Chapter 7
Here's to the nights we felt alive...
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry...
Here's to good-bye...
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon...
Here's to the night - Eve 6
(very good song)
The repairs on the Great Fox's engines took several hours, and by the time they were complete it was late in the evening. Fox was a bit sore, hungry, and for the most part tired. He headed to the galley first where he made himself a small meal, a staple that was carried on every ship Ramen...it wasn't something he ate on a regular occasion but, he wanted something that was done quickly and easily. It was a hot meal that was done in a minute and didn't taste half bad, and was surprisingly filling. He finished off the food and headed to his room. He passed on the opportunity for a shower and simply shed all his clothes but his boxers and climbed into his bed...the plush matress comforted his aching muscles and the warmth of the blankets quickly drove him into a deep thoughtless sleep...
Fox awoke early the next morning...his first mode of buisness was to take a shower...or in this case becasue of his cramped and sore muscles a hot bath. He took a new siut of clothes from his dresser; dark brown cargo pants and a white tank top. He must have lost track of time sitting in the hot waters as it was several hours before he climbed out of the tub. He slowly dryed off and put on his clothes. He soon found his way to the galley, empty...he made himself a cup of coffee and headed to the bridge. This room too was empty, that is accept for the robot that continuously worked at his station. Fox wasn't sitting in his chair but rather Peppy's old chair just behind his. It was in front of a large computer console next to a raised chair. As Fox sat there nursing his coffee who else but the blue vixen walked through the door...she seemed a little confused about where Fox was sitting until he looked at her...
"What?" He asked as if he had no idea what she was thinking.
Krystal shook her head for a moment, "Oh nothing sorry for staring." She said walking over to the captain's chair and sitting down. "Hey Fox why did you give me this pin?"
"Consider it half of my apology..." Fox said still drinking from his coffee, "...as Captain you now own this ship. Do with it whatever you want...all decisions, all orders, all yours."
Krystal was in shock, giving her captainship was one thing but...the Great Fox too. She knew he was serious about apologizing but not that serious, he'd just given her the last thing his father had ever left to him...and didn't even pose a second thought about it...
"Now it won't matter how many times I ever tell you to..." Fox said, "...you'll never have to leave."
He was right, by turning over ownership of the ship he could no longer force her off of it...she didn't know what to really say, sure the ship had seen many better days but, still it was the nicest gift of any kind she'd ever been given.
"Fox...I...I don't...know what to say..."
Fox cut her off as he stepped down beside her and stared out the window at the spiraling tunnel of rainbow colors that the Great Fox traveled through, "Don't say anything...not yet anyway. Wait until tonight...We should be ariving at Corneria in the early evening. Right now lets just get to the galley for some breakfast."
000
Fox and Krystal made it to the galley where Tomak was sitting to a cup of coffee, Fox being the better of the three at cooking moved into the kitchen where he decided on making something that he rarely did. As a kit he often looked forward to when his mother decided to prepare what became his favorite dish. Krystal had no idea what he was cooking but, the smell was intensely satisfying, she could discreetly smell cinnamon, mixed with several other things...she loved the sent of cinnamon, she remembered finding it when she was young and often rubbed it into her fur like a natural purfume.
The smells soon began to make her mouth water in anticipation, "Fox what are you making in there?"
"One on my mom's old recipes...french toast." He said as he emerged from the kitchen with three plates and a bottle of maple syrup.
He placed a plate in front of Tomak, then Krystal, then sat across from Krystal...
"This was my absolute favorite food as a kit...but, it's not very healthy so my mom didn't make it all that often..." Fox said puring a generous amount of thick syrup on his plate of the browned bread slices. "...the syrup really completes the flavor, but make sure you eat it while it's hot." He finished handing her the bottle.
She did the same pouring the syrup about her plate, she watched Fox as he ate cutting off small peices with his fork. She followed the example and placed a cut of the toast in her mouth, she almost didn't want to stop chewing...she'd never tasted anything like it...a perfect sweetness that issued a sigh of satisfaction as she swallowed the bite...
"God Fox! This is the most incredible thing I've ever tasted." Krystal said as she took another bite.
Fox chuckled, "I knew you'd like it..."
