Immortal Star Fox
Chapter XXIV
Fox took the long walk back to Walled City.
His side hurt tremendously due to his rib, but it wasn't the same hurt that the vixen he was carrying was feeling. In all the times he comforted the different inhabitants on his journey, this one was going to be the most difficult one he would ever face.
Not only did Fox not tell Krystal that he saw her planet blow up, it came out of the ape who destroyed it. Then, Andross forced Fox to say that he witnessed everything. Fox was mentally kicking himself for not saying anything earlier. He wanted to, but he got caught up with either work for Star Fox, or just sneaking off with Krystal. He should have told her during those times, but didn't.
Now, as he was still carrying her back to the Cornerian camp to get treatment for her reopened scar, Fox had all this time to think about his selfish actions and try to make it up. He was willing to do whatever it takes to let Krystal know that he was sorry for putting her through this torment.
As Fox was walking inside the camp, many of the dinosaurs from the tribe were walking outside and could see smoke coming from the temple's spire. They turned to each other and were discussing if the area was deemed safe to return. Their talks quickly halted as they saw Krystal in Fox's arms.
They watched as Fox quietly walked through the mob that was waiting outside the city's wall. The EarthWalkers made a small path for them as Fox reached the Cornerian base. Fox looked down at Krystal, she just had her head close to his chest. She didn't look up at him during the entire trip back. It looked like she was lost in another world.
Fox walked down the rows of tents until he reached one with a red cross on it. He was hoping that the camp's doctor was still there and didn't run out to help fight at the temple. He stood in front of the entrance and used his elbow to open the flap and enter. He held Krystal close as he maneuvered into the open flap.
Fox saw the tent, of course, was unoccupied, except for the doctor. The brown-red feline was going through records of other soldiers in the base and was including some to be medically discharged. The doctor heard the flap open and was cautious of who it was. He reached underneath his desk and once he saw it was Fox, took his hand from under and stood up.
"McCloud. Is everything okay?" He asked.
Fox didn't acknowledge his question as he slowly walked to the cot that was at the end of the tent. The doctor couldn't see the condition of Krystal, so he had to wait until Fox set her down. Fox reached the cot and was slow to lay Krystal down. He set her legs at the end of the bed and gently laying her as he removed his right arm from under her.
Krystal felt herself being laid and she brought her arms around Fox's neck and held it tight, not wanting to let go. Fox cried out as it was tight for him. His broken rib was really hurting him.
"Krystal. You need to… let go." Fox said as he tried to release himself from her hold. It wasn't until the stings from Krystal's cut, did she slowly remove her arms from Fox.
Fox gently put her head on the stiff pillow. He took a moment to see her eyes. They looked red all around and the blue iris almost looked like they were fading away. Fox saw the jewel that she always wore on her head was dimming. Fox stroked her cheek and touched his forehead with her lightly.
There was a buzzing coming from Fox's wristcomm. He removed his head from Krystal's and saw it was Peppy.
Fox, we need to talk about what we need to do.
Fox started to type back, saying he was already at the base and to meet him here. Once he sent it, he looked back at Krystal, who was now holding her arms close to her, as if she was hugging herself, his jacket doing its best to cover Krystal's cut. Fox placed a hand on her arm, feeling her soft fur run through his fingers. He removed his hand and stood upright, wincing in pain from his side.
"Do you need treatment?" The doctor asked.
"I'm fine." Fox lied.
"McCloud. You don't look…"
"I said I'm fine." Fox snapped at the feline. "She's your only priority now. Make sure she's safe."
Fox looked back at Krystal, who was now facing away from both him and the doctor. Outside, Fox could hear voices approaching the camp, indicating that everyone was making their way back to recuperate and treat the wounded. Fox turned away and began walking out of the tent, he had a small limp going out.
The doctor saw Krystal's back to him. Realizing that she was going to need some time to get herself situated, he pulled the chair from his desk and rolled it over to Krystal's bedside. He sat down and grabbed a clipboard with a fresh chart.
