I'M NOT DEAD.
Sorry for the wait! Life happened, along with other writing. But here it is! And it's a long chapter too, so there's plenty to read. As always, thank you to whitefur for his proofreading and input. He's awesome!
Please read and review! God bless and be safe, and have a great night.
Chapter VII: Baby Steps
"So here it is," said Dr. Edgar—a Sheep dog—pointing to the holographic schematic of Fox's soon-to-be robotic leg. Krystal, along with the rest of the team, were in Fox's room listening to the doctor tell them about Fox. "As you can see, it's not bulky in the least, made of the sturdiest metal available, impervious to rust, and light-weight enough that you won't have to hobble when you walk. In other words, we've made the limb as comfortable as possible. The only trial in its usage will be the physical therapy you undergo afterword, Mr. McCloud."
Krystal looked at the schematics with a hopeful smile. The inner workings of the field of prosthetic limbs were an enigma to her, but she had no reason to think the doctor wasn't telling the truth. And it did look much a normal vulpine leg. She looked around the hospital room, and her friends had much the same expression. Peppy in particular looked pleased with himself.
"Looks good, doc," said Fox. "However...I've heard about the attaching operations for prosthetics."
Krystal immediately felt the mood in the room drop.
"What?" she asked. "What's there to hear about those operations?"
Fox looked at her with a worried look.
"Well," began Dr. Edgar, "attachment operations are dependent upon making sure the nerves of the patient connect with the inner workings of the prosthetic limb. As such...we are not able to numb the patient to the operation. Unfortunately, pain is the best indicator that the limb is connecting adequately to the nervous system."
Krystal blinked.
"What!?" she yelled. "You mean to tell me that Fox will not be under anesthesia?"
Fox clasped her hand in his. "Krystal, listen, this is a necessary part-"
"There's no other way to do this?" Krystal pushed, standing up and getting in the doctors face. "Absolutely none?"
"No, Miss Krystal," said the doctor apologetically. "It's...it's the shameful weakness of prosthetic technology, but we assure you that Mr. McCloud will have a perfectly functioning limb by the end of it."
"That doesn't make it any less barbaric," said Krystal.
"Krystal," said Peppy, walking up beside her, "I know this is upsetting. But it's the only option. You need to calm down, please."
Krystal looked at Peppy, and sighed. "I know," she said. "I know this is the best option. But I don't care what regulations you may have, I will be staying at my fiancé's bedside when that operation begins."
The stunned silence that followed reminded Krystal that her and Fox hadn't disclosed that surprise yet. She looked around at her friends; all of them giving her surprised looks. She lowered her ears and blushed.
This must have been how Fox felt after the mission on Sauria during the Aperoid Invasion, thought Krystal, blushing.
"Ahem," said the doctor, calming himself. "I see. In that case, Miss Krystal, I have no objections. Barring any more questions, I'll be leaving now to finalize some matters before we begin the operation tomorrow. Do you have anymore questions, Mr. McCloud?"
Fox shook his head.
"All right then," said the doctor. "I'll see you all tomorrow. Oh, and congratulations you two." With that, the doctor left the room.
Krystal surveyed the room. Falco, Peppy, Katt, Slippy, Amanda, and Bill were all looking at the two of them. She looked down at her feet and shuffled them, before Fox chuckled.
"Well," he said, "yeah. So we're engaged now, guys!"
Falco just gave Fox a knowing smirk.
"You're about to say you all could see this coming, aren't you," said Fox in perfect deadpan.
"Well," said Peppy, shrugging with a smirk of his own, "I mean, what else do you want us to say? Other than congratulations, of course. I'm very happy for the two of you."
"Thank you, Peppy," said Krystal with a smile.
"What I will say is, me and Slippy better be best men for you, Foxy," said Falco. "Because otherwise we are totally crashing that wedding."
"I will end you," said Fox.
"Now, now," said Katt, giggling. "Now's not the time to fight. But really, congratulations you too! When's the wedding? And how's the ring, Krystal?"
Krystal bashfully showed her hand, the ring glistening with its orange and blue stones. "We haven't even thought about that yet," she said.
"Wow," said Katt, gazing at the ring. "You did good captain."
"I'll say," said Bill, getting a closer look. "Dropping a pretty penny on your woman already, eh Fox?"
"Only the best," said Fox.
"It's the right attitude," said Amanda, smiling and ribbing her husband.
"Oh, of course," said Slippy.
