Disclaimer: I do not own Star Fox

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Fox. This series was created and published by Nintendo. All respect and copywriter ship goes to Nintendo and whoever is in part of making Star Fox.

Author comments beforehand: This will be known as the "crappiest chapter" because of the drama. Look, there HAS to be some because of poor Krystal. Lucy starts to cave in with her own issues as a result and it gets messy. I understand completely if you get frustrated or hate this chapter because I hate chapters like these as well. I had to pause and take a brake from writing this chapter because I hate the drama. But, I think it'll work out in the end! Anyway, thank you so much for all of the big and small reviews. Every one of them counts! I even have some reading it who doesn't review. It's nice to know that it's somewhat popular!

Enjoy the drama chapter

Beauty and the Beast

VI. This is how we Get Inspired.

Lucy drew the covers over the sleeping vixen and looked at her with sad eyes. Star Wolf was standing behind her, each with their uncomfortable looks, except for Panther. Panther looked down on Krystal with kindness and compassion, praying that she was truly alright. Lucy noticed this and placed a kind paw on his shoulder.

"Mr. Caroso," she whispered, "why don't you stay with Krystal? If she wakes up crying, you can try and comfort her."

"Thank you…" said the big cat, gratitude on his voice.

Wolf opened the door and Leon with Lucy walked out. Wolf looked at the girl once more before walking out the door and closing it behind them. The three stood in the hallway, helpless to what had just unfolded. Leon decided now was the best time to escape so he excused himself.

"Wolf, I'll leave you two to discuss this. I'll talk with Panther later and we'll decide on an agreement."

"I suppose that's best," Wolf replied. "The woman needs us, or rather Panther..." He looked down at Lucy quickly and back at Leon. "Her as well; this is her home. Report to me either tonight or tomorrow."

Leon nodded and slinked away into the guest room, shutting the door behind him. Lucy looked at Wolf silently. The two stared at each other and sighed. Wolf narrowed his eye softly as he looked to the floor and Lucy looked at the wall, shifting her feet. The classic awkward moment unfolded between the creatures. Suddenly, the hare lifted a paw and touched Wolf's arm, more gently than with Panther a few moments ago. Wolf snapped his attention back to her and let another staring contest begin. It only took a few moments for it to end when:

Lucy hugged him.

She closed the space with her tiny body, hugging the lupine's waist and drew his body into hers. Wolf's eye widened as she clung to him, not letting go. He had no clue how to respond since it was not in his nature to let something this affectionate happen to him. That's how the two stood for minutes. But soon, Wolf brought his arms around Lucy and returned the gesture, holding the girl.

Soon, seven minutes with them hugging. Wolf released Lucy and she waited a few moments before doing the same.

"I-I'm sorry…" Lucy murmured. "I'm just…so…"

"It's alright," Wolf said softy.

Lucy blushed at his kindness and nodded. "I-I guess…I should go to bed."

"You're letting her stay then?" Wolf said while they walked to the couch in the main room. "Yes," Lucy said, "I can't cast her away, not like this. Break ups are hard, I know that well. I think she needs support and I'll do just that."

Lucy sat herself on the couch and soon Wolf was next to her, listening. They sat in silence for a bit.

"Wolf?"

Wolf turned to the hare, makes her more nervous than ever.

"C-can I…kiss you..?"

"Kiss me?" he replied, baffled at the forwardness.

She nodded. "I-i…really…want…to…" Lucy bowed her head, letting new feelings wash over her. "I don't know why exactly. But…apart of me really likes you, and…"

Wolf's shock just grew. "Like me?" he managed to get out. "How do you like me?"

"I just do."

The simple answer was enough to convince him. He leaned forward, leaving his face near her own. Lucy gulped and she felt her heart race as she leaned forward, moving toward his black lips until she sat up more, landing her lips on his cold nose.

Lucy felt Wolf shiver underneath her kiss, the sensation flowing through both of their bodies. Lucy stayed there until she parted; smiling a bit at what she had done.

"G-good night, Wolf."

Wolf sat there a moment before standing on his feet, slowly leaving the room. At that moment, Lucy could have sworn that the lupine's cheeks were the slightest shade of pink. She prayed that it was so.

