As Kalihn crept down the corridors of the lab, towards his freedom, he was drawn towards one of the rooms that flickered with a dull golden light. He couldnÕt open the door, but could just make out the form of someone, much like himself, strapped to a table. ÒHello?Ó Kalihn hesitantly called into the room. Then, as a flicker of light hit the figureÕs face, Kalihn saw himself, only he saw in the eyes of that figure a rage, so insatiable for death that all he could do was whimper, and run away towards the exit. The screams of the doppelganger echoing in his earsÉ The Shadow of FlyerFox Facing Yourself Chapter One ÒI have a past IÕd rather have in the pastÉ but as they say, the past will always catch up with you. And in my case, it came back with a vengeanceÉÓ ~ FlyerFox, pilot in the Cornerian Special Forces Team, ÔThe Pirate KillersÕ, Corneria. ÒPleased to meet youÓ Flyer shook Amber SquireÕs paw, ÒWhat do you wish to speak to me about?Ó ÒWellÓ the Red Panda tilted her head to her right and looked as if she were studying Flyer, ÒIÕm here about your twinÓ ÒYou have a twin?Ó Finnius gasped. Flyer had just returned from captivity on a religious groups space station, there with the help of Rudarius CormackÕs team, they rid the group of a plotting monk. ÒWell, IÉÓ Flyer struggled to explain, ÒHow come you never told us?Ó Lyn interrogated, ÒIÉÓ ÒYouÕre our friends!Ó Tourican threw his wings up in disgust, but then placed them on his beak, as his ache came back, ÒSteady onÓ Amber stepped in to defend Flyer, much to his surprise, ÒI may have only just met him, but I know about his twinÉ and if the twin knew about you three heÕd kill youÓ ÒThatÕs what I was trying to sayÓ Flyer gave a sigh of relief, ÒAnyway,Ó Amber continued, ÒI have been paid to kill him by an Ape whoÕs son was killed by himÓ, Amber knew she was good at twisting the truth, because an Ape HAD given her the orders to kill, but also to take FlyerFox to Venom. ÒCan we talk about this later?Ó Flyer asked, ÒCause IÕd rather not get my friends involved, IÕll talk to you tomorrow, when we set out to get him. Meanwhile, my friends and I are going for a drinkÓ ÒAnd maybe an explanationÓ Finnius muttered. Later at the local cafŽ that the Pirate Killers used, ÔThe ArwingÕ, the friends drank, and Flyer explained part of his history, leaving several bits out, but not adding any lies. He would tell his friends, but only after his ÔtwinÕ was taken care of. ÒSo let me get this straightÓ Lyn leaned across the table at Flyer, staring him straight in the eye, ÒYou say that you were taken aboard that space station cause Andross wants your hide?Ó ÒThatÕs rightÓ Flyer answered without flinching under LynÕs inquisitorial gaze. ÒAnd you donÕt know who your parents are?Ó Finnius asked, ÒThatÕs rightÓ Flyer answered again, and took another drink of Titania Whisky to cure the ache in his left leg, where a level one laser had struck him, ÒAnd you arenÕt one VenomÕs side?Ó Tourican added his ten credits worth, ÒNo, not like Finnius wasÓ Flyer looked at Finnius, who replied with a scowl, ÒGood enough for me!Ó Tourican raised a drink and gulped it down, ÒThatÕs not gonna help your beak in the morning, ÒZaphir commented as she sat down, ÒAh who cares. YouÕre not my mother anywayÓ Tourican dismissed ZaphirÕs worrying with a wave of his wing. ÒYouÕll care in the morning Tourican, sheÕs rightÓ Lyn added. ÒGreat, first you pick on Flyer, and now me!Ó Tourican moaned, ÒI have one more questionÓ Finnius interrupted and narrowed his eyes, ÒWhy the hell is your Arwing called ÔThe Shadow of FlyerFoxÕ?Ó ÒBecause, it makes a shadow, and I fly itÓ Flyer explained and rolled his eyes when finished, ÒHey Flyer, are you sure you wonÕt need our help?