Starfox Adventures Reimagined
A/N: Well I never thought I would be here again but alas here I am. I had this idea in my head since the return of Starfox in Starlink Battle for Atlas and having been on a Starfox craze recently. I decided to look back at Adventures a controversial entry in the series, but one I like nevertheless. Despite that though I still have a lot of issues with it hence this story, the biggest was basically the shunning and lost potential of Krystal and several other features that were planned in both SFA and Dinosaur Planet. So here we go, I hope you enjoy!
Prologue: Paradise Lost
Log entry 64: In case of emergencies!
This war that steamed through pure hatred is ending, the fools that shunned my genius and decided that my own security wouldn't make them save are almost among me. I only have a few lines of defence left and it would appear that they are breaking through the lines in Area 6. Imbeciles! The lot of them, I can't believe that out of all the Cornerian army only a small mercenary group has made it this far. Starfox, that name keeps haunting me. It wasn't enough when James McCloud the man who never deserved Vixy the woman I loved and started that infernal team. Now his damn son has the audacity to face me with his new team, though I will take great pleasure in sending him Daddy's way.
Of course, it may not come to that I still have that paid scum Wolf O Donnell and his team with my useless nephew in it. Though now that I think about it with him on the team I can't be certain of success. No matter even if Fox McCloud does somehow get here I have nothing to fear, win or lose I have been researching a way to cheat death. It would appear that there is a planet on the far edge of the Lylat system known as Cerinia. A primitive planet far less advance in the ways of technology to our worlds of Venom or Corneria. However, I have noticed a few things about it that makes it slightly less primitive.
The people of the planet are powerful creatures, many have the power of telepathy and what many would consider "magic". Their Chieftain a man called Randorn seems to have the ability to use this "magic" and it would appear that he has found a way to connect his own abilities and the power of an ancient race called the Krazoa to create the power of resurrection. I would have normally passed this off as nonsense, but I have heard of people wanting to take this power.
People with no power and authority are usually the ones that want the most. I have heard of a tribe on the planet of Sauria, the Sharpclaws a dinosaur race who are fighting to be heard. Alas however, they aren't due to the other tribes who believe they are dangerous and untrustworthy. Then again there is merit to what they say, the leader General Scales is a person with deadly ambition and a lust of power. I feel one way or another I will be able to use this man to do what I wish. Now I have set the gears in motion, Scales will secretly do what I want and soon everything will go according to plan.
Time is now short, as Fox and his team are in my terrain. It will be do or die for the both of us but either way I will be the victor!
*Planet Cerinia 6 years later*
"Krys!" I heard the voice of my annoying older brother call out to me, seriously just because he was seven years older then me he thought he could push me around. I was simply to try and sleep off a bad night and he would never let me rest.
"Kyrs I swear to god if you aren't up yet!" His voice and footsteps got louder as I could tell he was nearing my door. I had a feeling he would barge in at any minute, seriously would it kill him to let me sleep in for a few more minutes? As expected I soon heard my door swing open followed by a deep sigh.
"Krystal come on you know that today is important, I swear just because you have the magical side of the family you feel like you can break tradition."
I slowly got myself up and yawned loudly, before rubbing my eyes to clear away the sleep. "Oh, Sabre would you please calm down? I didn't forget anything, but the rituals I perform can be strenuous on my body. Just because you spend all day running around doesn't mean we all have to." I explained as I looked sleepily at my elder brother.
He was orange furred fox, sporting a green tunic with a brown shoulder line, as well as two belts on his chest and one around his right shoulder. Not surprisingly he was carrying his sword in his left hand, it was funny our planet knew not of war, but he was so adamant to carry his sword with him like it would break out in any minute.
"If I didn't 'run around' all day we will never know what could happen. Just because the Lylat War has ended doesn't mean we are safe, besides princess even you can't predict everything." Sabre scoffed he was always so prideful of his 'warrior' nature. Though personally I felt it was a cover for the fact he wasn't fluid in the arts of our people like me or father.
I smirked at his comment. "Well we can't all be like your hero Fox McCloud, now can we?" I shook my head my brother held no secret of his admiration for the Starfox team that ended the war, and the leader of that group. "Besides even great leaders need people behind them, especially ones with great knowledge." I stretched out and yawned again. "Anyway, can you kindly get out? I will meet you downstairs in a few minutes. I just need to get ready."
"Fine but will you try and hurry up? You know Father will not tolerate you being overly late." He pouted before turning his back and storming out the room making sure to slam the door behind him. Sometimes I wonder who the younger sibling was at times.
