This story is fictional and for entertainment purposes only; no money hath changed hands in the production of these works.
The characters Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad, Miyu Lynx, Fay Spaniel, Fara Phoenix, Bill Grey, Katt Monroe, Krystal, Amanda Toad, Lucy Hare, ROB64, Andross, Wolf O'Donnell, Leon Powalski, Pigma Dengar, Andrew Oikanny and General Pepper are all copyright to Nintendo 1993-2023. Please support the ORIGINAL release of all games, comics, manga and related material to the Star Fox franchise.
Leonidas Cuttridge, Rob Cuttridge, Judy Cuttridge, Lawrence Lynx, Patricia Lynx and Sid Chalmer is copyright myself, Leo Cuttridge (Leo_cuttridge@proton.me).
The content written for this story arc will range from a PG rating all the way up to NC-17 and X-rating, therefore, this fanfic is recommended for adult reading only.
~Star Fox: Miyu's Love~
~Chapter 32: The Cornerian Grand Prix: A Tag-Team Effort – Panther vs Leo, Part 2~
Leo and Panther took off from the starting line at full throttle, their vehicles accelerating neck and neck for a long distance even when they approached speeds before Mach 1. Their eyes focused sternly on the road, their minds fully on the race, their spirits fully focused on winning the race, both for the money and the glory. Their hearts beat hard and fast in the excitement of the challenge as they pushed their craft forward as fast as they could, the route so far without challenge and simple, but knowing there were going to be corners and sections that would put their skills and vehicles at a disadvantage, especially after they had already finished racing the route once and forced into a rematch. After only a few miles, Panther's Wolfen-X Red Rose began to very slowly edge out a lead on Leo's Speedwell as they raced. Leo's heart began to beat faster at the sight of his vehicle slipping back behind his foe once again like it did at the end of the last race, but Leo clenched his right hand on his center console-mounted throttle control for the boost to resist the urge to shoot past him and use up his boost, even though he felt he had a lot more to use than he suspected Panther may have. It was then that Panther grinned toothily as he suddenly let up on his throttle by about 10% to slow his craft down and then enter into the draft stream right behind Leo's Speedwell. Leo's heart skipped a beat as he watched that out of the corner of his eye, knowing he took the lead, but also deeply in alert that Panther was likely to try something soon. “I am getting tired of being in your shadow, little bun... just a little longer... and I WILL settle this race...” Panther thought to himself as he gazed upon Leo's car like a predator seeking the kill against his prey, waiting for the right moment.
--the Star Fox tent--
“Here we are in the beginning of the final race, and it appears that Panther had a narrow lead of Captain Cuttridge for a short time.... but he seems to have let off to get behind him...?” Clay said in confusion on the broadcast on the TV as ROB displayed it on a wall. “Indeed, a very confusing move by Caroso there, I'm not sure what he's planning, but it is definitely something we will have to pay close attention to,” Markinson replied. “The drones should be capable of following them at normal cruising speed to keep us in the loop, but yes, I am quite confused as well,” Drummond said softly. “Leo's heartbeat has accelerated slightly after Caroso backing off to get behind him,” ROB announced, Leo's vitals off to the left side of the video displaying the race on TV, his vital signs and vehicle data. “He is doing fine, but his stats are getting closer to levels that are of concern.” Everyone stood around and behind ROB as they watched all the displays, even Leon and Wolf stood by to see the results, all of them knowing the next 15 or so minutes were going to be very tense and exciting. Wolf's eyes narrowed from Panther's sudden move to get behind Leo, confused and concerned as to his possible intentions by this action, knowing he was planning something. “Caroso... keep it civil... you fuck things up here, I will never forgive you...” Wolf thought to himself.
