Thanks to the work of DA user tanasweet123, we have another lovely Doldrums story to go along with a beautiful picture they had made of everyone's favorite blue space vixen having gotten stuck in it. The image, of course, is used with the artist's permission.

In an attempt to try something different, I decided to go for a first-person audio log situation, both for the perspective difference and in an attempt to highlight Krystal trying to fight the lazy influence. Trying...hah.

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Now for those of you not in the realm of downloading things....




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….
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..ese wo-
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I…I did it! Thank goodness.

I am Krystal of the Star Fox team. Approximately three hours ago, my team and I were in battle in the asteroid fields of Sector X. The forces against us, believed to be holdouts from the army of Andross, were holding raids on supply ships and cruisers. Star Fox was sent to investigate and the little blighters blasted us at first sight.

Some random fool got lucky and struck my Arwing across the wings. Between the asteroids and laser fire, I find it a miracle I escape with my life. But it would seem my mechanical veering sent me into the path of one of those odd cosmic winds Fox told me about that send the pilot hurtling to some far off place in the galaxy. I was expelled into the gravity field of this strange planet. In the short moments my onboard computer remained active, I appear to be still in the Lylat system, but on a planet unmarked by the Cornerian government.

In my attempts at a soft landing, the Arwing has taken a fatal blow across it’s systems. I could try repairing them, but I’m certainly not Slippy. It was only by blind luck I found this voice recorder and got it working.

I will not grumble. Fox and the others will find me soon enough and I am quite capable of surviving on my own. I had to do so for years back on Sauria.

End of Days Log.
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…Entry Log 2

I plan on making these recordings daily. Not simply so the others can hear of my story, but also because I feel this planet needs to be documented. In my first moments here, I had believed to have landed on Sauria due to the tropical, almost prehistoric look to the large fauna. However the lack of any Saurian life coming to my aid, in fact the general silence of the area, make this unlikely.

I did my best to climb one these strange, drooping palms and found nothing but canopy for miles, broken only by lakes of an odd greenish blue hue. No signs of civilization. But then that doesn’t mean they aren’t around.
I suppose I could use my psychic abilities to search for intelligent life, but I believe I hurt myself in the crash more than I realized. Ever since I woke up, my head has been pervaded by a deep static growl. In personal experience, attempting to read minds while in the grip of physical exhaustion never works well.

Against my better judgement, I have attempted to repair my Arwing. I have not gotten far. Even if I had all the parts I needed, the engine seems to have melted and fused upon impact. I truly have no way off this planet until Fox comes.

I know he will soon. I can’t imagine the horror he feels not knowing where I am. He always has been a mite protective of me. I suppose that can’t be helped though, given our first meeting was me trapped in a crystal.

The point is: Fox will come.
End of Log
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Log 3
It’s almost frightening how easy it is for me to sleep, considering my situation.

I have to begin foraging soon, as I have nearly gone through the emergency provisions. As I have stated, I do not fear for my safety. However, I have lived a far easier life on The Great Fox for the past few years, and I’m worried my survival skills are rusty. Too many times I recall wondering if I was gaining weight, but Fox would tell me not to worry. Furthermore, without my Arwing’s scanner, it will be difficult for me to know for certain what on this planet is edible.

What I do know for certain, however, is that I am not the only life on this planet. For most of the day, I’ve heard faint echoes through the violet fronds, some sort of noise. My mind still hopes I have landed on Sauria, but the sound was a far more high-pitched yawning. I tried again to reach out mentally, but the static in my mind is still strong. When Fox and crew bring me back, I must ask R.O.B. to do a health examination.

For now, I must leave to hunt. I hope I bring something back.
End of Log…
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Log 3.5
I am not alone.

My attempts at foraging were fruitless. The plants here bear nothing and it almost appears I’m the first to have trodden these jungles since they began growing. But I still hear the yawning.

Now I believe their source is closer than I imagined. I’ve returned to the crash site to find a pair of fruit waiting for me in my seat.

