Chapter 12: "A New Planet Awaits Us."
They watched as the lone Arwing slowly glided past the large bridge window and out of sight. A few seconds later, a quiet crash came from the deck below them. Fox turned away from the star filled space outside the window and turned his attention back to Krystal. She noticed Fox looking at her and asked, "Was that Falco?" Fox nodded, "Yep, that's him, the same guy you saw on the holographic screen a little while ago." Krystal replied hesitantly with a slight frown, "You don't get along well with him...do you?" Fox looked at her with a surprised expression, "What do you mean by that?" Krystal explained, "Well, when you were talking with him just a little while ago, you didn't seem to be at all excited that he was rejoining, and I never have heard you...or anyone mention the fact that they regretted his decision to leave..." Fox replied with a smirk, "Well, I guess he can get on everyone's nerves pretty quick...I guess we were kind of enjoying some quiet time for once...That's all...It's not like I hate the guy. I've known him since our early days at the Academy. Heh, we were both great pilots...We were always competing to be the best in the Academy's history..." Fox hesitated and Krystal curiously asked, "And did you succeed?"
Fox lost his smirk as he answered, "Well...actually...we were in the final simulation run...we both had a perfect score...and then the final phase of the test began. It was a one-on-one between us. He got lucky and clipped my wing with his laser and I spiraled to the ground...He won...somehow...I still can't figure out how...It's like that laser came from nowhere...I knew he didn't have a good enough angle to hit me...but somehow he did...and I lost. He got top honors in the class...he was a great pilot back then...but after he graduated...things started to go downhill for him...I don't really know what happened...He started to become less sociable...more of a loner...just like the guy he is now...but he never used to be like that...I was barely able to convince him to join our team eight years ago...It's weird watching your closest friend change like that..." Krystal replied sympathetically, "That sounds awful, do you think he will ever find his old self again?" Fox looked back out the window, "I don't know...I think it would be better to ask Katt that question. They were close friends back at the Academy...but when Falco started to change...so did Katt...and they both became loners...There was even a rumor going around back then, before all that happened, that Falco was actually considering proposing to her after he graduated, but I don't really know if that is anywhere close to the truth...looking at them now...It seems like they don't want to give up what they have already...If Katt somehow finds a way to make herself accept Falco...he will probably make the turn around...but...I doubt that will happen any time soon..."
Krystal looked to Fox and sensitively replied, "It's terrible that they are making themselves go through this. What good is a reputation if you live a hollow life in which you cannot express your feelings?" Fox shook his head, "I don't know...I guess that's just how they work..." Krystal nodded and looked back outside the window. Silence fell between then until Krystal suddenly said, "Oh Fox, I almost forgot...I need to show you something right now." Fox gave her a confused glance and replied, "What, right now? What is it?" Krystal took Fox's hand and replied, "It doesn't matter, you'll see it when we get to my room." Fox rolled his eyes sarcastically, "Man, I hate surprises...Fine, let's get going then." Krystal smiled, "Don't worry, I don't think you'll be disappointed." Fox followed Krystal's arm out the door as she pulled him from behind.
(On the Great Fox docking bay)
Heh, I remember all this stuff...Just how I left it...brings back a lot of memories too... Can't believe I had to come back so soon though...They must think I'm an idiot...heh, but I accomplished what I set out to do...so if they give me a hard time about this whole thing...then their the idiots. Heh, guess everything worked out pretty good...for once...
The heavy, metal doors to the docking bay slowly slid open as Slippy walked in to welcome back his old teammate. "Hey Falco, great to see ya again." Falco dismissed Slippy's comment and responded, "Have you seen Fox lately?" Slippy gave Falco a questioning expression, "Uh...ya, he's up on the bridge with that girl...uh, Krystal." Falco smirked and muttered to himself, "Heh, didn't think they would be so tight...I didn't even know Fox had time for girls...Heh, go figure...McCloud losing it at the first sight of a pretty vixen..." Slippy asked hesitantly, "What's that?" Falco looked up from the ground, "Nothing, I'll just get back to my room and..." Slippy cut him off and replied with a weak voice, "Oh...uh...well, Actually...It seems like...your room was taken by...Katt..." Falco's eyes opened wide, "What!? Are you kiddin' me Slippy!?" Slippy shook his head, "Nope, uh...Krystal took the last extra room and since you were gone...we had to put Katt in your room." Falco put his head to his chest and sighed, "Well that sucks...guess I'll be on the couch for this mission..." Slippy asked with concern, "Is that gonna be okay?" Falco looked up with a scowl and replied, "Are you still here? Why don't you get up to the bridge and get the ship ready to go? Ya know...and leave me alone?" Slippy quickly took a few steps back and stuttered, "Uh...y...ya...right...well, see ya...later." Slippy lowered his head and quickly walked off the bridge as he finished speaking. As he passed through the metal doors, but he suddenly stumbled as his head met a solid object. He fell to the floor with a squeal and hesitated to look up.
