In the aftermath of the evening Krystal sat alone, on the bench outside of the apartment Garnette and her shared while they worked on the island. It was basically a small condo unit just like all the others around it for the workers of the island. It was late, past midnight as she was outside reminiscing about the day, reflecting on how good it went in the end with her time spent with Fox McCloud and his child. Garnette was fast asleep, she had been out here for about an hour as it felt a bit cooler than in her home. The days might have been blazing hot but the evenings felt so cool and calm, perfect for relaxing until bedtime.

Krystal got up as she closed the door behind her, making sure to lock it as she headed for her bedroom that she shared with Garnette. Until a crashing force broke through the door as she let out a loud scream and covered her head from flying debris. Even in the dark of night she could see that menacing stare of those big yellow eyes.

"Oh Krystal." Panther's voice called out to her as she looked so frightened, how did he break out of the police's custody!? "I haven't forgotten about you my dear." She didn't exchange words. The vixen just ran for her bedroom door as she locked it behind her. Garnette had awakened as the little kit began to cry and Krystal picked her up and brought her close. If he had broken through the first door, he was sure to come through the second one as Krystal feared for their lives.

"Garnette quickly." She hurried to the window as the older vixen slid it open, and put her sister on the other side. "Go find help!" Garnette was fearful at first just frozen in place, until the black jungle cat broke through the second door to their bedroom as well, as she hurried to find anybody who could help them. But if they couldn't receive aid in the middle of the amusement park, who would help them against a member of Star Wolf in the dead of night with no authority figures around? As soon as Krystal had placed her sister outside the window did Panther grab her by the ankle as she slipped and screamed for dear life.

He twisted her around with one hand onto the vixen's backside as she tried to fight desperately to get him off.

"No! Get off of me!" She tried and tried, but he was much bigger and stronger than she was. He laughed maniacally as the jungle cat began to rip and tear at her clothing.

"Do not worry my delicate little flower, I'll be gentle with you."

"No!" She let out a desperate wail for help as Krystal knew of his vile intentions as he smothered her body and tears threatened to run down her face. Panther was just about done getting rid of all of Krystal's clothing before he stopped, his claw threatening to rip the fabric of her bra that would unveil her breasts as she looked into his menacing eyes, tears slowly flowing down. She was completely stunned with fear, a silent kind of hell about to happen, chocking the air out of her pathway.

That's when an unlikely hero emerged from the shadows, as somebody yanked the jungle cat off of the helpless vixen gasping for air. He not only got the jungle cat off of her, he dragged him through the rest of the shambled household and onto the night pavement illuminated by a single road-way light. Krystal stayed in her room for several moments, breathing fiercely to try and calm herself down of what was about to happen. Though she could hear the struggle outside her home, Krystal slowly crawled her way through the broken pieces of her home as she peered out the front door. What she saw was the ending of the fight.

She couldn't see her savior's face as he still fought with the cat, holding his switch blade and somehow got a slice out of the man's arm as he held his wound, the blood slowly dripping down his arm's length. As Panther charged the man again did he use the cat's own momentum against him. Bracing for the attack, he tripped the cat's feet to collide headfirst with the light pole as he dropped the weapon and then dropped to his knees. Panther's head ached with a fierce pounding as he slowly recovered, only to look back up at the man with a swift kick to his face. He wasn't done there however.

Krystal's savior picked up what was left of this sack of filth as he rammed his head into the pole again face first. Then again, and again until the pole was ringing and shaking in vibration. Afterwards a few more faceplants into the metal pole did the cat slump over onto his side, completely knocked out cold. The darkened man breathed heavily, holding his arm again as he looked back to the vixen as he ran for her. Krystal began to back up and scream in a panic as she feared this man just as she feared Panther.

"No Krystal it's okay!"

"No! Get off of me!"

"Krystal it's me! Fox!" At the sound of that name did she slowly realize what was happening, Fox McCloud hovered over her on a single knee as he came to inspect the girl. "Are you alright? He didn't hurt you did he!?" Fox asked as he forgot his own wound for now and went to check up on the victim vixen. After a moment of calming down and slowing her breaths of air did she start to collect her shattered mind again.

"Oh…Fox." Krystal dove herself into his chest as she released a massive cry, as the vulpine slowly closed his arms around her delicate frame. Poor girl, she had suffered horrors and indignities that no being should ever live through. This encounter would forever stain her judgment and fracture her mental state, but at least he was there to save the vixen in her time of need.

