Here's a brief Q and A for this chapter
Space Marine Productions: Don't worry, I hope to get into more original territory, and go less verbatim with the original text, as the story goes on.
Newcomer24: I'll see what I can do once I get to CloudRunner Fortress and ensure she won't get KO'd and thrown into the dungeons.
UltimateCCC: I never thought of that about the Upgrade Chambers. Maybe I can have them do that too. Also, I feel that they are best friends. But I can see why you'd think that.
Owyn Ross: They will. They would be great partners too. Also, I'm aware of that, and I'll see if I can add those moves in this fic and have them include his sword.
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.
"I didn't think that you'd get these many maps for us. Especially more than I requested for." Fox said, looking stunned and a tiny bit annoyed as he walked out of the store, and was on the way to the same cave to SnowHorn Wastes that he exited out of, just before meeting Krystal, after retaking his blaster from the charger once it was fully charged. Which didn't take long since it wasn't fully depleted.
All while he looked over the maps that he added onto his PDA, which was the maps for the other areas on Sauria that he had yet to visit. Like Cape Claw, or Discovery Falls, or CloudRunner Fortress among others. All of which, Krystal bought, and haggled from Shabunga. Showing that she is, indeed, a better haggler than he could be, as they still had plenty of Scarabs left.
"Well, we were going to go to those places sometime in the future, probably for the other SpellStones, or Krazoa Spirits so I felt that I had to get those maps. That way, we won't be getting lost in those places, and so we won't have to revisit that store for them once the time comes." Krystal said evenly.
Fox couldn't argue with that as they walked, with Kyte, and Tricky by their sides. Which was after Tricky showed off his seemingly useful teleporting magic for her too, much to her confusion. Which wasn't given an answer since Tricky still refused to tell of his power. Which Fox didn't mind since it means neither of them will be carrying him around.
He may be a small EarthWalker after all, but he could be heavier than he looks. And he doubts that both of them individually, could lift him up.
Then he thought about Kyte. "By the way, when did you meet Krystal, before this journey?" He asked Kyte.
"She rescued me. General Scales captured me and had me held prisoner on his ship before Krystal came. Afterwards, after she freed me, we went to the Krazoa Palace together."
"And I'm guessing after that, you both decided to go to Thorntail Hollow together, where you were probably going to meet the EarthWalker Queen?" Fox asked.
"Actually, we were originally going to my home in the CloudRunner Fortress. But it is now among the pieces of this planet that is floating around it. So we went to her home to rest, before going here." Kyte responded somberly. Before getting determined. "Which is why, I hope that we'll be able to rescue my home from space, along with this Planet, once this journey ends."
"And we shall ensure, that we will end this journey in this Planet being saved. And with General Scales at the mercy of the Krazoas' judgement. As well as the judgement of all the other tribes." Krystal said, just as determined as Kyte is.
Which was echoed by Fox too. He doesn't plan on letting this Planet blow up as they went through the cave.
As they went through the cave to SnowHorn Wastes, Fox, and Krystal couldn't help but make conversation as they walked through the cave's path.
"So, what can you tell me about yourself?" Krystal asked.
"Well, I am a leader of Star Fox team. A team of pilots that my father used to lead. He used to be a Pilot for General Pepper's army of Corneria, but when mom died, he decided to create the aforementioned team himself, that the General would call for, when trouble starts to happen to the planet." Fox answered.
"A team of pilots that the Cornerian general would recruit? So they're like mercenaries?" Krystal asked.
"Well… technically yes, but we're not exactly as you think we are." Fox said, feeling uncomfortable about the comparison, due to feeling that his team could be made out to be bad guys. "Sure, we battle our enemies for money, but our loyalties mainly lie with the General, and Corneria. Even from when my father led the team, he kept a standing contract with him, and Corneria, so that when there was trouble coming, he would call my father, and his team, and send them after what, or who is causing it. Dad was a selfless heroic person, and he would willingly help others, unless there is too much danger in the mission, with no benefit for him or his team. The team also took side jobs, which consisted of escorts, and rooting out pirates in space, the usual. And he ensures he won't put himself, and his team into a conflict with Corneria."
