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.
Fox was in the Arwing with Krystal, Kyte, and Tricky as his passengers as they were now in space, on their way to the gateway towards the piece of the Planet that was in orbit around it and was in range. Which happened to be the DarkIce Mines. Where they would free the SnowHorns, and save the chief's daughter, while also getting the SpellStone back to the Fire Temple.
As they were ascending to space, Krystal held onto Kyte, while tightly holding onto the back of Fox's seat, trying not to get pushed back by the strong G-Forces of Fox putting his Arwing into gear as she saw the sky seeming to shift around them, only to feel little to none of it. Which confused her, as she planned to ask, but Fox imagined she would as he answered. "This Arwing is equipped with the G-Diffuser system that buffers the effects of high-gravity turns, and accelerations. They're part of what makes this ship flexible and so maneuverable, as it can pull off any acrobatic moves in the sky, and in space that would either shake any other ship apart, or risk causing the Pilot to pass out in doing them. Plus, there is also a reduced risk of any centrifugal forces that could crush us in the cockpit, or knock us around like a lightweight brick in a dryer."
The explanation fascinated both Kyte and Krystal as they both heard his explanation. "This Vessel is able to do all that? That's amazing."
"Thanks." Fox said, enjoying the praise for his Arwing. "It's what made this ship my favorite one to fly. Even if it lacks any other seat for you, or any other companion we've made."
"And maybe a seat for Sabre, if we unite?" Krystal asked.
"Yeah, that too." Fox said awkwardly. "I should probably ask my teammates for an extra Arwing that your brother could use, if he joins us on this journey. I hope to teach him well in how to fly one."
"Oh, no worries Fox, we have flown in space before, even before Cerinia's destruction. I'm certain that Sabre will know his way around your Arwing in a minute or two." She said, causing Fox to look at her in surprise. Which had her smiling humorously at him. "I feel that I've forgot to tell you, that though Cerinia may not be up to Corneria, or Lylat's technological levels, we did have spaceflight capabilities, along with some knowledge of physics. So I may dress, shall we say 'primitively' in your eyes, but I'm smarter than you believe."
"Oh. Sorry if you believe if I thought otherwise."
"No worries. There were others that made that mistake back in my days as a drifter. But they were convinced otherwise." Krystal said.
"Huh." Fox said, relieved that Krystal wasn't upset at him. "And how far have you drifted through the Galaxy? You ever been to Lylat?"
Krystal nodded. "Yes. And I did hear about the war that it went through. Though thankfully I did visit a planet or two inside the system, when it was over."
"So could that be the reason why you're able to speak our language fluently?" He asked.
Krystal nodded again. "Indeed. Among other languages, like the Saurian language that I also speak. Even if it isn't my native language either. I was taught well in languages courtesy of my father, among others. And, well let's just say that there were dialects that was taught in Cerinia, where a kind gesture in one tribe, could be taken as an insult in another. So, there were others like me that acted as translators between inter-tribal delegations, which gave me practice in learning new languages alongside Sabre and Randorn."
"Hmm. So you've been taught plenty of languages, that you also taught yourself. You're full of surprises." Fox said humorously as he flew.
"I'll take that as a compliment." She spoke, smiling.
Now Fox was simply flying through space as he headed through the debris that made a little field of asteroids, on his way to the vortex-like gateway.
As he flew the Arwing to there for a moment, Krystal had something to say.
"Also, just to let you know Fox, I admit that I was expecting someone else." Krystal said.
"Someone else? What do you mean?" He asked.
"I was told that I would have a companion on this journey, whom isn't Sabre, from my father. Whom predicted the future back in the Palace, before Kyte and I made our way to the Hollow. And I was aware that the distress signal was sent to another planet known as Corneria. So, I had some thoughts that I'd end up meeting up with this 'James' as my companion." Krystal responded.
"James?!" He asked in surprise. Knowing who Krystal could be referring to. "And how did you know of him?"
"Randorn told me of him, before this whole journey began. How he was a selfless Cornerian, who happened to be quite a great pilot. Who was also a nice soul. I'm guessing that he's your dad that you told me about, whom is the leader of your team?" Krystal asked.
Fox nodded. "Yes. He is my father."
Krystal wasn't surprised about that after what she heard about him. Only delighted. "Then it is nice that he is your father, considering that you're like him, in terms of being a kind soul as well. And even though I have yet to see how well you can fly, I'm confident that you could be a great pilot, like your father before you." She said appraisingly.
"Well… thanks." He said, blushing at her praise.
"No problem. Though if you don't mind me asking, where is he?" She asked.
"He's… he's gone." Fox spoke with melancholy in his tone.
Krystal was startled, and feeling his melancholy through her telepathy, she also felt sorry for him along with Kyte when she too started to notice his tone. "Gone?! As in, 'dead' gone? Or just 'vanished' gone?" Kyte asked.
Fox shrugged. "I… honestly don't know. It could be the former, since he was… said to have died as he and Peppy tried to escape from Venom when they got sent there to scout out what Andross was planning to do from there and report it to General Pepper. It's a long story." He said, quietly fuming on the last part.
"Oh dear. That must've been awful to hear that." Krystal said with sympathy for him. While feeling relieved that none of the rage that she felt, was being directed at her. Instead, it was directed at a certain pig.
"It was. As I never even got to say goodbye to him, nor tell him that I love him as a son when Peppy was able to escape and then tell me the bad news. And yet I think it's the latter too, since I remember seeing him when I've beaten Andross on Venom, when he led me out of Andross' fortress as it self-destructed. And now he must be out there, still, probably being a freelance pilot somewhere else, or waiting for me to find him, and take him back to Corneria, or the Great Fox, or both. Either way, if he is, then I hope to meet him again, and catch up with him on how I've been doing as the new leader of my team." Fox said, hoping that he could be right on the latter.
At hearing that, Krystal also held out hope that Fox's father could be alive as well. If so that she could see a father and son reuniting.
"But for now, you're saving this Planet with me. I'm sure that if he learns about this, he'd be quite proud to know of your heroism in saving Sauria with me." Krystal said with a smile.
"I sure think so too." Fox said with a smile, as he ended up agreeing with Krystal at what she said, feeling that she's right. His dad could be happy to know that he's still alive, and he could be even more proud to learn that Fox saved Dinosaur Planet before it could be destroyed. It did look peaceful after all. Plus, it'd be what a hero would do. And James could be happy that regardless of Fox's losses that could've traumatized him, or changed him into an angsty bastard, he still fights, and saves the world like a heroic person would.
Before they could continue their conversation, Fox ended up noticing that there were some hostile ships that was coming. And right when he was soon to be entering the vortex gate that led to DarkIce Mines. "Let's continue our talk later." Fox politely said.
He soon saw on his radar, that there were enemies that were coming his way. They weren't very numerical, and he knew that this isn't enough of a dangerous path that he's on, but he knew that it'll spell the doom of himself, and his Arwing if he isn't careful.
So he was focusing on the enemies in space as they tried to blast him during his flight through the large rock chunks, but he dodged around them without trouble, while shooting back at them, taking down a couple as a result of it.
Which did earn some praise from Krystal.
He also maneuvered around some asteroids, using them as cover from the return fire of the enemies in the field, ensuring not to have them shoot down his Arwing, if so that he can avoid his quest with Krystal from coming to a gruesome end.
Now he was shooting back at them, taking some of them down as he flew, while Krystal did help by telling Fox of where the next ships could be coming to attack. Which was the warnings that Fox appreciated having.
Not that they were necessary, as he remembered his little quote that his team continues to remind each other of, throughout their missions in the past, and shall continue to remind each other of that in the present and future.
