Author's note:
Happy New Year 2023, everyone.
I have gotten slack while preparing for this latest update. Hopefully, this doesn't become a habit for long.
Chapter 60: Journey
In the mid-morning, a line of Cerinians climbed the tall, winding hill. Fox held a hood over his ears as he followed them alongside Krystal. The wind was particularly nippy today. It somewhat reminded him of Papetoon during its cooler months. Nostalgia flooded Fox, taking his mind lightyears from where his feet trekked. To think that in a few months, he'll be able to show Krystal the deserts he grew up beside. She looked forward to seeing the rusted hue of his homeland's sands with her own eyes. It'd certainly be a different sight compared to the Great Murata desert beside them now.
Fox turned his gaze out away from the hill. Galthumarata had changed little since his last visit a few years ago. Still as dusty, yet more lively than before. The city's trade industry had flourished after the Cabbot Valley became more accessible to hunters, gathers, and miners. The locals all thanked Andross for their good fortune. In their gratitude, they named the cliff they build his cranes on Andross's Ridge. Fox did not know how he really felt about that.
His thoughts were interrupted as the crowd slowed. Priests greeted them at the temple gate, smiling cheerfully as they collected donations from worshippers. When it was their turn, Nomar slipped ahead of Fox, digging into her purse for their group's offering. A young-faced priest thanked her and bade them through.
The Temple of Arethan was an impressive sight up close; and it was the second stop in Krystal's pilgrimage with Fox and her family. After starting at the Temple of Cerinia in Kezamat, they travelled straight north towards the nearest major temple. There was no set order in which pilgrims needed to visit all six sites, so they spent all winter planning the easiest path to take.
As they ascended the temple's winding tower, Fox went over the rest of their journey in his head. Once they were done in Galthumarata, they'd join a caravan heading north through the desert. They'd continue that way until they reached the frostbitten fringes where the temple of the death god, Yul, laid. They'd then travel east to the coast and charter a boat to carry them southward again. After praying at the Sea Goddess's temple, their group would circle south-west to visit the temples of Ilis and Meen before returning to Kezamat. Assuming there were no delays, they should make it home before Andross finished the rocket. All while leaving more than enough time for Fox and Krystal to forge their ehn.
'Getting closer every day,' Fox mused.
Dozens of foxes assembled on each of the tower's seven floors, each one with a different priest leading prayers. Krystal and Nomar's statuses as master lythans got Fox and Thalse access to the highest floor. Galthumarata's upper class gathered there before the High Priestess. Fox recognised her as the spotted vixen who had watched them dig out Arethan's Tear while she was with child. What was her name again…?
"Ovia," Krystal reminded when he asked. Fox nodded his head.
"From what we've heard, she's descended from someone who came to our world like you did, Fox," Thalse remarked in a low voice. Fox's ears pricked in surprise. He would have asked more about it, but the High Priestess began to speak, requiring his attention.
"Good morning, my friends. Arethan graces us with fine weather today. It is my pleasure to share these moments with you as we give thanks to him."
The priestess certainly had a calm and pleasing voice. Fox found himself enraptured with her sound. Small wonder that the masses desired Ovia's sermons so highly. The elderly priests from Cerinia's temple had nothing on her. If they had been as sweet on the ears, Fox's mind might not had wandered so often back in Kezamat.
"Now," he heard Ovia say. "Let us all join hands and open our hearts to heed Arethan's guidance." Fox extended his palms on either side. Each one clasped with Krystal's and Thalse's respectively, then theirs with the next persons and so on.
"Oh, Gentle Protector, hear our voices. Our Stalwart Lord, gaze into our souls…"
It really wasn't Fox's thing, but he made an effort to listen and join the rest in prayer for Krystal's sake. This pilgrimage meant a lot to her. He didn't want to ruin her experience by acting like he didn't care. Sure, she was aware that he didn't lead his life according to any divine beliefs. Krystal also accepted that he didn't even believe that her gods truly existed, despite her own views. However, supporting her in this endeavour made her happy, and that Fox did value. A few hours of preaching wouldn't kill him. If anything, securing a comfortable afterlife with Krystal might end up being a worthwhile investment. He was prepared to be wrong.
