Racing down the slope, Fox and the princess had wasted no time in trying to put some distance between them and the Sharpclaw. Though there were none in sight now, Fox had no doubt they would attempt to follow them.
Scanning his surroundings, he noticed Krystal and the prince further ahead. The vixen was dead focused on navigating the slope, dodging and trees or rocks in her path. The young Earthwalker, for his part, seemed to be enjoying the fast-paced ride down the hill. Noting they were fine, Fox breathed a sigh of relief.
"Better stay on guard. Those Sharpclaws could be here any moment." Fox thought, staying prepared.
Sure enough, it was not long before the booming of a few more engines had sounded from behind the group. Briefly looking back, Fox noticed at least three Sharpclaws, riding the remaining hoverbikes, were trailing behind them. Three smaller, yellow Sharpclaw grunts road these bikes. They were gaining speed quickly, clearly intent on catching the group.
"Krystal, get ready. We've got company!" Fox shouted.
"Got it. Thanks for the heads up." Krystal shouted back before instructing the prince to hang on. In response, the prince hunkered down into the cargo hold, ducking his head.
"Get the Prince and waste the outworlders!" Fox heard the foremost Sharpclaw shout. With that, the other two grunts behind him started accelerating. Fox braced himself, reading to bash the Sharpclaw as they passed. Before he even got the chance, the closet Sharpclaw slammed the back of his bike, allowing his fellow Sharpclaw to overtake Fox and precede closer to Krystal and Tricky.
"What was that?" Kyte's voice sounded from inside the backpack, muffled.
"We got company, princess. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride." Fox responded before slowing a bit to get to the side of the Sharpclaw.
"As if it wasn't bumpy enough in here with all your stuff."
Fox ignored her for now and readied himself to attack. Drawing his sword, he came up to the side of the Sharpclaw. He quickly bashed the Sharpclaw, who only returned the favor. He then aimed a blow at Fox with his club, by Fox quickly banked out of the way. Fox, however, used this to his advantage. Quickly building up speed again, the vulpine sped back towards the Sharpclaw and drew his sword. With a quick slash, he damaged the engine of his enemy's craft. With the Sharpclaw caught off guard, Fox seized the opportunity to stab him in the shoulder. The Sharpclaw winced in pain, losing control of his speeder. As he was trying to get his pain under control, he failed to notice that he was speeding straight into a rock. All the Sharpclaw could do is scream before he was caught in a fiery explosion.
Fox had quickly pulled away from the enemy, leaving him to his fate. He took the sound of an explosion as confirmation that he would not have to worry about that Sharpclaw anymore. Boosting the throttle on the bike, he made to catch up with Krystal and Tricky.
Krystal had sensed the two Sharpclaw gaining momentum on her. Readying herself, she waited for them to come into range. She knew that these Sharpclaw would try to take her from the sides. They proved her right as the two grunts pulled up on her left and right, beginning to box her in. Krystal quickly slowed her velocity, evading the Sharpclaw's tactic and causing them to bash into each other, causing each of the pair to briefly lose control of their craft, banking furiously to either side. They both seemed to have the intelligence to try and slow their speed to regain control of their crafts. Krystal, however, used this to her advantage. She quickly drew her staff out in one hand and pelted the nearest enemy's speed with a barrage of fire blasts.
The Sharpclaw's speeder engine caught on fire in a flash, causing its driver to go into a frenzy and lose control. Against his luck, a Sharpturn was coming up on the slope. While the other speeders made for the turn, the frenzied Sharpcalw could not regain control, and his burning craft slammed into a cliff side, killing its pilot in the ensuing explosion.
Satisfied with herself, the vixen then diverted her attention to the remaining enemy. She was already beginning to formulate her attack plan when she noticed that her male companion had already sped past her and was proceeding to ram the Sharpclaw with his bike.
Caught off guard, the remaining Sharpclaw began to panic, knowing he had few options left. Unfortunately for him, the vixen made to finish him off. As he centered his craft in the middle of the slope, the vixen came up from his right and proceeded to freeze his control scheme with her staff's ice magic. Seeing the opportunity, Fox came upon the reptile's left, slashed him across the back, then stabbed his engines with his sword.
Unable to regain control of his craft, the Sharpclaw barely had any time to react as a tree suddenly appeared in front of him.
Both foxes banked out of the way of the tree, noting the magnificent explosion that quickly engulfed it. The young prince, who had stuck his head up by this point, caught the sight of the Sharpclaw blowing up.
"Take that, you monsters!" He shouted triumphantly.
The rest of the ride down the slope went by without any trouble. The two foxes navigated their way past any obstacles before finally coming down to the bottom of the slope. At it, there seemed to be a hot spring, surrounded by many rocky walls. It seemed as though they were close to the foot of the mountain. Parking the bikes near the spring, the group dismounted. They wasted no time in complimenting each other.
"You two are amazing! Thank you so much for rescuing me!" Tricky began to thank the duo. "I don't even want to think where they would have taken me otherwise. But I don't think we've been properly introduced yet; my name is Tricky." He said, introducing herself.
"Yes, we know. Your mother told us. My name is Krystal, and this is Fox." The vixen said, gesturing towards her companion. She then took a moment to compliment him.
" Nice maneuvers back there. I take it you've had some experience with this?"
Fox nodded. "It comes with being a pilot; I've learned how to handle many different kinds of craft. Though, you were pretty good back there yourself, Krystal." Fox complimented.
"It's nothing. I know my way around things. But wait, where is Princess Kyte?" She noted, realizing her ward was not with them.
Fox suddenly got an embarrassed look on his face. He was about to answer when a muffled voice suddenly sounded from his bag.
"Can you let me out of here now?"
Krystal frowned. "Really?" She said, giving Fox an unamused look.
"Hey, it was the only place I had that she wouldn't have flown off the back of the bike. "Fox replied before setting down his pack and letting the little Cloudrunner out. He had expected her to fly out, but she merely climbed out and then collapsed on the ground, dizzy.