The meal went far to quickly for Krystal's likeing...soon the only thing left on her plate was a bit of syrup and her fork. She leaned back in her seat and rubbed her stomach...Fox mimiced her movement and sighed...
"That was great Fox." Krystal complimented his exellent cooking, "If I were introduced to that as a kit I would be much larger than I am now."
"Self control Krystal..." Fox said immitating a martial arts teacher.
Krystal laughed at the horrible accent, "You sound just like the old fox that used to teach me before my mother did."
The two continued their talk for some time, Tomak simply sat by with a bit of a smile on his face which was covered by the massive hand that scratched his chin, "Hmmm...young love, it never really goes away dose it?" He thought to himself, "Perhaps it was my own doing that caused my situating with Mallah...I wasn't exactly the most caring of individuals back then. I was violent, barbaric and thick headed. She had every right to cast me from her heart...I hope she is well, our parting like Fox and Krystal's was not on the fairest of terms. Still maybe I should take Fox's example and apologize. Were I the old Tomak my foolish pride would not allow it but, I am stronger now..." With those as his final thoughts Tomak stood, he thanked Fox for the meal and departed the galley.
Tomak had taken up residence in what was once Falco's room, he made the mistake long ago of sitting on the bed who's legs suddenly collapsed under his mass, yet despite the fact that he only slept on a matress on the floor, he still found the bed remakably comfortable. He sat there in that empty room until his thoughts began to actually hurt and finally punched in a code on his room's com system...The small device released a small plasma screen which blurred into the image of a golden furred lionesss with peircing yellow eyes, and long golden hair. He face was almost frightened at the sight of Tomak...
Noticing she was about to cut the line Tomak lurched out in a desperate voice, "Wait...please. I just want to talk Mallah."
Her look now turned to anger, "Yea I've heard your "talk" before."
"I know what you mean Mallah...and I'm sorry...but I genuinely just want to talk..." Tomak said in a most calming woice...Mallah was stunned; he apologized, something he'd never done before, and for the first time in her life she could hear no anger or rage in his voice. She sat down still wearing her stunned face and simply waited for him to continue.
"You wouldn't believe what has happened to me..." Tomak said with a smile, "...After we broke up...I was a bit distruaght.."
"A bit!!" Mallah yelled, "You folded my car in half!!"
"I really cannot say how sorry I am for that...I had no control..." Tomak lowered his huge head, "That was what eventually led me to becoming a bounty hunter. Then matters got out of hand and I nearly died, After a small fight in a planet's sratosphere I ended up crashing. I found a group of Luxonians there that based their lives off peace and understanding rather than brutish violence, and strength..."
"Sounds like they're onto something." Mallah interupted.
"Anyhow...they first thought of putting me to death befre my ways corrupted their perfect society..." Tomak continued, "...but there was an old elephant there that wouldn't have it. He had convinced himeself that like they had...all Luxonians had the power to change their ways. He began to show me how the Luxonian ways were not necessary...but no matter how much he showed or told me I wouldn't listed. One day Vajar walked over to me while I was thinking...of you of course; "You know how your anger has cost you...so why hold onto something that hase caused you such pain?" ...He was blind in both eyes but, he could see through me like a pane of polished glass. I'd never heard of a Luxonian with the intelligence to possess telepathy, but he did. As the only person that seemed to care he took me in.
"He taught me everything; reading, writing, literature...and for the first time in my life I began to understand. It seemed that the more he taught me, the less and less anger I felt. After my fifth year with Vajar...he died, and for the first time in my life I felt something for someone other than myself. He showed me compashion and understanding when all else seemed to simply cast me aside...and for the first time in my life I cried. At fist I didn't understand why but, as I sat in bed one night it all hit me. I had grown to love the old man like a father...I had experienced the pain before but had blocked it from my mind. The night I left I experienced the same feeling but, now thanks to Vajar I was able to express it in the propper way. I fixed my ship and headed to my home world where I began to spread his teachings, they spread through the Luxonian homeworld like wildfire. Reaching from the incredibly small, to the incredibly hard headed. My people began to hail me as a holy man...a prophet sent from the gods to lead them along a path of salvation for all of their wrongdoings, they attempted to make me their leader but...I had to find you. I went back to Varsac Prime, but you were gone. I figured you moved to Katina like you'd always dreamt, found someone else, started a family. I just needed to clear things up and to tell you that I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart."