"Slip? What are you doin' here? Aren't you supposed to be on the bridge?" Slippy looked up quickly and saw Peppy standing above him. He replied with a weak croak, "Uh...Sorry Peppy, but Fox said I could..." Peppy cut him off in an agitated voice, "Fox said you could come down here and screw off?" Slippy responded timidly, "Well, no...but he said I..." Peppy cut him of again, "I don't care what Fox told you, just get back up there...Now!" Slippy swiftly jumped to his feet and dashed out of the docking bay, into the hallway and out of sight. Falco smirked and said, "You just wake up or what?" Peppy turned to Falco with irritation and mumbled, "No...well, yes, but that's not the point." Falco questioned, "Really? Then what was up with that just now?" Peppy calmed himself and replied, "Fox..." Falco looked at him with interested eyes, "Fox? What's he have to do with this?" Peppy sighed, "Well...I see it like this..."
(In Krystal's Room)
Fox sat patiently on Krystal's bed as she filtered through a few of the bags she had brought from Dinosaur Planet. She swiftly walked across the room, carefully searching each one. Fox fell back on the bed and commented, "Are you sure you packed this thing...whatever it is? And why don't you just tell me about it anyway?" Krystal replied without stopping her search, "Be patient Fox, I'll find it sooner or...Yes, here it is." Fox rose up from his back and saw Krystal pull something out of one of the bags. She turned to him, revealing a small, strange looking plant that was planted in a highly decorated flowerpot. Fox looked at it and said, "It's a flower?" Krystal took a seat next to him on the ground and replied, "It may look like a flower, but watch what happens when I use the Energy of Life on it." Krystal placed both her hands on the small pot and closed her eyes. A small amount of blue energy flowed through her arms and into the flower, causing it to bloom into a large, vibrant bulb that seemed to surpass the color and detail of the flower's container. Fox dropped to the floor next to Krystal and touched the flower with his fingers. "Wow, that's awesome. What is this thing?" Krystal spoke as the flower continued to blossom, "It's a Kusu plant...." She stopped as she cut off the energy from the plant. "It's how I leaned to use the Energy of Life. It's also a training aid that the kits of our tribe used to develop the Energy of Life." Krystal hesitated as the flower began to withdraw its stunning blossoms back into the buds of the plant. Krystal continued as Fox watched in amazement, "It reacts to the Energy of Life by blossoming if the proper amount of energy is added. And when the Energy is cut off from its roots, It returns to it's original state." Fox reclined back against the side of the bed, "Let me guess...You want me to try...right?" Krystal smiled, "Of course, you must learn to use this power if you wish to fulfill the prophecy."
Fox leaned over next to the plant and placed his hands on the pot as Krystal had. He waited for the flower to bloom, but nothing happened. Krystal let out a small giggle as she saw Fox expectantly wait for something to happen. Fox looked over at her and said, "What? Why isn't it working? What do I have to do to make this thing work?" Krystal replied, "In order for you to summon this power, you must believe that you are able to use it. If there is any doubt in your mind, you will be unable to call upon the energy. There is more to it than that, but for this first lesson, that is all you will need to accomplish this task." Fox nodded and repositioned his hands on the pot. He slowly closed his eyes and told himself, If Krystal says I am who I am, then I must be able to use this power. I can do this. Suddenly, a soft, blue light began to shine from his arms. He felt the strange energy flowing through himself...It was like nothing he had experienced before. He quickly opened his eyes to see the energy for himself, but his thoughts became disrupted and the light quickly faded.
Fox closed his eyes again and concentrated his mind on the plant. The energy slowly began to fill him again, but he quickly lost it as he again disrupted his own concentration with his thoughts. He brought his hands away from the pot and looked over at Krystal with frustrated eyes, "Jeez, why can't I do it...I can't concentrate." Krystal slowly reached over to Fox and softly stroked the hair on one of his hands with her finger, "You should not be discouraged Fox. Most of the kits on Cerinia take weeks to accomplish this test. The Energy of Life is not something that you can achieve in a matter of hours." Fox placed his hand on top of Krystal's, "I know, I know...Well, how long did it take you to learn all this stuff?" Krystal raised her face to the ceiling as she remembered back to the time she lived on Cerinia. "Since I was raised by a leader of one of the primary tribes, I was constantly working on the ability to channel this power. Even with some of the greatest teachers at my disposal, It took me many years to complete the entire training procedure. And still, there are many things that I do not understand...but I continue striving to learn more about this mysterious energy that I have been granted. It may be hard in the beginning Fox, but I know you have the will and determination to learn it as I have. I believe in you Fox..." Fox flipped his hand around so that Krystal's hand fit snuggly inside it, "Krystal...I'm glad you are here with me...It's nice to have someone who..." Fox's speech was cut off as the intercom blared outside Krystal's room, "All Star Fox personnel please report to bridge, transmission to General Pepper at the Cornerian Army Base commencing in five minutes. Repeat, report to bridge in five minutes." Fox hesitated to stand up...he wanted to tell Krystal how he felt...but instead, he rose from the ground with Krystal's hand still in his own palm. He helped her off the ground and they both exchanged tranquil glances. They both knew what they wanted to say to each other, but no words came out. Instead, they leisurely walked side by side out of Krystal's room and headed back to the bridge.
