Chapter 6: Painful Visions
Fox's thoughts wandered as he looked down the misty hallways of the Great Fox. What just happened...is this really the Great Fox? It seems so different...everything on this Great Fox seems...new. Is this what it looked like...when my Father was the leader? But...how could I be seeing this...that was over ten years ago...this can't be possible...what is this...So much is happening to me...this...destiny...can I really handle it...will I make it through? I don't understand...any of this...
Krystal took an uneasy stance slightly behind Fox and whispered, "Fox, something is coming...from the end of this hallway...look, over there." Krystal pointed down the long hallway. A robotic silhouette was coming down the hall straight toward them. Fox pulled his blaster, not knowing what else he could do. The robot drew closer and Fox could now see the robot in full detail. It was ROB, and Fox felt a sense of relief come over him. Fox put his blaster away and asked, "ROB, what happened to the ship...how did all this..." Fox stopped himself, as ROB walked straight through him, like he wasn't there at all. What!? He just walked right through me...this can't be real...is this...a dream or something?
The intercom system in the ship was activated. A strange voice spoke through it, "James, where are you, get over to the docking bay right now. We're approaching Venom, get up here fast!" A voice passed over Fox and Krystal, they could hear thoughts of someone inside the ship, "Man, I hope we can pull this off, this is our last shot at Andross, I'm not going to wait any longer...I have to finish this now, before he can take over all of Lylat." The voiced died and again, there was silence. Fox and Krystal looked at each other; both had no clue what was going on. Suddenly, the ship faded again and they were floating in the middle of space. Krystal put both arms tightly around Fox, sensing the end of both of them, but when she looked up...they were just floating in space...and somehow, they could breathe.
A battle raged below them, the three Arwings of the Star Fox team, and the giant head of Andross. The Arwings dodged Andross's attacks with ease, while blasting away at his enormous head. Andross did not seem fazed however. Fox and Krystal then heard one of the transmissions from one of the Arwings, "Hehehe, Sorry James, Andross seems to have put a large sum of money on your head, and since we're mercenaries, I couldn't help but accept Andross's kind offer. Goodbye James, ehehehe!" The Arwing's pilot replied, "Pigma, what are you doing, you traitor! Stop this right now, we can't let Andross take...AHHHHH!!" The transmission was cut off as a huge explosion rocked the spot where James's Arwing was. The blast faded and the Arwing was no more, it had disappeared into space...Fox stood wide eyed in shock...he had never known exactly how his Father had died, but now...somehow...he saw it right in front of him. The scene in front of them quickly vanished and they reappeared in Corneria.
Fox looked around, not having any idea what was happening. He saw a familiar figure standing a few feet in front of him; it was his Father, James McCloud. He was talking to a small fox, who was eagerly running around James. Is that...Father...and that's...me? What...is this? The small Fox stopped running and sat down in front of James. "Dad, what's in the universe?" The small, naïve Fox questioned with big eyes. "Well son, the universe is a lot bigger than you could imagine..." James was cut off by the young Fox, "You mean...bigger than the universe in the simulator?" James chuckled and replied, "Yes, much bigger, and much more dangerous, Dad's lucky to have a good team with him..." The young Fox energetically questioned, "Am I gonna be on the team too, huh Dad?" James replied with a smile, "If that's what you want to do Fox, than you should follow your dreams, you never know what the future holds, so you have to meet it head on, live life to the fullest son." Young Fox paused and asked, "Are you coming back after the mission Dad? I want you to see me train at the academy...I learned this flying technique today, and it's so cool, you have to come see." James replied, "Yes...when I get back...I'll come...and watch...I'm so proud of you son...I'll be back...don't worry...I'll come back and I'll see you again..."
Fox watched as James embraced his young son. He glanced over at Krystal and said, "That was the last time I ever saw my Father, he said he'd be back...but when Peppy returned...he told me everything...my Father had been killed...I couldn't believe it...I thought I would never be able to dream again...not without my Father...and my mother...she became deeply depressed...one day...she just left me, she went to find my Father... and she left me alone on Corneria. The academy took me in and I lived and worked there for many years...then Andross returned...I couldn't let him get away with what my Father tried to prevent so many years before...I joined my Father's old team...and I defeated Andross. Was that my final goal...if it was...what can I live for now...am I...complete?" Krystal took Fox in her arms again, "Fox, I don't know what is going on, but this is obviously trying to show us something...it may not be easy...but..." Krystal was cut off as the landscape, again, changed in the blink of an eye. They now arrived on a heavily vegetated area...a thick jungle, with no signs of technology. Krystal's eyes glanced over the setting and she instantly recognized the area, "Cer..inia...but...we were just in Corneria..."
