#the missing link

At that moment, the gem on the back of his hand began to flash, an indication that it was speaking. He looked at his hand and observed as it spoke to him. Peppy: "Hmmm...is that so?" 

General Pepper looked towards the professor, confused before looking back towards the team. General Pepper: "Care to fill us in?" Peppy: "The gems are telling us that the princess can influence them, in otherwords, if and whenever she would need us with her, she would influence them to initiate reawakening our aquatic powers."

All the guys in the room became startled by my sudden outburst. Me: "They're right. They wanted me to not go on this mission, but I made my decision,." Gary: "What? You...you actually...decided to help them?"

I rushed towards him and held myself up to him. Me: "I want to do this, I want to help. These animals are my friends! We always help each other out. Yes, I understand that they're worried about me but to force me to not go on this mission is just as bad as forcing me to do anything for them! I have every right to decide what I want to do and if that means take on this mission, then all of you need to respect that decision and I don't want to hear another word about the Cornerians forcing me to do anything because that will never happen!!" Fox: "She's right. It's her choice and...whether we like it or not, we have to respect it." Slippy: "It does make us happy that she wants to help us, even though...we worry about her." Falco: "You should already know how headstrong she can be." Peppy: "Indeed, when she makes up her mind, it's near impossible to change her mind." Gary: "Well...? You...you guys did a lousy job at talking her out of this mission. So, either way, this is your fault." Falco: "Uh, what part of "nearly impossible to change her mind" did you not understand, you stubborn, brainless ape?" Peppy: "Make up your mind, young man! Are we controlling for forcing her to go on this mission or are we too weak-willed when failing to talk her out of this!?! You can't have it both ways, kid!" Gary: "Tch! Like I would accept demands from a bunch of talking animals." Slippy: "You really ARE one of the most irrational humans we've ever met!" Prof. Oak: "Gary! That is just about enough! I told you to be on your best behavior! If I hear one more word out of you, I will have you sent on the first shuttle back to Earth!"

They entered the room that we were in at that time. Fox: "General Pepper. Professor Oak. It's good to you guys." General Pepper: "Yes, it is good to see you, as well." Prof. Oak: "Hello, Fox. I believe that you and the team are doing quite well." Fox: "We are, professor."

Fox then looked towards Gary, who was less than pleased to see him. Fox: "Uh...hi, Gary. How...have you been?" Gary: "Hmph! I'm not interested in exchanging any pleasantries with the likes of you." Fox: "Believe me, I'm not exactly thrilled to see you, either." Slippy: "Can't we send him back to Earth already?" Falco: "I'll be happy to toss him back myself if need be." Gary: "Grr! Listen, grandpa told me to be on my best behavior if I want to stay. As much as I really don't like seeing any of you, I'm only here for the princess." Fox: "Yeah, we know."

Gary then looked towards me and smiled. Gary: "Hello, princess. I trust you are doing well?" Me: "With the guys here with me, I feel perfectly fine." Gary: "Huh, figures, so these animals are your guardians now, huh? I find that hard to believe." Falco: "Hey, watch it, kid! The guardians chose us because they considered us worthy. I can't say the same about you!" Slippy: "Yeah, we truly are fit to protect the princess and we will, especially from the likes of you!" Gary: "Why, you little...!"

At that moment, the general cleared his throat. General Pepper: "Now then, if you boys are done arguing, can we get to the matter at hand?" Fox: "Oh, uh, yes, sorry, General."

Falco pointed towards Gary. Falco: "He started it." 

Slippy nodded in agreement. Prof. Oak: "Alright, that is enough, everyone. Shall we get to the situation at hand or are we going to have to continue putting up with any more of your bickering?" Me: "The professor's right. We have to be briefed on the mission." Prof. Oak: "So, General, what's this I hear about a strange anomaly within one of your ocean planets?" General Pepper: "Our team has been looking into this further. We are uncertain of what it could be but we do know that it is foreign to this particular planet. We need to investigate it and check if it's anything that could be harmful." Fox: "Yes, we absolutely need to look into this matter. We've already had the planet cleansed of the toxins that polluted Zoness, which was polluted thanks to Andross and his loyal cronies." Falco: "Yeah, thank goodness for those magical orbs." Peppy: "But for all we know, Zoness could be in trouble and we need to get to the bottom of this matter before anything were to happen. Uh, no pun intended." Falco: "Yeah, it better not be." General Pepper: "We should be arriving at Zoness soon. Get ready." Prof. Oak: "In the meantime, I would like to continue analyzing your crests and look into what other hidden abilities that each of the Guardian Gems could provide." Fox: "Good idea. We don't want to go into this blind and unprepared." Slippy: "So, aside from swimming faster and breathing underwater, I wonder what other cool stuff we can do with these gems." Peppy: "Well, we are fully aware that these Guardian Gems are very much strongly connected to the princess. It is likely that her strong connections with them could unlock much of these unique features." Me: "Hmmm...yes, that would make sense. I've got an idea. Why don't each of you hold out your jewels to me? Maybe I can try something."

