FSE

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[Hunter]

Jack Russo

Starfox and all characters related to the Nintendo universe are copyright their respective owners.

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CHAPTER THREE

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If Wolf was surprised, he didn't show it. At least, as much as Fox could discern from their brief talk on the phone anyway. But Fox didn't let that faze him and quickly packed up his belongings before making his way out the hotel toward his arwing. Near the docking bay he had to weave between people and blurt out a quick, "Sorry!" whenever he bumped into them.

Finding the frigate was easy enough. It wasn't too far away from orbit and it drifted lazily in front of one of Katina's smaller moons. The ship itself wasn't anything remarkable and looked to need repair here and there. Bronze light reflected off of the hull, but Fox could tell that at one point it was supposed to be red. Or orange.

"This is Fox, requesting permission to dock," he buzzed on the radio.

It took a few moments before he got and answer, but he grinned upon hearing Wolf's hoarse voice. "No need to be so formal, pup. I'll let you in. Rear doors are opening."

He circled his way around the ship, taking a few moments to inspect the craft a bit more before decelerating through the docking bay doors. It wasn't the largest of docks, but just like Wolf had said, it would comfortably fit up to four fighter jets. The Wolfens, Fox remembered.

The arwing hovered and the park assist activated, allowing Fox to direct the craft into the nearest dock. Across from him was a lone Wolfen, its exterior battered from multiple battles. He flicked a few switches on his console and listened as the hum of the engines died down, now noticing that a third ship was there. It was a bit larger but obviously not made for combat. A shuttle perhaps?

Wolf emerged from the blast doors further down the catwalk and snapped Fox out of his thoughts. His heart beat several miles a minute and adrenaline surged throughout his veins. It was this feeling he relished. The feeling of something new. Emotions that came forward when taking on new and difficult missions, all the while unsure if the outcome would be life or death.

But this was also different. Sure, hunting was something new, but this wasn't exactly a mission. This was a new partnership. With his rival. A man he was often on the verge of killing or being killed by, and that danger warranted him to be cautious. Yet, all he could feel was a giddy excitement. And he had no idea why other than that Wolf was making it happen.

"I see you can make up your mind quickly," Wolf drawled.

Fox rolled his eyes after hopping out of his jet. "And why would you think otherwise?"

"Just what I'm used to," he smirked and gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "Welcome aboard."

"Thanks, I suppose," answered Fox. He looked around briefly before adding, "So, does this clunker have a name?"

"Hey, don't tease Betsy."

"Betsy? Why on Lylat would you name a ship Betsy?"

Wolf shrugged. "She's got personality. Now c'mon, I'll take you to where you'll be stayin' and say what's what along the way."

Fox nodded and grabbed his things before shutting the cockpit doors. "Lead the way."

Wolf nodded and directed him back through the door he had come from. "Now listen close, pup. Betsy's insides are pretty simple to figure out. These rooms to the left and right of us are more for the engineer types to tinker with so I won't go into detail on those. The two after them, the one on the left is hydroponics and the right is the med lab."

"Makes sense," said Fox. "Right close to the docking bay in case there are injuries."

"Or dumbass mistakes made in engineering," added Wolf. "It's actually a large room, so we put all the workout equipment there as well since all the med shit just takes up a corner."

"We as in Star Wolf, you mean?"

"Yes, them," Wolf said after a moment's hesitation.

"Ah, and this is the elevator, I'm to assume," said Fox, nodding at large, bold print displaying elevator on them.

"No shit," smirked Wolf. "I'll show you which buttons you'll need to press, it actually can get pretty confusing for newcomers."

"I think I would know how to work an elevator," Fox had started, but his eyes widened at the myriad of wires popping out of the console. "Whoa."

"Yeah, it's a mess. Here, these three," he pointed a claw at the flickering buttons at the center, "The top one will take you to the bridge. This middle one is the next floor, where you'll find crew quarters, the kitchen, lounge and my captain's suite."

"What's in the lounge?"

Wolf shrugged. "Just a ton of crap me and the team had picked up during the war and other missions. Now c'mon, let's keep going."

The elevator moved quickly despite being in disarray and they continued out to the furthest door on the right. Inside was a cozy setup of eight bunk beds which lined the walls across from them; two on the left, four in the center, and the last two on the right. The lighting inside was dim, and Fox was able to pick up the faint scents of a feline and reptile. A small television hung at one corner of the room and opposite of that was a tattered poster with a picture of she-bear wielding a large, gun-axe and a cigar in her mouth.

"Looks...nice," Fox smiled.

"It'll do, pup," replied Wolf, pulling out a chair from the only desk in the center of the room. "I'll try and make this short. We've both had a pretty interesting day and I'm tired."

Fox blushed and his ears folded back remembering the lupine's naked form.

"Take a seat."

"You're in the only chair."

He glowered. "Don't be funny. Just sit on this bunk next to me."