Fox lifted his head off Krystal's shoulder and noticed two figures, standing in the shade of a cluster of palm trees. Their voices gently carried through the crisp air. "So this will summon the Hero of Life?" The other figure, which was hidden in shadow, responded, "Yes my friend, when all the pieces of the scroll are assembled, the Hero will be awakened and will save the planet from destruction." Krystal winced, trying to understand the familiar voice... "Is that you Father...?" The voice responded, "But if I take this piece of the scroll, the trust of the tribes will be..." Krystal recognized the voice and she ran toward its source, "Father...Father, no, don't take the scroll, it will start a war...You can't allow..." Krystal lunged at the figure of her Father and fell straight through it. She looked back in terror as her Father responded, "Fine, then, I will find the other pieces of the scroll, thank you for your help." The shadowed figure responded, "It's no trouble at all...The pleasure is all mine..."
Krystal laid on the ground, beginning to cry... "How could he do something so foolish, he knows that that will only bring turmoil...why did he do it...why do I have to watch..." Fox ran over and picked her up off the ground. She put her head on his chest and continued crying. Fox wrapped his arms around her and stroked her soft, silky hair. "Krystal...this is hard for us to watch, but like you...and my Father said...we have to keep going...it may not make sense now...but it will eventually...someday...It will all become clear..." Krystal lifted her head and looked into Fox's eyes. "I'm glad you're here Fox...without you I'd...I wouldn't be able to..."
The world around them became dark, pitch black. Neither of them could see anything. Fox felt Krystal trembling in his arms. "Fox, when is this going to end? Fox, make it stop, I don't want to see any more..." Then the darkness became a light, hazy blue. It surrounded them and there was nothing but a blue void. Fox looked around, waiting to see something else from his past. For a while nothing happened, nothing could be heard but Krystal's crying. Then Fox noticed something in the distance; translucent figures slowly walked toward Fox and Krystal. Fox turned from them and closed his eyes; he did not want to see anything more that would make him remember his past. But then he heard a voice...a familiar voice he hadn't heard for many years... "Fox...Fox, look at me my son, don't be afraid..." Fox turned slowly and looked up slightly above him. There were three figures standing there above them. They looked like foxes, but they were transparent and he could see the glow of feint energy surrounding them. Fox replied, "No, we don't want to see any more, please...just, go away..." Fox hesitated for a moment; he looked at the fox that had spoken to him. It was a female fox and was pure white; she had soft green eyes and two large, golden earrings on both ears. Fox paused, trying to think of who it was...He suddenly remembered...He looked up slowly, not believing it was true, "...Mother...is that...you?" The fox replied, "Yes son, it is me, I am here, and I'm proud of you Fox, just look at you...but we aren't here to visit, we have to talk of something far more important." Krystal glanced past Fox to see the other to figures approaching her. She took her head off Fox's chest and gazed at them. "Mother? Father? ...What is happening...why do we have to see all this...how did we get here." Krystal's Father replied, "Daughter, we cannot answer these questions for you, but we will explain what has just happened."
Krystal's Father looked over to his wife and she said, "When the two of you met, you felt a strange energy filling both of you. That was the energy of life, Krystal, you know the energy well, but you Fox, you have not yet awakened in the power, you still have not found your true self. Krystal was sent to bring out this power. To show the Hero of Life his true power, so he could save Cerinia. Though she does not understand this destiny herself. There are three locks that are keeping you from attaining the power to save Cerinia. In the scroll, it says, "...and they will remain together for all of time." This holds the clue to the first lock. The two of you are destined to be together, and as one, you will defeat the evil. You feel each other's pain...when one is hurting, the other feels it also. The task ahead of you will bring you both to your limits, but you must be there for each other and fight through the pain your journey may bring. When you shared the kiss on the Great Fox, you were surrounded by a vibrant energy; it was a form of the energy of life. It has awoken us and we showed you all these things through a vision. When other parts of the scroll are fulfilled, you will see more visions from us, and they will bring you pain, but you must find the strength to make it through. These visions hold a key purpose in the success of your destiny. You are the last hopes for Cerinia and the universe, you must not give up, even when you are defeated, rely on the energy of life...You must...Now, farewell, free the infected planets and stay safe, all life depends on it." Fox spoke, "What did my Father have to do with anything, and who was the shadowed guy that you were talking to...Huh?"