When the High Priestess stopped addressing Arethan, she moved on to recount stories featuring him to the assembly. Fox realised that he hadn't taken that much interest in Cerinian mythology until now. He knew several legends often told in Kezamat, though that now turned out to be just the tip of a larger iceberg. So, he listened keenly to Ovia's tale of how Arethan sired the rain and storm gods with Reechea, uniting sky and sea. Arethan then taught his sons how to send water from the heavens to nourish the plants and animals. It was a sweet story about a god's love, not just for his mate and children, but for his sister as well. Pity how rainbows were practically unheard of on Cerinia. If Ilis's sunlight could be worked into the myth, it'd make for a more wonderful ending.
Before Fox realised it, the sermon was over. Ovia thanked everyone for their attendance. As those with no further business filtered out of the chamber, Fox stayed behind with the others. Krystal led their group behind a short line before the High Priestess. Ovia spoke with each worshipper in turn. Even from a distance, Fox could tell that her warm personality made her even more beloved with the townsfolk.
When it was their time to meet, Ovia's expression brightened. "If it isn't my friends from Kezamat! It's been so long. How are you?"
Fox smiled. "We're well. Thank you, Your Grace. I'm surprised you recognised us."
"Of course, I would, Sir McCloud. I would never forget the face of a Son of Ilis." Ovia faltered though as she turned to Krystal. "Alas, I haven't done so well to remember the names of their closest companions. Forgive me, dear. It was Krysta, wasn't it?"
"Krystal, actually," Krystal said politely. She then gestured behind her. "And these are my parents, Thalse and Nomar. We're all here for our pilgrimage."
Ovia clapped her hands together. "Oh, how delightful! It's a pleasure then to be a part of your journey. May the gods guide you safely on it."
"Thank you," Nomar replied with a short bow.
"How is your friend, Doctor Andross, by the way? I hope that studying Arethan's Tear has helped him somehow."
Fox resisted the urge to grimace. "He's… well. The Tear actually did help us. Just not in the way we expected."
"How so?"
"Monsters attacked Kezamat last summer," Thalse frowned deeply. "The Tear's power was our key to defeating them."
Horror befell Ovia. She clasped her hands over her mouth. "Goodness! I hadn't heard about that. Are your people alright?"
"We suffered terrible casualties, but we'll recover," Nomar answered solemnly. As she spoke, Fox couldn't help but glance at Krystal for a moment. He saw the long scar that ran across one side of her face, as well as the sizeable tear in her left ear. Both marks the Aparoids had left on her.
Ovia nodded. "If there's anything that our temple or city can do to aid you, please don't hesitate to ask. I have close friends among the council who I'm sure would be more than willing to help."
Nomar smiled. "That's kind of you, You Grace. I don't believe it will be necessary, but I will write to Chief Gylis about your offer."
"It's our duty to support each other in times of calamity regardless of our borders and fealties. Though now, I'm afraid that I must tend to the others here. If you are still in Galthumarata tomorrow evening, I would like to hear more about these monsters in detail."
"Of course," Thalse nodded. "We plan to take in the sights before we move on. I'm sure that we can find the time to spare."
Their discussion was then interrupted when a soft, yet high-pitched yell accompanied the patter of tiny feet. A small body crashed into Ovia's leg, wrapping little arms around her. The toddler looked up with the brightest smile. Ovia laughed as she reached down to pick the kit up.
Another vixen in priestess robes approached them. "I'm sorry for that, Your Grace. He's full of energy today."
"When is he not?" Ovia grinned. She brushed her nose against the boy's cheek, eliciting squirms and giggles. "This is my son, Fox. As you can probably guess, he's the most important person I attend to."
"Awwwww." Krystal fell in love at first sight. "Hello there."
Fox, however, looked to the High Priestess with confusion. "I'm sorry. Were you addressing me or the kit when you said my name?"
Ovia's eyes widened. "Oh! I apologise. Yes. When I was picking a name for him, I remembered you and how you came from the stars much like my great-grandfather. I hoped you wouldn't mind me naming Fox after you. Sadly, I wasn't able to ask for your permission beforehand."
Quickly, Fox shook his head. "No. No. It's fine. I'm honoured actually."
Although he took shelter in the crook of his mother's neck, Little Fox watched Krystal's waggling finger curiously. "He's so cute," she cooed.
"We remember when Krystal was that little," Nomar grinned to Thalse.
"The years went by too quickly," he replied wistfully.
