Here's a brief Q and A for this chapter
UltimateCCC: I admit it. I ship these two together right now. (Regardless of their species.) So, I might have them act cute with each other throughout the journey.
KRUSA1: As you wish.
PowerGuardRyan92: Thank you for the criticism. I may even give him that in this chapter. And I can assure you that it may look like it, but they are only going to be properly loving to each other later on in this story. Right now, they're just comrades with the similar goal.
Newcomer24: Don't worry about Krystal here. I won't make her like a harem girl in this, like x-game did. She'll merely be a companion to Fox that he'll eventually find love with.
Also to answer your question about why he needs a sword, it's like he said, the Sharpclaws could get close enough to him to knock his blaster out of his hands, which'll put him at a disadvantage. And he may be able to fight with his hands, but the scales, and the armor would probably protect them well, and make his fists useless. Plus, only the fire blast from the weapons, like the sword, can activate the panels. Not his blaster, as he has learned the hard way when he tried to open the door to the Queen, after his first fight against the Sharpclaws.
Finally, Disclaimer: The following is a fan-based story. Star Fox series is created and owned by Nintendo. And Dinosaur Planet is created and owned by Rareware Studios, and Nintendo. Please support the Official releases.
"Ah, welcome back to my zhtore. It's a delight that you're here again for more zhtuff to buy. What do you need this time?" The Shopkeeper asked, as Fox, and Krystal, was in the store again. Intending to buy a lantern from the Shopkeeper. Whom took a quick glance at Krystal, feeling surprised to see her again. But mainly focused on Fox.
"I'm here to buy a lantern. Because we're about to enter the well in ThornTail Hollow." Fox said, after telling the Shopkeeper that the blue Vixen was his companion. While Krystal looked on casually, like she met him before. It wouldn't surprise Fox if they indeed have met before.
"Oh, I have juzt a thing that you need." He said delighted as he floated over to a stand close to the wall, which had a glass container on it. "Thizh Firefly Lantern can hold up to ten Firefliezh inside. Perfect for lighting your way through even the darkest of plazhes, like cavezh, and abandoned homes, among others, and can be yours for Twenty Zhcarabs.
Fox was exasperated and annoyed at the price for what amounted to a glass jar. But he felt that he has a bit more than enough for it, and was reluctantly going to pay, when Krystal stopped him. "That's a price too high." She said, standing in front of the Storekeeper with her arms over her chest. "We demand that we pay fifteen. And not a Scarab more." She then said, before winking at Fox while Shabunga wasn't looking.
Which Fox agreed on, agreeing with the Vixen, and felt that this is the opportunity to save some Scarabs, as he affirmed her statement. "Fifteen Scarabs indeed."
Shabunga was outraged at her intervention, but was surprised at Fox backing up her proclamation, causing him to hesitate between holding out, or giving in. It was a moment of that, when he decided to make his choice. "Okay. I'll zhell it to you." He spoke.
Fox was delighted, as he got the lantern into his inventory after paying for it. Before Shabunga floated to him. "Would you like to buy some Firefliezh to go with that? They're only ten each for two."
"No thanks. I think we can hold off on those for now. But we'll get back to you on that if we need them." He said, while nonverbally praising Krystal for the intervention.
"Well, as you wish. But you know where to find me, if you need zhuch." Shabunga said, looking forward to seeing either him, or Krystal, again.
As he moved away from the stand, Krystal tapped him on the shoulder. "See anything else you might need?" She quietly asked, trying not to catch the shopkeeper's attention.
"None so far. Other than a map." He quietly responded. "You seem comfortable with working with me." He then said.
"You're a decent fellow so far. And you seem to be a heroic fox too." She responded.
"But we met just seconds ago. How were you able to come to that conclusion about me?" He asked confused.
"Let's just say that I'm good at reading folks." Krystal said confidently though unwilling to tell of her ability. Though she does plan to tell him of her telepathy, later on.
"Ah, then I think I could use your help, to see if a Dinosaur that we have yet to meet is a friend or foe in our journey. I'm glad to have your skill." Fox said, praising Krystal. Causing Krystal to smile at him.
"Why thank you Fox. If there's nothing we need, then let's go to the well." She said, following him through the shop, with him wondering what else they could take.
Which was only the map that he needed for the well, which he paid only five for. And nothing more.
"Okay. I think we're set. And if we aren't then we know where to go." He said with a smile, before they both exited the store, before heading to the well. Where on one side of it, there was a hole that was big enough for both of them if they crawled, and entered it one by one.
Before they could enter that though, Krystal stopped Fox for a bit. "Wait. Just one question. Where did you find my brother's sword?" She asked.
"Oh, I found it over there. In the center of where those trees are. Just in front of the large square door." Fox casually said, pointing at the spot where the trees, and the grass, were.
"You mean… just over there?" Krystal asked, feeling dumbfounded, and gob smacked if it was the case.
After Fox nodded, Krystal was facepalming out of exasperation, as she tried not to laugh at herself, and at how crazy, and all over the place, her luck seems to be. After all, if she were to have come here earlier, before Fox could've, she would likely have found her sword again. And so soon after losing it while on her way to the palace. Sure, there could've been some SharpClaws that could've been there too that could've found it, but she was sure that she'd kick their tails before they can run away, then take her sword back. Though she wonders how Fox could fare on this Planet before meeting him, if that was the case.
But she didn't dwell on it, as she thanked Fox for the help in getting her sword back. "Either way, thank you for retrieving the sword. As you know, it belongs to my brother. And he must have it when we reunite. But for now, it is mine too." She said, hugging him.
"N-No problem." Fox said to her, while blushing at the hug, especially when her chest pressed against his own. "If you don't mind me asking though, what is your brother's name?" He asked after she ended the hug.