(On the bridge)
"You mean you and Fox didn't finish all the work I gave you?" Peppy yelled across the bridge at Slippy. Slippy walked briskly over to one of ROB's computers and replied, "I...guess you could say that...but look. We have a transmission percentage of 78. That's at least 4 times better than what we had this morning." Peppy turned around in his chair on the front of the bridge, "But still...I told you to completely repair it..." Is Fox starting to affect Slippy's work too? This could be worse than I thought...I knew that young lady could only cause problems...and neither she or Fox knows that they're doing anything wrong...The part of Fox...the part that showed his Father's skill and determination...it seems to have vanished...Peppy muttered to himself, "James...Have I lost you...for good?"
The door to the bridge opened as Falco strolled in with both hands behind his head. "Ahhh, the old bridge. It's great bein' back." Falco looked around to see Peppy talking to himself and Slippy sweating furiously while trying to repair the transmission ports. "Heh, guess this place is fallin' apart without me here to help huh?" Peppy replied irritably without looking up, "So why don't you get over there and help Slippy out?" Falco smirked, "Hey Peppy, come on...You know I'll help. You don't have to get all crazy on me." Falco slowly walked over next to Slippy and began re-wiring the transmission ports. Peppy began to think to himself again, So Falco is going to be in here working while Fox is off screwin' around with Krystal huh? I never thought I'd see this day...Fox...how can you let your work...your job...and all your crewmates slip away as you shift all your attention on that girl...I feel sorry for you Fox...and I...I don't know how much longer I'll be willing to put up with it...
A short while later, the bridge door again opened and Fox and Krystal walked in. Falco turned around slowly and said mockingly, "Well look who decided to show up, you tryin' to get out of workin' or what?" Fox smirked and replied, "Heh, sure, I've been working up here all morning. I'm the one who's surprised to see you up here Falco." Falco looked over to Krystal and noticed what she was wearing. He said with a smirk, "And I guess the dress code regulation isn't in effect here either?" Fox blushed as he remembered that Krystal was only wearing her Cerinian clothing. Krystal asked quietly, "What does he mean by that?" Fox ignored her for the moment and replied weakly, "Well, back on Kymach...she got attacked and her uniform got a few rips in it so..." Falco cut him off, "Ya Fox, You think I'm gonna actually believe any excuse you make up? Well, whatever...let's just get this transmission over with...I'm not really excited about floatin' out here for any longer..." Fox took the opportunity to change the subject, "Ya, sounds good to me. ROB, are you ready to send the transmission?" ROB replied, "Affirmative, sufficient energy for transmission has been collected. Ready at any time." Fox searched the room quickly and noticed that Katt was not on the bridge. Fox glanced over towards Falco and asked, "Hey Falco, do you want to wait for..." Falco hastily cut Fox off and ignored him as he replied, "Ok, ROB we're ready, fire up the screen so we can get the heck outta here." ROB answered in a monotone voice, "Affirmative, activating energized transmission ports." A slight hum could be heard from inside the walls of the ship as the communications link was sent across space. Fox and Krystal walked over to the chair in the middle on the bridge. Fox sat down in the chair and Krystal took her place next to him. Fox sighed and commented quietly, "Yep, that's Falco...making sure I don't mention anything about Katt..." Fox looked up as he noticed the light flash of the screen in front of him coming to life. The face of the receptionist behind the desk of the Cornerian Army Base was shown on the screen. "Oh, Fox McCloud...You want me to transfer you to General Pepper, right?" Fox nodded and the screen went dark momentarily.
After a few short seconds, the color reappeared within the holographic image. General Pepper was sitting behind his desk, filtering through some papers that were scattered across his workspace. He looked up slowly and said, "Oh, Team Star Fox, has Falco managed to arrive onboard?" Falco spoke from the back of the bridge, "Right here General." Pepper looked over at him and replied, "Very good, I'm glad you were able to find your way back. I'm sure the rest of the team feels the same way." Pepper searched around his desk and grabbed one of the many pieces of paper on the desk. "Well then, here is your next assignment. The next planet you need to liberate is Kaltar. It's located only two sectors away from your current position, so it should take less than a day for you to arrive. Kaltar is filled with grasslands and a few large forests, so I would suggest trying to set up that M.C.D. System in a place that is not in one of the open grasslands. It would be too easy for the natives to spot and attack you." Falco sarcastically responded, "Oh ya? I think that might be a good idea General." The General continued without detecting Falco's sarcasm, "Yes, I believe it is. Oh, by the way, we've run a full search on the brief description you gave us Fox. But the search results were too large to make any kind of guess as to who the attacker could be. But that is not what you should be concerned with right now. You must head to Kaltar immediately and restore it to its natural order. We're all counting on you Star Fox. Pepper out." The screen went dark and returned back into the floor.