"Ma'am. Can you tell me what hurts?"
Krystal faintly heard the doctor's question and she closed her eyes as she opened her mouth to reply in no more than a whisper.
"Everything."
Fox covered his eyes as he exited the tent. The bright glares from Solar blinded him for a second before he regained his vision. He could see the soldiers that partook in the firefight were returning. He overheard some talking about staying behind and cleaning up the mess that was left at the temple. Fox knew that Corneria liked cleaning up their messes so much that some planets still complain about how certain areas are still trying to recover. So, he knew that Sauria was going to be no exception.
Fox could see his crew coming up with Katt and Bill following behind them. He would need to catch them up on what happened when he and Krystal were trapped. They will be in for the shock of their lives.
"Fox." Peppy said as they approached him. "We've figured out that it was Venom forces that were in charge of the assault. As for why, we're trying to-"
"He's back." Fox said hoarsely.
"Wh… No." Peppy's face glared with fear.
"You're not saying who I think." Falco went to Fox.
Fox didn't want to admit it, but had to so they could plan better. "Fetcher was under our nose the whole time. He planned everything. And he… was able to bring back… Andross."
The mental images of Krystal appeared in his head. He squatted down with his head in his hands, but the ribs stopped him from going down. He grimaced in pain and fell to a knee. Falco was quick to pick him up as well as Slippy. They took an arm around their neck but Fox pushed them off.
"Hey man, we're trying to help you." Falco was peeved that Fox wasn't accepting help.
"I'm fine." Fox brushed himself off.
"You don't look fine." Slippy commented.
"Yeah. In fact, you look like shit." Falco added. "Did he really mess you up that much?"
Fox glared at Falco and then back down to his injured ribs. Bill was off to the side taking a call from another group of soldiers. Bill was listening closely before he cut the feed and turned to Fox.
"I just got word that a Cornerian ship was stolen. Two bodies were found at the launch point. They had black stakes impaled in them." Bill went back to the call and informed the search team. "Get a lock on where that ship is headed."
"There's only one place he could go, Bill." Fox called out.
"Are you sure," Bill questioned.
"I'm positive. Tell Pepper. We're going to need everything. Pep." Peppy turned to Fox. "Go with him and tell Pepper everything that I've told you. Back Bill up to get as much support."
"Okay." Peppy went to Bill and they both walked into one of the tents.
"It's going to be one hell of a show once we get there. Slip." Slippy turned at attention. "Get the Great Fox down here and get us a quick route to Venom."
"Fox, we don't know if the Great Fox can handle one more blast. When I get back, ROB said it could collapse any second." Slippy tried his best to explain to Fox, but he wasn't having it.
"If we wait, Andross will build himself another army. He'll throw Lylat into war again. I don't care if we need tape to patch it up, we're going." Fox didn't want to raise his voice at Slippy, but if that was the only way to get the message across, he'd do it again.
Slippy did wince at Fox's voice, but gave a nod and began to jog all the way back to the temple to get his Arwing and fly back to their mothership. Fox looked at both Falco and Katt. Both couldn't think of anything to say to Fox. His face was bruised and his chest was rising and falling fast. This was probably the worst condition they'd both seen him in.
"How is Krystal doing?" Katt spoke up.
Falco turned to her in shock at how Katt knew Krystal's name. Fox looked away, obviously not wanting to talk about it. Just the thought of her in that state made Fox clench his fists hard to where they turned white.
"S-She got cut up pretty bad." Fox turned back to them. "The doctor should be stitching her up."
Fox decided to tell only half of what happened. The only other one who knew she was from Cerinia was Peppy, and if he found out that it was Andross who told her, Fox would get an earful from him.
"Fox!"
Fox looked up as he heard the high pitch of Tricky running to him. Fox sighed as he had to tell another individual the same number of events.