The look on Mallah's face coupled with the tears that now rolled down her face were enough to say that she understood, "You're right...I am on Katina. I joined the military here about a year after you left...but I still haven't had another relationship. My thoughts of you kept that from happening, I still loved you...even if I didn't want to..." She said sniffling a bit as she wiped her eyes, "Anyhow...whenever you're in the Lylat system why don't you drop by? I'd like to get to know the new you."
Tomak chuckled a bit, "What's so funny?" Mallah asked.
"I am in Lylat. I am at the moment approaching Corneria on a ship called The Great Fox...McCloud has helped me in ways you could scarcely imagine."
"Wait a second..." Mallah said, "...you said McCloud? The Fox McCloud of Star Fox?"
"Or so I've been told by himself and Krystal."
Mallah's face turned serious, "Are the rumors true about her? I've heard that she tried to kill him, that she was an assassin that had placed herself into the team only to get him to lower his guard."
"I seriously doubt that...they seem to genuinely love each other, but if you must know the truth Fox is at fault not Krystal..." Tomak started, "...Fox told me the whole story." He then continued on telling her of what had happened with Fox and Krystal...
000
Fox and Krystal, too pass the time, were busy playing a game called Tonajj from her home planet. It was basically chess but...this required skill and thought. It's purpose was to train telepathic powers by forcing you to try breaking away your opponent's mental defenses to see their next move. Fox loved chess, he used to play against Jaxon but, he found it hard to win at a game of time and practice against someone who'd lived over 220years. This however was different, though it was fun on it's own levels...it was harder. Picking through your opponent's mind until their thoughts were as clear as your own...Fox eventually got the hang of it easily seeing her next moves but...she still proved much like Jaxon to simply be better at the game...
She sat there resting her cheek on her fist he head slightly tilted as it was supported by her elbow on the table, "Checkmate.." She said gleefully for about the twentieth time.
"You're really enjoying watching me struggle aren't you?" Fox asked folding his arms.
"Inequivocally..." She said with a slight smirk.
At this moment Fox was a bit stunned by the six syllable word, he began to reply before ROB's voice cut out over the intercom...
"Krystal we are now ready for exit of hyperspace..."
"Do it then." She answered without realizing that for the first time ROB had announced her as captain, not Fox.
The ship rattled a bit as they exited hyperspace, "My scanners indicate that the Great Fox's personal hanger is currently unocupied...clearance not required."
"Aright then thank you ROB take us in." Krystal replied.
Neither of them could really wait to get out and into the city. Fox was wondering how everyone was going to handle his return, as well as how they'd handle Krystal's...
000
They set down in the hanger, Fox and Krystal packed a small bag each of clothes and such both making sure to have their weapons on hand. They met Tomak in the docking bay and stood there for some time...
"Ahem..." Fox coughed into his fist nudging Krystal, who turned to see Fox motioning her to the exit door with his head.
"Oh right." Krystal said realizing that they were waiting for her to open the exit door.
She stood there in front of the keypad and bit her knuckle, she didn't know the code...Fox casually walked up to her side and whispered the code...
"4733691..."
She quickly punched in the numbers and the door slid open revealing the metal gangway that led to the cement hanger floor. Oddly enough the hanger was empty of everything and there seemed to be extra space for another ship, Fox informed her about being the last off the ship in an emergency but first in landing, Krystal took the information and headed down the metal ramp, Fox followed in step then the titanic member of their crew who had to duck and turn sideways to fit through the narrow door. The hanger like most were slightly sunk into the ground around them, they made their way across the huge hanger to the door that only Fox knew the passcode to, he punched in the code for Krystal and imprted the information on his new captain before the three made their way through the metal door. Before them was an inclined set of steps that led up about ten feet. They climbed the stairs only to be deafend by a burst of cheers as an enormous crown of animals saw them. Tomak was a bit taken by the mass of the gathering...
"Do you alway recieve this reception?" Tomak asked.