"I try not to take any of these moments with Fox for granted," Ovia smiled, stroking her child's ears. She looked to the elder Fox and Krystal. "Will you plan to have children of your own someday?"
They glanced at each other briefly, wearing nervous smiles. "Not just yet," Fox replied. "But eventually."
"Fox and I will be getting married soon though. After we've finished our pilgrimage," Krystal added.
Ovia's expression took a new wondrous form. "Oh, how lovely! I wish you both success and many happy years together." They thanked her. "If you don't mind, might I please observe the ritual? I would love to watch a child of Ilis and a child of Cerinia prepare to forge an ehn together. It's exactly the sort of union that my family has long hoped might appease Arethan."
Uncertain, Fox turned to Krystal again. The traditional approach to forming an ehn involved two ceremonies. The first was a ritual held in private between the couple and their immediate families. Then, after the bond was made successfully, there'd be a celebration involving as many guests as the newlyweds wished. Inviting additional people to the first ceremony was typically rare.
"Do you mind?" Fox asked Krystal silently.
"Not particularly. Given her position, it might be good for luck." It would be nice if soothing Arethan made flying to space a little easier. They seemed to reach the same mind.
Krystal turned back to the High Priestess. "We would need to discuss it with the Priests of Cerinia, but we would be honoured to have you bear witness."
"We plan to hold the ritual back home in Kezamat," Fox added. "I hope that won't be too difficult for you."
Ovia smiled and waved her hand. "Not at all. It's been a long time since I last travelled." She then glanced past Fox to the worshippers growing impatient behind them. "Perhaps we can discuss that as well when we next meet."
"Of course," Krystal smiled. "We thank you for your time, Your Grace. We'd be more than happy to talk more tomorrow."
Ovia glowed. "You'll find me here in the evening. I'll ask my attendants to prepare a meal for us if you'd like."
"That sounds wonderful. Thank you,"
Deciding not to hold the line any further, Fox and the others gave their farewells and departed the temple. The weather became warmer by the time they returned to town. Scents of local cuisine from nearby shops stirred their appetites. Fox grinned as he discovered curried grubs on one vendor's menu. He savoured a warm bowl of them, thinking back to his childhood on Papetoon. It tasted almost like his mother's cooking. She'd love Galthumarata if she could visit.
After eating, Fox and Thalse faced Krystal and Nomar on the opposing side of an intersection. "I suppose this is where we go our different ways," Krystal said.
"Enjoy yourselves. I hope you learn something from the local Jad," Thalse replied, hugging her. Fox embraced Krystal next, kissing her briefly while Thalse offered the same to Nomar.
"We'll see you back at the inn," Nomar told them.
"We won't be too far," Thalse grinned. He and Fox then turned in the other direction. They passed more shops and stalls on their way to Galthumarata's centre, where the city's barracks resided. Their time here presented a good opportunity to meet the local guards and trade information.
"So," Thalse spoke with a grin. "The High Priestess of Arethan will be attending your bonding ritual. That's quite an honour."
"Didn't expect that in the slightest," Fox admitted, eliciting a chuckle from his father-in-law.
"Hiumart and Sheld are going to be jealous, I imagine."
"I can't help that religious people flock around me," Fox shrugged.
"I'm curious whether priests from the other temples are going to want to attend as well," Thalse jested.
"God, I hope not." There'd be nothing weirder than kneeling in front of a bunch of complete strangers as he got ready to join minds with Krystal. Might as well invite anyone he met on the street while he was at it.
"Hey, Thalse?" Fox then said. "I've been meaning to ask. What's it like having an ehn?"
Thalse's smirk dropped. He fell into a thoughtful silence until they reached the end of the block. "It's a lifestyle change. I'm sure you know that you'll pretty much be saying goodbye to private thoughts once you and Krystal merge. At first, you'll both feel dizzy and disoriented while your minds get used to sharing senses. Ehn sickness, we call it. That usually settles down after a week or two."
Fox swallowed. "I hope it does." Especially before he needed to fly the rocket later. He still needed to train his body more on Andross's centrifuge.
"After that, it's going to feel awkward having your every thought heard by someone else. I remember being scared to look at another vixen too closely with Nomar always watching. But it turned out that the reverse was also true. So, we learned to live with the fact that we were going to admire other people from time to time. Sometimes we'd even find someone who we both liked to look at."
