Chapter 11: Two Spirits, Linked
Night had fallen upon the now rather abandoned city of Estorra. The streets that had previously been lined with innumerable stands and vendors, along with thousands of festival attendees, were now completely empty. The only things keeping the city company now were the buildings themselves, along with the dimly glowing street lamps that lined the barren sidewalks.
Noticing this, Katt broke a rather long silence that had been held among the three animals, "Hey Shaara. What happened to this place? A minute ago you couldn't walk through without shouldering someone off, but now it looks like we've got the whole city to ourselves."
The female wolf turned back to the feline that followed close behind her as she responded with a smile, "Well, the Otherworldly Gate is a little bit out of the city, so I'm sure the entire event was moved over there. No use selling things to animals who aren't there, right? If selling real estate has taught me anything, it's that."
"Real estate, huh?" Katt sighed, "Don't know how you'd get into a business like that. Filling out papers and dealing with animals that want everything for nothing. Guess someone has to, right?"
Shaara let out slight chuckle, while looking at Katt with playful annoyance, "Hey, come on, it's not that bad. I've been selling houses for seven years and I don't think there's another job around that I'd rather have. It's been my dream since I was a little girl!"
The pink feline smirked, "You're parents must have had a weird way of raising a litter then."
"No, really. That's what I wanted to be when I was young, and now it's what I'm doing for a living. There's some respect in that at least, right?"
Katt raised her hands defensively, "Ya, definitely. Heh, just wasn't anything I'd consider dreaming of as a kitten."
Shaara looked at the feline defiantly, "Then what was it you wanted to be? Did you really want to be flying around saving the Lylat System? Talk about a strange dream for a young girl."
The levity of the conversation seemed to have vanished as Shaara's words echoed between the buildings that lined the empty Estorran streets. Katt's hesitation to answer ended after several uneasy seconds of silence, her voice carrying with it a tinge of bitterness, "No…that wasn't my dream."
Shaara gave her a concerned look, as if she had offended the feline somehow, and spoke in a regretful voice, "I-I'm sorry…I didn't mean to prod. I…just thought we were having fun…"
"No, don't worry about it." Katt said, her voice livening greatly, "It's just not something I talk about a lot. You didn't do anything wrong. And if you have to know…" She paused for a second to take a slight breath, then continued on with a bit of a smile, "When I was little, all I could think about was…settling down. Having a litter of my own, living a peaceful life; you know, normal stuff."
The wolf beside her nodded, feeling that it was alright to resume the conversation with the same attitude as before, "I think that's what all small girls think of. Finding the animal of your dreams and falling in love; that's probably better than any other dream you could have."
"It does sound nice, doesn't it?"
Shaara looked at her with surprise, "Wait, so you aren't married?"
Katt couldn't help but laugh at her reaction, "You're surprised? If I were married, I sure as heck wouldn't be out traveling with Fox and cheating death every other day."
"That's true…" Shaara began, "But still, you've got your eye on someone, right?"
Katt shook her head, "No, not really. I'm a little preoccupied right now with Fox's mission, so I don't really worry about it."
The wolf let off a wry smile.
"What's that face for?" Katt asked in a slightly confused voice.
With an almost indiscernible motion of her head, she gestured towards the vulpine behind them, "What about Fox?"
"Fox?"
"Sure. I mean, he's strong, brave, and handsome... If I were you, I'd at least give it a chance, ya know?"
Shaara's words went rather unnoticed as Katt glanced back at the greatly lagging Fox McCloud, who seemed to be staring off into space rather distractedly. As she heard the wolf beside her finish speaking, however, she turned back to face her, "I don't think so. He's the captain, it'd be way too complicated. Besides, he's already found…" Katt stopped herself as she noticed Shaara's expression, "Again with that smile?"
"You've thought about it, haven't you?"
Katt shook her head, "I don't know what you're talking about. Of course I haven't."
Shaara's expression only grew, "I don't think you know what you're talking about. You could see something happening between you two, couldn't you?"
The feline grimaced slightly, "Come on. Don't talk to me like that."
"Then tell me the truth," Shaara insisted, "And don't give me that tough girl attitude. We're both women, I can see right through that act."