"Oh, so they're more like a Knight's errant, than soldiers for hire?" Krystal then asked curiously.
"Yeah sure… let's go with that." Fox said. Feeling that there was no other title that could describe his father's team, and their relationship with Corneria. At least, without making them seem like bad mercenaries.
"Ah. That almost has a romantic tone to it" She said dreamily. "And you said that they are ace pilots? That must mean that they must be quite good teammates, and pilots." Krystal said with interest.
Fox couldn't help but smile. "Indeed they are. They are the best pilots that Corneria could ever ask for. Although one of them is admittedly not as good a pilot as us, but he makes up for it by being a great mechanic. And I lead them in my father's place."
Krystal was intrigued to hear about that. Even though she sensed Fox's somber emotions whenever his father comes up. Which made her feel like he might've lost him sometime in the past, much to her sad dismay. "Can you tell me more? Or would you rather save it for later?"
"The latter. Don't worry at the rate that we trust each other, it won't take long until I'm comfy enough to tell you." Fox responded.
"Okay." Krystal said, also not willing to pry on Fox's team, even if she could read his mind for that info, but she was unwilling to do that to a potential best friend in Fox.
"So instead, can you tell me a little more about your home? If you don't mind that is?" He asked.
Krystal smiled with a nod, nonverbally telling him yes. "Remember what I said about the Cerinian villages, cities, and castles on wheels? Well, I admit, I should've been more specific in talking about them. You see, they are capable of being on wheels, but it's mainly the village huts, and houses, among other things that are on wheels and treads. While the castles, and cities are more like the traditional cities, in that they stay in one place."
"So, they are like my home Planet's buildings in the Middle Ages, in that they are just stationary cities. Can they actually move too, though?" Fox asked.
Krystal nodded. "They can move, but it takes a lot of magic to make them move for long periods. And they require to be transformed into being compressed into one place, like putting them in a box so that they're able to move around, thus making them shorter, albeit with a lot of stone packed into them. And compared to the smaller huts, and houses, they're slow, and encumbering. So, they rarely are needed to move, and we only make them do so, if they're forced to be moved to another territory. But again, it rarely happens, so they're more like the traditional stationary castles of your world. And only the huts, and houses are on wheels."
Fox was fascinated at what he was told. Apparently, the moving homes, and cities were more different than he thought. "And could they be like the Ancient Civilization buildings, like the native peoples of my Home Planet? In that they're usually made out of stone?"
Again, Krystal nodded. "Not only that, but they also have patterns of marks on them, like the Krazoa Palaces of this Planet. How could I forget the art of those markings even from when I was younger than I am now?" She asked.
"They looked beautiful, weren't they." He spoke somberly.
"Indeed they were." She spoke, also somber.
"But changing the subject, what was Randorn and Sabre like?" Fox then quickly asked, trying to stop the conversation from turning somber, and awkward.
"Well, Randorn is a wizard. And a magically strong one at that. Regardless of how old he's getting; he's still got it, as he protected the Palace well whenever he's called in. But he is a nice soul as well, who protected me well when I was younger. As for Sabre, we are close like actual siblings. He is a stubborn spirit, and a bit of a temper, but he is truly a kind soul once you're his friend. Or if you're me." Krystal said, smiling.
Fox hoped that he will become friends with Sabre, once they end up meeting him during the journey. He also felt that Sabre reminds him of Falco at least a bit, considering how stubborn that blue pheasant can be.
For now, they continued to walk through the cave path. And then through the same water path that he and Tricky went through, except this time, with Krystal also swimming the same way that Fox did alongside Tricky, after reversing the flow back towards SnowHorn Wastes. After that, the way there was only just a few miles of walking.
As they were getting there though, Fox was thinking about something, concerning the name. "Okay. So, where we're going, is the Snowhorn Wastes, where we'll find the Chief. Hopefully he's alright despite how cold that place is. Wait a minute… cold? Snowhorn?" Fox thought. Wondering what they're missing.
Then it hit him. And he stopped Krystal from continuing onwards with his arm, while he barely stopped himself from raising his arm high enough to touch Krystal's chest when he stopped her. "Wait! Guys!" He said, stopping them.