They talked for a while longer, about the operation and the trials to come. Krystal stayed out of the conversation to think. About the operation, about the physical therapy, and about the future. What would her and Fox do in the future? It was a scary question, but she figured that her and Fox would think of something. As long as they had one another, they would make it.
Visiting hours ended, and Krystal and Fox's friends shuffled out of the room, leaving the two of them alone. Krystal was grateful the nurses had made an exception for her with her visits. There would have been plenty of shouting and demanding otherwise.
"Nice slip up there, Krys," said Fox teasingly.
"Oh, hush," she replied, batting one of his ears. "Like you haven't made the occasional slip."
"I'm the champion in that regard," Fox replied, "but it's funny to see it happen to you. You look cute when you're shy."
"Stop turning my compliments back at me," Krystal replied with a grin, scratching Fox between his ears and getting a sigh from him. She continued to scratch, watching happily that Fox's leg was beginning to kick. Such a good boy.
"Fox?" she asked, stopping the scratching and settling into just petting him. "What do you think we'll do when we get out of the hospital?"
"Hmmm" Fox hummed, "Well...the wedding, obviously. And that's really all I have right now. I know that's not optimal, though."
"It's fine," said Krystal. "After all that's happened, I don't really have anything in mind either. We'll have plenty of time to think, though."
"Yes," said Fox, looking at her with a loving smile. "We will, dear."
Krystal blinked, and put on a silly grin. "Oh, we're starting that already?"
"Why not?" asked Fox. "It feels good to say it."
"I'm sure it does, darling," said Krystal. Her ears perked up. "Oh wow, it does feel better."
Fox was blushing hotly. "It does," he said.
Krystal continued to pet Fox until his eyes grew heavy, and he kissed her goodnight. Krystal followed with a kiss of her own, and slept with happy dreams.
The next day, in the morning, the operation began. Fox lay in his hospital bed, watching the nurses and doctors around him hustle around his hospital room. Krystal, meanwhile, was getting tenser and tenser as time went on. The nurses weren't helping this.
"Ma'am," said one of the nurses in exasperation, "I'm telling you, visitors are not allowed-"
"Just wait until Dr. Edgar gets here, and he'll explain that he made an exception for me. I'm not moving," said Krystal, clutching Fox's hand and looking at the vixen nurse with a challenging look. The nurse sighed and walked away.
"Krystal, are you sure you want to stay? I can make it," said Fox.
"Fox," said Krystal, "Like I said, I am not moving. I'm going to sit in on this operation whether you like it or not."
"All right," said Fox. "I won't stop you. Just don't give the nurses a hard time."
"You're assuming that I will? That nurse was telling me to leave, despite me saying I was allowed to stay," said Krystal.
"Well, they do need to do their job," said Fox. "But still, the doctor did make an exception. So I'm sure they can manage it."
"I just...if you're going to be in pain, Fox, I'd rather be right next to you than outside of this room and unable to help," said Krystal.
The vixen could feel a wave of love wash off from Fox. "Thank you, Krystal. That means a lot."
She kissed him on the cheek. "Of course," she said.
A moment later, Dr. Edgar walked in, followed by other surgical staff. He regarded the two foxes with a smile.
"Good to see the both of you in high spirits," said the doctor. "Now, Miss Krystal, are you sure you want to stay for the operation?"
"Yes," Krystal said, nodding.
The doctor nodded back. The leg was brought into the room. Krystal blinked. The first thing she thought about Fox's soon-to-be new leg was that it was beautiful to see in person. Very sleek, with a deceptively muscular look that suited Fox; the todd always made a point to stay in shape. Krystal took comfort in knowing that at the very least, her love's new leg wouldn't be hard on the eyes. She did feel a bit morbid thinking that, however.
The first order of business was unwrapping the bandages from Fox's amputated leg, and preparing it to receive the new leg. Krystal had to look away. Next came preparing the leg itself.
The doctor fiddled with the leg until a cylinder popped out from the knee "end. "After fiddling with the cylinder, Krystal was amazed to see some cords and wires pop out all around the cylinder.
"These," said the doctor, "are what will hurt. These wires act as nerves, allowing for the electronic signals of your brain to move the leg. The process of them connecting to your nervous system will be unpleasant mostly because your body will not know what to do with the leg at first, though after a few seconds the pain will recede."
"How painful will this be?" Fox asked, looking at the wires warily.
"I won't lie; I've seen many a grown adult cry from this part," said the doctor. Krystal's hand tightened around Fox's like a vice grip.