Katt let out a quiet sigh. Never before had she been so backed into a corner to reveal information like this, but she couldn't deny it, there had been times when she had thought such things. Ever since that night aboard the Ladekahn IV, she couldn't help but allow the thoughts of them together occasionally pass through her mind; the same thoughts that were also the true reason she decided to confront Fox about getting back on his feet. Traveling with him during their first mission, there just seemed to be something so right about him. More than once, in fact, she had actually envied Krystal for what she had, but it was for that reason that she decided to respect Fox's space and let him live his life. Katt knew that no matter how strong or weak her feelings were, there would always be one large obstacle in her way.
Despite that looming fact, the feline shook her head with hidden smile as she looked back to Shaara, almost as if she were somewhat relieved to finally reveal her hidden inner thoughts, "…I might."
"Hello, young ladies! Could I interest you in some dazzling jewelry? All are assembled from the finest gems in the Lylat System, I assure you!"
Both taken aback by the sudden appearance of a third animal, the two females gave the short, well-dressed salesman an annoyed stare, which was enough to persuade him to quickly leave.
Fox, on the other hand, was too far behind the pair of females to even hear the words of this salesman. Instead, he found himself distracted only by the sights that appeared before him. After having walked free of Estorra's city limits for a short time, the vulpine now found himself standing upon a nicely paved path that was nestled between an unending meadow of tall, gently swaying grass. A short distance ahead, however, he could see a more properly manicured area, which was littered with many of the same tents and vendors that he had seen earlier in the day, although now the entire area was lit by the variously colored lights that sat upon, within, or outside each stand. The cheerful, busy scene reminded Fox of the county fairs that he eagerly attended as a kit. In that way, it was a rather calming sight, even amongst the noisy crowds and even noisier vendors.
However, all these things managed only to hold his attention for a short while, as what seemed to be the main attraction of the crowd caught his eye. A good distance beyond the stands and lights sat a strange rock formation, one that looked greatly out of place among the lush greenery that surrounded it. It wasn't exactly a large rock; by Fox's best estimation it wasn't any more than three stories tall, with its width being only slightly less. Despite its rather unimpressive appearance, something about it seemed to hold his attention, almost as if the rock itself was pulling him closer. He quickly dismissed this feeling, however, as he was finally able to come into stride with Katt and Shaara.
"Nice of you to join us Fox. For a while there I thought we lost you." Katt commented plainly as she looked over to him.
The vulpine smiled apologetically, "Sorry, I was just…thinking." Looking past the pink feline, Fox continued, "Shaara? What's that big rock over there?"
After taking a quick glance over to Fox, she looked ahead as she spoke, "That's the reason we came here."
The vulpine looked back at her with a small amount of surprise in his expression, "That's the Otherworldly Gate?"
After a quick affirming nod from Shaara, Katt spoke with a bit of an exasperated chuckle, "That's it? I was expecting something a little more…I don't know, complex? I mean, look at it. It's just a huge rock."
"What else would you expect?" Shaara began, "The Otherworldly Gate has been around for several thousand years. I don't think they could really manage much more back then."
Katt shrugged her shoulders, "Well, guess it doesn't matter what it is. Any idea when this closing ceremony is going to start?"
"It was supposed to start at sundown, which is why I wanted to get here as quickly as possible, but judging by the number of animals milling around, I think it's safe to say we haven't missed anything. We might though, if we don't hurry. Follow me."
Turning back around, Shaara led the two members of Star Fox slowly closer to the unassuming Gate that loomed in the distance. As they walked, the three animals passed by all manner of festivities, just as they had in town, but now it all came with a bit more excitement, as if a precursor to the spectacular end that was sure to take place within this grassy plain.
The group quickly forgot about this slight detail, however, as they found themselves only several hundred yards from the rock, but now, even that mysterious entity was pushed to the back of their minds as they stood at the brim of a rather deep, grassy crater. All throughout this circular depression sat an almost countless number of animals, all surrounding the Otherworldly Gate, which sat in the center of the hollow upon a slight hill. Despite the number of occupants, however, there was a calm silence that filled the place, creating a very noticeable contrast to the celebration that continued on in the background.
"The Valley of Miracles," began Shaara, "Every five-hundred years since the beginning of time, our ancestors have come here to have their wishes granted by the Otherworldly Gate. And with any luck, one of you'll be next."