"What is it Fox?" Tricky asked.
"Remember that we're going to the Snowhorn Wastes? Well let's just say that it's called that for a reason. And Krystal is a little… shall we say, not that well equipped for the occasion." Fox said, trying to note how underdressed Krystal was, concerning her loincloth, and gold cloth top that she wore, in a polite, and subtle way. Which she sensed, much to her amusement. "So, we might need to make another visit to the Shopkeeper for a coat." He then said, thinking about going back.
Krystal stopped him though. "No need. I already have such for an occasion like this." She spoke. Before she reached into her pouch that she had on her hip. Before she pulled out a silver furry parka coat that was inside. Even though considering how short the pouch was, it shouldn't be inside without making it bulge, and have no room for other items. But Fox felt that magic might've expanded the space inside.
"This was given to me as a gift from the SnowHorns. And before you ask, yes, it was made out of the fur of one of them." Krystal said, after pulling it out.
Fox was pretty surprised that she had a coat like that, and a little disturbed at what she mentioned as she was putting it on. "You mean, that coat is made out of one of their pelts?! That must've been a horrible way to go, being hunted for your pelt. That is, if he was hunted. Was he?"
Krystal shook her head. "He didn't die gruesomely, nor did anybody hunt for him. He was about to pass on of natural causes, so he told the others that he won't mind what happens to his pelt, as long as it benefits them or me. So, they were able to create this for me before cremating him, after his death, so that I will wear it for warmth, whenever I return to the Wastes. As long as he's at peace in knowing that I'm wearing it to keep warm, and alive then I don't mind." She said, as she was putting it on, which covered her body from the cold, and made herself look more modest. And it wasn't a thick coat, so her speed and mobility weren't slowed down even a little bit.
Which Fox felt, was relieving to see, since he didn't want her to freeze to death, just because they neglected to give her warmer, insulating clothing. Aftar all, her current garments were appealing to the eye, but Fox knew that in the colder places of the Planet, she's going to be quite cold because of them, to where she might as well be walking in the snow, naked. And she'd probably freeze sooner than later.
That, and he'd probably get distracted by her beauty, as they fight against the SharpClaws in the snow.
"Well, I hope to thank the friends of that SnowHorn for that gift to you." Fox said, delighted to see that Krystal has a coat, nonetheless.
Krystal smiled at him. "Thank you, Fox. But what about you? Don't you have some coats too?"
"I'll be sure to have my team deploy one to me, after we return to the Hollow. I'll bear with it for now." Fox said, confident that his clothing is going to insulate him enough to keep him warm long enough for them to find and free Garunda Te. At least compared to Krystal's clothing.
Krystal decided to take his word for it, before they continued onwards to the entrance of the SnowHorn Wastes. Where they were now in the snowy area of where they were, while Fox and Tricky noticed that the SharpClaw Guard was no longer there. It was like he was redeployed somewhere else. Or he mysteriously disappeared. Likely to get out of dodge, since his bosses might've found out about their deal. Either way, at least it meant that they won't meet again, if he'd end up going after Tricky, and Kyte.
Fox slightly shivered at the cold air of the Wastes, but he wasn't bothered enough to ask for a coat, as he continued onwards with Krystal towards the large wrought-iron gate that was set into a section of the cliff, which was reinforced with stone that was also held in place by the iron bars, that they immediately saw when they entered the Wastes. Then they saw that there was a keyhole that was on the gate.
"This must be the keyhole that this key might connect to." Fox said, as he got the key out of his pack. "It's worth a shot if it is." He then said, having some thoughts that this could be a wrong keyhole that the key might not go to.
Lo and behold, though, he inserted it into it, before seeing that the gate was now opening. Much to their relief, as they were happy to see that it was the right keyhole they used.
"I wonder why they brought it along when they chased the Queen to the Hollow?" Fox asked, feeling that one of the SharpClaws could've stayed behind to keep the key.
