Thank you Starfox fandom for your patience! I missed writing, and I missed writing for my favorite characters.
Disclaimer: Starfox belongs to Nintendo. This is just a fanfic written by a fan.
Falco didn't regret his decision.
Unlike Fox and Slippy, he didn't need a romantic partner; the very thought never jived with him.
He knew his heart and mind belonged flying high in the sky and across the stars.
And yet…
Something he would never wear on his sleeve was how much his friends truly meant to him. He told all his friends about how he had no living relatives. So, any close bond he made with anyone was a bond he forged. The avian never felt alone with friends like the goofy but kind-hearted frog Slippy, the gentle and strong-willed lady like Krystal, and Fox.
Fox, whom Falco didn't want to be in the shadow of, became one of his best friends.
And even if they were on different paths now, they would always be best friends.
But now, Falco would become the greatest pilot ever, yet it felt so bittersweet.
Even if flying across the stars was one of the greatest feelings ever, it could be quiet and lonely sometimes. Falco could imagine Fox, Slippy, and Krystal smiling in their Arwings, and they would always bounce off each other with witty remarks.
It would make an aging bird like himself break on the inside, but he groaned to himself.
"No way a bird like myself is going to get all sappy…"
Falco took a sharp turn to an incoming galaxy.
Still, the Arwing was a gift given by Peppy from the now-disbanded Starfox Team, and the memories they made together would always be with them.
"Even so…"
Tears did start to form in Falco's eyes at that point. He cursed himself, thinking Slippy was rubbing off on him.
"I can be such a stubborn bird sometimes! One lesson I should take from Fox as I go my way and start my own team."
"I forgot to tell all of you…"
Falco remembered Fox's cocky grin, Slippy's goofy smile, Peppy's nod of approval, and Krystal's warm smile.
"All my friends…"
"Thank you!"
"Thank all of you wonderful people for everything!"
Falco would visit them again soon, but everyone needed to transition. And Falco hit the thrusters to head off to the next mission.
He would be the shooting star and the beacon of hope for his retired friends. They would look up to him now, and he would make them proud.
This wasn't just about glory for Falco anymore but about being a true hero.
Planet Aquas was a peaceful paradise after the Angler War. No longer would the ruffians from the Venom Sea threaten the gentle sea life of this planet, and Slippy and Amanda could look forward to a safe future for their children.
Everything Slippy needed was here, and he and Amanda couldn't be happier with beautiful sunny days and romantic nights. Slippy was delighted to wake up and fall asleep next to the most beautiful girl in all the galaxies.
But something was eating away at Slippy, something he didn't want to let out.
He didn't want to. Everything was perfect now, and there was no reason for this frog to get so emotional again. And yet, something was still missing.
When Slippy found old photos of the Starfox team enjoying some birthday cake for Peppy's birthday and having fun, he ran to the beach and started ugly crying to the moon, just letting it all out and letting it go so Amanda wouldn't worry about him. But the tears couldn't stop falling for Slippy, and little did he know Amanda quietly walked up to him to hug him from behind.
"Slippy darling, you don't have to hide your tears from me…"
Slippy sniffed and shook his head. "I can't Amanda! I just can't! The Starfox team is over! All our adventures are done, but I shouldn't cry because I want nothing more but to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you Amanda! It's just so sad sometimes…"
Slippy began crying again, and Amanda held him closer and stroked him while repeatedly whispering that it was okay.
"Slippy dearest, I know it's hard. I also wanted to be part of the Starfox team and be part of your adventures…"
"Hm?" Slippy said as he wiped his tears.
Slippy looked his future wife in the eyes, and she smiled down at him.
"I'm sure I could've lived that dream in another Universe," Amanda said. "I'm sorry the Starfox team had to disband. I've always looked up to all of you."
Slippy's eyes sparkled as he took Amanda's hands. "Oh Amanda! Have I ever told you you are the most amazing woman I ever met?"
Amanda giggled. "Every day of our lives, my dearest Slippy."