Fox blushed. "Wait. Really?"
Thalse smirked. "That leads to the other thing you're going to deal with. After a while, you're going to start seeing men the same way you see women, if you don't already. It's a side effect as Krystal's preferences start to blend with yours. No way to avoid that, I'm afraid. So, you'd best prepare yourself for it."
Thoughts he'd rather not be having now raided Fox's stricken mind. "Oh my god…"
"Ah, don't worry," Thalse laughed, slapping Fox's back. "You'll hardly notice until you're already into it. It's not that bad actually. Makes finding an extra bed mate more fun. I remember this one time when Nomar and I met a travelling minstrel…"
"Ah, nah, nah, nah! I don't need to hear about that, Thalse!" Fox interrupted forcefully. Great. Now his brain was going full rogue. Was linking minds with Krystal really going to mix their tastes to extent? What else about him would change? His identity? His beliefs? His favourite kind of music? What the hell was he going to do if Krystal didn't like rock when they got home to Lylat?
Thalse then barked with laughter. "You'll be alright, Fox. As uncomfortable as that all sounds now, you'll eventually start to see the better sides to having an ehn. When those kinds of thoughts are out in the open, you and Krystal will be able to understand each other a lot better than you do now. Sure, you might have your differences, and you're bound to clash at least a few times. But having that constant conversation with Krystal will mean that you can always find a resolution; and that will help you both grow closer. So, don't let what I've told you scare you from enjoying that experience with Krystal."
It took some effort, but Fox managed to calm himself down. He realised that much of what Thalse said matched up with what he already expected. "Thank you," Fox said. "I'll try to keep that in mind."
"Just remember that Krystal will be in the same situation as you," Thalse smiled. "I'm sure she has thoughts that she's nervous about sharing with you. As long as you trust each other and keep your minds open, you'll manage together."
Fox smiled. "I hope so." Too bad his next thoughts wiped it from his face. "You know, Thalse… After Krystal and I bond, it won't be long before we leave Cerinia."
He turned his head away, unable to look the man in the eye. "When that time comes… It's more than likely that we won't be able to come back. Ever."
He heard Thalse sigh terribly. "I know. We've suspected as much for a long time."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Thalse said quietly. "I'll admit, as her father, a large part of me doesn't want to lose Krystal. The thought of never seeing her again is more than I want to bear." Fox could only nod sadly at his feet.
"However, I also know that Krystal is a grown woman, who can make her own decisions. There's not much that I'm willing to do if she really wants to go with you. The world beyond ours is a great mystery to us, and I won't deny her the chance to experience it all for herself."
Their glances caught upon a small girl running past them, squealing goodbye to her father as she raced to play with a band of other kits. Thalse chuckled after them. "With that in mind, I'm actually proud of Krystal. She'll be the first of our people to see outside our world. There'll be so much for her to learn, and so much for her to share about our culture."
He turned to face Fox. "I'm glad that you're marrying Krystal. Because it assures that she'll always have someone she loves with her. I trust that you will make her happy."
To that, Fox nodded resolutely. "You have my word, Thalse."
Thalse smiled. "I'm also glad to be able to spend these next few weeks with you both. If nothing else, Nomar and I will have many more fond memories to revisit should we ever miss you too much."
"Even if we can't fly back here, it won't mean that Krystal and I will be gone completely," Fox said. "We can use my team's satellite to communicate with you still. You'll at least be able to talk to Krystal every once in a while."
Thalse's eyes swam. "That's kind of you, Fox. Thank you."
"And so, that was it," Fox said. "I felt bad for Thalse, but he really did want Krystal and me to make the most of our lives together."
"I feel for him, sweetheart," Vixy replied over the radio. "I am glad that he's supporting you though."
"Mama and I pretty much had the same conversation," Krystal added, leaning against Fox's side. Her Papetoonish came through with confidence. "She's hurting over it. But she insisted that Fox and I go anyway. She doesn't want her or Papa stopping us."
"Being a parent is like that," Peppy remarked. "You want your kids to stay close forever. But sooner or later, you have to let them leave the nest, no matter how hard that is or how far they want to go. In the end, it really is all about their needs. You'll understand that one day when you have kids of your own."
"I just wish there was a better way," Fox sighed. He swept his gaze across the inn's roof terrace. They were all alone under the black coat of night, save for each other and the portable radio that Fox brought along to keep in touch with his family.