"Well, I've heard worse," said Fox, smirking. "Let's get it over with."
"How many seconds of pain will there be?" Krystal asked.
"Maybe...fifteen, I'd say," said the doctor.
After steeling himself, Fox gave the doctor the go ahead. Dr. Edgar held the leg to the stump's soft flesh, and was ready to enter in the command for the cylinder to release.
"Once I do this," said the doctor, "the cylinder will release the wires immediately. Are you ready, Mr. McCloud?"
"Just get it over with," said Fox. He was biting down on a towel one of the nurses gave him. Krystal still held his hand tightly, mentally preparing herself.
The doctor entered the command.
Krystal's ears were filled with Fox's agonized screaming. Even with the towel in his mouth, his howl was loud and clear, and Krystal held on to his hand so hard she thought she could hear bones cracking. She stroked his cheek as she mentally counted down from fifteen. By and far, the longest fifteen seconds of her life. To her relief, Fox didn't writhe in pain, and his howl eventually subsided into grunts. Tears gathered at the corner of his eye. Mentally, however, it was so much worse. She felt his inner cries and screams, and his pain was hers. She cried too, and thought that she would give anything to take some of his pain to lighten the burden.
In the midst of this she looked up and her eyes widened in amazement. She could see the wires from the leg moving underneath Fox's skin, stretching and searching like tentacles or roots. Fox's upper leg was twitching, no doubt with pain. Krystal couldn't imagine what it felt like, to have something foreign entering her body and trying to establish itself. Sure, there was that Krazoa spirit on Sauria so long ago, but this was different; this was a physical object being introduced. Fox's body was not only in pain, but also in a troubling fit of confusion. She had to tell herself that the new leg was a good thing, and that those wires met no harm.
A few moments later, it was abruptly over. Fox had fainted, and Krystal took to petting his cheek and wiping the sweat from his brow with a damp towel. She could feel, with her powers, that he was completely knocked out.
"The operation was a success," said Dr. Edgar in relief. "No complications."
"How do you know?" said Krystal. She glared at the doctor; to her surprise, she wanted to hate him, even though Fox's pain had been necessary.
"Look at his leg," said the doctor.
Krystal did and saw the wires, now blue under the skin, throbbing. They had settled down, and now looked just like roots from a tree. Well, a blue tree.
"The wires have settled," said the doctor. "Later, we'll need to begin physical therapy, but for now, Mr. McCloud needs to rest. And I'm supposing that you will be staying at his bedside?"
"Yes," said Krystal resolutely.
With that, the nurses and doctors left, leaving her with Fox as she continued to wipe his sweat away and pet his face. She smiled when she saw his ears twitch. He was sleeping peacefully. A little bit later, his eyes opened, and she kissed him on the lips.
"A nice wake up," said Fox tiredly. His voice was hoarse.
"Mmmhmm," said Krystal, still petting him. "Thank goodness you're alright."
"Yeah," said Fox. "Gosh, that hurt. The doctor wasn't lying."
"I felt some of it," said Krystal. "With my powers."
Fox gave her a guilty look. "Oh...Krystal, I'm so-"
She interrupted him with a finger to his muzzle. "Hush. Feeling your pain gave me all the more strength to comfort you. It kept us connected. And for that, I'm blessed."
Fox starting blushing again, and she giggled. "There's an expression I like to see," she said lovingly.
They sat in silence, before a thought occurred to Krystal when she gazed at her wedding ring.
"Fox," she said, "there's something I need to talk to you about."
"Hmm?" hummed Fox.
"It's something that has to do with Cerinian marriage. An important tradition," she said.
"Tell me," said Fox. She noticed he looked eager. Adorable. His ears were all perked up.
"Well," she said happily, her tail wagging. "You know you've gotten comfortable with my powers, right? My mind has a familiar feel to you, as your does to mine?"
"Yeah," said Fox. "It feels good when you poke around in there."
"There's a way to enhance that," said Krystal. "It's an important tradition. You see, when two Cerinians are engaged, or when just one of the pair is a Cerinian, before the wedding ceremony they preform what's called The Bonding Ritual. It's a way to link the two minds together in a very intimate way."
"Tell me more," said Fox, leaning forward. She was relieved to see he was so interested.
"With this ritual," she said, "we...we will be able to experience one another in a way we've never felt before. My parents once told me it was the most magical feeling in the world, but they also said words don't do it justice. They said that they could feel each other more deeply and more profoundly then ever before. It was a bond of the soul and mind. That was the only way they knew how to describe it."