"I got thrown around a lot in there. Please never put me in there again." Kyte said, regaining her bearings.
Tricky, noticing the Cloudrunner, almost growled at the sight of her. "What is SHE doing here? Don't you know Cloudrunners can't be trusted?"
Kyte was irritated. "Is that really how you greet me? We just met, and I haven't done anything to you." She spat back.
Tricky then dashed behind the vixen's legs. "My dad told me all about you. He said you're a bunch of stuck-up snobs who think themselves superior."
"No, we're not. I went on this mission to help save you, for crying out loud."
"It was the outworlders who did all the work."
Kyte then began trying to chase Tricky, likely trying to peck him in retaliation. The little Earthwalker dashed from between Krystal's legs to Fox's. Kyte maintained pursuit, however.
Fox stood, glanced back and forth, and the two kids, trying to figure out how to calm them.
"Ok, ok, let's just take it easy here." He began.
"Both of you two, knock it off," Krystal interjected, stepping between the pair.
"Tricky, this is Princess Kyte, heir to the Cloudrunner tribe." She began
"Princess?! So she's the daughter of my parent's greatest rival." He said flatly.
"Look, she is my friend, and she came along to help us. Know, we have wasted enough time as it is. Your mother is worried sick about you. We need to get you home."
Tricky perked up at the mention of his mother. "Is she ok? Did she get to safety?" He asked, concern evident in his voice.
"She will be fine. She's taken shelter in Thorntail Hollow. But we have to get back there." The vixen went on before glancing at the nearest exit out of the hot spring area. It was a somewhat narrow passage. The group could use this to move forward, but it was too narrow and rugged to risk using the hoverbikes.
"It looks like we can use that passage through the mountain to get out of here, but we will have to leave the bikes." She said before turning back to the young dinosaurs. "Can the two of you get along long enough to return to the hollow?" She asked them
The two royal heirs looked at each other and shrugged. "So long as she keeps her distance." Tricky was the first to speak.
"Hey, I am fine. I just don't like his attitude about my tribe, nor do I like being insulted." Kyte replied before flying to perch on Krystal's shoulder.
As if in response, Tricky bolted to Fox's side, as if choosing him as part of a 'buddy system.' Fox merely sighed and opted to go along with it.
"Alright, let's move out then," Fox announced, leading the group through the passage. The passage they took went through a large cave. The cave went on for some time before coming out into another part of the forest. Ahead, he noted many snow-covered trees and snow piles around. Besides that, there seemed to be a path ahead of them, which likely saw foot traffic from the natives of the area.
Following this path through the forest area, the group figured it might be good to make conversation.
Fox turned his gaze to the young Earthwalker at his side and spoke to him.
"So, how are you holding up? Did the Sharpclaw hurt you any?" He asked.
"A bit; they beat me a little bit, but nothing too serious. The worst of it was the slop they fed me. Honestly, I am just glad to be out of there. I heard them talking about moving me to Dragon Rock." The young prince replied, shuddering.
"Well, you won't have to worry about that anymore," Fox said. He then thought of the Cloudrunner they saw. He needed to discuss what he had heard with Krystal and Kyte.
"Krystal, Kyte, I think there is something we need to discuss." The two girls then turned their attention to the vulpine, able to guess what he was going to say.
"The rogue Cloudrunner, yes. I have a few things to share of my own, but you go first. What did you hear of his conversation with the camp leader?" Krystal spoke up.
"He was discussing some the Earthwalker Royal Family. Though they still have the king, we just threw a wrench into their plans for the prince." Fox said, intentionally leaving out the part about the squad sent to murder the queen, wanting to spare Tricky the worry. "But they still have the king captive, from what I heard," Fox noted, turning to Tricky.
"Yes, I am aware. But dad will be fine. He is tough, just like mom!" Tricky insisted strongly, though his expression belied a hint of worry for his parents.
"What else?" The vixen pressed on.
Fox glanced at the princess. He pondered his choice of words but decided it wasn't worth it to lie. "They are staging some kind of ambush for the Cloudrunner tribe, from what I gathered. The rogue seems aware that they would be going after something called a 'Spellstone,' and they are using one as bait."
Krystal glanced at Kyte, who had a worried look on her face. "Don't worry, young one. Your family will be fine. They are smart and tough; they can outwit anything those fools throw at them." Krystal said, trying to comfort Kyte. The little Cloudrunner pondered a moment but then glanced up with a straighter expression and nodded in agreement.
Krystal glanced at the young Earthwalker, whose expression changed to a more sympathetic look. She could sense feelings of pity in him. He glanced away, unsure if he should say anything to Kyte.
"But Kyte… there's another thing about that Cloudrunner," Fox said ominously. "He mentioned a niece of his and referred to one rescued by a blue vixen. I imagine that must be you?"
Kyte nodded.
"I saved her aboard the Sharpclaw's galleon before I met you. Her uncle, the royal guard captain, aided me. Her tribe has been helping me since." Krystal explained.
"And I take it this was not the guard captain?" Fox asked, wanting to confirm what he suspected.
"No, Kree would never betray my tribe. It must have been my other uncle, Revallos." Kyte spoke up, explaining the situation. "Mother told me about him once. He betrayed my tribe long ago and was exiled. But we rarely speak of him; my tribe shuns him." The princess went on. "I barely knew him; he was only around when I was really little. I don't know why he threw in his lot with the Sharpclaw. My tribe and theirs have always been enemies. Maybe they offered him something in return?"
Krystal then spoke. "He wants power and to get back at the Queen Cloudrunner." She said, a hint of disgust in her voice.
Fox scowled, disguested that someone would bretay their own kind for a lust for power. Soon after, a thought crossed his mind: this vixen had no concrete way of knowing such a thing in the first place. How would she have known this?
"That's another time today you knew something I imagined you wouldn't have a way of knowing. Care to explain now?" Fox asked, bewildered.
