Immortal Star Fox
Chapter XXII
Fox didn't want to believe what he was seeing.
"Surprise, surprise." Fetcher said in a mocking tone.
The rottweiler's grin grew wider as he looked at both Fox and Krystal. Fox had the blaster aiming right at Fetcher's head, but the other soldiers around him were doing the same. Krystal took in the room. She looked at the large brown ape that would surely be a problem for any chance of a takedown. The black salamander and gold lab all had imposing weapons capable of multi-firing.
There were more muffled explosions happening behind them. Krystal wondered why no one was coming to help them. So she decided to talk to Fox.
Fox. Isn't there anyone else coming for us?
Fox heard her voice in his mind and thought of words to talk back to her.
We're blocked in. Their tanks blasted the archway and caved in. I'll think of something.
Krystal kept her grip on her staff. She took a look at the glass orb that Fetcher was holding. A large brain swimming in purple liquid. Fox. What is that?
Fox couldn't take his eyes off of the orb once he saw it. Fox could feel the brain was staring back at him. Krystal took a small glimpse at Fox and saw that he was shaking slightly and breathing heavily. I know. But I don't want to believe it.
"Why?" Fox asked.
"'For the greater good of Corneria, of course'. God, Pepper's words are so cliché if you think about it. He's nowhere original when it comes to making a great general for himself." Fetcher carefully placed the orb on the altar.
"Pepper really irks me. Thinking about how Corneria was at peace even after Andross." Fetcher placed his hands on the altar and leaned on it. "Do you know how far behind they were compared to Andross' technology? And Pepper went ahead and banished him."
"Because Andross killed innocent civilians with his experiments," Fox butted in. "He deserved what he got, and I'm not going to allow that to happen again."
Fox began to take aim at Fetcher. The other Venom soldiers drew their weapons back at Fox. Fox took a look at the others inside, he could try and risk it and kill Fetcher and that would be the end of the story. However, he hesitated for the blue vixen to his right.
Krystal did have a right to be here. During her times watching the temple, Krystal's attachment to the mystical place gave her a charm that the rest of Sauria didn't offer. She would defend this place with her life, and she was willing to place it here, but Fox didn't want it to come to that.
"Hold your horses there, McCloud." Fetcher put his hand up. "I don't want you to die, yet. I need you for something very spectacular."
"Why are you doing this?" Fox raised his voice.
"You really want to know?" Fetcher's brow rose.
Fox kept his face straight.
"Fine." Fetcher sighed. "You'll be dead in a few so time to come clean. These past years of serving in Corneria have felt like it was missing something. I was following orders instead of giving them. That's when it clicked. I deserved to be general. I would've reformed the CDF into Lylat's most imposing military force."
Avery, Solomon, and Hutch were standing with their weapons drawn at Fox and Krystal. They were listening to the words that their new friend, who finally revealed himself to them. This was all new to them, so they lent an ear to see where he was going with this.
"Who would've guessed," Solomon leaned to Avery.
"My money is on the phrase, 'it was stolen from me.'" Avery joked.
Solomon gave a chuckle and though for a second. "How much?"
Avery closed his mouth and thought of an amount. "300?"
"250." Solomon negotiated.
"Fine." Avery bumped elbows with Solomon to seal their bet, then they turned their attention back to Fetcher, he took out a tactical knife form his leg holster and started to twirl it in his hand.
"Then why come to Sauria if you were only going to defect?" Krystal finally spoke up.
Fetcher stopped twirling his knife and took a long look at Krystal. He studied her intensely and Krystal could feel that he was staring at a couple of spots for a little longer than comfort. She started to feel a little on edge and backed up a little. Fetcher closed his eyes and let out a small sigh.
"That position was mine. I was the next in line for general. A couple of us pushed for his early retirement, but the board wouldn't allow it. It was mine for the taking, and I got relegated to colonel."
"You owe me 300." Avery whispered to Solomon.
"He didn't even say it." Solomon was not about to chalk up 300 credits for a half of an explanation.
"He paraphrased. Still counts." Avery said, expecting those 300 to be available to him later.
"What're you guys talking about?" Hutch finally leaned into their conversation.
Fox kept looking at the glass orb that was on the altar. He knew who was in there, he just didn't want to think about it. Again, it felt like the brain was staring back at him, as if it was recognizing Fox. Now he was starting to feel a little on edge.