ROB was the first to speak, "Fox, do you wish to exit Geo-synchronized orbit and set new coordinates to Kaltar?" Fox left his chair and stood next to ROB by his computer. "Ya let's get outta here. I'll work on the Geo- synchronized orbit while you set a course to Kaltar." ROB replied, "Affirmative, setting course to Kaltar." Falco walked over towards the bridge door and left without saying a word. Krystal walked up next to Fox and asked, "Do you know where he is going?" Fox replied without looking up from the screen in front of him, "Falco? Well, since Katt never came up here, he's probably wondering where she is. I wouldn't worry about it though." Fox looked away from the screen and said, "All right, I'm breaking us out of orbit now." Soon after he finished speaking, the ships engines reactivated and the Great Fox began to tremble. Krystal unexpectedly lost her footing, but Fox grabbed her by the hand and was able to save her from her fall. Krystal gave Fox a gratified smile as Fox announced, "We're out of Geo-synchronized orbit. ROB, you got the coordinates set?" ROB swiveled his head away from the computer and replied, "Affirmative, coordinates have been set. Approximately fifteen hours until arrival at the planet Kaltar."
Fox looked over at Krystal, who was still holding his hand tightly, "You might want to hold onto the railing next time we do that huh?" Krystal smiled and replied, "I didn't know that it was going to be so turbulent. And besides, I think I like my hand where it is right now." Fox gently replied, "I can't really argue with that..." Krystal looked into his eyes with a smile, "I'm glad...I never want to argue about anything with you Fox." Fox placed his arms around her furry, uncovered back and replied, "I don't think I could make myself argue with you..." Krystal rested her head on his shoulder as she also put her arms around him, "A new planet awaits us Fox..." Fox quietly finished her sentence, "And we'll save it together..." Krystal said nothing in return; instead, she began to affectionately nuzzle Fox's neck. Fox closed his eyes and let the feeling of Krystal's soft hair against his neck take over his thoughts. The mission, Falco, the Great Fox, the crew, and even his Father seemed to fade into the back of his mind. Krystal was the only one he cared about...and he did care...deeply, and he wanted to tell her everything...but for now...He was happy just to have Krystal in his arms...and at that moment...he believed that she was all he would ever need...Don't you ever change either...Krystal...
(On the Great Fox Docking bay)
Katt was leaning against the wall of the docking bay, looking at the new Arwing that had landed inside the docking bay. He's here now huh? And he didn't even bother to say hello to me? Well, I guess I couldn't expect any less from that bird...Maybe he really has forgotten about me... Katt stood up from the wall and walked over to Falco's Arwing. Looks like this thing has had better days...I guess this Arwing and I have a lot in common then...I didn't think anything could go wrong during those years...but...I was wrong. Katt opened the cockpit to Falco's Arwing and activated the navigation log inside on the ship's in-dash consol. Let's see where this thing has been...Venom? What was he doing there? Didn't I go there too? And I've been to this docking colony too...Has he...was he following me? Was he trying to...No way...That doesn't sound like something Falco would do... Katt looked around the many different switches and buttons on the Arwing's consol. There are so many different functions in this Arwing...I wouldn't think such an old piece of junk like this to have all this stuff equipped...What? What is this...? It looks like a...journal...Katt quickly scanned over Falco's entries. Falco was trying to find...me? Why...why would he do that...Does he still think that I...no...If it wouldn't have been for what he said to me eight years ago...none of this would have happened...I shouldn't make myself feel like I'm guilty...but I wonder...what is he trying to...
The bridge door opened and a shadow of someone walked in. Katt quickly turned the Arwing's consol off and quietly jumped out of the cockpit. She could see the shadow growing longer the further it traveled from the open door. She quickly found the far wall of the docking bay and leaned against its metal surface, trying to look like she hadn't been doing anything. The figure lost the shadow that concealed its identity and revealed the blue face of Falco. "Oh, it's just you..." Katt lied, "Well I'm sorry if I was working on my ship in your docking bay..." Falco responded with his face towards the ground, "Why did you have to join this mission anyway? Don't you have someone else to bother?" Katt replied calmly, "Just you..." Falco turned said, "Figures...just don't get in my way..." Falco began to walk out the door and Katt stayed leaning on the wall...They both said to themselves as they became separated once again, What am I doing...