Fox thought this over, and Krystal could sense some trepidation. Which was normal. Fox wasn't Cerinian, and this was new to him.
"Will it work for me?" Fox asked.
Krystal nodded. "I've heard stories of Cerinians and Non-Cerinians bonding together. The effects on the non-Cerinian are interesting. Apparently, they actually gain telepathic powers. Not just a weak power, but something equal to a natural born Cerinian."
Fox's eyes widened. Indeed, it was a lot to take in.
"And..you said it was a bond of soul and mind, right?" Fox asked.
"Yes," said Krystal.
"Well, will I...don't take this the wrong way, Krystal, but will I still be me? I mean, with your powers, it's great. You respect my privacy, but can connect with me. Will it be like that, but stronger?"
"Fox, don't worry," said Krystal warmly. "You'll still be you, of course. Just think of it this way. When I connect with you now, think of my powers as a stream of water coming from a faucet. It's a steady stream, that can be turned off and on. With this ritual, that stream will become a roaring stream, with more pressure, but it still can be controlled. We will be able to connect more deeply than we've ever been able too."
Krystal saw the look of wonder pass over Fox's face. "You mean...stronger than I've ever felt?" he asked.
"Exactly," said Krystal.
"Then I want to do it," said Fox. "I would love to feel you that way. I've always enjoyed your powers, you know. I can only imagine how amazing it will feel after we do this."
"I will feel amazing, I should think," said Krystal. "Though, Foxey, you'll have to be patient. It's only something we can do before the wedding itself. Whenever you'd like that to be."
"Let's shoot for this weekend," said Fox, with a goofy smile. "They can marry us in a hospital room, can't they?"
Krystal rolled her eyes and kissed Fox on the lips.
The very next day in Fox's hospital room, the physical therapy process started.
For a moment, Krystal thought this was sudden, but the doctor stressed that the sooner they began the Physical Therapy process, the faster Fox would be able to leave. And for Krystal, that was welcome news. She didn't want Fox to stay here any longer than what was necessary.
The earliest exercise was simple. Just getting the leg to move was the objective; this mean small extensions. Krystal volunteered to hold the leg in her hands while Fox extended the leg back and fourth. Or at least attempted too. The first day was a disappointing one.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Fox, scowling at his new limb and only being able to make the leg move just slightly. "I thought this was the most advanced prosthetic technology there is! How in the world is it this stiff?"
"You're body is still getting used to it," said Doctor Edgar calmly, observing what movements Fox was capable of. "The only way for it too adjust is repeated movements like this. It's a long process, Mr. McCloud. You'll have to be patient."
Fox grumbled, staring daggers at his leg.
"Fox," said Krystal gently, "calm down. Getting mad at it won't make it work."
Fox sighed. "I know, I know," he replied.
Two days later Fox was met with some kind of success.
"There we go!" said Fox triumphantly. He'd managed to, slowly, extend his leg fully, and contract it all the same. The doctor, and his friends, we're pleased with the process.
"There ya go, Foxy," said Falco with a grin. "You look like one of those models doing that sexy kick in a bath tub. You and Blueness should duo a modeling career!"
"Katt," said Fox seriously, "hit him."
"I don't have to take orders from you anymore, Fox," said Katt teasingly.
"Starting to regret the resignation?" said Peppy.
"Ever so slightly," said Fox in defeat. Krystal giggled. It was nice to see everyone in high spirits.
"Mr. McCloud?" said a voice over the room intercom. "You have someone coming up to visit you. We asked them to wait for us to ring you, but...they are already in the elevator, most likely."
Unease fell over the room.
"Who is it?" said Fox.
"One Fay Spaniel. Do you know her?" asked the voice.
Krystal beamed.
"Yes," said Fox, smiling. "It's no problem."
"Carry on, then," said the voice. The intercom turned off.
"Krystal," said Fox, "you've got to stop her from hugging me, otherwise she's going to really break my ribs this time-"
"FOX!" cried a voice from the hallway.
Krystal blinked exactly once. When she opened her eyes, the tall form of Fay Spaniel had already wrapped Fox in an embrace, burying his head in her chest.
"I was on the first flight to Katina the moment I got the news!" Fay cried, tears in her eyes. "Oh my goodness, Fox, thank god you're alright! I couldn't sleep during the whole trip."
"Fay," said Fox, "It hurts...stop hugging me so tightly..."
