionably at the vixen. “Drink much?”

“No.” She replied flatly. “I’ve heard it’s unpleasant.”

“C’mon. You can’t get drunk off just one.” Alicia slid a beer in front of Krystal and smiled. “Besides, if you’ve never been drunk, how do you know it’s not a pleasant experience?” Alicia’s voice was seductive. She looked over at Shadow and winked. “Right foxy?” Shadow choked on his drink and looked for a way to avoid answering.

“Uh…” He spluttered. Krystal stared at him, repulsion covering her face. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Her mind’s eye gave her a fair idea. It showed Shadow and Alicia having a little ‘fun’ while intoxicated.

“Excuse me.” She managed before her stomach heaved again. She made it to the bathroom just in time. After she had cleaned herself up, she headed back to the table. Connor, Shadow and Kate were having a game of Fact or Crap and drinking an entire can of beer when they got one wrong. They called it ‘Crap Beer’ when she asked what the hell they were doing. Alicia was utterly wasted. Fiona was supporting her, but even then she threatened to fall over.

“Heh,” Shadow said, noticing the vixen. “I should probably take these two home.”

“That is why I don’t drink.” Krystal muttered.

“Aw, you’re no fun.” Alicia muttered back.

“C’mon, time for home.” He picked her in his arms up like a fireman.

“You’re no fun either.” She beat upon his chest lightly.

“You don’t mean that.”

“I know.” She giggled and squeezed him.

Krystal was really pissed now; her face was red as a beetroot. Shadow noticed and frowned.

“You okay Krystal? Sure you didn’t steal a sip or two?” If anything it made Krystal feel worse. He probably meant that she’d snuck a sip and was allergic to it. Was he really that blind?

“I’m fine.” She replied, coldly. Shadow’s entire spine felt frozen, but he shrugged it off.

“Hey Connor.” He called.

“Whaaaaaaaat?!” Connor yelled back.

“Reckon you could hold down the fort?”

“Aye, aye Captain MacFluffy!” Then he started snoring.

“Typical.” Shadow muttered. “Krystal?”

“She can come with us!” Alicia squealed, delighted for some odd reason. Krystal nodded, almost reluctantly, and they headed for Shadow’s 4wd.

“Aw.” Alicia said as Shadow placed her in the back seat. “How come I’m in the back?”

“Because you’re the one that’s wasted.” He replied.

“Fine.” She pouted. “Be that way.”

“Thanks.” Kate said as Krystal helped her into the 4WD. When they got moving Krystal rolled her window down and stared out at the black night, feeling the crisp air through her fur.

“You feeling alright, Krystal?” Shadow asked, placing a paw on her thigh.

“I’m fine.” She replied without looking at him. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

“Yeah.” Alicia cut in. “She’s gots a lot of stuffs on her mind. Now let’s all be quiets, I has a headache.” It was funny hearing Alicia say that; since she was the only one making any noise. Funny… and a little sad.

When they reached Alicia’s place, Shadow went round to help the wasted vixen out. Kate was dead to the world and it took Krystal a few minutes to wake her up.

“Oh,” She groaned. “Worst hangover I’ve ever had… And it’s not even morning yet.”

“That’s the price you pay for drinking.” Krystal muttered.

“Meh, it was all in good fun.” By the time they shuffled up to the house, Shadow had managed to get the door open, after a lot of mucking around with Alicia’s keys. Krystal waited in the lounge room while Kate retired to bed and Shadow helped Alicia to hers.

“Okay Alicia, I’m going to gently lay you on the bed.”

“I want to lay on the bed with you.” Alicia then pulled Shadow down onto the bed with her.  She giggled; then she rolled over putting Shadow underneath of her. Shadow was feeling a bit uneasy.

“Come-on foxy, let’s have a little fun.” Alicia was resting her head on Shadow’s chest, swerving her hips around with a big smile on her face, moving in to put a kiss to Shadow on his lips.