They watched as the lone Arwing slowly glided past the large bridge window and out of sight. A few seconds later, a quiet crash came from the deck below them. Fox turned away from the star filled space outside the window and turned his attention back to Krystal. She noticed Fox looking at her and asked, "Was that Falco?" Fox nodded, "Yep, that's him, the same guy you saw on the holographic screen a little while ago." Krystal replied hesitantly with a slight frown, "You don't get along well with him...do you?" Fox looked at her with a surprised expression, "What do you mean by that?" Krystal explained, "Well, when you were talking with him just a little while ago, you didn't seem to be at all excited that he was rejoining, and I never have heard you...or anyone mention the fact that they regretted his decision to leave..." Fox replied with a smirk, "Well, I guess he can get on everyone's nerves pretty quick...I guess we were kind of enjoying some quiet time for once...That's all...It's not like I hate the guy. I've known him since our early days at the Academy. Heh, we were both great pilots...We were always competing to be the best in the Academy's history..." Fox hesitated and Krystal curiously asked, "And did you succeed?"
Fox lost his smirk as he answered, "Well...actually...we were in the final simulation run...we both had a perfect score...and then the final phase of the test began. It was a one-on-one between us. He got lucky and clipped my wing with his laser and I spiraled to the ground...He won...somehow...I still can't figure out how...It's like that laser came from nowhere...I knew he didn't have a good enough angle to hit me...but somehow he did...and I lost. He got top honors in the class...he was a great pilot back then...but after he graduated...things started to go downhill for him...I don't really know what happened...He started to become less sociable...more of a loner...just like the guy he is now...but he never used to be like that...I was barely able to convince him to join our team eight years ago...It's weird watching your closest friend change like that..." Krystal replied sympathetically, "That sounds awful, do you think he will ever find his old self again?" Fox looked back out the window, "I don't know...I think it would be better to ask Katt that question. They were close friends back at the Academy...but when Falco started to change...so did Katt...and they both became loners...There was even a rumor going around back then, before all that happened, that Falco was actually considering proposing to her after he graduated, but I don't really know if that is anywhere close to the truth...looking at them now...It seems like they don't want to give up what they have already...If Katt somehow finds a way to make herself accept Falco...he will probably make the turn around...but...I doubt that will happen any time soon..."
Krystal looked to Fox and sensitively replied, "It's terrible that they are making themselves go through this. What good is a reputation if you live a hollow life in which you cannot express your feelings?" Fox shook his head, "I don't know...I guess that's just how they work..." Krystal nodded and looked back outside the window. Silence fell between then until Krystal suddenly said, "Oh Fox, I almost forgot...I need to show you something right now." Fox gave her a confused glance and replied, "What, right now? What is it?" Krystal took Fox's hand and replied, "It doesn't matter, you'll see it when we get to my room." Fox rolled his eyes sarcastically, "Man, I hate surprises...Fine, let's get going then." Krystal smiled, "Don't worry, I don't think you'll be disappointed." Fox followed Krystal's arm out the door as she pulled him from behind.
(On the Great Fox docking bay)
Heh, I remember all this stuff...Just how I left it...brings back a lot of memories too... Can't believe I had to come back so soon though...They must think I'm an idiot...heh, but I accomplished what I set out to do...so if they give me a hard time about this whole thing...then their the idiots. Heh, guess everything worked out pretty good...for once...
The heavy, metal doors to the docking bay slowly slid open as Slippy walked in to welcome back his old teammate. "Hey Falco, great to see ya again." Falco dismissed Slippy's comment and responded, "Have you seen Fox lately?" Slippy gave Falco a questioning expression, "Uh...ya, he's up on the bridge with that girl...uh, Krystal." Falco smirked and muttered to himself, "Heh, didn't think they would be so tight...I didn't even know Fox had time for girls...Heh, go figure...McCloud losing it at the first sight of a pretty vixen..." Slippy asked hesitantly, "What's that?" Falco looked up from the ground, "Nothing, I'll just get back to my room and..." Slippy cut him off and replied with a weak voice, "Oh...uh...well, Actually...It seems like...your room was taken by...Katt..." Falco's eyes opened wide, "What!? Are you kiddin' me Slippy!?" Slippy shook his head, "Nope, uh...Krystal took the last extra room and since you were gone...we had to put Katt in your room." Falco put his head to his chest and sighed, "Well that sucks...guess I'll be on the couch for this mission..." Slippy asked with concern, "Is that gonna be okay?" Falco looked up with a scowl and replied, "Are you still here? Why don't you get up to the bridge and get the ship ready to go? Ya know...and leave me alone?" Slippy quickly took a few steps back and stuttered, "Uh...y...ya...right...well, see ya...later." Slippy lowered his head and quickly walked off the bridge as he finished speaking. As he passed through the metal doors, but he suddenly stumbled as his head met a solid object. He fell to the floor with a squeal and hesitated to look up.
