"I'm still not completely clear on why I'm getting special treatment." Fox told Krystal as she led the group through increasingly crowded streets, "I know that I'm supposed to have come from some magical metal bird from the sky and that I supposedly saved the village from 'demons'. It's just a job I involuntarily wound up with after crashing into your island. What makes my job any more deserving of 'reward' than any other job?"
"Your poor head hasn't completely recovered from the crash, has it?" Krystal asked him, "It would be so obvious to even the slowest villager, but your poor brain can't seem to comprehend the facts. The fact you were born inside a holy metal bird and that you saved the village from destructive demons are reasons enough for the special treatment you deserve. You are the single most important person on this entire island. I have seen the future many times in my dreams and my latest dreams have foretold a great journey you will embark on. Though you will not venture far physically, you will save us from disaster several times before the journey is over. By the time your journey is finished, you will deserve even more special treatments."
"I'm tired of hero worship." Fox told her coldly, "I'm tired of having statues built and songs sung in my honor. If you really wanted to reward me, you'd give me that normal life I've wanted all my life. Heck, even death would be preferable to this."
"Your poor brain is trying its best to understand." Krystal said as she wrapped her arms around him, "We know you can't help it if your brain is still hurt after the crash. How about I do all the understanding and you just enjoy your special treatment. That seems like a good plan."
"It seems like I'm not the one struggling to understand."
"Your poor brain is hurt and sick and it might never get better. That's why I'm not going to let you do any hard work nor will I let you go on your journey alone. Nobody will think any less of you if I have to hold your hand. Mates hold hands all the time."
"I'm not that brain damaged. All my life, I was treated different. First, it was because my dad was a war hero. Then, it was because I was a war hero. After that, it was because I was a tired out has-been. Now it's because I tried the wrong method of suicide and wound up with many fangirls, and fanboys, none of who know who the hell I am despite them being psychic. All I want is to be normal. Nothing more. Do you understand now? I want to be normal. I want to be like everyone else."
"I understand." Krystal reassured him, "You can only handle simple things. The villagers and I will go out of our way to help you with the more complicated things. All you have to worry about is enjoying life and completing your journeys."
"Why do I even bother with you? It seems like life is just one big test and you're a trick question. It seems like your purpose in my life is to continue where Peppy left off. I'd jump to my death if I wasn't so sure I'd wind up stuck with you in the afterlife."
"You look so cute when you're frustrated." The eagle told Fox, "Life must be pretty hard when your brain is hurt and sick. Don't worry, Hatchling. The entire village is more than willing to help you. When we get to the chief's house, we're going to have a little talk with the chief and with someone from a faraway land. Afterwards, Priestess Krystal is going to feed off your energy in a manner you'll find most pleasing. Then, it's lunch followed by your naptime."
"Amazing." Fox told himself, "It's like I died in the crash and was reborn into a family of horny idiots. I better stop trying to reason with them or else my brain will burn out from all the frustration."
"You don't know how lucky you are, Fox." Katt told him, "You're on an island of fangirls that will do anything for, and to, you. You'll never have to worry about any real hard work and all you have to put up with is what I'm told is every man's fantasy of round-the-clock sexual favors. I'm sure Peppy would scream in frustration if he could see you now."
"I'm sure he'd laugh." Fox told her, "I'm surrounded by idiots that think I'm brain damaged. Everyone around me seems to have a hard time understanding the concept of 'no'. I can only hope that I'm just a passing fad so that I can be normal for once when it's all over."
"You'll never be normal." Krystal told him flatly, "You just can't. It'll never happen. That's why I hope you'll eventually learn to accept it. It hurts me to see you struggle to understand your place in this world. It wouldn't be so hard for you to grasp if the crash hadn't hurt your brain, but who am I to question your mother's method of delivering you into this world. You aren't normal. You are the Hatchling. Your purpose on this island is to complete your important journeys and to mate with as many mates as you can as often as you can. Your seed needs to spread. Your bloodline needs to continue. Don't just do it for me. Do it for everyone on this island. Do it for every man, woman, and child that walks this island, breaths this air, and joyfully dreams of you and your future exploits."
"I know I should keep my objections hidden." Fox told her, "I know it's best if I keep my mouth shut and try to accept my fate, but I just can't for some reason. I can't just accept any of this. I can't want any of this. I don't want any of this. I don't want all the crazy fangirls trying to get inside my pants… or under my skirt. I don't want songs greatly exaggerating my exploits. All I want is a quiet existence with a mate and children. I know it's a hopeless fight, but I'm willing to fight until the end for my simple dream."
"You poor thing." The eagle comforted, "You're still very confused. Don't worry. Priestess Krystal is your mate and she is willing to help you no matter what it takes."
"That's right." Krystal confirmed, "It doesn't matter if I'm sleeping with you in my arms or if I'm feeding off of your energy. I will always be there for you."