Krystal shrugged in response. Along with Tricky, and Kyte. "Beats me. But I suppose that the SharpClaws aren't known for their intelligence." Krystal spoke humorously. "In fact, I feel that the only smart one has to be Scales."
"If that's the case, then it may be no wonder why he rules that tribe. He must be surrounded by morons, thankfully for us." Kyte said.
Which was much to the group's amusement as they were chuckling at the last part. Especially Krystal and Tricky. "Ain't that the truth." Fox said with a grin. Before he was now using the key to unlock the gate. Which caused it to open up for them to pass through.
Once they were through the gateway, they were running in the area when they heard a deep voice. "Over here!" It said.
They looked around the wastes to find who was calling for them, until Krystal was looking to her left. "Over there! That must be the voice!" Krystal said, causing them to look there, and see a trunk poking out of the ice, which was in the frozen over pond that was up the hill a small distance away.
They quickly ran up the hill to the ice pond that trunk, while they were hoping that whoever was under the ice, wasn't drowning underwater.
Once they were near the trunk, Fox wiped off the snow off of the ice to see through the ice. Where he, and Krystal saw that a SnowHorn was under the ice. Whom, looked pretty different from the others in that he is pretty old, and haggard, yet strong looking. And he wore what looked like a metal cap to stick out from the other SnowHorns.
And he was thankfully, in a dry area underneath the ice. No water was to be seen. Much to their relief. Particularly Krystal's.
"Ah, thank goodness that I may have help. I thought I'd be a prisoner to these vile SharpClaws that imprisoned me in this infernal cave, forever." The SnowHorn said. "And I see that you're Krystal's ally?" He then asked, seeing Krystal's presence by his side.
"Yes, he's my friend. His name is Fox." Krystal replied.
"Fox, eh? Well, nice to see you." He spoke.
"Likewise? Are you Garunda Te?" Fox asked.
"Why of course I am. And I am glad that you are a friend of Krystal's. What brings you both here? Could you both free me?" He asked.
"We were looking for you, actually. And I suppose we should do that, first." Fox responded.
"Oh, how great to hear that. I don't think you need an explanation on why I'm here, and what you must do for me." He spoke.
"Lemmie guess. We have to free you?" Krystal said.
"You're quite correct, dear friend! But this ice is a bit strong, and I'm currently feeling weak and hungry! I need some Frostweeds in order to break myself out of the ice! Luckily, a tree that has those Frostweeds is nearby!" He spoke.
Both Vulpines looked around, and saw that there was a tree that had the Frostweeds that Garunda needed.
"Can't we use our weapons to chip away the ice, give you some room to free yourself?" Fox asked.
"I'm afraid it's going to take a while if that method is done. Besides, a regiment of SharpClaw is nearby, and they're going to stop at nothing to ensure that I remain here!" Garunda Te said.
As if on cue, before Krystal could say any words of encouragement, she sensed movement nearby. "Watch out! There's trouble coming!" Krystal warned, as a trio of SharpClaws stalked out from a cavern that was fortified. And they were soon bearing down on the group as they were taking up positions to try to attack the would-be rescuers of Garunda Te. They each happened to be violet colored SharpClaws that Fox faced before, making him believe that it's due to them being more tolerant of the cold, compared to the others. Either way, they were about to fight the Vulpines, and there was more that poured out of the cavern, trying to use their numbers to their advantage.
All of them quickly felt that the Frostweeds are their only option at this point, since they were about to fight the SharpClaws to free the Gatekeeper in Garunda Te.
"Kyte, Tricky, get the Frostweeds for us! We'll take them on!" Fox commanded.
Both Dinosaurs didn't need to be told twice, as Tricky ran to the tree, before ramming it to shake loose one of the Frostweeds, which fell to the ground by his feet. Now he was grabbing it, and quickly running back uphill towards the pond, where he would hand it to Garunda Te's trunk. While Kyte on the other hand, easily flew to the tree, to grab another Frostweed to hand to Garunda Te too.
All while Fox, and Krystal fought the SharpClaws to protect them both. The former of which, was hoping to put his Papetoonian martial arts to good use with the sword.