With that, each of them held out their right hands. I then held out my hands towards them and focused on their crests. The gems were displayed vividly on the crests on the backs of their hands. The general, the professor and Gary stood by, mesmerized by what they were seeing. The professor then pulled out a scanner and started scanning us while this process was taking place. He checked the results of the scanner. Prof. Oak: "Hmmm...from what I can see on here, the energy from the Guardian Gems seem to allign with the princess' own magical energy." General Pepper: "Hmmm...quite intriguing." Prof. Oak: "That's not all that I'm picking up on."

He looked back towards us. Prof. Oak: "The energy from the gems seemed to be harmonized with the different Starfox team's own life energy. It is almost like...they each share the same soul with each member that they have bonded with." General Pepper: "So, these gems have bonded very incredibly well with them, barring any form of conflict or disarray." Prof. Oak: "No, they share one common interest that perfectly harmonizes them with one another and that is...absolute protection towards the princess. To be honest, this does not surprise me in the slightest. They have always been good to her, treating her as one of their own. You could say...she truly is a full-fledged member of the Starfox team." General Pepper: "Of course, I've always known that." Prof. Oak: "Pay close attention to this, Gary. Magical energy can respond to thoughts and emotions and can respond in kind."

Gary continued staring at us for a bit. He seemed to be amazed at first. But then, he sneered, pretty much scoffing. Gary: "Heh, whatever."

We eventually stopped. Peppy: "So...anything?" Me: "Hmmm...I can sense...some concealed power within them. It seems that...they have been greatly weakened...it's really hard to tell..." Fox: "So...any chance that these gems could recover any of their lost powers?" Me: "Hmmm...that...may be something...we're just going to have figure out on our own...as also...it seems like...this may...it might be..."

At that moment, one of the gems started flashing, it was Pices, speaking directly to us. Fox: "Pices...you think that...our bond will help to restore these lost powers of yours?"

Another spoke, this was coming from Corto. Peppy: "Yes, it would be true that your powers will become ours." 

Emert spoke next. Slippy: "Yes, of course. We will do whatever we can to help restore your lost powers. Whatever you need from us, our thoughts, our hearts, our strong feelings for the princess, whatever we CAN provide."

Diama is the last to speak. Falco: "Seems like we're on the same page. I'm also thrilled to be part of protecting the princess, just like you were all those years ago. I'm glad I could do whatever I can to get you back in the action."

Everyone of us looked towards Falco. Me: "Anyway, I was thinking that the professor would need some time to analyze the Aqua Jewels so that he may help with you guys better managing the guardians." Peppy: "Hmm, you know? She may have a valid point there." Fox: "Well, OK, but let's keep our guard up." Falco: "Yeah, no kidding, we'll need to be extra vigilant as soon as the professor's grandson starts walking in." Slippy: "(groan) I'm not looking forward to seeing him at all." Fox: "Me neither." Falco: "And Star Haven forbid the professor is able to keep his grandkid under control." Peppy: "(sigh) That poor guy, to have to manage a troubling youth such as his own grandson must be tiring." Falco: "And he already has so much on his hands." Slippy: "You know, something's got me thinking, just how is the professor able to understand so much of this mystic stuff? Did he also manage to get his hands on another of those weird magic tomes?" Peppy: "Hmmm...I've been wondering that myself, actually. He seemed to know about the princess all too well even before she revealed her secret to him and his grandson." Fox: "Hmm, yes, that is...a mystery that we've yet to discover. I wonder if Master Lisa knows something about this." Me: "Hmmm..."

At that moment, the professor's image appeared abruptly on another screen. Prof. Oak: "General! You can't be serious!! Are you actually sending the Starfox team and the princess on a dangerous mission!?! Are your really going to risk putting the princess through this!?!" General Pepper: "It was not my intention to make her take on such a daunting mission. It was her choice to make and she refuses to take no for an answer." Me: "He's right, professor. I decided to take on this mission and the Starfox team have agreed to come with me." Prof. Oak: "But...are you certain you want to do this? I mean, I worry very much about your well being and I do not want anyone to take advantage of you or your powers." Me: "You worry too much, professor. Don't worry, I'll be fine, I'm a lot tougher than I look and I will have the backing of the guys who are also my guardians." Fox: "Exactly."

Fox held up his right hand, holding it in a fist, displaying the crest of the back of his hand containing his Aqua Jewel. Fox: "You don't have to worry about the princess, not as long as we're with her." Prof. Oak: "Well, I suppose so, but I would prefer to make my way over there. I would like to monitor your mission and powers in person." Fox: "Sure thing, professor, whatever makes you feel better."

At that moment, the sound of a door opening behind the professor was heard. Gary: "Hold it right there!" 

The professor turned around and spotted Gary by the doorway, he looked very much irate. Peppy: "Oh, dear." Prof. Oak: "What? Gary? When did you get here?" 