“Shadow? Where are y…?” Krystal suddenly stopped what she was saying and covered her mouth with her paws looking at the scene. Shadow then quickly and gently pushed Alicia off of him, having her lay down. Shadow was trying to find words to explain what was going on to Krystal; she seemed very upset giving him a glare that could probably melt steel, and her arms were crossed so tightly over her chest, you would think she would suffocate.

“Uh... Krystal this isn’t, uh... you know, I mean come on, she’s drunk!”

“I told you she was no fun!” Alicia pouted, Shadow turned to look her. Krystal just grunted angrily and left the room. Shadow let out a sigh and turned his attention over to Alicia, placing the covers over her body.

“I’ll be back in the morning.” Alicia nodded and passed out. Shadow rushed out, Krystal wasn’t standing in the lounge room. He walked out to his vehicle, locking the front door behind him. Krystal was sitting in it, arms still crossed, stereo running at full blast. She turned it off as Shadow got in the car. They sat there, Krystal glaring at the window and Shadow trying to find words.

“C’mon Krystal, she was drunk.” ‘What's making her so mad?’ He thought. Then an idea occurred to him. “No offense Krystal, but do I get the feeling that you’re jealous?”

“What? No! This has nothing to do with that. It’s just…” She let out a frustrated grunt. “You don’t find what she’s doing annoying at all?”

“No, and I don’t see why you should. She’s just an old friend of mine and getting drunk made her a little more friendly than normal, what’s wrong with that?” Krystal slumped back in her seat and closed her eyes, which signalled the end of the conversation.

“Not gonna answer my question?” He continued.

“Talk to the window, I don’t want to anymore.”  She spat. Shadow let out an angry sigh and they stayed silent the rest of the trip. Once they got back home, they got out and went inside, not saying a word to one another. Krystal headed for her room without even saying goodnight to him. He just let it go, it was late and time for bed. He headed for Connor’s room since the falcon was still passed out, upside down on the couch.

*

Shadow woke up the next morning, a little groggy and slow like. It was a cool and sunny morning, it would have been better if he didn’t have a migraine from last night’s fun. He headed out of the room, it was silent, no signs of life what so ever. He looked back at the digital clock. 5:55 AM; so it was still early in the day. Walking down the hallway, he stopped and opened the door to Krystal’s room slightly, she was lying in bed, sound asleep. He wandered into the living room and saw Connor was still knocked out on the couch. Shaking his head, he walked back to his room, grabbed a towel and headed for the shower to refresh himself. The warm water felt great on his tense muscles. Krystal walked out just as he headed to the front door, keys in one hand, an iced coffee and aspirin in the other.

“Where are you going?” She asked, and he stopped dead. “It’s six in the freaking morning.” He stared at her; her eyes were cold, her hair still messed up and her pyjamas were on backwards. He started to smile, but thought better of it and raised an eyebrow.

“To check on Alicia and Kate.” He leaned against the door. “Where are you going?” She smiled slyly and her eyes warmed.

“To the shower, you coming?” She winked at him. He shrugged.

“Just been.” The smile dropped from her face. “I’ll be back really soon, I promise.” He smiled quickly.

*

Kate stared at him when she opened the door. She was dressed in a pink top and tattered navy jeans and there was an ice pack tied to her head.

“For the headache.” She said, answering his questioning stare. She led him into the kitchen and they sat at the table. Alicia walked in a minute later. She was dressed in an old azure dressing gown Shadow had given her in high school. She gasped when he came into view and shuffled backwards to her room.

“What’s her problem?” Shadow asked.

“It’s getting short.” Kate explained. “Her tail reveals more than she likes.” At that moment Alicia returned wearing tracksuit pants.

“That’s not true.” Alicia said, but she was still blushing.

“So do you two have a plan for today?” Shadow asked. They thought about it for a moment then shook their heads.

“Why?” Kate wondered.

“Well, I figured we would all go to the amusement park, Luis said we needed to relax a bit, so he gave us seasonal passes. You guys should come with us, it’ll be fun.” Alicia and Kate’s faces lit up.

“Sure that sounds great! When do we plan on going?”