Ó Lyn asked, ÒYeah, you said that twin was a real wackoÓ Tourican pointed out, ÒIÕll be fine, he wonÕt try and kill me straight away anyway, after all, heÕs my brotherÓ Flyer smiled, but he was really thinking, IÕm not gonna let him find out about you guys. ÒFlyerÓ Zaphir leaned over and patted him on the shoulder, ÒIÕve just put a tracker on you, so if youÕre in trouble, weÕll knowÓ she whispered in his ear, ÒThanksÓ Flyer whispered back, and hoped he wouldnÕt lose his jacket. The cold blizzards on Fortuna had arrived, and all whoÕs houses had been decimated in the constant attacks of Venom forces were forced to take refuge in the many bases, and bunkers. One such place was an abandoned lab, recently rediscovered, without a soul in sight. There were sign of scuffles, and marks made by laser shots, but no blood, or bodies were found. Several pieces of equipment were found, and the soldiers could not tell who used it, or what it was used for, all that mattered was that this lab was fully operational, and the heating systems were perfect. Unfortunately, in all the confusion of finding a place to bunk up for the blizzards, many evil-hearted Fortunians could take advantage of this situation, and one such Fortunian, a sly faced numbat, was making an almost literal killing on the other poor individuals. A female Bandicoot and her child were searching from room to room, the child occasionally lingering in those rooms, having a good explore. The labs were huge, so it would be easy for the Numbat to take a prize, as his own son had been killed in the trek to the shelter. He hid in the shadows till the adult Bandicoot had passed, and then, as he little child skipped past he reached out, and grabbed the child, covering her mouth with one hand, and holding her around the waist with the other. He then turned and silently ran down the hallway and turned a corner, the mother had not even noticed, but someone else had. As the Numbat ran he heard a whirring sound, and before he could turn around, he felt a sharp stabbing pain in his right shoulder, causing him to relinquish his hold on the child. As the child ran away before his eyes, the Numbat felt a sharp jerk as whatever that had been jarred into his shoulder, had left. The Numbat quickly, but painfully, turned, a knife drawn, and at the other end of the corridor was a figure clothed in a black coat, all that was visible on the figure was some blonde hair, and a face like a fox. ÒA fox huh?Ó the Numbat started to back away as the figure almost silently strode forward ÒIÕve never killed a fox beforeÓ ÒAnd you never willÓ a harsh, male voice shot out as the figure got closer, ÒYou wonÕt stop meÓ the Numbat threatened as he searched for a way out, but heÕd backed into a long hallway, with no corners or doors, ÒYes I will foolÓ the figure threw of his coat and revealed to metal arms, and attached to those arms were tattered wings, ÒSon of a bitch!Ó the Numbat reeled in shock, ÒWho or what are you?Ó ÒThe nameÕs FlyerFoxÓ the figure answered, ÒAnd IÕm the one whoÕs going to end that pitiful life of yoursÓ, the figure stopped and raised his left claw. ÒWhat are you gonna do from that distance, and unarmedÓ the Numbat asked warily. ÔFlyerFoxÕ did not reply, but instead widened his blood red eyes. Suddenly a clicking sound emitted from ÔFlyerFoxÕsÕ wrist, and the claw seemed to detach itself from the wrist before, with a dull whirring sound, it shot out and hurtled towards the Numbat. In such a narrow hallway, all the Numbat could do was turn and run, but before he could get even a metre, he felt another stabbing pain, and then a ripping sound came from his chest, the Numbat saw nothing more as he past out from the pain. ÔFlyerFoxÕ jerked his left arm back, and the long, thin, metal chord started you wind back up into his arm, till the claw came back into place and the wrist clamped back onto it. ÒIÕve been meaning to try this outÓ he laughed as he dropped the red vital organ to the ground with an almost casual air, ÒAnd now all these trespassers will feel the same, except the oneÕs too young too knowÉÓ Chapter Two ÒHe is not the real FlyerFox. I am! I am the true one! And yet he is the one chosen! Him! He is no match! IÕll prove to Andross that he should have chosen me!