As I got out of bed and quickly slipped into my white robes that were used in my daily training. It was a very basic robe that covered my body perfectly well though it had a gold bra band that covered the chest. I look in my mirror and fix my hair, heck a girl still has to look her best even if I have to have a pushy family.
I picked up my tiara made of beads and slotted it on my forehead before picking up my turquoise jewelled pendent placing it around my neck soon after. Both of these belonged to my late mother, a woman who was loved by all and many said I resembled in my nature and looks.
I left my room and made my way outside where Sabre was, though I barely took any time at all I was certain he would be mad at me. As fate would tell it as soon as I got outside…
"Geez, Krys took you long enough!" Sabre sulked as he leaned on the wall of the house. I swear he is so childish.
"I wasn't that long Sabre, you should know that patience is a virtue and you shouldn't rush a lady." I shook my head at his actions but kept the smile on my face, this wasn't the first time Sabre acted like a child and I was certain this was just his way by now.
"When I see a lady, I will remember that now come on!" Sabre smirked as he suddenly ran off in the direction of the temple. Honestly, he was such a brat sometimes.
I slowly took off after him, it was too much of a nice day to run off like him, so I can enjoy my surroundings. Cerinia was a beautiful world, it was peaceful and tranquil I walked through the forest walkway. Tall trees full of bloom and as tall as the sky stood everywhere in my vison, with a gentle calm breeze blowing on my face. My feet were swimming through the exotic flowers of tropical colours. As I continued into the forest, I came across the wooden bridge, the sound of the stream underneath was soothing as my footsteps on the bridge echoed around the woods. I was closing in on the temple at the end of the clearing, the structure was of old stone and metal. It had a domed top like the back of a tortoise with several stone pillars holding it up, it was impossible to see the inside from this angle. But I also could tell that the ground around it was protected with a magical circle, that only certain higher ups on the planet could dispel, it gave a blue calming glow which came from the circuit on the ground with tribal signs. Even during the day, the mysterious yet calming glow radiated light that could be seen by the common eye. The energy of the planet could be felt with every step, as a person with spiritual powers, it was like our planet was speaking with us. It was a warm, safe feeling we had disputes like anyone, but we knew that no matter the planet would protect us.
As I made my approach, I saw Sabre standing with a smaller elderly fox, he was going grey in many areas of his body, especially his shaggy hair on his head. His eyes were yellow and stoic. His outfit was that of an old mage, cloaked in green with a cape of crimson with tribal marks in gold. His name was Randorn and he was my father. Despite his old age he was a man of great power and wasn't the kind of man you would want on your bad side.
As I arrived father sighed. "Honestly Krystal you may be my daughter, but you really need to take this seriously. Today is a very special day to you and if you want to be the head of the planet you need to take responsibility for your actions as well as your people." His voice was raspy but stern as well, I always hated him like this it always made me feel guilty.
"I'm sorry Daddy." I practically whispered as I hung my head, I never did like to disappoint him especially since he thought so highly of my potential. "I promise it won't happen again, I will simply endure from the ritual training."
Father sighed once again, I was hoping he wouldn't be upset with me again in this next sentence. "I am aware it is tiring on you my dear, but I am only doing this to help you." He suddenly turned on his feet and walked towards the door of the temple. "Now shall we begin?" Without waiting another second, I quickly followed him as the door opened, I could hear Sabre sniggering behind me. He always enjoys me being told off, oh well I will get him back for this.
Entering the temple, I was met with the scene I had seen ever since I was a child. It wasn't much of a place; the stone ceiling was shallow and hung down though we had no fear of being crushed by it. The light radiating from it was a calming blue around the same colour as my fur, it hummed and pulsated frequently I couldn't think of anything so mystical if I tried. As we walked further in, we entered the chamber with a magical circle, the circle was where I would focus my abilities everyday it was also the connection to our planet, so we could properly hear the voice of it. However, something was very different today, in the middle of the circle was a staff I had never seen before. It had a golden spear head with blue and purple lines twirled around it's base. I couldn't explain it, but its power was drawing me towards it like if it was meant to be mine.
"So now you see why I brought you here." My father chuckled, as I cocked my eyebrows in confusion which just made him laugh more. "Krystal my dear daughter, this staff is a special artefact one that only ones pure of heart can use." He sighed slightly and then continued. "This staff has been waiting for you, and it is something you will need as a valuable partner in times I dare to think will be dark. Look after it my child and it will look after you."
I swallowed hard, this was all happening so fast not only that, but it was all so shocking. "What do you mean when times will get dark?" I couldn't help but ask that line had shook me pretty hard, I had never known our planet to be in any sort of trouble before, but the way my father was acting it seemed something terrible was to come.