"Slip? What are you doin' here? Aren't you supposed to be on the bridge?" Slippy looked up quickly and saw Peppy standing above him. He replied with a weak croak, "Uh...Sorry Peppy, but Fox said I could..." Peppy cut him off in an agitated voice, "Fox said you could come down here and screw off?" Slippy responded timidly, "Well, no...but he said I..." Peppy cut him of again, "I don't care what Fox told you, just get back up there...Now!" Slippy swiftly jumped to his feet and dashed out of the docking bay, into the hallway and out of sight. Falco smirked and said, "You just wake up or what?" Peppy turned to Falco with irritation and mumbled, "No...well, yes, but that's not the point." Falco questioned, "Really? Then what was up with that just now?" Peppy calmed himself and replied, "Fox..." Falco looked at him with interested eyes, "Fox? What's he have to do with this?" Peppy sighed, "Well...I see it like this..."
(In Krystal's Room)
Fox sat patiently on Krystal's bed as she filtered through a few of the bags she had brought from Dinosaur Planet. She swiftly walked across the room, carefully searching each one. Fox fell back on the bed and commented, "Are you sure you packed this thing...whatever it is? And why don't you just tell me about it anyway?" Krystal replied without stopping her search, "Be patient Fox, I'll find it sooner or...Yes, here it is." Fox rose up from his back and saw Krystal pull something out of one of the bags. She turned to him, revealing a small, strange looking plant that was planted in a highly decorated flowerpot. Fox looked at it and said, "It's a flower?" Krystal took a seat next to him on the ground and replied, "It may look like a flower, but watch what happens when I use the Energy of Life on it." Krystal placed both her hands on the small pot and closed her eyes. A small amount of blue energy flowed through her arms and into the flower, causing it to bloom into a large, vibrant bulb that seemed to surpass the color and detail of the flower's container. Fox dropped to the floor next to Krystal and touched the flower with his fingers. "Wow, that's awesome. What is this thing?" Krystal spoke as the flower continued to blossom, "It's a Kusu plant...." She stopped as she cut off the energy from the plant. "It's how I leaned to use the Energy of Life. It's also a training aid that the kits of our tribe used to develop the Energy of Life." Krystal hesitated as the flower began to withdraw its stunning blossoms back into the buds of the plant. Krystal continued as Fox watched in amazement, "It reacts to the Energy of Life by blossoming if the proper amount of energy is added. And when the Energy is cut off from its roots, It returns to it's original state." Fox reclined back against the side of the bed, "Let me guess...You want me to try...right?" Krystal smiled, "Of course, you must learn to use this power if you wish to fulfill the prophecy."
Fox leaned over next to the plant and placed his hands on the pot as Krystal had. He waited for the flower to bloom, but nothing happened. Krystal let out a small giggle as she saw Fox expectantly wait for something to happen. Fox looked over at her and said, "What? Why isn't it working? What do I have to do to make this thing work?" Krystal replied, "In order for you to summon this power, you must believe that you are able to use it. If there is any doubt in your mind, you will be unable to call upon the energy. There is more to it than that, but for this first lesson, that is all you will need to accomplish this task." Fox nodded and repositioned his hands on the pot. He slowly closed his eyes and told himself, If Krystal says I am who I am, then I must be able to use this power. I can do this. Suddenly, a soft, blue light began to shine from his arms. He felt the strange energy flowing through himself...It was like nothing he had experienced before. He quickly opened his eyes to see the energy for himself, but his thoughts became disrupted and the light quickly faded.
Fox closed his eyes again and concentrated his mind on the plant. The energy slowly began to fill him again, but he quickly lost it as he again disrupted his own concentration with his thoughts. He brought his hands away from the pot and looked over at Krystal with frustrated eyes, "Jeez, why can't I do it...I can't concentrate." Krystal slowly reached over to Fox and softly stroked the hair on one of his hands with her finger, "You should not be discouraged Fox. Most of the kits on Cerinia take weeks to accomplish this test. The Energy of Life is not something that you can achieve in a matter of hours." Fox placed his hand on top of Krystal's, "I know, I know...Well, how long did it take you to learn all this stuff?" Krystal raised her face to the ceiling as she remembered back to the time she lived on Cerinia. "Since I was raised by a leader of one of the primary tribes, I was constantly working on the ability to channel this power. Even with some of the greatest teachers at my disposal, It took me many years to complete the entire training procedure. And still, there are many things that I do not understand...but I continue striving to learn more about this mysterious energy that I have been granted. It may be hard in the beginning Fox, but I know you have the will and determination to learn it as I have. I believe in you Fox..." Fox flipped his hand around so that Krystal's hand fit snuggly inside it, "Krystal...I'm glad you are here with me...It's nice to have someone who..." Fox's speech was cut off as the intercom blared outside Krystal's room, "All Star Fox personnel please report to bridge, transmission to General Pepper at the Cornerian Army Base commencing in five minutes. Repeat, report to bridge in five minutes." Fox hesitated to stand up...he wanted to tell Krystal how he felt...but instead, he rose from the ground with Krystal's hand still in his own palm. He helped her off the ground and they both exchanged tranquil glances. They both knew what they wanted to say to each other, but no words came out. Instead, they leisurely walked side by side out of Krystal's room and headed back to the bridge.
