I'M BACK BABY
And with a huge chapter at that!
Thank you for all of your patience, and I hope you enjoy this. I've been hyped to write this part. I borrowed some of FurFur's creations and no guesses as to who they are. And I'll give him a shout out for listening to me ramble about this chapter.
God bless, and have a good day!
Chapter VIII: Passing Times
To say that Fox was surprised at Wolf's agreement to leave him and Krystal alone was the understatement of the century. He was flabbergasted.
Fox always held the suspicion that this rivalry was more important to Wolf, than it was to himself. Fox never had much of a beef with him. Really, the only hatred he ever had for Star Wolf extended to Pigma, but he was dead and gone, which just left being wary of them. They were enemies, after all, though they did help his team during the Aperoid Invasion. With Wolf, Fox felt there was a drive within the old lupine, a drive for Wolf to surpass him and truly be considered the best pilot in Lylat. Wolf didn't hate him, he simply wanted to beat him and be at the top.
This made Wolf's acceptance bewildering, even if Fox was happy it worked out. He really did believe that Wolf had some good in him, but he thought that there would be an argument before any acceptance on Wolf's part. But there wasn't. Wolf just said yes, and cut off the comm.
Krystal was quick to be relieved. And why shouldn't she? Since his accident, she had become much more protective of him, and even a bit motherly in terms of her care for him. During the conversation with Wolf, she really did look like would be willing to duel Wolf herself if it meant him backing off. All of this humbled Fox, and he was quick to tell her that she could calm down and move on.
"I know I was being a bit confrontational," Krystal had said. "but I just…"
"I know," said Fox. "You were scared. It's okay."
Now, they were snuggled together in the Great Fox's observation deck, on their way to Corneria. Krystal was already asleep, while Fox was awake looking at the stars and thinking. He'd fought around these stars for a long time. Now, he hoped her would never have to fight again. Retirement felt weird, but at the same time it brought relief.
"This is for the best," he whispered.
Sometime later, there they were, standing in front of his apartment hand in and. It was a warm, clear-sky day, with a light breeze in the air. Fox couldn't think of better weather for such a day.
"It feels weird, said Krystal.
"It does," said Fox. "No more fighting for us. The exit fee for mercenary work was my leg, I guess."
"Fox!" said Krystal, looking at him, shocked. "That was too dark."
"Sorry," he replied quickly. He pulled her into a hug.
"It's fine, it's just soon to joke about that. I don't think I'll ever be able to joke about it," said Krystal, squeezing him in turn. "And while it does feel odd to not have to fight any longer, I've always dreamed of being at this point with you." She gave him a soft smile. "So this feels surreal."
"I've dreamed about it too," said Fox, smiling back. "I remember way back when, I thought I didn't have a chance with you."
"You were selling yourself too short," said Krystal, smirking, hands on her hips.
They looked at each other, smiling, before joining hands and walking into the apartment.
Time passed, with plenty of moments along the way.
One morning found the two foxes eating breakfast. Pancakes, and Fox's secret recipe at that, passed down from his mother. It was a rainy day on Corneria, and the thankfully the two of them didn't mind rain at all. Their ears twitched ever so often at the pitter-patter of rain hitting the roof. They found the sound comforting and relaxing.
"I'm thinking of doing some painting," said Fox suddenly. "Of the apartment, I mean."
"That's a random thought," said Krystal. She munched on a pancake before continuing. "What colors were you thinking of?"
"Some softer colors. Maybe some pastels," said Fox. "I get that white and grey is supposed to make this place look sleek, but I'd rather this place look homely."
"This won't be our home for long, Fox," said Krystal, after chuckling for a moment.
"I know," said Fox. "Actually, let's talk that. Upgrading, we can call it."
"Oh yes," said Krystal, smiling widely. "Our dream home."
"I have plenty of money put away, and I know you've done some saving yourself, so I think money is no object in our search."