Krystal figured it better to get it out of the way now. "How to explain? In short, I possess special gifts that allow me to read the heart and minds of others." She explained.
Tricky gasped, a confused look on his face. Kyte, meanwhile, was unfazed, as Krystal had told her and Kree about these powers on the flight over to the hollow.
Fox was stunned. "I must say, I am certainly surprised to hear that; I never thought anyone had such power." He then thought through what they had just experienced that day. Suddenly, a vixen who could read minds did not seem so outlandish.
"But after everything we've seen today involving magic and your staff powers, I can't dismiss that as a lie. I mean, we have dealt with all kinds of magic today, and it explains alot. ." Fox noted. "But still, is that a common thing where you're from? Because I don't think I've ever heard of or seen anyone like you before. Namely, someone who was a telepath and had blue fur, to boot." Fox noted.
Krystal briefly looked sad before regaining her composure. "Not exactly. And to as for my fur and, well, telepathic abilities, I am not surprised you wouldn't have met someone like me before. I am from very far away, but its not something I wish to discuss right now.." She said solemnly. Fox noted her sad composure and knew to back off.
"My apologies, I did't mean to upset you." Fox said, feeling guilty for accidentally upsetting the Vixen.
"Its fine. Perhaps I will explain to you later." She said before changing the subject.
"Now, what about you? I know why you are here; I read your mind when we first met. It's not something I normally do, but I didn't want to take any risks.
"You didn't-"
"No, I merely sought what your intentions were. I didn't pry into any deep memories, honest." Krystal responded quickly.
"Alright, well, I guess you know I am here to save the planet. The Cornierian army hired me to investigate the situation. It seems they have been monitoring this for some time now, even before the planet broke apart. They worry about how its destruction could affect the orbits of other worlds. This magical energy is something else."
"That's what I imagined. I heard about them in my travels. I get it, though; this world is about as off the charts as it gets. They wouldn't send someone here if it didn't affect them or other worlds in some way."
"I take it you could enlighten me about the situation here? You seem to know a bit about things." Fox inquired, thinking back to her promises to help her earlier.
Krystal nodded. For the remainder of the walk through the forest, the vixen and her young ward explained the situation regarding the planet to Fox. He listened intently, noting what they said. After what seemed like an eternity, their 'lecture' finally finished. Fox was a tad confused but managed to wrap his head around it.
"Ok, well, I suppose that explains it. It looks like I am going to need to find these Spell Stones then. And the spirits, if I am able."
"They are important, I assure you," Krystal responded. She then put her hand on Todd's shoulder. "You know, it's obvious we both want to save this world, for different reasons. And we already know we work well together. Maybe I could join you in this quest of yours?"
Fox thought for a moment. "I appreciate, but I don't want to drag someone I just met into a dangerous mission like this. I know you can defend yourself, but it's against my code of ethics." He said, shaking his head.
Krystal then tried a different approach. "Ok, then think of it like this: You could join Kyte and I's quest to save the planet. That way, you wouldn't be dragging anyone into anything. It's our idea, to begin with." Krystal said, sarcasticly. She and Kyte shared a laugg. Even Tricky chuckled a bit.
Fox gave up. "Maybe, but no promises." Glancing around, he noticed they were coming up out of the forest and into a rocky area, with many large, furry creatures around,
"Anyone know where we are?"
Tricky spoke up. "Hey, I know this one. We are in the Snowhorn Wastes. My mother brought me here a few times. We are getting closer to the hollow!" He proclaimed.
Around the wastes, Snowhorns trudged around the area, seemly aimlessly. The group noted how they each seemed to be in a somber mood. They had little time to investigate, however. They had to get the prince back to his home.
Following a marked path to the waste's central area, the group eventually came to a large tunnel entrance. It seemed to be carved out of stone and was wide enough for a dinosaur to trudge through it. But in front of it was a large, blue Sharplclaw, wielding a staff and wearing golden armor. He seemed to be acting as a guard.
Readying their weapons, the two foxes signaled for the kids to stay back as they approached the Sharpclaw. To their surprise, he merely glanced at them, his weapon in an idle position. He then spoke.
"Halt! I am ordered not to let anyone through. Although, maybe I could let you 'sneak past' me. For the right price." He announced.
Fox and Krystal looked over him and then glanced at one another. They were tired by this point in time, and this Sharpclaw looked huge compared to the others. They did not want to risk a fight, so they figured they would bribe him instead.
"Fine, what's your price?" Fox asked him.
"For you, a measly ten scarabs."
"And what insurance do we have that you won't report this to your superiors?" Krystal inquired.
"Miss, I am a mercenary. I don't care about Scales' goal of conquest. They merely paid me to join their army, same with others like me. Not all Sharpclaw are lackeys to Scales' goals. Those stronger amongst us pave our own paths. And mine has been to line my pockets. Besides, I don't want word of my little scheme here reaching my superiors. So, in brief, you have my word." The guard exclaimed.
The foxes rolled their eyes before searching the nearby rocks for those bugs. Eventually, they found the scarabs and placed them in their coat pockets. They then returned to the Bribeclaw.
"Ok, here's your scarabs. Now let us pass." Fox said impatiently.
"Of course. I am a man of my word. And hey, I won't even say anything to them about the prince with you. It's no scales off my back if they couldn't retrieve you." He said, commenting on the Earthwalker. "Didn't like their treatment of you anyway." He added.
"Thanks. Bye." Fox rolled his eyes as the group went through the tunnel.
"If I remember, this should take us back to Thorntail Hollow." Tricky explained. "I look forward to seeing mom."
And with that, the group ventured onward.
(Meanwhile, elsewhere on Sauria.)
A lone Cloudrunner had been flying for some time now. He eventually managed to reach his destination: a hidden Sharpclaw base out in the Golden Planes, a desert region of Sauria. Few dinosaurs lived out there, so it was an ideal place to hide what the Scales' had been working on.