"Are you okay?" Tricky asked worryingly.
"Not really, but I'll get through." Fox looked down at the knee high EarthWalker.
"Where's Krystal? I haven't seen her since she ran towards the temple. She said that she'd be back soon."
Fox looked at Tricky with a solemn gaze and tried to tell him with little detail the current state of Krystal's health.
"She got injured. The doctor is looking at her. I can assure you she'll be… okay." Fox sounded unsure when he said that last word.
Tricky didn't catch it and his face went to his usual happy nature. "What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know."
Tricky caught Fox's voice of concern and in turn, his face went down. Fox saw that and tried to turn the conversations around.
"I mean. I do know. I'm still trying to think things through." Fox looked at Walled City's entrance to see Auserij and Sosacau addressing their tribe about the recent series of events. The crowd looked both scared and relieved that they had to witness such devastation close to their home, but they were all safe.
"Tricky, you should go back to your parents." Fox sounded like he was pushing Tricky away. He didn't want the small dinosaur to see Krystal's true state.
"Are you sure she's okay?"
"Yes. She's fine." Fox had to lie so Tricky wouldn't ask any more questions. Tricky started to walk back but gave another quick glance at Fox before returning to his parents.
In the distance, Fox could hear the distant roar of engines. The Great Fox was descending from the clouds and was moving over the camp.
"Falco. Could you take a look at the Arwing? Make sure they're prepped for the trip." It was the last thing that Fox could order something to Falco. "You can get Katt to help you."
Falco turns his head to Katt and she nodded her head, willing to help Falco with the task.
"Okay. We'll do it." Falco complied. "Hey."
Fox turned his attention to Falco.
"You'll do what's right. I believe in you. Ya got that?" Falco placed a wing on Fox's shoulder. "We'll be ready to go when you are."
Fox tried his best to smile at Falco's words, but it would go away when he thought about what he was talking about. Falco gave Fox a pat before removing his wing and motioning for Katt to join him.
"Foxy, whatever happened in there, you gotta fix it," Katt started. "That look in her eyes, she was sad. Whatever happened, it needs to be addressed. I know you can do it."
Fox looked up to Katt and she gave him a small wink before catching up with Falco. Now that he was alone, he had ample time to think about what he's going to say when he goes back into the tent.
One meeting with Krystal is all he needs before they leave so he can know if anything between them is broken. Fox turned around and stood at the tent's entrance. He took a shallow breath and walked in.
The doctor was at his desk, filling out what was Krystal's records. He heard the flaps of the tent open to see Fox entering. The feline turned in his chair and looked down at his clipboard.
"McCloud. Glad you're back. Ms. Krystal's abdomen was severely cut, so I had to suture it together. She's currently resting."
Fox looked at the cot that was at the end of the tent. He could only see Krystal's head. Her entire body was covered with a brown blanket. She was still facing away from the entrance.
"Doc, could you give us a minute?"
The feline looked back at Krystal and to him. "McCloud, she needs to be resting. I gave her some antibodies for the pain, so she may not be in a talking mood."
Fox looked down at the doctor. "I just need to tell her something. I know she'll listen. Please, just a few minutes."
The doctor could sense that this was a personal matter between the two to them. He sighed and grabbed the clipboard and a few papers and pens.
"Okay. Just a few minutes." The feline brushed past Fox and out the tent. He covered the entrance so that they could have their privacy.
Fox stood at the desk with closed fists. He took small, shaky steps towards the cot. Everything was silent. Fox couldn't hear anything besides his heart beating when he was getting closer to Krystal. He finally reached the cot and Krystal still didn't turn.
Once Fox reached the cot, he turned around and slowly lowered himself onto the springs. They cracked as he sat on them and he looked back to see if Krystal turned, she didn't. It was just them, and now Fox had a short time to say his words to Krystal.