"I can not be sure, but there is a dark cloud lingering. So, I have to take all precautions hence I asked Sabre in here as well. Krystal, I need you to be prepared for anything as well, so to learn the art of combat. Sabre will train you as your spiritual training is more of less complete, I now need you to do this. Not only for me but for the hope of our planet as well." My father's voice had never sounded so serious and yet sad at the same time. I couldn't help but feel he wasn't telling me the whole truth.
I went over and picked the staff up, a powerful surge shot through it and into my body. It was a warm sensation it was during that time that I knew the staff had chosen me. I took a bit of time to get used to the feel of it, it was surprisingly light, but I wasn't one to complain if I was going to be wielding it making so it was easy for me to do was a plus. Feeling content with the feel I swung it a few times and performed a few spins. It handled perfectly like it was an extension of my body, it was odd how natural it felt. Though I had a little bit of combat experience, usually because my brother insisted on me using a practice sword to help him hone his skills. I never took it as seriously as him, but I felt satisfied with this. This was my weapon and I knew it would serve me well.
"Not bad little sis seems you may only need a few lessons from me to get good with that thing." Sabre whistled in admiration, I had to admit that felt good too. He always complained about my lack of interest in combat, though secretly I practiced a few moves without his knowing. Hey, don't judge me I wasn't letting Sabre think I was some basket case who couldn't carry herself. "Still that doesn't mean I will take it easy on you from now on."
"Oh?" I smirked feeling way more confident all of a sudden. "So, you mean you were trying hard those times we did 'practice'?" I mocked as I suddenly turned to face him with my staff pointing in his direction.
Sabre drew his blade and smiled back. "You haven't seen anything yet!" He was about to lunge but father soon stepped in his way. "Oh, come on Father she is asking for a fight, so I am just going to give her one!"
"Imbecile!" Father shouted at him, this was the kind of attitude he had when Sabre did something stupid. "You can't fight in this holy place it can very easily disturb the balance of the planet." His eyes suddenly shifted to me, staring daggers at me. "You should know better too, sometimes I feel I have reckless moronic children. Now go and practice elsewhere and let me get back to my rituals." He snorted and beckoned us both out the door.
Sabre and I didn't say anything until we left the temple completely and headed back to the house. Eventually he spoke up. "You know it's your fault father snapped at us, I can't believe you are so hot headed. You're meant to be the calm one!"
I laughed lightly at this. "I suppose that is one way to look at it. But I never had an intention to fight you in the temple, plus I am only stubborn and 'hot headed' because you constantly teased me when we were younger. Heck you were even sniggering to yourself when father told me off for being late." This wasn't uncommon of us to argue, but despite his nature and his attitude at times. I would feel lost without him, I loved him plus he would stick out his neck for me when it mattered. After all I swear this was the natural order for siblings.
We argued for a while longer as the sunset on the day, but I still felt doubt in my heart about what our father had said. Was he really telling us the full picture and if he wasn't what was he holding back from us?
*Several weeks later*
I felt my feet leaving the ground as I fell backwards, I had been pushed backwards from the counter my brother had done with his sword. We had been training for the weeks that had passed and whilst I was getting better Sabre was still not giving an inch. I could only see the tops of the trees and the sky above as everything slowed down, I was sure to fall on my back but as I did a hand grabbed me around my waist holding me up. As I shook my mind back into realisation, I noticed it was Sabre was holding me, but he also had his sword pointed at my throat. What a lovely brother I have!
"You really thought that would have worked on me Krys?" His trademark smirk was plastered on his face. Gods I hated that smirk! "You still seem to forget your staff is a much longer weapon, you can't fight like you do with a sword. Plus, you put too much pressure into your body, you have to flow naturally with your weapon." His smirk suddenly dropped showing a look of concern. "I know you can do this Princess, you have done it before, but you seem to be distracted and you lose sight of the fight sometimes."
I couldn't deny he had a point, ever since father's ominous words on the day I got my staff. I seemed lost in thoughts at times, worried about what he really meant and what secrets he refused to tell us. I sighed and looked at my brother "I think that is enough for today. Otherwise your sword will eventually go into my throat at this rate."
Sabre helped me stand up, withdrew his sword from near my throat and sheathed it. "Krystal, you know despite what you may think I do love you. If something is on your mind, talk to me. I can tell you aren't your normal self, and maybe I'm not as spiritually powerful as you. But I'll be damned if I can't help my baby sister with her problems when she needs me." This was a first! My brother was actually being caring towards how I felt, his words were full of sincerity it was touching to hear him pour his heart out to me. Maybe he was finally beginning to understand the meaning of our people more then the ability to fight.