"For now," said Krystal, "a quaint sized home would be wonderful." Her eyes widened for a moment, before she shook her head while giggling. "Here we are, talking about all of this, and the wedding hasn't even happened yet!"
"I guess we're over-eager then?" Fox asked.
"That's probably it," said Krystal.
"Speaking of eager," said Fox, suddenly smiling slyly. "I was thinking of building a sex pit in our lovely new home."
"Fox!" said Krystal, covering her mouth with her hand and smiling widely. She hooded her gaze and batted her eyes at him. "My, how bold of you."
They shared a laugh at that, although Fox was sure the idea appealed to the both of them.
"There's so many memories here, in this apartment" he said. "This was the first place you lived in on Corneria. Back when you were adjusting to the planet and being trained for the Arwing."
"Peaceful times, and wonderful memories," said Krystal. "But now, we get to make so many more memories."
One evening, Krystal brought up wedding plans.
"There's someone we can hire to plan for weddings," said Fox. "And we can implement any Cerinian traditions you see fit."
"That's true, and thank you," said Krystal. "Back home, weddings were very public. Though that's not always the case here."
"They can be public, but personally I'd prefer a private ceremony. What do you think?"
"I'm thinking a public ceremony would attract more attention than even I'm comfortable with," said Krystal. "So private is fine. A wedding among friends, and there are other traditions we can implement."
"Like what?"
"Body paint," said Krystal, smiling. "It's a custom that the bride, before the ceremony, marks the groom with special symbols and runes." She licked her lips.
Fox waggled his eyebrows. "You look excited."
"Oh, I am," said Krystal. "Not just for seeing you naked, although that is always a bonus. The painting is supposed to be an intimate experience. I think it must be beautiful."
She looked away in thought. A deeply melancholic look was forming on her face. It was a look that Fox was familiar with. Whenever Krystal talked about Cerinia, her family, or what her life had been like at home, she got like this. And Fox knew that the best way to help Krystal in these situations. He hugged her, and began to rock her gently. Silence in these moments was the best policy. What Krystal wanted most at these times was the simple comfort of his presence, and this was something Fox was all too willing to give to the vixen he loved.
One afternoon, while the two were enjoying lunch in a Deli they frequented after afternoon walks, the television in the restaurant cued them on the latest exploits of Falco and Katt, as the two members of Star Fox's successor, Star Falco.
"Those two took out a whole pirate outpost by themselves," said Krystal in amazement.
"They make an excellent team," said Fox, after taking a bit from his sandwich. "Whereas I had to keep Falco in check, Falco can set any pace he wants now that he's in charge. And Katt can keep up with him any day of the week. That's how I know they'll be fine."
"You know," said Krystal, staring at a potato chip thoughtfully, "Katt probably has been waiting for this for a long time, teaming up with Falco and him finally taking their relationship seriously. I'm sure it's like us. Those two will stick together no matter where they go."
"All the more remarkable, considering how loud those two can get at each other," said Fox. They shared a laugh at that.
It felt weird for Fox to know that there was another team out there, getting the job done. He'd been used to the feeling of being the person Lylat called on in it's darkest hour, or when it needed a hand. Now, he would be on the sidelines mostly, watching other people save the world. However, Fox was confident in Falco's ability to take care of things with Katt at his side, so he could rest easily.
"I feel the same way," said Krystal. She winked at him. "Sorry, I couldn't resists peeking into your train of thought."
"No, it's fine. Just a small thought anyway," said Fox, smiling.
"Star Fox lives on, just in another form," said Krystal.
"It does. I'll miss it, but it's in capable hands," said Fox, taking a sip from his soda.
"Again, I feel the same way," Krystal replied.
After those times passed, a week since coming home from the hospital, Krystal brought up something significant. She brought it up in the evening; while the two of them were watching the stars come out on the back porch of the apartment. Krystal was deep in thought, and Fox let her be. He decided she must need the quiet right now.
"Fox?" she said.
"Yes?" he answered.
"Do you remember when I mentioned, at the hospital, that there is a special Cerinian marriage tradition? The mind link?"
