Arwing Academy

Chapter 1: The First Day

"Hello and welcome to all new students in Corneria's Arwing Academy!" A very loud and obnoxious microphone reverberated throughout every corner.

One particular new student stood before the giant academy building. The fox's ears were flattened to his head, and his tail practically tucked between his legs. He looked like a limp noodle on the wringer. Around him, the many animal-like students ignored him and continued on with their business.

"Your dreams and aspirations can be fulfilled here at the Arwing Academy!" The megaphone continued.

The fox clothed in a white jacket and green pants only hung his head in despair. "Dreams and aspirations, huh…?" He moaned quietly to himself. "Let's see, last night I dreamt I was a bird… my current aspiration… is to get the heck out of here. But I that's impossible here..."

"All new students, please proceed to the theater for the orientation."

"That's me… Probably…" the fox sighed, shouldering his pack, and adjusting the red bandana around his neck. He began to walk towards the academy's double door entrance slowly… very slowly… His forest green eyes never left the pavement he followed.

"This will be a day you'll never forget. Yessirree, today you will begin your training to become a great pilot. This day will mark one of the most important, wonderful days of your life!" The over cheerful female speaker just wouldn't shut up.

"This day will be the worst day ever… Even worse than the night after I had twenty-three tacos and three gallons of root beer," the fox whimpered slightly at that thought. Ok, maybe not as bad as that night. But it had to be pretty darn close.

Ah… silence at last. That speaker had finally stopped talking. The grass was green, and pollution was in the air. Mm… Too bad he had to spend this day in a school house!

There were no more students hurrying around the school courtyard. The fox was about to wonder why, then realized he was horribly late. Maybe he shouldn't drag his feet so much. Eh, it wasn't like he was in a hurry to get to that assembly or whatever anyway.

It turned out that speaker at the theater was the same one on the microphone earlier. Thankfully the vulpine student had missed the, 'let's do the best we can!' speech. Instead the woman –if you could call her a woman- was actually talking about the academy.

All the back seats in the theater were taken, so the fox had to take a seat near the front row. He tried to sneak in as conspicuously as possible, but it was hard to remain unnoticed when sitting almost directly in front of the main speaker. She was similar to a frog that had overdosed on makeup. Her puffy cheeks had been colored a most vibrant red. Eyelashes were coated with glittery sparkles. Her pink dress was absolutely atrocious, with gaudy yellow flower print all over it. But the most standing and most hideous thing about her… was that her right index finger was a great deal longer than her others! She always had it pointing at something too. The fox instantly knew this was some crazed and possibly dangerous teacher. Or speaker. Well, she looked like a teacher. Actually, the fox didn't have a clue what job she possessed.

"This is unlike any school within the Lylat system," the frog was saying when the fox slipped in. He dropped his pack quietly beside his seat. "This is neither highschool, college, or military school. Instead, it is like all three combined. You will be learning how to pilot an arwing… but don't let that get into your heads! You'll need to understand the principles of how the arwing works as well. Physics, algebra, flyer's ed., and such will be part of your course training. You'll also learn the proper etiquette for the military…"

The fox student couldn't help but roll his eyes. Who the heck really cared about all this stuff anyway… When it came down to it in battle, you just needed to hit the opponent and avoid being shot yourself. There was no need for all this high definition, fancy-pants military rules and regulations.

Evidently the orator noticed the not only late but very rude student. She puffed up slightly, prepared to teach this novice a real lesson. "Such things are necessary in order to achieve your goals. That's why it's important to work your best at everything." She shifted her attention to the fox, and smiled slightly. Oh yes, she'd get this student; he would pay. "What's your name, young sir?"

"Fox McCloud," the student didn't even look into the speaker's eyes. He let his head hang over the head rest and into the air. The apathy in his voice was clear.

"Fox McCloud," the teacher/speaker croaked. "Tell me, what are your goals after you graduate from the academy?"

"Eh, I'll become an air force mercenary or something," Fox the fox shrugged, still nonchalant, despite the teacher's obvious hatred.