“Sometime before noon. I’m going to give Connor a call in a bit, give him a heads up, why don’t you guys get ready and we’ll all head over?”

“Alright then. I’m gonna go take a shower.” Kate then got up from her chair and walked into the hallway leaving Shadow and Alicia alone. Alicia wanted to apologize for her behaviour last night. But found it difficult.

“Shadow?” She asked.

“Yes?” He replied.

“I-I’m sorry for what happened last night, you would think after all this time I would know my limit. Thank you so much for taking care of me, I know no one else would have.” Shadow grabbed Alicia’s paw with his.

“It’s alright, no need to thank me. Since no one else will be there for you, I gladly will be.” Alicia was speechless. She got up from her chair and gave Shadow a hug. He gave it back to her. Right before she broke it off, she gave him a warm kiss on his cheek and whispered into his ear.

“Thank you.” She then left him alone to go prepare for the day. Shadow felt a little on edge, this time, Alicia was aware of exactly what she was doing and that made Shadow’s heart warm. When Alicia came out from her room, she had attire that Shadow couldn’t help to gawk at. A cerulean blouse with a light emerald green sweater and silver pants. Alicia noticed him staring at her and started giggling.

“Like what you see Shadow?”

“Oh very much, very colourful.” He smiled at her.

“You’re sweet.” When she walked by him she grabbed his paw with her own.

*

“What’s the plan Capitan?” Connor asked as he let them in. Krystal was standing against the kitchen door picking at the white paint with her claws. She smiled slightly as Shadow entered, then Kate, but when Alicia entered her face was blank. Alicia shrank back slightly.

“We’re heading to the amusement park.” Shadow replied and Connor frowned.

“Rockhampton has an amusement park? When did that happen? Where did it happen?”

“Out near the old Paintball Arena and it happened two years ago apparently.”

“Hm, tight fit.” Connor muttered as he regarded Alicia, Kate and Krystal each in turn. “No way am I sitting in the back.”

“You calling me fat?!” Kate asked threateningly.

“Uh… Shadow, help.”

“He’s all yours Kate.” Shadow replied, picking up the morning paper. “Go nuts”

“On second thought, I kinda like the sound of that.” Connor winked at her and she slapped him.

“What about Fi?” Krystal asked. At that moment Fi’s voice floated down the hall. She was singing in the shower and her voice sounded like a dying creature.

“Krystal, you’re a girl… I think.” Connor said, carefully rubbing his beak. “Go tell her to shut up; the RSPCA will be here soon if that keeps up. Anyway, what about my car?”

“You have a car?” Shadow replied blankly. “That’s news to me.”

“Yeah, threw it in cold storage the day we left to join the ANZAC.” The falcon grinned.

“Nice. What sort of donk she got?” The girls stared blankly at each other.

“Corvette, V6 Turbocharged. Nought to two hundred in 0.7.”

“Nice, but it won’t be going that fast.”

“Damn.”

*

Shadow took Alicia and Fiona, while Krystal and Kate went with Connor. The trip to the amusement park was about an hour and a half from the house. No one ate breakfast, let alone lunch that day, so they all decided about halfway to stop and eat. Connor noticed that Krystal looked relatively sad and depressed sitting in the back, but decided to leave her be. If she wanted to talk to them about it, she would have been talking already.

“What’s wrong Krystal? You don’t look to well.” Kate said, she had wondered what was up. Krystal’s face twitched in annoyance. Why was everyone so concerned about her?

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” She said. Kate decided to leave her alone, it was her issues.

*

“Food, glorious food!” Connor sang out when they walked into a greasy takeaway joint. Everyone in the store stopped and looked at him. “Wonderful, delicious and nutritious... Well on second thought…” But he never finished his sentence, Krystal and Kate had thumped him around the head.

“Is this the sort of thing you people do every day?” Fiona whispered to Shadow.