Krystal rested her forehead against Fox's temple. Her feelings radiated through him as he pulled her closer. Even though her parents were preparing for bed just below their feet, Krystal was already grieving the limited time that she had left with them. The only thing worse than the pain of saying goodbye was waiting for that pain to come. They weren't his own mother or father, yet Fox's heart ached to keep them all together. If only they could bring them both to Lylat too.
Perhaps it was time to move to a different subject. "After that, we spent some time with the local guard captain. They say that Galthumarata's warriors have never been defeated while fighting in the desert. Thalse was interested in learning about what tricks they used to survive out there for so long."
"Can't you go without water for like two weeks or something?" Falco butted in.
Fox chuckled. "I can. But Cerinians can't. Turns out that the Lythan Jad here has a special way of getting water in these parts. They teach it to the soldiers so they can stay out in the desert longer."
"The Jad here specialises in elemental magic," Krystal explained. "Their spellcasters are able to draw water from traces in whatever they can find in a given range. They're also able to purify any water they excrete so that they can reuse it."
"You mean they drink their own pee?" Katt blanched audibly.
"That's right."
"Hey. If it works, it works," Slippy remarked.
"Eww!"
Peppy chuckled. "Believe it or not, Katt; but the Cornerian Army teaches you to do something similar in their advanced survival training. Never had to do it myself, fortunately. But I know how to if push ever came to shove."
"They could put a gun to my head, but I still wouldn't do it," Falco grumbled.
"So gross!" Lucy agreed.
Krystal laughed along with Fox. "I'll admit that I'm not keen to try it out myself either. I do admire the Galthumara soldiers for their determination though. It takes a lot more to survive in these parts than I first thought."
"Just think. On Papetoon, my ancestors didn't even have the benefit of magic," Fox told her.
"No. Instead, your species evolved into freaks of nature who can drink six rounds of beer and hold it all in until morning," Falco remarked.
"And we'll have stronger kits for it," Krystal joked telepathically to Fox. He snickered in response, though his heart skipped a beat at her mention of kids.
"So, Fox?" Vixy then spoke. "Were you able to take many photographs of the temple while you were there?"
Fox flinched. His hand reached back to scratch behind his head. "No… Sorry, Mom. I forgot the camera when we left the inn this morning."
Vixy sighed, barely masking her irritation. "Fox, photographing Cerinian life from the surface is incredibly important for our studies. We're not likely to get another chance at this."
"I know! I know! I'm sorry. We'll be going back to the temple tomorrow night to meet with the High Priestess, so I'll take the camera then."
"I'll make sure that he does," Krystal offered.
"Thank you, Krystal," Vixy said. Her tone lightened at last.
All of a sudden, Fox began to yawn. Glancing at Krystal revealed that she was growing tired as well. "Think it's time for us to turn in, guys. We've got another long day tomorrow."
"Very well, Fox," Vixy replied. "Sleep well. We'll talk again soon."
After everyone said their goodbyes, Fox turned off the radio and set it aside for the small pair of solar panels to recharge over the next day. He and Krystal then made their way quietly to their room. Thalse and Nomar appeared fast asleep behind a screen around their bed. Taking care not to disturb them, Fox changed into his nightclothes and slipped under the covers. He glanced at Krystal, who stood dressed facing the partition for a long time.
When she finally turned to join him, Fox tapped his finger against his temple. "Are you okay?" he asked after Krystal linked with his mind.
"Just thinking." She crawled into the covers as well, snuggling into Fox's waiting arms. Krystal nestled her head upon his chest. Emotions simmered away inside her head. "I'll miss them…"
Fox kissed between her ears. "I know. I will too."
Once again, he wondered if he was wrong to take Krystal away from Thalse and Nomar. He shouldn't have thought it, though Krystal responded anyway. Tightening her grip around his torso, she insisted that they had already made their choice together. She would see it through no matter what. Her resolve both warmed and broke Fox's heart. He renewed his vow to always remain by Krystal's side. As long as they were together, she would never be utterly alone. He would always be there to share in her pain and longing, just as he would in her joy and wonder. Krystal's gratitude poured through their bond. With one deep, heartfelt kiss, she sealed the light crystal. Still connected in mind and body, they fell into peaceful sleep.