"A mercenary?" The speaker laughed out loud. The rest of the students blinked in surprise, wondering why this teacher was being such a pain in the neck. "Mr. McCloud… Do you realize what mercenaries are paid? Have you no personal goals? I doubt that job will even put bread on the table."

"Guess I'll just have to die in a ditch somewhere then," Fox raised his head to meet the teacher's eyes, and smirked slightly. Around him, his fellow students snickered. They weren't used to someone who would backtalk to a teacher, or refuse to cower before authority. The frog puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, making her look like a balloon. But Fox wasn't done yet. "Besides, I could die any day. What's the point of making goals…? Or trying your best or whatever. Have fun while you can, I say."

"I'm sure you'll have a fun time when you die in a ditch somewhere," the teacher snapped. Ok, now Fox winced slightly. He'd just managed to tick off the first adult in the academy. It wasn't like it was his fault that he had an attitude problem. It was just who he was. What did he say about this day being bad? What did he say…

"Well anyway," the teacher shook her head, trying to calm her temper. "I happen to be your arwing engine model teacher! So I will be seeing all of you soon. Tell me, do any of you have any questions?" She paused, but no one raised their hand. If Fox was sitting in the back, he would have made asked some funny question. But he couldn't very well do that now while sitting in front of the teacher who was already PO'd, now could he? "No? Alright then! Congratulations on completing your first day at Arwing Academy!"

"Huh?" Fox literally fell out of his chair in surprise. There was a huge ka-bang! as his chair snapped up without someone sitting on it. More giggles rebounded through the small theater. Fox ignored them and staggered to his feet. "What the heck? What about all those classes we're supposed to go to or something?"

"Mr. McCloud," the frog pointed her long index finger at Fox. It made him feel uneasy… Because fingers just shouldn't be that long! "If you were here earlier… or if you had even checked your academy calendar… You would have known this day is freshman orientation! There are no classes today."

"Oh…" Fox blinked at her. The class was still smiling, but they had stopped laughing. "Wait a sec!" He suddenly cried out, realizing what she had said. "If there were no classes today I could have just ditched this orientation and no one would have known!" He grabbed his ears, his eyes wide. "Dang it dang it dang it…"

Even the teacher was smirking at this point. "This was an optional orientation, young sir. That's why no one took attendance."

"Geh…" Fox gasped, in anger and despair. It only took him a second to snap out of it though. He grabbed his pack and headed towards the exit. "Well screw you guys then! I'm outta here!" He hadn't walked far outside the theater when he heard the buzz of students behind him.

Man, an optional orientation that he had come to… Sometimes, it was bad to be stupid. Wait, did he just call himself stupid? Well, anyway… At least now he could go check out his dorm. The train with the circus had crashed and caused his airplane flight to delay… Or something like that. It was hard to understand what the announcer had said exactly. Wait… What was he thinking about again?

"Hey dude! Wait up!" A very high-pitched and raspy, but male, voice hailed Fox from behind. Fox winced at just the sound of it. Oh man… He'd probably attracted some sort of retard back in that orientation.

Fox felt the presence of another being beside him, but just sighed. "Look… If you're some crazed-out weirdo fan, I only date chicks… Got that? Only hot chicks."

"Heh heh…" The person beside him had a very disturbing laugh. It was enough to make Fox take a closer look at him.

The guy was probably Fox's age; maybe a year younger. He was some sort of reptile, but Fox didn't have a clue to its species. All of his scales were blood red, except for a single white patch that traveled down his chin and neck. A Hawaiian-like shirt hung loosely around his shoulders, with khaki shorts around his waist.

"What the heck are you supposed to be? A turtle without a shell?" Fox asked bluntly. After he said that, he realized the unruly character had a long tail; too long for a turtle.

"A compsognathus," the dinosaur replied simply, as if it was as common as the time of day.

"Compsowhat?" Fox looked dazed. "Ah… whatever…"

"You're Fox McCloud, right?" The red dinosaur grinned slightly.

"Yeah…" Fox's ears flattened to his head again. He didn't like that hungry look dino-freak was giving him.

