Star Fox: Rising

[Shadow Matrix]

  On 1/17/2012 at 3:59 AM, mjakob42 said:

Hey, thanks for stopping by, Shadow Matrix! And you want to see more of this? Don't worry...this isn't intended to be a short story (couldn't come up with a good pun).

Also, Chaos, I've started Legacy Vol.1 and I like what I see! I should have a review up on the thread by the end of the week.

Your damn right I want to see more of this lol. It doesn't even look like a short story to be honest.

[mjakob42]

Okay, once again, sorry 'bout the wait: school + work = busy. But my entire weekend is pretty much free, so expect to see a few changes here and there within the story (I want to make some edits before moving on). When I'm satisfied, I'll direct you readers where exactly the changes are.

[chaos_Leader]

I read the wedding scene.

From what I've seen, it's the classic wedding moment in a nutshell. Nothing in there too outlandish, but it didn't need to be, not for how it fits into this story. It sets the readers up for the next leg, and provides a good buffer going into the rest of the story.

Nice work. :yes:

[mjakob42]

Hey, thanks for the critique! I'll still do some touch-ups here and there, but glad to know it was played off better than the rough draft. Also glad to know I'm not coming off as an obnoxious Fox loves Krystal furry (that's the main thing I'm worried about).

There'll be a few more edits, but I'm going to get back to continuing the story! Onward, ho!

[mjakob42]

Oh, hello readers! It's been way too long, yes? Well, right below is proof that I'm still here! Still in a bit of a writer's block, so I only got the first part of Ch. 4 below, but the rest WILL be up soon! Apologies for the long wait.

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Chapter 4

"Okay, guys, game plan. What have we got?" Fox started.

Star Fox team sat in the back of the sleek black CDF-issue SUV as it sped down the dark streets of night-time Corneria City. Adjacent to the vehicle, both front and back, were two more of the same vehicle, filled with armed soldiers ready to take down anyone unruly enough to interfere with this escort mission. Destination: CDF Star Port, for the escort of the Star Fox team to take down the recent Venomian threat.

While a single word was not uttered by any one of the team members, Peppy opened the manilla envelope which had been sitting in his lap the whole drive.

"Pepper gave me these satellite photos on our way out the door of headquarters," Peppy said, shifting the photographs in the direction of the rest of the team for them to see, like a mother showing her son pictures in a book which was being read. "We have the perfect opportunity to ambush them."

Peppy indicated the fleet in one of the photographs. "The fleet was spotted not far from Katina airspace. We looked up the tech specs on their ships, and their radar proximity is quite limited. That gives us a perfect opportunity to swing around the place without them being able to spot us. About half-way 'round, we drop you guys off, then you show 'em how we do things out way!"

"Great plan, Professor Hare," Falco said sarcastically. "But if that fleet is as close as Pepper says they are, we won't have nearly enough time to ambush them without giving them a grand chance to attack."

Peppy sifted through the sheets of paper from the envelope. He showed the team a blueprint copy of a CDF ship.

"Pepper and Dax are going to be sending this out before we attack. It's an AI-controlled 'Horseshoe', which is designed to temporarily damage enemy technology by using large magnetic pulses around its perimeter. Think of it as a mobile chaff grenade. One pulse should be enough to stop 'em and give us enough time to attack."

"What about this Arkady Kuranga person that was discussed at the meeting?" Krystal asked.

"Pepper wants him taken dead or alive - doesn't really matter to him or the rest of the CDF. We have no idea whether he's a part of this fleet or not, but judging from his passion for Venomian activism, there's a good change he is a part of the fleet. In that case, he's without a doubt sitting in the command chair of this battle cruiser in the center of the feet," Peppy said, indicating the large ship in the center of the fleet. "If things aren't too hot and we've got a chance, mobilize on foot inside the battle cruiser and arrest him. If things DO get too hot, take him down from the stars."

"I think we've got ourselves a plan of attack, gang," Fox said.

The rest of the team nodded and hummed with agreement. It was a perfect plan.

Maybe too perfect, some thought to themselves.

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Once again, this is NOT Ch. 4 in its entirety, but the rest should be up soon. Creative juices are finally starting to flow again!

[sroberson]

Hmmm...I am intrigued by where this story is going. Chaos may be seeing a cookie cutter design to the plot, but I am left wondering what is coming next all the same.

I appreciate the work you did in showing the weaknesses in all members of StarFox that they face after the conflicts they had been through. It gives them a particular gritty piece of humanity that I haven't seen in other fanfictions and I am rather attached to that style.

I apologize if I didn't catch it in another post, but did you eventually upload these to FF.net? I look forward to the next installments in this story!

BTW: I am not going to say you appear to be going towards the Fox and Krystal love-fest, but you have accomplished giving them a more realistic and mature relationship that has its ups and downs. Thumbs up to that!