"Well, you would've been the best member of Starfox ever, and that is definitely not a biased statement!"
Amanda laughed again, saying her future husband was always the best flatterer.
"You could've been part of the team and seen part of what meant the world to me, but even if things didn't go as we hoped, I still got to fall in love with you. Even if I miss my friends so much and miss being on the greatest team in the world…It will all be okay because I will have you, and my friends and I will always be together!"
Amanda smiled proudly and nodded, knowing that was more true and constant than the stars above.
"And they will be your friends as well, Amanda! Krystal is so sweet, and it's no wonder Fox fell in love with her! Falco can be a bit arrogant, but he really is one big softie! And Peppy is like the second father I never had!" Slippy sighed dreamily. "I miss them every day."
Amanda pondered the old photo Slippy kept so close to him and pondered.
"Slippy, I think we should make some cake tonight."
"Ooo!" Slippy leapt as he laced his hand with hers. "I would love to make a cake with my beautiful Amanda."
The two frogs smiled fondly at each other as they headed back to their home. "Oh, Slippy! I look forward to the day of our wedding; I dream about it every night."
"I can't wait for my friends to be there!" Slippy said gleefully.
Fox gazed at the cityscape of Corneria with a smile. The Lylac System was at peace once more. They all risked their lives for this peace, and at the end of the Angler War, Fox chose to leave it all behind to spend a quiet life with Krystal.
At that point, Fox didn't care if crowds gossiped that Fox had never surpassed his father's legacy. In his mind, he met it, and even if he thought he would be the best fighter pilot in the entire galaxy and fight until his dying breath, he told Krystal when he declared his undying love that ever since he met her, he realized that there was more to life than that.
He had no regrets at all. There were plenty of adventures for him and Krystal to have. All they ever needed was each other without having to worry about losing each other in battle.
And Krystal wrapping her arms around him from behind always felt like home. He placed his paws on hers and made a pleased hum.
"Krystal."
"Fox, is there something on your mind?"
Her voice was always warm when she spoke to him with sincerity and affection, even when they were fighting wars together and talking during briefings.
"I was just thinking how nice it is not to always hear the terrors of adversity and just live adventures through video games."
"Hmm," Krystal nuzzled his shoulder. I love seeing the story unfold of our favorite video game characters embarking on adventures and knowing everything will be okay in the end."
Fox noted that Krystal was getting better at video games, and it was a terrific pastime for them both. But Fox's future wife was much better at real-life battling. With a staff, nonetheless, she could even outdo him.
Fox laced his hands with hers and smiled at her fondly. "And I love all these peaceful days with you, meditating and discovering all the amazing things about life. I say this a lot, but you truly changed my life for the better, Krystal. You're my best friend, and I love you more than anything…"
Krystal giggled but tried to keep it in so as not to give Fox the wrong idea. She gently placed her hands over Fox's heart, which always made the vulpine go weak. For such a sweet young woman, she also had a devious side, and Fox questioned what his beloved had up her sleeve this time.
"I love you too, Fox; you are the one most precious to me…"
Hearing those words from the woman he loved was music to the vulpine's ears.
"And I want you to be happy too…"
"Hm?"
Krystal's smile didn't waver, but there was some sorrow in her aqua-blue eyes.
"Sometimes I wonder if you are truly happy giving up your legacy to be with me…"
Fox's ears shot up, and his brows furrowed; he placed his hands on her shoulders so he could look her in the eye.
"Why would you say such a thing Krystal?"
Krystal looked down for a moment, and Fox remembered her telepathy. Krystal knew him better than he knew himself, but why would she still worry? These last few months were the best in his life, and he could never take that back or think ill of her. He held her in his arms on gentle nights and never doubted how much he loved her.
But when Fox took the leap of fate to stop being a warrior, sometimes he worried that the galaxy would be in danger again and everything he held dear would be in danger, not to mention that not everyone on Corneria considered him a hero, more of a fallen hero in the shadow of his father who lived and died a warrior.