"I do remember," said Fox, thinking back briefly to that time. "What about it?"
"I want to do it now," said Krystal.
The suddenness of the request gave Fox pause.
"Really? Tonight?" he asked.
Krystal gave Fox a worried look. "Do you…not want to do it right now?"
"Huh? Oh, I'd like to, that's not it. It's just that this is so sudden, you know. Why now?"
"Because I want to experience it. All I've heard about this tradition is that it's amazing, a magical experience. All about feeling a new level of intimacy and love," she said. She clasped her hands over her heart. "Your mind feels wonderful already, and to think that it could feel better…Fox, I want to experience that so badly. I want to do this now. Are you okay with that?"
"Yes, absolutely," said Fox. "I'm just wondering about how it will affect me. I mean, this is a Cerinian tradition. It still works on non-Cerinians, like you said. It also must have some kind of special reaction with me, right?"
Krystal looked thoughtful and tapped her chin. "Well…that's anyone's guess. I've heard stories about it. Some say that the non-Cerinian actually gains some telepathic ability, as a blessing. So I've heard. But what I do know is that the non-Cerinian for sure feels the bond enhanced, just like the Cerinian. So it's not like you're getting jilted, so to speak.
Fox thought of how wonderful Krystal's powers felt already, and then considered how wonderful they would feel after this tradition. He beamed at her.
"Let's do it," he said.
Krystal looked incredibly happy, with a wide smile and misty eyes. "Oh, thank you, Fox. Leave the preparations to me."
"You can do all the preparations in the apartment?"
"Yes, I can," she replied. She stood up and walked back into the living room.
"I just hope you don't mind me drawing on the living room floor?" she called back.
Fox had always assumed that the tattoos on Krystal's body were of some religious significance, before she ever confirmed that to him. They were given to her at birth, to mark not just her family house, but also her patron Sister. She always touched them before praying. And occasionally during prayer sessions, they glowed.
And right now, as she worked in the living room, Fox could see these tattoos must be taken from other Cerinian Religious practices. Krystal was on her knees, drawing an ornate circle, around which where characters Krystal called "runes." Once the circle was finished, she drew a swirl pattern in its center, very similar to the pattern on her thigh. The whole design was drawn in bright white chalk. The drawing style looked so much like Krystal's markings that he imagined the ornate design was probably tattooed to a Cerinian religious leader at some point.
The two of them were also completely naked. Not an unwelcome part of this ceremony, thought Fox. Krystal looked at him and winked.
Then Krystal stood up and admired her handiwork. Fox could imagine two bodies fitting in the circle, and it clicked for Fox as to what the circle was probably for.
"I can imagine we're supposed to get in this," said Fox, "but how does this ritual work, exactly?"
"You are correct with the first part," Krystal answered. "The two of us lay down side by side. Then I said the evocation for the ceremony. After that…well, I don't know. My parent didn't tell me what was after that. All part of the surprise."
"To be honest, that makes me excited," said Fox. "We'll never know how good this will feel before we try it, right?"
Krystal moved in to kiss him. "Right," she replied.
They lay down on their sides facing each other, snuggling close and clasping their hands together. Krystal began the invocation, and Fox closed his eyes. He loved it when she spoke Cerinian. The language was an odd mixture of soft and sharp sounds, but Krystal made it all sound so smooth and welcome to his ears.
Once Krystal finished, the world went white.
When Krystal opened her eyes, she was standing within the grassy plan of a park. It was night, with a full moon in the sky, and all was quiet. Bewildered, she looked around, and saw a sleepy looking town surrounding the park. Quaint looking houses, a mom and pop drugstore and grocery, and an overall small town atmosphere that felt cozy. There was a light breeze, which made the comfortable temperature so much better. There was no one around, but the scene was so comfortable that she honestly didn't mind.
"Where am I?" she asked quietly.
