Chapter 1

A/N: This story is inspired by Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, one of the best films to grace the silver screen. You may notice similarities in my story to the movie throughout. Please enjoy!

A dark, overcast day took place on Planet Corneria. It was already midday, but the clouds didn't show any sign of leaving. Rain drizzled outside, and thunder made occasional noise to complement it.

Fox McCloud watched the stormy day from inside his house, through a small window in his bedroom. Less than a month ago, with the help of his teammates, he was able to end a significant threat to the Lylat galaxy. Hostile aliens known as Aparoids attempted to take control of the galaxy; fortunately, the Star Fox team was able to put the threat to rest.

Fox's teammates were Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, and Krystal. Falco was the ace pilot, arrogant and determined. Slippy was the clumsy mechanic of the team, but also helped in battle. Peppy was the eldest member, who had also served with the original Star Fox team led by Fox's father, James. Krystal was a mysterious vixen, whom Fox had rescued from Planet Sauria over a year ago. Fox and Krystal shared affection for each other, despite not having much time to spend together because of war.

General Pepper, former leader of the Cornerian Army, had been attacked by the Aparoids at one point during the war. The Aparoids infected him to the point where unfortunately, he was not able to make a recovery. Not too long ago, he succumbed to his illness and died at his home.

Pepper was replaced by a cat named Terrence Wright as the Cornerian Army general. The Star Fox team was suspicious of his behavior, though, and some strange choices he made in office already. Fox had always believed Peppy should succeed Pepper…

The Star Fox team had been established to keep peace and justice in the Lylat System. Evil had always engulfed the Cornerian Army forces, and it was up to Star Fox to lead the way to victory. Fortunately, they proved to be triumphant in every war so far.

Fox was average in height, had emerald eyes, a dark green shirt and dark green pants, a white coat, and red boots. He took pride in being the leader of Star Fox, as he loved justice and hated criminality. All of his career, he fought outside forces that invaded his home. He never considered the possibility of fighting against forces within Corneria…

As Fox was lost in thought, a knock came at his door. Fox rushed over to answer it, and found out it was a Cornerian Army soldier. It was a tall dog dressed in the army uniform, and equipped with a blaster gun.

"Commander Fox, you've been requested to meet with Mr. Hare at the Cornerian Space Academy," the Cornerian soldier informed Fox.

Fox thought for a moment. Why would Peppy need me right now?

Peppy and Fox hadn't seen each other since the Aparoid War ended. Fox could only hope for now that it wasn't another threat…

"I'll see him as soon as I can," Fox said to the soldier.

The dog nodded and returned to his car parked in front of Fox's house. Fox watched the soldier drive off, and then went to his own car. Still wondering why Peppy would summon him, Fox drove to the Cornerian Space Academy.

When he arrived, Fox found Peppy already waiting for him at the entrance of the Academy. He looked nervous, pacing back and forth. Peppy had large ears, an orange jumpsuit, a white coat, black boots, and spectacles across his dark red eyes. Fox jumped out of his car to greet his old friend.

"Peppy! A soldier told me you wanted to see me," Fox said.

"Yes, I know," Peppy replied. "I needed to tell you that someone on Planet Fichina wants to meet with you."

Fichina was a barren, icy planet in Lylat. During the Aparoid Invasion, the Star Fox team had to fix the climate control center when Pigma Dengar set off a nasty blizzard. Pigma was an original Star Fox member that had betrayed the team a long time ago, but had been killed in a skirmish with Star Fox in the Asteroid Belt.

Fox was genuinely surprised to hear this. "Fichina? I thought the planet was deserted…"

"Not entirely," Peppy explained, "There's a fox named Draven Lichak that lives in the outskirts, where it's not as cold."

"Who is he? How did he contact us?" Fox asked.

"Lichak is an old, close friend of your father," Peppy answered. "I met him once, but ever since James died, Draven went into hiding. For some reason, he really wanted to meet with you on Fichina. He sent one of his guards here to give us the message."

Again, Fox was surprised at the news. He didn't realize James had any other close friends that he didn't know about.

"Guards?" Fox wondered. "What do you suppose he has them for?"

"Don't ask me," Peppy replied. "I suggest you see him to find out what he wants. I haven't heard from him ever since before the Lylat Wars! I can't imagine what he's been up to all these years. From what I remember, he's a nice guy, so be respectful."

"Don't worry about that, Peppy," Fox grinned. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Right; you'd better take one of the Arwings in the hangar. Your old one is still under repairs," Peppy said.

"Still? It's almost been a month since we beat the Aparoid Queen!" Fox exclaimed.

"I know; things have been really slow around here lately," Peppy said. "Well, you'd best get an Arwing and head out soon; Draven's guard told me it would be best if you could see him as soon as possible."

"Alright," Fox said, and made his way to the Academy's door. "I'll see you later, then!"

"Let me know how it goes!" Peppy said, waving goodbye to Fox.

Fox made his way through the Academy to the hangar, letting a guard know that he needed an Arwing. Being the leader of Star Fox, Fox didn't have to worry about being rejected very often. After a few minutes of waiting, the guard presented a ship for Fox's use. The Arwing he received was in flawless condition, shining and beautiful with the traditional white and blue colors. Fox smiled at the sight of this Arwing, now wanting it over his old one that had taken so much damage in the Aparoid War.

"Just bring it back in one piece," the guard joked, chuckling as he walked off.

Fox jumped into the cockpit, getting a feel for the controls again. He had not flown an Arwing in about a month, which was an unusually long time for Fox. Fox mostly remembered how to drive the ship, but this particular model had a few different buttons than his old one.

Once he familiarized himself with these controls, Fox flew the Arwing out of the hangar and in the direction of Planet Fichina.