"You like him. A nice little holder until the time was right. Our glorious emperor will be reborn from the blood of our enemies." Fetcher picked Andross' brain and presented it to Fox and Krystal. "Literally, from the blood of our enemies."
"I still don't understand why defect to him. You could've been a scum on your own. Start your own militia, but why him?" Fox didn't understand why Fetcher would side with Andross.
"His world." Fetcher gently placed Andross down. "He was building a glorious empire. One where we would live under the rule of one governing body. There is no need for a democracy. Politicians can go fuck themselves for all I care. The choice of the assembly is very delicate. Say one thing, you get them as your enemy. You don't want enemies in the state, McCloud."
"You are wrong. Nothing good will come from an all-seeing body. I've lived under the rule of a tyrant. I wished I could've joined in those fights against him." Krystal knew to well what living under the rule of an oppressive figure.
"Because you're a warrior. I get why you believe that, much like how I believed in Andross' world. One that I could vision without the clout of Corneria's 'stand together' bullshit. I was too late to see it. His power was unmatched, and I should have been with him all the way. But now, I have for him a new army, and I will show Corneria why I am fit for general."
Fetcher stabbed the knife on the altar and released it. "But enough of all this. Are you ready to start?" Fetcher snapped his fingers and looked at the four next behind Fox and Krystal. "Avery, Solomon, Hutch. Let's begin."
The three and the extra soldier started to approach behind them slowly. Fox felt that if they did any sudden movements, they'd be shot up on the spot. Fetcher also brought up his blaster and aimed it at Fox.
"Drop them." Fetcher ordered. "Drop your weapons."
Fox kept his grip on his blaster tight. Fetcher could feel that Fox wasn't cooperating, so in order to get him in line, he shot his arm. Fox felt the heat instantly wash over his arm. It felt like it was on fire. He cried out and dropped his blaster. Krystal was quick to jump, but Fetcher moved his barrel to Krystal.
"Move, and I'll fry your boyfriend on the spot."
Krystal stopped where she was. Her staff was visibly shaking involuntary because she was. She looked down and saw Fox clutching his left arm. She saw a trail of blood coming out and slowly creeping its way down his arm. Fetcher snapped his hands and the three began the first step.
Avery and Solomon began to approach Krystal. She wasn't quick enough and had her staff ripped out of her by Avery. She turned around and was met with a massive punch from Solomon. She fell hard and laid there for a short while.
"Krystal!"
Fox tried to get up but was met with a huge blow from Hutch. He groaned as he felt himself being lifted by his scruff. Krystal started to pick herself but soon felt her being lifted by her scruff as well. They were both slammed on the altar. Fox felt Hutch outstretch his left arm while Krystal's right arm was stretched by Avery.
"I never planned on you being here," Fetcher pointed to Krystal, "but the show must go on. Even with extras popping in and out."
Fetcher grabbed the knife and pulled out of the altar.
"I'm assuming you met our little friend under here?" Fetcher pointed down with the knife.
"What? How did you…" Fox didn't finish as he was met with a knee from Hutch on his left side.
"It wasn't easy with blue girl here always in the library. And let me tell you, Dino is a real bitch to translate." Fetcher gyrated his head around while massaging his neck. "I know you came here after my turn. I prayed to whatever god was out there that he didn't rat me out."
Fox remembered the time they were here at the altar. When the found the barely living Krazoa. It mentioned that someone else was seeking the power. Fox thought it to be Andross, but now thinking it over, Andross could've run over Sauria for fun. It occurred that it had to be someone who was recently there.
"You were the one down there?" Fox finally connected the dots.
"Took you long enough." Fetcher looked down at the altar. "Hey! I know you can hear me down there! Thanks for not snitching!" Fetcher looked at the tod and vixen currently pinned down. "This is going to be fun. Are you ready to bring back Emperor Andross?"
Fox felt a shiver run through his body. Never had he wanted to hear that name ever again. Something that always haunted him from a young age to when he finally ended that suffering a few months ago, and now there was a small chance he could be back.
"'The three giving will make the two become one.' It took me a while to realize what he meant. Then it hit me, there is something that three can give. It runs through us." Fetcher got his knife and placed it in his palm. "It gives life and is the vessel of everything."