Ó ~ FlyerFox Doppelganger, last seen on Fortuna. Aboard AmberÕs transport, dubbed ÔSquireÕs MountÕ Flyer was getting to know this Bounty Hunter who had just mysteriously out of the blue and demanded his help. ÒExiting Corneria airspaceÓ Amber announced, ÒRight. You know what my ÔtwinÕ really is right?Ó Flyer asked, ÒNot really, but I have grasped a bit of facts on himÓ Amber replied calmly, she could lie into a detector and get a 100% truth rating. ÒDo you want me to give you some extra information?Ó Flyer added, ÒI know everything up to how you escaped from the labÓ Amber again replied calmly, this she was telling the truth on. ÒWell, I saw him as I escaped from the labs, and when I told Dr Dean what I saw, he loaded up his computer and showed me that my ÔtwinÕ was an experimental clone, the first ever in the Lylat system. Sure, theyÕve cloned Tornab Crab, and plants and such, but I was the first of the intelligent life forms. Anyway, the cloning was not too successful, and so they decided to do some experiments to improve on him, but apart from that, I have no more information on him than youÓ Flyer explained, and hung his head dejectedly, ÒI should have saved him, maybe he couldÕve turned out betterÓ ÒItÕs better that you didnÕtÓ Amber comforted him, although she meant better for her. ÒThanks, how much longer before we reach Fortuna?Ó Flyer looked up again, ÒTwo hours at the least, and then we gotta pierce the blizzardsÓ Amber sighed, and turned back to the controls of her transport, ÒTwo hours eh?Ó Flyer frowned, ÒI hope my friends donÕt mind waiting for me to returnÓ ÒTheyÕd betterÓ Amber sneered, away from FlyerÕs eyes, ÒCause this may take a long timeÓÉ ÒYou got that thing working yet?Ó Finord asked Rudarius, who was fiddling with some wires on a small television screen, ÒJust finishedÓ Rudarius smiled, and flicked it on, a map of the Lylat System popped up, and a light blip came up on the screen, just exiting the Meteor Fields, ÒThanks, I got time off from working as the technician for those pack of yahoosÓ Finord smiled and wheeled over to a window in the barracks, ÒSo I have a lot of free time to killÓ ÒYou mean your friends?Ó Rudarius placed himself on a desk chair and slid up next to Finord, ÒYeah, all their ÔyahoosÕ, and Ôgreat shootingÕ and other such lines, they must forget that IÕm listening, and that IÕd love to take part, to feel the joy of flying for myself once moreÓ Finord sighed, ÒDonÕt worry Finord, youÕll get back up there some dayÓ Rudarius reassured Finord, ÒWell, I feel like timeÕs wasting me away and I might just miss that chanceÓ Finord looked up at the sky, an Arwing flew over and u-turned, Finord turned away and wheeled back over to the desk where the monitor was, ÒAnd I donÕt have any real reason to go outÓ he sighed, ÒNot trueÓ Rudarius slid his chair back next to Finord, ÒYou arenÕt the only ex-pilot in your position, you should get out there and meet people who now how it feels, find solace in their comfortÓ ÒThanks Rudarius, but I have to stay and watch for any sudden movements away from FortunaÓ Finord brightened up slightly, ÒThatÕs where youÕre wrongÓ Rudarius smiled and handed him a watch, with exactly the same picture and blip as the television screen, ÒYou can zoom it in by turning the knobs marked ÔZoomÕÓ Rudarius explained, ÒThanks!Ó Finord gave Rudarius a hug and placed it round his right flipper, ÒWhat do you say we go to ÔThe ArwingÕ?Ó ÒI sayÉ letÕs go!