(On the bridge)
"You mean you and Fox didn't finish all the work I gave you?" Peppy yelled across the bridge at Slippy. Slippy walked briskly over to one of ROB's computers and replied, "I...guess you could say that...but look. We have a transmission percentage of 78. That's at least 4 times better than what we had this morning." Peppy turned around in his chair on the front of the bridge, "But still...I told you to completely repair it..." Is Fox starting to affect Slippy's work too? This could be worse than I thought...I knew that young lady could only cause problems...and neither she or Fox knows that they're doing anything wrong...The part of Fox...the part that showed his Father's skill and determination...it seems to have vanished...Peppy muttered to himself, "James...Have I lost you...for good?"
The door to the bridge opened as Falco strolled in with both hands behind his head. "Ahhh, the old bridge. It's great bein' back." Falco looked around to see Peppy talking to himself and Slippy sweating furiously while trying to repair the transmission ports. "Heh, guess this place is fallin' apart without me here to help huh?" Peppy replied irritably without looking up, "So why don't you get over there and help Slippy out?" Falco smirked, "Hey Peppy, come on...You know I'll help. You don't have to get all crazy on me." Falco slowly walked over next to Slippy and began re-wiring the transmission ports. Peppy began to think to himself again, So Falco is going to be in here working while Fox is off screwin' around with Krystal huh? I never thought I'd see this day...Fox...how can you let your work...your job...and all your crewmates slip away as you shift all your attention on that girl...I feel sorry for you Fox...and I...I don't know how much longer I'll be willing to put up with it...
A short while later, the bridge door again opened and Fox and Krystal walked in. Falco turned around slowly and said mockingly, "Well look who decided to show up, you tryin' to get out of workin' or what?" Fox smirked and replied, "Heh, sure, I've been working up here all morning. I'm the one who's surprised to see you up here Falco." Falco looked over to Krystal and noticed what she was wearing. He said with a smirk, "And I guess the dress code regulation isn't in effect here either?" Fox blushed as he remembered that Krystal was only wearing her Cerinian clothing. Krystal asked quietly, "What does he mean by that?" Fox ignored her for the moment and replied weakly, "Well, back on Kymach...she got attacked and her uniform got a few rips in it so..." Falco cut him off, "Ya Fox, You think I'm gonna actually believe any excuse you make up? Well, whatever...let's just get this transmission over with...I'm not really excited about floatin' out here for any longer..." Fox took the opportunity to change the subject, "Ya, sounds good to me. ROB, are you ready to send the transmission?" ROB replied, "Affirmative, sufficient energy for transmission has been collected. Ready at any time." Fox searched the room quickly and noticed that Katt was not on the bridge. Fox glanced over towards Falco and asked, "Hey Falco, do you want to wait for..." Falco hastily cut Fox off and ignored him as he replied, "Ok, ROB we're ready, fire up the screen so we can get the heck outta here." ROB answered in a monotone voice, "Affirmative, activating energized transmission ports." A slight hum could be heard from inside the walls of the ship as the communications link was sent across space. Fox and Krystal walked over to the chair in the middle on the bridge. Fox sat down in the chair and Krystal took her place next to him. Fox sighed and commented quietly, "Yep, that's Falco...making sure I don't mention anything about Katt..." Fox looked up as he noticed the light flash of the screen in front of him coming to life. The face of the receptionist behind the desk of the Cornerian Army Base was shown on the screen. "Oh, Fox McCloud...You want me to transfer you to General Pepper, right?" Fox nodded and the screen went dark momentarily.
After a few short seconds, the color reappeared within the holographic image. General Pepper was sitting behind his desk, filtering through some papers that were scattered across his workspace. He looked up slowly and said, "Oh, Team Star Fox, has Falco managed to arrive onboard?" Falco spoke from the back of the bridge, "Right here General." Pepper looked over at him and replied, "Very good, I'm glad you were able to find your way back. I'm sure the rest of the team feels the same way." Pepper searched around his desk and grabbed one of the many pieces of paper on the desk. "Well then, here is your next assignment. The next planet you need to liberate is Kaltar. It's located only two sectors away from your current position, so it should take less than a day for you to arrive. Kaltar is filled with grasslands and a few large forests, so I would suggest trying to set up that M.C.D. System in a place that is not in one of the open grasslands. It would be too easy for the natives to spot and attack you." Falco sarcastically responded, "Oh ya? I think that might be a good idea General." The General continued without detecting Falco's sarcasm, "Yes, I believe it is. Oh, by the way, we've run a full search on the brief description you gave us Fox. But the search results were too large to make any kind of guess as to who the attacker could be. But that is not what you should be concerned with right now. You must head to Kaltar immediately and restore it to its natural order. We're all counting on you Star Fox. Pepper out." The screen went dark and returned back into the floor.