Within this base, a small cluster of ships was gathered. Under a dozen of them, as it seemed. This was an unusual sight for Sauria. While the stone walls surrounding the base looked medieval, the technology inside stood in sharp contrast with the advanced technology the base housed.
Scales had been using this site to house and work on the many new weapons given to the Sharpclaw's by their 'benefactor,' as Scales referred to him. He had been given the Sharpclaw access to his technology only a few months back, and it had taken time for him and the tribe to adjust to using it. But it certainly paid off, given how it had tilted the war in Scales' favor so quickly.
The rogue Cloudrunner, Revallos, had set down in the base, addressing the Sharpclaw officer who was awaiting him. He was a tall, green reptile, wearing plate armor. The Sharpclaw often gave only the tallest and mightiest their best armor, as this officer would attest.
"How was your visit to the Ice Mountain base?" The officer asked.
"Fine, the troops there were aware of the plan. Everything should be set." Cevallos replied.
"We might beg to differ. I got a report from the leader there, through our log range communication the leader had, that the camp was attacked and the prince freed." The officer spat.
"Don't look at me. I was just sent there to scout the area. Must have happened soon after I left."
"Well, that's a problem for the lieutenants to figure out. General Scales will see you shortly." The office announced before walking off.
Revallous could barely stand the Sharpclaw. Even before he joined, he had nothing but scorn for them. He, despite his betrayal, considered his species superior to these savages.
"Just a bit longer now, and revenge will be mine. If Scales keeps his word, I will finally be king, as I was always meant to be." He thought, remembering why he had bothered teaming up with the Sharp claws. Despite his low opinion of them, he recognized that the technology they had gotten ahold of recently had given them an edge against the other tribes. The war had been tipping in their favor. The promise for the power they offered was why he had joined them, to begin with. It was the valuable intel that Revallos could offer, as a former member of the royal family, that earned him the Sharpclaw's aid. He could offer that and valuable help in combat and knowledge of the rest of the tribes' secrets.
He used to have access to the Cloudrunner's scout network, being their most esteemed guild leader. The Scales' knew he would be foolish to turn down Revallos' aid. Yet, despite the influence he had gained in the Sharpclaws, his thoughts remained with his tribe.
He was once a proud member of the Cloudrunner tribe, having served as the royal guard captain. But times had changed. He chose to seek his brother's position for himself and was cast out for it. Not without cause, though. He was self-aware enough to recognize that. What he did was high treason, after all.
Yet, he still felt his ends justified the means. He had always felt a lust for power and craved it more than anything. Yet, at the same time, he believed he would be the best thing to happen to the tribe, as far as leadership could go. While he yearned for the title of king, he believed his actions could ultimately strengthen the tribe. Perhaps this was merely a justification that he told himself, however.
Revallos was the one who arranged for the king to be murdered. He had fed the Sharpclaw tribe info about a scouting party the king would be leading. A party Revallos took part of.
Scales ambushed the party, wanting to murder his hated rival personally. His desire for the king's blood was the only reason the Sharpclaw bothered listening to the traitorous Cloudrunner.
The ambush worked, and Revallos had returned to the tribe, feigning being the only survivor. Yet, when he arrived, he was seized and brought before Queen Safalli. She had been informed of Revallos' betrayal from a Sharpclaw spy who the tribe paid off. He was stripped of his rank and effectively made an unperson by the tribe, as well as being cast into exile. Kree was then promoted to captain in Revallos' place.
Many had argued that the queen should have executed the traitorous Cloudrunner, but Saffali was always one to show mercy. Though, in this case, it seemed to be cruel mercy.
He was an outcast, hated across the planet. A fitting punishment, perhaps.
Revallos shook his head, not sure why he had to reiterate his past to himself.
"Let's just get this over with."
Turning, he saw the General Scales had made his way towards his location.
"General, I see you've been busy."
"Of course, my plan is working well. While we may have lost the heirs, each of the enemy tribes' armies is scattered. Already, more ships are being completed and ready to be used in the field. Soon, my personal craft will be ready." He said, gesturing to a large, black ship. It was massive, befitting a creature of Scales' height (8 feet). This ship had four wings protruding from a central mass and a multitude of weapons to boot. It looked to be nearing completion.
"Soon, many of these will be flying over Sauria. But enough of the future, let us focus on the present. As you know, my ambush is set up for the rest of your pathetic tribe. Queen Safalli will fly right into it; she is nothing if not predictable." Scales sneered. "As promised, if you continue to follow my commands, you will be made king of your tribe, so long as you continue to benefit the Sharpclaw. I believe that if your tribe falls in line as you claim they will, you could prove valuable allies." Scales went on.
He had considered alliances for the weak and would have never made such an offer in the past. But after seeing how his alliance with the Red Eye tribe benefitted him, he reconsidered.
"Yes, you have been loud and clear, General. I merely ask that you spare my nieces and nephews, though. They will be of use to me in my reign over the tribe."
"If I see fit to spare them, maybe. Don't push your luck. Now, I have some business to attend to. Make sure this ambush goes as planned." Scales said, has he walked off.
Cevallos had nothing but contempt for the general. He was only a means to an end. The only reason the traitor even worked with Scales was that he knew how Scales rewarded those who served him well.
But, the last bit about his family had struck a nerve, deep within the Cloudrunner.
Though he hated Kree and Safalli, he could not help but hope Saffali's children would be spared any harm. He had not met most of them personally, as the younger ones had been born shortly after the king was murdered. Before that, Saffali's daughter Kyte was born about a few years prior. She was merely a toddler when Revallos betrayed the king. Revallos pondered his past again.
There had been a time when he almost felt content with his role. He had recalled Princess Kyte's birth and the joyous looks on the royal couple's faces that day. Revallos had been somewhat close to her in her early years. He had even taken the young princess out flying a few times. It was strange to think, for him at least, but Revallos had briefly felt a tinge of happiness during that time, for both being an uncle and for his brother, despite his own contempt.