Fox stopped speaking as he suddenly saw himself back on the Great Fox, facing to Katt Monroe, who was standing right in front of him. "Well, looks like someone decided to wake up. You were just kinda zoning out there. Is there a problem Foxboy?" Fox shook his head in surprise and replied, "I think I'm fine...just...go get ready to depart and..." Katt smirked and said, "You were out for how long? We already left Corneria and are halfway to Kymach. By the way, what were you and Krystal doin' here anyway..." Fox turned to see Krystal on her knees panting lightly. "I don't know if I can really explain it to you..." Katt smiled, "Ya, of course not, I'll just leave you two alone then, take care." Katt walked down the hall and went up to the bridge.
There was a silence between Fox and Krystal, both felt totally drained from their vision. It had brought back so much pain...and Fox already had enough to think about. Fox knelt down next to Krystal and asked, "Are you gonna be okay?" Krystal didn't reply. Fox continued, "This destiny...It is hard to understand, why do we have to go through the pains of our pasts to realize our future? As little sense as this makes, we have to keep going, hoping that we can find answers along the way..." Krystal looked up at Fox, she felt an energy deep inside him, it made her feel safe...and she felt able to continue on... "Fox, you...I can't tell you how much...Thank you, for...everything, I think I am ready to face our mission, but I can't do it alone..." Krystal raised her arms and embraced Fox, her tears dried and she was filled with hope, hope of her future, and Fox would be there with her, as the scroll said...the scroll that had uncovered deep scars from their past, but at the same time...through these trials and pains, it had also brought them closer than ever.
Fox's thoughts wandered as he looked down the misty hallways of the Great Fox. What just happened...is this really the Great Fox? It seems so different...everything on this Great Fox seems...new. Is this what it looked like...when my Father was the leader? But...how could I be seeing this...that was over ten years ago...this can't be possible...what is this...So much is happening to me...this...destiny...can I really handle it...will I make it through? I don't understand...any of this...
Krystal took an uneasy stance slightly behind Fox and whispered, "Fox, something is coming...from the end of this hallway...look, over there." Krystal pointed down the long hallway. A robotic silhouette was coming down the hall straight toward them. Fox pulled his blaster, not knowing what else he could do. The robot drew closer and Fox could now see the robot in full detail. It was ROB, and Fox felt a sense of relief come over him. Fox put his blaster away and asked, "ROB, what happened to the ship...how did all this..." Fox stopped himself, as ROB walked straight through him, like he wasn't there at all. What!? He just walked right through me...this can't be real...is this...a dream or something?
The intercom system in the ship was activated. A strange voice spoke through it, "James, where are you, get over to the docking bay right now. We're approaching Venom, get up here fast!" A voice passed over Fox and Krystal, they could hear thoughts of someone inside the ship, "Man, I hope we can pull this off, this is our last shot at Andross, I'm not going to wait any longer...I have to finish this now, before he can take over all of Lylat." The voiced died and again, there was silence. Fox and Krystal looked at each other; both had no clue what was going on. Suddenly, the ship faded again and they were floating in the middle of space. Krystal put both arms tightly around Fox, sensing the end of both of them, but when she looked up...they were just floating in space...and somehow, they could breathe.
A battle raged below them, the three Arwings of the Star Fox team, and the giant head of Andross. The Arwings dodged Andross's attacks with ease, while blasting away at his enormous head. Andross did not seem fazed however. Fox and Krystal then heard one of the transmissions from one of the Arwings, "Hehehe, Sorry James, Andross seems to have put a large sum of money on your head, and since we're mercenaries, I couldn't help but accept Andross's kind offer. Goodbye James, ehehehe!" The Arwing's pilot replied, "Pigma, what are you doing, you traitor! Stop this right now, we can't let Andross take...AHHHHH!!" The transmission was cut off as a huge explosion rocked the spot where James's Arwing was. The blast faded and the Arwing was no more, it had disappeared into space...Fox stood wide eyed in shock...he had never known exactly how his Father had died, but now...somehow...he saw it right in front of him. The scene in front of them quickly vanished and they reappeared in Corneria.