"Heh, just making sure I caught your name right, dude. We'll be seeing each other a lot, you know." His grin had turned out into a full-blown creepy smile.

"I already told you: I only date chicks…" Fox hurried away from the anomaly. When he was a sufficient distance, Fox slowed back down to a leisurely pace.

Corneria was quite a big city. All the buildings had been crammed together. When there was no more room to build sideways, people instead built… up! There were tons of skyscrapers, but most of the buildings were shops or apartments. According to his map, Fox's dormitory had to be somewhere close… It wouldn't be far off campus. Oops… wait a second. Fox checked his map once again. The dormitory was on school campus. And he was obviously off.

Oh well… He might as well walk around and get used to some of the shops. Fox took note of everything he saw. There was a small Chinese restaurant (though Fox had no idea why they called it Chinese food; it seemed like a silly name to him), 'Little Jack's Farm,' (a grocery store), 'Mario's Pizza Parlor,' (it smelled… so good…), and other miscellaneous stores. Quite frankly, Fox only noticed the stores that sold food.

Right when Fox was about to turn around and head back to campus, one particular sign on the opposite side of the road caught his eye. "Buffalo's Bar," it read simply. The place itself looked like a run-down shack.

"Thank god!" Fox collapsed to his knees, hands and face reaching towards the heavens. "I'm saved! Halleluiah!" Fox screamed the last part out.

A few passersby gave Fox some weird looks before continuing with their business. Fox stood up, practically crying in joy. He was about to cross the street before he remembered… He wasn't twenty-one yet. That and he'd packed his fake ID in his suitcase, which had probably arrived at his dorm.

"Nooo!" He sobbed quietly, pulling his ears again. It looked like it might be another day before he could get a drink. Well, one day wasn't too bad… right? Besides, it probably wasn't a good day to get drunk anyway.

Fox turned away from the bar. He'd have to keep this place in mind for later. For now, though, he needed to check out his dorm.

"Hm… Room 074, second floor," Fox read from his map, where he had scribbled down his room number. He folded the map and put it into his pocket, looking at the door in front of him. "Yep… Definitely the place." This dorm reminded him of a hotel. Everything looked exactly the same, except the different numbers. The corridors were narrow, with dark red walls that seemed to close on those within. Each door was white, but the paint had faded over the years.

Evidently his roommate had already found their dorm, because the door was open just a crack. As Fox pushed the door forward, he wondered briefly who his dorm partner would be. Hopefully it wouldn't be anyone too annoying. Knowing his luck, it probably would be… Or someone who would bust him for his drinking habits. Better yet, maybe the person would be a combination of both. Fox stepped inside…

Sploosh!

A cascade of water fell upon his furry head, thoroughly drenching every fiber in his being. Some bright light flashed before his eyes, and Fox blinked as he tried to see clearly. Less than a second later, something hard and metallic hit his head.

"Ooow!" Fox winced, rubbing the newly formed lump on his head. His eyes fell to the ground, where a metal pail had fallen. "What the heck!" He exclaimed, thoroughly irked and confused by what had just happened. It took him a second to realize that someone was laughing.

Fox rose his eyes murderously to the figure rolling in glee on one of the twin beds. It was that same reptile who had spoken to Fox after the orientation!

"You… you!" Fox sputtered, pointing his dripping wet finger at the compsognathus. "What the heck was that for!"

"H-hello, dude," the red dino finally managed to get a decent hold of himself, and pulled himself up into a sitting position. His smile was still wider than the sun, though.

"Man… don't tell me you're my roommate…" Fox rubbed the water out of his eyes, still incredibly sour about the entire situation.

"You bet, Fox the fox," the dinosaur cackled manically. "Know who I am? Or did you never bother to check your schedule? It says who your dorm mate is, don't cha know."

"Don't know… don't care…" Fox muttered, taking a few threatening steps towards the compsognathus.