Katt gave a light, almost skeptical nod as she scanned around the massive crowds once again, "Let's hope so."
Shaara gave off a light smile, "Anyway, you're both probably tired of hearing me talk about all this ancient stuff. Let's just find a place to sit and wait for the ceremony to start."
However, this relatively simple task was made rather difficult, due to the throng that had gathered within the depression. Even after several moments of carefully treading between groups of animals, not a single spot big enough for the three of them could be found.
The issue quickly and unexpectedly righted itself, however, as every single animal within the valley jumped to their feet, while simultaneously shattering the previous silence with wild cheers. Such a sudden reaction caught the group of three off guard, nearly knocking them to the ground.
"Holy...! What happened!" Katt yelled in a rattled voice.
No one could answer for almost an entire few minutes as the combination of noise and moving bodies hindered their ability to take in anything other than those two things. Once the crowd finally began to calm, however, one of the group was able to make sense of the sudden uproar.
Looking up towards the Otherworldly gate, Shaara pointed out a familiar echidna that stood upon a small stone dais which sat mere feet in front of the rock formation, "They're all cheering for him. Overseer Zaglossus; he's been the leader of Xantia for as long as I can remember."
Katt took a moment to look over the newly appeared figure, as well as allow her heart rate to drop slightly, before she spoke back in a voice hinting at disbelief, "Hey, it's that guy who greeted us back in the docking bay...I remember him. Who knew he was so important? Not many places I know of where the head animal hangs around and greets tourists."
"Probably not," began Shaara, "But I think that's why he's been Overseer for as long as he has. Everyone, including visitors to this planet, feel so safe and secure knowing he's here. I don't know...it's just a strange feeling I get. Some say it's because he's a descendant of the animals that founded the Otherworldly Gate and has some of their power..."
After hearing this, both the feline and vulpine turned their heads back to the echidna, who, after allowing the previously raucous crowd to settle back into a calmer state, began to speak over the immense gathering in a powerful, echoing voice, "Xantians, friends, and visitors to this wonderful planet, I would like to welcome you all to this great festival. A celebration that has taken place since the very beginning of this planet's existence. This is the Five-Hundred Year Festival, and it's time to, once again, open the Otherworldly Gate!"
Another bout of cheers erupted from the crowd, which almost succeeded in deafening Shaara and her guests, who still seemed rather beguiled by all the sudden excitement that filled the area.
These cheers died down as well after a short time, allowing the Overseer to continue on once more in the same commanding voice, "The Otherworldly Gate was a gift from the ancestors of this planet for all of you, every one of you that stands here this very moment. Today...someone's life will be forever changed. One will be chosen to enter into this very Gate, and once inside, will be granted a miracle. The only requisite is strength in the Energy of Life, the very essence of the universe. To all, I wish the best of luck, but now...now is the time the Otherworldly Gate will finally awaken. Five-hundred years have culminated towards this single moment. And now...Spirits...listen close to my plea...
As his words slowly dissipated within the now calm night air, the old echidna turned away from the masses and faced the Otherworldly Gate.
Seconds passed, which slowly turned to minutes, still nothing was happening. The echidna remained comatose, not moving in the slightest as he stared unblinkingly at the imposing rock. However, this hesitation did not seem to worry the animals that sat within the Valley in the slightest. If anything, all were even more intently focused on their leader, waiting for the miraculous sight they so eagerly anticipated.
Slightly less patient was Katt Monroe, who turned to lupine that stood next to her and asked in an unimpressed voice, "So...at this point I'd say the chances of all those cheers and this entire "miracle festival" being for nothing is about eight outta ten."
"No...he's been chanting this whole time."
Katt turned away from her original target and focused instead on Fox, "Wait, he is doing something? I can't hear him at all..."
Fox seemed too entranced by the echidna's words to notice his teammate had even responded, he merely continued to look on as Zaglossus stood there, silent to everyone but this one vulpine.
Fox's eyes closed, his muscles relaxed, and his mind perceived nothing but the words, words that became verses, and slowly a song.
No Semo kewokxoh uj edo udt fhojodk eih Odohwo, kxo loho jeihso ev eih caloj je kxuk no muo shejj kxo rehtoh.
