Love amidst war (PG13)

[starfox87]

Note: One of my many loves is ancient history. So, I decided to combine it with my love of Star Fox to create this. It was inspired by too many archeology books, a History channel documentary called "Last stand of the 300" and the movie “300“.  So, read, enjoy and review. No critique, just regular reviews. By the way, you can consider this an "out-of-the box" SF fic. Canon and original characters will be present.

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Chapter 1

The Persian empire was the largest empire in the history of ancient near-eastern empires. Stretching from Egypt to India, it was this vast expanse of lands that James McCloud was king over. However, the empire was in a struggle at the moment. One of its colonies in Greece had been destroyed by rebels. Now, James had to punish them. For some time now, he had been organizing a massive army and using the empire's immense wealth to equip and feed it. At the moment, however, he had things to discuss with his war council. He sat down at a table before his council of friends and advisors. Among them were Peppy Hare, Beltino Toad, Joran Lombardi, Korah Monroe and others.

"Trusted advisors of the Persian empire, I want to hear your opinions. Do you are think we are ready to march on Greece?" James asked.

Korah stood up, his gleaming feline eyes narrowing.

"Your majesty, if I may, I want to say something," he said.

"Speak," James answered.

"Do you remember your father and grandfather's policy on conquered nations and colonies?" Korah asked.

James thought back for a second.

"That we would allow them to keep their own customs and not impose the protocols of the empire on them," James said.

"Exactly. We've allowed them freedom, and look how they've repaid us. We must fight," Korah replied.

James then looked at Peppy and the other advisors.

"Give me your opinions," he stated.

They did so without question. The debating went on for a long time. Meanwhile, in another section of the palace, Fox McCloud, prince of the Persian empire, feasted with his closest friends  and companions. Among them were Falco Lombardi, son of Joran, Slippy Toad, son of Beltino and Katt Monroe, daughter of Korah. They were eating the finest foods from across the empire and drinking the finest wines. As they ate, they discussed the possible war with Greece.

"I don't know what to think. I know what they did was wrong, but do we really need to go to war?" Fox asked.

"I'm totally against it," Katt said.

"Why? The Greeks burned one of our cities. They deserve it," Falco replied.

Fox sighed as Katt and Falco went on and on. He hoped that the situation would soon resolve itself and war could be avoided. However, this was not to be. Conflict would be coming soon. Nothing could be done to stop it.

[Star Fox Runner]

I like this, I really do, but..... wtf did this come from.

[starfox87]

I wrote it to celebrate my love of ancient history. Anyway, here's part 2:

Chapter 2

Meanwhile, the Greek city-states were debating the war as well. The main center of this debate was Athens, in the palace of the city's king. The king of Athens was a blue fox named Apollo, and by his side was his attractive wife Rana, also a blue fox. They were debating with the city elders and advisors.

"As you all know, the Persians want to make war against us, and they have just about every advantage," Apollo stated.

"I know this will generate further debate, but we could always turn to the Spartans. They have an excellent military," a younger advisor said.

Rana looked right in his direction.

"The Spartans are our greatest rivals. Most of the recent wars we've had were with them," Rana explained.

"Yes, I know, but isn't it time that Greece unifies itself for once? In our current state, we'll more than likely fall apart," the advisor replied.

Apollo sighed.

"It's not easy putting aside years of conflict and rivalry. However, I'm beginning to see my advisor's point. It's time for action," Apollo answered

"You're just going to talk to the Spartans? Just like that?" Rana asked, a questioning glance in her eyes.

Apollo glanced around the room for a second before looking at his wife again.

"No. I want to consider all the possibilities," he said before dismissing the council.

In another section of the palace, a pair of lovely cyan eyes looked out the window over the city of Athens. This was Krystal, the beautiful daughter of Apollo and Rana. Like Fox, she didn't know what to think about the war. In her mind, she thought about what might happen if the Persians decided to fight and won: Greece would become a part of the Persian empire, and the citizens of the city-states would be enslaved. It was a terrible thought. When her parents showed up, her mind returned to the present and she went to them.

"Father, were you able find a solution?" she asked.

"No, Krystal. I'm seriously considering going to the Spartans for help," Apollo answered.

"What if they say no on account of you being Athenian?" Rana said.

"It's the only option we have," Apollo responded.