--3 miles before the entrance to the first tunnel, 65% of the course remaining--
Leo's eyes concentrated on the road ahead of him as he sped along at full throttle, his Speedwell handling the course flawlessly. His eyes darted back and forth between his gauges, the road ahead and his rearview and side door mirrors rapidly. He figured that in this stage of the race being a do-over, Peppy's advice wouldn't amount to much on a second run, as he knew Panther was too smart to fall for the same tricks twice. His mind concentrated on going as fast as he could while staying on the road the whole course to the best of his ability to win. His eyes kept getting glances in his mirrors at the deadly sight of the front of Panther's Wolfen craft being so close behind him, feeling very much like a prey being stalked in a chase by a vicious predator. His heart beat quickly and nervously in anxiety as he knew Panther was planning something.... but he didn't know what or when he was going to do it. He knew it was impossible for Panther to not have a plan after willingly getting behind him. He was starting to sweat from the brow in nervousness, almost afraid to be driving in this situation right now. Panther stayed behind Leo until the straightaway before the first tunnel, then he throttled back a little to gain a little distance from Leo's rear bumper, about three or four car lengths.... then he suddenly went full throttle as he gently aimed downward towards the road, pushing forward all the way to engage his boost while the nosetip of his craft aimed for the space directly underneath Leo's rear bumper. “Bored now... goodbye, little bunny...” he thought to himself as the pointed front of his craft slid under Leo's rear bumper and started to lift the rear up Leo's Speedwell up in the air, Leo's car starting to rotate forward in midair. Leo gasped as his view of the world rapidly and violently changed... the view of the course before him was quickly replaced by the asphalt of the road in his windshield as his car flipped in the air rear end first, his heart racing in fright as he let up on his throttle to reduce speed, his other hand turning the wheel from side to side as necessary to try and keep him going straight as he was now upside down about 25 feet in the air, watching Panther's Wolfen fighter speed past him to take the lead. His mind suddenly flashed with images of many people in what he felt may be his last moments of life... his parents... Miyu's parents... everyone on Star Fox... General Pepper and even Sid... and finally Krystal and Miyu... his two loves he never imagined ever having... the world seemed to tick away so slowly that it felt like an eternity that he was in the air fighting gravity and inertia to guide his car back into the right position as the front end of his car began to point straight up as he began to land closer to the road surface. He could feel his heart pounding in absolute fright in his chest and even in his eyes and teeth as a surge of adrenaline flooded his blood stream, his body's fight-or-flight responses kicking in quickly. His eyes quickly darted out to the side window to see he was almost level on the highway again and then out his rearview mirror to see the road behind him was beginning to be replaced by the distance behind him, and in only a split second more, his car was righted on the road as he felt the chassis of his Speedwell gently bump and scrape along the road for a split second at high speed, a shower of sparks coming from the bottom of his car as his position returned back to normal on the road. His eyes then glared down at the backside of Panther's Wolfen craft as it boosted away down the road and entered the first tunnel and banked left inside it. Leo couldn't help but clench his teeth and growl in fury at what Panther did, knowing he was capable of it, but still madder than hell he pulled it off. Not just that, but he knew that his parents would be watching this event live, and he felt that flip may have given his own mother a heart-attack watching her son in a near-death experience with that... that was what angered Leo the most out of that. “YOU MISERABLE LOW-LIFE SONUVABITCH!!! YOU FUCKING TRIED TO KILL ME!!! I REFUSE TO LOSE TO SOME BASTARD CRETIN LIKE YOU!!! EVERRRRR!!!!!” he screamed out in his mind as his hand slammed his throttle forward all the way to regain speed to catch up to Panther, his right foot and leg shaking from the surge of adrenaline in his blood, his body a shivering mess as his eyes pierced angrily into the distance forward, eager to make Panther lose.
--the Star Fox tent--
Everyone gasped as they watch Leo flip in the air after Panther scooped up his car from behind to take the lead, the display of Leo's vitals sounding off alarms.
Miyu then reached for a mic to talk to Leo to check on him. “Leo! Is everything okay? Is your car fine?” she asked in nervousness. “Don't bother me now, sweetheart!” he quickly replied as he could be seen on the monitor reaching for the A/V cable in the side of his helmet and pulling it out, cutting all audio and video communications with him, the last view of him showing his eyes darting to the camera with an angry menacing glare that sent a cold shiver down Miyu's spine. She then shivered as she stood in place as many looked at her reaction, never having seen Leo that angry before. The silence was then broken by Wolf growling out and barking into his own coms helmet, everyone's attention suddenly on him. “Damn you, Caroso! I did NOT order you to do that! You forfeit this race and return IMMEDIATELY! Do you copy? ….Panther?? PANTHER!!!” he said as he heard only silence. “SONUVA--... well... bastard cut me off, too... I'd say those two are off in their own world right now,” he then said to everyone else. “OMIGAWD that was an amazing recovery by Captain Cuttridge after Panther Caroso's attack, forcing his car into the air into near-destruction!” Drummond said out loud on the broadcast. “Indeed, that was quite scary mate,” Clay said. “Now that Caroso has taken the lead, we must wait and see if he can maintain it or see if Cuttridge is able to pass him once more,” Markinson said calmly.