The next morning, Lucy blinked and sat up, waking to darkness. Despite this, the apartment was filled with life as Leon, Panther, and Wolf sat at the kitchen bar and ate breakfast. She turned and saw Krystal there as well, sitting next to Panther not even attempting to touch the food. Lucy stood and stretched before walking over to the group.

"Good morning everyone," she said. Leon waved slightly and Panther greeted her with a hello. Wolf glanced up at her while Krystal didn't move. Lucy then got out a tea pot and poured cold water in it before setting it on the stove. She silently worked on her task while the group watched. Even the blue vixen picked up her head with curiosity. Soon, Lucy got out two mugs and poured the now steaming hot water in them, letting the vapor caress her face. She got out two tea bags and set them in the cups. The hare watched the bag react with the water as it poured out a red color, changing the liquid. Star Wolf each cleaned their plates and put them away, but did not leave the kitchen. Instead, they stayed to watch the girls.

Lucy then took the tea bags out once the color was a wine red. She added two spoons of sugar and honey in each before stirring. After a 'clank, clank', the hare brought one mug and set it next to Krystal. The vixen stared at the mug and looked up at Lucy.

"That's for you," Lucy said with kindness. "My best friend made me tea when I first broke up with someone." She laughed lightly. "It's funny, I broke up with him and yet I was still crying." Lucy saw the tears resurface in the vixen's eyes. The droplets fell and Krystal murmured 'thank you' before taking the mug. She let the hot tea run down her throat.

With each sip, the vixen's eyes poured with clear droplets. She took a moment to try and wipe them before going back to her mug. Lucy took one drink from her own tea while this was happening. Once Krystal was done, she couldn't help but wail. Her cheeks were wet from continuous crying; the vixen placed her arms around her own body and laid her head on the counter.

"Fox!" She cried out. Krystal shook as she sobbed, feeling the world grow black around her. Panther placed a paw on her back and rubbed it slowly. "Shhh," he whispered. "It will be alright. I promise, Krystal. Don't cry."

Leon stared at the girl and looked at Wolf. Wolf turned his head a bit in respect shifted his gaze away from the anguish. Lucy felt her own throat close up and she wanted to cry with Krystal. She felt her lip quiver and she shook her head. Lucy placed her arms around her shoulders and nuzzled her head into Krystal's back.

"It'll be alright, I promise. Hush now…"

Krystal heaved before calming down. Krystal lifted her blue head and hiccupped, wiping the leftover tears away.

"T-thank you so much," she said. "I-i…I'm just so confused."

"We all are," Lucy admitted. "We don't know why Fox would do such a thing."

"I mean," the vixen went on, "I thought he loved me! He told me so! I remember, I was so happy, to hear his kind voice say those three words. I felt my heart leap out of my throat…and…w-we…" Krystal paused and took a deep breath, trying not to cry. "He kissed me softly then. It was all I ever wanted; to be by his side and help him fight…to help him love…"

Lucy saw Krystal's ears droop like a dead flower as she looked down with watery aqua eyes.

"I think, Fox made a mistake." Panther spoke up. Krystal and Lucy both looked at the black big cat. "You're a beautiful, special girl and you should have not been treated that way. I'll make sure he'll pay for what he did to you." Panther's golden eyes flickered with rage as he said this. Krystal paused and then silently let her head rest on his shoulder. Panther looked at her then softened and laid his head on hers. Lucy couldn't help but feel her stomach twist.

"I-I should get ready for school. Krystal, please feel free to bathe and relax. Try to get this off you mind." After that, the hare bolted as fast as she could from the room without making it obvious. She got ready and left Star Wolf with Krystal.

Lucy walked slowly through the cold Fichinan streets, with her scarf swirling behind her in the wind. She went into the depts. Of her mind, letting herself remember the moment she first met Krystal.

"Fox" Lucy cried out, hugging the orange vulpine tightly. "It's so good to see you! My, you've grown so much!" Lucy punched his arm lightly, reverting back to her tom boy self. She smiled as he laughed and winked at her.

"You've changed too, Lucy. Not as little as you were! How's Frannie doing?"

"Just fine!" She said excitedly, "We teach together at the university, in fact!"

"Damn," Fox said, "You two are inseparable!"

At that moment, a blue vixen appeared next to Fox, giggling. Lucy couldn't help but stare at her exotic beauty; her fur was a dark blue, like day break had painted on her. Her eyes were as blue as the topical waters and shined with something she'd seen before. The vixen had a very nice figure, her hips curving in the right areas.