"Oh no!" said Fay, recoiling back and putting her hands on her muzzle. "Are you alright?"
Fox took a moment to breath, steadying himself. "Now I am. But, Fay! It's good to see you."
"Well if it isn't the diva herself," said Falco with a smirk. "Fay, how ya been? It's been ages."
"It has been a while," said Peppy, smiling as well. "Fay, how are you?"
"Hi everyone!" said the spaniel, looking around the room. Krystal could sense the young woman was back to her bubbly, hyperactive self. "It's rare I get to see you all. At least some good came out of Fox's injury, as horrible as it feels to say that." Her ears drooped.
"That's not the only good that's happened recently," said Slippy, smiling at Fox and Krystal.
"Hm?" said Fay, following Slippy's gaze and looking at the two foxes. "Did something else happen? What's going on? Tell me!"
Do we tell her? asked Fox mentally, looking at Krystal with a grin.
Krystal's answer was to raise her hand, palm facing down, smiling warmly. Fay's eyes found the ring in an instant.
The ear-piercing shriek that shook the room afterward almost made Krystal regret that decision, but Fay's absolutely gleeful expression afterward erased that sentiment completely.
"Oh my gosh," said Fay, rushing up to Krystal and pulling her into a hug. "Congratulations you two! It finally happened! Oh my gosh this is just amazing!" She let go of Krystal and started practically bouncing in place. "I need to tell Miyu and Fara. Or would you rather tell them in person?"
"Are they already on their way?" asked Fox.
"Yup," said Fay. "Both of them should be arriving tomorrow. Fara is gonna be so happy, Fox! You know how she was when she first met Krystal. She was one-hundred percent certain this was gonna happen."
"And here we are," said Krystal warmly.
"And here we are!" said Fay giddily. "Miyu should be happy too! Well, she'll try to be all not-surprised and everything, but you know that lynx. Tries to act cool but she'll be as giddy was I am. I'll be sure to be here when they come along."
"You're staying nearby?" Fox asked.
"Yup! My ship's living quarters are big enough. I do run in style, after all," said the Spaniel, winking at him.
Just like yesterday, the whole crew—now with Fay in tow—were in the hospital room watching Fox work at extensions and contractions and talking amongst themselves.
Seeing Fay and knowing other friends were on the way did wonders for Fox's conviction. The next day in physical therapy, Fox's extensions became faster, and ever-so more fluid. Krystal was very happy for the change in attitude.
"Do you think I'll be able to walk, doc?" asked Fox.
"Walking and extensions are two different things, Mr. McCloud. Two more days of this, and we'll begin exercises to help you walk. And they won't be easy," said Dr. Edgar.
The dampened mood that settled in Fox's mind made Krystal resent the doctor's presence in the hospital room, even if he was right.
"Will we be able to engrave our names on the metal, Fox?" asked Fay, tail wagging. "I think that would be sweet."
"Depends on the message," said Fox. "What were you thinking of?"
"Just names and messages of encouragement," said Fay.
"I'd like that," said Fox, smiling.
"I was thinking something like, 'property of Falco Lombardi,'" said Falco.
"Katt, seriously, hit him." said Fox, frowning while everyone had a chuckle at that.
"How about, 'property of Krystal McCloud?'" said Krystal, tickling Fox under the chin. The blush she got for that made her giggle.
"I wouldn't mind that," said Fox quietly, looking adorable.
"Kinky," said Falco.
The sound of Katt slapping Falco upside the head filled the room.
"Hey! That wasn't that bad," said the avian.
"I gotta give Fox something," said Katt slyly.
The same voice from yesterday beeped over the intercom. Two visitors we're headed their way.
"Yay!" said Fay. "They're here!"
A few minutes later, the doors opened.
In stepped a tan-colored fennec fox, wearing a blue turtleneck and jeans. It was a very professional look, and her expression brightened when she saw Fox laying on his hospital bed. Behind her stood a lynx, wearing a flight suit and jacket, with an ear pierced. Her expression was more restrained, but to anyone that knew her, that small smile she was wearing spoke volumes.
"Fox!" said the fennec, walking up to his bedside. "Oh, thank goodness, you're alright. I looked up details about the accident, and…thank goodness."
"Nice to see you, Fara," said Fox. "Don't worry, I'm alright. Sans a leg, but alright."
The lynx walked up to his bedside as well, looking him over once.
