Rehabilitation

The next day, Krystal recovered nicely and well and finally woke up in the hospital. She saw the look on Grey and Asura's face and both of them were very happy. They smiled and were glad her health was rising steadily positive. "Uh, hi guys?" she replied. "What happened to us back then?"

Asura went back to a neutral expression. "Well, from what Grey and Falco both told me, you were knocked off your telepathy and something almost broke your mind. Grey monitored your mental power and said you would be alright."

Grey nodded, "I had to keep it in check, or else you wouldn't be awake right now. It's a good thing we showed up in time because the doctors don't know how to do anything with mental powers." Krystal was glad to be okay, but she was wondering where was Fox. She attempted to sit up from the bed, but she was halted by Grey. "I'm sorry, but you are not in any condition to move, and the bad news."

The blue vixen remained silent because she knew everything that Grey thought about. Their minds were connected and Krystal was able to picture a deranged Fox. "Wh-what happened to him? Why does he want to kill me so badly?"

This was where Asura would answer her desired questions. "Forgive me, Krystal. We were unable to restore his mind to normal. His thoughts are not affected by my melodies or songs I sang to him." Asura sighed and tried to think about the positives. There was not much to think about, but the small things were good. "At least, we are all okay, because Grey saved Falco and us. Fox is in good health, but Elise has him under control and we cannot do much about him. We had him at the mental institution down the block." She described his mental state as aggressive and enraged directly at Krystal. Hopefully, that one day Fox will be restored to his normal behavior and the two can be at peace, Asura thought.

"I'll be with Falco and Slippy for the meanwhile, we are trying to resolve the issue with Fox." Asura got up from her chair and Krystal noticed the metal leggings. Asura explained that the doctors provided her with these to walk without damaging her bones and nerves. "As you can tell, I cannot feel my legs and makes my posture very awkward." Her walking stance had changed drastically ever since the incident yesterday. "Grey will be checking on you still, Krystal." Before she left, she hugged Krystal for being good friends and then kissed Grey. "It will be a long while before we can do anything against Elise. Stay safe, you two."

Asura left them both, and she received a phone call from Falco. She was provided a smartphone by Corneria's General Pepper when Asura was a recruit for Star Fox. "A notification from Falco? But how do I answer this?" The technology was still not her thing, she never held one of these before. On the screen said to push the green button to answer the phone. "Oh, I guess that is how you do it."

She managed to answer the phone and Falco was on the line. "Hey, Asura. Slippy and I are on the way to the lab with Katt. Can you go check on Fox at the mental institution?"

Her face was very surprised that such a small piece of machine was able to transmit Falco's voice from distances away. The tone of quality made it sound almost like Falco's voice. She replied to Falco, "Y-yeah I got it. I'll see if he has recovered."

"Alright, thanks. We'll see you later." Falco ended the phone call. Asura, on the other hand, heard three beeps and realized the call had just ended. Well, that is a good impression of this phone. Back in my years, we used magic crystals to send messages to other folks. This seems more than highly efficient than magic alone. She left the hospital and made her way toward the mental hospital where Fox was located. It was just down the block and she made it to the doors. What she remembered was that Fox was placed in a large room monitored by many researchers. They wanted to further understand how mental illnesses affected the user's behavior and their following actions. Asura walked into the office and towards the receptionist lady. "Hi, I am here to check on a friend, Fox McCloud."

The lady acknowledged Asura, "Do you have identification?"

Asura had no idea what any of these meant. Seriously, it was like an older folk trying to work advance technology. She was the least younger than that threshold. "What is this identification?"

The receptionist's face went to a mere blank expression, she thought Asura was being dumb. "It's the card that shows you are affiliated with the person you asked for, Fox McCloud. It has a picture of your face, personal information, and associations."

After being explained by the lady, Asura finally figured out what this identification card was. "Please excuse me, I haven't been here for that long." Quickly coming up with an excuse for not being a native to Corneria. She sarcastically laughed, "I-I came from another planet beyond Lylat. I am not used to customs here, so you understand."