But it had been fleeting at best. He still had those feelings of jealousy coursing through him. The lust for power he felt was unquenchable. The royal children were to be his heirs; he would mold them after himself and have them carry on his legacy. After what he had done, he did not believe that any other Cloudrunner would want to mate with him. They still shunned him and would likely continue to do so for a long time. Yet, he was sure he could win over some of the soldiers to do his bidding in time. They, too, believed in strength, and the new technology the Sharpclaw would offer them could aid them.
Still, though, a small part of him regretted what he had done.
When he saw the look of betrayal on his brother's face, the day he died, something in Revallos was shook. That look still haunted him. Yet, he was unsure why he regretted what he had done or what about the look haunted him. His decision had backfired, of course, but maybe there was something more to it. Did a small part of him care about his brother? Was it that he doubted his course of action? And what of his nieces and nephews? Why did he care so much for them? Was it love or attachment to them, beyond his intentions to use them as heirs? Did he even understand what love truly felt like? At times like this, Revallos wondered if there was anything to gain from this path.
The rogue then shook his head. "No. I will gain what I've always wanted through this path. The tribe will be made strong because of me. I've never let up on my vision before. And I must see it through," He reaffirmed to himself, pushing aside any feelings of remorse he might have felt.
He then looked skyward.
"Soon, Cloudrunner Fortress will be mine."
On the other side of camp, the general watched over the progress that was being made on the ships. His more intelligent tribe members seemed to be getting the hang of how to operate this new machinery.
His tribe had previously developed more primitive weapons and technology, such as the ballistic cannons that were being set up across Sauria, before they met Scales' "benefactor," as the general referred to him.
The tech this source had gifted the Sharpclaws had near-instantly turned the tide of the war in Scales' favor. It had taken months of planning and training before he and his lackeys got the hang of it, but it paid off.
The development of these ships was slow, however. They did not have the kinds of facilities that would normally produce such crafts and weapons. It had only been recently that any were even deployed.
By Scale's count, he had maybe within three dozen ships produced or nearing completion by this point, with most of those being troop transports. Long-range fighters were still in the prototype phase.
Regardless, the crafts would be deployed in the next stage of his campaign. It is only a matter of time.
Scales' couldn't help but crack a sadistic grin at the war machines he had at his disposal. After he had his moment, he opted to resume looking over his battle plans in his quarters, having only one final thought on the matter.
"It's amazing the kinds of gifts a Kamerian Dragon can bring."
(Meanwhile, in Thorntail Hollow)
The group had finally made it out of the tunnel, and we're coming out on the other side. The trip through the tunnel had been rather uneventful. Coming out of the stone passage, the group was elated to see the lush scenery of the Thorntail Hollow again.
Tricky did not attempt to hide his joy at seeing his mother again. The young Earthwalker appeared to be bouncing up and down as they exited the tunnel.
Krystal and Kyte, however, were a bit worried. When they last saw Queen Thera, she did not look well. They hoped the Thorntail elder might have been able to treat her wounds by now. But they were uncertain it would be so quick.
Krystal was about to say something to the prince when the group suddenly heard a loud call from across the hollow.
"That's my mom!" Tricky said, bounding off in the direction it came from.
"And off he goes," Fox said, rolling his eyes.
Krystal stepped forward and waved for the todd to follow her. "Come on; I know where he's heading."
Sprinting, the todd followed the vixen and young Cloudrunner through the hollow. They eventually came upon a stone structure carved into a cave. Stopping, Krystal turned back to the todd. "The queen was ill the last we saw of her. I should have said something to the prince sooner." She said.
"Look, maybe I can help her. Just take me to her and let me see what kind of shape she's in." Fox responded.
Nodding her head, Krystal lead the vulpine through the tunnel until they come upon the tribe leaders from before, along with the young prince.
Everyone in the group could only stare silently at the ill queen.
Kyte looked on at the royal family. So many other Cloudrunners might feel scorn for the Earthwalker queen due to their bad history, but Kyte felt nothing but pity and sadness. Both for the queen, who had greeted her gently, and the young prince.
The queen looked to be in worse shape than when Krystal had found her. She looked just as beaten as before, only now she was laying on her side, seemly unconscious. Her son was nuzzling her, making a whimpering sound. It was as if he was trying to get her to wake up.
Meanwhile, the Thorntail elder was looking at the royal family, a somber look on his face. It was as if he had just witnessed a death. He briefly glanced over at the group who had entered the room, his gaze telling them all they needed to know. He then turned his attention back to the prince.
"Young prince, I have been doing everything I could. But her condition has worsened." Bardon said solemnly.
Tricky glanced at him, a horrified look crossing his face. "What about the Earthwalker soldiers here? They know to bring White Grubtubs when one of our own falls ill. Why have they not brought any?" Tricky pressed, clearly going through a mixture of sadness and desperation.
"Young Prince, I sent them out to retrieve those when I brought her here. Your soldiers have only been able to find a few. I have been mixing them in with my medicine for days, but her wounds are deep. I have been treating them best I could, but I am worried she caught an infection from them." Bardon explained.
"We will need many of them, and fast." Tricky affirmed.
The Thorntail elder thought for a moment. "The only area I could think there might be enough nearby is the ancient well. But it is perilous down there."
Tricky then stood up from his mother's side. "If it means saving her, anything is worth it." He said before bolting off for the well. He completely ignored his acquittances as he passed by them.
Barton shook his head before addressing the group. "Princess Kyte, Krystal, I am pleased to see you here. Thank you for saving the prince. I only wish I could have greeted you under better circumstances." He then turned to Fox. "And who is this?"
Krystal was the one to respond. "He helped us save the prince. His name is Fox Mccloud; he seeks to aid the planet." Krystal said, figuring it better she explained the vulpine's presence.