Seeing that there could be no harm in telling Fox, Krystal decided to sate his curiosity. "His name is Sabre. And I humbly apologize that I took it from you, it's just that the sword belongs to him. And it must be returned to him, while nobody else should have it. At least, nobody that isn't those he trusts. Not including me." She said, bowing to him in gratitude, and as an apology.
"Apology accepted. And in that case, I'm sorry that I took the sword. It was the only melee weapon that I could find. My blaster's ammo is not unlimited after all. Although I could recharge it, but there could be bad times to do that on this journey." He said humbly. "And I apologize that we nearly fought. I thought you were on their side."
"Apology accepted." Krystal said with a polite smile. "And I understand why you chose to take it when you got here, since you might've needed it for defense. So, I forgive you for that too."
"You're welcome." Fox said, before they both proceeded to the hole, intending to enter the well through it.
Which they proceeded to do with Fox going first, before they were both now next to the ladder that led further downwards to the well. Which he took before Krystal exited the hole, and saw him slide down to the bottom of the ladder, where after dusting his hands off, he ended up looking around after getting off the ladder. "Oh crap."
"Where?! What's going on down there, Fox?" Krystal's voice sounded as she showed her face to him while looking around in concern.
Which had Fox confused at first, before remembering that if she's not from Lylat, then she isn't familiar with expressions that are common among his folks. "No, it's not what you think! Remember those big Red Grubtub Mushrooms in the Hollow, that shoots out powder if you get too-"
Krystal read his mind though and beat him to the punch. "So, what you're saying is, that you're surrounded by those Red GrubTubs that are all over the place down there?" She interrupted.
Fox gave her his confirmation, not minding the interruption since he knew that she knows what he was trying to say.
"And what you said was merely an expression of dismay, or a realization that something really, REALLY bad is about to happen, and not…"
"No, other than the dirt floor, it's clean down here! So go ahead and come down if you like!" He spoke to her.
"Okay!" Krystal said, before she slid down the ladder like he did, not worrying about the splinters since the handrails of the ladder was polished smooth by age. (While Fox looked away, so he won't risk a peek up her cloth as she slid down.) Once at the bottom, she, and Fox was now cautiously moving around the Red Grubtubs, with the latter remembering the effects the spores they give off, which is an experience that he does not want to go through again.
And he hopes that Krystal isn't going to go through it either, if she had suffered it before, or not. Which she hasn't, but she was told about it by the EarthWalkers. Which is why she too was cautious of them. (Even though they did make for a good delectable for her and her friends as soup.)
Soon, they came to an underground stream. Fox was about to move around it, when Krystal got him by the shoulder. "Wait, there's another pedestal nearby that can unseal another power in our weapons."
Fox was about to ask her why, when he started to see her staff, and sword giving off a green aura. With the same being said for his spear. And all of them glowed brighter when they got closer to the small island that was near the end of the stream. And Fox guessed that they would dim if they walked away from it.
"It must be here. But how can we get to it?" Krystal asked, focusing around for a way in.
Fox had an idea for that. "Let me try." He said, pulling out a Bomb Spore from his pack, before planting it on the ground of the island. And like back in the Hollow, it grew to its full size in seconds as he ran from it to a safe distance, with Krystal in tow, before aiming his blaster at it. Krystal looked between him, and then the Plant, before hunkering down behind him after quickly putting it together in her head, before he shot the Plant with his blaster.
Which opened up a hole in the ground that they both entered, putting them into another hall to a chamber. Which had a similar pedestal in the center of the room. Which they decided to use.
Or at least, they were going to use it, when Fox heard something. Like a whispering voice calling out to someone. Most of all, him. Causing him to turn to that direction, seeing that there was a doorway to another room, much to Krystal's confusion as she heard it too.
"What's over there?" She asked.
"Beats me. But what's the harm in going to it?" He said, jogging to another room with Krystal close behind him. Wondering what was drawing him to that place.
Once he entered the room through that doorway, he ended up noticing that there was another sword in the stone, waiting to be pulled out from it. Much to Krystal's surprise.
"Another sword? But how long was it there?" She asked, not expecting to see another one.
Fox didn't know. All he knew, was that the sword was likely waiting to be pulled out. And since he was used to swinging swords around, he feels that it might as well be him to do it. Even though he has his blaster, and the spear that Krystal gave him. But even though he would use the latter with no hesitation, he felt like he was better off with the sword as his weapon, since the spear is different in uses in combat to where he'd need to practice first, in order to use it right while fighting the Sharpclaws. While with the sword, he already swung one around before, and he knows how to use it well, remembering his kendo training.
So, he wrapped his fingers around the hilt, and pulled as hard as he can. "Wait! That sword may be like our weapons in that it chooses who can wield it! I don't think it's going to let-"
Right as Krystal continued, Fox was able to lift the sword out of the ground, much to her surprise as it caused her to cut her sentence off. Now she stared in amazement as she saw Fox holding the sword in his hands. Which looked like her brother's only that sword was a bright sapphire blue on the blade, while the hilt had purple gems.
And Fox was in awe at how the Sword seems to be letting him wield it. Like he was somehow meant to hold it during his fight against the Sharpclaws. At least, according to Krystal.
"Or… maybe it has decided that you're worthy." Krystal said stunned, disbelieving that Fox was able to wield the sword. But she was nonetheless proud that he was able to pull the sword out of the ground, for an outsider, that is.
Fox was also delighted at that. "If that is the case, then thank the stars, that I am." He said, feeling excited that he is going to use the sword, later on.
Right now, they had to unlock the powers in their weapons. (And Fox feels that he should unlock the first power in his own sword, after they leave the well.)