Fox met one of them with a stab from his own sword, quickly following up with a sword strike that was able to slit his throat, and make him fall back on the snow, dead. Another tried to avenge him, but he greeted the second one with a roundhouse, followed by a stab to the chest to finish him off without hesitation. Before he then pulled out his blaster, to shoot at more of the SharpClaws, before they could close in to meet him in battle. By the time they were close, he already pulled his sword out of the now vanished SharpClaw, before he was able to parry the first one's blow, and bash him with the hilt of his sword, before parrying another SharpClaw's mace strike, before stabbing him from under his jaws, then knocking the previous one unconscious with another blow from the sword hilt before finishing him off with a ground stab. Before pulling out his Demon Rifle to down a few more of them with shots to their heads when he noticed that they were at enough of a distance to put it to use. Which showed how superb his Rifle was, since it was piercing through their helmets like a hot needle through a warm butter stick.
And yet, there were more coming. "This Regiment is huge!" He spoke out loud.
Krystal on the other hand, was doing well too. Fighting flexibly with grace, regardless of the coat that she wore. As she already had a few SharpClaws already laying around in the snow like they were asleep before vanishing. She even had another kissing the ice and snow with a flurry of her staff strikes. Another came, but she swept her staff at its feet to trip him, before taking him down with a hard staff strike. Seeing some grunts in the distance, she launched a couple Fire Blasts at them. They weren't as powerful as Fox's rifle, but they still were enough to take a few out, especially once they get hit in their heads. Which she saw Fox doing the same with his Rifle, showing how dangerous it is. Much to her delight since it was her ally's weapon. She then flourished her staff at another SharpClaw that tried to tackle her, only for her to jab the blunt end up her staff into his gut, making him double over in pain, before whacking him upside his head, hard enough to knock him out. Then she flourished her staff at another enemy that tried to approach her, along with another enemy that tried to assist its ally, but Fox blasted him in the head with his rifle before it could assist, letting Krystal deal with only one of them, that she was able to take down before the others could interfere. "Thanks Fox!" She said, complimenting his assist.
"N-No problem!" He responded. Delighted to gain a compliment from the lovely blue Vixen.
Another SharpClaw tried to rush Krystal, trying to take advantage, but she sensed it coming. And swung her staff low in a sweeping motion to trip the SharpClaw before swinging her staff at his shoulderblades, ensuring that he's gonna fall onto the snow. Where Krystal finished him off with a blow to the head.
Meanwhile, Fox was briefly distracted by that display, but was quickly back in action when he saw nearby movement warning him that another SharpClaw was bearing down on him. Which had him quickly pulling his sword out, to parry a blow from the mace as he put the Rifle back on his back as he deflected another mace strike before striking back against the SharpClaw that tried to hit him with the mace, then blasted him with his blaster in the face. Another SharpClaw tried the same thing, but Fox was barely able to duck the swing to avoid what could have been a fractured skull for him, or his brain getting literally knocked out of his head. Before he struck back, slamming his blade into his neck, before shooting him between the eyes. Another one tried to swing at Fox again, but he dodged again, causing the SharpClaw to lose his balance since his mace was pretty heavy. Which left himself open for Fox to end up piercing his heart through the gap in the armor.
Both Vulpines were currently having the upper hand in the fight. But they knew that the Regiment that was pouring out of the cave could eventually overwhelm them with their numbers if this keeps up. They just hoped that they could hold them off long enough for Tricky, and Kyte to get enough of those Frostweeds to Garunda Te. Because at this rate, with more of the SharpClaws pouring out, they could eventually lose this fight, and they both knew it.
And since Fox had yet to get word that his other teammates was at the Great Fox, and ready to rain down an air strike on them, Fox felt that it could be it for them. "Krystal. Just in case we don't make it, I…"
A trumpeting, bellowing sound interrupted Fox before he could continue. Along with shattering of ice. Causing the Vulpines, and the SharpClaws to turn to see that Garunda Te was now stampeding out of the icy pond after breaking out of the ice, now regaining a measure of his full strength from the Frostweeds that both Kyte, and Tricky gave him, and now he was stampeding around against the SharpClaws. Each of which, were either crushed by his mighty feet, was sent flying by his swinging tusks and trunk, or was already retreating back to the cave or was running away to anywhere else but here, either in complete terror, or because they knew that trying to fight an angry rampaging SnowHorn, let alone the leader of the SnowHorns, is suicide.