She remembered the ritual. All at once, she was struck by how surreal this scene felt, and then pieced together that actually, none of what was around her felt real exactly. Whatever this was—beautiful scene it may be—it was an illusion of sorts. It didn't feel foreboding at all. In fact, the blue vixen felt a great sense of peace.
"This must be the ritual," she whispered. "Still, I don't think I've ever been here before…why am I here?"
She walked toward the town, finding a gravel path that lead her to main street, with homes and shops at the side. There was no one around, and she took her time looking around and trying to figure out where she was. The constellations in the sky let her know she was still in Lylat, but where exactly, she didn't know. But once she passed a sign that let her know the name of the town, it all came back to her.
'Balfor,' the sign said. She remembered a conversation with Fox some time ago, about a sleepy little town on Papetoon where he was born, before eventually moving to Corneria. She smiled to herself. The wonderfully homely feeling felt right. She didn't know why she was here, but she was in the place where Fox was born, so many years ago. She remembered how Fox had taken her here on a date, once.
She kept walking, and found a home at the end of the road. It didn't look outstanding compared to the other homes. It was one story, made of wood, had an adorable front porch, and it gave off the feeling that the homely atmosphere if the town was originating from here. All of the sudden, her smile brightened. She understood.
"Yeah, this is where he was born. Lovely little place, isn't it?"
Krystal whirled around. There was a vulpine man, staring at her, with golden-brown fur, a flight suit and jacket, and reflective aviators that showed her own shocked expression.
"James!" she said.
"We lived here for about four years after Fox was born," said James. "Then we moved to Corneria once prospects with their airforce looked better than work here. And the rest is history." He smiled a happy-go-lucky grin that Krystal had seen shades of on Fox's own muzzle. "Hiya, Krystal. Nice to meet you like this."
She walked forward, in a daze for what to do. She reached a hand forward to shake his hand, but he pulled her into a hug.
"Come on, girl, you're gonna be family. Act like it," he said.
Krystal chuckled. "I suppose I will be, soon. It's just…I never thought I would see you face to face. How are you here? You wouldn't happen to know what's going on, would you?"
James shrugged. "To be honest? I'm not sure. I just found myself here of all of sudden. Might have something to do with that ritual of yours," he said. "How do I know that? Well, I have my ways. "
"The magic of the ritual must be so much more powerful than I imagined," said Krystal thoughtfully.
Again, James shrugged and smiled at her. "Walk with me Krystal. I've been meaning to talk with you."
So they began to walk.
Very quickly, Krystal saw more of whatever powers were at work thanks to the ritual. The scenery around them began to change dramatically. The small Papetoonian town around them began to shift and reform into a larger, more populated looking suburb that Krystal knew well. The homes looked regular, relatively the same, and the small town vibe was replaced with the comfortable feel of safe and unassuming suburban living. This place, Krystal knew, was the place Fox lived with his parents on Corneria, before tragedy struck. Fox showed her this place shortly after she began training in the Arwing, a little bit after the two of them began to realize that their then-friendship was decidedly strong.
There were standing right in front of his house, in fact. Just as Krystal remembered it. Two stories, single garage, and a drive way that James and Fox used to play basketball.
"So, Krystal," said James, apparently unaffected by the strangeness around him, "what do you think of Fox?"
"What do you mean?" said Krystal. "It's a very open-ended question. I love him, and he's important to me."
"I know that," said James, smiling at her. "I mean, what else do you think about him?"
Krystal tapped her chin. "Well, I feel safe around him. We've been so close together now that he feels a little like a part of me. And his mind is so familiar and warm to me now, that I can just nestle in his mind and feel the sensations. Basically, I feel at peace around him. I know he's the man I want to spend the rest of my life with."
"Why Fox, in particular? There are many other guys out there."
Krystal smirked. "And there's only one Fox McCloud."
James busted out laughing. It sounded just like Fox's laugh, though louder and full-throated. She thought that James must have been a wonderful father, even after what happened to Vixy. Fox's emotional pillar to guide him in a time of great grief.