Fox looked around, not having any idea what was happening. He saw a familiar figure standing a few feet in front of him; it was his Father, James McCloud. He was talking to a small fox, who was eagerly running around James. Is that...Father...and that's...me? What...is this? The small Fox stopped running and sat down in front of James. "Dad, what's in the universe?" The small, naïve Fox questioned with big eyes. "Well son, the universe is a lot bigger than you could imagine..." James was cut off by the young Fox, "You mean...bigger than the universe in the simulator?" James chuckled and replied, "Yes, much bigger, and much more dangerous, Dad's lucky to have a good team with him..." The young Fox energetically questioned, "Am I gonna be on the team too, huh Dad?" James replied with a smile, "If that's what you want to do Fox, than you should follow your dreams, you never know what the future holds, so you have to meet it head on, live life to the fullest son." Young Fox paused and asked, "Are you coming back after the mission Dad? I want you to see me train at the academy...I learned this flying technique today, and it's so cool, you have to come see." James replied, "Yes...when I get back...I'll come...and watch...I'm so proud of you son...I'll be back...don't worry...I'll come back and I'll see you again..."
Fox watched as James embraced his young son. He glanced over at Krystal and said, "That was the last time I ever saw my Father, he said he'd be back...but when Peppy returned...he told me everything...my Father had been killed...I couldn't believe it...I thought I would never be able to dream again...not without my Father...and my mother...she became deeply depressed...one day...she just left me, she went to find my Father... and she left me alone on Corneria. The academy took me in and I lived and worked there for many years...then Andross returned...I couldn't let him get away with what my Father tried to prevent so many years before...I joined my Father's old team...and I defeated Andross. Was that my final goal...if it was...what can I live for now...am I...complete?" Krystal took Fox in her arms again, "Fox, I don't know what is going on, but this is obviously trying to show us something...it may not be easy...but..." Krystal was cut off as the landscape, again, changed in the blink of an eye. They now arrived on a heavily vegetated area...a thick jungle, with no signs of technology. Krystal's eyes glanced over the setting and she instantly recognized the area, "Cer..inia...but...we were just in Corneria..."
Fox lifted his head off Krystal's shoulder and noticed two figures, standing in the shade of a cluster of palm trees. Their voices gently carried through the crisp air. "So this will summon the Hero of Life?" The other figure, which was hidden in shadow, responded, "Yes my friend, when all the pieces of the scroll are assembled, the Hero will be awakened and will save the planet from destruction." Krystal winced, trying to understand the familiar voice... "Is that you Father...?" The voice responded, "But if I take this piece of the scroll, the trust of the tribes will be..." Krystal recognized the voice and she ran toward its source, "Father...Father, no, don't take the scroll, it will start a war...You can't allow..." Krystal lunged at the figure of her Father and fell straight through it. She looked back in terror as her Father responded, "Fine, then, I will find the other pieces of the scroll, thank you for your help." The shadowed figure responded, "It's no trouble at all...The pleasure is all mine..."
Krystal laid on the ground, beginning to cry... "How could he do something so foolish, he knows that that will only bring turmoil...why did he do it...why do I have to watch..." Fox ran over and picked her up off the ground. She put her head on his chest and continued crying. Fox wrapped his arms around her and stroked her soft, silky hair. "Krystal...this is hard for us to watch, but like you...and my Father said...we have to keep going...it may not make sense now...but it will eventually...someday...It will all become clear..." Krystal lifted her head and looked into Fox's eyes. "I'm glad you're here Fox...without you I'd...I wouldn't be able to..."