Ó Rudarius stood up and laughed, and as they left the barrack, ÒYou have a very good way with dealing with mood problems and depressionÓ Finord commented, ÒI once had to pretend to be a psychiatristÓ Rudarius replied, and they both laughed as the door swung closed. The lab was cleansed once more, and ÔFlyerFoxÕ stood in the centre smiling proudly to himself. When the blizzard ends, and they discover over 100 Fortuna citizens missing, they would send some special teams in, and he would kill them all till they sent FlyerFox, and then he would be the true one. He opened and closed his left claw, and grinned at the whirring and clicking sounds it made, as the soft humming of the garbage disposal cut and added fragrance its grizzly load. ÒI guess I might as well get something to eat nowÓ he laughed out loud and walked down to where the rubbish would be off-loaded, a skip in his step as he went. Chapter Three ÒThey call me a clone, but IÕm really an improvementÓ ~ FlyerFox Doppelganger, last seen on Fortuna. ÒÉAnd touch downÓ Amber announced, ÒGood, it was getting stuffyÓ Flyer sighed in relief as he opened the bay door and stepped out, a shiver ran up his spine. ÒCold isnÕt it?Ó Amber switched a few of the buttons and powered down her transport, ÒAt least the blizzards have stopped for awhileÓ ÒGood point, letÕs get some snow-riders and get over to that lab, I still know the wayÓ Flyer leaned back into the transport and clenched his claw, ÒI just hope he isnÕt expecting usÓ ÒYeah well, I hope so toÓ Amber climbed down onto the airstrip and closed the bay doors, ÒWeÕll get a map anywayÓ ÒGood ideaÓ Flyer nodded in approval, and as they started walking towards the supply depot, he suddenly asked ÒWhere are you from anyway?Ó ÒI come from MacbethÓ Amber answered, which was true, ÒI was born there, and was taken by Venom, forces, who trained me to be a killer. By some stroke of luck they decided to let me go, so I became a neutral bounty hunterÓ ÒVenom eh?Ó Flyer suddenly felt like he was being lied to, ÒHow come you knew what you did about me?Ó ÒEasyÓ Amber spoke as she opened the door to the supply depot, ÒI managed to get a look at some of the files on you, the others were difficult to crackÓ ÒRightÓ Flyer felt a little better, but still the feeling of doubt lingered, he had trusted her till now, and decided to look over his shoulder from now onÓ The female Bandicoot crawled weakly through the deep snow, and wept tears which clung to her face as she remembered what had come to pass but a few ours agoÉ ÒYou okay?Ó a Fortuna soldier, dressed in woollen gear stopped her as she made for the entrance area, he was obviously concerned, ÒMy daughter has gone missing!Ó she had frantically explained, ÒRight then, you make for the entrance where the commander is, IÕll radio in for your arrivalÓ the soldier had spoken calmly, ÒThank you,Ó she had said, as she looked at the ground. It was then she heard it, a whirring sound that stopped above her head, ÒW-what was that?Ó she had stammered to the guard. When she looked up she saw the guard convulsing on the end of a thin metal chord, ÒRunÉ for the love of godÉÓ the guard spluttered, and she had not hesitated, sheÕd rushed past, and towards the general direction of the entrance screaming, ÒEVERYONE! GET TO THE ENTRANCE! WE ARE BEING ATTACKED BY A MONSTER!Ó but despite all her warnings she was ignored, and she hadnÕt stopped to try and persuade them, and soon, their screams had slowly echoed their way into her ears, clutching at her mind, threatening to tear all sanity from her mind. SheÕd run so scared that she had shot straight out of the building and with little thought, into the cold snow outside, leaving the others to their fate. And now, she was about to give up all hope of making it to another base to warn, to get that thing stopped. She started to feel weak, a faint humming drawing near, ÒAngelsÓ she smiled through her frozen lips, and slowly drifted into darkness. ÒYou see what I see?Ó Flyer called out over the sound of the returning blizzard, ÒYep! Looks like weÕre on the right track!Ó Amber called back, ÒWe should see if sheÕs okay!