Tiers and Hopes, Book 2

Innocence Regained

"Ernest Hemmingway once wrote, 'The world is a fine place and worth fighting for'. I agree with the second part."

-Se7en (1995), dir. David Fincher

"This council finds that both Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi have demonstrated genuine remorse for their past actions, and we have heard at least two testimonies regarding their improving character. Therefore, we hereby reinstate their pilot's licenses effective immediately, with all privileges and benefits said licenses entail. Also, we are ordering that this infraction be fully expunged from their records. Provided, of course, that they enroll in a 12-week sensitivity training course and write a formal letter of apology to the parties they have wronged. Is that clear?"

Falco and Fox stood before the council, both attired in business suits. "Yes," they replied in unison.

"I hope you know that we've decided to give you a second chance. Let it not be in vain."

"We won't," said Fox. "You have our word."

Hand-in-hand, the two reinstated pilots walked out of the room to find Kirby and Luigi waiting for them.

"Well?" asked Luigi.

Falco grinned. "We got our pilot's licenses back," he announced. "The nightmare is over!"

"Poyo," said Kirby.

"We have to take some sensitivity training courses, but redemption always has its price," said Fox.

"I hope you both learned something from this," said Luigi.

"Trust me—we have," Fox told him.

"Thanks for vouching for us," added Falco. "We really appreciate it."

We didn't do it for you, thought Luigi, but he smiled at the avian. "Had to do what we had to do," he said.

"Poyo poyoyo poyo," added Kirby.

"I meant what I said a while back," said Fox. "I want us to start fresh. I want us to trust each other again."

"Poy," Kirby said coolly.

"And the same goes for you, Luigi," Fox went on. "I know this has you thinking about the past, but—I didn't know what I was thinking."

Luigi gave him a cool smile.

"Falcon and I are doing much better," said Fox. "Whenever we wanna host parties, we make sure we invite everyone."

"That's very kind of you both," said Luigi.

"Maybe—the five of us can do lunch," said Falco.

"Well—that depends," said Luigi. "We'll need to take a look at our schedules."

"Poy poyoyo poyoy poyo poyo," added Kirby.

"Fair enough," said Fox. "Falco and I need to get going and register for our sensitivity training course before the deadline. Thanks again for your help."

"You're welcome," said Luigi. "We'll see you later."

Kirby and Luigi watched Fox and Falco go, and then the Star Warrior turned to his friend. "Poyo poyo poy poyoyo?" he asked.

"I can't say," said Luigi. "It will always hurt until the end of my days. But I think it's worth a try."

"Poyo poyo," mused Kirby.