The group landed just outside the village. As they climbed out of their ships, the villagers came over to greet them.
"Welcome back, Krystal and Fox." an older warrior greeted, "This is a welcome surprise. I see you've brought back some friends."
"Thank you, warrior." Krystal greeted back, "This is our team of mercenaries. The bird is an old teammate of Fox. The other two are training to officially become members."
"We were thinking they could use some Cerinian training." Fox added.
"You should bring them to the priestess." the warrior told her as he pointed toward the trees on the other side of the village, "She'll know the best training they'll need."
The group followed the warrior through the village, passing a small group of Andronian and Sharpclaw prisoners.
"We've conducted a raid shortly before your arrival." the warrior explained, "Thank you for saving the straggler."
Eventually, they make it to a small cave a few miles outside the village. Inside, they find the priestess meditating in darkness.
"I apologize for interrupting your meditation." the warrior told the priestess, "Krystal and Fox have returned with guests."
"Send them in." the priestess commanded.
Fox and her team walked into the dark cave.
"We wish for our friends to receive Cerinian training." Krystal told the priestess, "We believe you'll know the best training they'd need."
"Tomorrow, bring them to the temple and show me what you have already taught them." the priestess commanded, "I will make my decision then. For now, bring them to your home. Warrior, they'll need bedding and traditional clothing."
"Yes, priestess." the warrior told her as he left, "They'll have bedding and new clothing by tonight."
"I see you have new clothing, Fox." the priestess told Fox, "It appears to have technology from the ancient races."
"It's not my preferred clothing." Fox told her, "They insisted on adding heels."
"We may be able to add some Cerinian additions." the priestess told her.
The group sat in awkward silence.
"Are we interrupting something?" Falco asked.
"I've done all the meditating I needed." the priestess explained, "Right now, I'm just enjoying the change in scenery before I return to the village. Plus, I'd like to get to know you before I make my decision tomorrow."
A brief silence once again filled the air.
"So, is the bird available?" the priestess asked.
"Available?" Falco asked, unsure of what she meant.
"Falco's in a strange relationship." Krystal explained, "Though he's thinking about ending the relationship."
"At least while she's under the influence of her friends." Fox added.
"Does he desire someone different?" the priestess asked.
"It's best you two work it out." Fox told the priestess.
"And what about the bunny and fennec?" the priestess asked.
"I'm still single." Fara told her.
"As am I." Lucy added.
The priestess wrote down something in the dark, going by feel alone, and handed the small piece of paper to Fox.
"Hand this to those preparing your home." she told Fox, "Now go to the village. I'd like some time to contemplate."
The group headed back to the village. In the village center, the prisoners were being tied to poles while villagers prepared for a celebration. The group walked to Krystal's home and handed the warrior from before the slip of paper.
"Here are their clothes." the warrior said as he handed Fox some loin cloths, "They're free to change in the baths."
Fox and Krystal led the others to the baths. Inside, Fox handed the group their loin cloths and left, waiting outside. A few moments later, the others walked outside.
"Looking good, Falco." Fox said teasingly.
"Damn right, I am." Falco told her with his trademark pride. While he was happy to show off more of his body, Fara and Lucy were noticeably more modest.
"These don't cover that much." Lucy told Fox, blushing in embarrassment.
"Those are the traditional garb." Fox told her. A moment later, Krystal walked out in her loin cloth.
"I'll be leaving my other clothes in the Arwing." Krystal told Fox, "Maybe we can get some private time in the Arwing. I've been wanting to try something for quite some time."
"Why don't you guys put your things in your ships too." Fox told Falco, Fara, and Lucy, "Maybe explore the village a bit too and get to know some people. Let's meet at Krystal's home at sundown."
"Are you sure it's safe to let Falco walk around unsupervised?" Fara asked jokingly.
"The villagers are more than capable of keeping Falco in line." Fox assured Fara as she and the others left to put their things in their ships. It wasn't long before Fox noticed her suit seemed to be gaining attention.
"Perhaps I should change too." Fox told herself as she followed Krystal to their Arwing.
"I need my loin cloth." Fox said as Krystal lowered the bag containing their gear into the ship.
"On one condition." Krystal told Fox, "We spend some time in the back seat of our Arwing and I get to help you change before we get out."
"It's not really designed to seat two people in the back." Fox told her.
"I measured it." Krystal explained, "There's more than enough room for the two of us. It was made spacious in case either of us needed to transport more than one passenger in an emergency."
"Fine." Fox said in defeat, "It's not like we can take things too far anyway."
As the other three left to explore the village, Fox and Krystal climbed into the back seat and closed the canopy, with Fox sitting on Krystal's lap.
"First, you need to undress." Krystal informed Fox. Fox pushed a few buttons on her bracelet, causing it to absorb her suit. Krystal gave Fox a kiss and explored her body a bit with her hands. Krystal's left hand naturally gravitated toward Fox's chastity belt and felt around the unforgiving metal.