So, he continued flying, taking down the enemy aircrafts as he maneuvered around the asteroids, causing some of them to crash into them in their attempts to give chase. All while he was on the lookout for more that could try to ambush them as they fly towards the gateway.
Which did leave him tense. But he was calm since he still remembered his instincts, and due to Krystal's presence. Now he continued to fly as he was coming across a few asteroids that was larger than the others floating in front of the gateway.
Which, knowing them, could be an obvious place for those enemies to hide behind in preparation for their ambush. So, he was prepared for them as he was ready to shoot them.
"Fox-"
"Hold on!" He said to Krystal, preparing his lasers for firing just when he's in the good enough spot for their ambush to be sprung. Which was a few moments until… "Now!" He told himself.
He then shot out a charged shot from his Arwing, while he also let loose a bunch of shots as well, at the direction of those asteroids, hoping that he was on the mark in knowing they were there. Initially, there was nothing, and he thought he was just coming to the wrong conclusion, until a squad of Venomian fighters were soon flying out from behind the asteroids, and flew right into the lasers, destroying four of the six leading fighters with the charged shot, before they too were shot down by the other lasers. Soon, the other fighters were engaging Fox and his Arwing in a losing effort. As they too were getting shot down as Fox maneuvered around them.
Not only that, but a few of them were panicking, judging by the erratic flying patterns. Which gave him an advantage in the dog fight as he was continuing to shoot them down as he maneuvered through and around the asteroids, downing a couple of the Venomian fighters until after a minute or two of fighting, none of them were left. Now the Arwing flew around the asteroid rocks as Fox knew he had a straight shot for the gateway. He turned around, to suddenly see Krystal looking on in shock and awe, alongside Kyte as they were slightly slack jawed.
"How… How in the world were you able to know they were there?" She asked.
"I didn't. I just followed my instincts. Those asteroid pieces looked like obvious places for their ambush to be sprung, so I let my instincts guide me. And it paid off well." He said, delighted that his instincts were on the mark. Which he enjoys when that happens, as he checked his scopes for any remaining foes as he spoke. "It's one of the things that I was told by my father, and by Peppy. From the very moment that I told him that I wanted to be a Pilot like him, too, he and Peppy always drilled this quote into my head. 'Never give up. Trust your instincts'."
Krystal ended up whispering the quote in thought as she laid back. Before making a quiet exhilarated laugh at it. "I got to remember to tell myself that, whenever I feel any doubt. You've been taught well by your folks."
"Thanks. And I'll be sure to remind you of that too, on some occasions, just so that you won't forget." Fox said.
"Thank you, Fox." Krystal said, appreciating the reminder as Fox was finished with the scanning over their surroundings, hoping that no one will be following them to the gateway.
Once he was sure they were free for now, they were soon crossing into the gateway. Where they looked like they were swallowed inside, as they passed through without much incident. Soon, they were in a different section in space that is beyond the asteroids.
And after some looking around, Krystal pointed out that they were now not far from one of the first sections of the Planet that floated in space. Which had some terrain features that were recognizable. "Over there! That must be DarkIce Mines."
Fox proceeded to steer the Arwing towards the chunk of the Planet as he was soon over the first of the floating sections of Sauria, which is the land of DarkIce Mines, where the first Spellstone must be. As he was scanning around for a place to land his Arwing. Which wasn't easy, as there wasn't much terrain that could be even enough for his Arwing to land without the risk of it sliding off any hills and end up breaking. Or would be in the territory of the SharpClaws that could ambush them, shortly after they exit the Arwing, and get their uniforms on.
Fox was able to find a spot that he could land in that is stable. Which was over a lava pit. He was reluctant to trust that the rocks over the pit could hold up his ship without sinking in, or shattering. But it was the only thing he could land on without much trouble. So he soon brought the Arwing down, and gently set it on the ground, easing the landing thrusters back smooth enough that none of them could feel the shift from powered flight, to standing on the ground.
Once the Canopy was unsealed and opening up, Fox soon got out of the Arwing with Krystal close behind, while Kyte was soon roosting on the Arwing.
And soon, Tricky was getting out of the ship's cargo chute after Fox used his PDA to open it. Feeling glad to be out of there, and soon to explore with Fox as he was looking around at their surroundings. "Well, good thing you didn't put on your suit when we got here." Tricky said.
Fox agreed alongside Krystal, feeling that they could've been much warmer than necessary if both he and Krystal put on their coats on the way to DarkIce Mines. "Thank goodness. I could've chosen another place, but those parking spaces were taken." He spoke deadpan. "Either way, we should get a move on. We could stew here at this rate."
"Right." The group said, following Fox.
They soon were carefully going over the narrow path that led out of the lava filled cavern that they were in, trying to keep on the path for obvious reasons as they didn't dare to look down into the lava that was under them, lest they could suffer from any fear of heights that could cause them to fall in. Even though none of them were scared of heights. But they knew one misstep could spell doom. Not only that, but the gasses in the lava occasionally launched some lava rocks in the air, and in their path, forcing them to dodge those projectiles whenever they see one coming at an inopportune moment.
Which did almost screw one of them, as near the end of the path that led to the snowy path, they each were running over the path when a lava rock suddenly busted through the path, shattering the section clean off of it. The good news was that none of the group was hit. The bad news was that Krystal stood near the section of the path that was broken, as the rock caused it to shatter under her feet. And soon, she was holding onto the section of the path that the group was on when they were able to get to the other side beforehand.
"WAAAHHH!" She said in horror as she fell when the rock came up, before holding onto the ledge that they were on. She didn't have much of a good grip on the ledge though, as she was soon starting to slip. Which meant that she was slipping down towards the lava, much to her terror as she was trying to dig her fingers into the dirt in hopes that she could have a grip to pull her up with, but it wasn't working.
Fortunately, Fox was soon at the edge, before being able to grab her hand as she felt them about to slip off of the edge of the path. Then he was able to pull her up, and onto the path on the side of the snowy path they were going towards. Now she was trying to catch her breath as she was relieved that she barely made it, despite the efforts of the lava rock.
"Thank you." She was able to breathe out to Fox, before hugging him in thanks.
Which had him blushing, feeling her breasts on him due to the hug. "No problem." He said, blushing. Which had her inwardly laughing at how adorably shy he was getting whenever they're close. She admits, she does like that about him.
After the hug, Fox was soon getting his head together. "Now we're at the snowy place. So this looks like a good time to put our coats to use." He said, hoping to avoid any teasing from any of the group.
Krystal agreed on that. As they were now putting on their gear, with Fox putting on his thermal suit that he took out of the inventory before exiting, which wasn't too much work to do so since it had a zipper, while Krystal re-suited up in her SnowHorn coat that modestly covered her abbreviated cloth clad body. Before they were on the move as they were now outside of the lava filled cavern, and soon looked at their surroundings, seeing the snow that blanketed everything, covering the ground in white, along with some entrances to some bunker-like buildings that looked like they led into cavern rooms. A few of which were covered with strong planks of wood, while one was covered in a thick sheet of ice, and one entrance was blocked by a thick mound of snow. There were a few SharpClaws that were on patrol, but they weren't too much to handle, should a fight come.
They also saw a few SnowHorns that also loitered the area. Which meant that they could be able to assist the party with finding the Spellstone. If they knew where it was. But right now, they needed help.
Fox and Krystal split up to cover more ground, as they were now ambushing the SharpClaw patrols that were separated. They were quiet in their trek through the snow as they sneaked up behind the patrols. Whom were oblivious to their impending surprise attacks. Which was why they paid the price, as they each got taken down, with Krystal ambushing the patrol with a flurry of staff strikes against them, while mixing in her kicks on a few of them while they were trying to get their bearings on her. While Fox also ambushed the other patrol with his sword strikes, as he was swinging at them while using his blaster on the third guy to off him as he was stabbing the second one after wounding the first one, before finishing him off.