Ó to this Flyer nodded and they dismounted from their snow-skis and knelt down by the still body of the Bandicoot. ÒSheÕs gone, we just missed herÓ Amber announced as she felt for a pulse, ÒLetÕs move onÓ ÒNoÓ Flyer replied, ÒWhat? Why?Ó Amber looked up bewildered, ÒShe deserves a burialÓ Flyer got up and walked to his snow-ski. He fumbled around for a moment and then drew his demolition class shotgun that he had stolen from the space-station, and aimed it at the ground near Amber and the body. Before Amber could say anything Flyer had fired into the snow, and after a second, it was thrown up revealing somewhat of a burial spot. ÒRoll her in and IÕll bury herÓ Flyer ordered, ÒShe was trying to warn us about my twin, she deserves this at leastÓ ÒI understand, Amber said, and she placed the cold body into the ground and Flyer then buried her under the snow, ÒNow letÕs goÓ, they both moved back to their snow-skis and proceeded along their way. The snow-skis slowed to a halt just in front of the lab, the old letters worn almost off, saying ÔSSORDNA LABORATRIESÕ, it loomed out of the snow, and proclaimed doom for the duo. ÒSSORDNA?Ó Amber asked confused, ÒRead it backwardsÓ Flyer instructed through clenched teeth, ÒAh, I understandÓ Amber replied, ÒSo now we should get in there and get that foolÓ ÒDid you bring thermo-charges?Ó Flyer turned to Amber, ÒSureÓ Amber smiled slyly, ÒWhy?Ó ÒGo around the sides, and place them all around, and after 15 minutes of me being in there, I want you to demolish itÓ Flyer instructed and got off his snow-ski, ÒOkayÓ Amber started her skiÕs engine and moved to drive off, ÒHold onÓ Flyer reached behind his head and drew from its sling the shotgun, ÒTake it, cause I reckon heÕd gonna kill me, and you need something as proofÓ ÒYouÕll pull throughÓ Amber smiled and sped off, and left Flyer wondering about whether the tone of her voice was edged with hope or not. Inside, Flyer beheld he dark place that was his home for 16 years of his life, where he became what he was, and where his clone came from too. ÒFlyerFox, youÕre here!Ó An evil voice echoed down the corridors and straight into FlyerÕs ears, ÒYes, I see youÕve gotten the place all neat for me? Where are all those people that wouldÕve taken refuge during the blizzards?Ó ÒMy stomach, lab rooms, and the garbage disposalÓ the voice laughed, ÒTime for a meeting donÕt you think?Ó Flyer called out, but got no answer, so Flyer closed his eyes and threw his head back, and made his radar call, his mind receiving the bounce-backs of all the siren sounds bouncing up corridors, and the last returning echo gave him the position of his doppelganger. Flyer drew his sword and powered up his pistol as he strode down the hallway, keeping half his senses on alert for more radar calls, and as he walked on he realised he was being led passed all the experiment rooms, to his left was a saw, to his right a freezing chamber, and in front, at the edge of the corridor the huge battle room, where Flyer was trained with a wooden sword. He looked into the rooms and saw the whimpering figures of children, strapped up, reminding him of his own past. His twin was taunting him, defying him to remember his past, trying to get him enraged, so that a clear headed attack would win decisively, but FlyerÕs nerve held resolute, and he vowed to rescue the children once he was done. His boots emitted a hollow echo as he picked up his speed, nearly eight minutes had already been wasted in his search, but now, in the battle room, his foe awaited. Flyer stood at the door, and hesitated, did he really want to kill his own flesh, but he remembered the woman in the snow, and the children in the labs, and also the marks on the walls, and he stepped inside. Chapter Four ÒThere will be a reckoning for this, this, what they did to me.