"Pretty much...I'm just glad the real fans haven't...Crap!!" He yelled cutting himself off as a mass of young women rushed over to him, ranting on and on asking for autograph, grabbing, pulling, "Yahhhhh.." pinching. "Krys, To! Help! Get'em off!" Fox pleaded at the top of his lungs.
To the vulpines great relief a massive hand took him by the collar of his vest and lifted hin onto a shoulder, Tomak then mimiced the motion with the blue vixen who was nearly lost in the massive crowd of fans. He waded his way through the people until he reached a long black limousine, where Tomak placed them both on the ground they quickly climbed into the idling limo, much to the large packaderm's discomfort, as the vehicle was not large enough to comfortably handle his height...
The black panther sitting in the driver's seat pulled the limo away from the hanger, "It's good to finally see you again sir." He said looking at Fox then casting a glare at Krystal.
"Likewise Ivan...how's the general?"
The slightly old panther chuckled, "Hah...which one?"
"Pepper."
Ivan took a serious tone, "Retired...went back to Papetoon."
"And his replacement was..."
Krystal cut him off before either could say another word, "Peppy..."
The panther looked disgusted but nodded his head, "Right."
"Hmmm...can't say I didn't see that coming." Fox replied looking to Tomak, "Oh right..." He corrected himself, "...Ivan this is Tomak Sangariil...Tomak. Ivan Von Tarret."
"Luxonian...haven't seen your kind in lylat for...god only knows how long." The panther said as he cast another look at Krystal.
"There a problem Ivan?" Fox asked in a stern voice, "You seem to have a small problem with my friend here." He added placing a hand on Krystal's shoulder. "I don't know what it is you've heard but, you can assure yourself that it was pure bull shit. I told her to leave...she didn't abandon her duty, she didn't turn on Corneria, and she certainly did not try to kill me, though she had a right to. Got it?"
"I apologize...with your disappearance and all even I looked for someone to blame, I should've know she would not do such a thing..." Ivan said lowering his head, "...I'm sorry Krystal."
"Don't worry about it Ivan...I know how the media around Corneria works. They'll twist anything to get a story."
He may have said it but, Fox wasn't sure he believed Ivan's testemony. The ride alont the massive scyscraper lined streets only lasted a few minutes but, theye were uncomfortable, the amount of tention was begining to hurt Fox's head...I guess telepathy has it's downsides...he thought to himself noticing Krystal was also rubbing her temples. She was feeling the same thing he was, if not worse as her powers were several times more advanced. Fox looked over and smiled at her hoping that in some way it would help, and it did in a sense she knew he was suffering the same way she was at the moment. They were both relieved as they quickly stepped out of the limo taking deep breaths of the slightly chilly evening air.
The army base was no different than Fox recalled it, the tallest building in Corneria city, wide at the base and near the top thinner in the sense...at least if anyone on ground level could see to the top floor. As they approached the doors to the base two wolves rushed up to them with rifles ready...the first to get to them was scarred shitless as Fox grasped him by the wrist, spinning him about and locking the short sharp claws of his left hand around the guard's neck, and with a quick motion slid the blade of his sword to the other's neck the whold time keeping Krystal safely behind him...
"First one touches her dies." Fox growled baring his teeth in a very intimidating glare.
A rather calm voice approached form behind them all, "I can't have you killing new recriuts Fox..."
Fox had already realized that it was Peppy behind him, "Then call off your dogs...or I garuntee there's gonna be a big mess out here." He said looking to the hare from the corner of his eye.
"Well we can't have that then...stand down men."
The two backed off but Fox still kept his poise ready to lash out at a moment's notice...
Peppy moved around in front of Fox and pushed the sword away from his face, he was much different, he was wearing a red uniform with golden tassels on it's shoulders, as well as gold clasps up the front of the vest, his old gray fur was now even more so and a thick mustashe, his head was covered by a red had with a black bill, his pants were a match to his vest, at the time he was wearing a sort of half smile...
"So...you found her...and yourself I hope."
"I don't remember everything but, I've got a lot of my memories back...and why did you let these rumors get so out of hand?" Fox asked putting his sword away.