In one stroke, Fetcher cut his calm open. He muffled his scream as the blood trickled down his arm. He smeared his blood on the rocky formation of the altar. Fetcher nodded and Hutch and Avery got their knives out. Fox tried to wiggle out but was met with another knee by the Venom soldier. He felt the cold blade on his palm and a quick slice.
Krystal was also trying to escape Avery's hold, but Solomon kneed her so she could stay still. Krystal felt the sharp blade run through her palm and a stinging sensation envelop her arm. She screamed as her arm tensed and felt the air flowing into her cut palm. She felt the blade come back and was scrapping her palm, trying to get as much blood as possible.
Fox was breathing hard. He felt sick and wanted to pass out. He used all his strength to try and pick his head up. He turned to his right and saw Krystal.
Krystal. He hoped that she heard him.
Fox. She sounded weak.
I'm sorry for this.
Don't talk like that.
I am.
You can't give up, Fox. We can get out of this. Please.
"'And the one shall be reborn as the previous incarnation. The one willing will be raised and his vessel will be pure.' This is the part that got our friend here banished. They thought his method of reincarnation to be impure. A vessel must be cleansed of impurities for its new host." Fetcher took his knife and wiped it under his arm. "You know what that means."
Everyone was silent. Only the muffled sounds of battle could be heard. Fox wasn't sure what was happening outside. Did anyone know that he was in here? They had to have noticed by now. A good chunk of time had passed and yet, they didn't radio him for a position. He didn't even check if his comms were working in here. All Fox did was hope for the best outcome.
"A sacrifice must be made." Fetcher finally said.
Not the outcome Fox wanted.
"It's obvious that I don't want to do it. I want to serve my emperor with grace and stability. So, who want to volunteer?"
Neither Fox or Krystal spoke up. They didn't want to die for Andross to be reborn. Fox was now starting to think why the Krazoa deserved to be trapped underneath the altar.
"No one. That's a shame. Well then, I guess I'll have to pick one."
Fetcher brought his knife out and pointed it at Fox. "Eeny."
He moved his knife to Krystal "Meeny."
Fox knew he was going to be going back and forth and tried to get the counting ahead to see who he was going to pick.
"Miney. Moe. Catch. A vixen. By. Her toe. If. She hollers. Let. Her go. Eeny. Meeny. Miney…"
Fox caught up to the rhyme. He saw Fetcher's knife starting to point to Krystal and at that point, Fox yelled out.
"ALRIGHT! ME!"
Fetcher was about to point at Krystal and stopped when Fox yelled out. Krystal looked at Fox in disbelief. Fetcher began to form a grin similar to one that Andross would make. One that would haunt his dreams in between the Lylat Wars.
"I'm sorry, McCloud. I didn't catch that. What did you say?"
Fox could hear the taunt in his voice. He lowered his head.
"Me."
"Falco, we've dealt with the aerial units. How are things going on down there?"
Peppy made another bombing run on the tanks but it was no use. The armor was thick enough that nothing was penetrating. He flew up and met Katt as he ascended.
"We're not getting any work on those things, Peppy." Katt looked out and saw the tanks being scratched, but no indents or damage.
"Pep. Fox got trapped in with Venom forces. I've been trying to call him but his comms are bugging out." Falco was shooting the remaining Venom soldiers, but the tanks were the big problem.
Bill and his Husky forces were also giving their all on the tanks, to no avail. The tanks shot another round at the remaining cover for Corneria's troops, the rocks flew up and some were diving to not get hit by the falling debris. The other tank took a shot, but missed the top of the temple. The began to move closer, they were already emerging from the tree line and were halfway across the trail between the temple.
"Falco!" Slippy screamed out. "I'm going to need you to cover me!"
"Why?" He dodged an incoming laser and shot at the Venom who shot at him.
"Because, It's time for this." Slippy reached into his pouch and pulled out a clean, grey softball sized orb.
"Is it actually ready?" Falco knew that Slippy's invention was not working, according to Falco at least.
"Yes! Just give them all while I set it." Slippy began to push the top button and it turned white, indicating it was primed. "Ready?"
"Yeah, ready. Bill, we have to cover Slippy. Hit 'em with everything!" Falco shot up and began firing at anything that was coming across.
"Husky, return fire four at a time." Bill ordered. "Bulldog. Make bombing runs three at a time. Get them occupied while Slippy works."