"Good to know you're still a tough nut to crack, Fox," said the lynx, reaching down and messing with Fox's headfur, smiling. "They'll take your leg, but they won't take your life, eh?"
"Good to know you're still the same as always, Miyu," said Fox with a wry grin.
"And it's good to see that you're alright too, Krystal," said Fara, walking over to her and embracing her. "I can't imagine what that accident must have been for you especially."
Krystal returned the hug, and with all politeness said, "I'd rather not talk about it."
"Fair enough," said Miyu. "I looked up details about the engagement. Jeez, to think Katina had a weapon like that rotting away, waiting for some pirates to take it. I hope Bill is on everyone's ass right now."
"As Krystal said, someone got fired," Slippy grumbled.
"That's quite the prosthetic," said Fara, looking the leg over. "At least you're being taken care of."
"Peppy paid for it," said Fay, looking at the leg herself. "The best money can buy."
"I wasn't about to leave Fox with something subpar," said Peppy. "Especially considering this accident was largely due to a buearacratic failure. But moving on. It's nice to see you two ladies again. Seeing Fox surrounded by friends like this does my old heart good."
"And it certainly is an old heart, right?" said Miyu, looking over at Peppy with a wry smile. Peppy gave her a flat look.
Fara reached down and petted Fox on the head, smiling warmly. "I'm just happy you're alright, Fox."
Krystal smiled, feeling the content emotions radiating from Fox. Fara was like a sister to him, so her comfort was always welcomed. And Miyu's wit was always nice to have around. In the corner of her eye she caught movement, and she saw Fay waggling her eyebrows at her.
Krystal smirked and shook her head. "Actually, you two, me and Fox have a special announcement."
"Oh, did you guys get hitched?" asked Miyu, ears perking up.
Silence fell over the room.
"I swear I didn't tell her," said Fay.
"What?" said Miyu, shrugging. "I've been wondering about this for years. It's not like no one saw it."
Fox buried his face in his hands.
"The ride never ends," said Falco, trying to contain his laughter.
Fara, on the other hand, was beaming with excitement. "Really? He asked you, Krystal?"
Krystal showed her the ring, and the delighted expression on Fara's face warmed her heart.
"Oh my goodness," said Fara, taking Krystal's hand in hers. "It's beautiful. Fox, I can see you went all out with the gemstones."
"Anything for the best girl in the universe," said Fox.
"Oh gag," said Miyu, though she was smiling herself. "I hope during the honeymoon you get all this mushiness out of your system."
There will be plenty to do during the honeymoon, Krystal thought to Fox. His face quickly warmed up.
"I'm very happy for the both of you," said Fara, tail wagging. "Keep me and everyone else posted about wedding plans. Oh! And if you need any help, be sure to contact me, alright?"
"We will, Fara," said Fox. Krystal loved how cheerful he looked. "First though, I gotta get out of this hospital."
Two days later, Fox began his first walking exercises.
The physical therapy room was a small fitness area filled with various tools and instruments for adjustment to prosthetic limbs, like medicine balls for arms and augmented workout machines for legs. For Fox, two wooden hand rails parallel to one another and with enough space to walk through in between were his set up.
"The important thing," said the Physical Therapy instructor, "is that you take it slow. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Do you understand, Fox?" said Krystal, standing next to him as he readied himself on the bars.
"Yes," said Fox in reply.
The only one of Fox's friends who could come was Krystal, only because she insisted. The instructor figured crowding the room would only add to stress levels. Krystal was glad for the leeway.
Fox began to move, moving his normal leg first and stopping in shock when he tried to move the prosthetic.
"Fox?" said Krystal in concern, moving close and putting her hand over his.
"It's just a lot harder than I imagined," Fox said, scowling at his metal leg.
"That's what they all say," said the instructor mirthfully. "Like I said, take it slow."
Krystal knew the instructor meant well, but she could sense Fox's stress levels rising. He was frustrated.
With some exertion, he got the metal leg to move. He smiled, moved his hands on the bars, and moved his other leg again. The scowl came back when it came time to move the prosthetic, this time with more intensity.
"Oh you have got to be kidding me," said Fox. "I just got it to move!"
"Take it slow," said Krystal, sill clasping his hand.
"I know, Krys," said Fox. He was annoyed. She still held on though. What if he fell?
The metal leg only twitched.
"Take smaller steps," said the instructor. Krystal could sense that advice only added to Fox's frustration.
Fox," said Krystal as gently as possible. "Calm down."
"I am calm," said Fox. "Please stop touching my hand."