"Sabre I…." I started but as soon as I did, I had to finish. Something was wrong, a sharp pain stung through my head. I collapsed to me knees and screamed out, the pain was unbearable. I knew it something had happened at the temple, something was causing our planet to be infected. I barely opened my eyes and there it was the flowers around us once full of colour and life, were disintegrating below my feet. Our world was literally falling apart.
I could see my brother kneeling down to look at me. "Krystal what's wrong? Talk to me!" His voice now full of panic and something I had never heard from him before. Fear!
I regained some of my composure and looked up at him before giving out a loud gasp. Behind him I could see the sky a moment ago it was clear and beautiful but now it was tainted with cloud blacker then the darkest night. "Sabre, we need to get to the temple and fast!"
He nodded and helped me up, without another word we ran off towards the temple as we sprinted off, I couldn't help but see our once beautiful world dying in front of my very eyes. The streams of water looked more like crude oil, it was thick and black the trees were cracking with the bark falling off in huge chunks. Flowers were nothing more the ashes, but as we got closer and closer more disturbing images entered our sights. Homes were on fire, several of the inhabits were burning with their buildings. I also noticed as we approached the waterfall towards the bridge that some of our people must have drunk the water, the black oil like substance was dripping from their open mouths. The eyes were glassy and completely pale, I couldn't help but feel sick from this.
Suddenly though as we approached, I saw something I really wished I hadn't. I saw several of our kind, but this wasn't a peaceful gathering. Many of them were lying on the ground a sea of red underneath several bodies, as it careened down onto the magical circle the soothing blue colour of the magic. Now as crimson as the blood that was expelled from the once proud citizens of Cerinia.
I would like to say that was the worse of it but alas it was not. Two more people were fighting it out sharp blade in both of their hands. There eyes were unnatural they had become silted and yellow, their fangs bear as they lunged at each other. No sense of our noble, caring nature was left in them. They clashed together pure animosity in the way they fought, punches thrown, blades clashing swift deadly combat. This wasn't like the practice me and Sabre did this was for real. Like they really were willing to kill each other. The one on the right had gotten the advantage, delivering a swift attack with his leg into the stomach other causing the other to drop his weapon and keel over.
What followed went so quickly but I never forgot the horrific image in my mind. The victor leapt on his prey and ribbed his teeth right into the sternum breaking through and chewing through the cartilage. The exposed organs were soon to come, the victim had no chance to scream or anything as he was literally being eating alive. I couldn't bare the sight, I closed my eyes and prayed it would be all over. Then it was, I heard a suddenly slash through the air. I regained my composure and looked up. The victor had also slumped other but the big thing that was different was his head was gone.
"Sabre…" I squeaked slowly looking over to him, he was now covered in blood and his sword was stained with the substance as well. The realisation hit me like I had been hit with a spaceship. My brother had just…Oh Gods!
"He was a monster Krystal, he was no longer a person we knew." Sabre's voice was dark and full of regret. "I had no choice, none of these people had the choice."
I swallowed back the vomit threating to leave my mouth and gagged. "The people of our planet are tied with the planet's lifeforce. And yet you are not affected." I suddenly looked back at him. "Sabre just who are you?"
Sabre didn't say anything at first, but he looked pained. "I can't full explain that Krystal but let's say I'm not really your brother, more like a half-brother. As for why you aren't affected either is simple. You are to be the last salvation for this world…" His pause made me uneasy. "Or at least you would if it wasn't already too late."
I was about to ask what he meant, but then the temple door opened this day was only getting worse as a giant lizard dinosaur emerged from the entrance. In his left hand was father or at least what remained of him. It was simply his head, his other hand raised in glory his disgusting muscular scaly hands. He was supported with shoulder pads with spikes on them and covered in an orange tunic with a crudely drawn S on it. He roared in triumph clearly, he was the one responsible for the destruction of our paradise.
Sabre grabbed my hand and ran back towards our home with me being dragged along the way. I was in shock and couldn't really comprehend what had happened. No that wasn't quite right I just didn't want to believe what had happened, no matter how I looked at it this was the last day of Cerinia. Our people dead, my father dead, and the person I thought was my brother wasn't really my brother. I was losing everything, and my world was being ripped apart.
We had returned back but Sabre took me round the back and revealed something I had never noticed before. Within a secret area, was a silver spaceship. It was shaped like a bird, with its wings sticking out on each side.
Sabre had grabbed some supplies from the house and placed them inside the ship before heading into the cockpit, he was typing away and the engines started up with a whirl. I was amazed he had planned this out in advance. "Krystal, we need to go now, quickly get in!" His voice was raspy and dry he hadn't stopped as soon as we left that horrid place behind.