Fox hesitated but did as he was told, dropping his bag beside the nearest bunk before crawling in. The top bunk hung lower than he thought, forcing him to lean out and close to Wolf in order to sit comfortably. He was very aware that sitting like this had them mere inches from each other, his paw resting on his knee and close enough to feel the warmth coming from the lupine's leg.

"Okay, so what's the plan?" asked Fox.

"Our targets are a husband and wife pair. I believe I went over that before in Katina."

"Yep," recalled Fox. "Wanted by the military."

"Good, you remembered. They go by the aliases of Rock and Roll."

"How clever."

Wolf ignored him. "Rock is the bruiser. And according to Havoc's intel, he'll be making a stop in Fichina within the next few days."

"What's he doing there?"

Wolf shrugged. "Who the fuck cares? What's important is that he'll be there."

Fox squinted his eyes at how quick Wolf was to brush that off. He preferred things to be more calculated, and consider all situations that might either be to their advantage or not. But he played along and asked, "What about the wife. Roll?"

"Since she doesn't make any appearances, no one really knows what she looks like and, honestly, if she even exists. But it's assumed she does since Rock isn't the brightest crayon in the box and someone has enough talent to get on the bad side of the law."

Fox thought about that for a moment. "So you're thinking if we snatch him, she'll probably show up?"

"That's the plan, at the moment. Listen, Havoc's intel appears pretty solid and if things work out then we've got it good. It doesn't matter what they did or why they're going wherever the fuck they want. All that matters to us as hunters is that they have a sweet price on their heads and I'll take what I can get."

Fox could agree to that much, remembering how his expenditures for this new hobby had nearly broke his bank. He frowned, though. Something still didn't seem right to him as he repeated everything in his head. Husband and wife pair. Lure one out by capturing the other. Going to Fichina. But... "Why Fichina?"

Wolf rolled his eyes and threw up his paws. "Havoc's report wasn't specific on that. Just that he will be staying at some winter resort that's popular this time of year."

That would mean large crowds. Should anything get out of hand then a lot of people could get hurt. It also meant that he, of all people, would be noticed quickly on reputation alone.

His frowned deepend. This complicated things more.

"You're overthinking this."

"Of course I am," growled Fox. "There are too many things that could go wrong here. Too many people who can get hurt in potential crossfire."

"Welcome to bounty hunting."

"That's not...a good excuse," he sighed. "Not only that. If I go there I would get noticed. Wouldn't that spook off Rock? And what about you? Wasn't your face plastered all over the holo-net too?"

"I had considered that but I have an easy solution," he said, taking out a pair of sunglasses from his coat pocket and sliding them over his eyes. "Look. Now I'm incognito," he beamed.

If it was supposed to be a joke, Fox didn't know how to react. The gesture was very uncharacteristic of the Wolf he knew. "How...how is that hiding?"

"Look, you're right," he sighed. "Your reputation is an issue. But mine is not as much. Despite my publicity during the war, very few people would be able to pick me out in public other than outlaws. In fact, I figure it could also be useful to exploit should Rock need to reach out to someone."

"Ok, so that's reasonable," Fox nodded. "But what about me?"

"I would say you stay behind the scenes, but if I know you as well as I think I know you, you won't go for that."

Fox squinted his eyes, "That's right."

"Then," Wolf opened up the drawer and pulled out a small box. The outside cover displayed a vixen with a huge smile, a paw running across her glistening and darkened fur. "You do this."

Fox jerked his head back. "Dye!?"

"Do you have a better idea?"

No, he didn't. It was a simple solution, and one that would work in a quick bind. "There's only one box."

Wolf pulled the drawer open further, revealing four more. "I came prepared, Fox. Don't underestimate me."

He rolled his eyes. "Jeez, it's almost as if you knew I'd be here."

"I did," he smiled and wagged his tail. "If you don't have any other questions, I suggest you start using these. I'll need to set the ship to fly to Fichina before I nod off. You can find the showers and bathrooms across the hall. I'm sure you can manage all this on your own."

"I'm pretty sure I can."

Wolf stood up, stretched and made his way out the door. "Then go on and handle your business. Me: I've got a few things to do myself. If you're hungry feel free to whatever you can grab in the kitchen. Other than that, get some rest, and I'll see you when we arrive."

Fox hesitated after he left, trying to sort things through his head more before he attempted to get up. For a while he rummaged through his pack, frowning as he realized that he wasn't equipped with any cold weather clothing for Fichina's climate. That'd meant having to buy something to keep warm, or opting to keep inside his armor since it did provide some environmental protection. The latter wouldn't work, though. As if being Fox McCloud would've gotten attention, that armor suit would've done the same or more. He sighed and grasped the box Wolf had placed on the table and shuffled for the others in the drawer.

It took nearly an hour of rubbing his fur with the dark dye, all the while having to refer to the box for directions multiple times, before he had any confidence that the disguise may work.