"I just want to be there in case you fall," she said.
"I'm not going to fall, Krystal," said Fox, looking down at his leg with a glare. "Please let go."
"Fox," she said, "you have to calm-"
"Krystal, I am calm!" Fox shouted, whipping his head around to look at her. "Now let go of me!"
Krystal flinched back and took her hand off of his. She stared at him in shock.
In only took a second or two for Fox to realize what had happened. He took a deep breath and didn't move, and she saw the realization form on his face. He slumped his shoulders and folded his ears back in shame. The stress and anger had left him, and was now replaced with guilt and shame.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I'm so sorry."
He was genuinely sorry, but Krystal kept her hand away from his, though she still hovered close by.
"It's fine," she said quietly.
Fox went back to trying to move. He got more steps in, baby steps practically. Then, at one point, he grew frustrated at the leg again, trying to jerk it ahead; he fell forward, his hands slipping off the bars.
Krystal was there in an instant, catching and holding him in her arms.
"Krystal?" Fox said quietly, looking at her, ears getting hot.
"I've got you," she said.
"I thought you would have let me fall," said Fox. "Serves me right for—"
She interrupted him with a finger to his lips.
"You were frustrated. This is a difficult time for you. It's fine," she said. "Fox, don't you dare think I would let you fall just because you snapped at me."
Fox smiled, and leaned against her as she helped him stand.
The day after that they repeated the walking exercise. Fox let Krystal hover over him, and Krystal understood when he needed his space. Afterward, Krystal took a wheel-chair bound Fox to the hospital gardens. The area was meant as a calming place for helping patients in the midst of frustrating or painful treatment. Krystal admired its beauty. It was a large, circular area, with green grass and patches of flowers, with trees providing shade. It was a comfortable Katinian evening, and this place felt heavenly.
Krystal took Fox underneath one of the trees and sat down across from him, taking out a tub of sandwiches and a fork and knife from a pouch behind the wheel chair.
"You think I can be out of here in a month's time?" asked Fox.
"I really do hope so," said Krystal, taking the sandwiches and cutting them into smaller bits. "I'm as eager as you are to be out of here."
"Can't wait to get married?" Fox asked.
"That, and I just want to put this incident behind us," said Krystal.
"I couldn't agree more," Fox replied, smiling at her. Krystal smiled back.
The vixen stuck one of the sandwiches bits with a fork and held it up to Fox. He raised an eyebrow.
"I can feed myself, you know," he said.
Krystal smiled a goofy grin. "Say, 'ahhh,' Fox," said Krystal.
Fox rolled his eyes and did so, letting Krystal feed him.
"So where do you want to live?" Fox asked, after he swallowed his bite.
"Hmm?" Krystal hummed.
"Where do you want to live?" Fox asked. "I mean, after we get married."
The thought of a comfortable home with Fox filled Krystal with happiness, and with shock she realized she hadn't thought about this much, what with the business of Fox's leg. Now, she imagined images of domestic bliss for the two of them. After all that had happened, peaceful images of the two of them as a married couple did wonders for her.
"Well," she began, smiling. "Where were you thinking of living?"
"You can't just turn the question on me like that," said Fox, smiling back. "But, if you want to know, I was thinking of either Corneria or Papetoon."
"Papetoon. It's a quaint place, I must say," said Krystal, feeding Fox another piece and humming to herself.
Fox blushed. "It is my home. And…we could live in my old house."
Krystal grew concerned. "Would you be comfortable?" she asked.
"There are plenty of memories in that place," Fox replied. "And...thinking about them does hurt sometimes. But honestly, with what I'm fortunate enough to have now, I don't think they will hurt anymore."
Krystal blushed. "There is something nice about how quiet it is there," she said.
"It's low key," said Fox. "After how adventurous our mercenaries days were, maybe it would be nice to live somewhere quiet. Plus, Fara lives there. As does Fay."
"Friends would be close by," Krystal acknowledged. "What about Corneria?"
Fox smiled. "Corneria is my home away from home. It's a nice place, and you've become familiar with it too. There certainly are plenty of friends close by too, and more stuff to do. It's your call between the two places."
Krystal scratched her chin.
"Fox?" she asked. "Is Corneria fine?"
She expected to see or feel disappointment from Fox, and for only a brief second it was there. But he smiled, genuinely smiled at her, and nodded. "Guess we get to be city foxes for a long time, huh?"