[mjakob42]

Hey, thanks a bunch for stopping by! To answer your question, I have not uploaded these to ff.net, yet. I have an account and I meant to months ago, but the site was really confusing me, so I'm temporarily not bothering, but I'm probably going to try again sometime here soon.

[mjakob42]

And the rest of Ch. 4

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Fox awoke with a shake, his heart skipping a beat or two. Something was different about this awakening, though. There was no cold sweat. There was no trauma of some horrific nightmare. No negativity whatsoever. Then it hit Fox.

He just awoke...from a deep slumber.

What triggered this sudden change in Fox's ability to sleep? For the past two weeks, Fox was lucky enough to get two hours of sleep only to be interrupted by terrifying visions. Not that Fox got a full night's sleep to begin with now, but there were no cataclysmic horrors of his own subconscious this time around. Just a good sleep this time.

No time to think. Got to get my head into gear.

Fox lurched out of the bed which sat in the crew break room of the newly dubbed "Great Fox Two". Fox wasn't all that into the new mothership for the team. It might not have been a wreck, but there's just no nostalgia or memory associated with this new ship. It just didn't feel like the means of Star Fox. Then again, the team was in need of a new mothership, and beggars can't be choosers. As he approached the locker across the room, Fox stretched as he walked - got to be in as best physical condition as possible. Fox opened the locker to unveil to himself something that did have a sort of sentimental value. His battle gear, that which had been worn during the fight against the Aparoids. Piece by piece, Fox began assembling the gear onto himself. As he did this, like a home video player, he replayed the battle plan as discussed on the drive to the Star Port over and over again. Almost like some sort of twisted obsession.

Fox stopped everything he was doing and lost himself in a terrifying thought. Was this why he slept so well?

As Fox thought about it, he remembered a subconscious sense of excitement when he was informed by Pepper that the Lylat System was in need of their favorite heroes. And now here Fox is all of a sudden, able to get a good night's sleep for once. It was no coincidence. Maybe Fox is meant for the battlefield and only for the battlefield. Did life outside the battlefield matter like he thought it did? The many discussions, jokes, and complaints shared with fellow cohorts, did it have any meaning at all? What terrified Fox more than anything else was the speculation that Fox's marriage was a joke. Why else marry a combat buddy, somebody that could share all the same stories of battle that were mutually experienced?

"Fox?"

Fox snapped out of his socially paranoid episode to visually respond to the soft, very familiar voice approaching him from behind. It was Krystal, donning her dark purple combat jumpsuit.

"Well, hey there, honey," Fox said.

Next thing they knew, they were in each others arms, sharing a passionate kiss.

"How's my little sleepyhead doing?" Krystal asked.

"Well, he's rested...finally."

A light laugh was shared.

"Well, listen, we're all getting coffee and a light something to eat in the dining area," Krystal said, indicating the direction of what was probably the dining area.

"I'll be there in just a moment, baby," Fox said. "Just, do you mind pouring me a cup of coffee for me? I still got to get a few things ready."

"Sure thing, Fox," Krystal said, disbanding from the room.

Fox went back to the locker, continuing gearing himself up.

"Oh, and Fox?"

Krystal. Again.

"Yeah, honey?"

Her footsteps indicated that she was yet again coming closer to Fox. "I grabbed this from the house. I figured you might want it." Fox turned around to Krystal.

It was a red scarf. Fox's red scarf, the same scarf that had once been worn by his father, and his father's father, and all the way through three generations of McCloud men. As Fox grasped the scarf, all the family history behind this simple piece of cloth caused his eyelids to extract minor tears.

"Thanks, Krys," Fox said, a little choked up.

"Fox...is everything alright?"

"Just fine, Krys. Just fine. Just having a little moment, that's all."

"You sure?'

A smile lit up on Fox's face.

"I'm positive. Now why don't you go get something to eat with the rest of the gang? I'll be in there in just a second."

"Okay, then, Fox," Krystal said before giving Fox a gentle kiss on the cheek. Then she was off. Fox watched Krystal as she left the room, then Fox grasped himself. Not just the emotion behind his scarf, but grasping himself from all the negative emotions he's experienced. By fighting for today, tomorrow will have no tragedy, and the sight of his gorgeous wife reassured him of everything great that will come out of this final battle. With no more threats, Fox will be able to sleep again, will be able to enjoy another night with his wife, will be able to enjoy life.

Just one more battle. One more.

Fox turned back to the mirror hanging on the locker door. Fox scanned his reflection and saw that his battle gear was locked, loaded, and ready. Now for one more final touch-up. Fox took the red scarf and wrapped it around his neck. Here was now the embodiment of Fox McCloud, his loved father James McCloud, and more men from the McCloud family, all spiritually weaved within this scarf. Fox took one more look at himself, taking a deep breath.

Everything is in order. Game time now.

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I'm pretty impressed with the turn-out of the rest of Ch. 4, but I'll do some more tinkering with the emotional bits.

[Peter]

I really like what I see gere. Keep up the good work!

[Ellanie]

Wow. That was really good. Are you going to continue?