"Krystal. If you're hearing me… God, I don't even know what to say." Fox placed his head in his hands. "You deserved to know a long time ago. And yet, I was selfish to keep it from you. It's just."
Fox could feel the tears swelling in his eyes.
"I… I… started to get to know you more. You caught my attention in a way that no one else ever could. The longer we were together, the more enthralled I became with you. I was beginning to realize I was… I…"
Fox couldn't see it, but Krystal was attentively listening to every word Fox was saying. Her ears were twitching at the voice of Fox and she held her arms close to herself. She stared intensely at the wall, wondering if Fox was going to say it.
"I… was becoming attached to you." Fox couldn't say that word. He wouldn't know how Krystal would react if he did. "You have fight. You have charisma and kindness that I've wanted to know more about. Even if it meant searching for answers that… I already knew."
Fox gripped the cot with his hands and leaned forward.
"I was selfish to think that. You have every right to be upset at me, and I understand if you… if you don't want anything to do with me. I deserve it."
Fox looked back and he could see Krystal was still facing the tent. He brought his right hand from the cot and gently placed it on Krystal's shoulder.
"Krystal?"
It took a while for Krystal to feel his touch. She was so caught up with her emotions that she didn't think and, without repercussion, swatted Fox's hand off her shoulder.
Fox felt the sting from Krystal's swat, but to him, this was his confirmation that a chance of mending any relations between them was done. He closed his hand and returned it to the original place on the cot.
"I'm going to kill him." Fox bluntly said. "I'm going to kill him. He deserves to rot in hell for all eternity. After that, I'll come back to tell you and then, we can… go our separate ways."
Fox looked back to see Krystal shifting under the blanket, but she didn't turn to him. Fox looked at the ground and shut his eyes tightly, trying to avoid any more tears from falling. Fox slowly got up, the springs creaking as he stood.
"Thank you. For being someone to talk to. To laugh with. To be with." Fox looked down at the bracelet that Krystal made him. He saw a drop of water fall onto it.
He shook his wrist and took in a deep breath, ignoring his ribs. He made a promise to Krystal to return with the news of Andross' death, and after, it would be up to her on how she would go through with the news.
Fox took a while to make himself start taking a step. Because once he started, he couldn't turn back. He sucked in whatever dignity he had left and forced himself to take the first step. It was long but once his boot hit the ground, he brought his other one and started to walk from the cot.
Fox was so in his own mind that the next step he took, he almost fell back because of something grabbing his wrist. He turned around to see Krystal reaching over and holding him in place. Fox stared long only into Krystal's eyes but she didn't have the same look.
"Fox," Krystal started. "What you've done, not telling me about Cerinia. I'm not sure if I can forgive you for that."
Fox knew that part. He didn't need to be told that Krystal was not going to forgive him about her planet's destruction.
"But…"
Those words made Fox jump in his fur.
"I can't express how much you've grown on me as well. I knew something was wrong, and I should have pushed for it, but I kept putting it aside, to get to know you more."
Krystal began to sit up and guided Fox back onto the cot. She took both his hands and ran her finger through his. Fox saw the stitches that Krystal was now sporting.
"I guess you can say I was getting selfish myself." Krystal added
"I'm sorry." Fox put his head down.
Fox felt Krystal remove her hand from his only to feel them being wrapped around his head. She brought hers closer until the jewel was touching Fox's forehead. Fox could feel something flowing around in his mind. It felt welcoming and silky. It felt like it was tickling his brain.
There is one way, I believe, you can make it up to me.
Fox realized that Krystal was talking in his mind. "What is it?"
Go. Be the hero you are, and come back to me.
"I'll make sure he'll pay for what he did to you. I promise you."
I know you will.
Krystal withdrew her powers from Fox's mind and opened her eyes. She tilted her head back to see Fox slowly opening his. Fox blinked a couple of times to get the tears to go away, but one slipped down his cheek. Krystal saw it and wiped it away. She stroked Fox's cheek gingerly, finally smiling at Fox.