She's a goddess! Lucy thought. I'm so envious!

"Fox, who's this?" Lucy asked.

"O-oh!" Fox stuttered nervously, "This is Krystal."

Krystal held out a dainty blue paw and smiled kindly. "I'm also Fox's girlfriend!" She said with pride. Lucy took her hand and smiled warmly, liking the girl immediately. "It's so nice to meet you!" She looked at Fox and saw him blush but look at the girl with something beyond she saw. It was if his only purpose was loving and caring for the vixen.

Lucy and Fox chatted for a bit more. Slippy eventually joined in and the three recalled the old days at the academy. They laughed at good memories, fell silent to the bad, over all, they enjoyed the company. Lucy saw Fox snake his paw around Krystal's hand, lacing each finger within hers. Lucy smiled and looked at Fox. "Congratulations, may you two love each other forever," she said.

Yes… that's what I said and look now… Lucy bowed her head with sadness as her students copied down notes. The day seemed to drag on after that. It was bad enough that Francesca was still in Corneria taking care of college business for two days but this whole ordeal made things crumble. Lucy sulked as she left at eight o'clock that night. She looked up at the grey clouds above her head and sighed. I miss the warm weather already, her mind said.

Then, she saw a figure. She had to squint a bit before she recognized it.

"W-wolf…"

She watched him get off the lamp post he was leaning on and walk to her, just wearing his regular attire. He stopped in front of her.

"We need to chat." He replied.

Lucy nodded and let Wolf lead the way back home. The conversation didn't start up too long after that.

"I've decided to leave earlier than intended. Apparently," he said, "there is some kind of invasion about to take place. They're known as the 'Anglars'. Fish people from Venom's acidic sea."

Lucy felt her heart tighten. She couldn't bear this now. She wanted him to stay so she can figure out her feelings. Lucy nodded and tried to hide her quivering lip. All the emotion that took place was finally sucking her in, making her feel as if the world was against her.

"So, when are you leaving," she managed to get out.

"Tomorrow evening." Wolf said gruffly. "I want to be back at my base in case they try and take it for themselves."

It did make sense, she thought. "W-wolf. What about Krystal?"

"I was getting to that," he replied. "She'll be coming with us. She even requested that she did. Now she can't separate herself from Panther. It sickens me, truthfully." His muzzle pointed to the sky. "She's so messed up that she's looking to Panther for support. How fucked up is that…"

Lucy sighed. "I think she's having a hard time separating from Fox. I think she really found the one she was looking for." Lucy paused and licked her lips. "I think he got scared of something and forced her away foolishly."

"That boy has a head on his shoulders," he admitted, "But he's still immature. He needs to grow further."

Lucy nodded. She agreed with him. "I think it's because he doesn't have a mother. Fox's mother died when he was very young; I think the fact that he was without a woman figure in his life made it more difficult to express his feelings for a girl."

"Very clever," Wolf said. "That's true, Vixy did die when the pup was five."

"You knew her?" Lucy questioned.

"Hardly," he replied, "I was nine when she died. I did see her occasionally..." He paused, lost in his thoughts. So he really does have a connection to the McCloud family, Lucy thought.

They continued to walk with a light snow showing down on the two. Lucy felt her heart race through the quiet. I have to say something, her mind spoke, we won't get to talk much tomorrow and by the time I get back from work, he'll be gone. Lucy bit the inside of her lip and then grabbed Wolf's arm. He turned to her and blinked.

"W-wolf," she stammered, "Anytime you want to come by…my doors are open for you."

"I know," he said simply. Wolf then held up the apartment key. "That's why you gave me this."

"But…what I mean is, I don't want to loose you!" Lucy blurted out. "I don't want you to leave, I love having people in my home everyday. I love having you there…"

Wolf stared at her like she had three heads. Never would he expect for someone to say 'love' to him especially Peppy Hare's daughter. He gulped, feeling his throat tighten.

"At least when you're around Fichina, say 'hi' once and awhile." She said now smiling a bit.

Wolf blinked slowly and then replied, "Sure."

"Thank you, Wolf." Lucy let him go and then began walking ahead, leaving the lupine to himself. He looked up at the sky and growled.

"I need a cigarette."