So, after Krystal got out of her stunned state, and after she praised Fox for being able to take the sword, they got back to the pedestal room, where they were now standing under the spire as they both held up their weapons up to the spire in the middle, while Krystal also held up her sword to it. Causing their weapons to get zapped, and filled with energy from the spire, like from the last chamber.
Soon, the weapons were now filled with the power from the spire. And he was now wondering what it was as he looked around at the sword, and spear, where he saw another button symbol being activated on them. Which had him wondering what power they both unlocked for their weapons.
Krystal was able to answer that though. "We've unlocked the rocket jump ability." She said with a smile. "That can allow us to jump to a higher place with the help of our weapons."
"So, in other words, these things can help us jump higher to an elevated height? Probably up to a building's roof, or higher?"
Krystal nodded. "Indeed Fox. So, this should be a useful power in case we need to ascend to a high place, and there is no ladder in the way."
Fox agreed with her, but he was also confused. "How did you know what that power was though? It's not like it can speak to you, right?" He then asked, wondering if the staff, and sword that she was holding was actually speaking to her. Which sounds ridiculous to think about, but on a planet like this, it was not that farfetched in comparison to the other stuff he saw on this planet.
"Well, not in what you're thinking. It's more like an intuition of sorts. Like you're understanding what it is doing, and how it works." She responded.
As much as Fox was frustrated and wishing that there were manuals for these weapons' magic, he knew that Krystal was becoming more useful, and helpful than he thought. And that had him admittedly feeling happy that he met her in the Hollow. (And not for the other reason that he hopes Krystal won't know or disapprove of.) "I'm glad that you're here to explain these things. I probably would've needed a dozen years to figure their powers out without your help. Which wouldn't have done this planet any good."
"Why thank you Fox." She said, smiling at him. Which had him blushing at the sight of her smile, finding her prettier whenever she does it, before he, and Krystal left the pedestal chamber, and got back into the well.
After that, they saw that there was a gate that was nearby the stream, after a moment of searching around. And they saw that there was a pressure button that was nearby. Much to their delight. Even though they wondered how it didn't rust since it was in the water.
So, Krystal stood on it, causing the gate to open. But when she, and Fox tried to get to the gate, it closed before they could even come closer. Much to their dismay.
"Oh great. It's another one of those pressure plates that needs to stay pressed to keep the gates, or other doors open." Fox said deadpan. Remembering having come across the one in Ice Mountain shortly after he and Tricky met.
Krystal was also disappointed at that, as she didn't think that they'd come across this, forcing her to stay here. "Well Fox, I guess I must stay here." She spoke disappointedly.
She was feeling some concern for him. After all, she just met him, and she wanted to get to know him more, as they travel. And she wished that they didn't have to separate in this well, so soon. And for a long period of time at that if the place that is past that gate is where they'll find the GrubTubs. Not to mention the dangers that he could face there too.
Fox initially agreed, but he had a sudden idea when he looked at the bridge on the second floor of the room that they were in. "I think I have an idea." He said, rushing to the path that he felt could lead to the second floor of the room that they were in.
Once he was on the second floor after some trekking, and using the rocket jump from his spear to get to the higher floor in the previous room, he was now running back into the same room where he was jogging to the bridge, where he saw a patch of soil in the middle of the bridge. Which had him smiling at that sight as he put another Bomb Spore in it.
Then it grew in seconds, before he ran to a safe distance, and pulled out the blaster, ready to shoot it next when he saw Krystal pointing her staff at it, having the same idea. Which had him wondering if he should do it, or if he should let her do it this time.
"You know, I guess you should try it this time!" He called to her, willing to share this opportunity with Krystal.
Whom smiled at him in delight. "Why thank you Fox." She said, before pressing the glyph on her staff, thus shooting the Bomb Spore with the fire blast.
Which caused its shockwaves to overstress the bridge arch in the middle, causing the middle part of the bridge to break off, and fall to the level below, where Krystal was.
Whom was already in position to push it by the time Fox dropped down to the lower level to push the block onto the switch. Whereas if by a nonverbal agreement, they both pushed the block together, using their combined strength in order to push the block onto the button.
With the gate now kept open by the stone for them both, they were now jogging past the gate, where they quickly came across a ThornTail that was resting inside the cave room. Much to their confusion as they asked each other why the ThornTail was down here. But neither of them had an answer.
Either way, Fox noticed another patch of soil under it, showing that it could be another place to plant the Bomb Spores. But first, he needed to move the ThornTail out of the way. So, he tried to wake it up.
Which didn't take too much trouble, as the ThornTail rose up. "For a dozen years alone I've been, thinking of entering the lower sanctum… without a lantern to light your way? You must be as mad as me!" He said, briefly standing on his hind legs. "Go and see Shabunga. He should have something to help."
"You mean, this thing?" He asked, showing the lantern to the ThornTail.
"Ahh, a lantern to light your way. Good… yes, very good… good, good excellent…" He said, walking away from the patch of soil.
Fox and Krystal were both confused, as they both had the same silent question about each other's thoughts about the mental stability of that dinosaur, before Fox decided to move on, as he proceeded to put down the Bomb Spore to have it grow. Before they both jogged away to a safe distance. Then they both proceeded to fire their weapons at the plant, making it blow up.
Which gave them access to what they feel is the lowest level of the well. Which they both entered together, with Krystal leading the way.
They soon were as deep as they hoped, seeing the roots poking out from the ceiling, which they believed was from the trees of ThornTail Hollow. They also noticed that it was a little more darker where they are, compared to where they were seconds ago. "It's a good thing we have that Lantern. It's pretty dark down here, and I'm sure that there's going to be more darker places for us to go to from here." She said in relief.