"Ah, my apologies, ma'am. I understand the issue you are addressing." she smiled graciously at Asura. "Once I have a look at your ID, I can let you inside."

Asura slid her hands into her pockets and pulled out an ID card with her information on it.

As it read,
Full name: Asura Raine Walker
Eye Color: Heterochromia (Left is violet, right is light grey)
Species: Snow-White Dragon
Affiliations: Star Fox (Current)

There was a symbol of the Great Fox on the ID card. It was proof that Asura was apart of Star Fox. The lady was surprised at Asura for being associated with Star Fox. "I see, you are here for Fox McCloud? Well, go down the east hallway and take the elevator down to floor -13. You will find him inside there along with the workers there." She handed back her ID to Asura, "Take care now."

Asura bowed down, "Thank you again." She took back her ID and followed the directions from the receptionist lady. Down this hallway and into the elevator where we can change floors." Asura entered into the hallway and analyzed the various amount of buttons to select from. Floor -13, such an odd floor number to keep someone inside of. Just the thought of the number sparked an odd feeling that something may have happened. She tapped on the button and the elevator door began to close. Her body felt different when the motion was kicking in as she felt she was being slightly lifted. The digital sign was ticking downward and making a noise every time a new number appeared.

It continued to beep until she reached floor -13, where the noise finally stopped. She felt her violet eye glowing, to indicate that there was a tenebrous aura beyond the door. As the doors opened, there was nothing but silence inside. There should be people here, maybe they were elsewhere, she thought. "W-what? Where is this overflowing dark power coming from?" She saw the aura and began to chase after it into another room. It went through a door and Asura immediately opened the door. What she saw had shocked her where she could not move or speak. What the... what the hell?! Her violet eye stopped glowing and the effects of seeing the dark aura disappeared. There was more to look at without her eye being active. She saw only Fox inside the room acting all strange. "F-Fox? H-hey, are you alright?"

Suddenly, she had gotten a flash vision inside her mind. There was something about Fox that the vision explained. It told her not to approach him, but if she did, she must win back his control over his mind and body. There was a fight between the two in the vision but the result was blurry to Asura. "What was that vision? K-Kira?" Even though Kira was not with her anymore, she was still looking out for her younger sister. This was the first time Asura managed to use the foresight she inherited from Kira. Asura took advantage of the fight and sang into Fox's mind to convert his mind.

Fox turned around and jumped onto Asura to stop her. He started to grab her throat and choked her to silence her voice. She was starting to lose air until she knocked Fox off of her and into the table. Asura began to catch her breath and went straight for him. She planned to pin him down and sing until he was normalized.

Fox fell backwards into the table and landed head first onto the floor. It was a good hit onto Fox to slow his reaction time down. He was swift to be proven otherwise and Fox quickly got up and grabbed one of the syringes on the lab tables. He threw out a slash at Asura, but barely missed since she managed to avoid the attack. Fox followed up with a kick into her stomach and she flew into the wall. The knockback that sent her flying caused her to feel dazed out. Fox took the syringe again and began to stab her. Asura fought back and held his wrists back and halted the attack for a small amount of time. Her dazed mind was starting to kick in, causing her to lose control of herself. "P... please, Fox... you mu...st... gain... back... control..." Asura had dropped her arms as they had given out and she finally fainted.

As Fox was about to finish her off, he suddenly stopped his attack and dropped the syringe. Something made him stop his actions and he started to pity Asura. His eyes started to tear up because he did something horrible to a good person. He shook her lightly, "Asura?! C'mon, please wake up! I'm sorry!" he said apologetically. Fox could not bear to see the look on someone who was hurt because he wasn't in control. Fox held her body into a hug and started sobbing. "Asura always enjoyed hugs. Please, gods, spare her innocent soul. All she wanted was to keep me safe." Asura has not recovered from yesterday's events and is weaker than usual. No doubt that she may not make it out.