ROB was the first to speak, "Fox, do you wish to exit Geo-synchronized orbit and set new coordinates to Kaltar?" Fox left his chair and stood next to ROB by his computer. "Ya let's get outta here. I'll work on the Geo- synchronized orbit while you set a course to Kaltar." ROB replied, "Affirmative, setting course to Kaltar." Falco walked over towards the bridge door and left without saying a word. Krystal walked up next to Fox and asked, "Do you know where he is going?" Fox replied without looking up from the screen in front of him, "Falco? Well, since Katt never came up here, he's probably wondering where she is. I wouldn't worry about it though." Fox looked away from the screen and said, "All right, I'm breaking us out of orbit now." Soon after he finished speaking, the ships engines reactivated and the Great Fox began to tremble. Krystal unexpectedly lost her footing, but Fox grabbed her by the hand and was able to save her from her fall. Krystal gave Fox a gratified smile as Fox announced, "We're out of Geo-synchronized orbit. ROB, you got the coordinates set?" ROB swiveled his head away from the computer and replied, "Affirmative, coordinates have been set. Approximately fifteen hours until arrival at the planet Kaltar."
Fox looked over at Krystal, who was still holding his hand tightly, "You might want to hold onto the railing next time we do that huh?" Krystal smiled and replied, "I didn't know that it was going to be so turbulent. And besides, I think I like my hand where it is right now." Fox gently replied, "I can't really argue with that..." Krystal looked into his eyes with a smile, "I'm glad...I never want to argue about anything with you Fox." Fox placed his arms around her furry, uncovered back and replied, "I don't think I could make myself argue with you..." Krystal rested her head on his shoulder as she also put her arms around him, "A new planet awaits us Fox..." Fox quietly finished her sentence, "And we'll save it together..." Krystal said nothing in return; instead, she began to affectionately nuzzle Fox's neck. Fox closed his eyes and let the feeling of Krystal's soft hair against his neck take over his thoughts. The mission, Falco, the Great Fox, the crew, and even his Father seemed to fade into the back of his mind. Krystal was the only one he cared about...and he did care...deeply, and he wanted to tell her everything...but for now...He was happy just to have Krystal in his arms...and at that moment...he believed that she was all he would ever need...Don't you ever change either...Krystal...
(On the Great Fox Docking bay)
Katt was leaning against the wall of the docking bay, looking at the new Arwing that had landed inside the docking bay. He's here now huh? And he didn't even bother to say hello to me? Well, I guess I couldn't expect any less from that bird...Maybe he really has forgotten about me... Katt stood up from the wall and walked over to Falco's Arwing. Looks like this thing has had better days...I guess this Arwing and I have a lot in common then...I didn't think anything could go wrong during those years...but...I was wrong. Katt opened the cockpit to Falco's Arwing and activated the navigation log inside on the ship's in-dash consol. Let's see where this thing has been...Venom? What was he doing there? Didn't I go there too? And I've been to this docking colony too...Has he...was he following me? Was he trying to...No way...That doesn't sound like something Falco would do... Katt looked around the many different switches and buttons on the Arwing's consol. There are so many different functions in this Arwing...I wouldn't think such an old piece of junk like this to have all this stuff equipped...What? What is this...? It looks like a...journal...Katt quickly scanned over Falco's entries. Falco was trying to find...me? Why...why would he do that...Does he still think that I...no...If it wouldn't have been for what he said to me eight years ago...none of this would have happened...I shouldn't make myself feel like I'm guilty...but I wonder...what is he trying to...
The bridge door opened and a shadow of someone walked in. Katt quickly turned the Arwing's consol off and quietly jumped out of the cockpit. She could see the shadow growing longer the further it traveled from the open door. She quickly found the far wall of the docking bay and leaned against its metal surface, trying to look like she hadn't been doing anything. The figure lost the shadow that concealed its identity and revealed the blue face of Falco. "Oh, it's just you..." Katt lied, "Well I'm sorry if I was working on my ship in your docking bay..." Falco responded with his face towards the ground, "Why did you have to join this mission anyway? Don't you have someone else to bother?" Katt replied calmly, "Just you..." Falco turned said, "Figures...just don't get in my way..." Falco began to walk out the door and Katt stayed leaning on the wall...They both said to themselves as they became separated once again, What am I doing...