Once they were dealt with, the Vulpine duo was searching in the area alongside their companions, looking for anything useful. Along with asking the SnowHorns about the area. One of which, was chained to a shackle, which looked like it was tightly chained around her forelegs, cutting off the blood circulation from her foot and keeping her standing in her current position for hours. She looked ready to fall, yet was alert, and looking relieved when she noticed the group coming to her.
"Can you help me get free?" She asked, sounding like she's being quiet instead of sounding tired. Likely since she was relieved that she's getting saved. "One of the sheds in this area should have the key to this shackle."
"We're on it." Fox said. Before they were now heading into the cavern shed that was near them, feeling that it could be the one with the key, after Tricky opened the path up with a crawl space for them to take. Once they were in, they were able to look around seeing that they were near a campfire that was not far from a wall banner showing a SharpClaw.
And not far from the fire, was another SharpClaw guard, who happened to be blocking the doorway into another room.
"Go away!" He growled out, using his large mass to block them. "Give scarabs, or go!"
Krystal quickly had her staff drawn, ready to fight him, but Fox stopped her. "Hold on. It could be easier to either distract the guard into moving aside enough for one of us to sneak past, or give him the scarabs if it'll have him move." He spoke quietly to her.
Though Krystal wanted to bring her fight to the guard to get to the key if it was there in the room, she knew that Fox may be right. After all, the guard could be mighty in combat judging by his rotund, yet strong looking physique, and his armor that could be tough. "Ok. How much scarabs does he take?"
Fox proceeded to ask the guard, whom told him that he'll take twenty-five scarabs. Just like the previous guard that he bribed, prior to meeting Krystal. How fortunate that he was able to gather a bunch of scarabs to where he had over the required amount by the time he made the trip to DarkIce Mines.
So, he proceeded to pay the guard. "Thanks. You pass. Just don't tell the boss."
"Oh don't worry, no one shall know. I'm as keen on keeping this secret as you are." Fox said, before he was let pass alongside Krystal, Kyte and Tricky.
Now they were in another room, where there what looked like an urn that had a port on one side that looked like a lock. Fox knew that a key might be needed, but he didn't know what key could be inserted into the lock, but he decided to experiment with the hilt of the spear he had. Which he inserted into it until he heard some clicks, showing him that it was working. So he continued to twist it around a bit until he heard the sound, then saw the top of the urn open up and fall away. After retracting his spear, he looked in to see a key that was similar in color to the iron that held the SnowHorn in place. He knew it had to be the key they're looking for.
So he got it, then was soon getting to the exit after passing the guard again, who seemed to be unfazed at seeing the EarthWalker, and CloudRunner with the Vulpines. Either way, he didn't cause trouble as the group got out through the same crawlspace as Fox kept his head down so as to not risk the sword's hilt from grazing against the snow pile they were crawling through, risking a cave in that could've buried them, until they were now outside. Where soon, they were inserting the key into the shackle. After some twists, they soon unlocked it to free the Snowhorn and get the circulation back into her legs.
"Ah. Thank you for releasing me." The SnowHorn said. "The shackle was uncomfortable to wear. Too tight for my feet, they were."
"No problem. We're happy to help." Fox said, with Krystal in agreement.
"If you plan on coming to the mines, then please, keep your eyes out for Garunda Te's daughter. She didn't mean to bring us into this mess by telling him about the SpellStone. Her bravery ensured that we won't be slaughtered to extinction by Scales' forces. She did what she thought was right." The SnowHorn said, begging him.
"We'll be sure to keep an eye out for her." Krystal replied. "I understand why she did so. But where can we go to get there from here?"
"There's a bridge up ahead that'll lead you guys there. If you're able to extend it." The SnowHorn said, before digging in the snow with her hindlegs, before reaching behind her with her trunk, then pulling out something from behind her hindleg. Which looked like a large cog that she gave to Fox. "I found it while I was working hours ago. It looked important so I hid it from the SharpClaws. Maybe it can help you both with the bridge."
"Thanks!" Fox said in delight. "This might be useful soon." He then pocketed the cog in his pack, before he and the group continued on ahead. Feeling the weight of the cog, he hoped he won't be carrying it for a long time.
Fox noticed that there was a pattern here, where the items, and gadgets that he'd gain would be used on nearby where he would gain them. He hoped that this pattern would keep on going as they continued on through the path until they were at the gorge, where Fox quickly saw a continuation of the path on the other side, and a slot where the bridge could be. Now he wondered where the cog could be put, and if it'd involve the bridge.
"Fox! Look below us!" She called to him as she was standing at the edge of their side of the gorge, looking down as she pointed down too. Which Fox echoed as he was able to look below them, seeing the flowing river below them. Which they knew would be very ice-cold to where they would feel the cold even as they wear their coats if they get soaked. They then saw that there was some ground above the water's surface, which looked like disconnected icy platforms that led to a section of land that was behind a waterfall. Which they could barely see behind the waterfall, as they also barely saw what looked like a bunch of gears on the wall. With one of them missing from the set.
Fox and Krystal quickly knew that where the gears were, could be where the Cog that they had, should go. So they were quickly climbing downwards, using hand and foot-holds in the rock surface, similar to a brick pattern, to descend onto the ice ground that they were able to stand on. Once they were on the bottom, they were soon running, and jumping their way to the other platform, then to the section of land where the gears were. Something that Fox was able to accomplish despite the encumbering weight of the cog he had in his backpack. Which did cause him to almost slip into the water, but he was able to keep on his feet, and on the ground as they made it to the section with the gears.
Once there, they were able to examine the workings of the bridge gears, where there was indeed one missing from the set. Instantly showing them where they can add the cog in Fox's inventory. So he got the cog out of his backpack, before putting it on the axle where the cog was.
They then saw a lever that was nearby. So Krystal tried to pull it down, but it wasn't budging. Even as she shifted her weight on it. "Fox? Can you help?" She asked.
Fox obliged, as he was soon holding the lever at a position a little lower on the handle than where she had, and on a three-count the two of them pulled down with all the force they could muster. This time their efforts were rewarded by it descending, then some clanking sounds as they saw the gears and cogs moving, then they heard a sound above their heads of something moving, and they both looked up to see the drawbridge extend out over the gap. Where they saw it getting inserted into the other slot of the cliff before setting still. Giving them a way to cross.
After they got back up to the edge of the gorge's side, and after thanking the SnowHorn for the Cog, they were soon crossing the bridge, and followed the path onwards towards where the caverns should be, when Krystal telepathically sensed something that was under them. "Fox! Watch out!" She called to him.
"What?!" He asked, getting back by her side when she saw her jumping back.
Which was a good thing that he did, as they suddenly got ambushed by a creature that popped out from the ground. Which looked like a carnivorous SharpClaw-like creature that was sticking out from the ground like a Bobbit worm. Which startled the vulpines, and even scared both Kyte and Tricky, but soon, both Krystal and Fox were fighting back against it. With Krystal whacking its head with her staff, while Fox was stabbing it on the other side with his sword. Before it fell down lifelessly on the ground from the assault, before fading into a light.
Now the group were catching their breath as they got their bearings back. "What was that thing?" Fox asked.
"It's a Snaplak. Creatures that are known to burrow themselves underground, awaiting for any prey to ambush as they pass by." Krystal said. "They may be scary, but their lack of mobility once they're on the surface makes them easy targets for our weapons since they only attack with bites, and slashes from their claws. But we must ensure we finish them off once they're on the surface, otherwise once they retreat back underground, they're bound to ambush us again."