Fox removed his hands from her shoulders and retook her hands, squeezing them gently as if he would never let go.
"Krystal, I could never regret stepping down from being a hero to be with you. I will never regret that sacrifice and will always stand by you. I'm sure my father would've wanted this after he lost my mother…"
Krystal squeezed his hands in return. "I know Fox. When you ran to me on planet Sauria, I knew you gave up everything because you loved me…I know your heart…"
"But at the same time…"
Krystal smirked and stopped talking as if she had trouble conveying what she was about to say.
"What is it Krys? You can tell me anything…"
Krystal couldn't help but giggle.
"I may be a telepath, but unfortunately, you can't read my mind, Fox…"
"Huh?"
This conversation was taking a strange turn for Fox, but Krystal responded by taking Fox by the hand and guiding him into the small gym. Krystal gestured for Fox to stay for a moment as she picked up some training staffs from the other side of the room and returned to Fox to give one to him. Fox took the staff without arguing.
"So there is no more hiding anything. I should tell you that I also gave up being a warrior for you, and it was also a sacrifice I was willing to make…"
Fox blinked. "Krystal…"
Krystal stood with her staff by her side and smirked. "I was raised as a warrior as well, and I wanted to be as strong as my mother. I thought I would surpass her and die on the battlefield…"
Fox did a low gasp. He didn't know this about Krystal and felt like an idiot. Not that Fox assumed his beloved was a dainty woman who just wanted to drink tea and eat cake all day. Krystal was always a worthwhile warrior, and he would've never asked her to join the Starfox team if he had thought otherwise.
Still, he felt like an idiot and ashamed; he didn't mean to patronize her. But before he could hang his head, Krystal gave him a reassuring smile.
"It's okay, Fox, I know…"
Fox took a moment to chuckle to himself. "Well, that's one of the many reasons you're the most amazing woman…"
Krystal sighed as she looked at the training staff. "Sometimes I question if my mother would even be proud of me. If she would consider me wrong for wanting to be with the man I love. That I was never a warrior, and I only wanted romance."
Fox quickly put his foot down. "She wouldn't!"
Krystal couldn't help but giggle at how defensive Fox was being. "You don't know my mother…"
Fox paused for a moment. "Still…"
Soon, Krystal couldn't hide the sorrow she was holding. "And I can hear so many people thinking you were a fool as we walk the streets of Corneria…"
As she looked away, Krystal couldn't bring herself to say anymore, but Fox clenched his fists.
"I don't care what those people think! They don't know how hard that life can be or how many things are at stake! I don't care what they think because being with you is more important than glory…"
Krystal tried not to get emotional at his response.
"Fox…"
Fox placed his hands on her shoulders again with one of those serious looks in his emerald eyes the vixen knew too well.
"I gave my life for you, not just on the battlefield, but to vow to stay by your side always so you would always be safe and never be alone. I could never regret that, so I don't regret quitting the Starfox team."
Krystal used all her power to prevent herself from crying because tears didn't suit this situation. Instead, she moved in to hug Fox and nuzzle her face against his chest. Fox showed his devotion by wrapping his arms around her like a tower, protecting her from harm. His arms were still so strong, showing the eternal warrior inside him.
"Still," Krystal breathed.
"Hm?" Fox breathed as he pressed his muzzle against the soft blue locks of fur on her head.
"A warrior will always be inside me," Krystal said. "Sometimes I question if I am a fool as well; sometimes I miss the thrill and…"
Krystal lifted her head up and stroked Fox's cheek, causing Fox to blush slightly.
"If I stayed a warrior, you would always be safe, Fox…"
Fox grinned as he pulled her into another warm hug. "Don't worry, Krystal, it will all be okay now…"
"Hmmm…" Krystal said slyly.
Fox was confused as Krystal pulled away and smirked at him.
"There is a reason I brought you into the gym, for a little one-on-one staff sparring."
Once again, this woman surprised Fox in all the best ways. Krystal giggled at his stunned look, but then he smiled warmly.