Wet'j, walo ij kxo jkhodwkx, efod u wuko ke kxo ekxoh nehct je kxuk no muo semmido uj edo.
Wiato ij kxheiwx cavo udt toukx, je kxuk no muo calo nakxeik vouh ev kxo idsohkuadko kxuk caoj uxout.
Rhadw ij scejo ke kxejo no celo, udt scejoh ke kxo edoj no'lo cejk.
Whudk ij kxaj fenoh!
Those imperceptible words floated musically throughout the valley, or at least it did for Fox. Katt merely watched with inquisitive eyes as the vulpine seemed to lull into some kind of a trance.
The feline nudged Shaara and motioned over to Fox, over whom they had a quick laugh. However, their laughs were quickly replaced with sudden gasps as a subtle white light began to emanate from around Fox, who seemed oblivious to the whole thing, still entranced by the song of the Overseer.
It wasn't just Katt and Shaara that had noticed, those who had gathered around them began to take heed of the occurrence as well, but their reactions were much different. Cheers began to erupt, starting in the small area around the group, and spreading surprisingly quickly around the Valley of Miracles. Soon, the entire grassy plain was erupting with cheers and whistles, even louder than when the Overseer made his initial appearance.
It was at this point that the vulpine finally seemed to break free from his coma, but confusion quickly overtook him when he did. Seeing that he was surrounded by this strange light, he looked over to Katt and Shaara and asked in a rather urgent voice, "What's going on!"
"I dunno! You were swaying back and forth like a drunk and then this happened." Katt shouted back over the noise of the crowd.
"I think this is it!" Shaara yelled out, "I think you've been chosen!" She hesitated for a moment as she looked out over the crowd, but then continued in the same loud voice, "See? Look, the Overseer is waving you up!"
Both Fox and Katt looked up at the elderly echidna to see his shaky, wrinkled hand gently gesturing for the vulpine to approach.
Katt smirked before she spoke out, "You better not keep the old man waiting, Fox! All this noise might get at his heart if you don't hurry!"
Still slightly confused and slightly disoriented by the combination of the animals, the noise, and the inescapable light around him, Fox gradually began his way up towards Overseer Zaglossus. This proved to be easier than one would have originally thought, because as Fox progressed through the crowd, it seemed to part neatly with relative ease, allowing him to make good headway through the masses of animals, each of whom shouted excited congratulations as he passed.
It was no more than a few moments after he had been summoned that Fox found himself standing at the side of the elderly leader of Xantia, who offered a feeble handshake upon his arrival.
Turning to the crowd, the Overseer raised his hands to quiet the crowd. This process took quite a while, giving the vulpine a chance to look out over the entire gathering through the vague white veil of light. There were a countless number of faces, young and old, all jumping, screaming, and chanting, all for him, a total stranger to their community. Surely some of the citizens should be angry about an outsider taking their most cherished prize, but if that were the case, none of them showed it outwardly. It was a welcome sight, making Fox think that there might be some hope for the corrupt planets in the universe.
These thoughts ended as soon as they'd come, however, as the mass of animals finally calmed down, allowing the withered Overseer Zaglossus to speak, "Friends! The Otherworldly Gate has made it's choice! This young animal will now descend into the depths of the Gate, and receive a miracle! Wish him luck and safe journey!"
With those words, the crowd once again erupted with a menagerie of cheers.
Fox, starting to feel slightly embarrassed by all the attention, acknowledged the crowd with a wave, which seemed to fire them up even more. He smiled back at the crowd in response, but was quickly reminded of his task by the short echidna, "You must hurry into the Otherworldly Gate, young one! Mustn't keep the citizens waiting!"
Fox nodded somewhat absent-mindedly as he turned towards the echidna, "What's in the Otherworldly Gate? Do you know?"
Zaglossus seemed to miss the question as he simply continued, "Onto this pedestal, now! Safe journey to you!"
His feeble hand pointed to a small inscription on a flat surface of the rock, which Fox slowly began to approach as he asked again, "Do you know what's inside?"
All he got in return was a knowing, reassuring smile.
Shaking his head, the vulpine smiled back as he stood on the small inscription. Instantly after doing so, the light that had previously surrounded him sunk into the pedestal, causing it to glow with the same white light. After a few soft pulsing flashes of light, the stone suddenly gave way to an empty hole, which Fox easily fell through, allowing for only one abrupt final look at the roaring crowd, and the Overseer's calm smile.