At least, I believe they’re fruit. They have the appearance of melons. I haven’t dared bite into them though, for I found them coated in almost an inch of green slime. Very viscous from the way it clings to the rinds. But that same slime seemed inherent to their provider as well, for I found a large trail through the grass leading in the opposite direction from where I came.

I do plan on keeping the strange fruit at the site, for research upon returning to The Great Fox if nothing else. Tomorrow, I plan to follow the trail. If there is someone willing to help me, I must take the chance.
End of Log…
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Log 4
This morning, I found more fruit waiting for me. It too was covered in that strange, green sludge. Some part of me wants to believe it’s normal and tuck in, but I can’t unless I’m certain it’s not poisonous. The good news is the giver left a larger trail of slime in their wake, making it easy to follow them.

I only had to follow the trail a few feet before coming to the mouth of a cave. I was not surprised to see a carpet of translucent emerald waiting for me, nor surprised to hear more yawning coming from the darker recesses. Something in there is able to walk and live amongst this strange muck, and with my mental powers still doused, I’ve decided I have no choice. Much of my suit has been ripped from the crash, but my shoes and gloves are intact, so as long as I’m careful, I won’t have any trouble. I will now begin my journey inside.
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End of Log…
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Log 5
My journey inside the cavern has proven…educational.

It began quite dismally as I stepped inside. As I pushed on, I found the green substance didn’t just cover the floor, but the walls and ceiling as well. Any light that I attempted to use only created a blinding reflection across the strange scum. I did all I could to keep myself from touching it, but I’m certain some flecks from the ceiling fell in my hair.

For a moment, I stopped to look closer at my surroundings. Perhaps it was only an illusion of the mire, but the walls have an almost carved quality to them. A time or two, I stopped walking completely, certain there were carvings of some kind underneath the green exterior. I truly believe this planet must be studied, with proper safety equipment of course.

When I returned to my trek, I had called out in the darkness. Nothing answered me directly, but I could still hear yawning. When I tried a second time, a faint greeting echoed back.

I will say my next action was foolish. Upon hearing the voice, I rushed towards it. I did not know whether its owner was friend or foe, and yet I recall running like a child to their mother. I cannot recall how long I ran, but the passageway was a simple straight line, so I had no worries about escape if this was some trap.

In an instant, the walls around me opened up and I was beheld to a massive grotto. The strange muck I’ve been treading in covered almost everything, but I found far more than that; trees of the most unusual sort dotted the land, though how they found roots among solid rock is a mystery to me even now. Perhaps it would explain why they were drooping so, but even from my vantage point, I could see them brimming with those odd fruits being left at my ship.
That was when the residue on my ledge rippled and squished about. Having the sense to take my personal blaster along, I took aim, ready for any attack. But it did not attack, in fact, it took form before my eyes. It seemed to take an interest in me, as the face it crafted was nearly identical to my own, but that was the only similarity. As expected, it consisted of nothing but the muck that surrounded us. Even now, the way it jiggled reminds me of the vast gelatin molds from a charity banquet I had been hired to oversee; appearing to have vast weight yet punctured without effort. Even still, its illusion of weight was vast. It’s stomach area jutted out at least two…maybe three feet and its arms had the size and structure of wrapped hams. The aforementioned similarity in face almost made me take the rest as an insult, but it’s face was so placid and…lethargic. I didn’t believe the creature was capable of speaking until it yawned in my face and welcomed to what it referred to as ‘The Doldrums.’

Afterwards, it barely regarded my presence; half listening to my plight while it settled against the wall, eyes closed. It gave only the most minor acknowledgements, all punctuated with yawns that echoed below the outcropping. (Yawn) I must say, they are rather infectious.

By the end, I felt far too exhausted for a trek back to the crash (Yawn) site, but the most my friend could give me before falling asleep herself was mention of a small plateau free of the muck. She mumbled something about outsiders.

I thought it would be difficult sleeping here, but (Yawn), something about this place…is so…soothing.
End..of…log
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Log 6
I’ve made a mistake coming in here. There is something evil about this cave and these creatures that call themselves Lethargins. I just know it.