Not long after the authorities showed up again to recollect the jungle cat did Fox bring Krystal and himself into the light, but beforehand took off his shirt and placed it over the vixen. As her bare essentials were threatening to fall apart after the jungle cat's vicious attack. Fox brought them both into the light as medics checked up on them both to make sure they were alright, with Fox receiving the necessary first aid for the cut on his arm.

"Krystal!" Garnette was by the island authorities as she ran for her older sister, Krystal kneeling down to receive her as they both cried.

"It's okay Garnette, we are safe now." She tried to calm her sister, but even she wasn't truly calm. She looked to the downed man on the ground as she covered her sister's face, trying to forget everything. Fox went to go answer questions to the authorities as they picked up Panther's still unconscious form and slammed him in the back of their vehicle. Hopefully this time he would not break away again.

"Yes after he escaped he apparently broke into one of the bars as well, stole a good amount and drank it on the go before he finally ended up here."

"It would make sense." Fox agreed with the canine officer. "Make sure he won't be able to escape this time."

"Of course Mr. McCloud. Once again we have you to thank to keep the peace before things got out of hand." The officers left it at that as Fox held his tongue. Sure he stopped Panther before he was able to do physical harm to Krystal or Garnette, but that doesn't mean their emotional or mental health didn't leave unscathed. He turned back toward the two girls as he gave them a look of empathy, as he held them both again. As Garnette cried on his pant leg did Fox pick up the young girl unexpectantly, and brought her close to his form as he smiled.

"It's okay Garnette, I'm here. I promise that mean old cat isn't going to bother you anymore."

"Are you sure?" She asked so innocently as she tried to wipe away her tears. You couldn't blame the poor thing, the little girl was scared out of her mind.

"I promise." He reassured her as she gave a small peck onto the vulpine's cheek, both sharing a small smile. Fox looked toward the elder sister as Krystal tried to breathe easy again and looked to him in the eyes.

"How did you even know what was going on?"

"I honestly was just walking down the boardwalk when I heard a crash and then a scream." Fox began to tell his tale. "I ran this way until I saw Garnette and then I knew instantly something was wrong. I'm just glad I got here before he could…" Fox stopped his words as he knew it was a sensitive topic. It would always be a sensitive topic. Krystal shivered in place, not with the cold, but with the pure fear embedded into her mind. To be completely powerless, as someone had their way with you against your will, with no way to stop them. There is no greater fear than that for those poor souls who have suffered such an injustice.

"Hey come here." Fox extended his hurt left arm as Krystal continued to cry, and walked up toward the gentlemen extending his comforting posture. Krystal walked into his arm as he wrapped it around her small waist, making her feel safe and protected as she cried onto his chest.

"It's okay." He began to rub her back lovingly up and down to try and banish the shadows in her mind. She shed tears for several moments as he just let her. Fox didn't plan on his vacation to start out this way, but it seemed as though no matter where he went, he would be the hero.

After a few minutes of crying Krystal started to regain her composure, as she wiped away her tears and backed away from the older man, Fox wincing in pain as she accidently touched the cut.

"Thank you." Krystal thanked her vulpine hero from the bottom of her heart.

"It's okay Krystal. Do you need help? A place to stay?"

"I think I can…Call my friends." Krystal was still trying to regain her thoughts after such a traumatic experience. Their home, their belongings, their very way of living was brought to an abrupt halt, as she didn't know what to do or who to ask for help. "We can't stay in our home tonight, not sure how long it will take for the repairs or to find us a new place to live for the time being…"

"Krystal, if it will make you feel safer…You can come sleep with Mark and I tonight if you wish." Fox extended his hand and what he had and offered it to the vixen with a small smile, trying to be hopeful and optimistic about the ordeal. Krystal couldn't believe what she was hearing. A man she hardly knew had just been her knight in shining armor, and extended all he had for the vixen in her time of need. A small smile crawled up Krystal's face as she began to dry her tears.

"That's very kind of you Fox…but-."

"Krystal I want to sleep with Fox tonight." Garnette interrupted the elder vixen as she looked to her sister, still terrified that something could happen. "Please!" She didn't beg in a cute sort of way, she begged in a desperate plea to take the vulpine up on his offer. It didn't take Krystal long, her choices not only affected her personal safety, but that of her sister's as well.

"Okay…Fox." She looked to him a little more hopeful. "If it's not too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all Krystal." He smiled as Krystal took the small kit from his arms, kissing her forehead so thankful to the Makers that she was alright. The vixen excused herself as she went back into the home, now a complete shamble as she turned on the lights. She grabbed what she could such as some clothes, her wallet, and night items in a duffle bag as quickly as she could while also grabbing things for Garnette as well.