Ó ~ FlyerFox, pilot in the Special Forces Team, ÔThe Pirate KillersÕ. Flyer took in the large scene before him, and saw that from across the arena was another figure, much the same to him, except for the two bright red lights that flared from the head. ÒWelcomeÓ the figure spoke, ÒHello ÔDoppelgangerÕÓ Flyer suddenly found himself spitting out that name, ÒYou are wrong there, you are the doppelgangerÓ Doppelganger retorted, ÒAnd you will not leave here aliveÓ ÒNow thatÕs what I want to now, why do you want to kill me? Is it because I left you behind?Ó Flyer called out, ÒNo! ItÕs because you were chosen over me!Ó Doppelganger yelled out, and raised his left arm, ÒChosen for what?Ó Flyer asked as he poised himself for whatever his clone had in store, ÒDonÕt act the fool! IÕm the superior! I should have been chosen!Ó Doppelganger screamed, ÒNo more! You die!Ó Flyer heard a click, and a whirr, and had barely a second to avoid a claw that embedded itself in the wall behind him, and almost as quickly returning to Doppelganger, ÒYou are very good, you are the first to avoid my clawÓ Doppelganger laughed, ÒBut donÕt get too hopefulÓ ÒSameÓ Flyer growled, his only chance was to get close to Doppelganger, and had just thought of a way to do it, up above was a long thin plank tat he used to walk across, and now he had to get up there. Fortunately, the laughing clone threw his claw at FlyerÕs feet, and so he used the chain as a boost, and boosted himself up, ÒPlaying games?Ó Doppelganger mocked as he retracted his claw, ÒTut, tutÓ he laughed and propelled his claw at the plank, shattering it into splinters, and propelling Flyer to the ground in front of him. In a flash Flyer was up, and so was his sword, sparks flaring as it connected with a metal claw. ÒUp close eh? IÕll still win outÓ Doppelganger laughed again and brought the other claw to bear. As the two identical figures clashed, the only thing distinguishing them were their coats, black and white, whirling and mixing till the stopped, in a final battle for supremacy. They stood facing each other, forcing their full weight, trying to grind the other down, but they were too equal. ÒGive up?Ó Flyer panted as he stared into DoppelgangerÕs red eyes, and much to his shock saw tiny wires centring onto the pupils, ÒNever!Ó Doppelganger growled, to Flyer there was only one chance now, he simply rolled himself backwards and threw Doppelganger over, the last thing expected, and as Doppelganger hit the ground, FlyerÕs watch went off, the alarm, the reading was fifteen minutes gone. ÒShit!Ó Flyer ran for the door as Doppelganger stood up, the building beginning to turn white, ÒCome back coward! IÕm not through yet!Ó Doppelganger yelled before a piece of falling roof silenced his cries, ÒFlyer ran to each of the lab rooms and wrenched the children free, their faces wet with tears, and he lead them out just as it exploded, collapsing itself. ÒGood work FlyerÓ Amber smiled as she stood near him, her shotgun aimed at him, ÒThanks butÉÓ before Flyer could finish Amber Squires had fired at the ground near him, and sent him sprawling, ÒW-why?Ó was all he could stammer, his energy spent, ÒIÕm supposed to, my client is Andross, in fact, heÕs my bossÓ and before she started to tie him up, he drifted into unconsciousness, at least he was alive, and Doppelganger was dead, hopefullyÉ ÒI think we should head back nowÓ Rudarius slurred to Finord, ÒReally? Why?Ó Finord drawled as they left ÔThe ArwingÕ, ÒCause we both wonÕt be able to walk soon!Ó at this they both cracked up laughing, ÒHold on, youÕd better check the watchÓ he added, ÒSure but, hey, itÕs moving again!Ó Finord proclaimed, ÒWhere to?Ó Rudarius asked, ÒUhÉ VenomÓ To be continued in the Final Story of the Shadow of FlyerFox trilogy, ÔThe Father GoneÕ. *AuthorÕs note: Once more I would like to thank Finnius Krill and Lyn Veaver for the use of their characters. To see who belongs to who, just read my authorÕs note from the last Shadow of FlyerFox story.