The twelve soldiers on Husky took intervals of four standing up and shooting at the tanks and Venom soldiers before reloading and having another set of four taking over. Bulldog began to bomb runs in groups of three. Leaving a ten second gap before the second group would do their run.
Slippy held his orb tightly and ran to the large debris covering the temple's entrance. He set it down and had the capsule to where the opening would be facing the debris. Slippy set the timer for five seconds and pressed the top button. The white light began blinking rapidly, sending small alerts that the device was ready to go off.
"Everyone, brace yourselves!" Slippy tried to run to his spot, but realized that he wasn't going to make it. He dove and covered his hands over his head.
The device opened. A loud noise emerged of a vacuum taking in anything that was in front of it. The suction was strong that nearby tree branches were torn off and sucked into the orb. The compression filled inside as all the debris was encapsulated inside. The entrance was clear and the capsule shut tight. The light turned from white to green.
Slippy felt no suction from the orb and picked his head up. He turned around and saw the temple entrance free from debris. He smiled and quickly rushed to the orb. There was no weight added to it, as he designed, and he quickly set the button for a proper release. The light turned to blue and was ready.
"Take this!" Slippy yelled as he threw the orb in the direction of the tanks.
The orb blinked and finally opened up. There was a loud boom and all the debris, including the tree branches, were shot out a breakneck speed. The barrage lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to tear through the tanks. The scraping of metal by the rocks filled the air and the tanks were starting to fall apart.
"One more time, Bulldog!" Bill ordered.
The three groups of Bulldog made one last bombing run to destroy the tanks. With the damage from Slippy's invention, they dropped their remaining bombs and watched the tanks explode due to fuel leaking out. The tanks were no more and the Cornerian soldiers began cheering. Bulldog made another flyby to ensure the tanks were no longer functional.
Falco saw it time to enter the temple and find Fox. "Bill. We gotta find Fox. His comms aren't connecting!" Falco started to back into the entrance while still shooting at the any Venom soldiers trying to advance.
Slippy started to do the same and was next to Falco, both of them ducking as stray shots flew passed them. Bill started to back up and patted one of his Husky units shoulder's to tell him to take his spot.
"Husky A and B, you're with me." He called for his separate units. "C, you'll stay here and protect the front lines. Bulldog, you're taking orders from Peppy now. Copy?"
"Copy!" All his soldiers from Husky and Bulldog responded.
Four soldiers from A and B, each, began to back up into the temple. The remaining four from C stood at the front lines with the Cornerian base. As the threats began to die down, Falco, Slippy, Bill and Husky team began to search the temple for Fox.
Fetcher removed the knife pointed at Krystal and turned to Fox.
"My, my Fox. Trying to play the hero like always."
Fox growled at Fetcher, and all Fetcher did was grin wider and shook his head.
"You wouldn't risk your worthless life just for anyone now. I hardly doubt you'd do it with your own teammates, but with her." Fetcher took another look at Krystal. He began to study her form as she was pressed against the altar. "I'll be honest with you, you found yourself a real banger."
Krystal looked up at Fetcher after she heard that word. She started to growl as well. Fetcher looked at her and made a pout face. He started to make his way around the altar over to Krystal's side. Krystal tried to turn her head, but Avery kept his hand there, preventing her from turning. Fetcher placed two fingers on her shoulder and started to drag them up and down. Krystal closed her eyes and tried to wiggle her way from the grasp, but Solomon kept her still.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Fox wasn't thinking, he just shouted it out.
Fetcher almost jumped at being talked back to. He looked down at Krystal and back to Fox. "Aww Fox, have you grown to care for the vixen? Hmm?"
Fox eye's weren't looking at him. A small red was forming on him. Fetcher saw all that and it basically confirmed his speculation. "There's nothing to be ashamed of, Fox. She is quite the catch."
SMACK
Krystal's eyes went wide and she was taking in shallow breaths.
Fox saw where the slap landed, and never had he grown to hate the colonel even more than right now. Laying his hands on Krystal like that was the last straw for Fox.
"Ain't that right, boys?" Fetcher asked his henchmen.
Solomon and Avery looked at each other and decided to play along.
"You got that right, boss." Avery said.
"Can't complain with you." Solomon said.
"I say, once we're done having fun here." Fetcher pointed his knife at Fox. "We can have some fun here." He pointed his knife at Krystal.