"I know. It's too bad that I only bought the map to this place, and not the Fireflies. I hope that we'll come across some of them here." He said hopefully.
Now they were looking around in the room they were in, when they saw something that was close by.
The good news was that it was the White GrubTub that they were looking for. Showing them that they were at the location where the GrubTub is. The bad news, however, was that it was close by one of the red ones.
Which had them both feeling some dread at what they may need to do, being that they need to catch the GrubTub before the red GrubTub starts to use its spores against them both in their attempts. But Krystal had an idea. "I'll stun the red one, while you grab the other one as it's dizzy."
Fox nodded, as he was now bracing himself for the dash once Krystal had her staff aimed at the red GrubTub. Once the fire blast was shot out, he ran to the white GrubTub, before stunning it, and grabbing it, before running fast away from the red one before it could recover. Soon, he was delighted that it worked as he put the white one in his inventory.
They soon continued onwards through the cave to look for the rest of the white ones, while continuing to avoid the red ones that was all over the place down here, while also noticing some rail fences that was made up of large wooden stake posts, likely to help them avoid any high drops to their doom. They also saw some paths that lead to complete darkness, which had them slightly dreading entering those paths when they saw some green glows in a room to their left. So they both ran to it.
That was when they saw their secondary objective. Being the Fireflies for the Lantern. Which was unlike the ones that he knows from Corneria, as the ones on this Planet is actually bioluminescent. And was burning brighter than the ones that he remembered putting in his hands when he was younger. Not to mention, they were also bigger, like they were as big as Fox's fist. And they were on the floor that was in the upper section of the lowermost cavern. They looked very useful as Fox was running towards them with Krystal by his side.
Especially since he also noticed that a white Grubtub was also there, making them both run to it too with the intent to grab it too. Soon, they both used the Rocket Jump from their weapons to get to that floor. Where they were now at the level where they are flying.
He proceeded to grab one, and stuff it in the jar. But the other two was too high for him. Thankfully, Krystal was able to use the rocket jump again to get to them, and scoop them up into her arms, before putting them in the jar too, after landing.
"There, they should be enough for now." Krystal said.
Fox agreed, seeing them glow brightly in the jar, making it as bright as a decent flashlight. Before they proceeded to grab the nearby white Grubtub, which was easy since there was no red ones nearby. Thus, easily getting the second one.
They both then came to the edge that was nearby, where they looked downwards, where they saw only darkness that was under them. But they noticed some white colors that was in the dark. They both knew that it had to be the white Grubtub. They just needed to find a way downwards.
So, they both went back the way they came, where they dashed forward, and found more Fireflies. But they also found some other creatures. And they looked unfriendly.
"Watch out Krystal! Those bats are probably mean!" He said, pointing his blaster at them. While Krystal pointed her staff at them too.
"But not as dangerous as the Firebats." She said, feeling that those things would be easy to take down as they tried to swoop in on them.
"Firebats? As in, bats that are literally on fire?" He asked, wondering if what Krystal had said was true as he shot one of them with his blaster.
She nodded. "They can withstand our attacks while on fire. Which means that they are stronger than these bats. Let's hope that we may have either water, or ice powers to unlock for these weapons before we meet them." She said, shooting her fire blast magic at them, while whacking the others with her staff.
Fox hoped the same thing, slightly dreading fighting those creatures, as they took care of the bats together, before collecting the Fireflies, then continuing onwards through the well for the rest of the white Grubtubs.
As they scoured the rest of the bottoms of the well, searching for the rest of the white GrubTubs that they could find, they found only minor dangers in the darkness, and the bats that also loitered the caves along with the red ones. Which, the white ones were bouncing towards, almost like they were like kids running back to their mothers. Either way, it was annoying for them to try to grab them while they were around the red GrubTubs that threatened to pour its spores on them.
But both Krystal, and Fox worked well together, until they were able to grab enough of them, which was up to ten.
Once they were sure that they got enough, and once they had the GrubTubs secured, they proceeded to leave the way they came in through the ladder, and was now on their way out of the well, and back to the surface.
Once they were on the surface, Fox gave Krystal the bag full of the GrubTubs, before running to the first pedestal room to add the Fire Blast power to his sword. While Krystal rushed to the chamber, where the Queen EarthWalker laid, with Kyte entering the room with her after seeing her coming.
"Do you have the Grubtubs? And where's Fox?" Kyte asked.
"Indeed. And he's back in the pedestal room that I visited, so he can add the Fire Blast to his new sword that he got." She replied, entering the room, where Tricky was still by his mom's side.
"You're back! Did you find them?" He asked, hopefully.
"Yes. We were able to find ten of them. Hopefully they're enough to heal her." She spoke.
"I hope so too." Tricky said worriedly, as Krystal was now feeding the Queen the white GrubTubs. Whom in her semi-conscious state, was able to eat them, and chew them up before swallowing. Once she ate them all, she was still.
"Are they working?" Tricky asked.
Krystal was putting her hand on the Queen's head, before sensing her health. Which had her smiling at Tricky. "Yes. Her health is now returning to normal. Now she just needs to rest in order to recover her strength."
Tricky, and Kyte were relieved to hear that, as Krystal was walking out of the grotto cave after telling Tricky where Fox was. Now she was outside, waiting for Fox, which didn't take too long, as he was now running to her after seeing her near the door. "Okay, my sword is all caught up in upgrades. How's the Queen?" He asked.
Krystal told him about the Queen's improvement in her health. Which relieved him to know that as he raised his fist in the air in victory. Then he heard that she needs her rest first, so Fox felt that this was a good time to wait and have a break, as Tricky keeps watch over his mother to see when she comes to. While Kyte also keeps on being lookout for any Sharpclaws that tries to sneak their way to the Queen.
