Chapter Eight- Jupiter

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

Has it really been this long? The last time I updated was right before Christmas, and here I am… in Spring Break.

Where do I begin? Well, I guess I could say I'm sorry because it's been so long. I have reason though. I mean, I've been super busy with school and omg, I was in the school play. I was at school till 8 at night rehearsing for it everyday it was hard!!!!!!! But here I am and I am super happy to be writing again. NO MORE WRITERS BLOCK!

Well, no more talking for me. Here it is.


Fox stepped out his room and made his way to the cloak room to get his gear on. As he walked down the corridor, her face became clear in his mind again, he shook his head and she vanished with a smile and he kept walking.

He opened the door to find his friends waiting for him, except for one.

"Where's Peppy?" Fox asked.

"He said he had a couple of things to take care of before he came to meet us," Slippy answered.

Krystal walked up to Fox and rested her hand on his shoulder. Fox didn't want to meet her eyes, scared he'd tear up, remembering how he had just treated her several minutes before.

"You alright?" Krystal asked.

Fox shrugged and turned to grab his jacket. He then reached for his breathing mask but Falco stopped him.

"Don't need those man, they have an atmosphere with breathable air."

Fox looked up at Falco and could see that even his oldest friend was worried for him, seeing how strange Fox had been acting. He nodded his head and looked at his team. Falco, Krystal, Slippy and ROB were waiting for his orders.

"Ready team?" Fox asked, taking a deep breath in.

They all nodded and Fox turned on the switch to open the door. It opened and everyone stepped out into the unknown planet.

It was beautifully strange. It was white sand with a sunset warm, glow coming from the sky. There were statues of strange creatures everywhere and a walk way leading to a large, greek style building further off.

They all exchanged glances and began to walk, one in front of the other. Falco was up front, being the bravest, aside from Fox. Following him was ROB, then Slippy, then Krystal. Fox was at the back, making sure nothing was behind his crew.

As they walked, Krystal slowed down and let herself and Fox fall a little back from the others. She turned to walk beside him, but didn't say a word. They walked side by side for a couple of minutes before Krystal stopped, and turned to face him, grabbing his arm.

A hiss sounded trough Fox's mind as she touched him but Fox kept it to himself. He stopped as well and turned to face her, not making eye contact.

"Fox… I'm worried about you," she said.

He looked at his feet and shrugged, not sure what he should tell her.

"I'm here for you," she continued.

Fox kept looking at the ground, feeling a hot tear run down his cheek as he realized what an ass he had been lately. This strange 'other' fox was controlling him more than ever.

Krystal put a hand under his chin and lifted his head up to meet her eyes. She wiped away his tear and cupped her face in her hands. Her eyes were watery as well, to his surprise, and they stood there for a moment, looking at each other before she pulled him into a hug.

She was so warm and made him feel so happy and… himself. All of a sudden, he felt the cold spot melt as she reached down and touched it.

"Better?" She asked with a smile.

Fox nodded and kissed her on her forehead. She giggled and blushed like a little girl. She looked down at her feet and fiddled with her fingers, still blushing.

"I like you, Fox."

Fox laughed, "I like you too, Krystal."

They looked at each other for a long moment when someone screamed out their names.

"Fox! Krystal! You guys coming or what?" Slippy screamed from a couple of meters ahead with Falco and ROB.

"Coming," Fox answered. The two of them sprinted towards there friends and walked altogether towards the unknown.

They were now at the large dome. It was tall and ancient looking. The gleam of the sun made it look like it was made of gold. They stepped up the extravagant staircase made of smooth marble and stopped at the top to look through, the open door at the top. It was very dark and cold inside and neither of them thought it was safe to step in.

They all turned to Fox for his next orders and he signalled for them to take out their weapons and start going in. They all did and Fox led the way.

The air was cold and frightening. It reminded him of something, or someone…

"HARRRRSSHHAAAAAAA!!!"