Fox could feel himself falling slowly downwards, a gentle cone of soft white light surrounding him as he fell. Looking down, he gauged his landing upon a decorative looking pad that slowly pulsed with a faint green light. As his legs gently touched down upon the surface, he took a moment to survey his new surroundings. The place he now stood within was completely empty, aside from the crisp, cool air that filled the area. Through the mist of his own breath, Fox could see the room took the shape of a rough circle, the uneven rock walls giving the space it's shape. Looking straight ahead, he noticed a corridor that led out of this room and into what looked to be a cave, albeit one that was considerably well lit by torches that sporadically lined the hallway.
His first steps came with some degree of caution, still unsure of exactly what he was about to encounter inside the Otherworldly Gate. The intense quiet made it all the more unsettling, with only the sound of crackling torches to keep him company as he slowly made his way deeper into the tunnel.
Fox's trek continued on in this fashion for several minutes, with nothing more than a few slight hills, dips, and turns to break up the otherwise monotonous walk. That is, until on a seemingly usassuming portion of the tunnel, he saw another room slowly draw closer as he walked. Much of the room was still hidden from sight, but what he could see from his position brought back memories he had since forgotten.
That light...it's just like...
A circular room with eight small, faintly glowing pads gently emanated a small beam of it's light upwards. In the middle of those eight smaller pads sat one much larger one, which also gave off the same yellowish-white glow that shone effortlessly up to the damp, rocky ceiling.
Fox paused for a second as he took in the sight, words subconsciously leaking from his mouth as he thought them, "This is just like Dinosaur Planet..."
The vulpine had little time to stand and absorb the similarities however, as suddenly, a sound other than the simmering torches quietly echoed all around him.
You've arrived...
Fox quickly snapped out of his pensive state of mind as his ears twitched back, quickly scanning his surroundings for the cause of the sudden voice, which still echoed softly away down the hallway. This defensive posture was soon relinquished however, as he found nothing could have been the cause. Instead, he took a slightly bolder route and slowly began to pace towards the center of the room.
You've arrived...Savior of our Realm...
The pad in the center of the room pulsed slightly along with the words as they quietly seemed to whisper out to Fox. Noticing this, the vulpine hesitated for a moment, lingering on the words that were spoken. "Our realm? Could this be...someone from the Spirit Realm?"
Our Hero...please come into the light...
"Can you hear me? What do you want?" Fox tried to ask the seemingly non-existent force. There was a long silence as the vulpine's words gradually drowned themselves within the cave.
Our Hero...please come into the light...
The voice repeated, obviously unaware that anyone was trying to communicate with it.
Unsure if the pad could see him or sense him, or if it were safe at all to follow it's words at all, the vulpine's curiously had piqued. Taking a few more steps forward, the vulpine soon found himself in the center of the cavernous room, clothed in the light that shone up from his feet.
At that instant, the panel suddenly let off a burst of light, one that blinded the vulpine for several seconds. Which seemed to play into the hands of the strange voice, as it called out once again.
You have found this place, you have entered the Otherworldly Gate. Be it by accident, coincidence, or fate, I know not.
Just as Fox began to gain his sense of sight back, he found himself unable to move. His hands and legs had become somehow locked in place by the light that shrouded around him. The vulpine did not struggle however. This was a sensation he had experienced many times before. And just like those past instances, his body slowly began to drift upwards, until he fully lost contact with the floor below. It was here that the mysterious voice spoke again.
The Hero of Life must be filled with the Energy of Life, with this as his weapon, he is destined to succeed. This is your first test. I pray for your survival...
Suddenly, uncertainty rushed over Fox like a waterfall. His heart's pace picked up, his previously passive attitude towards suddenly being restrained intensified, as he now struggled against the invisible force. Although, it was all to no avail, and the light again began to intensify.
Not only the light, but the feeling that slowly grew within him. It was like nothing he felt before, but at the same time, it sent his mind reeling back to all the times he had felt something very close to this. Corneria, outside the General's office; The Great Fox, inside his room; the hospital where he died.
Is this...the Energy of Life? I've never felt it this stro...