"Okay. In the meantime, I should restock my supplies. Not to mention recharge my blaster." He spoke.
"And what about me? Can I tag along?" She asked.
Fox didn't refuse, especially if she helped too. "Why yeah… I guess you can come with me." He said, as since they didn't have a clear objective to accomplish, his nervousness from when he first met her, came back strong.
But that didn't stop him from setting up his camping ground. Where he had a fire going after gathering up some wood. Now he had some instant soup that he was now cooking, even though he was also ready to try some of the Dumbledang Pods to see how they taste.
While he also had his blaster being recharged, by using a mini hydroelectric generator, using a waterfall's currents to turn the waterwheel to give him the volts needed for recharging.
All while he was also resupplying himself on Bomb Spores, and Scarabs, which they used in their quest of retrieving the white GrubTubs. Fox blew up the Bomb Spore while waiting downwind, quickly finding an advantage to this plan as he quickly gathered a couple more before at least some of them got swept up in the current of the river. While, with Krystal's help, he lifted up the Boulders with his spear, while Krystal gathered up the Scarabs for his bag, which he did on a couple more boulders until his Scarab bag was full.
Despite it being hours since they last met, Fox and Krystal were quickly showing that they were becoming quite a team.
He was planning to unpack his tent just in case he needs to rest once it's nighttime. But so far, it was only shortly after midday, and he still had sunlight left for another trek until it becomes nighttime.
Right now though, he was now sitting around his campfire with Krystal, as they sat on their chairs side by side, as Fox was now ready with the Dumbledang Pods, feeling that now is the time to try them out, while planning to use his instant soup for his alternate meal, if he either doesn't like the taste of the Dumbledang Pod, or if they aren't edible for him, and can only be eaten by the dinosaurs.
"So you have to be from Corneria, right?" She asked, also trying out the Dumbledang Pod.
Fox nodded. "Indeed I am. But I wasn't born there. I was born on another planet known as Papetoon. But Corneria is my home." He replied. Still feeling himself melt on the inside at her accent, and her voice. "Where are you from by the way?"
"Cerinia." She replied. "Have you heard of it?" She then asked softly.
Fox shook his head. "What could that place be like?" He asked curiously.
"It was… beautiful. Wide open spaces, lush jungles, green meadows, hot yet pretty deserts, and even some sandy beaches with sparkling water that reflected the sun. And the cities were pretty too. You could probably expect seeing some similar looking ones in art. Plus, they were quite special."
"How special are they?" He asked.
"They… are able to move around on our land. They're basically villages, Castles, and cities, on wheels. And they're able to move, while fueled by magic. Our magic." She said, smiling at the memory. Though she was also sad.
Cities on wheels. Fox was reminded of a Steampunk movie that had that sort of world in it. Only by Krystal's description, it felt like it was a MagiTech world, and not a Steampunk. Judging by Krystal's clothes though, he wondered if it was an Aztec-esque world, or it was pretty medieval, and she just got the clothes she wore from the dinosaurs.
But then he remembered the use of the past tense that Krystal used just after his question. "Was? What happened to it?" He asked.
"It… it blew up. My home Planet is now just debris that… floats around the sun." She said sadly, trying not to cry as she curled herself up.
Much to Fox's concern as he tried to calm her. While feeling a little disappointed in himself for bringing up a painful memory. Especially since he should've seen it sooner after the past tense. "I'm sorry Krystal. I d-didn't… mean to bring it up. I didn't know." He said, concerned.
"It's okay, Fox. It's not your fault. There was no way you could've known beforehand. Don't be hard on yourself." She said reassuring him. "Besides, at least some of us made it out. Including Sabre, and my father."
"Father? Your father's alive?" He asked, surprised, and curious.
Krystal nodded. "I admit, he may not be my biological father, but I see him as such by adoption. His name is Randorn."
"Well, I'm delighted that you have your father, still. Along with your brother in Sabre. Is Sabre related to you? Or do you merely view him as such, despite no relations?" He asked.
"The latter. He's directly related to Randorn. I'm just his adopted sibling. But he too views me as like a sister, regardless of what I mentioned." Krystal said.
"Oh." Was Fox's reply, as he felt that he should stop here, before he probably brings up another painful memory. Like if her parents were slain, or something. "What are you doing now, since your world is destroyed?"
"To find answers. Those who led my planet to its destruction are dead too, but they sought some sort of result from that action. And I must know what it is they seek. And I hope that they do not profit from that atrocity. Because, whatever they want from my home, it cannot be anything good." She said seriously. "Not only that, but as we fled, I felt a presence of sorts. It was… dark. Evil… and twisted. It was reveling in the destruction of Cerinia. Afterwards, we took refuge on this planet for a few years, pretty much making this our new home. But I traveled the stars as a drifter, trying to find the trail that those folks left, which eventually led me back here. And now this planet is in the process of being torn apart. Which does beg the question. Could there be a connection to this planet's impending destruction, and to my own home planet's?" She asked, more herself than Fox.
All while he was surprised. Even after losing her home planet, which includes her people, her friends, and possibly everything she's ever known, she didn't fall to despair, or nihilism. Instead, she merely kept going, and remained optimistic, while being determined to find a reason behind her loss, not just for her revenge on those who caused it to happen, but mainly to ensure that it won't happen to everyone else. Fox felt that he had to admire that about her, along with her beauty.
Fox felt that he might not have that kind of resolve, or strength if he was in her shoes. As if Corneria was destroyed, and his friends dies, he could've been ruthlessly hunting down Andross across the Lylat System, and would've killed him by any means necessary, regardless of if he may die with his team. Sure he could try to better himself, especially with some help from his team, but he was sure that he would've been like a different person if that happened.