--exit of the first tunnel, 60% of the course remaining...--
Panther looked back and saw Leo was so far back, he began to push forward on his throttle to utilize some of his boost to shoot ahead to maintain the lead, the feline smiling toothily at his success in making Leo's Speedwell flip as it did. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as he looked at his radar display as it gave no indication that Leo was even close, his eyes and mind forward on the road as he used more and more of his limited amount of boost, only 23% capacity left for the remainder of the race. “Hehehe... that was easy... now to finish this race,” he thought to himself. As Leo drove his car at maximum throttle down the road, he shot out of the first tunnel just shy of quad digit speeds, the spectators on each side of the highway watching and jumping in excitement as they watched and heard Leo pass them by, the sonic boom from his car shaking them a bit in surprise. His heart continued to beat rapidly, his blood still rich in adrenaline still as he took deep ragged slow breaths through his mouth and nose, his teeth barred angrily behind his helmet's shield as he drove to catch up to Panther, adamant to not lose to him whatever it cost. As Panther veered to the right in the corner before the entrance to the second tunnel, he started to relax a little off the boost and just flew at full throttle as he flew down the highway at top speed, smiling as he focused on the road. But his mind was thinking of things aside from the race, like places he could go and things he could do with the winnings from the Grand Prix should he win it. “This will be so easy to finish,” he thought. “I think I'll be able to go solo with the winnings now that Leon and Wolf have grown so lame and weak. I can't believe them... thinking that rabbit could possibly be a challenge to us in this event. We're Star Wolf, for cryin' out loud! That dumb kid should be so far back he--” his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by his radar beeping in alarm as it registered a vehicle behind him rapidly closing the distance. “WH... WHAT THE--?” was all he could get out before he felt a firm thud from behind as Leo suddenly rammed into the back of Panther's craft, his front bumper pushing against the back of the lower support bracket for Panther's rail gun that was removed. Panther's eyes went wide as he came off his throttle about 10% and saw his speed was still increasing! “THAT LITTLE SHIT IS PUSHING ME!!!” The unexpected increased speed shook up Panther's concentration as they were both approaching the entrance to the second tunnel, Panther's onboard stabilizer system flashing a warning light to indicate it was working to keep his craft in the air from the detected instability. “YOU'RE TOO FUCKING SLOW, YOU PUSSY!!!” Leo screamed out as they got within a few seconds of the tunnel entrance, Panther was struggling even more as their speed continued to increase from Leo pushing him, Panther suddenly yanking up a little on his control stick to raise his Wolfen fighter into the air to fall over and behind Leo's Speedwell, the large aircraft skidding the tips of its lower wings onto the ground emitting a mild shower of sparks as Leo took the lead again as they both entered the second tunnel. “GGGRRRR... IF YOU WANTED TO DIE SO BAD, YOU SHOULD'VE JUST TOLD ME!!!” Panther screamed out as he jammed his throttle all the way forward to accelerate to catch up to Leo as they both began to traverse the long tunnel.