The world around them became dark, pitch black. Neither of them could see anything. Fox felt Krystal trembling in his arms. "Fox, when is this going to end? Fox, make it stop, I don't want to see any more..." Then the darkness became a light, hazy blue. It surrounded them and there was nothing but a blue void. Fox looked around, waiting to see something else from his past. For a while nothing happened, nothing could be heard but Krystal's crying. Then Fox noticed something in the distance; translucent figures slowly walked toward Fox and Krystal. Fox turned from them and closed his eyes; he did not want to see anything more that would make him remember his past. But then he heard a voice...a familiar voice he hadn't heard for many years... "Fox...Fox, look at me my son, don't be afraid..." Fox turned slowly and looked up slightly above him. There were three figures standing there above them. They looked like foxes, but they were transparent and he could see the glow of feint energy surrounding them. Fox replied, "No, we don't want to see any more, please...just, go away..." Fox hesitated for a moment; he looked at the fox that had spoken to him. It was a female fox and was pure white; she had soft green eyes and two large, golden earrings on both ears. Fox paused, trying to think of who it was...He suddenly remembered...He looked up slowly, not believing it was true, "...Mother...is that...you?" The fox replied, "Yes son, it is me, I am here, and I'm proud of you Fox, just look at you...but we aren't here to visit, we have to talk of something far more important." Krystal glanced past Fox to see the other to figures approaching her. She took her head off Fox's chest and gazed at them. "Mother? Father? ...What is happening...why do we have to see all this...how did we get here." Krystal's Father replied, "Daughter, we cannot answer these questions for you, but we will explain what has just happened."
Krystal's Father looked over to his wife and she said, "When the two of you met, you felt a strange energy filling both of you. That was the energy of life, Krystal, you know the energy well, but you Fox, you have not yet awakened in the power, you still have not found your true self. Krystal was sent to bring out this power. To show the Hero of Life his true power, so he could save Cerinia. Though she does not understand this destiny herself. There are three locks that are keeping you from attaining the power to save Cerinia. In the scroll, it says, "...and they will remain together for all of time." This holds the clue to the first lock. The two of you are destined to be together, and as one, you will defeat the evil. You feel each other's pain...when one is hurting, the other feels it also. The task ahead of you will bring you both to your limits, but you must be there for each other and fight through the pain your journey may bring. When you shared the kiss on the Great Fox, you were surrounded by a vibrant energy; it was a form of the energy of life. It has awoken us and we showed you all these things through a vision. When other parts of the scroll are fulfilled, you will see more visions from us, and they will bring you pain, but you must find the strength to make it through. These visions hold a key purpose in the success of your destiny. You are the last hopes for Cerinia and the universe, you must not give up, even when you are defeated, rely on the energy of life...You must...Now, farewell, free the infected planets and stay safe, all life depends on it." Fox spoke, "What did my Father have to do with anything, and who was the shadowed guy that you were talking to...Huh?"
Fox stopped speaking as he suddenly saw himself back on the Great Fox, facing to Katt Monroe, who was standing right in front of him. "Well, looks like someone decided to wake up. You were just kinda zoning out there. Is there a problem Foxboy?" Fox shook his head in surprise and replied, "I think I'm fine...just...go get ready to depart and..." Katt smirked and said, "You were out for how long? We already left Corneria and are halfway to Kymach. By the way, what were you and Krystal doin' here anyway..." Fox turned to see Krystal on her knees panting lightly. "I don't know if I can really explain it to you..." Katt smiled, "Ya, of course not, I'll just leave you two alone then, take care." Katt walked down the hall and went up to the bridge.
There was a silence between Fox and Krystal, both felt totally drained from their vision. It had brought back so much pain...and Fox already had enough to think about. Fox knelt down next to Krystal and asked, "Are you gonna be okay?" Krystal didn't reply. Fox continued, "This destiny...It is hard to understand, why do we have to go through the pains of our pasts to realize our future? As little sense as this makes, we have to keep going, hoping that we can find answers along the way..." Krystal looked up at Fox, she felt an energy deep inside him, it made her feel safe...and she felt able to continue on... "Fox, you...I can't tell you how much...Thank you, for...everything, I think I am ready to face our mission, but I can't do it alone..." Krystal raised her arms and embraced Fox, her tears dried and she was filled with hope, hope of her future, and Fox would be there with her, as the scroll said...the scroll that had uncovered deep scars from their past, but at the same time...through these trials and pains, it had also brought them closer than ever.