Or maybe, his resolve is greater than he thinks, and he just doesn't know it yet. Either way, he was relieved that it didn't happen to him. Even though he still felt sorry for Krystal, after hearing what happened to her.
While he also wondered what that presence was, that she heard about.
Any thoughts, and questions that he wanted to ask about that, was interrupted by Kyte, and Tricky's arrival. "Guys! Mommy is awake again! And she wants to talk to you both!" Tricky said.
Both Fox, and Krystal were now on their feet as they followed Tricky, and Kyte to the grotto where the Queen was. On the way there though, Fox had to tell Krystal something. "I'm sorry about what happened to you by the way. I hope that I can help you with something, if you're inclined to ask me. So if you are, then don't hesitate to do so, okay?"
Krystal smiled at what he said, seeing how nice, and kind he happens to be. "Thank you, Fox. You have no idea how glad I am to hear that."
"N-no problem. Now, since the Queen is awake, maybe she can shed some light on this situation that we're all in." He said, following Tricky to the grotto, with Krystal close behind.
Once inside, they both saw the Queen was now standing up, her breathing was less forced, and her eyes were showing more life in them, showing how much her health has improved. "Fox, Krystal, on the behalf of myself, and my son, I thank you both for your assistance." The Queen said.
Krystal bowed in acknowledgement. "Thank you, your majesty." Krystal said.
As did Fox, out of respect for her. While Kyte was nervously staring at her, seeing how strong she could be. Not to mention the fact that she was an EarthWalker.
Which, the Queen noticed. "Do not be afraid, young Kyte. You're safe here." She said, reassuring Kyte that she has no dislike, or hate towards her, regardless of the fact that she's a CloudRunner. Which relieved her as she was still standing on the floor.
"Now, with all due respect, can you tell us what's going on here?" He asked.
"Why of course." The Queen said, unbothered by the haste in Fox's question. "All this is the work of General Scales, and those of the SharpClaws that follows him. They always had ambitions to rule this world, but they haven't made enough of an effort to overthrow us until he came into power. Since he became the leader however, he and the SharpClaws became more ambitious to wrest all the power to themselves. And they were unwilling to negotiate peace with him in charge. At first, we all were able to defeat him, and hold him at bay, but now, he has grown stronger than last time, and has come to the Krazoa Palace, where he has defeated our guards. Regardless of their efforts, as well as the wizard's."
"I had an encounter with him on the way there. Before I came here after my visit there." Krystal said. "Do not worry, the Wizard is still alive, and is resting well. But Scales seems to be so ambitious for power, that he would do anything to grab it, no matter who gets in his way, be it an ally, or foe. But why did Scales go to that place?"
"And could it involve why this planet is like this?" Fox interjected.
"Indeed, for after he entered the Palace, he broke the seals that guards the force point temples." The Queen responded. "You see, the world is rife with a magical force. One that pushes outwards from the core of this planet. The force point temples were created by the Krazoa to extract and siphon the magical energy from deep within the core of the planet, in the places where it is most concentrated, and forged the SpellStones and placed them in those temples, so that the energy won't tear this planet apart. This energy is then transmitted across the world for us to use. Which includes both of you." She then explained.
"So those seals, they were supposed to keep the SpellStones safe, and isolated, so that no one can take them?" Fox asked.
"Yes. However, the means for breaking those seals to the force point temples are hidden in the Krazoa Palace. Scales tried to get in before, but we repelled him. Now though, he has succeeded, and he broke the seals, then took over those temples, and took those SpellStones, and removed them out of those temples, which is causing this catastrophe that is happening now, due to having nothing to contain this force." She explained.
"Okay. I get it now." He spoke. "So we must take back those SpellStones, and put them back in their appropriate force point temples, so that this planet will repair itself, thus, we would be saving this world. Sounds simple enough." He said, though he felt that in the future, it was going to be easier said than done, even though he has Krystal by his side.
All while Tricky was smiling at his mom. "See mom, I told you he's good!" He spoke.
Which had the Queen smiling down on him, with pride in her eyes. Then she looked back at Fox, and Krystal. "You both must take my son with you. He is the prince after all, and only the noble birthed dinosaurs can gain access to the SpellStones.
"What?!" Fox was a bit annoyed at that stipulation, since Tricky was a bit annoying to be with in his short amount of time that they were together. So, to have to protect him throughout his quest if he is going to get into more trouble later on, was something that he didn't anticipate. "Not to question your order, but don't you think that sending him with us could be a bad idea? After all, both of us are bound to find trouble throughout our journey, with plenty of fighting, hazards, SharpClaws that wants to kidnap him again, and even death!"
"I'm aware. And I understand your concern. But he knows this planet well enough already." She said evenly. "And I just know that he helped you on your progress in several areas, so he can prove himself useful again on your quest, alongside Kyte."
Fox admits, she does have a point about that, since he did help him find his way to Snowhorn Wastes, so he might've had more trouble in coming back to the Hollow if he either refused his help, or separated from him during their trek. "Okay. But still…"
"Come on, I wanna join you, Krystal, and Kyte! I'm sure it'll be fun!" He said, wanting to go. If so he can hang out with them more, especially with Kyte. Whom he started to have a crush on, regardless of her being a CloudRunner.
"His knowledge could prove valuable to us on this journey." Krystal interjected. "So, if he truly wants to help us, then I see no reason why not."
Fox decided to concede after that. "Okay, fine. I'll let you come. But try not to screw up bad enough to be a hinderance, or I'm sending you back to mommy."
Tricky was too excited to notice the warning as he was now by their side, ready to venture with him.
"Now that we're on this quest, where can we start?" Fox asked.