Lucy arrived at her apartment and closed the door. Her cheeks were flushed due to the fact that when she couldn't see Wolf behind her, she ran all the way home. Lucy giggled to herself and smiled. That's one step, just take baby steps, Lucy thought. She walked into the hallway after taking off her winter wear and almost dropped to the floor in shock.

Krystal was kissing Panther, it and wasn't 'buddy-buddy; kissing either. But it wasn't caring like Wolf's kiss was. It was just explosive. She placed her hand over her mouth and looked down. Her face turned redder than from before. She soon felt a figure over her and she turned around, seeing Leon.

"They were doing this throughout the day," he replied low, "It baffles me that someone who is so in love with McCloud is making out with some guy that was previously a nuisance to her."

Lucy listened to the comment and couldn't help but agree. But she couldn't stop Krystal, as much as it pained her to do so. "She's her own person…" Lucy said, "and I think she's going to use Panther to prove something to Fox."

The chameleon and hare looked at the scene some more before another figure appeared behind them. The smell of tobacco filled Lucy's senses and relaxed her, knowing that Wolf was there.

"That bastard," he muttered, blowing out some smoke over Leon's and Lucy's heads. He pushed past them and stood right behind Panther.

"As the saying goes, 'monkey see, monkey do.' You idiot, what the hell are you doing?" he replied coolly.

Panther ad Krystal jumped and pulled apart. Panther licked his lips and smiled. "Kissing the one I love, what are you doing?"

Wolf growled low, his ears flickering. "You listen to me, Panther. I will NOT have romance on my team, nothing." He turned to Krystal, giving her a sharp glare. "And don't think I know what you're up to. As long as you're in Star Wolf, you will abide by my rules. You are not here to foolishly make out but to defeat the Anglars and prevent Star Fox from getting in our way."

Krystal looked away, her eyes filled with hatred and cold. Then suddenly Panther spoke up.

"So that means you cannot love Lucy Hare?"

A chill fell into the air. Lucy felt a pain run through her heart as Panther said this. Wolf's eye widened and he looked at Panther as if he had lost a chess game. Panther chuckled low, placing a paw on his leader.

"If I cannot love Krystal, then same goes for you. You MUST, after all, follow your rules." Panther laughed again and walked past, taking Krystal's paw and began leading her out of the room. Wolf snarled and clenched his fist. "Don't try me, Panther."

Lucy looked down. She never would've thought to be involved, but she couldn't help but be hopeful that Wolf did like her. She excused herself, not wanting Wolf or Leon to say anything to her. All she wanted now was to go to bed and replay the scene, trying to figure out what happened.

--

The hare opened her door the next evening to hear nothing but silence. Star Wolf was gone, and had left no trace of their presence there. Lucy sighed and brushed some hair from her face, taking off her coat and boots. She walked into the main room and noticed something. It was a recently used cigarette on a tray, slowly dying out. She sat on the couch and stared at the smoke lifting up into the air. Lucy smiled a bit and felt some tears weld up in her eyes.

"So you really do care…" she said quietly.

Lucy leaned back and closed her eyes. I guess I really do love this man. I can't see it any other way… I really miss him. I miss Leon and Panther. She opened her eyes and replied to herself,

"But most of all, I wish Krystal would come to her senses."

CHAPTER SIX END

I had a hard time finishing it. This is a very emotional chapter, especially on Krystal's part.

Now, why did I make Krystal and Panther kiss? To make all suffer under Command's storyline? No. I did it because I AM following the storyline. That's part of the story. I'm twisting it to my favor, but I do have to keep some elements. Plus, I want Krystal together with Panther for now. It makes sense. You'll see, it'll get better.

Looks like there's something up with Wolf as well. I suppose he really is starting to like Lucy. And this is where the story continues.

For awhile, I will start looking into Wolf's view point and with dealing his feelings about Lucy. There HAS to be some points where Wolf gets attention. In these chapters, it'll have events from the beginning of the game, such as Fox and Slippy going to Fichina because Lucy gives a distress call. Now, I won't go into that part too much, but I will do something where the Anglars take over her city so she sends out the call. But it'll focus on Wolf and Star Wolf. I plan on having them help save the city and then disappear when Star Fox comes. Then they'll re-appear and duke it out and leave the planet after Fox wins in the battle.

Where does Krystal fit you ask? Good question. I'll let you know when I get to it.

Have fun, and enjoy the show, because now it's Wolf's turn to shine!