"You know that I have as much control over the media as you do. " Peppy said turning to the two guards, "And you two!" He scolded them thrusting an accusing finger at the two wolves, "What the hell were you thinking?! If you had any clue who this was you'd know that with an act that stupid you're lucky he didn't kill both of you! Now get back to your posts!"
Yes sir!" The two responded rushing back to the door.
"I'm sorry about that Krystal but, you may get that a bit..." Peppy said huggint the vixen, "...Seems some bounty hunter named Kursed took on an assassination mission a few years back on a certain ship captain in our presance..."
"Wait a second...I never took any assassination missions..." Krystal used her telepathy to tell Fox.
"Yea...but who would pose as you to try to kill me?"
"Needless to say we set up a reward for her capture...bounty hunting is one thing but, assassins are another matter..." Peppy started, "And wouldn't you know it...the discription of this criminal matched Krystal to a tee. Naturally everyone began to suspect her since she was cast out of the Star Fox team...she's been seen in the area several times but, somehow always manages to disappear whenever we get close to capturing her..."
Fox thought for a moment, "Where is it you keep losing her?"
"The Cornerian asteroid feild...one minute our forces are right on her tail and the next...nothing." Peppy said, "She's out gunned Kat and out flown Falco...we don't know who she is but she's damn good better than James ever was." Peppy's gaze took a double take toward Tomak, "I-is that...a Luxonian?"
"Yes it is..." Tomak answered, "...It is a pleasure General and if it would not be too much trouble I'd like to have a word with you alone. If I am correct you have a seat on the Cornerian council..."
"Yes I do...well if that is the case Fox. I'd like you to see me in my office tomorrow morning at say...7:00. I had a room reserved for you at the Galaxy Stars hotel as soon as Angie informed me you were coming."
Fox looked at the ground, "Look Peppy...I'd appriciate it if you'd let Falco know what room I'm in. There's alot I need to explain to him."
"Well his team is on a mission near Venom that may take some time so...he may not be back for some time."
"That's fine...by the way is Slip around?"
Peppy shook his head, "Part of Falco's team I'm afraid. If it's a mechanic you're looking for however..."
Peppy removed a small communicator from his pocket and flipped it open then punched in the required codes then holding it to between his mouth and ear...
"Hello...this is Peppy...Yes...look stop with the questions and send private Madina the lot out front..."
He put away the communicator and turned back to Fox, "Listen the kids a bit wet behind the ears but, just between us she's a fuck'n genius. She's smarter by far than his teacher...Slippy...and has come up with some thins that have even Beltino confused."
As Peppy spoke a figure appeared from far off running very quickly toward their group as he stopped he saluted the general...
"Private first class Madina reporting sir."
The private was Venomian, a slenderly built monkey, who's eyes were covered by a black visor, her fur was a solid white just like Jaxon's, she was almost as tall as Fox and seemed to possess a slight build. At the time she was wearing standard civilian clothes a black baseball cap sat backwards on her head, she wore a sleeveles blue t-shirt, and baggy brown cargo pants that hung over the tops of his black sneakers. She was quite shapely for someone with an athletic build...
" Sarah...I think I've found a placement for you." Peppy said pointing a thumb over his shoulder.
"Oh my god..." She started rushing over to shake their hands, "...you're Fox McCloud...but I heard that pshcho bitch finished you off. I kept telling my friends you were still alive but, they don't listen to anything."
Fox smiled at her enthusiasim, "To tell the truth I don't even remember being attacked. Anyhow Sarah can you fix a maintenance droid? Slippy programmed him with some pretty advanced stuff..."
"I can handle it."
"So she'll be joining Star Fox?" Peppy asked.
"Don't know that's up to the captain..." Fox said turning to Krystal who turned a little red on the spot.
Peppy didn't make a reply to the comment but, Sarah did...
"Oh you're captain now? You must be Krystal..." Sarah said shaking Krystal's hand.
"It's very nice to meet you Sarah...and it would be a pleasure having you on the team." Krystal said with a smile.
Peppy nodded, "Well that about sums it up...gather your things and report to the Galaxy Star hotel."