"Our spies has indicated that Scales was last seen on DarkIce Mines. To get there, you must have the permission of the Gatekeeper to go there. Thankfully, my friend is such, and his name is Garunda Te. A silly fellow, and a bit of a serious no nonsense character, but he can guide you to where the Spellstone is. You should head back to SnowHorn Wastes for him."
"Got it." Krystal said.
Fox though, had something to request. "I humbly request something from you, if it'll make this mission a bit easier."
"And what could that request be?" The Queen asked.
"I must have permission to use another one of my weapons, other than my blaster. Don't worry, it isn't a weapon that is explosive. Just one other weapon that has at least some more kick than my blaster. And can reach farther. And it's only one weapon that I would like to bring with me. It could make my job as his guardian easier." He spoke.
The Queen was pensive at that request. "Well, it would probably be a dangerous thing to do in letting you have such. But you have saved my life, as well as my sons… very well. Permission granted."
Fox was delighted to hear that, as he made sure not to celebrate so soon.
"Just remember this though. That weapon you plan to bring, is also going to follow the restrictions that I have set in place for your blaster. Any violations of those restrictions will mean that not only shall you never use it again, but you shall no longer use your blaster as well. Do I make myself clear?" The Queen said in a serious tone.
"Crystal." He spoke, not wanting to provoke the Queen's wrath.
"Yes?" Krystal asked in a joking sense. Which had Tricky, the Queen, and Kyte chuckling at that.
Fox was annoyed at that little pun, even though he found it funny too as he was turning to leave the grotto.
"Oh Fox! I almost forgot." She said, stopping Fox. "I think you'll need this." She then said, showing Fox a key. "The SharpClaws dropped it while attacking me. I feel that it may become useful for you."
Fox proceeded to thank her, before taking the key, then jogging his way out of the Grotto with Krystal, and her friends by his side, before going back to his camp not far from the Arwing.
Where he proceeded to open his coms with his friends. "Say Krystal, we may need some maps, particularly of DarkIce Mines, so can you go to the store, and buy some, while I speak with my teammates?"
Krystal nodded. And proceeded onwards to the store in ThornTail Hollow, leaving Fox to his devices as he contacted Slippy on the Great Fox. "Slippy. Can you read me?" He asked into his comm as Slippy's hologram appeared in front of him.
"Read you loud and clear. What's up?" He asked.
While little did he know, Krystal was listening in on the conversation, as she suddenly got curious about his conversation, causing her to delay her visit to Shabunga's shop until Fox's conversation is done.
"I'm doing fine. Listen Slippy, I was able to save the Queen, and was given a lead of where to go next. Also, I met an ally of mine, and she is trying to save this planet as well." Fox said.
"Really? Well that makes this mission interesting. And hopefully easier for you." Slippy said in relief. Then he caught the gender of the ally. "And you said that it's a she?" He said, beginning to teasingly smile.
"Don't push it Slippy, leader's orders. And also, I've been given permission to bring another weapon with me. So I would like for you to deliver me the rifle." He spoke.
Slippy was surprised about what he heard. He didn't think that the Queen could be generous enough to let Fox bring at least one more weapon with him through his journey. But it seemed that Fox talked her into it. "The Queen actually gave you permission? Nice. So you want the rifle that can be mid to long range? Or just the sniper?"
"The Former. Be sure to drop it into ThornTail Hollow, it's where I'm at. Also, let me talk to Peppy while you're at it." Fox responded.
"Okay. Putting you through now." He then said, showing Peppy's face on the hologram while he gets the rifle delivered through the drop pod.
"Hey Fox, Peppy here. How goes your mission?" He asked.
"It's going well enough. Nothing's going wrong, so far." He spoke. "How are things on your end?"
"It's quiet. Thank the stars that it is, so far." Peppy said in relief as he drank some tea. "Nothing made an attack on the Great Fox, no threats of any asteroids are coming for the ship due to our distance from the planet, and of course, no unexpected guests in Star Wolf, among others."
The news relieved Fox, as he hoped that nothing bad could happen to his team, during his mission on this Planet. "That's good. By the way, the PDA is doing fine too. Especially with the translation software."
"That's good news too. Now we won't have any issues with communication with those dinosaurs. Makes it easier to show them that you're not an enemy to them." Peppy said. "There's something else Fox, remember those fighters that you fought on your way to the Hollow? Well, we did some scanning on them, and we can confirm with confidence that they are in fact Venomian."
"So, it seems that those Venomian folks might've either became secret mercenaries for Scales, or auctioned them off to him? Either way isn't good news for this Planet." Fox said. "Have you sent the news to Pepper about them?"
"I have. We can expect a response from him later. For now, it seems that it's only those ships that are here, and none of those Venomian folks are down there, according to our scans. So, you only have the SharpClaws to worry about for now, and not any foe from Venom." Peppy said.
"Venom you say?" Krystal's voice sounded, which had Fox jumping at the sound, to then see that Krystal was now close by again, in arm's reach. And her eyes had an intense look on them, like she was about to snap.
Peppy was surprised too. But for a different reason. "Fox, who's this?"
After resigning himself to the fact that he cannot avoid this, Fox proceeded to introduce her. "Peppy, this is Krystal. She's an ally of mine, that is also saving this planet. Krystal, this is Peppy Hare. A teammate of mine, and a friend to my father. I'll tell you more later." Fox said.
"Hello… sir." She said, trying to get used to talking to a hologram that was near Fox. She wasn't able to sense him through the comm, but she was able to sense his presence out in space after doing some mental scans in space and noticing the Great Fox. And she was relieved that he too was a friendly soul.
"Hello, Krystal." He said politely. "If you don't mind me asking, why have you reacted like that, at the mention of Venom?"