"That's true," said James, smiling at her. "You know, what you just said, is kinda how I felt around Vixy."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Besides the telepathic powers, of course. You feel connected to the people you love. You want to be near them, and you feel alive when they are close. They even feel like a part of you, you know?"
Krystal stared at James for a moment, before a warm smile crossed her muzzle.
"You were testing me," she said.
"Yes, he was."
That voice was heavenly and warm. Krystal saw a vixen appear by James' side, holding his hand. Her eyes were strikingly green, and very familiar. She'd seen her so many times in pictures. Secret ones that Fox kept to himself, because this Vixen was one of the people Fox kept closest to his heart, along with his father.
"You're Vixy," said Krystal quietly.
"Yes," she said. She smiled lovingly at her. "And it's wonderful to finally meet you face-to-face, Krystal. Or should I say, daughter-in-law."
"The pleasure is all mine," said Krystal. "Fox talks so much about the two of you, and it's amazing to finally meet you both." It was surreal as well. They both seemed to shimmer, standing there looking like they never died.
"I'm sure you have some questions to ask her, Vixy," said James.
"Honestly, Jamsey, you asked the most important one," said Vixy. "But I have one question to ask. Will you take care of him?"
Krystal bowed. "No matter what, I will be by his side," she said solemnly.
"Thank you," said Vixy. "I believe you. I felt the same as you, with James. Always running off and fighting, sometimes asking me to distance myself from him." She looked at James with an admonishing look.
"And you stuck to me like glue," said James, smiling at her. "I can't complain."
"I've seen how the two of you lean on one another," said Vixy. "Continue to do that. There's beauty in that."
Now the three of them found themselves suddenly in Fox and Krystal's apartment. Fitting, she thought. This was Fox's home now. With her.
"I'll keep him out of trouble, don't worry," she said, tearing up a little. "Just count on me."
"Good," said Vixy.
At that moment Vixy looked over at James, her expression solemn, and pleading. Krystal was struck by it.
"James," said Vixy, "It's time for you to rest, with me."
James looked at her for a long moment, and then at Krystal.
And finally, all those stories of Fox swearing his father was there somewhere, looking out for him, made sense.
"You can't holdmoff death any longer," Vixy pleaded. "Come rest with me."
James looked one final time at Krystal, before nodding.
A golden light surrounded the two of them, and Krystal's vision whited out.
Fox was no stranger to Cerinian landscape, thanks to the mental tours Krystal took him on in their shared dreams. He knew the home he was standing in front of. It was a large, two story building of stone and wood, surrounded by lovely trees and bushes, all well taken care of. It was the Zonoc family home. Krystal's place of birth, and where she had lived all her days on Cerinia until that fateful day.
Why was he here, though? This was obviously an illusion. Was it a dream? Fox thought hard to recall what had happened before this, and remembered the ritual.
"Krystal did say she had no idea about what this ritual might do," said Fox quietly. Talk about powerful, if it was able to conjure up a dream like this. The world shimmered, as if to answer.
Despite this strangeness, Fox felt no panic. He instead decided to walk slowly into the home, which was lit by soft lantern light. The foyer was as well decorated as he remembered, with beautiful furniture trimmed with gold, and art on the walls that reminded Fox of the paintings Krystal liked to paint.
He followed a path Krystal had shown him many times. The path to her old room, which was where she always took him during these dreams. Krystal's room was as fancy as the rest of the house was, with a homely, gentle atmosphere to it. There were paintings of her family on the ways, a sketchbook on the bed, and overall it looked lived in.
"It's bittersweet to see this room like this," said a wizened voice.
Fox turned around.
The stately looking todd standing in front of him could only be Krystal's father. His fur was darker than hers, but the resemblance was there. His eyes were the same as hers. He looked at him with a patient smile, waiting as Fox took in the sight of him.
"Jade," said Fox. He remembered Krystal's stories about the man.
"Yes," said the todd. nodding kindly. "It's wonderful to finally meet you, Fox McCloud. I've been watching you and Krystal for some time now."