With that all said and done they parted Sarah happily ran off to gather her belongings, and Peppy and Tomak headed for Peppy's office. Krystal and Fox didn't even bother to go inside instead they decided to walk the five blocks to the hotel...
000
The hotel was just as Fox and Krystal had remembered, massive and plain on the outsied, but minescule and fancy on the inside. A satin red carped lined the long entryway that was marked on both walls by lovely paintings, wild plants were placed about the massive room as the hall entered into the lobby which was like a massive room with tile floors, a huge fountain with six teirs each getting smaller until the top, which was shaped like a lotus flower sprayed a small stream into the air which filled the teir below, which poured over into the next, and so on until the bottom which must have had a drain of some kind as it never filled. The fountain was covered with hanging ivy on every teir which gave it a lovely organinc feel...
"The fountain's still beautiful." Krystal said.
"Yeah...but it makes me have to use the bathroom." Fox replied.
"Yeah me too." Krystal laughed.
The two walked to the receptionist's desk on the other side of the fountain were there was a green avian, he was a bit taller than Falco and was wearing a red uniform.
"Welcome to the Galaxy Star hotel." He said, "How can I help you?"
"We have rooms reserved...under Fox McCloud."
"Yes sir we have two rooms for you." The avian said setting the cardkeys on the desk next to a scanner.
Fox placed the palm of his right hand on the scanner, and as soon as the machine recognized him the avian wished them a pleasant stay and directed them down the hall to the elevators. The two vulpines boarded the elevator and Fox pressed the buttons that made up the floor they'd go to; 4...3...6...
"Wow Peppy sprung for us the suites..." Fox said still studying the card.
"Huh?" Krystal asked not thinking properly at the moment.
"You don't remember? The 400th floor and up are all the suites..."
"Well all the times we've been here even on our first date we only went as high as the 356th." Krystal pointed out dropping her duffle bag and rubbing her sore neck.
"True..." Fox said picking her bag up, "Then I think you'll find these rooms a lot more inviting than usual."
Soon there was a slight ding sound from the elevator as it's doors opened and the two walked out into the hall. There was soft music playing from speakers overhead...even the halls to the suites were more elaborate, a red carpet lined the floors and crystal chandalliers hanging from the ceiling cast a warm light into the halls. They followed the doors along the hall until they found their rooms 512 and 503, directly across the hall from one another, Fox opened his door and allowed Krystal to go inside. She was stunned by the room's size alone, it was painted a light white color that was dancing with small specs of light from the large chandalleir high over head, the bed was an enormous queen layered with multi-colored comforters and sheets along with an array of pillows, the canopy held above the bed by the four long corner posts was a deep red and hung curtains which were tied to each post by golden tasseled ropes. The floors were all covered with a lovely shag carpet, there was a small refrigerator inside the wall near the door, a massive plasma screen T.V and a nice set of leather furnature, two glass doors at the far end of the room led to a lage balcony.
Krystal's mouth hung open, "See told ya they were nice rooms." Fox said dropping both sets of bags. "Now you should go to your room...I've got things that I have to do before tonight." He said looking at the clock sitting on the nightstand left of the bed, "It's 6:00...I was planning on going somewhere but...with the way things are right now with the rumors and all that dosen't seem too smart. So just meet me over here at 9 o'clock, until then I'll be in town."
"Alright Fox..." Krystal said picking up her bag and taking her key form him, "Sarah will be sleeping in my room...and if Tomak makes it back in time he'll stay with you."
"Yes sir." Fox said smartly as she walked out of the room.
000
Krystal walked across the hall and into her room after a short frustrating problem with her cardkey, and found her room to be just as nice as Fox's. She cleared out her bag and placed her clothes into the large dresser against the far wall of the room. She made sure to take something out to wear for her dinner with Fox, being it would only be in his room she figured she'd dress normally; a white tank top and a pair of blue jeans seemed good enough. She lay the clothes out on her bed and sat on the couch where she turned on the t.v...the first thing that came up was a news broadcast that she'd normally ignore but, her favorite person was on it...
"Welcome to our latest broadcast update...this is C.B.N. The Corneria Broadcasting Network...and I am Amy Kinall..." The broadcast was being handled by a well dressed cheetah, "Today has marked a day that all of Lylat has waited three years for...the return of the fabled Fox McCloud."