I had nothing more then the clothes I was wearing and my staff, but I couldn't deny him of that request. I turned around to enter but as I did the giant lizardman appeared lunging at me. This was it I was dead!
"Back off you monster!" Sabre's voice rang in my ears. He had stopped the lizardman from killing me and he was now pushing him back. I drew my staff there was no way I was going to let him risk his life for me.
"You think you can save her!?" The lizardman as he effortlessly threw my brother around. "You don't understand she is important to my plan." It was then I had noticed something I hadn't before. Floating above this creature was the spirit of someone. He was ape like in shape, hairy and vicious looking. No, it couldn't be. Could it?
Sabre chuckled. "Yeah, I bet she is, but you mess with my baby sister and I will make you suffer lizard. Besides you can't take someone who is already leaving!" I was puzzled by what he had said until he shoved his hand onto me and I fell backwards. No Sabre don't you dare! The door of the ship had closed, and I soon realised that Sabre had put this thing on autopilot and it was taking off.
"SABRE! SABRE!" I screeched I couldn't believe he had done this. I saw the lizardman roar in anger and lunge at my brother again. But this time he had prepared himself for the fight and in one quick move had sliced that monster's left arm off. The creature roared in pain, and violently with his other hand slashed at my brother knocking his sword out of his hand before picking him up to choke him.
"You fool! You will regret this. She can't hide from me forever, and now you will die for your foolhardy effort." I could hear him other the jets of the craft, his voice was loud and booming. Fear gripped my very body as I saw what happened next. Sabre squirmed in his hand for barely a second before his body went limp. His head twisted to the left, the monster had broken my dear brother's neck.
Tears streamed from my eyes as I ran to the cockpit and strapped myself in the engines had fired up and soon, I was in the atmosphere and shot into space. The realisation of everything hit me at that moment and I burst into tears. This couldn't be happening, I had never felt this much sadness and loneliness in my life. My peaceful life was now destroyed my planet had been wiped out and all the family I had was no more. A dark void was filling my mind, it was cold and isolated I could feel my consciousness fading into it. The stress of everything was sending me to my death too, it didn't seem so bad at least I would be back with mother and father and Sabre too.
"You can't give up!" A voice suddenly came from the transmitter on the ship. At first, I couldn't figure out who it was, but the voice was soft and angelic. Was it the angel waiting to take my soul away? No, it couldn't be they didn't want me to give up, the voice was so familiar and that was when it hit me.
"Mother?" I said through uncontrollable sobs, but she was dead she couldn't be talking to me. At least that was the most logical thing to think but of course it was a recording. I looked up to see the image of my mother starting back at me. A radiant figure with a warm smile.
"Krystal if you are listening to this, what I feared has come true. Our planet is destroyed, and destiny has chosen you as the last of our people." I couldn't believe what I was hearing my mother knew about this. She had died when I was six how could she have known all this before now?
"I know this is hard to believe, but your father and brother knew the truth too. Though chances are you now know Sabre was never your brother. He was a young boy abandoned by his parents on a distant world, we found him and loved him like our own. Before we even had you my sweet Krystal."
All of this was unbelievable I didn't know so much about my family and now this happened. My mother still hadn't finished her message however. "I'm so sorry this has happened to you but know this I have every confidence that your father and Sabre trained you and prepared you for this. You may not be able to save our home but know that you will one day be able to stop the man that did this to our people. Never give up, never lose sight of who you are and may your pure heart guide you no matter what the situation. I love you Krystal, my angel!"
Mother's voice stopped coming as the message cut off. I couldn't help it anymore tears simply wouldn't stop falling from my eyes. I knew it wouldn't help anything, but I had to let it all out. I was hurting that my family held this information back, I had barely known mother and now it seemed she knew all of this was to happen to me. I should have been anger and fearing what was to come. But for some reason I didn't feel that way, ok I did feel anger from the loss of my home, but I felt loved still. Mother had left me this message and despite everything I knew everyone still cared about me. In death they had given me a reason to keep going, this wasn't revenge it was a test of my faith and my willingness to live. Well I was going to live, and I would find something to fight for, but for now all I wanted to do was cry and secretly hoped that my tears would bring back what I lost.
A/N Holy heck that took a while, and this is just the beginning. I feel a bit rusty having not written in a while, but it will be nice if you guys give feedback. Just don't be an arse. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the prologue of things to come, next time we will begin at the beginning of the game. Fun! So, when I have time, I will get the next chapter out just don't expect a frequent barrage of chapters.
See you all next time on chapter 1 The sacred grounds of Krazoa!