Her body suddenly began to glow with pure light. Fox heard her breaths and heart beginning to work. She was coming out alive today. Asura slowly started to open her eyes. Her eyes flickered, but she was making progress waking up. Finally, she opened her eyes to see Fox changing his behavior. "Asura!" He hugged her one last time before letting go and apologizing. "Thank the gods you survived. Look, I am sorry about what happened. I don't have any motives to kill anymore."

Asura giggled and rubbed his head. "That's alright, Fox and I'm glad you found your way back. You truly are the one and true fated."

"One and true fated? What does that mean?" Fox thought. He helped her up from the floor and onto her feet. "You can stand, right?"

Asura grabbed his hand and pulled herself upright. "Thank you, I think I am alright." The metal leggings were playing its part in supporting the white dragon. "Equipment like this is very handy in times of need." She mentioned about Krystal's health, "You need to see Krystal, I believe you should be alright now, Fox." Asura noticed that there wasn't anyone else inside this area of the lab or other rooms. "Where did everyone else go?"

Fox knew everything that had happened before Asura's arrival. "Before you showed up, I was still mind-controlled by Elise, and she forced me to attack everyone in here. If you are wondering about their bodies, they were absorbed by her like food." Fox was ashamed of his actions, but he was not in control, as stated by Asura. "I wish to make up for that."

"Don't sweat about it," said Asura. It was already over and they should move past the guilt of everything that happened. "Once we defeat Elise, everything will return to the way it was previously. Don't lose hope on that goal. We win if I can become the full Elementalist."

"Elementalist? What is that, Asura?" Fox questioned the title itself. What were the meanings and purposes of being named Elementalist?

"Elementalist," she repeated. "The name is a special title given to someone who has mastered all the base elements on Harmony. Its law and title go beyond the death of the planet and the masters. Anyone who is still alive must continue to finish it to become the Elementalist."

Fox's ears rose from curiosity. "So, does that mean you and Elise are both striving for this one title?"

Asura nodded, "If she gets her hands on the other elements: earth, and fire, that is already four elements in her possession. The law also states that any master who has four elements in their possession, the remaining element's master must give up their power. I am not ready to let that go, Fox, I must prevent that from happening."

Even it was scary to Asura, but Fox wanted to know somethings. "C-can't you just not give her the power?"

Asura shook her head, "Even though Harmony does not exist any longer, the laws still play an effect to any surviving masters. If I broke a law, I would be punished for it and the punishment is execution." It shocked Fox knowing that Asura was bound to destructive rules. She could not break them but had to play by them alongside Elise, who was an enemy to them. "The only reason I haven't died yet, was because I haven't broken any laws or died from any other source like that virus a while back."

"J-jee, Asura. I'm sorry to hear that." Fox uttered. Asura knew it wasn't his fault, but those are the responsibilities that she has taken onto herself.

Asura looked up into the ceiling, "Sometimes, I wish my life were easier in these situations. That's okay, I have you guys by my side." she said optimistically. It made Fox smile and then Asura smiled back. "Let's get going, Krystal would be glad to see you have improved."


Elise was enraged that her possession spell broke on Fox when Asura spoke into his mind. "She really is getting on my nerves. I must kill her, and how does that Grey fella know about Harmony's Elementalist. That Asura must have told him about it." Elise commanded the Venomian apes to attack Corneria. They all agreed because she had consumed Andrew along with a few other captains. Some were broken by Elise and made into fighters, others were born to fight and the rest did it against their wills. "Don't hesitate, and I will be watching in order to finish Asura off, that snow-white dragon. You will know what she looks like." Elise opened up rifts to other planets and the apes would have to fly through each of them.

Then she looked towards Star Wolf, who consisted of Wolf O'Donnell, Leon Powalski, and Panther Coroso. "You three will seek only Star Fox members, because they are the ones closest to my target, Asura."

"And what does that have to do with me?" Wolf asked. "I mean, why can't you just kill them yourself."