--the Star Fox tent--
“OMIGAWD that was an AMAZING recovery by Captain Cuttridge from Panther's sneak attack,” Drummond shouted out excitedly. “Indeed, I have never seen anyone in a car similar to that recover from an incident like that so well and so easily,” Markinson said with an equal tone of excitement. “Not only that mates, but the fact he did it at such a high rate of speed that car is not designed to be capable of attaining,” Clay said smoothly. “Very true, so true,” Markinson replied. “Also guys, I'm being told by our superiors that our broadcast is now reaching 93% coverage throughout the Lylat, which is up from about 71% just a short time ago,” Drummond said happily. “This is turning out to be quite an amazing race here! We are going to broadcast the remainder of the race uninterrupted as we are a little bit over halfway through, so nobody leave your seats and rooms if you can manage, because this is only going to be more exciting!” Smiles and eyes went wide and jaws dropped at the video footage coming in from the confrontation between Leo and Panther in their vehicles, especially Leo's comeback by turning from a defensive stance to a very offensive one. The roar of the crowds in the stadiums nearby screamed out in excitement as well. By this time, nearly everyone with a television or video feed across Lylat was tuned into the race at the latest exciting developments. Everyone was at a loss for words as they continued to watch in amazement, Leo's heart and body starting to calm and normalize as the race progressed, his Speedwell performing marvelously. Fox and Wolf stood side by side flabbergasted at all that was happening. Fox was all the more eager to get Leo to join the team officially after his performance here, and Wolf was wishing he had the position to do the same thing, but with the world coming to more peace instead of war, he knew he was at a disadvantage to Fox. He simply stood by and offered his support, still quite pissed that Panther pulled off the stunt that he did, waiting for the race to conclude.
--past the entrance to the second tunnel, 50% of the course remaining--
Panther continued going full throttle as he slowly caught back up to Leo in the tunnel, his teeth gritting as he growled softly in anger. His right hand repeatedly pushing the trigger button for his main weapon system, but only an error message saying no ammunition was loaded on his craft kept appearing on his status screen, the dangerous feline deeply wishing he could bomb or laser blast Leo's car into non-existence. “Ggggrrrr.... you are so FUCKING LUCKY I am not loaded right now, you annoying prick... I would've vaporized your scrawny ass a long time ago...” he thought to himself as his eyes looked forward to plan his next move. At this point, Panther was looking for any tiny avenue of possibility to pass Leo that he could take advantage of, regardless of the outcome, especially if it meant bumping Leo's Speedwell. Once the tunnel began to curve to the left, Leo began to initiate gentle high-speed drifts into the outsides of the turn to maintain the fastest possible line through the tunnel. Panther seized the opportunity and angled into the left-most line of the curve and accelerated with forward throttle, his Wolfen craft getting right by Leo's left side as his lower right wingtip assembly bumped into Leo's left rear quarter panel, bumping Leo out of position just enough to disturb his rhythm. Leo countered this action by steering gently into the oversteer and letting off the throttle by about 20% to control his car back into a straight line to prevent colliding into the walls of the tunnel, which saved his life, but forced him to fall behind Panther once again. “GUH... FUCKERRRRRR...” Leo muttered with tightly gritted teeth as he went back forward on the throttle to catch up to Panther as he watched that Wolfen craft shakily maintain its line in the tunnel. But then Leo smiled a bit and let off the throttle a little to give the appearance of falling back just before the right hander in the final portion of the tunnel before the exit. Panther chuckled softly as he looked at his rearward radar showing Leo falling back at a steady rate. “Giving up already, little bunny? Good...” His eyes then went forward and concentrated on giving as much throttle as he could, boosting for a good amount along the straightaway before the turn in the tunnel, his boost reserve dipping down below 15% as he did his best to get as far away from Leo as he could. His right hand shakily held the control stick to angle his craft in a rightward bank to handle the curve. “While I'm thankful for the increased speed and decreased weight from removing my battle cruiser-destroying railgun, not all of it was able to be removed... When Ruffian Corps built this ship, they not only attached the mount for the railgun to the main core support of the fuselage... the mount base itself is WELDED to the frame, so there is no removing it... and it leaves a horrible mass sticking out from the bottom which acts as a minor source of aerodynamic drag... It's literally a double-edged sword for me right now...” he thought to himself. “No matter though... there's not much left to go in this race and I'm in front...” But a couple minutes of the long curve later, he suddenly heard an alarm coming from his radar once again, his eyes darting to the screen and seeing a blip representing Leo's Speedwell approaching at a very high rate of speed directly at the rear of Panther's craft. “WH...WHAT THE FUCK...?” he blurted out as he suddenly heard the roar of Leo's engines under boost from above him. He looked up and saw Leo shoot past him at incredible speed as Leo had used the circular shape on the inside of the tunnel to drive in a counter-clockwise spin around Panther's craft, allowing him to use the entire wall and the ceiling of the inside of the tunnel as a road to pass easily. Leo grinned behind his helmet as he passed Panther so quickly and so easily in the tunnel as he began to make high-speed drifting motions along the sides of the tunnel to take the fastest possible line to the exit.