"Here, can you hold her for a moment?"

"Of course." Fox took the young kit into his arms as he let the girl use him as a pillow. Krystal walked back into her apartment for any last minute items as she looked to the cracked mirror in the bathroom. It must have somehow been broken during the skirmish Fox and Panther had as he tried to drag him out. She was still in such a fragile mental state. This was just too much for a being so young, Krystal felt she had too many responsibilities and issues thrusted onto her at the young age of 22.

She wanted to crumble and collapse right there, she had tried to stay strong for too long without anybody to lean on for support. She was in a fragile state, and didn't know if she could handle much more. Her anxiety and stress were through the roof, even just breathing became such a chore. After slipping quickly into shorts did she walk back into the living room, her head down and hands together.

She looked up to the heartwarming smile Fox held for her, as he extended his hand for her to take.

"It's okay Krystal." She let out a small smile without saying a word, as she put her hand into his, and he locked them together, using his fingers to give her some comfort thoughts and tender love.

"You're not alone, you're safe now." Fox guided the three of them together back toward his hotel room, hopefully Krystal and Garnette would be able to find some kind of calming grace for what transpired this evening.

The walk to the hotel wasn't long, but it felt like forever for the vixen as she held the older man's hand for comfort. So many things raced through her mind, all begging to be answered. Why would Panther do such a thing? What did she ever see in him? Why was Fox McCloud so caring? Why did he even acknowledge someone such as Krystal? Would there ever be anything more to their relationship?

So many thoughts all crashed together, before she even realized it they were into his room, all dark as Mark was still fast asleep. Fox took a baby monitor with him just incase the kit woke up and needed something in the middle of the night, but figured nothing would happen. He turned on the light above the door as Krystal and Garnette just stood there in silence.

"One moment." Fox whispered as she just nodded to him. Fox went to the wall nearest the flat screen to pull out the second bed hidden within the walls such as a common practice in most hotels. He then scooped up Mark quickly and quietly as he placed him gently on the spare bed. Fox motioned for the two vixens to come his way as they stood directly in front of him of the master bed.

"Go ahead, have a good night."

"Fox this is your bed, really we can-"

"It's alright Krystal." He reassured her. "You've had a long night, please be my guest." She wanted to argue some more, but figured there was no point. Krystal only nodded as she set her bag down and laid down where Mark was, the spot still left warm. As she turned to look back at the vulpine did Krystal see something she did not expect. Fox had taken the liberty of picking up Garnette as he gently tucked the young kit in.

He smiled to the kit as she took the blankets over her small body, and looked to him in the eyes.

"Goodnight Garnette. Sweet dreams."

"Can you kiss me goodnight?" She asked quietly as Krystal wanted to interject. He had already done so much for them, and felt embarrassed for him to cross an even greater boundary of lines. But Fox saw no harm in it, the child suffered a traumatic experience. Anything to help calm her back to a gentle slumber was tolerable in order to do so. Fox gently kissed the young kit goodnight on the top of her forehead, a kiss embedded with much love as if parent to child.

"Sweet dreams Garnette." She smiled to him as her eyelids became heavy. Fox picked himself back up standing straight as he looked to the blue vixen. Krystal actually held a small smile, the tears all gone as her heart melted for the vulpine.

"Good night."

"Good night, thank you." Krystal gave back as they broke the eye contact, and Fox shut off the lights. He soon joined Mark in the spare bed. It didn't take Krystal long to fall asleep, she felt much more guarded and protected with Fox McCloud so close, watching over her slumbering figure as her eyelids became heavy. She went to bed with such wonderful thoughts that night, smiling as she snuggled into her bedside. For the first time in quite a while, Krystal went to bed sleeping on Cloud 9.

X

Many hours later Krystal began to stir awake. She felt so relaxed and calm as she woke up slowly, letting out a mighty yawn and rubbing her eyes to clear her spotty and blurred vision. She sat up slowly stretching her joints as she slowly took it all in. As she looked back to see a make-shift wall that was not there the night before did she lightning herself awake.

"Oh my gosh!" She almost yelled. "Fox are you there?"

"Yes Krystal." He called out over the wall. Fox had gotten up early that morning to set it up so the women had their privacy in a small room. "Good morning."

"What time is it?"

"Just five past 10."