"I would love to!"
Krystal grinned as she got into her combat position. "Try your best to keep up Fox!"
Fox barely had time to respond as she clashed with his staff. The vixen kept making swift moves, and all Fox could do was parry them. Fox kept crying, "Whoa!" as he was backed into the wall. It excited Fox so much, and Krystal's seductive grin showed him how pleased she was. With both staffs pressed together, Fox and Krystal made eye contact.
"You're so good at this Krystal!" Fox cried.
Fox had to prevent himself from begging for more.
Krystal giggled. "I know you are capable of more."
Fox grinned and managed to push her back with the staff, but Krystal wouldn't be knocked down that easily. Soon, they both matched each other's movements as they fought in circles with their staffs in such an intimate way. A dance of two former warriors training as a way to show a deeper form of intimacy that was unique to the fiery vulpine and the blue vixen.
But in the end, Krystal managed to knock Fox to the ground first, smiling on top of him and placing her staff next to his head.
Oh, this was one of the hottest things in the world for Fox. As much as he wanted the roles reversed, even if Fox and Krystal's story started with Fox saving Krystal, one of the many reasons he loved this woman so much was how strong she was.
And how soft her eyes got when she looked at him, looked deeper and with better understanding than any other woman. He could fall asleep in those eyes, but right now, Krystal moved closer and pressed her muzzle against his. Fox grunted his pleasure with the sweet taste of her mouth and her hands on him. He ran his fingers through her silky hair, and their tongues fought for dominance for a good moment before breaking for air.
Fox sighed as Krystal released her hold on him. He wrapped his arm around her and gently took her down to switch positions.
"This is all I could ever ask for," Fox said as he smiled at her. Krystal gave him a seductive smile in return.
"Our adventures haven't ended Krystal; they have only just begun. And I look forward to every moment with you."
Krystal could barely contain herself as she reached out and cupped his face with her hands to pull him in for another kiss.
While the two of them could never forget their time at war, they knew the best adventures they were to face were only yet to come.
Not to mention sparring and kissing was too much fun!
The snow in Fichina was soft and gentle again, Lucy noticed as she cleaned up her desk and turned off the high-tech whiteboard.
After being haunted by the snow being poisoned by Venom soldiers, it was a comforting feeling.
But all those scary war-torn moments were becoming a distant memory.
Ever since Bill left her again for the Cornerian Forces, the times she spent with Bill were becoming distant memories as well.
But Lucy had to move on, and life was getting better thanks to the Starfox Team; the children could happily play in the snow again, and nights would be peaceful and quiet.
But as Lucy left the academy and dusk fell on the planet, she noticed a familiar green military ship flying in the sky. It was heading straight for her academy, and Lucy did not know what to think. The wind was strong as the ship landed in her direction, and Lucy nearly screamed.
"It couldn't be…"
When the green Corneria forces ship landed, the hatch opened, and the bulldog commander didn't hesitate to jump into the snow.
"Bill!"
As Lucy ran to him, he turned and gave her the most content smile in the world before removing his helmet.
"Hey Lucy…"
The female rabbit wrapped her arms around him, causing him to drop his helmet and chuckle. Lucy couldn't be happier that Bill had returned to her. It almost seemed too good to be true, like another dream…
"Bill, what are you doing here? I thought…"
Lucy became breathless as Bill took her hands and held them tenderly. Such a warm and loving gesture made it feel like the snow around them fell more slowly.
"I know, it's been a weird nine months, but part of me wanted to return to you, Lucy…"
Lucy's eyes lit up in response, and Bill started to feel guilty about that dramatic speech about not being able to walk away from being a pilot and a commander that easily. Bill tugged his jacket collar, trying not to look foolish.
It didn't matter to Lucy; at this point, she would grab him by his jacket collar and refuse to let him go again.
"All this peace made being a commander boring and…" Bill turned away.
Lucy tried to meet his eyes, realizing Bill was hiding his adorable, blushing face. Nothing is more adorable than a handsome bulldog blushing.