Which was why the SharpClaws that was able to run away, just scrambled, and fled. Leaving the group alone, as the SnowHorn looked on in amusement, and pride in knowing that he's still got it. (Not to mention a little bit of disappointment.) Before he turned to those that helped him break free. "Ah, Prince Tricky of the EarthWalkers. And Princess Kyte of the CloudRunners. How wonderful to see you both." He said with a bow when he saw them first. Like it was a way that a fellow royal would greet another. Then he focused on Fox and Krystal. "And thank you both for assisting them in freeing me. What brought you all into looking for me?"
"Mom sent us to find you; since we need your permission to go to DarkIce Mines in order to find the SpellStone there." Tricky spoke.
"The SpellStone? Hmm…" Garunda Te was pensive about that. "As the Gatekeeper, it is my duty to guard the land that the SpellStone is forged. I am also the chief of the SnowHorns, and I have a responsibility to protect my people as well. However, General Scales of the SharpClaw tribe had besieged us all after taking the SpellStone, and learned that I was the Gatekeeper. And he gave us an ultimatum. 'Let us take the SpellStone to the sacred land so that I can take its power, or your tribe will be exterminated.' was what he said to me. I was determined to ensure that I will not risk the safety of the whole Planet, so I refused to concede, even though it would mean that I'd sacrifice my tribe, and maybe myself as well, in doing so. However, my daughter, Belina Te, didn't agree. And she used her own powers to open the way herself and give Scales access instead." Garunda somberly said on the last part as he looked down for a moment. "My daughter dishonored the other Gatekeepers, and me in doing so."
"She was trying to save her people. I just know that she didn't mean to do that." Kyte said, diplomatically. With Krystal in agreement.
"She's right. I don't think that it'd be a winnable fight, and I'm sure she knew that too, so I know that she had no choice." Krystal then said.
"Perhaps… you are right." Garunda said softly. Agreeing with her. "Regardless of her actions, I still love her. And I worry for her life. For even though Scales kept his word, and didn't choose to slaughter us, he instead enslaved my tribe. And forced them to work in the Mines. Which I admit, at least my tribe isn't extinct, so she did save the tribe, nonetheless. But nevertheless, you must find her, and free her, and all of my tribe from the Mines. And above all, find the SpellStone that Scales has taken, and return it to the Volcano Force Point temple." He spoke.
"Don't worry, we're way ahead of you on the first part." Fox said, assuring him.
"Thank you, kind sir." Garunda Te said appraisingly, while relief was shown in his eyes. "Now, I shall open up the gate for you. But you're going to need some form of air travel to get to DarkIce Mines." He then said. Before he inhaled, then exhaled out of his trunk, shooting out a bioluminescent trail out of his trunk, and into the sky, which opened up into a spiral-like portal that looked similar to black holes.
Which, had Fox shaking off the discomfort at the comparison to the latter, not wanting to let that anger on how his father disappeared interfere with his mission as he focused back onto Garunda Te. "Don't worry. We have a way there." Fox said, referring to his Arwing. Even though on reflection, he was starting to wonder if his Arwing could be able to hold four people inside. But he felt that he could think of something once he returned to it.
"Is that all?" He asked.
"Indeed. The path is now open." Garunda said in affirmation. "The success or failure of your mission in DarkIce Mines are now in your hands." Garunda spoke.
"Great! Is anyone now ready to go back to the Hollow?" Fox asked.
"We're ready to go, Fox." Krysal said with Kyte and Tricky in agreement. Before they were now returning to their unofficial hub area by going to the same cave that they exited out of, while Garunda Te walked out of the area that he was imprisoned in, to return to his tribespeople that was still in SnowHorn Wastes.