"Oh my gosh I'm late for work!" She ran through the wall trying to scramble together very quickly, to see the three other beings all sitting around the tall kitchen island eating the breakfast Fox prepared. Krystal's face was lit ablaze madly as she realized she was still in her attire of Fox's bigger shirt and short shorts with practically no undergarments as she covered up her body. Fox instinctively covered up the eyes of the two children as well as turned his own head away from the vixen.

"I went to the liberty of talking to your manager." He gave out sheepishly as he blushed a bit. "I got you a paid sick day off since what happened last night."

"You did?" She began to calm down, she had been late before and it was never a good thing. "Thank you Fox."

"Well you should still go prepare yourself for the day." That was his cue for Krystal to excuse herself as she re-covered her exposed body again and ran back behind the makeshift wall. Krystal went into her duffle bag noticing it was already partially opened.

"Did you dress Garnette?"

"I did." Fox admitted. "Sorry if you didn't want me to. You just looked so peaceful I wanted you to sleep in a bit more, I didn't want to disturb you."

"Not at all, thank you so much." She showed a smile he couldn't see. "May I shower?"

"Of course, take your time." With his reply did the blue vixen take her things into the small hotel shower. It was already stocked with fresh towels, soap, shampoo, and all the essential needs for morning bathroom preparation. As Krystal removed Fox's overshirt and what was left of her garments did she look into the mirror, despite such a terrible experience last night, she had a severe case of bed hair.

Well…I got to see him again. I got a lot more than I bargained for. Krystal thought to herself as she smiled in the mirror. Closing her eyes as she thought about the wonderful man. He was so kind, so caring, and always put others before himself. She knew nothing about him, and yet with what little time they had spent together, she knew everything she wanted to know. She had heard rumors, but never knew specifics. It didn't take long for Krystal to shower and prepare for the day. As she stepped from the bathroom freshened up looking presentable did she approach the little island table in the kitchen. As Fox saw her coming did he pull out a chair for the vixen smiling nicely to her.

"Here, sit."

"Thank you Fox." Krystal gave back kindly as she took a seat, Fox pushing her in as she sat there looking and smiling at her sister, who was enjoying her pancakes with probably too much syrup.

"What are you in the mood for Krystal? Would you like some coffee?"

"Fox I understand you are being nice, but I can help myself too."

"No harm done Krystal." She looked to see him cooking up a storm, four different pans all going at the same time and getting her a large glass of coffee. She wondered if he was just being nice…or perhaps certain mindsets were setting in place. "Do you take cream or sugar in your coffee?"

"Both please, thank you." A second later did the vulpine present a large cup of Joe in front of the vixen. As she took it with both hands and brought it to her lips, did instant relief hit her as she needed that sip of relief. Krystal was about to get up to make her plate as Fox politely stopped her with a smile.

"It's alright Krystal, the cook is always last to eat." He over stood her as he grabbed an empty plate. "What would you like?" She didn't speak right away. Krystal looked to what all he had made and was impressed on how he could cook so much all at the same time. He had made enough food for a small army, but when you have two small and growing children they always tended to eat more. Or at least say they wanted more than take two bites and not want their meal anymore. Her nostrils were filled with all sorts of breakfast delights.

Fox had a pan only for pancakes as he had a few stacked up for the vixen if she so wanted. One pan was devoted to nothing but breakfast sausage on one half, and freshly cooked bacon on the other cooked to a perfect golden brown sizzling with anticipated delight. The bottom left pan was set for eggs, and he had smaller bowls on the side for all kinds of vegetables and cheese he would mix with the eggs to make miniature or personalized omelets. The last pan was filled to the brim with hash browns, already a golden brown color that smelled so good as all of it looked delicious, her mouth salivating and her stomach growling.

"Why don't you surprise me Fox?"

"Sure thing." He simply turned around and worked his magic on the stove. Krystal smiled to him as she just watched with anticipation, not only to eating but what he would make her. He had no idea what she preferred, was he confident or daring in his decisions? It didn't take him long, considering most of everything was cooked to perfection and mostly just keeping warm.

A moment later did he slide a huge breakfast platter in front of the vixen. "Here ya go." She looked to her plate still very impressed. Fox had made her a personalized skillet. Mixing eggs with a large portion of hash browns as they cooked together, in a fifth pan. While the eggs were cooking from their liquid form did he throw in all kinds of side ingredients, such as chopped up breakfast sausage, bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, onions, peppers, and anything else you could imagine. He mixed it together in some kind of homemade paste as they all mixed together cooking to perfection. He not only slid her this large plate, but also a smaller side plate stacked with three pancakes, lightly buttered and flowing with syrup.