"I realized that being with you was much more important than being a big shot commander shooting for glory…"
Lucy gasped. "Bill!"
Bill sighed as he gently squeezed her hands and held them near his heart.
"Lucy, I'm sorry it took me this long to realize that and to come back to you…"
Lucy blinked her eyes and processed Bill's declaration for a moment, then pulled him closer and hugged him warmly.
"So, are you really here to stay, Bill?"
"I wouldn't joke about this Lucy," Bill said as he pulled her closer and whispered into her ears.
"This is for real?" Lucy whispered back.
"This is for real!"
Lucy couldn't help but scream a little, but in the happiest way she had felt in a while. After almost a year of feeling something was missing, she was finally able to express her feelings.
But as Lucy placed her hands on Bill's chest, looked into his soft eyes again, and remembered the proud commander he once was, she wondered…
"Oh Bill, I couldn't be happier, but at the same time…You were the greatest commander in the world…"
She said that not caring what others thought.
"The legacy you'll leave behind…" Lucy stopped as Bill cupped her face with his paw.
"I'd rather be with you because I love you more than anything, even being a big shot pilot…" Bill said.
Lucy's heart beat faster as they moved in for a soft kiss.
"Oh, Bill, I love you so much!"
The two pressed their muzzles together as the northern lights shone their emerald glow across the starry sky. Lucy tenderly held on to his jacket as Bill stroked her back, and they kept on kissing each other. Oh, Lucy couldn't wait for all the adventures that awaited them, and she couldn't wait to travel the galaxy together. There were so many starry skies free of space combat.
When they broke their kiss, they smiled at each other bashfully, and Bill was dying to tell her something.
"If anything, my last big adventure convinced me to return to you. The gorgeous sky bunny that was always in my dreams…"
"Oh!" Lucy cried as she held Bill's arm. "I need to hear all about this!"
Bill grinned. "Anything for you, Gorgeous…"
Bill and Lucy walked together in the snow as Bill told his story.
"Well, it all started when me and the crew were tasked to investigate a comet in Solar's orbit. It was so beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as you…"
"Oh Bill! You were always such a flatterer!"
Bill laughed. "And I will always be as long as we live!"
Well, the life of a fighter pilot may have become a distant memory by now, but Bill and Lucy looked forward to seeing Fox and Krystal again and to see their reactions to the two of them finally being an official couple.
It was the memories they all held dear, memories that made them all they were meant to be.
Memories they would never forget as they cherished every moment together, now that they could look forward to the future.
Y'know, while I was writing this I was honestly super tempted to continue Falco's story. I finally got to write Falco as aroace like I wanted and not to mention with the Starfox team disbanded Falco could totally finally test his limits and become a bigger ace pilot than Fox and a leader...And he would learn such a journey is certainly not cut and dry. Not to mention just because Falco is aro doesn't mean he cannot have a compelling story arc, with Falco also learning other things in life like being the mentor of a delinquent girl...But that's a story for another time.
Not to mention write more of Bill and Lucy being hella cute, and Krystal being the biggest badass in the world. Sorry I didn't put Miyu and Fay here I wasn't sure how to fit them in.
And I was also venting my heart out with this fanfic because of how I recently lost friends that I thought I could trust...I mean this story I wrote is a lot more hopeful but still...
I guess the Starfox series is and always will be my beacon of hope.
It's also weird popping back again after recently coming out of the closet as AFAB genderfluid. I was always the girl or the lady in the Starfox fandom and now I realize I was always one of the guys, and non-binary, and everything in between.
It is surreal being a tomboy and a crossdresser only to realize that I am not cisgender female. But it's also nice to explore myself more even if finding out as I turn 30 in August certainly was a doozy. I hope you guys won't mind a genderfluid lady around.
I'll share more Starfox stories when inspiration strikes...Maybe sooner than I realize. Thank you so much for reading! This is Starlight Vulpine Emile signing out!