Star Fox

Rise from the Ashes

Chapter 1: Recollection and New Beginnings

Fox McCloud sighed as he stared into the vast reaches of space that his ship, the Great Fox, was drifting through. Fox was an ace pilot and the leader of the former Star Fox Squadron. His original team was assembled after his father, James, was betrayed and supposedly killed by a teammate named Pigma Dangar on a mission to destroy the tyrant of Venom, Andross. Fox let his memories wash him away. Not long after James disappeared, Fox's mother, Anna, was diagnosed with cancer. Fox thought he was going to lose her. However she persevered and shortly after Fox defeated Andross she defeated her cancer. She still lived in Corneria, the capital of the Lylat System. Everything seemed to be running smoothly but, for reasons known only to him-self, Fox disbanded the team.

Falco Lombardi was almost eager to leave. Star Fox was the thrill of a life-time but he'd never admit it. He had a reputation to keep after all. He had hardened after his parents, Sam and Cindy, were killed in a lab explosion and he only allowed a few to see his true colors; those included being Fox and his parents who took Falco in, and a girl named Katt Monroe, Falco's old flame. Falco was an ace pilot and was at home in the skies. He preferred to leave all the ground work to Fox.

Peppy Hare led a life of legacy. He graduated top of his class and went straight into the service realizing his dream of becoming a pilot. He married his school sweetheart Vivian and they had one daughter name Lucy, Peppy's pride and joy. Later on, Peppy who was now the lead of his squadron, decided to take his chances on a new recruit, James McCloud. Peppy quickly took a shine to James and became a mentor to him, which is why James was insistent on having Peppy along when he was asked to investigate Venom. After the disappearance of James, Peppy became a "Second Father" and mentor to Fox. However tragedy struck when Vivian succumbed to her family's history of heart failure. Comforted by the fact that it was a peaceful passing, Peppy was able to continue flying with Fox. Not long before Fox disbanded the team, General Pepper fell ill and he recommended Peppy for the job. Peppy now commanded all of the Cornarian forces.

Slippy Toad was not known for his flying. He had always been the technical brains of the operation. Slippy and Fox met back at the Academy and they were fast friends. Fox knew a little about the science behind his Arwing, but Slippy could take one apart and put it back together again in his sleep. Their close friendship caused Slippy to be more reluctant to leave. But he trusted Fox's instincts, having saved his tail more than once, and went home to Aquas, where it's said he found love.

And then there was Krystal. Krystal had lost touch with her past. Her parents had disappeared when she was young so she set out to find them. During her search, she responded to a distress signal on Saria, more commonly known as Dinosaur Planet. When she arrived, she was captured and used by Andross to channel the Krazoa Spirits and revive himself. Fox freed her and defeated Andross…again. Krystal decided to join the team and despite her better judgment, fell in love with Fox. However, they never stopped and discussed their true feelings, so when Fox disbanded the team, she was heartbroken.

"Krystal, you've got to get away from me." Fox told her.

"Fox, please don't do this." She pleaded through the tears.

"My mind's made up. I'm so sorry Krystal." his voice broke and he had to turn away to hide his own tears.

"Fine!" Krystal shouted and ran from the room. Fox slid to his knees and buried his head in his hands.

"What have I done?" He said and began sobbing.

Fox tore himself away from his memories. R.O.B. the navigation robot he had inherited from his father had brought a distress beacon to his attention.

"It appears to be Falco." Rob said.

"Put him onscreen." Fox replied. Falco appeared on the main viewing screen.

"Fox, get your tail out here!" he yelled in clear frustration of the situation.

"What's going on?" Fox said.

"I'm not really sure, but whoever they are, they mean business." There was an explosion and the communication feed cut out.

"Prep my Arwing, now!" Fox said to Rob and headed for the launch bay. He hopped in his Arwing and quickly ran through the diagnostics Rob had run. Everything checked out. The comm. channel crackled to life.

"Fox, where are ya man?" Falco's voice came over the TEAMCOM. It was a frequency reserved for the Star Fox team.

"I'm coming, keep your shorts on!" Fox called back.

"If you don't hurry my shorts are gonna be all that's left!"

"Lift-lock released." an automated voice informed Fox.

"Rob launch, now!" Within a split second Fox was propelled into Cornarian air-space. He was about to ask for a heading when Falco's flier, the Sky-Claw, streaked by with four enemy ships in hot pursuit. Fox joined the chase and quickly disposed of the ships.

"Well it's about time!" Falco said.

"What's your status? Fox asked.

"Good to see you too." Falco replied.

"Sorry, I've been alone with a robot for about a year now."

"Understandable. My shields are almost completely depleted."

"Head back to the Great Fox and contact Slippy. This is not gonna be easy."

"Got it." Falco peeled off and headed for the landing bay and Fox reentered the fray. He had a strong start, but before long he was overrun.

"Man, what's wrong with me today!?" Fox said. His shields were dropping fast. "Get off me!"

Suddenly there was a streak of plasma fire and the enemy fighters were gone.

"Looks like you could use a hand, pup."