"Oh my goodness!" Krystal was astonished as she took her silverware. "I don't know if I can finish all of this Fox."

"Don't worry about it Krystal." He smiled as he took Mark's plate while still looking at her. "Eat what you can." He turned toward his small kit as he rubbed the top of his head lovingly. "Do you want anything else Mark?"

"Can I get something like Krystal has?"

"Me too please!" Garnette slid Fox her plate as she only ate about half of her pancakes. He let out a gentle laugh as he took both of the children's plates.

"Okay, just wait a minute now. Do you want more juice Garnette?"

"Yes please!" She let out gleefully as she slid her glass in front of the vulpine. Krystal just smiled to the older gentlemen in astonished silence. He was so good with kids, he had been raising Mark by himself after all these years, yet never lost the optimism of the joys of raising a child. He was caring, patient, and kind with unconditional love.

Krystal turned her sights to her breakfast platter, after adding the right amount of salt, pepper, and ketchup did she take a small chunk of it and blow on the bite to not burn herself. After she was convinced it was cool enough to eat did she dive into her huge meal, and her taste buds were blown away with what she tasted. Home cooked meals, it had been so long. The mystery of the red paste had been solved. Ketch up mixed with something sweet yet tangy, and just a tad bit of salt as well. Perhaps barbeque sauce and some spices? Krystal hated to admit she was a terrible cook, and it was no wonder Garnette wanted to eat more of something so delicious and well prepared even if she didn't think about it consciously. Most of what Krystal made came from boxes or followed 'simple' instructions, however they never came that easily to the elder sister. Fox looked over to her with a wondering look as her eyes were slightly widened.

"How is it?"

"Oh my goodness Fox, it's so good!" Krystal wiped her mouth away and washed some of her meal down with her coffee. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." Fox turned back toward the sink as he got her another glass, and slid her a tall cup of water. "Make sure to drink some now so your stomach doesn't get upset with all the acid from the coffee."

"Thank you." Krystal said as she put on a dreamy state for the vulpine. "You're such a darling Fox, thank you again."

"I-It's nothing." Fox quickly turned around to look back at what he was cooking, trying to hide his blush from the compliment of Krystal's. She looked to him with sly eyes as she took another sip of her coffee.

Blush pretty easily do you? Nice to know. The vixen thought to herself as she continued on with her breakfast. Fox had made the same thing for the two children as he did for Krystal, however only about half the portion size and then splitting that into halves as well as he presented it to the children as they gave him thankful eyes.

"Thank you!" The two said in unison as they both dived into their meals, it must not have been that hot for the two as they didn't face burnt tongues like Krystal feared.

"You're welcome kids." Fox turned back to the stove to finally prepare a meal for himself after everyone else had been settled. Over time did he join the three other beings as they all ate in happy silence, mostly the adults checking up on their kids as he sat by Krystal.

"Where did you have the time to get all of this?" Krystal asked as she was only about halfway through her meal, feeling stuffed as ticks.

"Oh we got it yesterday when we got here. I bought enough straight up thinking of what I would need for our stay, but that's alright I can always go back to the grocery store here in the hotel."

"Well you did make us breakfast…Would you like me to compensate for what we had in your groceries?" Fox gave her a strange look as he picked up his mug.

"No of course not Krystal." He started off. "You and Garnette are our guests. Please just relax, that's all I want from you."

"Okay." She agreed. "If you say so."

"I am so full!" Mark pushed away his empty plate in a triumphant gasp of air.

"Me too!" Surprisingly Garnette also pushed away an empty plate. Krystal was surprised, she never ate large amounts of food when Krystal cooked. However a moment later did it become clear why as Krystal only sheepishly looked away.

"Did you enjoy it Garnette?" Fox asked with a smile as he collected the dishes of the two kids.

"Yes! Thank you!"

"You're welcome honey." Fox picked up the dishes of Mark as he was reaching for the blue kit's dishes as well. Krystal figured she would try and help him but things didn't go as plan. She reached for her dishes not realizing that her forearm bumped over her large cup of still hot coffee all over the vulpine's lap as he reacted instantly.

"Ah!"

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!" Krystal was embarrassed as she tried to stop the coffee from spilling on the floor. After policing what she could from spilling onto the floor Krystal reached for a napkin to help Fox, however the coffee spilled all over the vulpine's lap as she hesitated…And Fox batted her arms away politely.