"A-Ahhhh!" Fox let out a piercing scream as the light pulsed and grew stronger yet again. His back arched and his head snapped back as he tried to accept the pain, but it was useless. The sensation grew stronger and stronger until all become black. There was no light, there was no sound, there was no feeling.
And then, out of the darkness, a song.
We come together as one and present our Energy, the very source of our lives so we may cross the border.
God's, give us the strength, open a gate to the other world so that we may communicate as one.
Guide us through life and death, so that we may live without fear of the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Bring us close to those we love, and closer to the ones we've lost.
Grant us this power!
The words faded, and immediately after, so did the black void. In it's place, a shroud of white, misty light. To his left and right, there was nothing to be seen, just an endless expanse of light.
But straight ahead of him, mere steps away, she stood.
He hesitated for a moment in absolute disbelief, merely taking in the sight of the one he had been waiting to see for so long.
Her back was turned towards him slightly, with her head hung to the floor, as if she were lost in thought. She looked just as she did when he first met her, as she did before the battle with Scales, before she lay dormant in a stasis device on the Great Fox as a mere shell of her true self. The beautiful blue hair, the finely toned and gorgeous body, the golden choker around her neck, and the gold bangles on her wrists. She had no scars, no bruises; she was perfect.
The vulpine slowly opened his mouth to speak, but the words came out quietly, as if he didn't want to be ultimately let down when she was revealed to be but a figment of his imagination, "...Krystal?"
Her ears perked up, her focus raised from the floor. And slowly, she turned towards him.
Their eyes met.
"Fox..."
For a moment, that was enough.
"You came for me." Krystal barely whispered as she tried to hold back the slowly forming tears.
Fox took a step closer, "I could never leave you..." He paused slightly, losing himself for a moment in her mere presence, "I missed you Krystal...I missed you so much." He formed his arms around her body, "I never thought I'd..."
His words fumbled as his embrace was met with nothing but air, his arms passing right through the vixen with no feeling at all.
The forming tear now flowed freely down Krystal's furry cheek.
"W-Why can't I...?" Fox spoke clumsily.
The vixen gave off as reassuring smile as she could while wiping the tears from her eyes, "I am dead Fox, a spirit. You still live. We don't exist on the same plane here, we...we can't..."
Fox's head lowered, the frustration was evident. To come all this way and not be able to feel her warmth, her touch, her kiss.
Krystal consoled him in a sympathetic voice, "I'm so sorry Fox..."
"No..." Fox spoke back in a suddenly reassured tone of voice, "No, don't be. We'll fix this. I'll bring you back Krystal, I'm never giving up on you."
Krystal let off a bittersweet smile, so badly wanting to nuzzle up to him as she always did when he said such things, "Fox..."
She looked away from him for a moment, gathering herself with a deep breath before continuing on, "Andross is back…"
Her brief words hung heavy in the air. The horrified look Fox gave her in reply required no words on his part.
"He's back…and somehow existing in both the real and Spirit Realms. Andross is using a corrupt form of the Energy of Life to slowly destroy the spirits that reside here. He's already taken so many…and I'm sure he has plans in your realm as well…"
"Andross…how…" He trailed off, unable to find the words that could accurately describe the shock he found himself in. How could this be the same Andross that he and his team had defeated twice before? And how could he possibly exist in both realms? Why would he attack the Spirit Realm, and what plans did he have for the Lylat System and beyond?
Krystal could feel Fox churning through his thoughts, spurring her to continue on apologetically, "…I'm sorry I don't have more information, even the spirits that dwell here are unclear of his ultimate intention. We just know that if he goes on unimpeded, we are all in terrible danger…"
"I…can't believe it." Fox started clumsily, still unable to believe this revelation. He managed to temporarily shake himself from these thoughts, however, looking back at the spirit in front of him with sudden determination, "How do we stop him?"
"…Spirit Links, or Energy Temples, as they are known down below. Your Otherworldly Gate would be an example; but in order for them to work, we must be in corresponding locations in both the real and Spirit Realm. There are four in all between both realms, and each will help provide us with the power we need to destroy Andross. This time…once and for all."
"Do you know where I need to go from here?"
"Yes…I have been entrusted knowledge of the remaining Energy Temples. You must find them as soon as possible."