"And that'd be devastating if they have a good opportunity to do so." Fox said. "How did you sense that thing coming? Was there some vibrations from the ground that gave you a sign?"
"You can say that." Krystal replied. Feeling like telling him of her telepathy later. Probably soon.
Once they were on the move again, Krystal suddenly felt something in her mind that caused her to stop. She felt that somewhere, someone was getting hurt. Before she took off at full speed, much to Fox's confusion at what she did. Before following her with Kyte and Tricky close behind.
Krystal then ran a little distance away, where she then saw that there was a SnowHorn that was getting beaten by a few SharpClaws, three of them at that, as he laid there, too exhausted to fight back. Just the sight left her feeling livid at the sight, as she felt fury moving through her body. She hated torture with a burning passion that is stronger than General Scales, or any strongest creature of this Planet. Soon, she charged at the Sharpclaws with reckless abandon, not caring that she faced three-on-one odds; as she did fight more SharpClaws before, prior to this journey, and emerged victorious.
She soon whacked one on his head with all her might, harder than before, leaving his skull cracked in the surprise attack as the SharpClaw collapsed to the ground. Then she dealt another blow in a quick fashion to his back to prevent him from getting back up. The other two SharpClaw soon stopped their abuse of the SnowHorn, before they ran to her to fight back, but she responded with a few Fire blasts from her Staff to slow them down, before she dashed to them to assault the nearer soldier. He blocked her first blow with his mace, but the force of that strike knocked him off balance and allowed her to pivot her staff around its center of mass and sweep it down low, smashing it across his legs, leaving him falling to the ground in pain at his broken leg, before being silenced with another staff strike to his head.
Turning to the third soldier, she saw that he tried to take advantage of her distraction with a headbutt. Which he unfortunately succeeded as the SharpClaw was able to knock her into the snowy ground. But she was quick to rise up with a backflip before the soldier tried to swing his mace at her. Before she was able to guard against another swing. Before she was able to knock the mace strike aside as the SharpClaw looked into her eyes, wondering if he was seeing them glow white a bit, before she quickly struck the SharpClaw in the head, then striking it in the neck to break it after moving to his left. Taking it out as it was soon also fading away in a bright light with the other SharpClaws.
Fox saw the whole combat after he rounded the corner, and it had him in awe in seeing Krystal fighting with a fury that left him astounded. She didn't give any warning to them, no battle cry to announce her presence, she just simply initiated a fight by taking one of them down in a quick fashion, without much of a word. "Wow. Remind me not to make you angry." He spoke, slightly intimidated.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure that you won't." She replied after calming down after a moment. Just to reassure him that she won't hurt him too. "Knowing you, you'd know better than to hurt someone else."
"My deepest gratitude, miss." The SnowHorn said. Interjecting into their conversation. "I am in your debt."
"No thanks' are necessary." Krystal replied. "I refuse to stand aside and allow them to torture you for kicks. How are you feeling?"
"I'm quite exhausted. But alright now that you've come. Even if I wish to help if I wasn't so tired." He replied. "Still, I owe you my life. I just hope to recover soon."
"I'm sure that you will." Kyte softly said as she was roosting on the nearby scaffold, that they could use, to be able to ride on the SnowHorn's back. While Tricky stood near Fox.
"My word, is that the Princess of the CloudRunners?" The SnowHorn asked, turning to where Kyte spoke. Then turned to Tricky. "And I see that the EarthWalker is here too." He then said, with delight. "Has either of you been able to perfect your Flame technique?"
"Flame technique?" Both Fox and Krystal asked in surprise as they looked at Kyte and Tricky. As they were both looking mildly embarrassed.
"N-nope. Not really?" They both said in unison. Then blushed after knowing who spoke at the same time.
"What is this 'Flame' technique?" Fox asked.
"Certain Dinosaurs… have the ability to breathe out fire." Kyte spoke.
"But dad told me not to practice unless he was there to supervise. That way, I won't lose control of my technique, and end up hurting someone, or burn down a building." Tricky said.
"Same could be said about mummy." Kyte said.
"And with dad being captured and all, I've never had the time to practice recently." Tricky then said. "Could the same be said about you?" He then asked Kyte.
Who nodded in confirmation. Nevertheless both Krystal and the SnowHorn begged to differ. "Nevertheless, I'm sure that both of you can do it. You just need to have faith in yourselves." Krystal said.
"A-Are you sure, Krystal?" Kyte asked, feeling a little timid, as was Tricky. Who was initially skittish too.
"Go on, young ones. Try it." The SnowHorn said, encouragingly.
"I say, go for it. You'll never know unless you try." Fox said, curious and keen on seeing the Flame technique in action.
"Okay. Here goes." Kyte then said, before flying off the scaffold and onto the nearby fence, hoping not to hit Fox, Krystal or Tricky. Before taking a deep breath. Remembering all the lessons that she was taught by her mom and her friends, she focused her mind and then exhaled…
And blew a plume of fire in front of her, which singed a tree that was next to the fence she roosted on. Much to her pleasant surprise.
As well as Tricky's surprise. Before he decided to do the same after getting over it. He soon took a deep breath, then remembering the lessons that he was taught by his dad, he too focused his mind, then exhaled…
And another plume of fire was breathed out of his mouth, melting the snow all the way down to the permafrosted soil.
Now he was surprised, as the group were applauding him, and Kyte on their execution. "WOO! Way to go, guys!" Fox said, cheering them. He didn't think that he'd see a Dinosaur breathing fire like a dragon would, but he wasn't surprised since it was obviously magic that could be involved.
While Krystal was also cheering, even if she was more controlled. "I know you both could do it!"
While both Tricky and Kyte were glowing at their praise, feeling pleasantly surprised at what they were able to do. Before they both bowed to them in acknowledgement of their praise. As of now, they were feeling more confident than they used to be.
Soon, Fox was back to facing the SnowHorn. "We need to go to the Mines for the SpellStone. Do you know where it is?"
"The gates ahead of us blocks our path." He said, pointing his trunk at the gates ahead that he mentioned. "I can get you guys there, if I have an Alpine Root to regain my strength. Too bad they're in sheltered areas blocked by ice." He spoke before resting his head, likely to rest himself.
"Sheltered. In ice? I think I know where to put the Flames to use." Fox said in delight. "Wasn't there some places that were blocked by ice?"
"Why yes. There were." Krystal said, knowing what Fox was thinking through her telepathy. "Kyte. Tricky. Can you get us past those ice barriers?"
"You can count on us!" Kyte confidently said with Tricky in full agreement.
The group were soon running back to the first section of the snowy area, back across the bridge, ensuring not to lose sight of each other, particularly Tricky and Kyte as they were now at the shed that had the barrier of ice that blocked it. Which they proceeded to blow fire on together, at the sign that Krystal and Fox gave them both. Initially, nothing happened, until the ice barrier soon cracked at the drastic temperature change, and soon, the whole sheet collapsed from the mouth of the doorway.
Which gave them an entrance, as the group were now running inside as they entered the tunnel that happened to be inside the nearby cliff. Where once inside the room of the Tunnel, they were looking for the Alpine Root. Where they saw that the floor inside was slippery with ice, and there was a small pile of sticks and logs near one side of the cave. Beneath the ice, Fox thought he could see an Alpine Root that could be inside some sort of chamber under the ice, but how could he get it out? Tricky and Kyte might not have enough strength to keep up the fire attack long enough for the icy floor to shatter. And repeated uses could leave them exhausted afterwards.
Which was when, looking at the stick piles, Krystal had an idea. "Fox, we should light up those piles into campfires. Maybe they could warm up this room enough to melt the icy floor and give us a way to the root." She said.