I will admit, I had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in weeks on that little plateau my guide pointed out to me. Certainly helped by the yawns and snores all around me.

They’re all so friendly too. So many (yawn) look like they want---

NO! Must stay focused!

When I woke up, I trudged back the way I came through the surrounding sludge. I could have sworn it was only ankle deep, but today it was halfway to my knees. It was like I was stumbling through…something thick…can’t think of the right word…anyways, I could feel it all seeping in through the tears in my clothes. It felt so warm against the chill of the cave. And it weighed down my feet even more…(yawn)…I had just woken up but…wanted…(yawn) to go…

*Smack*

NO!

I tried to leave the way I came in, through the tunnel at the top of the steps. None of them tried to stop me, nor seemed to know I was there. I got up…and was horrified to see a honeycombing maze before me.

One of ‘them’ formed beside me, I didn’t accuse them…but…they had to know. She joked about how I ‘wasn’t paying attention, like a good Lethargin.’ Then she fell asleep and melted into the muck.

Hmm…(yawn) I’m a little jealous.

ANYways, I ignored it’s mockery and tried to go on through. I tried taking the path that seemed the most straight…but ended up back on that ledge. I tried going all left, all right, random directions, but it all led me back here.
I couldn’t imagine how this was happening. It had to be some sort of…psychic trick. I’m beginning to suspect these creatures are behind the mental blocks keeping my own abilities down. I…suppose at least…I can hardly…(yawn)…imagine…or think…

zzzzzzzzzz
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Log…7
Today marks my second attempt at leaving this terrible cave.

The labyrinth was still there. Out of desperation, I tried to wipe some of this Doldrum muck off the wall to make a landmark. It was patched in seconds and found myself with a hand coated in this evil gelatin-like substance. When I gave up my efforts, another one of those creatures was out there. She attempted to hug me.

I reached for my blaster and fired. I am not ashamed for what I did. Primarily because it didn’t work. I had shot her right through her bulbous stomach area, crafting a clean hole through. The lethargin was unaware…(ya..)…no…not tired…it just yawned and slithered forward, splitting apart into two of them. I was shocked…but then they hugged me.
My…my mind was awash in comfort, and I’m certain I hugged them right back. I say that, because I don’t really recall what happened. I find myself back on the lower floor of the grotto with both my arms dripping green. I was able to shake the bulk off, but I feel it cling to my fur.

The worst part is…(yawn)…I don’t hate the feeling…
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Oh…um…End of Log
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Tried again to leave today. Same issue as last time. I…tried to to avoid stepping in The Doldrums as much as possible…but these creatures are so…(yawn) friendly. They can’t stop from…hugging or…kissing me.
Feels so good.

They kiss almost as well as…Fox.

Makes a change from…(yawn)…everyone wanting to kill me.

Blaster fire…and…falling….
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…my mind (yawn) keeps…faltering…but…I’ll be (yawn) fine.

Fox will come…he’ll follow me and…(yawn)...
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…do I need saving?
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Until Fox finds me…I have no choice but to partake of the fruits around here.

I tried to clean one off of the residue as best I could, but there was always a film on its skin. When I bit into it…(yawn)…so delicious. It burst against my maw, covering my face in the same warm embrace as the rest of this cave…can’t remember the taste but…oh, thank you…want another…

Did…did I remember to turn…(yawn)…turn this off last time?
...
Either way, I doubt it matters. Nothing really…matters down here…

…nothing…

…(Yawn) thoughtless…mindless…nothing.(yawn)

…no…can’t give in…
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Something’s…happening…my right hand is all…(yawn) slimy. It’s getting harder and harder to think. Harder to…feel my clothes.

Every bite, every yawn, the slime keeps climbing up.

Tried to walk…up the steps…(yawn) only got halfway before I needed to rest. Laid against a Lethargin.

So peaceful. Not thinking, not…(yawn)…worrying.

I remember…the Aparoids. I called their thoughts strange…(yawn)…lost to a…hivemind…but these Lethargin’s have no thoughts at all.