[sroberson]

Here's to hoping he will continue! I read it a while ago but was reminded how much I would like to see this one continue when Ellanie commented on it.

[mjakob42]

Hey, guys! Sorry if it seemed like I was ignoring you guys for a moment there - I couldn't access the forums for a moment 'cause my browser cache needed clearing. To answer your question, I do plan to continue. I've already got people left and right wanting to know what's going to happen next, and I want to get as much done as possible before going to basic this fall. I'm just having a wee-bit of writer's block, but I have been wanting to get some more to the story done. Stay tuned!

[Ellanie]

Great, looking forward to it.

[mjakob42]

Okay, I'm compiling ideas for Chapter 5 (which shall be coming soon), but in the mean time, I've done some work with Chapter 2; specifically in Slippy's section.

Being a successful business owner, I've thought of experimenting with Slippy as a workaholic. Upon re-reading Chapter 2, I realized Slippy was a little underdeveloped in comparison with the rest of the team. Also, I've been contemplating adding Amanda as a minor character in the story, and I figured she'd be a great example to show how much Slippy's work is getting in the way of his personal life.

Check it out!

[mjakob42]

...holy hiatus, Batman...

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Chapter 5

Their palms sweated in the midst of a sort of giddy unease as they sat in the cockpits of their beloved Arwings. They were all nervous beyond belief, obviously due to the fact that they were getting ready to go into battle. Yes, they were crack pilots and expert combatants, but there is always the possibility of making a small mistake that costs them their lives. While a warrior must be aware of his skills and expertise for the sake of self-confidence, that same warrior most never underestimate the possible strength of their opponent. Yes, the Star Fox has combated the likes of Venom, but this is a whole new wave of extremists, and times have since changed since their last battle with the Venomians.

"You sure you everything's checked and good to go, Slippy?" Fox asked through his Arwing's telecomm.

"Double-checked at that, Fox. If you're experiencing any sort of malfunction, you're probably getting shot," Slippy responded.

An awkward chuckle was shared among the team. Fox was less than amused.

"I'll keep that in mind, Slip, but this is no time for games right now."

Slippy did so, his enthusiasm shutting down. Was he excited to go into battle? Absolutely not, but keeping the team's morale up was important to Slippy. A lack of morale sometimes equals a lack in performance quality. The battlefield was not exactly the place for a lack in said performance quality.

"Star Fox team, come in. I repeat, Star Fox team, come in."

The voice scratchily blared trough the speakers of each individual's Arwing. It was General Pepper.

"This is Fox speaking. What's up, General?"

"I would like to yet again send my regards and great thanks to all of you, but I also cannot stress enough the importance of this operation. I need you all to keep your heads in the game. I cannot even fathom the nervousness and apprehension you must all be experiencing right now, but I have great faith in all of you. Anyway, the Horseshoe has just been deployed, and is going to be in use within T-minus two minutes. Remember that it's effect is only temporary, so it is mandatory that you hustle down there very soon. Good luck, and God speed, Star Fox. This is General Pepper, over and out."

"Roger that, Pepper. Over and out," Fox said, concluding Pepper's monologue. Pepper crackled out.

Fox took a deep breath. Two years of nearly obsolete skills required at this exact moment in time. His fingers fiddled at the Arwing's thrusters. As he exhaled, his grip tightened, hardening and ready for a dog-fight.

"ROB; How long have we got 'til that Horseshoe is ineffective?" Fox asked, channeling into the Great Fox's telecomm.

"Horseshoe is still 1.5 minutes from target area. When at target area, Horseshoe is effective for 4.75 minutes prior to disengagement."

"Thanks, ROB."

Fox took another deep breath.

"Well team...we ready?" Fox asked, a nervous mess.

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

"Okay team..." Fox began to lose himself.

He violently shook his head, a little bit of sweat flickering onto the windows. A vicious grunt, and Fox focused forward.

"Okay, team, activate your G-Diffuser system. How we all looking?"

"Krystal speaking. Everything is in order."

"Slippy here. A-Okay and good to go!"

"This is Falco. I'm fine."

"Okay team, disengage your safety locks...prepare to fly north on my command."

One more deep breath for good luck.

"Five..."

So it all comes down to this.

"Four..."

One final showdown.

"Three..."

What else could Fox say?

"Two..."

As he thought before, by fighting for today, tomorrow will have no tragedy.

"One..."

In the end, there's nothing to lose.

"Launch."

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As usual, this is not the entire chapter (apologies especially due to my hiatus), but I wanted to get a little out of the way so I can get this thing kickstarted a little bit. At this moment, my inner furry is starting to rise again, so I'm finally starting to get more motivation to continue Rising, and by getting more done will my motivation skyrocket.

Never fear, readers; proof above this project is not dead!

UPDATE: All of my browsers have been having an immense amount of trouble accessing the site, so there will be an extended wait on the continuation. I've read that some of the other members have been experiencing similar difficulties.