A/N: This project originally started as a test piece to practice character building, it quickly grew into a larger project. I also felt compelled to begin publishing stories and get feedback from the community, most of my current projects are much more ambitious and will not be published anytime soon. As the title suggests alcohol and the feelings associated with it are involved.
I'm hoping this collection of "oneshots" mark the beginning of a vibrant time with the Star Fox Fan-fiction community. If you're interested in the rest of my current projects you can find descriptions of them on my profile's bio. Any reviews are appreciated, and thank you for taking the time to read!
To Celebrate:
Fox raised his bottle high. "To Peppy." He announced. A jumble of voices joined in as seven other bottles clicked against his. "To Peppy!" Shouted six other voices in unison. Fox couldn't help but beam a proud smile as he glanced around, taking in the happy faces of his team. They had all gathered together in the Great Fox's common room to celebrate Peppy's retirement party. The man of the hour stood across from him, bottle raised with a wide smile. Normally the old hare didn't drink, but he made an exception for tonight, saying he would have just one.
The vulpine could hardly believe that Peppy was finally retiring. Mixed emotions danced around in his mind, he would miss the old hare. After losing his father, Peppy had taken care of the young fox, he had become his mentor and surrogate father. Fox frequently sought his guidance and wisdom. On the other hand he was glad his old friend was finally getting out of the mercenary business, it was dangerous work especially for a man of advanced years.
Fox continued to stare at him, as he thought back, recollecting all the happy moments they shared. Every member of team joked around at his age, but now that he was actually retiring, Fox was having second thoughts. Peppy frequently acted as the voice of reason among the team. His caring personality and calm exterior was often a beacon of tranquility in the chaos of his team. He often settled disputes and gave advice to every member of Starfox. Fox wondered how the team would get along without him. Peppy, perceptive as always noticed the consternation in Fox's eyes and gave him a reassuring nod before lowering his drink. Fox smiled back, those concerns could wait, tonight was about Peppy.
Before Fox could put his bottle down, a blue furred arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him into a passionate, drunken kiss. His eyes widened in surprise before leaning into the kiss and wrapping his arms around his girlfriend. He pulled back just enough to stare into Krystal's beautiful turquoise irises. Fox could never tire of gazing into her deep emotional eyes, they never failed to send his heart racing and to fill it with immense joy. From the very first time their eyes met back on Sauria he had fallen head over heels for the Cerinian vixen. She was the love of his life, the vixen that turned his life around. Before he met her, Starfox was falling apart; he was unhappy, jaded, and lonely. All of that changed after the Saurian Crisis, after saving her life.
Krystal always reminded him just how much he did for her, saving her life, giving her a home and family. But her constant warmth and love were a greater gift by far and nothing could ever convince Fox otherwise. Because of her he had rediscovered his drive and determination. He was resolved to always protect her, to ensure her days were filled with nothing but happiness and love, because everyday she was in his life he felt nothing else. She leaned against his chest resting her muzzle under his, releasing a sigh of content.
"You two need to get a room." Falco said with feigned disgust, jovally shielding his eyes with his free wing while taking a swig of beer with the other. Fox shifted to glare at the pheasant. Falco was one of the original members of his team, Fox had long since developed a thick skin to his sarcastic, acerbic comments. The avian frequently acted like an uncaring jerk, but he meant well and contrary to what he wanted others to believe, had a big heart.
They had been close friends and rivals since their academy days. While the ace pilot neared flunked his classes due to lack of effort, his simulation scores rivaled Fox's own. They constantly attempted to outperform the other, their competition quickly catapulted both of them to expert pilots. When Fox first organized Starfox he knew he wanted Falco on the team. Fox opened his muzzle to respond to his taunting, but Slippy spoke first.
"Come on Falco, we deserve to let loose a little after that last job." The chipper, green toad interjected.