--the Star Fox tent--
The crowds everywhere were cheering and applauding loudly as the race continued, everyone in the tent were clapping and cheering on Leo as he passed Panther again, Wolf and Leon standing by and just smiling in approval of Leo's performance. Krystal and Miyu couldn't help but hug tight and hop excitedly together as they watched their bunny racing and performing to his very best. “Eeeeeee he's driving so amazingly!” Krystal said, feeling the most excited and giddy she's ever felt. “I know, right?” Miyu said with joy. “And he's ours, ours, OOOOURS!” Miyu continued as she began to hop excitedly with Krystal, everyone chuckling in happiness at the girls' reaction. “How's his car doing so far?” Peppy asked Slippy and Beltino as they sat and looked over the incoming live data from Leo's Speedwell's on board electronics. “Nothing is going over the limit, it's running better than we imagined it could!” Slippy said happily. “There are some spots where the engines are almost to overheat levels, but once he comes off the throttle and initiates drift in the corners, they cool down some again.” “I sure wish Leo was around when I helped developed that engine,” Beltino remarked. “There would probably be a lot more of them on the road than there are now with his expertise.” “I totally agree with that. ROB, can you tell if he is running a faster or slower race this time than the first?” Peppy asked. “I would think his and Panther's times would likely be slower due to the added stress and pressure of this rematch.” “Actually, that is not the case,” ROB said, the right side of the canvas wall of the tent they were watching the live TV broadcast on switching to a document listing Leo's and Panther's speeds and stats. “According to all the data I've recorded thus far, only one segment of THIS race was slower than the last for both of them, and only by a few hundredths of a second. Not only that, but they are both breaking 68% of the times set by all the other drivers set since the start of the final event this morning.” Everyone gasped in surprise to hear that Leo was doing much better than previously. “So they've BOTH improved this race so far over all the others?” Gen Pepper asked. “Correct,” ROB continued. “Panther only by a slight margin, which is only going to go down from this point because of his lack of boost, but Leo has had at least a 23% improvement in his times, and he still has a good amount of boost remaining to finish the race.” “That's one helluva fighter you have there, McCloud,” Wolf said with a smile. “In the most tense situations where your life is at stake, most people falter and begin to make mistakes that could cost them their life. Even some of the most skilled fighter pilots aren't good enough to escape that... But Leo... he only gets stronger, faster and more attuned to his situation than almost anybody else would. He is one VICIOUS foe to anyone that chooses to make him one.” All of the members of Star Fox smiled as they listened to Wolf's acknowledgment and praise of Leo's performance. “So it's highly unlikely for him to give up?” Krystal asked out of the blue. Wolf chuckled and gently patted Krystal's shoulder in support. “Hahah... sis... that guy doesn't know HOW to quit,” Wolf replied cheerfully. “It's just not in his nature.” Everyone in the tent stood in stunned silence, in shock and awe at the performance Leo was putting out against Panther in the second half of this race, the leg of the run that will determine the winner of the tag-team event. Both Panther and Leo were going at it with their all, their minds and spirits and hearts all in it to be the best and the fastest, and both were neck and neck, their performances shattering records and times previously set earlier in the day by several other contenders. The race was turning out stressful and literally nail-bitingly tense for both competitors. Upon word that they were almost done, everyone stood still in the late afternoon air in front of the Star Fox pit, facing the finishing line where the last turn of the route lay a dozen kilometers away, waiting for the first person to arrive to be declared the winner. And in that time, everyone's mind was thinking many different thoughts, all supportive and positive. “Captain Cuttridge... you are one strong man and spirit...I can see I was right to put the Medal of Valor on you. You bring out the best in everyone you know and you inspire everyone to be their best. You are one of the best assets I have ever seen. Come back to us alive, young man. Win or lose, you are the very best that I have ever seen in such a long time!” General Pepper thought to himself as he smiled, lollipop in his maw. “Leo, you are definitely a master on that engine and car,” Beltino thought to himself. “When I was designing that powerplant with Carrolton Silvey many years ago, I don't think he and I ever imagined the potential of that engine becoming THIS good! You've definitely done your homework on