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[img]https://i.postimg.cc/L5r26P82/Star-Fox-Final.png[/img]

[color=5edaf6]Level:[/color] 6 (15 -> 16/60)
[color=5edaf6]Location:[/color] Sandswept Sky - Temple of Khamoon
[color=5edaf6]Word Count:[/color] 386 (+1 EXP)
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In the midst of a favorable exchange between the two veteran Smashers, just as the familiar feeling of impending victory against a worn-down opponent started to creep up, the decisive moment was postponed with the sudden appearance and intervention by another. Robin disengaged in a staggered backstep to create just enough space between himself and Fox for the new entrant, and Fox’s advancing inside butterfly kick stopped overhead against the metal shaft of an unorthodox weapon held casually aloft in defense. Fox’s eyes adjusted to the subject within the fading light that now stood between him and their much needed victory against the one opponent there that truly mattered at the moment, sizing up the tactician’s summoned backup in the scant seconds he was afforded before Galeem’s influence kicked in to override them.

His new opponent: apparently a teenage boy in casual attire with little in the way of immediately remarkable features besides the hairstyle, disproportionately, almost comically overlarge footwear, and of course, his weapon--an oversized key wielded as if like a sword. When the boy broke the contact deadlock they had maintained for that brief instance to force Fox away and back to neutral, he got the unmistakable impression right away that he wasn’t to be underestimated. Fox sailed backwards with a flip from the breakaway, touching back down feet first with readied, open hands snappily brought up to re-assume fighting stance.

Fox internally cursed his luck as he continued attempting to size the boy up, wondering just how many more surprise reinforcements Robin’s force may have in reserve. Keeping in mind just how critical to their success freeing Robin was in particular, and how easily anything could go wrong with that at this point, he considered that perhaps the last thing he could really afford was a distraction such as he was faced with. He knew better, however, than to think he would have it that easy, especially if Robin and his partner decided to team up on him rather than leave them to duel it out. At any rate, the newcomer was just someone else in their way, who deserved the same chance as any of them to be brought back to their senses, and Fox remained every bit steadfastly intent on doing just that… even if he had to do it alone.