Fox gave his childhood friend a look of acknowledgement. Now that Peppy was retiring someone else would have to play referee to the feuds between the toad and the avian. Slippy without a doubt was the most consistent member of the team. The optimistic, excitable, cheerful mechanical prodigy had been there long before Starfox ever existed, before his father perished. Fox shared many treasured childhood memories with Slippy. The toad had seen some of Lylat's darkest moments, including the Lylat Wars and Aparoid Invasion, yet somehow he always managed to remain optimistic, always managing to find that brightside. Fox hoped that Slippy would never lose that enthusiasm for life.
Slippy was now happier than ever, with Starfox's newest additions, Fox had shifted him off the flight roster and granted him the position of full time chief engineer. The toad was never the best pilot on the team and he never enjoyed flying as much as the others. But now he was able to completely focus his attention on his inventive side projects, and it pleased him to no end.
"Yeah Falco, when are we going to let loose?" Katt Monroe wagged a suggestive eyebrow at him. The pink feline was flirty sober, being drunk removed the rest of her inhibitions. After the entire team nearly lost their lives in the Apariod invasion she officially joined the team roster, adding her incredible skill set of piloting and knowledge cybernetic systems. She had always been a close friend of the Starfox team, occasionally lending a hand on different missions. Fox had wanted to add her team for a long time, but she always preferred to fly solo. Turning down his previous offers.
He had a feeling that her relationship with Falco had something to do with her change of heart. The two had a long and turbulent history, with most advances ending with the cold shoulder until one apologized to the other. With all the recent close calls, it seemed the two of them had finally mutually decided to advance their relationship further. Fox was happy for both of them. As usual Katt was all too eager to drink and had already outpaced everyone by at least two bottles. Well, almost everyone.
"Whoooo! Another!" The wild drunk shout came from a tan lynx with black spots, as she slammed her empty bottle down on the countertop before quickly swiping another. "Miyu, don't you think you've had enough?" A posh voice filled with concern came from a white canine with a bright red bow tucked between her ears. "Come on, Fay! Live a little!" Miyu stumbled over to her friend, accidently spilling her beer onto the spaniel's team jacket. "Oh! You've made a mess now!"
Fox couldn't help but smile at the two newest additions to his team, Miyu Lynx and Fay Spaniel. The two best friends were recruited straight out of the Cornerian Defense Force. After the Apariod invasion Peppy pushed Fox to expand the team. His argument had merit, more members meant better mission support and capability. However, it was a decision Fox had initially resisted, Starfox wasn't just his team, they were his family. He questioned the wisdom of adding new members that could potentially ruin the family dynamic they had built over the years, but after the two had fit in so well Fox was glad to have them aboard. Naturally, Fox had seen their service records before offering them a place in Starfox. They were skilled and natural born pilots.
The best friends were an interesting pair to say the least. When they first joined the team Miyu and Katt made quick friends, the two felines had similar personalities, both tomboys and firecely independent. While Katt specialized herself in electronics, Miyu specialized herself in Cornerian martial arts, often sparring with Fox or Krystal in the gym. Much like Falco and Katt, Miyu had a rough upbringing and had developed those skills as a survival measure.
Fay on the other hand came from old money, the daughter of an aristocratic family and it showed, in her posh accent and perfect grooming. Thanks to her upbringing she was often shy and reserved, which Fox found to be a nice change of pace between the avian and two felines. With her family's influence Fay could have chosen any career, however she decided to enlist in the CDF and put her life on the line to fight for what she believed in. Between her high morals and reserved demeanor, she had naturally made friends with Krystal.
Fox continued to look over his team with a wide smile plastered onto his face. The cheerful happy laughter permeated the room with a warm glow. Peppy standing across from him chatting away with Slippy. Krystal at his side resting against his chest. Katt and Falco stood together drinking away and laughing. Miyu chasing Fay around the room with an open beer bottle. This was Starfox, this was his family. And that's a hell of a thing to celebrate.
Star Fox and associated characters © copyright Nintendo Co., Ltd.