Krystal could hear Avery and Solomon saying some vulgar things and even heard a wolf whistle from one of them. She started to breath more heavily and she thought she felt tears coming out from her eyes.
Fox tried with all his might to escape Hutch's hold, but found the ape throw another knee at him. Fox thought he heard a bone crack.
Fox yelled and fell on his knees. He tried to get up but was met with another knee. He fell forward and Hutch picked him back up.
"The Hero of Lylat everyone." Fetcher said as if he was presenting Fox. "Crumbling away because of his feeling for this blue vixen."
Fox. Krystal sounded terrified.
Krystal. Fox was now sounding weak. I'm so, so sorry.
Krystal could feel her connection with Fox starting to get a little weak. It looked like Fox was about to pass out from the blows.
Fox. Stay with me.
Fox was breathing rhythmically. He eyes were getting heavier.
Don't leave me.
"Hey!" Fetcher went over and slapped Fox across the face. "Don't you close your eyes on me!"
Fetcher grabbed Fox by the muzzle and lifted him up. He placed the knife on his neck.
"I've waited a long time to finally put you down. You're going to be one great host for Andross. You should feel honored."
Fox felt the knife begin to pierce. He couldn't yell out because his muzzle was held shut.
"Thank you for your service, Fox McCloud." Fetcher stared directly into Fox's eyes. "You are hereby disch-"
BANG
The shot echoed in the chamber for what felt like a minute. Everything felt like it stopped. Fox's muzzle was being released slowly and he saw Fetcher fall to the side, onto the altar. He lifeless eyes were now staring into the abyss.
Fox looked up to see who shot Fetcher, and he could see the outline of an avian holding a rifle.
"Fox! Get down!" Falco yelled out as he, Slippy and Bill came into the chamber.
Solomon and Avery released their hold and threw Krystal to the side. They went to their rifles and began to fire back. Hutch tried to hold onto Fox while shooting back but found it difficult as Fox was now kicking him in the shin.
Bill's Husky team was behind and started to fire back. The eight soldiers went to the massive ape and took their shots at him. Fox started to feel the grasp loosen and used it to get an advantage. He was able to grab Fetcher's knife and stab Hutch in the leg. Fox pulled it out and did it again.
Hutch began to fall down and soon had Husky unleashing lasers on him before he finally fell back. The other Venom soldier that was with them started to fire as well, but eight against one was not even a fair fight, so the Husky team took him down easily.
Krystal looked up from being thrown and saw Avery and Solomon ducking behind the altar, fending for their lives. She saw her gold staff nearby and started to crawl to it. She was able to grab it and tried to stand with all her strength. Avery saw this and started to shoot at her, one laser grazed her left side and she fell back down in pain.
"Just gun those fuckers down!" Avery shouted at Solomon.
Avery reloaded quickly and shot up and started to fire at anything in front of him. Solomon reloaded as well and did the same thing. If they went out, it had to be all out. Falco and Slippy had to duck to not get hit and Bill started to go to Krystal to try and get her out of the line of fire.
Solomon was firing the rest of his blaster's shots when he felt something being stabbed through his neck. He grabbed a knife that was impaled into his neck and saw Fox running up to him. Fox threw the knife to stop him from shooting and ran to him to unleash a brutal punch.
As Solomon went down, Fox got the knife and twisted it as he pulled it out. Solomon fell down and blood was spurting from his neck. Avery was the next to feel something painful go through his right side. He looked over and saw Fox with eyes full of rage. He tried to use his rifle to punch Fox, but he quickly caught it.
Fox removed the knife and stabbed Avery in the same place he impaled Solomon. Avery dropped his blaster and tried to remove Fox's hands from his neck. Fox felt him fight back so to end it quickly, he twisted the knife has he pulled it out. Avery made gargling noises and fell down. He looked at his hand and saw the amount of blood already leaking out.
Fox left both of them there to bleed out, not thinking it necessary to finish them off. He dropped the knife and looked at Falco. Lots of time they've saved each other from certain doom in space, but being saved on the ground was something much more terrifying for both of them.
"Thanks for the save," Fox said.
"Any day, Fox." Falco responded.
Fox then looked to the far left and saw Krystal being tended to by Bill. He quickly went over to her and went on a knee. Krystal felt his presence and turned to him. She grabbed him by his arm and Fox caressed his hand over hers. Krystal could see the bracelet she made was still on him.