that car so well. We will definitely have to talk shop and see if we can devise something for future production. You just have to make it back to us, win or lose.... but I think winning is far more likely for you. I can't see you as anything else!” “You are running one amazing performance out there, Leo. But please remember that you have a whole family of people here wanting to see you return no matter what happens. Your parents, Miyu's parents... everyone on the Star Fox team... we all need you in our lives! It is always such a joy to see you and Miyu together when you come into my restaurant. I need to have you came back alive to us as well. Be strong, and be wise, kiddo!” Sid thought in his mind. “Leo... I have grown up around science my whole life... I know how the body works to the best of our knowledge... but I swear, when I see people like you and Miyu and Krystal heal... it's like you are in your own league of strength that science cannot explain. We call you 'faith healers.' It's for this reason I took on Krystal as an apprentice to become a nurse. I feel like as much as I have learned about what makes people tick... I still have a LOT more to learn... and I can't do that if you don't make it back! We all need you to come back to us... especially Miyu and Krystal... it may sound funny coming from me, but... I can 'sense' they are a huge part of your life and you theirs... just bring yourself back in one piece,” Amanda thought, tears coming to her eyes as she smiled. “Leo... I've been a tinkerer and fixing and creating machines since I was a young tadpole, and I swear... I have NEVER met anyone who is more in-tuned with a machine that you are. It's like your car becomes one with your body and your mind when you drive... you are absolutely masterful! You definitely inspire me, Leo... come back to us safe!” Slippy thought to himself. “You've always been a bright sunshine to everyone's day... including mine! I am so incredibly grateful you are with us, Leo. I KNOW you can beat this guy! I can't ever imagine you losing to anybody like Panther... put him in his place, my bunny!” Fay thought to herself as she clung to Bill side. “Duuude... you have been the most inspiring and positive soul we have all ever met in our lives. I dunno where a lot of us would be without hearing your optimism. I truly cannot recall a moment where you were ever down... and I really can't see you being that way... it's just who you are! You got this one, Bruh. Put that bastard kitty in his place!” Bill thought in his mind. “My goodness... you just don't know when to quit, mate. You're a terrific man, Leo. I don't know how you do it, but you really make me smile when I see you being your best. I wish everyone can learn from your ways, and I hope you will join us after this. Let's go to the skies and beyond, bunny boy!” Fara thought. “I must admit... I am incredibly impressed by your ability, Captain Cuttridge. You shed off any manner of problem thrown your way, and you grow stronger from it. You are one tough bunny...” Leon thought to himself, a smile forming on his face for the first time in forever. “You have my highest regards and support. You WILL go far in EVERYTHING you do.” “Captain... you are one tough nut to crack. You have the whole world at your hands, a path I wish I could've chosen when I was younger. You are WORLDS above me already... as I stand here now amongst your colleagues in Star Fox... I admit freely... I am scared shitless of you. You make me proud to know you, my friend,” Wolf said to himself, smiling proudly. “Little Man... just do your best in this race... win or lose, it won't matter, you've already proven yourself and beyond. I am so honored to have you a part of my life, not to mention your help in bringing a certain special someone closer to me in my life. I grew up in a rough upbringing to where I am, doing some unsavory things in the past... but thanks to you... I'm looking forward to going completely clean from now on. Come back to us safe, Leo,” Katt thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around Falco. “Leo... you would be sorely mistaken if you think you can get out of this by losing or quitting... that is NOT the kind of person you are. I know I may seem and act like a big tough guy most of the time... but dammit, I KNOW you are far stronger than me... and I am incredibly grateful for you bringing me and Katt closer. I NEED you to come back to us all... I need you... to be our best man, so DON'T GIVE UP!” Falco thought, smiling with tears falling down his cheeks. “Young man... I know you are stressed and madder than hell right now and you can't sense it from where you are at... but your soul is bringing everybody together with so much joy and optimism right here... even Wolf and Leon are rooting for you! Since my best friend James passed away, I tried my best to be the uniter and wise figure of the Star Fox team... but I feel like I pale in comparison to you SO VERY MUCH... I