"Good idea." He said, feeling that there could be no other way. So he arranged a few piles to where they were on each side around the middle like a triangle, then on Fox's command, Tricky and Kyte soon breathed their fires on the stick piles one by one until they were all lit. Now the room was starting to warm up. And though initially, the ice was holding up well, they knew it won't be long until the ice floor shatters in the middle, giving them a way down.
As the fires glowed, Krystal joined the group by the campfires, feeling the warmth in the room emanating into her coat. Which did leave her feeling warmed up as she and Fox were soon staring at each other, after she and Fox initially stared at the flames, before focusing on each other.
Fox admits, he was getting distracted by the shifting light patterns the dancing flames made on Krystal's face. She looked up when she became aware of his attentions, and gave him a small knowing smile. He blushed a little at this, which only made her smile even more in amusement, but didn't look away. As she too admits, the fire that reflected in his eyes also looked entrancing.
Coupled with his admittedly cute looks in her eyes, Krystal did come to enjoy being Fox's companion. And reading his mind, he thought likewise to having her as such. Regardless of their near fight that they had back in the Hollow before they fought the SharpClaws together. They both knew that their companionship was starting to solidify.
Any further exploration of this little bond was halted when a sharp crack sounded in the ice below them. Soon, they felt some fissures that began snaking out around the ice, centered on the fire. The ice began breaking up, the fragments tilting at crazy angles under the weight of those standing on it as water was appearing. Fox jumped back to more solid ground, and pulled Krystal back with him before she could be tipped headlong into the icy water that appeared around them, along with Tricky, who followed suit. Then in a few seconds, the water was draining into the center of the cavern, until it was empty.
That signaled that the way forward is clear as the group were continuing into the cavern, where another Snaplak tried to ambush them. But Krystal again prevented that by warning the group. Before she and Fox clobbered the Snaplak once it was on the surface.
Fox was wondering how she was sensing them coming. Which got him curious about that, but he felt he can ask later once the time comes. Which could be soon after they get the SnowHorn healed.
Once they got it taken out, and after Tricky and Kyte got the wall of ice melted in the cavern, Tricky and Fox soon got in the room where the dig spot was. Where Tricky dug into the ground, feeling that it's where the Alpine Root is.
Sure enough, it was there. And Fox soon took it, before putting it in his inventory. Then once they gathered more of the Blue Grubtubs for Tricky and Kyte, they were soon exiting the sheds.
Though Fox wondered how the Root was able to survive frozen and thawed without any noticeable damage, he felt that it could be ice-proof in its biology, making it adaptable in freezing temperatures. It must be why the SnowHorns seem to have the Root in their lands of snow. Either way was fine for the group as they were exiting the shed.
"Let's look around for at least one more root. Just in case this once isn't enough." Fox said.
"Very well." Krystal said. Deciding to follow Fox as they were now back across the bridge, and was now moving towards the path to the gate.
Fox was looking around until he and Krystal saw a path that was on the lower level. Which they were prepared to take since they haven't been that way yet, so they felt that over there could be where some other Alpine Roots could be.
Which was when they saw that there was some boulders that were rolling on through. Each of which, looked almost as big as Fox's Landmaster that he rode in during the wars. And they each looked like they were heavy enough to crush them as they rolled. Which was why, both Fox and Krystal soon jogged at a cautious pace once they were now on the lower level floor.
"Be careful Krystal. They look dangerous." He spoke.
"Roger that." She responded. Before they were both now going forward through the path ahead of them, keeping a cautious pace through their jog.
Which did benefit them, as they ensured to slow down when a boulder is going to bounce off the wall in front of them, and end up going to their right, or they keep going when they see another one bounding over them and into the wall while above them. Or they turn right when they see another one moving to their left as it headed towards them.
It was this cautious turn that led to them making it to the next cave mouth that is blocked off by a sheet of ice, likely letting in the sunlight while keeping the cold snap and wind out.
Which, both Tricky and Kyte proceeded to melt down with their Flames. Soon, they were in, whereas they expected, another Alpine Root was there. Which Tricky dug out at Fox's command. Now they had the next Alpine root that is sure to fully reenergize the SnowHorn to his full strength.
"This might be enough. Now, let's go. We have a very hungry SnowHorn waiting for us." Fox said with a smile.
"Right. I'm sure he'd be eternally grateful for our help." She said, also smiling.
So, they exited the cave together, with Krystal leading them as they were now headed back down the path where the boulders tried to squish them. But they avoided them, despite the close calls that they took.
Soon, the group were now getting back to the normal level, where they were soon going through the cave, and was soon back by the SnowHorn's side as they presented to him the Alpine Roots. Fox knelt beside him offered it to the Snowhorn, who picked it up with his trunk and crammed it into his mouth. Fox was taken aback by the Snowhorn's voracious appetite, but thinking about it more, he had been overworked and underfed. So, it was reasonable why he'd be eating so fast.
When the Root was finished, Krystal gave the second one to him, this one he took and chewed with a bit more care, taking the time to savor its taste before swallowing.
After a few minutes, the Snowhorn got to his feet without trouble. "Whew, I… I feel much better now!" He exclaimed. Fox and Krystal both exchanged glances, wondering just what was in those plants that made them so potent in restoring a SnowHorn to full health. And they wondered if the Roots could do the same for any other Dinosaur tribe that they'll meet in the future, that needs assistance. Either way, they were the best things they had available. And they were glad, that they were enough.
After some stepping around to ensure that he has his balance, the SnowHorn was now walking near the scaffold that was as tall as he is. "Go ahead and ride on my back if you like. Then we can take that damn gate down!" He then called.
Both Fox and Krystal felt that there could be no harm in riding on his back. So they got on the scaffold via ladder, then climbed onto his back. Before he then took off for the gate. "Now, time to smash that gate open!" He bellowed out.
Then, once near the gate, with a trumpet, the SnowHorn was soon bashing his tusks on the gate. Once, twice, then three times, the gate was soon bashed open. Letting the SnowHorn come through.
They were now past the gate, and into what looked like a SharpClaw camp. Where a bunch of tents loitered the place, along with a large, almost bunker-like structure that stood in the center; all the doors leading into it were closed, and there didn't appear to be any way to open them, and they seemed quite tough to take a couple of bashes from the SnowHorn. There was also a few paths that led away from the area, but one seemed to be locked with a swirling barrier with a few skulls moving around in circles on it. Which did fascinate Fox at its looks, along with Krystal.
The SnowHorn decided to bash a few of the tents down, out of vengeance, while both Fox and Krystal soon got off of the SnowHorn, both rolling on the ground once they landed to bleed off the momentum of their fall.
Once on the ground, they were suddenly seeing that another cog was in one of the tents that was knocked down. Which had them feeling that there could be another bridge ahead, or a gate that hopefully led to the mines.
After picking it up, both Fox and Krystal noticed a trapezoid door that was closed, and next to it, was a lever that was frozen solid in a block of ice. Which they quickly knew, has to open it. And they knew how to thaw it as they had Kyte and Tricky using their Flames on it. Now they had a lever to open the door with.
Once they did though, and after they got in the cave, only to see that there was a few crates that held some Dumbledang Pods that was inside, Krystal felt a SharpClaw's presence not too far from them. Then, reading his mind, she was startled and surprised. Particularly as the SnowHorn was seen retreating back the way they came, causing them to briefly get out of the cave.
"FALL BACK YOU TWO! THEY'VE DEPLOYED A CANNON!" The SnowHorn called to the group as he was running back a fair distance to the gate.
"A cannon?! Oh boy." Fox said in shock, then dismay.
Sure enough, they heard some booms as they then saw that a cannon was firing at their direction, much to Kyte and Tricky's horror. Making them retreat back into the cave.