An ear splitting hiss erupted through the room and everyone froze for a second at the icy voice.

"Who's there?" Fox yelled out into the dark.

"Harshaaaahh…"

"Show yourself!" Falco screamed out.

Just then, the room lit up as thousands of candles lit up everywhere revelling the inner beauty of the strange palace. The walls and floors were made of the same, golden marble as the staircase and a large pedestal at the end of the room. On top was a large, marble throne with white cushions. There was no one there though.

"Come out and show yourself!" Falco yelled again as everyone looked around to make sure no one would sneak up on them.

Just then, a shadow came from behind the throne, followed by a tall, thin figure dressed in long white robes with gold threading. They had a hood on over their head and their face was covered by a gold face mask. The mask was a human face, with a strong nose and a wide chin, all gold. Long, gold hair came out from under the hood.

"Welcome."

The woman's voice was quiet, yet chilling but made everyone suddenly feel that she was all mighty and very powerful, very much respected.

Her head scanned the five strangers and her green eyes glowed with excitement.

"How lovely! I never expected to have visitors," she exclaimed.

"We've come to investigate," Fox said.

The figure seemed puzzled and began her way down the pedestal towards the Starfox crew, they all raised their weapons in defence in case she were to cause any harm.

The woman stopped, "no need to get all defensive, you are perfectly safe here."

"Prove it," Slippy called out.

The woman shrugged and giggled, "I have no weapon on me, I do not wish to hurt anyone."

They all looked at Fox. Fox studied the woman for a second then let his gun fall to his side, everyone copied his actions.

"We received a distress signal from one of your brother planets, Mercury," Fox stated.

To their surprise, the woman laughed and smacked her head with her hand. They all exchanged curious glances.

"That planet is always in distress. Honestly, I have a hard time containing them. They are heevens, true savages," she explained. "I don't know how they haven't blown themselves up yet."

She turned to face Falco and walked towards him.

"You sir, would make a fine soldier," she said. She sounded as if she was flirting.

Falco blushed and took a breath in to pump his chest out a bit. Even if she was covered, you could still see her beautiful curves she had underneath her cloak.

"Thank you very much, you are quite a beautiful ruler, I can tell."

The lady giggled and turned to face the group again.

"I am the queen of Atlas, Queen Vamox."

They all bowed, knowing at that moment it would be appropriate.

Just then, Peppy came bursting into the room with papers in his hands. He hopped over to Fox and looked at him.

"Fox, I'm sorry, I was just so curious. I needed to come see this planet for myself…" Peppy said, out of breath. His eyes trailed off to the strange, yet beautiful creature standing before them and he reached for the queens hand and kissed it.

"Your majesty, I presume?"

The Queen curtsied and nodded her head.

Everyone was silent for a mere moment.

"Do you have any maps of your beautiful city and planets?" Peppy asked.

"Peppy!" Fox whispered under his breath. "Now is not the time."

"But surely it is!" the Queen exclaimed. "Come, come my sweets. Would you all like to stay for some food?"

Again, they all looked to Fox for guidance but this time, he wasn't sure what to say. Thankfully, Krystal was already answering.

"No thank you. We will all go back to the ship to discuss what we will do further. We will get rest then investigate further," Krystal said.

They all looked to Fox again and he agreed, Krystal seemed very uncomfortable and Fox had learned to trust her judgement.

"Thank you, we will be on our way."

The Queen glared at Krystal but bid them good day.

"Wait! May I stay though? I would love to get some maps for the system…" Peppy pleaded. Krystal had already started to head back so Fox found nothing wrong with him staying.

"Your majesty?" Fox asked.

"Of course he may!" She exclaimed.

Peppy squddled off with the Queen as they all started back for the ship, following Krystal who had now broken into a sprint.


YAY!

I'll update again soon but now, I'm off to get my monroe piercing. Plus guys, I opened up a website for my work. :) Look at my page for the link...it's not much yet but I'll manage soon.

With Love,

Ella