would be proud to have you replace me when I retire in the near future... you are VASTLY better than me. Do your best, son. We are all counting on you to come back to us alive,” Peppy thought. “Leo, you are the most collected and strongest minded man I have ever met. There WILL be a spot for you on the Star Fox team in the future. The invitation will ALWAYS be open for you... and I know you will be a strong addition to us all... as you already are right this moment. You just do your best... win or lose, we are all incredibly happy and proud of all that you have done, not just here in this race, but in our lives since we met you. I see a lot of my father in you... heck, he may be guiding you right now as we stand here waiting for your return... nonetheless, you're the best of the best right now. The world's eyes are on you right now,” Fox thought. “Leo... you are truly wonderful... I've never met a man or any soul stronger than yours. Despite my magical ability, I feel you are so much more powerful than me. I've told you before, but you have made my life so wanted and loved and less lonely by anyone at any other time in my life... I NEED you to come back to us... don't get yourself killed over trying to defeat this prick... I NEED YOU... and so does Miyu... WE NEED YOU... you ARE our lives... you are the best miracle to happen in our lives,” Krystal thought, tears streaming down her cheeks in anxious nervousness. “Leo... my mate... my soul... my lover... do your very best. Ever since we bumped into each other all those months ago, I KNEW that very instant you were my soulmate. I may have the strength physically between the two of us, but... you are FAR stronger mentally and spiritually than I could ever dream to be. You always consider me your Goddess and defender... but a Goddess can't live without her God! And that is YOU, sweetie bun! Beat this bastard in his own game and come home to me a winner! I give you all my spirit and strength right now! SHINE FOR ME, MY DARLING!” Miyu said as she clasped her hands together under her muzzle and smiled wide and proud, her eyes streaking with tears down her cheeks, everyone's gaze still on the final stretch of the road before the goal...
* ~ *
Leo continued to drive at full throttle down the penultimate straightaway to the last tunnel and curve, his speed in excess of Mach 1 and rising as he remained just ahead of Panther, the haughty feline glaring down at Leo's Speedwell in anger as he was struggling so much at this moment since Leo had passed him again to take the lead. And then something happened... whether it be because of the bright shining sun above or some other force, but Panther suddenly saw the bright white paint job of Leo's Speedwell suddenly become brighter and much more pronounced, like a bright white spiritual aura surrounding it suddenly... and then for whatever reason Panther couldn't understand, he could swear that Leo's car suddenly sprouted a pair of angelic wings and spread wide into the air above them, making the dark feline's eyes and maw go a little wider in awe, just before Leo's car began to boost down the straightaway again, running away from Panther's Wolfen X-Black Rose down the long straight road. This made Panther seethe even more in anger, more to the point of an uncontrolled rage as he slammed his throttle all the way forward to utilize what little amount of boost he had to catch up to Leo just before the entrance to the final tunnel and left curve towards the finish line. “GET! BACK! HEEEEEEERE! YOU LITTLE FUUUUUUCK!!!” he screamed in his cockpit at the top of his lungs as he then began to slowly inch on Leo's car once again, the distance closing slowly once more.
* ~ *
“How is he doing, ROB?” Peppy asked softly. “Leo's vital signs have calmed down from earlier, still in a fairly high range, but not in danger of cardiac arrest like earlier,” ROB replied. “It's almost over, everyone...” Fox said flatly. “Correct. They are both approaching the final tunnel and curve in just a few seconds... whoever is in the lead at the final tunnel's exit... will be the winner,” ROB concluded, everyone's eyes going down the road again, knowing this will all be decided in a minute or two...
Mr Styles: And why is the rabbit unafraid...? Charles Morse: ...Because he is smarter than the panther.
--The Edge (1997), based on David Mamet's “Bookworm”
So many emotions, so much tension. The final race is here. This WILL be concluded in the next chapter.
If you like my writing, please fave, watch and comment and watch out weekly for new chapters~!
These stories have been largely influenced by my lifelong love for the Star Fox video game released in March 1993 as well as the Nintendo Power comic released in the February to December 1993 issues of the magazine as well as the development of the fan comic Star Fox: Alternative Training Methods by ladydino on FurAffinity. You can read her fan comic here: https://www.furaffinity.net/gallery/ladydino/folder/116...