As she continued talking a video appeared of their landing...
"...As well as in the company of a certain vixen most had hoped would not come back. All of Corneria is familiar with the rumor of the blue furred vixen assassin that had apparently killed Corneria's crowning hero but, even the assassin calling herself Kursed could not finish off Corneria's Fox McCloud..." As she continued the scene switched to their encounter at the base's door, "Her we can clearly see that Fox still harbors some sort of feeling for Krystal as he quickly responded to the guard's assault with a lifethreatening one of his own...dose he know something we don't?..."
Unable to take any more Krystal turned the set off, she shook her head at the constant accusations and decided to look for something else to do which led her to make something to eat for the moment. Luckily enough it wasn't but an hour or so before she heard a knocking next door, she peeked out only to see Sarah with a few bags...
"We stay in this room..." Krystal said slightly startling the white primate.
"Christ are you trying to scare me to death?" Sarah asked turning and walking through the door, "Damn...nice rooms."
"Looks like we'll have time to get to know each other tonight." Krystal said as she walked over to the bed and sat down, "Fox says he has things to do in town..."
"Say Krystal those rumors going around about you...they aren't true are they?" Sarah asked as she began to put her things away.
"No they're not...I'd never do something like that to Fox." Krystal assured her.
"I didn't think so..." Sarah said, "...I know you're a talented fighter and all but, you just don't have that...ruthless killer air, ya know? Anyhow are you two still serious?"
Krystal was taken by the question that seemed to be a sneak attack, "Not so much after he forced me off of the team three years ago..."
"That's too bad...any girl on Corneria, and several other planets, would give their left arm just for a date with him. Myself included."
Krystal thought to herself for a second, "Yes I suppose they would...after all he's sweet and very romantic when he tries..."
"And handsome, and strong, and smart, and..." Sarah droned on.
"I get the point." Krystal cut off Sarah's daydreaming with a bit of laughter, "But you are right."
"Whatever happened between the two of you? That is if you don't mind my asking." Sarah asked.
"Well..." Krystal started.
Krystal spent her time explaining in detail everything that had happened between her and Fox, form the day they met to the day she left...
000
Fox sat outside the shop in the bitter cold with a cup of hot coffee in his hands...Corneria was the home of the most advanced technology in the galaxy. So why was it so hard looking for this gift? Possibly because of what it had to say...but most of all perhaps it was because he was so damned nervous. His throat was dry, and he was extra cold because of the chilling sweat that settled on his fur, after an hour or so he finally went inside where he spent quite a while finding it which he quickly bought and headed back out.
He also stopped by a small shop where he puchased something for their dinner beofre heading back to his room. When he finally got there he made sure not to make a sound getting into his room...he placed the food he'd bought into the oven to cook, he only had about an hour and a half to get things ready. This night had to be perfect if he was going to get her forgivness. He set up a small table on the balcony where he set two plates up and checked their food, when it was done he got dressed. Black kakies and a black, button up, shortsleeve shirt made of silk. It was the exact same suit he wore on their first date. By nine he had everything set up just as he heard a knock on the door...
He looked at the clock, "9o'clock on the button. Punctual as always." He said to himself as he walked to the door.
He checked himself over before opening the door...he was stunned; how could she wear such casual wear and still come off more attractive than anyone who was trying. Her tank top was low enough to show some of her chest without being too revealing and came up enough to show off the part of her stomach between her naval and her beltline, the red jewel that set against her chest simply added even more. She was at the same time stunned by the suit he was wearing. the entire siut seemed to make his fur stand out, the top buttons of his shirt were undone showing off a bit of his muscular chest where she noticed he was still wearing the green stone she'd given him so long ago, it's green hew perfectly accented his eyes...
"Please come in." Fox said welcoming her.
"Thank you Fox." Krystal replied as she walked inside.
There was a pleasant smell in the air, as Fox led her to the balcony where she found a table set with a white cloth and two plates, at the table's center was a single blue rose sitting in a vase and a lit candle on either side. Fox pulled out a seat offering her to sit, as she did he pushed her chair back in and went into the kitchen where he brought back their food...