"Fox." She started to cry.
Fox wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She felt his raw emotions to her and she returned with an even tighter hug. Fox slowly lifted her up and stood her on her feet. She was still shaking, so Fox kept his arms around her.
"Uh, Fox." Slippy said.
Fox didn't pay Slippy attention, all his attention went to Krystal, who was holding onto him as if he was going to disappear. Fox kept stroking her hair, whispering lightly into her ear that he wasn't going to let anything hurt her anymore.
"Fox!" Falco shouted.
"What!" Fox looked up.
Falco pointed towards the altar and Fox looked its way. The altar had a white glow to it, and it looked like it was pulsating, the same rhythm as a heartbeat, and it sounded like one too. Fox could see the blood that was on the altar turn into a deep black, the darkest he's ever seen. The blood began to move with the pulsing, and soon began crawling towards Fetcher's body.
The blood began to form into a small mass as it grabbed Fetcher's head and started to wrap around it. Fox looked and saw Andross swimming erratically in his casing. The blood turned into a mass of liquid and started to wrap around the glass. It was squeezing and the glass was cracking before it finally gave in. Andross' brain started to flop around before getting devoured by the black mass.
The pulsating began to get stronger as Fetcher's body was being swallowed by the black mass. The temple began to shake as the pulsing light turned into lighting. Wild strands were shooting out and everyone had to duck to not get hit. The lightning was flying everywhere and that was an indication for those inside to run out.
"We need to go! Now!" Fox yelled.
Everyone inside didn't need to be told twice and they bolted for the exit. Fox took Krystal by the hand and started to run out, but felt her slip out.
"Krystal?"
Fox turned around and saw her staring at the process happening in front of her. She couldn't help but watch as the words the Krazoa said to them were true. Krystal felt something grab her hand and she quickly turned around.
"We need to go!" Fox said. He held her hand tightly and they both started to run out.
The lighting was going at max. The lighting started to shoot down that hallway that they were running in. It was running along the walls and was strong enough to break off chunks. The altar was at max capacity that it finally gave way and broke in half. The force of the lighting exploded into a massive ball of energy that came racing down the hallway.
Falco, Slippy, Bill, and Husky were able to turn the corner and run towards the entrance, but Fox and Krystal were behind and weren't going to make it out of the way. They both looked back and saw the lightning ball hurdling towards them. Fox saw an indent in the wall and didn't think of an alternative.
He grabbed Krystal and pushed her towards the indention in the wall. Krystal was slammed against the wall and turned around to see Fox use his body to cover over her, as if he was shielding her. The lighting was coming faster and Fox pressed his body closer to Krystal's, making sure that he would get most of the blast.
The ball finally reached to where Fox and Krystal were, and it sounded like a loud whirlwind was coming over them. The sound was deafening for both foxes, but they couldn't do anything to cover their ears, they just had to endure it.
Fox, however, was feeling the worst out of both of them. The lightning was striking his back and it felt hot and painful. He scream was louder than the noise the lightning was making. The entire hallway was shaking as the roof finally gave in. It collapsed down and was blocking any lighting from escaping.
Falco, Slippy, and Bill to dive away from the debris and the temple stopped shaking. They looked up and saw that the hallway was collapsed. But Falco didn't see Fox or Krystal with them. Falco got up and went to the debris.
"Fox! Fox!" Falco waited for a response.
Nothing.
Falco could hear footsteps approaching and turned to see Peppy and Katt appear from the entrance. They rushed to help Slippy and Bill up and Falco made his way back to them.
"Falco. What's going on?" Peppy asked.
Falco explained the current situation. How he had to kill Fetcher to save Fox and that they were now trapped behind more debris.
"They're trapped in there." Falco pointed to the hallway.
"Do you have something to remove all that?" Katt asked.
"Yeah, we do. You got that ball, Slip?" Falco looked over to Slippy.
"Um," Slippy wasn't looking at Falco.
"Slippy." Falco said with more sternness.
"It's only good for one use." Slippy scratched his head.
"Alright fine. Get another one ready."
Slippy looked away sheepishly.
"Don't tell me you have to make another one."
"I didn't think I needed two." Slippy said.
"Go make one!" Falco ordered.