He walked over to Krystal's bed and sat down, beckoning for Fox to sit down next to him. Fox did so, and all the while thought about how surreal this was. Despite how much Krystal talked about her parents, it still felt so strange to finally meet one of them.
"Is this…?" Fox asked, trailing off and motioning to their surroundings.
"Yes," said Jade. "This is all part of the ritual. Happy that I kept it a secret from Krystal?"
"It's surprising," said Fox. "I've never seen anything like this."
"Before the bond can be formed, this ritual tests you," said Jade. "It is the responsibility of important figures in both party's lives to question the subjects. Basically, think of this as a rather bombastic "meeting the folks" situation." Jade chuckled.
Fox chuckled back, realizing he was about to have one of the best "meet the parents" stories ever. "I've been wanting to talk to you guys for a while too, you know. It's a mutual thing for me and Krys. We've always wanted to meet each other's parents in some way. I'm guessing she's meeting with my folks right now?"
"Oh yes! And I'm sure it's a wonderful experience for her. Now then," and Jade motioned for Fox to follow him. "Walk with me, Fox. I have much to talk to you about."
Jade led him out of the room and out of the house, into a large and beautiful garden. It was designed something like a hedge maze, though with chest high hedges instead of the towering green walls someone could see at an old Cornerian palace. The hedges were spotted with blue roses, and the walkway for the garden was white marble that shined in the sun. Fox enjoyed the sound of his and Jade's shoes clacking on the material.
"Krystal, her sister Fiora, and her mother loved tending to this garden," said Jade wistfully. "I did whenever I could, when I wasn't busy with work. But we all enjoyed walks in it."
"It's very lovely," said Fox.
"Yes. Krystal and Fiora, loved to play tag here as kits. Seeing it in any state, even in an illusion is hard. But enough. I'm casting a rain cloud on this conversation," and the old todd smiled at him. "Why my daughter, Fox McCloud?"
"Well," Fox began, rubbing the back of his neck, "It started with looks, if I'm going to be honest. Krystal is the most beautiful vixen I've ever seen. Blue has since become a favorite color of mine," and he relaxed when he saw Jade chuckle at that. "But more than that, I was amazed at how strong she was."
"She continued on, even after The Calamity," said Jade quietly.
"Losing my parents about destroyed me. For Krys to be as okay as she was, after having her entire planet wiped out…she's amazing. And then…" and now Fox blushed, "I loved how kind and gentle she was. She was so happy too when I asked her to stay. We got to talking more often, and before long, I didn't want to leave her side. She's so good to me….and," and here Fox's breath hitched, "and I can't believe how lucky I am. I only hope I'm half as good to her as she is to me."
"Do you want her happiness?" Asked Jade.
"Yes," said Fox simply. "I love her."
"Then that is enough of an answer. Your resolve is admirable," said Jade. "And I saw your attempt to have her leave the team for her safety. Your love is clear, Fox."
"I'm not proud of asking her that," said Fox.
"And you beat yourself up as much as my daughter claims," said Jade.
Fox smiled sheepishly. "Yeah. Basically…Krystal feels like home. I'm at peace when's she nearby."
Jade touched a flower, fingering its petals. "And her powers? What do you feel about them?"
"At first, they made me nervous,' said Fox. "A little. But…well, I felt that I could trust her not to pry. And she didn't. In fact," Fox smiled warmly, "I've come to like them a lot. I love the feeling of her being in my head."
Fox felt a hand touch his cheek, and an arm wrap around his neck. He was gently guided to perhaps the largest bosom he had ever seen, and was smooshed between them.
"You're just as adorable as I thought you would be, son-in-law," said a kind, vivacious voice. "It's so nice to meet you."
"Don't suffocate him, Sapphire," said Jade playfully.
Fox was pushed further into cleavage, before his head was raised so he could see the beautiful vixen looking down at with a kind look. Krystal's mother looked a lot like her. Her fur was the same shade, though her head fur was longer and lighter. Her smile was a ghost of the same smile Krystal always gave him. She also promptly ignored Jade's request further, and kept him planted to her bosom.