“No,” he replied, smiling, “Just Saturdays.” They found a booth to sit in; Shadow, Alicia and Fiona were on one side. Connor, Kate and Krystal were on the other. They relatively ate peacefully, except Connor and Fiona were arguing with each other. Krystal just kept to her-self. Every so often she looked over to the other side in time to catch Shadow and Alicia playing around.

They were feeding each other French fries and holding the drinks up for one another. It was a cute sight for anyone watching; but for Krystal it just reached in and squeezed her heart. The fact that Alicia’s head was constantly resting on Shadow’s shoulder didn’t help. Krystal decided to eat her meal fast to get away from the sight. Everyone noticed, even Connor and Fi. Kate spoke out.

“Wow Krystal, you sure must be hungry.” She said, and Krystal looked up to see all of them staring at her.

“A little.” She replied, when she finished she got out of her seat and walked out to the car. Everyone just shrugged it off and stopped fooling around to eat their meals a little quicker. When they left, Krystal was sitting on the bonnet of Connors’s car, cross-legged, staring at her nails.

*

They finally arrived at the amusement park, it was packed! It took a few minutes to find a back to back parking spot but they finally managed to get one. They got out and stretched a little before heading to the ticket booth. Shadow showed the worker his pass card.

“Oh very nice sir, an all access pass. With this, everything is free. Tickets, rides, games, food, you name it. Just show the pass whenever you are going to do something.”

“Oh that’s great!” He exclaimed with a slight hint of sarcasm.  The ticket lady smiled and giggled a bit. She gave Shadow seven wristbands for his party. They all had a little insignia on the pass; that showed that all of them were part of a group that had free access to everything. Shadow handed one to everyone, Shadow was being cute and tied Alicia’s on for her, carefully breaking off the tab and tying it like it was made of diamond. Krystal snatched hers away from Shadow and ripped the tab off like the top of a soft drink in full view of him. He frowned slightly, but shrugged it off.

At first the group stayed together, going on the rides, roller coasters, and playing games, but after a few hours the group broke apart. Connor and Kate, paw in wing, went on the Mach 5. Fiona challenged Krystal to a mini-game and she accepted. ‘Anything to get away from these two.’ She thought. Alicia and Shadow stared around, and found something they had missed earlier.

“What’s up now?” Connor demanded when he returned. He had almost convinced Kate to go through the Tunnel of Love with him.

“Check it.” Shadow pointed towards a tent, inside were a bunch of Tomcat simulator pods. Connors eyes widened.

“Ooh, I like.”

“I knew you would.” And they headed for the simulators.

*

“3…” The computerised voice said.

“2…” Fiona looked around the virtual cockpit.

“Go easy on me guys, I’m new.” She said and everyone reassured they would only attack when provoked.

“1…”

“Kick those tires, and light them fires!” Shadow yelled into the intercom.

“LAUNCH!” The Tomcats each came hurdling out of imaginary carriers. Kate was immediately on Connor’s tail. Krystal took a pot shot at Kate with a dumb-fire missile, but then saw Alicia and locked onto her. Alicia pulled up and the missile missed her by a hair.

“Is that how you want to play Krystal? Fine.” Creating a somersault out of the manoeuvre, she unleashed a wave of lasers at Krystal.

“Warning, shields at critical level.” The computer repeated over and over.

“Shut up you f*****g computer.” Krystal growled. The laser waves stopped, Krystal looked up in time to see Shadow’s Tomcat hurdle past, and Alicia’s lose part of a wing.

“Watch yourself out there Alicia.” Shadow mocked. Krystal’s face glowed. Shadow had just come to her aid.

“Ow.” Alicia complained, pouting. “That hurt ya big meanie.”

“Holy cow this thing’s realistic.” Connor announced.

“Gee, what makes you say that?” Kate asked sarcastically.

“The fact I’m sitting on the outside of your ship.” She looked up and there he was, waving gaily down at her from the cockpit window. She opened the hatch and he yelled out in surprise and terror as he slid towards the rear of the Tomcat. He grabbed the tailfins to avoid falling into the path of the engines. They roared as Kate flicked on the afterburner, Connor’s grip was getting weaker. Finally he fell into the flames and disappeared from the simulator.