Gary came stomping in. Slippy: "What? How? Where did he come from?" Falco: "Great, what do you want this time, kid?" Prof. Oak: "Now, Gary, please calm down..." Gary: "Calm down!?! Calm down!?! How can I when I haven't heard anything about what's been going on from you? Also, what's this I hear about the princess receiving guardians!?!" Slippy: "What? How did you know about that?" Fox: "Hold on, were you...stalking us?" Gary: "That's none of your business! What matters is the fact that you've been keeping me out of the loop on purpose!" Falco: "Of course we have; it's because we want nothing to do with you. Read the room, kid." Gary: "Shut up, birdbrain! Grandpa, why is it these animals were chosen to become her guardians!?! How could this have happened!?!" Peppy: "Well, just to let you know, the guardians have chosen us as her guardians. They witnessed us protect her from a bunch of rats and have deemed us worthy of the mantle of her guardians." Gary: "I didn't ask for any more of your annoying lectures, you know-it-all rabbit! Go nibble on some lettace in some meadow or something." Prof. Oak: "Gary!!" Peppy: "Your charm and civility leaves a lot to be desired per usual." Slippy: "No kidding, he makes Falco seem polite and well-mannered in comparison." Falco: "As much as I hate to agree with you, well...when you're right, you're right." Prof. Oak: "Listen, I do not have time to entertain any more of your tantrums, I need to get going if I'm going to observe this mission in person." Gary: "Well, I'm going with you! There's no way I'm letting any of you leave me out this time!" Slippy: "What? No!" Falco: "And what makes you think we're going to simply let you tag along with you gramps, kid?" Gary: "Hey, it's not like you can physically stop me since you're all the way out in space." Falco: "Yeah, but we can still prevent you from even approaching the princess." Slippy: "Yeah, we won't let you even an inch close to her, so don't even try it!" Gary: "Grr! You animals really have a knack for getting on my nerves." Fox: "Gary, let's be reasonable here." Falco: "Yeah, good luck trying to get any reasoning from that dumb ape. You have a better chance of squeezing water out of a Golem." Slippy: "Or a Magcargo." Prof. Oak: "Listen, Gary, you don't understand what's..." Gary: "I'm going and that's that!" Prof. Oak: "Oh, dear, I hate it when he gets like this." Slippy: "What should we do? This is likely not going to end well."

Fox then let out what sounded like a defeated sigh. Fox: "You know what? Just let him come." Slippy: "What?" Peppy: "Fox, are you serious?" Fox: "It's fine, it's not like he can do anything. Besides, we'll be deep within Zoness' depths, we won't need to put up with him so much." Peppy: "Well, good point." Falco: "Fine, you can bring your grandson, professor, but make you keep him on a muzzle and a leash." Prof. Oak: "Yes, understood." Gary: "What!?! Now listen here!" Fox: "We'll see you both when you arrive back in Lylat." Prof. Oak: "Yes, see you then." Gary: "Wait! I'm not finished! You listen here! I will never in any way..."

Fox then drew his finger across his throat, telling the professor to cut the transmission. The professor nodded once and shut off the transmission on his end while Gary continued ranting. Falco: "Are you really sure about this, Fox?" Fox: "It's the path of least resistance. If we continue to reject him, he'll find a way to come here anyway." Falco: "Hm, good point." Slippy: "Well, at this rate, we really don't have to worry about him so much." Falco: "True. On top of that, we do kind of owe him for punching that scumbag's lights out." Slippy: "Oh, right, the guy that said those horrible things to Misty. That was actually the first time that I was glad to see Gary." Fox: "Yeah, that was the best decision I've ever made. When I told him about all the horrible things he said to her, he was already on his way to give him what was coming to him." Slippy: "Oh, for sure."

At that moment, I walked off. Fox took notice and looked towards me. Fox: "Misty? Where are you going?"

I stopped to answer his question. Me: "We're almost on our way to Zoness. I need to get ready for the mission."

I continued walking off. Fox stood by, confused. Fox: "Wait, what do you mean by...hey!"

He rushed off after me. Fox: "What are you doing?"

I stopped thinking then shook my head. Me: "No, it's fine. I accept." Fox: "What? You sure about this?" Slippy: "You don't feel like this could be taking advantage of you, right?" Me: "I told you, it's fine. It's my choice, I want to help. I have that right after all if I want to say yes, right?" Fox: "Well...yeah, but..." Me: "Then that's what will happen. Listen, I appreciate you always looking out for me, but don't you think that by pushing me to say no, it's just as bad as forcing me to take on the mission?" Fox: "Huh, I never thought of it that way, but yes, you make a good point. I just...don't want you to..." Me: "I know and thank you for considering my feelings, but I'm just as inclined to say yes as I am to say no. It's my choice and I should always have the freedom to make it. I want to use my powers to help and that's what I'm going to do." Fox: "Well, OK, if that's what you want to do, then we will support you, but if you feel that you're being used or taken advantage of, please let us know and we will leave." Me: "That won't be a problem. I know that the general will remain true to his word and never use me. If anything, you guys would be in the same position as me." Fox: "Huh, that...that does...actually make sense in some ways." General Pepper: "Very well then, we shall depart for Zoness immediately. I will also inform the professor of this as I feel that this is important for him to know."