DISCLAIMER: I do not own Starfox, Nintendo does. If I did, I wouldn't be putting my stories here, I would be publishing them. However, Azulia Lombardi does belong to me. If you wish to use her, email me. [email protected]

-------------------------------------------

Falco Lombardi wandered aimlessly around Rustburough City, Titania. It was a relatively new city, and domed, to guard against Titania's unlivable atmosphere. The buildings, built from the rusted remains of the robots left on Titania after the Androssian War, towered above him. He sighed softly, staring up at the yellow-green sky for a moment. In Rustburough City, everyone ignored you. That was why Falco was here. He needed some time away from his adoring public, which, even he would admit, got annoying occasionally.

He walked by many other creatures of all shape, size, and species. None stopped to even glance at him. Falco smiled softly to himself. He couldn't be arrogant and outgoing all the time. Even he needed an occasional break. As he walked, his eyes drifted from face to face idly. None noticed him. They seemed to make sure they didn't notice anyone else. There were very few children with their parents, for it was early evening, and it wasn't a good idea to bring children around the city at night.

Suddenly, someone sped by him in a flash of silver and blue feathers. Startled, Falco spun around. The avian was looking back at him as she walked, and then, recognization in her fearful sapphire blue eyes, she broke her gaze and ran.

Falco stood for a moment before he realized that he had been staring into his mother's face. But that couldn't be. His mother was dead. His father had killed her when he was little. And yet, it did seem to be his mother. He knew it was. He could still see the falcon running, and ran after her. He had to catch her, had to see if it really was his mother. He hadn't ever seen her, but he had a picture of her in his quarters on Great Fox. This was the bird in the picture, he was sure of it. Pushing roughly past anyone who got in his way, her pursued his mother, but she was quick. As hard as Falco ran, he couldn't seem to catch up to her. She turned down a side street suddenly. Falco turned into it and ran into a cat, knocking both of them to the ground.

"I'm sorry," Falco said distractedly, looking around for her mother in vain; she had vanished.

"Well, Falco, what made you come charging around the corner like that? I do believe that woman who just went by was too old for you," the cat said teasingly.

"Katt," Falco sighed. "What are you doing... Wait! You saw that woman? Where did she go?"

"Calm down, Falco," Katt said, a smirk touching her features. "To be honest, I'm not sure. You ran into me right after she came around the corner."

"Damn," Falco muttered softly.

"Why?" Katt asked curiously. "Who was she?"

"N-Nobody," Falco said softly, turning around and walking away.

"Oh c'mon, Falco. I know it was someone, "Katt said. "Now who? Girlfriend?"

"No," Falco snapped, shooting Katt a look. "Of course not."

"So, it's not a girlfriend..." Katt echoed, following Falco. "Who then?"

Falco said nothing, instead walking faster. Katt adjusted her pace accordingly. Muttering to himself, Falco crossed the street. Katt tagged along behind him.

"Would you stop following me?" Falco snarled finally. "Why are you even here?"

"I live here, Falco," Katt said with a smile. "Anyway, it's a free planetary system."

Falco sighed and headed back to the hangar. Katt followed along like a little child after its mother. Falco glowered at the analogy that popped into his mind.

"Falco, tell me who it was!" Katt said. "You know I won't leave you alone 'til I find out."

"You never leave me alone," Falco said.

Falco walked in silence for awhile, fully aware that Katt was still pursuing him. He didn't look at her.

"Was she a relative?" Katt asked finally; Falco winced slightly. "Aha! So, what's the relation? Aunt? Cousin? Sister-in-law? Well, that wouldn't make sense because you don't have any siblings, but-"

"She's my mother, okay?" Falco growled, immediately regretting it.

Katt was stunned for a moment. He had known Katt since they were both little, and Katt knew about his mother. He tone changed immediately.

"Falco... Are you sure? I mean, it could have just looked like your mother, and maybe you thought-"

"It was my mother," Falco said. "I know it was."

Katt's eyes softened, and she quickened her pace to walk beside Falco, studying him carefully. Falco had seen Katt do this before. He was never sure what she was doing exactly. It was like she was searching his mind. Finally, she looked down at the ground.

"So... You really do think it's your mother," Katt said seriously; it was a statement, and not a question. "Alright then! I'll help you!"

"Help me what?" Falco said, looking at Katt incredulously.

"Help you find your mother!" Katt said, grinning widely.

"But Katt, this is a big city, and-"

"Oh come on, Falco! You must have heard of the Rustburough Underground!"

"The Rustburough Under-"

"Of course! If there's anything you want to know about anyone in this city, the Underground's got it! They'll know all about your mother!" Katt nodded eagerly.

Falco wasn't very happy about the idea of working with Katt. However, he did want to find his mother, and since Katt lived here, she would know the area better than he did. He looked at Katt once more.

"Fine," he said, sighing softly.