"It'll take me a while though." Slippy started to waddle out the temple and call his Arwing.
Falco went back to the debris and started to pull rocks off pile, trying to get some loose. The rocks were heavy and it was a lot. It was reaching to the ceiling, so it would take some time to remove it all by hand.
"Fox! If you can hear me, we're getting you out!"
Krystal started to open her eyes as the lightning finally died down. Her ears were still ringing after the storm was done. She looked up and saw Fox's body over her. She started to fear and shook him to get his attention. Fox started to groan and feel a tingling sensation wash over him. He finally collapsed on top of Krystal.
"Fox?" Krystal whispered.
"Are you okay?" Fox asked weakly.
"What about you?" She looked at his back, it was singed, and fur was gone in some places.
"I've been through worse." Fox strained out.
Krystal looked down at Fox. He was attempting to stand up but was failing. She just kept thinking about what happened in the past few minutes. He was willing to put his life on the line twice for her.
"Fox, you," she couldn't get through the sentence because she started to choke up.
"Don't." Fox said. "Don't cry because of me."
She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his head. Fox felt this and wrapped his arms around her waist. Fox could hear Krystal's sob echoing in the hallway and it made Fox start to tear up as well. Krystal started to take off Fox's jacket that she was wearing. She wanted to cover up his wounds, but Fox stopped her from removing it.
Krystal looked down and saw those watery, emerald eyes piercing at her. It nearly broke her seeing him in such a vulnerable spot. She removed her arms from his head and cupped his muzzle. Fox looked up and saw Krystal coming closer and she gave him a small kiss.
Fox melted into it, but given his current condition, couldn't push for more if he wanted to. He let out a sharp exhale as the tingling grew more across his body. Krystal felt him starting to shake and she quickly started to stand up, using the wall to level herself before she went down to pick up Fox.
She draped his arm over her shoulder and used all her strength to pick Fox up. Fox winced at the pain he was in, but was able to stand on his feet. Krystal could hear Fox panting, but he pushed off her, saying that he was fine to stand on his own. They walked over to the pile or rocks blocking their path.
"See anything?" Fox asked.
"No." Krystal responded. "Wait. There's an opening."
Krystal pointed to the top of the rubble and saw a small hole. Krystal started to climb up the rocks to see if she could fit through. She reached the hole, but found that it was too small for her to fit through.
The broken altar fell apart as the black mass was beyond its capacity. The mass began to ooze out of the altar's chamber slowly. It was beginning to form into a body. An arm was trying to grab anything that it could and was forming out. A second arm was also protruding from the mass.
Both arms were started to drag the mass out before one leg was forming. Another leg was also forming, and the body was starting to regain its shape. The mass was able to stand on its legs and was walking out into the hallway. The feet were making soft, squishy noises. The head was last part to regain its shape.
The face was being reconstructed to fit the host's needs. It opened its mouth and large, pointy teeth came out of the flat muzzle. The ears went from on top to the side and were being shaped into a point.
The mass stopped where it was as it was in the final stages of reconstruction. The head was gyrating in its socket and the mass brought up its hands as it was the first thing it saw when it opened its eyes. The crimson glare that crossed over the mass was only matched by the haunting grin it created. The mass started to walk out into the hallway and saw two individuals in front of it.
"Can you get through?" Fox asked.
"It's to small for me." Krystal looked down. "Fox, try and see if you can…"
Fox saw Krystal looking out into the hallway. He followed her eyes and saw what she was staring at. He saw a black mass walking towards him. He started to back up until his back was against the debris. Krystal climbed down and stood next to him. She didn't want him to be alone for something like this.
The mass started to retract into the body it was surrounding. It sounded like someone was slurping a drink, it was a unnerving sound for both foxes as they got a look at the body. And the face.
Fox could see that it was indeed Fetcher's body, the black hoodie was still on him, but the face was something that made Fox fear for his life. He couldn't forget a face as haunting as that. He didn't want to believe that he was staring at the man he sent to hell. That crooked smile was enough to confirm that all of this was real.
"A-Andross?"
The grin on his face grew wider and some black liquid was leaking from his mouth.
"Back from the dead."
A/N: Want to give a big birthday shout out to Sonic the Hedgehog, who today celebrates 29 years of running fast.
Oh yeah, and Andross is back. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Until then, Stabby out.