“God damn!” He yelled, getting out and walking over to the TV screen to watch the rest of the battle.

“Ace pilot my a*s.” Kate said, not knowing Connor was watching.

“I heard that.” He spoke into the intercom’s microphone. Shadow was in real trouble now. All four girls were after him.

“You know, I could get used to this.” He joked. But a direct hit from Fiona changed his mind.

“Missile lock. Missile lock. Missile lock.” The computer kept saying. The missile hit him, shattering the engine core. “Warning, Hull at critical damage. Take evasive action. Warning, engine core going critical. Eject.” There was a small explosion from behind him, and he gave up. There was no way he would make out of there. The explosion was the core, but that wasn’t the issue. The jump and warp drive are located right next to the engine. Krystal saw a blue light coming from his engine; she figured that was the jump drive detonating and her eyes widened.

“Son of a b***h!” She yelled and tried to get away, but it was too late. The drive exploded, catching Alicia, Kate and Krystal in the blast. Fiona was declared the winner because she survived with 1% health.

“Good work Rookie.” Connor said, ruffling her hair. “I went easy on all of you.” Fiona pointed at what seemed to be a laser arena.

“C’mon.” She said. “Brawl with me m**********r.”

“Ooh,” Shadow said. “Them’s fightin’ words.” They grabbed their favourite weapon class. Kate and Alicia went with the Commando class: Two high power pistols, a burst fire rifle and throwing knives. Shadow, Connor and Fiona went with the Assault class: A burst fire rifle, a fully automatic machine gun and a pistol. Krystal chose the Assassin class: A silenced sniper rifle, a knife, a pistol and a camouflage suit.

“How now b*****s?” Krystal said as they started.

“How now, what?” Shadow replied, coming round the corner. She smiled and shot him in the face. She grinned maliciously as ‘Headshot’ slid across her visor and sounded through the intercom.

“I mean; how will you see me now?” Krystal wandered around the arena, watching as the A.I. count fell to her enemies and by her paw. After about half an hour she stopped and rested in the shadow of a fake shield generator. “Where is everyone?”

“Dead.” Alicia replied. “Just you and me Krys. Oh, and Kate. But only because I can’t find her.” Kate had the advantage. Being a feline, more specifically, being a feline with purple fur; she could hide in the darkest part of the arena. Krystal rounded a corner and found Kate being shot to pieces by Alicia.

“Right.” The white vixen said. “Now it’s you and me Krys. Where are ya?” Krystal didn’t reply, instead she took a warning shot at Alicia, the shot was meant to clip her on the shoulder, but Alicia had heard Krystal load the rifle and turned at the last second. It connected just below her heart.

“Instakill.” Flashed across her visor and sounded through the intercom. As Alicia collapsed she took a shot with the pistol, getting Krystal in the forehead.

“Headshot.” Flashed across Alicia’s visor and also sounded through the intercom. They removed their helmets and went up to the scoreboard.

“User, Shadow. Points: 40. Awards: Least shots fired, Worst accuracy, Least points, First Death. Shots: 2. Accuracy: 0%.” The computer’s monotone voice said.

“Well no s**t.” He muttered angrily.

“User, Connor. Points: 130. Awards: Kill from beyond the grave. Shots: 15. Accuracy: 78%.”

“Ah well.” The falcon sighed.

“User, Fiona. Points: 310. Awards: Blind fire, Crotch shot, Most spectacular kill, Instakill.” The replay showed Connor leaping down, holding a knife he’d found and Fiona accidentally discharging her gun into his groin. As he died, he managed to hit the lynx in the head with the knife. Krystal, Kate and Alicia sniggered at him. “Shots: 5. Accuracy: 87%.”

“Oh yeah!” Fiona shouted. “Suck on that Connor!”

“User, Kate. Points: 450. Awards: Longest camp, Longest knife throw, Fastest reloading, Most distance covered, Chatterbox, Most agile, A.I. massacre, Kill streak, Tosser.”