Elise smirked, "Well, your buddy Andrew over here failed me at least twice and I am not good with close combat. Asura has the advantage if she were next to me right now. Your minds are incompetent to understand my knowledge as a superior tactician."

It made Leon a bit angry, "Why you," he was about to walk up until Panther halted his movement. "What do you want?"

"It's best if we do not make Master Elise angry," Panther replied. "Our actions have consequences, Leon."

Leon backed off and cooled down, "You don't really care about anything but girls don't you." Leon walked away angrily.

Wolf sighed, "Damn teammates, alright, I'll take out the pup, you and Leon can take out whoever you want, I don't care as long as the mission is over." Wolf walked away and Panther was left with Elise.

Elise was able to attract Panther's mind. She ordered Panther to come closer with her hand gestures. "I know there is something you want don't you? It's in your eyes, I can see it, Panther." Elise stood up and walked towards Panther. "Tell me, do you have a desire for anything?" She pointed her fingers at Panther's heart to indicate some sort of love attraction. She knew everything about him and was planning to only use him.

"Yes," Panther responded. He was going to be loyal to Elise if he wanted to gain something of his own.

"Yes? Is that all you want to say?" Elise asked. It irritated Elise a bit, annoyed that Panther did not finish his statement or answer.

"Oh, excuse me, on the Star Fox team, they have this one member, Krystal. I am pretty sure you know her already, Master Elise." Panther spoke. He had his hands together, he was truly in love with the sight of Krystal. "I had only one glance at her, and the sight of her caught my eyes."

Elise gave an evil smile, "I see, your desire is her love and affection, isn't it? You want that blue vixen to love you is all? I am correct about your thoughts because I can predict our results." Elise was right on the money no matter what. Her calculations were spot on with Panther's mind.

"Y-yes, that vixen, the moment I spotted her in battle, I felt a connection with her." Panther said. He felt like he was swept off his feet and flew into the sunset. His heart had been taken away by Krystal's looks. "I know she is in love with that Fox but what can I do to win her heart?"

Elise had a malicious plan, that she came up with almost instantly. "It's simple really, Panther, all you have to do is kill Grey, her younger brother and then Fox. I don't care who you decide to kill first, either order is fine with me. Once I defeat Asura, I will grant you your truest wishes, Panther." Elise only said this to boost his morale and motivations for killings. "Don't fail like Andrew, Panther, I want to see success in our futures."

It excited Panther, and he was engaged in targeting the two who were closest to Krystal. "Yes, Master Elise, I will carry out the deed. Grey and Fox will be my priorities on my kill list." Panther ran out of the room feeling confident for this mission. Elise was glad her plan was running out smoothly with Star Wolf. Now it was time to execute the plan and see her in the long run. Elise entered her own rift to plan out her tactics.


Fox and Asura arrived at the hospital and met up with Krystal and Grey. Fox was happy to see Krystal in good health and Krystal was glad to see Fox in normal behavior. "I am sorry, Krystal. For the past days, I've been having these weird thoughts about killing you. I did not intend to think of you in a horrible way. Will you forgive me?"

Krystal cocked her head and smiled, "Yes, I forgive you, Fox. I am happy that you are back to normal. But what happened to you before?"

Fox expressed everything he remembered before this day. "I-I was tortured by Elise until she finally broke my mind and controlled me with that dark power. I remember hearing about your situation, she tortured you too. I could not do anything but accept the fate that happened, I was scared of killing. It was worse thinking about killing you in that phase." He approached Krystal and held her hands. "Promise me, that nothing will separate us when the war happens."

"I promise," Krystal responded. "No matter what, I will be there for you, Fox."

This made Asura and Grey both happy. They looked up to the others as an achievement. Grey saw Fox as a courageous leader, and Asura saw Krystal with hope even after the loss of many. Then Asura began to glow, she started to feel the power surging into her blood and body. "What is happening to me?" Her hands formed mysterious energies and two shards appeared in her hands. One was ancient green and the other was fire red.