Fox waved at him, surprised the vixen spoke in his stead. It occurred to him she was better acquainted with them, and they had to act quickly.
"I see. Well, thank you, outworlder." The elder responded before glancing at the queen. "I guess you heard what I told the prince. She needs help, but no one in my tribe can access the well. It has been here since my tribe first came to his hollow, but it was clearly not built for use by our kind. Regardless, it's the only environment I could think these types of Grubtubs would grow in."
Fox was the one who spoke. "Alright, just point us where to go. We've got no time to lose."
Bardon then explained to them the section of the hollow the well was located in. Nodding, the group bolted over there.
The well was situated in another corner of the hollow, just past the Thorntail Store. The trio found Tricky there, digging aggressively under the well wall. Fox was the one to pad over and grab his attention. Kneeling down and placing his hand on the Earthwalker, he got Tricky to stop digging.
"Tricky, it's dangerous down there. Let us retrieve the medicine she needs." He said.
"I need to help my mom; I won't just sit around and do nothing." The prince shot back.
"And you will be going back and assisting the elder." Fox countered before realizing a more empathetic approach would work.
"Look, Krystal, and I will retrieve the White Grubtubs from the well. You can't get down there anyway unless you are good at climbing. The elder is tending to her other wounds; bring him whatever he might need. These Grubtubs are not the only thing she requires." Fox rationed.
Tricky thought for a moment before nodding. "Ok, I'll do it."
Kyte then spoke up. "Krystal, let me help in the well. I can reach things you and Fox could not."
Krystal pondered for a moment, remembering the dangers the Thorntail warned of. But she rationed that Kyte could still be useful. They just had to be careful. "Ok, princess, but follow my lead. "
Kyte smiled and nodded.
Tricky then shot her a glance, as if about to retort but he backed out of it. Instead, he prepared to return the elder's cave. Before he did, he stopped and glanced at his new friends.
"Thank you." He said, before glancing at Kyte and adding:" All of you." And with that, he bolted back to his mother.
The trio quickly got to work. The foxes scaled the wall of the well, while Kyte flew in through the top of it. They climbed down the rocky wall before coming down to the bottom of the well.
The inside of the well seemed to be a large cave. Inside, many strange plants were growing within. Fox and Krystal were off-put by the weird plant life but quickly resumed their search for White Grubtubs.
Fox then spoke. "So what do these Grubtubs look like anyway?" He asked, not sure what he might be looking for.
Kyte spoke up. "They are a type of mushroom. As you can guess, they are white. We have to move fast to catch them as they hop around."
"Moving mushrooms. This world gets weirder by the second." Fox thought before scanning the room. He quickly spotted one in the corner of the cavern, rested under a torch. He tried to grab it by hand, but it hopped out of his grasp. Thinking fast, he killed it with his sword, then put it in his bag.
"Ok, one down. Anymore?"
"Think I see one over there." Krystal pointed over to another Grubtub near a wall. There seemed to be a strange plant on the wall, which looked a bit like a bud.
"That plant going to be any trouble?" Fox said, approaching with caution. Krystal and Kyte followed suit.
"Don't know, never seen it before. What do you think, Kyte?"
"I'm just as lost as you are. We don't see anything like it up in the mountains." Kyte said before eyeing the Grubtub.
As they got closer to it, Kyte suddenly hopped onto the ground.
"The Grubtub is asleep. Maybe I could sneak up on it." She said, slowly inching towards it.
Just as she got close, the weird pod suddenly opened, and a barbed tongue shot forward, aimed at the young Cloudrunner. Krystal, with the speed of lightning, grabbed the princess and pulled her out of the way.
Kyte was briefly shocked and breathed heavily for a few moments. No one in the group had expected the plant to do that; it mainly seemed harmless beforehand.
"Kyte, you ok?" Krystal asked her ward, a surge of protectiveness washing over her. She was just glad.
"Yeah, I am fine. Just caught off guard." Kyte said, regaining her bearings.
Fox looked on. "It seems to be carnivorous. Never seen a plant like that before." Fox noted.
"Never had plants like those where I am from. Stand back." Krystal said as she began freezing the plant solid with her staff before shattering it. There was no way she was letting her young ward get eaten by a plant. She then froze the Grubtub and picked it up.
"That's one down. Any more insight?"
"What about there?" Fox noted a group of the Grubtubs they were looking for, surrounded by a larger group of red mushrooms. Everyone in the trio had a gut feeling that those were bad news. Kyte, of course, already knew what those red mushrooms were.
"This one won't be easy. Those red mushrooms spew poisonous gas at anyone who passes." She said.
"But we need those Grubtubs for the queen," Fox interjected.
Kyte glanced at the mushroom pool before her, knowing what she had to do. "Let me do it; I am small and fast enough to retrieve the grub tubs.
"NO!" Krystal suddenly interjected. "Kyte, your tribe trusted me to keep you safe. I will not let you rush through a bunch of poisonous mushrooms like a fool."
Kyte glanced at her guardian. "Krystal, you will never be able to fit through those; neither will Fox. You have to trust me; I will be safe."
Krystal was hesitant but ultimately decided to trust the young Cloudrunner's judgment. She nodded and gave Kyte the go-ahead.
Mentally preparing herself, the young princess flew forward and navigated through the mushrooms, grabbing the White Grubtubs in her talons. She proved fast enough to evade the mushrooms as they began spewing gas. After she grabbed the last one, she quickly lifted it out of the mushroom patch and dropped them on the ground.
"See, I told you I could do it," Kyte said triumphally.
"I never doubted you could, Kyte. I just want to keep you safe. Very well done." The vixen responded.
"Great work, Kyte. But we need to move. The queen will need these." Fox said, directing them towards the exit.
"Right, I will fly what I can to the queen. See you there." And with that, Kyte began taking off with what Grubtubs she could carry. Fox and Krystal stuffed the rest in Fox's bag and began climbing back out of the well.