Fox could feel a sliver of hope that everything between them would be okay, as long as he completed his promise. Fox glanced at Krystal's eyes, now they looked rejuvenated and full of color. Fox felt Krystal's hand on his face and nuzzled into it. His smile started to grow.
Krystal could feel a new fuel of determination start to build in him, but it needed something to ignite it. She knew exactly what to do. She leaned forward and gave Fox a small kiss. Fox went wide eyed before closing them and returning the kiss.
Their small dance felt like it lasted forever, so much that the doctor reentered the tent. He was looking down at his chart before glaring up and seeing the two foxes in a private session. He quickly turned around and walked out the tent to wait a little more.
Neither heard the doctor come in or out as they were too focused on each other and the movements of their lips. Fox knew he couldn't push more, so Krystal was the one who pushed. She bullied her tongue through Fox's teeth and began fighting with his tongue. Fox was almost at loss of breath at this point and had to break it to not pass out.
There was a small suction between them, so when they broke, the entire tent was filled with a small popping sound, then it was filled with both foxes breathing. Fox was wincing from the pain in his side. Krystal lightly placed her hand where she thought his ribs were broken and looked up at him. Fox felt her touch and it somewhat soothe him a little. He leaned forward and placed a hand on her cheek.
"I'll be back."
Krystal returned the gesture and touched her forehead with his.
"I'll be waiting."
Fox felt the emotion in Krystal's voice when hearing those words. She was willing to wait for him to return. He needed to deliver on his promise and destroy the ape that has caused both of them pain beyond imagine.
Fox began to stand up and could hear engines starting up outside the tent. Figuring it was time to leave, Fox gave an assuring nod to Krystal and jogged out of the tent. Krystal watched him jog out and she slipped back under the blankets, making sure Fox's jacket was snug around her.
Fox exited the tent to see the doctor standing outside and had the clipboard shielding from Solar. He heard Fox come out and turned around.
"Make sure she's okay."
Fox turned the corner and out to the where the Great Fox was, not letting the doctor answer him back. Fox met with Peppy and Bill who were talking with each other from the tent they were in. They heard Fox approaching and they turned to him.
"Fox. General Pepper has been notified about Andross." Bill said. "He's prepared for another attack at Venom at your notice."
"We're going now." Fox said after Bill finished his sentence.
"Wait. You mean like now, now?" Bill had to lift his visor as if to understand what Fox said.
"Yes. Now. And you're coming with us. Get your Husky and Bulldog squads ready. Tell Pepper we're taking off and to send damage control to Sauria." Fox ordered Bill.
"Uh, okay" Bill reentered the tent to let Pepper know about a change of plans.
Fox was walking fast, so Peppy had to run to catch up to him. Fox didn't see the cargo door lowered on the Great Fox, so he loudly banged on the doors so that Falco could hear him. Peppy caught up to him and was out of breath.
"Fox," Peppy panted. "what are we doing?"
"Going right at Venom." Fox said without emotion.
The large cargo doors unhooked and began to lower slowly. Fox and Peppy walked to the side to allow the doors to fall all the way and a small thud was issued to the ground. Fox lunged up with one leg and used the other to push himself up on the slant and entered the hangar. Peppy had to walk around to the front and walk up the ramp.
"Fox. You still haven't given a plan." Peppy said, jogging up to him.
Fox stopped in the middle of the hangar. He looked up to the second deck and saw Katt there motioning something to Falco, who was on one of the Arwings to the far left. Fox turned around and looked Peppy dead in the eyes.
"It's simple. I'm going to kill him."
Peppy took a few moments to process what Fox said before Fox turned back and started to walk up the stair to the second deck.
"Hold on there, Fox!" Peppy shouted
It made Fox stop walking and turn back to him. Falco and Katt both stopped what they were doing and peeked over to see what was going to happen between the two. Falco got out of the Arwing to get a better look.