"Lasagna? If I didn't know any better I'd say you were recreating out first date." Krystal said with a smile.
"There's no hiding anything from you is there?" Fox asked serving a healthy portion onto her plate.
"Apparently there is..." Krystal replied as Fox served himself, "...I still don't know what you're planning."
Fox sat and they began eating while engaging in idle talk, complimenting each other's attire and the sort until Fox poured them both a drink from a glass bottle...
"This is expensive stuff for not bieng alcohol...Pomiganet juice."
Krystal took a small drink and found it's taste very nice, "Fox what was it you meant by our break up almost killing you?"
"I was acctually about to get to that..." Fox said drinking from his own glass, "...what I did...it really messed me up, by that night I was so tired from crying I couldn't even sleep. Eventually the thought of living without you brought me to a single conclusion...life was poitless, and I needed to pay for what I did to you. That night I sat in bed and tried to kill myself...but...as I started to pull the trigger the stone you gave me started to glow. As I saw the stone agian I realized there was nothing I could do but try to apologize for everything. That became my new mission in life, but when the war was over...I couldn't find you...then the amnesia caused me to forget apparently everything accept the fact that I was looking for you..."
Krystal was speachless she had no idea how close she'd come to never seeing him again, "Fox...how could you even think of doing something so stupid?" She asked in a worried voice.
"Slim comparison to what I'd already done to you."
"Well I didn't exactly take it very well either...I left Lylat and tried to start over but, dating just didn't seem right anymore..everything reminded me of you to be honest. That was however, childish as it may be, was my motivation as a bounty hunter, every time I shot at a criminal I saw your face...In a sick it kind of helped..."
"I deserved that..."
"...but eventually...I couldn't fire anymore, my emotions had finally given in. Now instead of anger every time I saw you and fired I cried...I didn't want to feel that way about you and several times I tried to go back to Lylat to find you but, you were gone. The last time I tried I found a job on Varsac and got pretty banged up...that was when you found me."
Fox fiddled around in his pocket for a grasp on the gift he bought her, "Look Krysta...I've been wracking my mind searching for a way to apologize to you but...I never found one. Nothing I could ever say could possibly state how sorry I am..." He said standing and walking over to her, "...but it did give me time to realize something...and that is that I never want to spend another moment without you by my side."
Fox took her hands and pulled her to her feet and removed a small box from his pocket and placed it in her hands before his knees gave out, he barely caught the rail of the balcony. Krystal lost her breath as she opened the box; on a velvet pilloed surface sat a golden ring, with a large diamond, and a smaller saphire one the left of the diamond and an emrald on it's right. After catching his breath Fox turned around and dropped to one knee...
"Krystal you have no idea how long I've wanted to ask you this but..." Fox cut himself off to catch his breath, "...Will you marry me?"
A dazed look washed over the vixen's face...Fox barely managed to catch her as she fainted...
"...stal...Krystal are you okay?"
She slowly opened her eyes to see Fox hovering just over her, "W...what happened?"
"You kinda fainted..."
It took a moment for Krystal to stand back up, "Did...did I hear you correctly? Did you just?..."
"Yes Krystal...it was a proposal." Fox reassured her.
Krystal looked back at the ring, "IIII-I don't know what to say..."
Fox's gaze fell to the floor, "I was a little afraid of that...but it was just a risk I couldn't pass up."
"I didn't say no Fox...I said I don't know what to say." She repeated, "This is a little sudden you know?"
"I can wait for your answer as long as you want for your answer."
The rest of thier dinner went by without another word on the subject and as Fox escorted her out the door she kissed the corner of his muzzle. Inside her room Sarah had a worried look on her face as Krystal seemed to be fixated on the box in her hand without being able to move, with tears in her eyes. Was he serious or just saying this to apologize? She desperately wanted to say yes but, she just couldn't, not with such a question bothering her...she could ask Fox but, she knew either way he'd say he was serious. The only other option was to get his permission to read his mind as soon as they had time alone, until then she'd keep the ring with her so that she'd not stop thinking about it...
Riddle time...What is the same color on both sides, but never shows the same face twice? Just something to think on fer a bit...Ha lets see ya concentrate now bitch.