“Jesus woman.” Connor said, staring at the list, she smiled.

“Shots: 83. Accuracy: 67.8%”

“Wow.” Fiona said.

“User, Alicia. Points: 600. Awards: Kill streak, Survivor, Ammo waster, Most shots fired, Sore thumb, Cold blood, Payback, Streak stopper.” The replay showed her walking over to Kate, who was crawling away, and shooting her in the back. Shots: 98. Accuracy: 12.2%.”

“He he, I win.” Krystal said and Alicia punched her lightly.

“User, Krystal. Points: 600…”

“Eh?!” Krystal and Alicia exclaimed.

“Awards: First blood, Instakill, Headshot, Ammo conserver, Unique class, Survivor, One gun, Best stealth, Lone wolf, Perfect Accuracy, Slicer, Untouchable. Shots: 2. Accuracy: 100%. Winner(s): Alicia and Krystal.”

After the excitement of the simulators, Fiona and Connor found a robot boxing booth and the rest of the group left them to their deeds. Kate went on the roller coaster one last time; Krystal decided to go with her after she saw where Shadow and Alicia were planning to go. The couple were walking around to see what they wanted to do, Alicia holding Shadow’s arm. Then she spotted something.

“Oh foxy, let’s go on that ride!” Shadow looked over to see a Tunnel of Love ride; he had a smile on his face. They walked over and got into a boat in the shape of a little cruiser. It started and went through the water. The cave was dark, obviously edging couples to get closer together. There was a hologram projection of the galaxy and star systems, with shooting star’s everywhere, it was breath taking. The young couple stared in awe. Suddenly it shifted to a much more horrific scene, with scary and spooky effects, it would get quiet for a moment, and then completely shift to something horrific, Alicia was holding onto Shadow tightly, ducking her head into his chest whenever something scary popped out.

It then shifted again to a romantic intake. The entire tunnel was lighted with romantic scenes; floating hearts, shooting stars, small furry animal species cuddling together. It projected two little doves flying around closely to one another, they flew in front of Alicia, and she was awed by the cute scene. She rested her head on the vulpine’s shoulder and looked up to him. He looked at her. They’re eyes met; Alicia’s green staring at Shadow’s slivery pink, piercing each other’s soul. They didn’t realize the fact that they were slowly getting closer together, until their noses touched.

They closed their eyes and met each other’s lips. Alicia nearly jumped onto Shadow, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer to her, deepening the kiss. Shadow wrapped his arms around her waist slightly lifting her up onto his lap to get closer. Their kiss lasted for several moments. But when the ride finished, so did the kiss. Both out of breath, Alicia continued to sit on Shadow’s lap, they were gazing into each other’s eyes, their hearts touched by one another, neither breaking their bond. Alicia gently lowered her head, resting it on Shadow’s chest for the last few moments. The ride stopped, but the young couple stayed sitting there.

“Excuse me sir.” The ride manager said to the couple. “I’m sorry; but you need to get out.”

Holding hands, they walked back to find the others. They didn’t say anything to each other for the longest of times; words couldn’t describe what just happened. Finally, after a few minutes, they found Kate. She was watching Connor and Fiona box with each other.

“Where’s Krystal?” Shadow asked as they approached. Kate turned and noticed they were holding hands. One of her eyebrows lifted, but she didn’t comment on it.

“I think she went to the toilet.”

“Well, if we’re done for the day let’s head for the beach.” Shadow called out. They walked out of the amusement park for the day and headed for their cars. Sure enough there she was, Krystal sitting on Connor’s car, picking lazily at the paint. She looked up as they approached, but scowled and looked away when she noticed Shadow and Alicia holding hands.

“Oy, you,” Connor said to Krystal, “Quit sitting there. I don’t want your a*s-print on my nice car.”

“Nice my eye.” She muttered back.

“I heard that!”

Author's Note

Now, a slight problem: Some text has been skipped in Translation from one set of characters to the Neoshadow set. If anyone comes across a real life product or a name that doesn't fit please tell me.