By the time they got out, they had noted the sun was finally setting. It had gotten late. Regardless, they still had to save the queen. Hurrying back to the cave, they found Tricky watching the elder, some new herbs by his side. Kyte had arrived before them and had given the White Grubtubs to the elder. Fox and Krystal followed suit.
Bardon then spoke. "Good, I believe this should be enough. Dip the Grubtubs in the medicine I prepared and then try to get her to eat them." He said, gesturing to a nearby wooden bowl. The two foxes did what the elder instructed. They then brought a few to the queen's mouth, trying to get her to chew.
After feeding all the White Grubtubs they had, Bardon spoke again. "Good, now give the medicine a bit of time to take effect. If it works as I intended, she should regain consciousness."
After several anxious minutes, the group noticed the regal Earthwalker stir. Her eyes then opened.
"Son?"
"Mom!"
Queen Thera quickly pulled in her son to nuzzle, an act that Tricky reciprocated. Everyone present smiled at the sight. Barton was particularly relieved after seeing the queen in such a miserable state for days on end.
After they were done, Thera turned her gaze to the vixen and her ward. "Thank you, Krystal, for saving my son and saving me. And you, Princess Kyte, for aiding her." Thera added.
She then noticed Fox. "Aw, a new outworlder. I take it you had a hand in this too?"
Fox nodded.
"Well, then know you have my eternal gratitude. All of you do." Thera added before turning to Bardon.
"Elder Bardon, your tribe has shown my soldiers and me such kindness these past few days. On behalf of my tribe, we are forever grateful for you and your kind's efforts."
"I am humbled, your grace. I was merely doing what any loyal subject would do. But I thank you in turn; your tribe has always been there for mine. It's the least we could do." Bardon responded.
Fox then interjected. "Ok, ok, that's enough of the thank yous. I appreciate it, but I have an urgent matter to discuss with you, your highness."
Thera then glanced at him. "What can I do for you?"
"I am on a mission to save this planet from destruction. The actions of that tyrant, Scales, have not gone unnoticed by forces outside of this world. I need any information you can give me about how to find the Spellstones and Krazoa Spirits. Krystal informed me about the situation already."
"After what you did for me, I will do anything I can to help. I've already promised such information to Krystal. Now listen to what I have to say." Queen Thera began.
"As you are aware, Sauria is rich in magical energy. The Spellstones were created a long time ago to keep this energy at bay. Four Gatekeepers were trained and given the power to keep these stones safe. They passed down their skills through the generations. Tracking them down would be key to finding the Spellstones. As for the Krazoa spirits, they have watched over the planet for a long time, maintaining its magical energy. If you place the Spellstones, the planet will be returned to normal, but we will still need the Krazoa returned to the palace. The flow of the planet's lifestream could go chaotic if not maintained." Thera explained.
She paused for a moment, pondering something before she went on. "And I know where one might be. A friend of mine, Gerunda Te, is the Snowhorn's gatekeeper. He is a silly fellow, but he would know what became of the Snowhorn Spellstone."
Fox, taking a minute to process how weird a lot of that sounded, eventually spoke back up. "Got it, find the Spellstones and Spirits, and save the world. And now I know where to start."
Krystal noted the word 'I' there instead of we. "Now hold on, Fox, you can't do this alone. We share the same goal. We both know we make a good team. I see no reason why we should not be doing this together. I've already pointed out as much to you." Krystal noted.
Fox looked unsure. She had made this point before, and he knew she could be trusted. His worry of endangering her seemed mostly unwarranted. Eventually, he caved in and realized she was right.
"Fair point, guess that makes two of us."
"Count me in, Krystal, and I worry already on an adventure anyways." Kyte chirped in.
Thera then got an idea. "You should make that four. I think my son should join you." Thera said, to her son's delight and Fox's horror.
"Ok. Um, lady, I am not a good babysitter. This mission will be very dangerous, I don't even know about bringing the princess."
"Tricky knows the planet well; I have taken him to many places. And I believe you will find he has many skills at his disposal. He will be an excellent guide." The queen insisted.
"Don't worry Fox, I promise I will be a great help. I promise." Tricky insisted.
Fox rolled his eyes and sighed. "Ok, ok. I suppose having a guide like you would help if you are as well-versed as she claims. But aren't you worried about the dangers we will face along the way?"
"I know you and Krystal can keep him safe. I can't accompany you myself; I am still too weak. But I have faith that my son can handle this adventure." Queen Thera replied.
"Alright, the more, the merrier," Krystal added.
She then glanced at Kyte. "We are going to need you and the Princess to get along."
Tricky and Kyte exchanged a glance, and both huffed. Kyte, on the cave floor, crossed her wings.
"Fine" Both said, almost in unison.
The queen then interjected. "Tricky, if we are to save our world, we must put aside our differences. I have said the same to your father as well, before the attack on our home. Only through cooperation can we overcome a greater foe." Thera finished, to which Tricky was silent. Yet his expression gave away that a part of him realized she might be right.
"Well, guess we are all a team then," Krystal noted with a smile
"Good, now I don't know about everyone else, but it's getting late. We all should get some rest for the night." Fox said, feeling the exhaustion the day had brought him.
"Very well, rest up and prepare well. I sense you have a long journey ahead of you." Bardon noted.
And with that, everyone made for their sleeping arraignments. Tricky stayed with his mother in the cave, as did Bardon. Krystal and Kyte went outside to find a place to sleep, Kyte not being comfortable around the Earthwalkers just yet.
Fox, meanwhile, returned to his Arwing. He had removed the blanket from Kyte while they were in the tunnel and got his flight jacket back from Krystal. He was wearing it again, having put his parka back in his bag. As he grabbed a sleeping bag from his ship's storage bay, something dawned on him.
He hadn't spoken to his team for most of the day. He then checked his commlink and realized that he had left it on mute for most of the day. He was so caught up in the adventure that he forgot to report in with his team.