"It's okay." Fox let out in a heightened tone, able to hold himself from swearing out loud to spare the children's ears. It definitely did not feel well as he quickly worked his way around the older vixen. "Can you clean it up as I change?"

"Sure." Krystal gave back as she went to work, and Fox went to the suitcase to grab something quick and then headed for the bathroom. Krystal sighed, this was not a good first step to try and get closer to Fox McCloud, even if it was a complete accident did she believe it took favor points away. That's when she caught herself thinking…Why did she care? What were the odds that he would favor her with knowing so little and spending so little time together. It's not that she didn't like the idea, it's more what was on his mind. What drove Fox to be so kind? Was he just naturally caring for her wellbeing because of Panther? Or were his actions given motivation by hidden objectives?

That's when Krystal thought of her own drives toward what she wanted. What were her reasons for her crush on Fox McCloud? Was it because he was handsome? He was famous? Or was it because he was unnaturally kind, and helped them in their most desperate hour? It could have been a single reason, or as many as a thousand. But it didn't matter. Krystal liked him, and she wished to test the waters…If there even any to test at this point.

A few moments later Fox emerged from the bathroom, changed into dark blue jeans and a dark long-sleeved shirt that was tight around his strong form, flaring out his muscles and toned abs. He rolled up the sleeves of his long shirt as he knew it was still hot outside. Krystal looked to him with a nice smile, but her eyes still held concern.

"Well I ran out of shorts." Fox admitted as he smiled to her. "How do I look? Not to overdressed for the weather am I?"

"You look very handsome Fox." She gave a light blush, but then her face turned sour. "I'm so sorry again about the spill."

"It's alright Krystal, accidents happen." He banished her fears as the vulpine merely walked past her into the kitchen again, going back to the few household chores in the room. The vixen only considered herself lucky as she poured herself a bit more coffee, after spilling over half her cup on the vulpine and the floor.

"Yea, you're so handsome." They both looked to Garnette as she looked at Fox again how she did at the amusement park. Although Krystal's cheeked lit with blush, Fox just smiled to the young kit.

"Thank you Garnette, you look very beautiful this morning also. Did you sleep alright?"

"Yea!" She was excited to let him know.

"Well I'm very glad that you did Garnette." Fox said as he had remembered something. "Oh Krystal I forgot, somebody called for you while you were sleeping, I think it was one of your co-workers. Why not go check on it incase it's important while I clean up?"

"Are you sure you don't want some help?" Krystal asked in a concerned tone. He had done so much for them, but the vixen he was going a bit over the top.

Fox merely shook his head. "By all means, go ahead."

"Alright, thank you." Krystal got up as she headed for the phone placed on the nightstand near the bed. She listened to the message left for Krystal from the front desk, saying that Miyu had called her earlier in the morning and left a callback number. Krystal re-dialed the number as she waited for her friend to pick up…

"Hello?"

"Hey Miyu."

"Krystal! Finally you call back! Are you okay?" She asked from the other side of the line, clearly worried for her friend's safety. She must have been told about the incident with Panther.

"Yes I am. It was…" Krystal was lost for words, so she just put it bluntly. "Terrible, but thanks to Fox McCloud I was spared the worst."

"I'm so glad." Miyu sat down in her lifeguard chair as she breathed easy. "Where are you? I'm surprised you didn't come over to our place after that happened."

"Believe it or not…Fox McCloud offered his room up to us. He said we could stay the night to feel safer, incase Panther broke away a second time or so…Garnette wanted to, and after that experience I just couldn't say no."

"You slept with Fox McCloud!?" She sounded astonished on the other line, as Krystal's cheeks heated and turned her head hoping Fox didn't overhear their private conversation. He was still simply doing dishes and tending to the two kids as she breathed easy.

"No of course not!" Krystal interjected, hushing her voice. "We just slept in the same room, he offered his bed to us."

"That…That sounds exactly the same Krystal."

"Well it isn't!"

"I'm just teasing you Krystal." Miyu laughed on the other end, until her words turned fiery. "Oh yea, thanks a lot leaving me by myself here at the station."

"I'm sorry." Krystal sounded concerned.

"Krystal, again I'm just teasing. I heard Fox got you the day off, think he likes you?"

"I-I don't know." Krystal turned her head again to make sure he wasn't eavesdropping. "I think he's just being nice."

"Oh so you don't mind if I ask him out on a date?"

"What!?" Krystal sounded angered as her temper now turned fiery. "I didn't say that!"