"Because the agents from Venom, are the reason why my home no longer exists! They said that they were there to study our world, in the guise that they wanted to understand how our magic works! But they had more evil intentions, and I wish we had known of them sooner. Something went wrong with what they were trying to do, but it was too late when we found out." She sadly said on the last part.
Fox was relieved that none of her anger was aimed at him. Before he tried to put a hand on her shoulder in assurance. Which she accepted. All while Peppy was looking at her with sympathy in his eyes. "Sorry Krystal. I didn't mean to dig up any old wounds."
"It's not your fault sir. You hadn't known." She said assuredly. "At least I'm not the only one that has survived. I have my brother, and my father. And we are refugees here." She spoke.
"Well, ain't that a relief to know. After all, it is great to have surviving friends, and family members to survive with as well. Especially since they help with any survivor's guilt that we suffer from." Peppy said in relief.
Krystal didn't argue with that. As she was fond of Randorn, and Sabre. And both of them along with her other friends that were dinosaurs did help in her recovery from her survivor's guilt. And she felt that she could have a harder time in recovering if they died too.
"Why thank you for your words Peppy. I have hopes that I will be a great teammate for Fox, especially when I protect him well from the dangers of this planet, especially the SharpClaws." She responded.
"And we would like to let you know that we appreciate the gesture." Peppy said politely, while feeling that Krystal would make a good wife for Fox, once he's inclined for such, someday. "How did you two meet by the way?" He asked Fox.
"We just… nearly bumped into each other. And then we fought against some SharpClaws together, proving to me that she's not on their side. Then she proposed that we become a team. So, I accepted. And I admit, I'm relieved that I did, because she seems to have more knowledge of this planet then me, and knows what's going on. And she is quite good in combat. So, I think that our mission here benefits from her presence." Fox said.
"If that's the case, then I feel that our mission has gotten easier. If Venom is involved in something like this outside the Lylat System, then I feel that General Pepper would want to hear about this. I should tell him the information once we send another update to him." He spoke.
Then his face lit up. "Oh wait! I just remembered something to say too, Fox. I've got good news."
"What is it?" Fox asked curiously, seeing Peppy's face.
"I've just received word, that Miyu and Fay are coming back. They have officially rejoined Star Fox Team and are on their way to the Great Fox." Peppy said.
Fox was surprised to hear that from Peppy. He didn't think that Miyu, and Fay would return as he thought that they would be too busy with jobs back on Corneria. But apparently, they seem to have gotten done with them since they are returning. "That's unexpected. But that's great news." He said, delighted.
"Miyu and Fay?" Krystal asked.
"They were former members of my team, that we fought alongside our foes with. But they left the team after being hired to teach rookies back in the Cornerian flight academy." He told Krystal. "But it seems, that they have resigned?" He then asked Peppy.
"That's what I've heard from them. Now they're on their way to this planet, where they will come back to the Great Fox in preparation for deployment. So, once they are here, then don't hesitate to ask us, if things start to go pear shaped in a handbasket during your mission on the planet. Peppy out." He spoke.
Then as if on cue, a drop pod ended up dropping down from the sky, and landed not far from the camp, and the Arwing. Once it landed, Fox got to it before pulling out the rifle that he expected to get.
It looked like a sci-fi sniper rifle, which was a darker color, with a red colored scope, red stripes on the stock of the weapon, and red stripes underneath the barrel, which also had some red stripe patters on the top over the barrel, while also having a long purple stripe under the red pattern, and a purple color at the end of the barrel under the tip.
Yet the barrel is adjustable, extending to become an actual sniper rifle for long range, while being able to be shortened for mid-short range combat. Which he proceeded to test out, much to Krystal's awe.
"What is that?" She asked.
"It's my rifle that I was given as a gift from General Pepper. It is known as the Demon Rifle among pilots since its shots are devastating to them to where not even their ships can withstand it. And that's not getting into what could happen once my foes get hit in the head with this. And I know, that it's going to be a useful tool for me, especially against those SharpClaws." He said, feeling a bit excited to take it for a spin against them.
Krystal felt a little intimidated at the description of that rifle. Which had her feeling relieved that she isn't going to be a target for that thing anytime soon, or ever.
"It's too bad that it's going to need to be charged like my blaster. And at more frequent times considering its power. So hopefully, it won't lose all of it during combat. For now though, we should probably get ourselves a map for DarkIce Mines, and for the SnowHorn Wastes." Fox said, walking to the store. "And I feel, that I should leave the haggling to you. You seem like a good haggler after all."
Krystal grinned at him for that as they were entering the store together in preparation for their journey to SnowHorn Wastes, then DarkIce Mines.
And done.
Here's another chapter of this fic.
And to let you guys know, the rifle that Fox has near the end, is the demon sniper rifle from Star Fox Assault. An unlockable rifle that is said to be devastating to use. And now, Fox is going to use it against the SharpClaws. I saw it on another recently released trailer of Star Fox Adventures Reimagined by Esphiran.
Also, like with Ninjafoxshadow's fic, the two of them learning about each other will be a bit of a subplot as Krystal learns more about Fox later on, while Fox also learns more about her, Randorn, and Sabre during their journey. Which will start during their trek through the cave to SnowHorn Wastes in the next chapter.
Edit: Also, it seems that Miyu, and Fay are coming back to Star Fox Team. (In case people doesn't know, they were two characters that was part of the team in Star Fox 2. Unfortunately, they are not in Star Fox 64 for unknown reasons.) Which I forgot to add into this chapter. So sorry for the edit.
Finally, one more thing.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,
please give constructive criticism,
And do not forget to read and review,
and once again, I do not own Star Fox or Dinosaur Planet. They are created and owned by Nintendo, and Rareware Studios. Please support the Official releases.
Theodore the Poet signing off.