Fox poked his head out to see where the shells had come from. He spotted a cannon mounted on a ledge at the far side of the clearing where the tents used to be. That had to be the source of the fire that they were receiving. "There's one cannon up high on the far wall." he told the group. "If we can get to it, we can stop the cannon from threatening to blow us up into chunks. And maybe we can put it to use."
"That sounds good." Krystal said, smiling at the idea.
"We may need to get to it first though. If we get close enough, that guy in the cannon may be unable to hit us. And just in case there is a cave mouth that is blocked by ice, Tricky and Kyte can melt it off. And we can see if it'll lead us around, then to the cannon gunner." Fox then said.
He and Krystal then focused on the SnowHorn, that was still at the gate. "You stay there, until we deal with the Cannon!" He called out to him. Before the SnowHorn nodded in acceptance.
Soon, they were at the cave mouth, ready to run out together once they see another cave mouth that they hope, will lead to the cannoneer.
Fox found one that was not far from their location as it was at their side of the camp area, though like he expected, it was blocked by an ice sheet. Now they were getting ready to run to it. "Ready guys?" Fox asked.
"Ready." Krystal said, with Kyte and Tricky in agreement.
"Ok." Fox was soon counting at the ready. "One. Two. Three. Go!"
They were soon running out of the cave, and towards another cave, broke from cover and made a mad dash for their destination, making sure to stay spread out so that the cannoneer SharpClaw will focus on one of them, and won't blow them up at the same time. Tricky was in the middle, while Fox was to his left, and Krystal was to his right while Kyte was flying high above them, as she knew the cannonballs shouldn't have enough reach in their arc to hit her.
Cannonballs rained above their heads, but they managed to avoid every single shot. Which they felt, that it's because accuracy isn't the SharpClaw's forte.
Tricky and Kyte soon made it to the cave, and was melting the ice together with their Flame, while both Fox and Krystal soon caught up seconds later, panting only slightly from the run, before they both quickly got into the cave that got them out of the cannon's line of sight.
They soon saw that they're in another area. They saw a retracted bridge that was on the other side of the wall ahead of them, which showed them where they can put the cogs to use. There was also a ladder that led to a small cavern in the cliff. They knew Tricky cannot join them up there, so he kept watch at the cave mouth at the cannon while seeing them climb to the cavern.
Fox then saw another set of gears for the bridge, only this one was missing two cogs. Now they needed to find another one for it to work as he added the cog he found, to it so that he won't be carrying it around more.
Soon, Krystal was pointing her staff down as she was calling Fox to the place she was at. Soon, she had it on the ground, before a pulse of light started at the top of her staff, then travelled down the shaft to the other tip, and released in a brilliant flash that propelled her all the way up to the top of the ledge, which for a second there, Fox thought it'd be too high, but she made it there all the same. So Fox decided to follow suit with the spear, joining Krystal on the ledge. While Kyte flew up with them before roosting on Krystal's shoulder.
Once at the top, they were scanning their eyes on the area, wondering what they could use to traverse their way to the cannon, when Krystal got his attention. "There are a series of platforms that leads to another cavern." She said, gesturing to them. "I bet that cavern is where we can get to the Cannon. It might be risky, but hopefully that cannon won't get lucky enough to hit us."
"Sounds good enough. Let's stagger our run though, just to ensure that we will be harder to hit." Fox said. "Plus, farther apart, we won't get blown to bits together. And he'll focus on one of us so that the other can get through unscathed." He then said, using his tactics for this situation.
"That's a good idea, Fox." Krystal said, with Kyte in agreement. Which had him blushing.
"Thanks. Now, let-"
"I'll go first." Krystal then interjected.
"What?!" He asked, surprised. And in slight fear for Krystal taking the risk. "But…
"I can anticipate his shots better. Which can mean I'm more likely to dodge them. Knowing the SharpClaw, he would target the first one that exits this cavern. Then focus on the next one once the first is out of reach. So the one he should focus on, is the one that he's less likely to hit."
Fox was nervous, but he knew that her logic is too sensible to disagree with. It wasn't that he thought she couldn't do it, it was just that he was used to taking more risks himself. So he didn't want any other to take it instead. "I'll be fine, Fox. Do you trust me on this?" Krystal asked, assuring him that she'll be okay.
"I do." He said in acceptance. "I'll go when you are on the second platform."
Krystal didn't expect that. "I somewhat expected an argument from you."
"Well, there is no time for such." He responded casually. "Besides, you're too much in the right, for me to do so. I'm not stupid enough to believe otherwise. So, I'm ready when you are."
Krystal smiled at him for the response, seeing how intelligent, and reasonable he can be in situations like this. Which showed how good a leader he is for the team, and in situations like this. It had her feeling proud to be his ally in this journey.
She soon poked her head out for the Cannon, hoping to make it to the next two platforms before she gets shot at, while checking out the layout of them too. She was soon on the move after ducking behind to ensure the gunner didn't notice her first, before dashing out. She was soon jumping and leaping across the platforms as the cannoneer was turning to her, ready to shoot.
Fox thought about shooting the cannoneer with the fire blast from his spear and sword, or shooting him with the Demon Rifle. But even on the scope, he saw that the bulk of the cannon made it next to impossible to hit him. And it looked shockingly tough enough to take the shots from both. So he chose this tactic instead as he was soon on the move too.
Krystal bounded across the two platforms as fast as possible, before stopping before the third one, so that she won't get caught in the explosion from the cannonball that could stagger her, or launch her off the platform. Fox was soon following her along as he began his run too, while Krystal continued to hop along the platforms, making it two platforms before stopping before the next one that would get blasted, before continuing until she was able to make it to the cavern. Which had Fox doubling his pace as he continued to jump, knowing that he's next for the SharpClaw to target him. He heard the firing, causing him to run fast until he dove to safety in the cavern, joining Krystal as he felt the shell hitting a few feet behind him.
All while Kyte was the first to make it to the cave, having enough flying speed to make it there before they could, before she could get targeted.
It was now just a small jog through the cavern to where the cannon was. Where soon, they were fighting against the SharpClaw that operated it. And it was just an easy fight, as it charged at Fox, only for him to knock him aside, and smash the sword hilt against his chin. Stunning him long enough for Krystal to finish him off with a strike from her staff that she empowered with some of her magic to bring more force to her swing. The SharpClaw stood no chance, and was taken out without trouble.
Fox was soon eyeing the cannon with a gleeful expression on his face. Which was echoed by Krystal when she saw what he intended to do as Fox was now on the cannon himself, testing its handling and moving, before he soon started to aim it as a few SharpClaws were getting out of the Bunker.
He shot at them, but the first shot hit far below the mark. Much to his dismay, but then he pressed the button for a bit longer before shooting again. This time, he was able to hit the SharpClaws, as he turned the cannon against them. Shooting them all down in a few minutes. Now he focused fire on the bunker, feeling that he can take down the rest of them in this fashion.
It took a couple of shots, but soon most of the bunker collapsed, taking out a lot of the SharpClaws that were soon scattering like ants after their nest had been kicked over, but Fox had no intention of letting them escape. As he soon took a few of them out with the cannon. As even a near miss on them was taking them down.
While the others that tried to escape, was soon getting clobbered by the SnowHorn that was nearby, once he knew that the cannon was now in Fox's possession. They were too scared of a rampaging SnowHorn to fight back hard enough, as they stood no chance against either Fox on the cannon, or the SnowHorn that was soon taking them down with his feet, or tusks in his vengeance.
Soon, none were left standing. And Fox was soon aiming the cannon at a wooden barrier to take it down, before getting off the cannon after blasting it. All while the SnowHorn walked away victoriously, out of the area after giving his goodbyes to the Vulpine duo, as well as his good luck, feeling that his work is done here.