Fox nodded as Krystal continued on, "From Xantia, you must go to the planet Krux, then...Sauria."
She paused for a moment as she spoke this name, and smiled, which was immediately returned by Fox. The short silence that followed allowed the two to remember back to all the wonderful things that happened on that planet, of how their whole story began. Thinking back in that moment filled them with great comfort, and more importantly, reminded them both of exactly how much they meant to each other, even after such a long time apart.
"And finally," She continued after the appreciative quiet, "You must find the sky."
Fox nodded, "Krux, Sauria, and...the sky?" His voice wavering slightly at the end of his statement, "What do you mean by the sky?"
Krystal shrugged with a look of regret on her face, "I am not entirely sure, Sabre...the one who gave me this information, told me all this just as he was being forced from this realm..." She trailed off into thought for a moment and then continued on, "Perhaps there will be clues along the way?"
Fox smirked, "You're probably right. I've got a long way to go before I have to worry about the sky anyway. First up, Krux."
The vixen gave an understanding nod, "Then you must go immediately, Fox. I am not sure how much time we have here in the Spirit Realm."
"But Krystal, I..." Fox began, ready to fight this inevitable departure.
He was quickly dissuaded from doing so, however, as Krystal remorsefully shook her head, speaking quietly, "We will be together again soon, I know it..."
As her words faded, the blue-furred spirit slowly raised her hands towards Fox, which gradually began to glow in a faint blue light, "I will see you again, Fox. Please...hurry."
Fox wavered for a moment, not at all ready to leave Krystal's side, but after a deep breath to collect himself, he nodded, "I'll be back, I promise you."
The light from Krystal's hand flashed once, twice, and then a third time, instantly creating a blue singularity around Fox.
"I'll always love you, Fox McCloud."
Through the blue orb, the Fox spoke back, "I..."
"...love you too..." The vulpine finished, his words quietly echoing off of the jagged cavern walls.
He let those words hit him, over and over until they disappeared deep into the cave.
Then there was silence. A silence filled with happiness and sadness, fear and relief, courage and doubt.
He was so close to her, but he knew, she was still very, very far away.
The test has been successful, you truly are the Hero of Life.
The familiar whisper called out once again.
With the completion of this test, you have now become closer to realizing your full potential. The Energy of Life sprouts in you now, take care to let it grow and mature through your journey, for that is our only remaining hope. You have my blessing. Safe journey to you...Hero of Life.
As these words were spoken, the yellowish-white lights of each pad slowly went dim, one by one. Until at last, the large pad in the middle faded to black, leaving only the glow of the torches to light the cavern.
At the moment the final panel had it's light extinguished, a sudden thud was heard right behind Fox. Seemingly unsurprised by this, the vulpine merely turned around to notice a small medallion laying at his feet. He did not hesitate to pick it up, this small piece of unimpressive blue metal. Turning it over however, Fox noticed a small carving of words on the back. It read:
"Sabre, of the Cerinian Clan. Xantia Spirit Link Guardian."
Fox took little time to examine it further however, he had much more pressing matters at hand. Slowly, he turned to face the torch-lit tunnel and began to walk.
His hand clutched at the green-gemmed necklace that hung loosely at his chest, the gem that had previously sat on her chest. The gem she gave him on Xavix-Yuan as proof of her deepest feelings. The gem that would bring her back.
"I'll be back for you..."
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I have to say, I never honestly thought this would happen. This chapter has been staring at me in the face for literally years. I had to finish this one though, at least. My readers are amazing, that's all I can really say. You guys deserve better than huge waits like this. I'm sorry it had to be like this. Enough with that though, here's the truth...
This may very well be the last chapter I ever publish here. It's too bad, because I had a lot of great ideas for this story. I figure I owe it to you all to tell you for sure that this is actually (probably) the end. With me though, who knows? I love this story, and I want to finish it, but it's becoming very apparent I will not be able to. Fingers crossed though!
Thank you all again for being such great fans, you're all awesome. Hopefully I will see you all again.
(Untitled Chapter)
We return to the ship and get some back story about Kaya, who just got done beatin' down Panther a little while back. Really looking forward to fleshing out her character. Star Wolf dun her wrong, that's all you need to know for now.