"'M Roshi Yancha," Roshi named introduced himself anyway. His blue eyes widened slightly as Fox continued to creep closer. "Woah dude! Don't get so worked up. We're going to be like, together for a while. Heh heh, and honestly, what can I say, I'm a bit of a prankster."

"Immature jokes like yours are just a pain in the neck…" Fox seemed unimpressed, and obviously intended to strangle Roshi.

"Chill out," Roshi shook his head, scooting back from the edge of the bed slightly. "'Sides, I got a cool pic of ya. Want to see? Your face was pretty good, heh heh heh…"

It was then that Fox realized the camera hanging around Roshi's neck. The film had developed immediately. Fox snatched the offered picture and stared at it. He had been taken by complete surprise. In the picture he looked like a deer caught in headlights. That is, a waterlogged deer. Something above him was falling; probably the pail that hit him on the head.

"Grr…" Fox tore up the picture into five hundred pieces. "Of all the dorm mates… Why me…?"

"Seriously," Roshi agreed, nodding his head solemnly.

Fox glared bloody murder at him, but decided he didn't want to kill Roshi right now. He needed to change his clothes and into something dry… heck, while he was at it, he might as well take a shower. Yeah, that would be good.

"Alright, listen up, dastard," Fox pointed straight at Roshi. "I'll let you go this time, but next time I'll pummel you to a pulp. Now uh, have you seen a suitc…"

Roshi was already pointing to the said suitcase, beside the twin bed he wasn't currently sitting on. "Yeah man, I took it in for you. I thought like, you wouldn't want someone to steal your stuff outside."

Fox almost thanked Roshi. Almost. But he didn't. "You better have not done anything to my stuff…"

"Not a thing," Roshi grinned again.

Fox grabbed it, and walked slowly into the bathroom. He was dripping wet, and had made a mess all over the floor. Everything was Roshi's fault, though. "Hey guy, you better clean up this mess too. There's no way I will sweep the floor because I was a victim of one of your dumb pranks." He closed the bathroom door behind him.

"Aye aye, capt'n," Roshi called out merrily. "Don't worry, I like, do this for a living. By the time you get out, it'll be like nothing ever happened… Heh heh heh…"

Fox sighed, and opened his suitcase to search for some good dry clothes. Had Roshi been waiting this entire time for him to walk into the room? It was actually really scary at the lengths he went to prank someone. And it sounded like this wouldn't be a once in a lifetime event…

This was going to be a long year. This was going to be a very long year.

A/N: Bad? Good? Never really written anything like this, and usually I do first person. So please, let me know how this is working. I can't look at my own work without bias.

So erm, I be Meneil, and I am very new to the Star Fox community. I've only played Star Fox 64 and Star Fox Adventures, so please understand my gaming knowledge background.

And here is some important info you might actually want to know about: This story is preplanned, with some major events that have no connection to the games. This is based on an RP my friend and I did mm maybe 2 years ago, so she deserves story credit as well!

Here is a list of major Star Fox characters within this story (first one most major, last one least major): Fox McCloud (duh, I mean, he IS the main char here), Katt, Falco (Falco will probably be spoken more about than make actual appearances), Wolf, Pigma, Leon, Andrew

Some not so major Star Fox characters within this story (most important first again): James McCloud, Andross, Krystal, General Pepper, Peppy, Slippy, (maybe) Tricky

You probably don't really care about where my original chars fit in there. Roshi is one of the few, really.

Pairings:

NONE MIS AMIGOS! ((is not Spanish; if you send me a long message in Spanish I will have no idea what you are talking about)) Fox likes to hit on all the girls possible, though, and chase Krystal around for about a chapter. Katt will flirt too. Just, this is not a love story. There might be little hints, but it will never be the main point of the story. Or a chapter for that matter.

Thus ends my unusually long author's note. That's all, folks. I will email you and respond to your reviews if I can contact you. Honestly I am not sure whether I will continue this story or not. I'm sort of just testing how it goes.

Acknowledgements: Nintendo and Rare own Star Fox. I own the plot and original chars like Roshi though! Many thanks to lala girl (aka Amy) for RPing with me and creating this wonderful idea together.