"That was fun." Krystal said, enjoying the sight of Fox blasting the SharpClaws.
"I know. I hope there are more cannons like this one, later on." Fox said, having enjoyed using the cannon against the SharpClaws.
Now they were getting off of the platform, down to the ground, rolling as they landed to bleed off the momentum of their fall.
After they did, Fox was looking at the doorway where the barrier stood, when he was stopped by Krystal, who had him look behind them to see that there was an open door behind them. Which Fox remembered, where the barrier was. "Wasn't there a barrier there? What happened?"
"It was a life force barrier. It's a specialized form of seal that binds the energy field to the lives of whomever or whatever is assigned to protect it. Like those SharpClaws that you blasted away." Krystal responded.
"And it's now gone since they all kicked the bucket?" He asked, getting a nod from Krystal and Kyte in return. "Huh. So they were literally guarding it with their lives. That's pretty sick. In a cool way, I admit."
"I know." Krystal said, wishing that their allies would have the same force field to protect the SpellStones and Krazoa Spirits.
Or maybe they did, and Scales was that powerful enough to break them for the Stones.
Either way, they decided to continue onwards as they decided to enter where the barrier used to be first. Where they saw an urn that looked like the previous one that held the shackle key. Krystal was the one to open it this time, as she used her staff on the keyhole, before unlocking it with a probe. Soon, the urn was unlocked, showing that inside was another cog.
It looked a little smaller than the previous cog that they found. And it was the last one, as Fox was carrying it, before they headed back to where the workings of the bridge were, with Tricky following behind after meeting back up with them, feeling relieved that they weren't blown to bits by the cannon.
Once there, Krystal climbed up first, while Fox passed it up to her once she was at the top. They soon were carrying it to the mechanism and slipped it into its proper place. And soon, they pulled down the lever, where the cogs were moving. And they heard the bridge extending. Which meant that their efforts were successful.
Now they were climbing down, as they were now following Tricky since he was the first to cross. Until they got to a cave that happened to be blocked off by a cliff face that Tricky was pawing at. At first, they were dismayed that this is what their result is. When they realized that Tricky was picking at a point where snow had been packed into a small hole in the rock face. Which Tricky was soon digging through, with Fox and Krystal following him into the cavern, with Kyte walking behind them.
Once inside the cavern, the group stood up to look around the room. Down the middle ran an apparently bottomless crevasse, inside which spun a vortex of pure ravening energy. Which did leave Fox feeling nervous at seeing it.
While Krystal was soon pointing out the other side. "I think I can see something on the other side."
"How nice. Now we might need to find a way to cross it." Fox said. Before looking around to see a sign on the wall. "What does it say?"
Krystal was going to read it, but Tricky and Kyte beat her to the punch. "Beyond the leap of faith, lies your prize." They both said.
The Vulpines were somewhat surprised that they were able to read the words, but they felt that since they're royal, they had to learn a thing or two about the language's alphabet. So they weren't too surprised. "You've both been taught well." Krystal said in praise.
Which had them bowing in response.
Now both Fox and Krystal were now preparing for their leap, with the former remembering an adventure film he watched with his team, where a similar situation happened for the protagonist, that made him do the similar leap of faith. Which led to him surviving due to the leap of faith not being as lethal as expected.
"Could the same happen to us, where some sort of invisible floor would be under us when we jump onto it?" Fox thought, feeling relieved if that is the case. "Only one way to find out."
Hearing his thoughts, Krystal hoped the same thing, as she hoped that their journey together won't end here.
So they were soon on the edge, preparing to jump. Though both Vulpines were pretty nervous at what they were about to do, it wouldn't stop them from going through with it.
After a moment of preparing, Fox was first to jump forward, boldly taking a running leap out over the mysterious abyss with Krystal deciding to jump with him, feeling that they should go together. Fox knew that they wouldn't make it across, which was why he hoped that what he thinks could happen, will happen.
They reached the peak of their leap, and started falling, with Fox bracing himself for an endless fall…
Only to land on a solid surface, sooner than he expected. And at first, they thought they were standing on air, only for them to suddenly see a glowing shimmer that rippled out from under them, and spread across a defined path that was now showing itself to them.
Fox didn't expect to see that, but he was relieved that they had a path that appeared under them that saved their lives. As was Krystal.
Not to mention Kyte and Tricky, even if the latter was giggling at the surprise on their faces. But he was glad to see that he ain't going to witness them falling to their deaths.
Both Vulpines were now jogging their way to the room where the treasure should be, where Krystal ended up turning to Fox. "You expected this to happen?"
Fox shrugged. "Yes, and no." He casually said. "I did expect that we'd land on something like this. But I thought that we'd be landing on an invisible path or at least a few invisible platforms. Just like in a movie I saw about a Treasure Hunter adventurer who is also an archaeologist."
"Whom is named Louisiana Dex?" Krystal said.
"Yeah, that guy." Fox said casually with a small laugh, having loved seeing that movie with his team. "You ever seen it, during your visit to one of the Lylatian Planets?"
"Not really." Krystal said, feeling interested in seeing it after this journey's end, nonetheless, should she decide to visit Lylat again. Either alone, or as a member of Fox's team. "Let's just say that I read your thoughts, when I saw that." She then suddenly said without thinking.
Which startled both Vulpines. "Huh?" Fox asked.
Krystal felt, that now didn't seem like a bad time to tell him of her Telepathy. "Sorry that I didn't tell you this before, but I can read people's thoughts. It's a sort of talent that you can call telepathy, which is what all Cerinians have. Myself, Sabre, and Randorn included. I can sense emotional states and what someone is thinking, and I can sense and determine the locations of any sentient minds, even if they're unconscious due to my training, if I concentrate."
"Oh, so is that why you said to me that you're good at reading people? And I suppose that's how you can sense those Snaplaks that we met a couple moments ago. That explains a lot." Fox casually said. Feeling that her telepathy would probably be quite useful for things. Particularly reading if a Dinosaur they'll be meeting in the future would be a friendly one, or a dangerous foe.
Then he suddenly stopped in his tracks, as a thought ended up leaving him feeling terrified at what he then realized. "So when we nearly bumped into each other… while we were circling…?"
Krystal ended up grinning humorously at him. "You've got a vivid imagination, Fox."
If being so embarrassed that you could die is possible, then Fox could've been six feet under after what he just learned. Krystal is a Telepath. And she obviously knew of his little fantasy, which even though it didn't go into the naughty phase, it nonetheless told him that the low-brow adolescent fantasy he had of her, that he felt she didn't see, was already seen by her Telepathy. And that had him fuming in embarrassment at the revelation.
"I'm… so… sorry… about that. I swear, I was… totally not going to… well…" He tried to say as he blushed. While feeling grateful that both Kyte and Tricky wasn't close by to see this scene, and probably know why he's like this since they seem to know Krystal enough to know about her telepathy.
He heard silvery peals of laughter coming from the Vixen as she had her hand on his shoulder in assurance that she isn't mad. "Oh, no worries, Fox. You're not in trouble."
"R-Really?"
"Indeed." She said, starting to stroke his cheek in a gentle sense. "Do believe me when I say that you're not the only one that had those thoughts of wanting to… shall we say, 'Dock into my harbor' so to speak. There were plenty of other males, and some females that thought so similarly of me when they met me. So, I've long since gotten used to the reaction to my beauty from the folks I've met. If I hadn't thought that highly of you, do you think I would've entrusted my spear to you, before you got the other sword from the second chamber back in the well?"
"Well… no?" Fox said.