"So, Foxy," said Sapphire teasingly, "Are my breasts bigger than Krystal's?"
Whatever Fox wanted to say to Sapphire died in his mouth, and his train of thought derailed magnificently.
"Dear," said Jade in deadpan. "You're breaking his mind."
"Oh, fine," said Sapphire, squeezing Fox one more time before letting him go.
"Krys always said you had no filter," said Fox breathlessly, having trouble looking Sapphire in the eye. "She…she wasn't lying."
"She wasn't, was she?" said Sapphire. She cackled for moment, before coming closer and kissing him on the cheek. "It really is so good to meet you, dear. We've watched the both of you together for some time now, as you grew in love and experience. Seeing you and Krystal preform this ritual together brings me more joy than you can imagine, dear."
"Between mates," she continued, "this ritual is a new beginning. Turning the page to a new chapter. From now on , you will be connected, mind and soul."
Fox nodded. He was ready for this. He'd been ready for a while, really. He would be connected to Krystal in a whole new intimate level. The scenery shimmered around them, and now they were in their apartment in the living room. It clicked quickly for Fox—they had moved from one home, to the next.
"Promise us something, Fox," said Sapphire.
"Anything," said Fox.
"Watch over her," said Jade. "It's time for the two of us to move on, now. We need you to take care of her. She holds the last pieces of Cerinia within her, and your children will continue its legacy. More than that, she is our daughter, and I want her happiness more than anything."
"Absolutely," said Fox. "I will stay by her side."
Jade and Sapphire smiled. It was a smile that let Fox know they trusted him completely. He was humbled.
He vision gave way to a flash of white.
A cool breeze blowing on his face is what woke Fox up. Judging from how he felt the breeze, he was naked. When he sat up, he discovered that he was laying on a grassy meadow, with a perfumed smell in the air. It was an amorous smell that put his mind at ease, but made him long for Krystal.
He looked to his side, and there she was, laying next to him. Krystal looked at him, smiling gently. He gave her a goofy smirk in return.
"You met my parents," she said.
"And you met mine," he said.
Early in their relationship, Fox tried to fill these silences with something. Krystal would always tell him to shush.. There was nothing he could say to make this moment better than it already was.
She came close to him, and nuzzled him. He lay down on his side and licked her cheek.
Then he rolled on top of her.
Making love with Krystal was a magical experience, as always. But this time was different. It didn't just feel like sex. There was pleasure as they moaned and sighed, touching in all the right places, but there was more. He felt Krystal. Felt her in his mind and soul like he had never felt her before. He knew he would always be with her, and she with him.
They made love in that meadow for what seemed like hours, until their bodies ached and they needed sleep. They curled next to one another, and slept.
Fox felt sticky when he awoke. There was a salty, musky smell floating over him, and the air felt humid. Slowly Fox's eyes opened, and he saw Krystal, lying next to him with a content smile on her face.
She looked soaked.
"Hi," she said dreamily.
"Hi," said Fox, putting on a dreamy smile of his own. "Did we just-"
"Oh, yes," Krystal murred.
What a way to wake up, Fox thought.
They let the silence carry on as they reveled in what happened. Krystal's presence felt stronger. She was nearer. She felt her caress his mind with a force that made him shiver, and he loved it. Krystal chuckled, and her eyes glowed, and he began to purr while being dazed with pleasure. By they time she was finished, Fox was panting. Her mind was intoxicating. He was content to lay there with her all day.
Krystal eyes caught something, and she frowned.
"What's wrong?" Fox asked.
"You're right eye…" she whispered.
Then he saw it on her left eye.
They both hurried to the bathroom, and the sight was shocking. Fox's left eye was his normal green, but now his left was Krystal's turquoise blue. With Krystal, her left eye sported his green, while her right was normal.
"What in the world?" Fox whispered.
"A physical sign," Krystal said, in awe.
The two of them stared. Then they leaned on one another.