He quickly switched on the comms, trying to contact Peppy. He knew he was in for it now.
"Uh, hello. Peppy, you read me?"
On the other end, he heard what sounds like a chair being knocked over, followed by what he guessed was a few options being knocked off a tabletop. Peppy must have been livid.
"Good lord, Fox! You were supposed to report back to me over half the day ago! Where have you been?!" Peppy's voice came from the other end. "We almost thought you were dead. I've been trying to reach you for hours." Peppy rambled on.
"I really screwed up this time."
"Uh, sorry, Peppy. I left my comms mute, trying to focus on the mission." Fox tried to reason.
Calming down, Peppy inquired about his day. "I trust you had a busy day."
"Yes, I don't even know where to begin."
Fox then recapped the events of the day to Peppy. After he had finished, he noted an audible silence on the hare's end. Finally, after a minute, he spoke.
"Well, that's nothing short of crazy: talking rocks, living mushrooms, and the like. And this Krystal you mentioned, she can read minds? This is a lot to take in, Fox."
"Yes, but we now know what we need to do to complete our mission. And now I even have assistance. All and all, now a bad deal."
"Sounds like she and you will make quite the pair." Peppy noted, in an ambiguous way."
"Peppy, if you are getting out what I think you are again, the answer is no. She is just an acquaintance."
"Whatever you say, Fox."
"Just keep working on those maps of Sauria. We could use them. And try to pull some more information about the world, if you can.
"Alright, Fox, will do. Well, I wish you the best of luck with the rest of the mission. I am clocking out for the night. I suggest you do the same. Peppy, out." Peppy said as he turned off his comms.
Fox then glanced over to the vixen, who stayed in a cave just further ahead in the hollow. Figuring he had nowhere better to sleep, he walked over to her.
When Fox got there, Krystal looked up at him. Kyte was asleep nearby, perched on a rock. Fox offered Krystal a sleeping mat, which she accepted.
"Thanks, Fox."
"No problem," Fox said, setting down his bag and gazing up at the night sky. The stars were all visible in the Saurian sky. While he was no stranger to seeing them up close, he still found them pretty. His thoughts then turned toward the vixen next to him. He had a few things he wished to ask her.
"Krystal, now that we are alone, I was hoping maybe I could ask you a few things about yourself… if that's ok, of course?" Fox asked, nervous given the vixen's hesitance earlier.
Krystal sighed but wanted to take the chance to open up a bit.
"Yes, I take it you want to know about where I come from?" She asks, to which the todd nodded.
"I want no secrets between us if we are to be a team." She began. "I am from a planet very far from here, on the very edge of the Lylat system, or at least it was. It was called Cerinia; have you ever heard of it?" She asked Fox.
"Yes, but I know very little. I know some people on Corneria were aware of it, but they made little attempt to get into contact. Not much was know about it to the rest of the galaxy."
"I am not surprised. We never were very involved in the affairs of the rest of Lylat. Anyways, the short of it is my world destroyed. How or why I don't know, only that the core suddenly went unstable. I have been drifting from planet to planet for months, chasing answers. The distress call I received from the Krazoa brought me here. I wish to spare this world the fate mine suffered, but I believe I may find the answers I seek along the way. "She finished.
"Wow, I am very sorry to hear that, Krystal. I am sorry to make you bring it up again." Fox said, looking remorseful.
"Don't be. It's good to get this off my chest finally."
"The only thing I know is that I heard about its destruction a few months back. The Cornerian government detected it, but the research team they sent couldn't pinpoint what the cause might have been. They know probably only as much as you do." Fox said, hoping that might be of any consolation. He then opted to ask her something else.
"If I may ask a bit more, what about your clothes?"
"My people wore tribal garments and robes as part of our ancient traditions. Despite this, we still had an advanced society and technology, as you have on Corneria." Krystal explained.
"It's how I know things like how to fly a ship or subjects you would have learned in school. But, unlike Corneria, we also practiced magic. It had been taught to us by the Krazoa a long time ago. We developed with their guidance and procured the means of constructing modern craft and firearms through a mixture of trading with a few planets and natural development. But most of us still preferred the magic weapons our ancestors left for us, which is why I wield this staff. As you saw, it can do a whole lot more than a blaster can." Krystal went on.
"Fair point, I wouldn't know mind a weapon like that myself. Though my blaster gets things done just fine too if the Cornerain military's code of conduct would allow me to bring it here." Fox grumbled.
"I can maybe look into upgrading your sword with some magic abilities if I find the right place in this world. There seem to be plenty of Krazoa related structures around. Maybe there are a few we could use to upgrade your weapons. " Krystal offered.
"If you get a chance, I will gladly accept," Fox said before he thought back to what she had said about her quest here.
After a few moments, he spoke again.
"Look, I wish I could offer you more answers to your homeworld, but I have none to give. But you have my word; I will do everything I can to assist you in finding the truth while we are here. It's the least I can do for the help you are giving me." Fox affirmed.
"Thank you, Fox. Now, that's enough heavy talk. Let's get some sleep." And with that, the vixen lay her head down on the sleeping mat, drifting off to sleep. Fox propped his head against his bag and unrolled his sleeping bag. Gazing up had the stars, he slowly drifted to sleep.
And I am done. I know I said I would try to keep it at a consistent length per chapter, but it always turns out longer than I intended whenever I write these. So I guess chapters lengths will continue to vary, depending on how long I feel each should be. Speaking of which, I went back and added more to the prologue, as I felt it would strengthen the story.
Sidenote: About the Sharpclaw technology, I want to explore how they have been adapting their tribe to this new technology, as I found it weird they never really made a big deal about the Sharpclaw having access to starfighters and such in the game (Like the ones in the Arwing sections and the ship that dropped Tricky off on the mountain. As well as drones and turrets.
And yes, as you probably guessed from me introducing the ships, there will be more Arwing action and other Star Fox-Esque stuff as this story goes on.