All of them were relieved that they were getting out of the frigid cold of the Wastes for now, particularly Fox and Krystal, as the latter was shedding off her coat on the way there, showing her scantily clad form again as she packed her coat in her pack. Much to Fox's delight at seeing her abbreviated clothed body again. But he didn't show it to her as he kept focus on heading back to ThornTail Hollow. Even though Krystal sensed that emotion from him, anyway. Which had her feeling flattered instead of dismayed at him. As she admits, she oddly finds it adorable about him. Especially since he didn't act upon his perverted thoughts due to how polite he is to her.
The group passed through the entire cavern without any incident, since there was still no sign of the guard that Fox bribed to pass through. So they made their way through the tunnels until they arrived at the Hollow. Where once at the edge that overlooked the Hollow, Tricky jumped down the ladder to the floor without trouble while Kyte simply flew down, before Krystal slid down the ladder, and made way for Fox to do the same. And now they were there, as Fox was now on his way to the Arwing.
"Since we're going to DarkIce Mines, I'm going to need some warm clothing." Fox said, with Krystal in agreement as she was prepared to put her coat back on once they get there. Before she decided to wander off with Tricky and Kyte, for any supplies they could need.
While Fox was now on his comm, opening a channel to the Great Fox. Which was soon picked up by Slippy, who was in charge of the comm for now. "Hey Slippy. How goes things up there."
"Safe, but slow." Slippy replied. "We've yet to run into anything bad in Space. Whether it'd be Venomian, a pirate, or one of the SharpClaws that is able to somehow go into space. But Miyu and Fay has yet to arrive to the Great Fox. So your air strike support is gonna have to wait. Let alone your additional companions on foot. If you need the latter, that is. But we'll tell you when they arrive."
Fox was relieved on the first part, even though he was dismayed at the last part. "That's too bad. But I hope they'll arrive sometime soon. But right now, I'm gonna need a thermal suit, since I'm certain that the next place that I'm going to go, is going to get cold."
"Okay. It's on its way in a moment, Fox." Slippy replied. Then he wondered something. "What about that blue Vixen that I heard about, though? Does she need another suit, because we have another one in here."
"No need. She has her own coat." Fox said, referring to the SnowHorn coat that she wore back in the SnowHorn Wastes.
"Ah, okay. I suppose it makes this mission easier to do without being distracted by how pretty your girlfriend is, then. By the way, you behaving yourself down there, Fox?" Slippy teasingly asked.
Which had Fox blushing at that. "Don't start, Slippy. Leader's orders. Besides, she's here because she shares our goals. And she is definitely pretty skilled in combat, and is knowledgeable of this planet. Besides, she's just a friend." He said, even if he hiddenly hoped that she'll be his girlfriend during the journey. "Besides, she told me that she's good at reading people. So if I had any perverted intentions, she'd know, and kick my butt to one of those pieces of the Planet."
"If that's the case, I hope she's relieved at how much of a gentleman you're being. But I agree, she is making this mission easier than expected. So hopefully it means that this mission won't get too dangerous because of it. But you have to admit, she could make a good member for our team." Slippy said.
"No arguments here, Slippy." Fox said, feeling that Slippy is right on the last part. But he felt that it has to be her choice to see if she would like to join his team, or not. He just hopes that she'll say yes, if he was inclined to ask her to join.
"Anyways, Miyu and Fay are still on their way to the Great Fox, so it shouldn't be a long wait. And even though we still have yet to get a message back from General Pepper, I just know that he is bound to have gotten it." Slippy said.
"Okay. Just be sure to let me know once we get the message from him. And once Miyu and Fay are back to the Great Fox, and once they are ready to assist us. Fox out." He said, ending the call. Before he was now waiting for a drop pod to be deployed to ThornTail Hollow, not too far from his Arwing.
Which didn't take long. As he soon had a drop pod that landed not far from the Arwing, and the previous drop pod that held the Demon Rifle that he got, before putting it to use. And now he was ready to put it to use again.
"What is that, that you got this time?" Krystal asked.
"A thermal suit. Which is basically a coat that I'm wearing once we get to DarkIce Mines." Fox said. "Have you got the supplies we need?"
"Yes. And I was able to get this." Krystal said, holding up what Fox could describe as a darkest brown rabbit with four ears on its head, and a white belly. "I know what this is. It's a Bafomdad."