"Whoa calm down Krystal, jealous much?" Miyu laughed as Krystal didn't find it funny. Out of her friends the lynx was always the more teasing of the two, liking her practical jokes and sarcasm when others didn't find it funny. "So what are you gonna do? You two going to hang out?"

"I don't know." The vixen admitted, as much as she would jump at the chance to spend time with the vulpine, she didn't know his intentions. "I haven't thought that far ahead, I have no idea what his plans are. I might just take Garnette with me back and figure out the entire mess of our apartment."

"What!? You're going to walk away at a free opportunity to spend time with a hero!?" Miyu couldn't believe it as she watched all the beachgoers relaxing. "Jeez maybe I should take up the opportunity you're throwing away."

"Again I didn't say that!"

"And again Krystal, I'm just teasing. I would say to relax, but then again you have your reasons."

"You think?"

"Look Krystal." Although the vixen couldn't see it, her friend was leaning forward prepared for serious girl talk. "If he went to the liberty of offering you his residence, getting you the day off and essentially freeing up your schedule, and all that then perhaps he does like you. Who knows maybe he'll ask you to spend the day together?"

"I don't know…" Krystal didn't sound as hopeful to her friend. She was just unsure, and that uncertainty was putting doubt into her mind.

"Did he make you breakfast?"

"Yea. It was amazing. Why do you ask?"

"He likes you." Miyu came to the conclusion.

"Why do you say that?"

"Krystal men never do shit when it comes to domestic work like that. The only two reasons they ever do is because they are either trying to butter you up, or impress you."

"Well I mean Garnette and I just went through a pretty traumatic experience. Maybe he's just doing it to be nice?"

"And to go as far as cooking breakfast and doing the dishes, letting you sleep in when he didn't have to? Yea, right."

"I think it's believable."

"Believe what you want to believe Krystal, but I got to go, looks like there's going to be a catfight. I don't know what this white vixen is thinking because the coyote she is fighting with is twice her size. We'll want to know all the details! Have a good day!"

"You too." With that the two women hung up the phone, as Krystal let go of a breath she didn't even know she was holding. After a minute she got up and stretched her joints, learning it was about to turn 11 in the morning. As she walked into the kitchen did she notice Fox had finished the dishes, and got the two children down from their booster seats as they ran around and played in the hotel room.

Fox took note of her as she entered the kitchen. "Everything alright?"

"Yea my friend was just wanting to make sure we were okay."

"Great." Fox said before taking a sip of his coffee. "So what are you going to do today Krystal?"

"I'm not sure." She admitted out loud. Krystal mentally prepared herself to walk away, perhaps for the last time while Fox McCloud was on the island. "Haven't really thought that far ahead."

"Well I was thinking about taking Mark to some of the other things around the island. I read a pamphlet about scuba-diving, submarine trips, theatre shows, all of that." Fox explained keeping a smile on his face. Krystal began to get hopeful as he took a pause. Was he telling her his plans, or inviting them along?

"Sounds like a lot of fun Fox."

"Would you and Garnette like to join us?" He extended his offer to the two girls with a nice gesture. "You could show us around like last time."

"That's very nice of you Fox. But honestly I don't know too much about the island away from the resort." Krystal felt embarrassed as she continued. "I don't mean to sound stingy, but they don't pay us as well as you think. The things Garnette and I do are some of the cheapest you can do here. I honestly haven't done a lot of what you're talking about."

"Well why don't you come along with us?" He pushed on forward, really brightening up the vixen's spirit.

"I don't know. I feel like the ordeal with our apartment should be our first priority."

"We could always start after you take care of that, got the whole day in front of us." Fox smiled, but then broke the eye contact staring into his half full cup. "Sorry, if you don't want to that's totally fine. I just figured I'd offer."

"I'd love to Fox." He looked back as the two adults looked confident into one another's eyes. "I really would. You've just done so much for us…This is your vacation. Are you absolutely sure it's alright?"

"Of course." He banished her fears as Fox still leaned against the counter. "It was actually Mark's idea."

"It was?"

"Yea he really likes spending time with you and Garnette." Fox admitted as his words brought a smile to the older vixen's face. "It's up to you Krystal. I am completely fine if you want to come along, but if you would rather take care of other matters, that's alright as well." Fox then came up with an idea after sipping away at his coffee again.

"Why not ask Garnette what she thinks?"

"Can we Krystal!?" The young kit must have overheard the conversation as she looked to her sister with pleading eyes, cupping her little hands together. "Pretty please!?"