Why can’t Fox be more like them? (Yawn) Or I?

(Yawn)

I suppose…I don’t need to…(yawn) leave…I…I’m just so tired. And my hand feels so good…against my fur…(yawn)
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I’m becoming one with…(yawn) the Doldrums. My legs…have sunk in…I’m covered in it’s mucky embrace. (Yawn)

Nothing to do…but relax…

My stomach keeps growing…(yawn)…so beautiful…can’t even reach around it…

Lost my clothes…somewhere…(yawn)…but now I’m growing all the quicker.

How long has it been since I was lost here? I remember…fighting…fighting…(yawn)…that was all I did. Why?

Poor Fox…(yawn)…always fighting…I…remember…such a torn mind…(yawn)

He’d love it here. He loves me.

I could have…(yawn)…been here…relaxing and sleeping. Worry free.
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I…this is…(yawn) my last log.

So hard…to find it…and too much (yawn) thinking. I don’t have to do that…anymore.

(Yawn)

No worries…not a care in the world…(yawn)…this is the life for me.

Don’t fight…Fox…just stop thinking…(yawn)…this is…so much better…than…(yawn)…anything…

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Fox McCloud scrolled through the log’s database. That entry was indeed the last one.

With a spin of his chair, Fox eyed the containment chamber in the center of the room. Krystal was in it, but the creature inside was far from the Krystal he knew. If the body still existed, it was buried under mountains of that strange green muck. Everything from her head to her stomach to her arms were pudgy, slimy parodies of themselves. Not helping was the fact her entire body was dripping like a faucet, turning the chamber in a foot high patch of green. The only things that hadn’t changed about her were her personal jewelry, which seemed almost alien on her sludge body.

The team had found her after a grueling month. Discovering the uncharted planet, finding the wreck, testing samples of the cavern’s residue, and waiting for Slippy to put together some kind of protective barrier, none of which went quick enough. Then there was the matter of finding Krystal in that cave among all those other slimy, snoozing bodies, easily reminded by finding this one who was far more affectionate to him than the rest. It was all a nightmare for fox, and it was still happening, because now the question was how to fix Krystal.

She offered no help, no desire to change back, just sat in that chamber yawning, sleeping, or staring at Fox with those green, sleep hungry eyes. Only at him.

I’m so…peaceful.

She looked so peaceful.

Not a worry in the world.

Like she didn’t have to worry about anything.

No thoughts.

Fox hadn’t told the others about the dull beat that had invaded his head since bringing Krystal aboard. He thought they could hear it too. But somehow, he knew it was only for him, Krystal’s call to him.

No fighting.

He was so scared when he lost her. He didn’t want to lose her again. He had already lost his father. He didn’t want to do anything that would hurt Krystal.

I love you Fox.

He had missed her so much, and having this separation between them was tearing him apart. She wasn’t even dangerous. The Lethargin spread her arms out, as best she could at least, given the ratio of her arms to her gut.

Come inside. Sleep.

Fox’s hand quivered over the release lever before a blue wing slapped it away.

“Not on my watch you ain’t!” Falco hurled Fox away from the chamber and its prisoner. The Lethargin Krystal pouted as the avian ran to his leader. “Fox, Pep and Slip told you to stay out of here."

To keep thinking, keep you miserable.

McCloud shook his head, trying to fight the psychic call of his transformed love. “I…Falco…I just…”

“Fox, look at me!” The two pilots shook the other’s shoulders, all the while Falco kept moving them away from the room. “I get it. But you heard Slippy, once we get back to Corneria, the lab rats there will work night and day to fix this.”

The Lethargin was sleeping as Fox looked over to her. Falco made sure he was looking at him. “Dude, there’s nothing we can do for her right now. We don’t need our leader getting sucked in and made into some sludge beast.” Falco turned the fox away and lead them out of the room, leaving the snoozing Lethargin alone.

Don’t worry Fox. I know you’ll come for me. Then we can be together in mindless bliss forever.

He’d wait until everyone was asleep. Then he’d open her cage. He couldn’t stand thinking a second longer.



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