Fox quickly grabbed her loin cloth from the bag and stood up as much as the canopy would allow. After Krystal secured the loin cloth and helped Fox put on the chest piece, she pulled Fox back onto her lap.
"How comfortable do you think it would be to be on your knees back here?" Krystal asked Fox, "We'll need to know in a few weeks."
"We can make it more comfortable later." Fox told her, "For now, let's return to the village."
The pair climbed out of their ship and walked back to the village. As they walked past the prisoners, Fox wondered about their fate. Andross's forces don't have a very good track record when it comes to prisoner swaps or rescues. It's very likely that, even if they were spared execution, they'd never see their fellow soldiers again.
Shortly after noon, the celebrations started. A few villagers played flutes and drums while other villagers ate and talked. Fox noticed quite a few villagers swarming Falco.
"Does this bring back memories?" Fox asked Falco.
"I wish." Falco replied, "I've had a few admirers from time to time, but never this many at once."
"Don't get too friendly." Fox told Falco jokingly, "Last thing you need is having to pay child support."
"Like I wouldn't be there to make sure the kid is brought up right." Falco told Fox, "I'm not going to get that 'friendly', though. Especially not with the way Katt's friends are. They'd spare no expense to track my kid down."
"Any idea what they're going to do with the prisoners?" Fara asked Fox.
"Who knows?" Fox asked rhetorically, "All I know is it's a good idea to stay on the Cerinians' good side when you're this far from your ship."
Fox looked around and found Krystal talking with a few of the warriors. After a few minutes, Krystal and the warriors approached Fox.
"It's been a while, Warrior Priestess Fox." one of the warriors told Fox, "You've even brought friends."
"Took them here for some training." Fox explained, "That and to fight the enemy."
"You guys rescued the straggler." the warrior told Fox, "We were preparing to launch another attack, but your team beat us to it."
"There weren't that many guys left anyway." Fox told the warrior, "It was almost disappointing. Though I probably shouldn't be complaining."
"So, what are they going to do with the prisoners?" Falco asked the warrior.
"We'll make that decision when it's time to make that decision." the warrior answered, "Right now, there's no solid plan other than to celebrate our victory."
After a few moments of silence, the warrior bid his farewell and returned to his friend.
"I am not in a mood to watch an execution." Falco told Fox.
"It might not come to that." Fox told Falco, "If the Cerinians want, I'm sure I can get Corneria to send in a transport to take the prisoners back to the Lylat System."
The party continued for the rest of the day. Eventually, it was time for the feast.
A large variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, and drinks were put on large tables. The villagers hurried to the food and began grabbing and eating their dinners. Fox managed to grab some meat and vegetables, none of which she could identify. Krystal grabbed some meat and the two ate together.
"It's been so long since we've had a real feast." Krystal told Fox.
"We do well with what we have." Fox told her.
"It's just a nice change of pace." Krystal explained, "It's just good to try something different once in a while."
"How much have you missed Cerinia?" Fox asked.
"Quite a lot." Krystal admitted, "But the Lylat System is still so new and exciting. And I promised to learn as much about the Lylat System as I can before coming back to teach the villagers."
"I've been thinking." Fox told Krystal, "What if you got pregnant after our special night? We never did a pregnancy test. Would the Great Fox be a good place to raise a child?"
"You know about life in the Great Fox better than I do." Krystal told her, "I'd trust your decision just as much as you'd trust my decisions concerning Cerinian matters."
"What are the odds, though?" Fox asked, trying to dismiss the idea, "I know little about any potential differences between our biologies."
"We should make sure." Krystal told Fox, "Just to be safe."
The pair noticed Falco, Fara, and Lucy had walked over to them during their conversation.
"Yeah, you should probably get tested." Falco told Krystal.
"I missed most of your conversation." Fara told the pair, "Who would be the father?"
"Is it Falco?" Lucy asked, "He seems like he'd have no trouble with attracting a woman. Unless you only used him as a surrogate."
"I don't think she'd be interested in Falco." Fara told Lucy, "She'd be more into you and me and I don't think Falco would settle for being a mere 'donor'."
"I do believe this is a private matter." Fox told the group.
"Sorry for being interested in something that could potentially affect the team." Falco told her sarcastically, "Who would lead the team if you had to leave to take care of a kid?"
"You would." Fox replied, "We have this system in place in case the current team leader is killed, wounded, captured, or retired."
"Is that a wise decision?" Fara asked, "It's Falco. He can barely lead a wing mate, let alone an entire team."
"I'm confident Falco won't do anything stupid." Fox explained, "He's competent and can be as mature as he needs to be."
"Thank you." Falco told Fox as he looked at Fara triumphantly. The group continued to eat in silence.
After they finished their meal, the team decided to go to bed.
"Falco and Lucy." a warrior told the pair, "The priestess has decided it would be best if you two slept in the temple. The fennec may stay with your priestess friends."
"I didn't think there would be room for five anyway." Falco said as he and Lucy headed for the temple.