At first Krystal wanted to reject, he had gone way above and beyond what Krystal was not only expecting, but comfortable with accepting as well. But as she looked to her darling sister's face, how could she say no? Often times adults found it hard to disagree with what their children wanted, they didn't want to crush their little hopes to often. Life is full of magical moments, it just depends on how often you let the magic flow. Children had a tendency to see the magic where older minds had long since faded from existence. Garnette saw the chemistry, the magic building up between Fox and Krystal. It was that obvious, the only thing in the way was did they see it?

"Okay Garnette." She finally agreed, the two children cheering together as they ran away to play again. Krystal stepped up to Fox as they both looked to the kids playing together, in perfect harmony.

"They do well together." Krystal admitted out loud.

"Yea…they really do." Looked to the two kids with a dreamy state.

"Thank you again Fox." The vulpine looked toward the vixen with a nice smile. "For…I mean, everything."

"It's alright Krystal." He comforted her worrisome thoughts, she didn't want them to be a burden on the older man. "I can't say I understand where you're coming from, but I have a feeling I know how it feels."

"Yes I can imagine you do."

"How old are you?"

"22." Krystal gave back quietly. "Not old enough to be dealing with things like this."

"I understand."

"How old are you?" She was curious.

"I just recently turned 27." He looked back to her with a small smile. "I guess I've gotten used to it overtime. I think I know how it feels."

"Not very good."

"No, not at all." The two stayed silence as an eerie feeling built up between them, just sipping away at their caffeinated drinks.

"Fox." Krystal got his attention as she looked him straight into his eyes, connecting on a deeper level as she put a hand on his shoulder, a bold move. "I know I've said it a hundred times already. But again…Thank you, for everything." She paused for a moment as she took a deep breath. "I didn't know what this experience would do to Garnette…What it would do to me. We are on our own in a hard life as it is. You didn't just help us get by, you prevented us from living a terrible outcome for the rest of our lives. I just wanted to say…Thank you for everything."

"It's okay Krystal." For the first time in all they spent together, Fox finally made a bolder move. He grabbed the vixen's delicate hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. He gave her some life advice. "I know it's hard, there are days I question what I'm doing, and what is it getting me. But just remember what's important…Life isn't always about you. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to, so those who depend on us can live happy, and worry free."

After his encouraging worlds the gentle man batted his head for Krystal's eyes to follow, as they went into the direction of the two kids playing. They looked so happy, so calm and graceful like they didn't have a worry in the world. The ultimate goal of any parent for their child is to live a childhood happy and worry free, as childhood is a fleeting dream, yet the most important one as well.

"Sometimes you have to stand tall, and look at the horizon from a different point of view."

"Thanks for the words Fox, I needed them."

"Again Krystal, you are welcome." He smiled to her as she gave one back.

"Do you do this for every woman you meet? Breakfast and life advice?" She asked in a playful tone as she took another sip from her coffee. Fox only look down to the ground as he smiled, his attitude completely different than what it was at the amusement park. He was happy and upbeat, not heavy with burdens and painful memories of the past.

"No." He simply answered, standing up straight as he spoke confidently to Krystal. "I guess that makes you special."

Fox excused himself as he went to go talk to Mark, leaving Krystal in an embarrassed daze. She was special, no one had ever told her that before but how she loved the feeling of knowing she had a special place in the vulpine's heart. Fox gathered the kids' attention along with his last minute things like his wallet, shades, hotel key, and the like. Fox got them all up and ready, setting the shades on the top of his head as he looked to the vixen.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes." Krystal set her mug in the sink as she quickly packed up the things she brought with them late last night. As she gathered her things in the small duffle bag did Fox look to her, and opened the door for the lady to exit first.

For some reason, Krystal thought this would be a day to remember. She didn't just connect logically with Fox McCloud, she connected on a level with him deeper than anyone else before. They clicked on a mental level, and for some reason, her gut told her to live life to the fullest. To not be held back today no matter what happened. All this time, Krystal only knelt on the ground looking to the sky from one viewpoint. But after meeting Fox, she learned to stand tall, to stand up for herself. And see the world from a different perspective.

Nothing would make me happier than to stand by your side Fox. And see the world how you see it. With Krystal's final thought, the four exited the apartment. Ready for whatever the day brought them.

Author's Notes

Going to take a break from Hit The Mark for a while, and update other works.

Damn this chapter is over half the length of the last three chapters COMBINED.

Inspirational Song – Stand By You, By Rachel Platten