"A baffombad? A baflomdad?" Fox tried to pronounce it correctly while confused. Much to his embarrassment as Krystal merely looked amused at him.
"A Bafomdad. It's basically a magical creature, that is able to heal us, once we find ourselves wounded enough to be close to death's door. But they are pretty rare. And hard to find. So we mustn't get reckless on this journey, and waste this one, or we'll be in trouble, next time we find ourselves in another dangerous situation." Krystal said.
Fox quickly nodded in agreement. "I'll keep it in mind." He said as he was now putting his coat in the Arwing's cockpit inventory, about to wear it once he gets to DarkIce Mines.
Now he was looking around, seeing Tricky, and Kyte together, talking while trying to grab the nearby Blue GrubTubs. Which Kyte was able to successfully grab, and give to Tricky. Much to his delight. Which did show how much they're getting along, regardless of their differences. Much to Krystal's delight and relief.
"Guys! We're ready to go!" Fox said.
Tricky quickly galloped to Fox's side with Kyte as they were all now at the Arwing. Where they all were wondering where they were going to have a seat as Fox tapped on his PDA to open the cockpit door, and the Bomb bay.
"I'll be in the driver's seat. Tricky will be in the bay, just behind the bomb bay where I can launch any bombs from my Arwing." Fox announced.
Tricky was looking a bit nervous as he approached the chute. "Fox? I-Is it safe?" He asked.
"Of course it is. Trust me, the chute is air tight when closed. You're not the only one that's been put inside there. It's a long story." Fox said. Remembering how he and his team was able to smuggle a crime informant out of a space station, during their post-Lylat Wars days. Which would be before Falco's exit from the team.
Tricky took his word for it, as he was cautiously entering the chute, which proceeded to close on him once he was safely inside the chute, and settling down. Which thankfully for him, wasn't where Fox stored any of the Smart Bombs that his Arwing would fire, while in space. Which is good, since Fox won't risk shooting Tricky out into Space by mistake.
"What about me though? Where can I sit?" Kyte asked.
"And me?" Krystal asked.
"You both can sit in the back. There should be room for you both once I get my seat pushed forward enough." He said, as he was tapping his PDA again, making the Pilot seat move forward to show an open space that could count as a seat for Krystal. "You can squeeze in there, and Kyte can sit on your lap. Unless you want to trade with Tricky." He sarcastically with a humorous smile.
"No thanks. I'd rather be in there with you. I enjoy your company after all." She said, humorously sensing his blush, and nervousness at her response alongside Kyte. Whom also felt amused at that. "So we're all set.
"I-Indeed." He said, trying not to let his nervousness show in his voice before waving a hand at his Arwing. "Ladies first?"
"Hehe. But of course. You're too kind." Krystal said, before vaulting up to the cockpit with Kyte still in her arms, before Fox entered it too, getting into his seat.
"How are you doing? Are you okay back there?" He asked Krystal once he closed his cockpit door.
"I'm comfortable enough." Krystal said, feeling that she still has some leg room.
"So am I." Kyte said, also feeling that she's comfy in Krystal's lap.
"How are you doing in there?!" Fox called to Tricky.
"It's dark in here! But I'm fine!" He called back, loud enough for them to hear that.
After they were sure that they were all set, Fox was now bringing the throttle up slowly, and was guiding the Arwing into the air. And soon, once he had enough distance from the ground, he aimed his Arwing's nose to the sky, then pushed the throttle, making the Arwing fly forwards, as it was now flying into the sky, now being swiftly unseen by the ThornTails that saw the Arwing's launch.
They were now on their way to get the first SpellStone. And to free the SnowHorns from the SharpClaws. Particularly Belina Te. Krystal just hoped that they won't be too late to save any of them once they get there. And she did hope that Sabre won't be among them.
And done.
Here's another new chapter of Star Fox Adventures from Dinosaur Planet. I hope you guys enjoy it.
And sorry that it was delayed, I hope that the wait would be worth it. And I hope that you guys don't mind the minor Retcon on what Krystal's home is really like.
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.