"I felt your disappointment," said Krystal. "Fox, are you sure—"
He waved his hand. "My parent's place can be a summer get-away of sorts. I won't lie and say I don't prefer Papetoon, because I do. But if Corneria is what you want, then that's fine with me, dear."
Krystal leaned forward and kissed him. "There's that "dear" again. I bet it makes you happy to call me that, hmm?" she said teasingly.
"You have no idea," said Fox.
"Well, then, you should know it makes me happy to call you darling," she replied tenderly, stroking his cheek. "As a married vixen."
Fox melted, leaning into her touch and purring. "I guess I better draw up plans for that white picket fence," he murmured.
Krystal wrapped her arms around him and drew him into another kiss.
That night, the two of them were alone in Fox's room, both of them reading. The comfortable silence was then broken by a beep on Fox's Wrist Comm, sitting by his bedside.
"Now who could that be?" said Fox. Krystal was as curious as he was. Fox reached over and pushed the answer button, and the small holographic image that popped into existence stunned the both of them.
It was Wolf.
In the rush of everything that had happened, Krystal realized then that she almost forgot about Fox's infamous rival.
"There we go," the lupine said, sighing in relief. "Good to know Leon's skills with encrypted frequencies haven't faded. Hello, pup. So the rumors are true about what happened to you."
"Wolf?" said Fox, after blinking hard. "Why are you calling me?"
"To find out if your hide really did almost get skinned," Wolf said after looking at the two of them. "I've got a privileged ear on the rumors of Lylat, so after finding out about what happened on Katina, well...I hope you'll forgive my curiosity, pup."
Krystal felt the hackles on the back of her neck rise. Wolf never bothered her much before, but after the accident, a protective side of her had been born. Fox, she could see, wasn't terribly bothered. He'd dealt with his rival more than enough times to not be nervous anymore.
"Well, those rumors are true," Fox answered. "I lost my leg." His tone was terse.
"And the blue girl has taken to being your nurse. Lucky you," said Wolf, raising his eyebrow.
Krystal barred her teeth. "What's it you?" she said. Fox laid a hand on her arm, turning back to her briefly.
"Nothing at all. Just making an observation," said Wolf, unconcerned at her anger. "Anyway, let me get to the point. How long are you going to be out of commission? Lylat is boring without someone who can actually match me."
Krystal was about to say something, but Fox sent her a telepathic message to let her know he would handle this.
"I'm retiring, Wolf," said Fox evenly.
Wolf blinked exactly once. Some silence followed, before he answered.
"You're not joking," he said.
"No," said Fox, "I'm not."
Wolf looked at the two of them, his hologram staring deeply into Krystal's eyes, and then at the way she was clutching his hand. She knew he figured it out. Wolf was many things. Observant was one of them.
"Oh," he said. "I see."
"Wolf," said Fox, "I've got something to ask you. And I say this as someone who has considered you an equal in piloting."
"I don't need your acknowledgement, pup," said Wolf, sneering. "But fine. What other surprise are you going to unveil? Is she pregnant with your runt?"
A growl arose in Krystal's throat. "No. And you need to change your tone, Wolf," she said.
Wolf just looked at her.
"Wolf," said Fox, clutching Krystal's arm again. "Leave the two of us alone."
Now Wolf blinked twice. "Excuse me?" he said.
"I know you've said that you want to kill me. I know our rivalry has been intense. But I'm done, Wolf. Krystal...she's everything to me now. And I'm ready to settle down with her and live in peace. I'm done with combat now," said Fox.
"And," he continued, "I know you have some honor in you, much as you try to deny it. Wolf, let us live in peace. Me and Krystal have been through enough. I don't want anymore trouble."
Krystal could tell Fox's words were entirely genuine. She was moved by his plea. Wolf, for his part, looked stunned.
"You realize who you're asking, right?" he said.
"Wolf," said Fox. "Please."
"Pup, I've fought you in mortal combat plenty of times. What makes you think I'm going to listen?" Wolf asked, snarling.
"Because I know there's a part of you who will listen. I don't want to fight anymore, Wolf. I've had enough," said Fox. "Please."
Wolf looked at the two of them again. Krystal saw him stare at her hand clutching Fox's, and Fox's hand clutching her arm. Silently, she prayed, hoping that Fox's appeal would work. The last thing she needed was Fox's rival hunting for his life even when he no longer wanted to fight. She couldn't stand to think of Wolf taking Fox away from her.
Wolf looked down, and more silence passed.
"Fine," he answered.
The call ended.