"Pep. You know how personal this is for me."
"Yes, I understand that. But I can't just let you run into Venom like that." Peppy was trying his case. "I made a promise over your father's grave that I wouldn't let you run off doing something like that. When you blasted off with General Pepper in that portal, I was running a muck just hoping nothing happened to you."
Fox did remember back to that day. When Pepper revealed that Venom was a giant teleportation device. The general went into the portal knowing well where it would lead, and Fox followed without thinking about it.
Then Peppy brought up his concern for Fox. How he made a promise on his dad's grave. Fox had never told Peppy about what really happened that day. When he saw his father save him from Andross, the sacrifice that a father would make for his son never waned with James.
"I did what I needed to do. I know my dad would understand that. You understand that too, Pep. As for your promise," Fox took in a deep breath. "It's something that you and I both need to fulfill. I made a promise, as well, and I intend to do it. No matter what."
Peppy scrunched his eye together and got closer to Fox. "Are you talking about Krystal?"
Fox shrugged. "Who else would I be talking about, Pep."
Peppy started to rub his fingers on the wrinkles between his eyes and nose. Peppy thought this was going to turn out the same as with his former girlfriend. He'll get distracted with trying to keep them safe and it'll cost him a wing or maybe worse. Fox could see the worry course through Peppy's face. He placed on hand on Peppy's shoulder.
"Pep, I made Krystal this promise. I know you know about her home planet. What happened that day, and how we weren't fast enough to stop him." Fox took another breath. "That's my promise to her. I need to do this so he can't spread his terror to other planets like he did with hers."
After Fox finished that sentence, Slippy came rushing in from the emergency stairs. The chubby toad had to catch his breath and he was wheezing when exiting from the stairs.
"Jeez, Slip. Learn how to breath." Falco said as he looked back.
"The plot… to Venom… is done." Slippy took in another breath and started to compose himself. "It may take… a few hours to… get there." Slippy cleared his throat. "It was the safest route without destroying the Great Fox."
Fox gave Slippy and nod and turned to Falco and Katt. "How are the Arwings?"
"The brakes needed some working on since your little stunt required us to stop suddenly. Katt and I were able to get them down with a little elbow grease." Falco bumped Katt with his hip.
Katt acknowledged it and turned to Fox. "All your ships are good to go. Nothing but a little Katt touch couldn't help. I'll also join you on your trip to Venom. I'm not taking no for an answer."
"Wasn't going to tell you otherwise." Fox chuckled at Katt's assertiveness.
The only one left who needed to be on board was Peppy. Everyone turned to him and Peppy was put on the spot. Peppy let out a gargled sigh and rolled his eyes. He walked next to Fox and gave him a hard pat on the back, more of a slap.
"If you somehow don't make it, tell your father it was your idea. Hopefully it won't come to that." Peppy stood next to Slippy.
Fox rubbed the part that Peppy slapped and looked back to the rest of his team. Falco, Katt, Slippy, and Peppy all eyed him and Fox stood at attention.
"This may be a one-way trip for all of us. I know all of you know what is at stake here. Lylat is going to be counting on us, even if they don't know that Andross is back. I know Pepper will get us the support we need when we're heading to Venom. No matter what happens, and when we get through this, know that I am honored to be flying with amazing pilots."
Slippy had small, but happy, tears forming on the side of his eyes. Falco had his arms crossed and had an assuring grin. Katt had her trademark wink flying to Fox, and Peppy was holding in something, but it didn't last because a large smile was growing on his face.
"Just like his father." Peppy whispered to himself.
Fox turned serious. "Now. Let's go kill that son of a bitch."
A/N: We're entering the final stretch. Looking forward to finishing this story on a good and high note.
I mentioned before I joined "The Foxhole" and I've been talking with some amazing writers on there. We've been talking through voice chat and overall having a good time. So come on in and join us. The link is in my bio.
#BerylliumGang
Until then, Stabby out.