"And do you think that I would've been willing to follow you through the Well for those white Grubtubs, if I felt that you were a pervert? It's understandable that you'd have those thoughts. And I forgive you for it. As like I said, I've since gotten used to the attention from others. So your reaction isn't anything special. And yet you didn't dare find an opportunity to indulge in your perversion towards me, and instead, you remained a perfect gentleman from the very moment that we met, especially compared to 'some' of the things I've seen in the others' imagination. I have to say, I'm more impressed with your resolve, than upset at any lustful thoughts you've initially had." She said, continuing to gently smile at him.
That relieved Fox to know that, from Krystal. After all, he was raised to value women as people as well, and not as objects of lust. He knew better than to let his hormones dominate his thoughts, no matter how tempting it could be, considering her beauty and the clothing she wore under the coat.
He felt his embarrassment diminish due to his resolve, even if some shreds of it still lingered. Before giving her a smile. "Thank you for understanding, Krystal." He said, briefly hugging her. "I give you my word that I'll keep my thoughts in line from here on out."
Feeling the conviction in his mind, she continued to smile. "See, Fox? The fact that you strive to improve yourself, speaks volumes to me about you as a character. I know that during this journey, we'll be the best of friends, you and I." She then said to him as she started to hug him. "And maybe, more than that, by the time this journey ends~." She then teasingly whispered into his ear.
Which had him blushing again. But he ensured that he won't ruin this moment by letting any perverted thought come to mind. Instead, he was now focusing on the treasure. But not before giving Krystal his thanks for what she said.
The 'ancient treasure' sat on a pedestal, ready for them to claim. Which he picked up to see, that it was an elaborately built trumpet of some sort, with the end in the rough shape of a Snowhorn's head and trunk. He didn't know what its purpose was, but he and Krystal knew that it had to be a useful tool in the near future. So he had it in his inventory.
Before they would leave though, Fox suddenly had a question. "So, you told me that you and your people are telepaths?" He asked, receiving a nod in return. "I don't mean to bring up any wounds, and I'm just curious, but if you were, then why didn't any of you scan those Venomian scientists' minds, and learned of their true intentions?"
"It would be because prior to the Planet's demise, Randorn was able to gain an alliance with all of the other tribes on the Planet, to where they each had a pact to follow. And one of those pacts that was made, was to not telepathically read any foreign visitors to the Planet. Which was made, after one visitor, who was a polite gentleman and explorer, visited the planet. But during his visit, he was told of our telepathy, and how all of us could read thoughts, including his. Which did leave him feeling very paranoid."
"Yeesh." Fox said, cringing. Understanding how the guy could be feeling.
"Indeed. He knew that since even the females could read his mind, then any stray thought of what he imagines himself doing to them, was bound to set one of the warrior women off. Leading to him getting clobbered. And he knew it, which is why he became a borderline paranoid wreck when around the warrior females, myself included. Each of us even felt that he's going to suffer a heart attack at that rate. Which was why, when his business was done, and after gaining a souvenir, he left the planet, feeling relieved that he didn't die by one of our hands. Which was why, Randorn and the other tribes made a pact. Any new visitor to our planet must know that they're safe here. And any mind reading must not be done to them, and that we should leave them alone, so that we won't have another paranoid wreck to deal with." Krystal said, humorously smiling at the memory.
Then she got somber. "And it was due to that reason, that we didn't know what those Venomian scientists were really planning. Sometimes, I wish that we made an exception to them. If it'd save our planet in doing so."
Fox felt that Krystal wasn't wrong about that. But he nonetheless put his hand on her shoulder. "I can see that. And I understand. But… what's done in the past is done. I'm sure you're not alone in thinking that. But it isn't for them to decide it. What you must do, is decide what you can do with your life in the present. Which is to save this Planet." Fox spoke. "I know that we can get this job done, if we continue forward, and don't look back too much."
Krystal smiled at him for the pep talk. Feeling that he's right. She can't look back at the past too much. She should focus on the future that she hoped would involve this Planet's survival. "Thank you, Fox. I truly believe that we will be best of friends during this journey." Krystal said.
"No problem. Now, hopefully we won't get delayed again, as we go to the path where the boarded barrier was." Fox said, feeling that they're done here, and that their way to the mines is beyond there.
Krystal nodded as they were now exiting back out of the cave, through the same way they all came in. And the group was soon going in the doorway where the barrier was, and was in the cave that led out to the area, where they found themselves staring at a blizzard.
Both Vulpines didn't expect that they'd see a blizzard in their way, and they knew that the blizzard was going to be a pain to go through, mainly because of how hard it is to see where they're going.
"This isn't good." Krystal said, not expecting the blizzard.
"Never been in a blizzard before?" Fox asked.
Krystal shook her head. "Not really. I was on a region of Cerinia, that had only a mild climate near the ocean. And that was it. I've never seen one before. So how can we get past it?" She said.
"I think I have an idea. And it involves that horn." Fox said, referring to the horn that they just got. "Why don't we give that horn a toot, and see what happens?"
Krystal decided to oblige. And she soon climbed up the ramp to the upper level of the path. Where she was soon pulling the horn out of Fox's backpack. Then, she put the horn's mouthpiece to her lips to give the horn some experimental blowing. Then, once she knew she has the hang of it, she took a deep breath, then blasted out a sound from the horn that was loud.
At first, nothing happened. Until, the group heard a sound of a trumpet that answered the horn through the blizzard. Then a few seconds later, coming out of the blizzard, came another SnowHorn. Who was walking out of the blizzard, going through the snow and the wind, towards their position after they got back down to the level where the SnowHorn was, as he came to a halt with a sigh of relief.
"Ah, thank goodness that you've blown the horn." The Snowhorn said. "If neither of you have blown the trumpet to let me know where you are, I would've been wandering in circles in the blizzard."
"You're welcome?" Fox said, in a questioning tone.
"How long were you in there?!" Tricky asked in surprise.
"Oh, too long, I'd say. I have no precise idea on how long, but it was long." He said.
"Oh. Well, we need to get to the mines. Do you know how we can get there?" Krystal asked.
"Of course, Miss." He responded in delight. "There is a clearly marked path in the blizzard that leads the rest of the way there, which those SharpClaws made. I managed to escape from the mines, and avoid the path so that I can lose them. I admit, that plan was a bit too clever for my own good, as I would've remained wandering in circles if neither of you blew the horn."
"Well, can you help us get to that place?" Fox asked. "I doubt that we can make our way through all that wind, since it is too strong. And don't worry, if you're worried about the SharpClaws. We'll take care of them if there are any that are still in there."
"Of course I can help you, dear heroes." The SnowHorn said, delighted. "As long as I see those markers, I'll know that I'm still headed the right way." He then headed to the nearby scaffold platform that he stood next to. "Go ahead and climb aboard." He then said.
"Thanks." Krystal said in delight. As Fox and Krystal climbed up the short ladder next to the platform and mounted the SnowHorn's back, while Kyte was now roosting on the upper back in front of Fox, while Tricky was staying close to the Mammoth's legs. Then once they were ready and in position, they were now off, as the SnowHorn was now walking into the blizzard.
Both Vulpines felt, that the SharpClaws' control over the Mines and the SnowHorns, were numbered.
And done.
Here's another chapter of this Fic. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
And yes, in case you guys are wondering, Louisiana Dex is based off of Indiana Jones. And I imagine that Fox would've seen the show, after coming across the 'leap of faith' room that leads to the horn. Giving him the idea to expect something like that to happen.
Also, in Dinosaur Planet, Tricky can distract the SharpClaws, which for the Guard, is how Sabre (The protagonist of Dinosaur Planet) is able to get to the key in the original version that would become Star Fox adventures. I wonder why Rare and Nintendo decided to remove the Distract command.
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.