"We'll see you in the morning." Fox told Falco as the foxes headed for Krystal's home. Inside, they found Krystal's bed had been widened.
"Is there a mat or sleeping bag?" Fara asked.
"Friends on Cerinia often sleep together when they're away from home overnight." Krystal explained, "It builds comradery before and after battle."
"Do we have pajamas or..."
"Naked." Krystal explained.
Fara wanted to protest, but she was tired and didn't feel like sleeping in her Arwing or flying all the way to the Great Fox.
"This is weird." Fara said as the three undressed and crawled into bed, "I wonder if the others get their own beds.
"Doubt it." Krystal told her.
"I wonder how well they're fairing." Fara thought out loud.
"Falco will get over any hesitation fairly quickly." Fox explained, "He's often immature, but can be mature when he needs to be. I'm not sure about the others."
As they drifted to sleep, Krystal began spooning Fox.
"Thank goodness for those chastity belts." Fara joked, "What would they do if they lost the keys?"
As she slept, Fara dreamt of the three of them naked and sealed in a temple room. Fox and Krystal had their chastity belts removed and were in the middle of kissing passionately. After a while, the dream vixens noticed Fara.
"Would you like to join?" Fox asked.
"There's probably some old Cerinian rule somewhere that encourages it." Krystal added.
The room slowly shrank, pushing the vixens closer.
"We wouldn't offer if we weren't fine with it." Fox added as she and Krystal separated, "Just make your decision."
Fara felt urges she normally wouldn't. Strangely, none of this felt off.
"You have two vixens and four sets of lips to kiss." Fox told Fara.
"Unless you want one of us to taste." Krystal added.
Fara moved closer, looking at their faces before her attention turned downward. Fara was going down onto her knees when she woke up.
"That was weird." Fara said, thinking nothing of the dream. It wasn't new for her. A few times, she dreamt of being naked with Falco from time to time and even Panther and Wolf once or twice. Each time, it ended with either her or her dream partner getting on their knees.
"Still..."
Fara knew she wanted intimacy. But the closest she ever got to that was back when she "hung out" with Katt's friends. She was thankful they made it easy to avoid temptation, not that they didn't keep offering to make her a woman.
Would she go that far if offered? With her teammates or Star Wolf, maybe. Should she ask? That would be weird. Then again, Krystal was into things Fara found weird. Fara wondered if Falco exaggerated parts of her reputation, especially her alleged love of pain. That could have just been Falco upset about having to dress as a cheerleader.
Fare decided to forget the topic and lied back down. If Krystal wanted it, she could ask Fara.
Unless Krystal was uncomfortable with asking. Krystal was fearless in battle, but there was a difference between fighting an enemy and potentially embarrassing yourself in front of a friend. And the blue vixen was trying to make a good impression. Should Fara ask? Should Fara ask Fox? Fox would have less to worry about, not having to act as an ambassador for her people.
Either way, there was still the question as to how she would ask. Should she make small talk and steer the conversation to the topic or just ask it? Fara went back to sleep, deciding she would only ask if she still wanted to once she woke up.
Meanwhile, in the temple, Lucy was on the verge of panicking.
"So, you're telling me we have to sleep naked in the same bed?" Falco asked in disbelief.
"It is our way." the priestess explained, "Besides, there's only one bed and I will not have guests sleeping on the floor."
"Where's Fara?" Falco asked.
"With Krystal and Fox." the priestess explained, "Now climb into bed."
While the two argued, Lucy watched in disbelief. While she was busy trying to hide her nudity, Falco had long given up on modesty and she doubted the priestess cared about modesty in a long time. Lucy could see everything and was terrified of doing something humiliating.
After a while, Falco had been worn down and climbed into bed. The naked priestess walked over to Lucy and gently nudged her toward the bed. After Lucy reluctantly climbed in, the priestess climbed in between them.
"Do we have to sleep so close together?" Lucy asked, blushing.
"One day is not enough time to make additional beds." the priestess explained, "Besides, I sense neither of you are completely opposed. You're just afraid it's improper."
"The morning can't come fast enough." Falco told himself as they all drifted to sleep.
Lucy dreamt she was trapped in a small room with no exit. In front of her were the priestess and Falco, who were both naked.
"You know you want to." the dream priestess told Lucy, "The best of both worlds. Give up those inhibitions, those fears of the more private moments, that keep you from finding someone."
"But..." Lucy tried to argue.
"You'll find it's not as scary and indecent as you fear." The dream priestess continued.
Lucy reluctantly approached the dream priestess. She was just about to kiss when she woke up. It was still the middle of the night. Lucy looked next to her to find she and Falco had both moved closer to the priestess.
"It was just a dream." Lucy told herself. She knew she had issues, fearing what she also greatly desired. There was just something about being so close to naked bodies that seemed so taboo.
"This is why you're still single." she scolded herself, "Grow up, Lucy."
The others seemed happier in their sleep. Lucy lied back down and went back to sleep.