This was followed by an hour-long wait for it to "stick" before he could even wash it off. Many a time he was afraid Wolf would walk in on him, naked with mangled fur completely caked in chemicals and going all over the place. The smell of it was even worse and perhaps it was what kept Wolf away the entire time.

When he was satisfied his fur was masked enough, he entered the showers. Water sputtered out in inconsistent bursts, forcing him to huddle as close to the shower head as possible. And since the box was especially clear that it would all need to be rinsed off or risk: "serious chemical burns," this took more time than it should have. He was only able to amuse himself watching the black water filter off his fur and down the drain.

When he was finished, he peeked out of the doors, eyeing to see if the lupine was lurking about, but didn't see him. The coast clear, he rushed off back to crew quarters and shut the door. Wolf may have been all too eager of giving him a show, but Fox wasn't one for it. Having his prying eye scanning him made him too...uneasy. However, he couldn't help but admit to himself he was a bit disappointed to not have seen him. But rather than linger around with those thoughts it was more appealing to wrap up in blankets and pass out on the nearest bunk, not even bothering to change into anything else to sleep in.

It was good to finally relax after having been on the move so much in the past few days. From scampering all over Katina for information, fighting off some goons, nearly winning his first bounty... And then Wolf, taking away all that hard work in a quick sweep like an opportunist vulture. He was still angry knowing the bastard was still smug about getting the one-up on him. But it wasn't like he didn't the following day, right? He got to intrude on him while he was unprepared and naked. That look of surprise on his muzzle upon seeing how Fox arrived early was enough to make him grin in his sleep.

Needless to say, it wasn't the most honorable of victories, but he'll take it. Another notch on his list of achievements against Wolf. Seeing just how his wet fur clung to his skin and brought out his well built frame... And that curious slither of white just in the groin. It made his mind drift on to what he and that cheetah must've done the night prior in that hotel room. Fox remembered that vague feline scent mixed in with Wolf's. He didn't like it. It wasn't right. How that meek cat would probably be lying there, staring into that deep, violet eye. Hearing him mutter his name...

"Fox."

That's right. His muzzle mouthing out those words...

"Fox...?"

Wait...Fox? Not Havoc?

"Fox!"

He got up with a start, his forehead slamming up against Wolf's. Both of them recoiled with grunts, the lupine shouting out a curse. "What the hell, Wolf! What are you doing here?"

"You son of a bitch, my head," he growled while rubbing his temple. "We're here, shit."

"Here?" It took Fox a moment to remember, "Fichina. Wow, that was fast."

"Fast? You've been out nearly ten hours."

"Ah," he groaned, also rubbing the spot his head butted up against Wolf, his vision blurry.

"Anyway, I've put something for you by the desk to change into. It'll be cold and since you looked to be lightly packed, I figured you didn't have any cold-weather garments."

As soon as his eyes had cleared he looked up at Wolf and frowned. The lupine was still staring at him, biting his lip as if considering what to say next. "Anything else?"

He grunted. "Once you've changed and you're done getting your boner down, meet me at the cargo hold."

Fox quickly darted his eyes to the very obvious tent that had formed from the blankets. This time he did hit his head when he jumped. He cursed, then looked back at Wolf who... was already gone.

Shit...

He scampered out of bed, ears flattened and hastily pulled up a pair of underwear from his pack. He was so flustered he didn't even pay attention to the dark garments he was putting on, nor the obvious dark fur that appeared in the reflection of the mirror across the room. How on earth did his own dreams wander to Wolf and his encounter the other night? And why did it bother him so much? And why was it his name he saw coming out of Wolf's mouth in the dream? And why the fuck did it make him hard?

It all was a mixture of confusing and humiliating for him he couldn't help growling in frustration. So much for having that extra notch on my belt.

"Well look at you," Wolf said when he caught up with him. "Can barely tell you're you with all that fur."

"I wouldn't know," Fox muttered. He didn't like that grin that hung on Wolf's face. "So I'm here, we set?"

"That we are. We'll be taking the shuttle this time. Our jets would be too obvious to point out."

"Agreed. So we'll land and do our best to appear as civilians. Then, we can gather some intel. Perhaps the local bars? See if anyone knows if Rock has arrived yet or not."

"That would be a good, but I've already got an idea on where to start."

Fox tilted his head. "Where's that?"

"While you were having yourself a Rip-Van-Winkle, I managed to get one last bit of information from our supplier."

Fox frowned. "That guy again?"

"Yes," Wolf's grin got larger. "Seems our target has a favorite spot in the resort to go to."

"Well, if the intel is good then it's a start."

"Oh, yes." His expression still hadn't changed. In fact, it was more a full toothy smile that Fox was now worried.

"What...Why are you smiling? What are you hiding."

"You'll see. Don't worry about it for now. Now I'll go in the shuttle first." By now he was laughing. "I wouldn't want you to give me head again now."

Fox flushed. He could feel the dye drain and turn back orange.

"Don't worry, pup. I know who to call should we need to go camping and pitch tents."