"Asura? What are those?" Grey grabbed the fire red shard and examined its design. He was amazed at the fine details on the thing. There was something going on inside the shard that caught their attention. Grey held it up to the ceiling lights and saw a flame symbol inside. "Whoa, there is a flame icon inside of it, Asura."

Asura took the shard back and looked at it herself. "What? How could this be?" She looked at the ancient green shard for any similarities. Everyone looked directly at Asura for a long while because she has not spoken a single word yet.

"Asura?" Krystal called. "I-is there something wrong?"

Asura turned back to Krystal's voice and felt relieved. "Oh gods, these came from the fallen masters of Harmony. Master Allure (Earth) and Sear (Fire) were former users of these powers. I guess they must have given these to me just now." She was really happy to obtain 2 more elements from the deceased masters. "They must have known about this at some point before their downfall. I can't believe that it's just here physically in front of us." A miracle that they heard her voice, she thought.

Fox interrupted, "That means Elise must give up her power? There will be no fighting right?"

Asura looked sort of grimly back at Fox, "Well, even though that is correct. It won't do any good because Elise is becoming a tyrant with her power. We either defeat her in battle or restore her soul back to its original state. Which was before her terrible ways."

There was a noise ringing from Fox's pocket. He checked his phone and received a message from Peppy. The text read, "Fox, there have been reports of rifts opening in various planets and they all seem to be linked to one another. The last rift opens up in Corneria and that could be a danger. A scout has come back with information about the first rift opening in Venom. He remembers seeing Venom soldiers flying through it and out another entrance like wormholes. This could potentially be a war with Elise, Fox. Tell everyone what is happening."

"Damn, we gotta head back to base. Peppy has some news on Elise." Fox exclaimed.

Luckily, Krystal was allowed to leave the hospital due to quick recovery. They all quickly went down to the Cornerian base where they discussed the issue at hand. Peppy filled them in on what he and the scouts had seen. The rifts left behind something obvious in their wake. They were placed in heavily populated areas in order to destroy or kill anything. "I don't know how long before they will attack, but all I know is that we don't have much time before then. Asura, you seem to have knowledge about these rifts."

Asura went into a thinking phase for a long while. They went to discuss other plans while they waited for Asura. Krystal wanted all the civilians to evacuate from the city to someplace safer to reduce casualties. Grey agreed with her idea and Peppy initiated an evacuation protocol for the city. Krystal and Grey went down to manage the situation and to calm the crowds with their telepathy if needed. Fox wondered if Asura was done with her plan for the rifts. It may take a while for her to finish up the details. "Fox, I need you to prepare the Arwings with Slippy and the others. We don't know what we are up against and Arwings are quite powerful weapons."

"Peppy, I understand. I'll go check on them to see if they are prepared." Fox quickly went down to the landing dock where the Great a Fox was located.

Asura could not precisely understand why she was stuck on one problem. The rifts themselves had something to do with Elise, she thought. Which is quite true and that they are traveling between the planets to get to their final destination. "I'm not sure, Peppy. I feel something strange egging on with the rifts Elise is planning."

"Why is that Asura?" Peppy asked.

"I can decipher why, but what if the rift was also their offense?" Asura and Peppy were both surprised to their core that the rifts could be used as a weapon. Elise could send a powerful attack that can wipe out a world. Like when she collapsed the other Corneria. "Oh god, that is not good. We need to close the rift when it opens, but I'm don't know where it will spawn."

Then suddenly, Peppy gripped her shoulders, "Asura, if anyone can find a rift. It will be you who finds it, I believe in you and whatever gift you were given or inherited. All these times you protected Star Fox. The ones I call a family because we survived together through teamwork."

Peppy's voice got into Asura's mind. Her both of her eyes glowed one last time and she witnessed where the rifts were in her visions. "I see it, it's going to open up at the Command Center." She materialized a sheath with her sword by her waist. "This is the final battle between us. We will won't be the ones who falter to the enemy." She raised her hand into the air and inspired everyone. "For Corneria!"

"For Corneria!" Everyone else shouted.