After more discussion, Apollo decided to go to Wolf O'Donnell, king of Sparta and leader of its armies, for aide. Apollo and his aides left Athens two days later. After their journey, they reached Sparta. They were able to gain audience with Wolf himself. Wolf was a seasoned military leader, having trained from age seven as a soldier. He was one of the lucky ones, the ones who made it through the harsh training program. At age seven, he had been taken from his mother and put through all kinds of brutal training. Finally, when he reached age eighteen, he completed said training. Now, he was the king of Sparta. He looked on as the Athenians were brought before him.

"What do you want of me?" Wolf asked.

Apollo was the first to speak.

"Doubtless, you know that the Persians wish to fight us," he said.

"Of course I know this," Wolf answered.

"Well, if they do bring war, I would like Sparta's help," Apollo said in his most persuasive voice.

However, Wolf was not persuaded. He only laughed.

"We Spartans give you help? No. If Persia comes after you, fight them off yourself. You have an army," Wolf said with a vicious sneer.

"But the Persian army is much greater than ours," Apollo protested.

Wolf glared angrily at the Athenian king.

"Sparta will not help you, because you are our rivals," Wolf replied as he began to walk away.

Apollo and his aides were escorted out of Sparta after the meeting was over. They returned to Athens, despair showing on their faces. Rana saw her husband's face and went to him.

"Did your meeting in Sparta go well?" she asked.

"No. They rejected our proposal. Now, the only peaceful solution I can think of is to go to Persia, meet with the king and try to convince him to hold back his armies," Apollo answered.

"Should I write your letter of request?" one of the nearby scribes asked.

"Yes. Do so with all urgency. Once the letter has been received and we get permission to go, we leave for Persia. All of us," the king of Athens told his court.

Krystal's mind began to wander as she listened to her father. Her feelings about the trip were mixed. Her first thought was that it might be dangerous visiting the enemy's country, but then another thought came to her: It might be exciting seeing a place outside Greece for once. Once the letter was written and sent off, the court began waiting for a response. As she fell asleep that night, Krystal wondered what awaited her in Persia.

[Four-eyed Vulpine]

Oh man, this idea is turning out to be incredible!  I've taken World Civilization in my freshman year of college, and the historic events, qualities, and characteristics match perfectly.  What's even more amazing is your ability to mesh modern fictional characters and their personalities into the ancient plot without flaw.  You're a very good writer, and I look forward to more work from you.

[starfox87]

Chapter 3

The message was written and sent out. Many, many days later, James received it. He broke the seal and read from it. It read:

To James McCloud, king of Persia,

I know that relations between our cultures have been strained as of late. Because of this, My court and I wish to come to you so that we can discuss recent events and hopefully come to an agreement.

Please respond as soon as possible.

Apollo, king of Athens.

After reading, James seemed to go into a state of deep thought. He was completely silent for several minutes before looking back at his advisors.

"Is it wise to allow them here?" James said to no one in particular.

"I would think so. The letter seems genuine enough," Peppy replied.

"Yes, but what if it's a hoax? Instead of the royal court, it could be their army," Joran said.

Korah looked at the blue-feathered falcon.

"We're talking about the Athenians. They're mainly a group of philosophers and thinkers. Their army is not that great," the orange-furred feline said.

"I think it'll be safe letting them come for now," Beltino said.

The group of advisors looked at James, awaiting an answer.

Again, James was silent for a bit, as if searching for an answer. Finally, he spoke.

''Yes, let them come. Scribes, prepare the invitation letter," James declared.

They did as instructed. Many, many days later, one evening,the letter arrived. Apollo broke the seal and read it aloud. It read:

Apollo, king of Athens,

I accept your invitation. My son and I look forward to meeting with you and your court.

James McCloud, king of Persia.

"Well, everyone, it's getting late. Get a good rest. We leave tomorrow," Apollo announced.

Everyone turned to leave. Just as Krystal was going, Apollo stopped her.

"My daughter, how would you like to do Greece a service?" he asked.

"Father, what do you mean?" Krystal asked.

"When we leave Persia after the discussions, I want you to stay behind as my representative," Apollo answered.

"But..." Krystal tried to say before she was cut off.

"I know that normally I would leave behind a member of the court, but with all that's going on, I need everyone," Apollo said.

Krystal reluctantly agreed. The next day, the royal wagons and carriages were prepared and Apollo and his family left. It would be a long journey, one that would give them plenty of time to discuss their plan of action.