Aiko Mimura

If you recall about 2 years ago, I had been pondering the concept behind a "Mach Rider 2," centered in the world of Star Fox. This, of course, does tend to spin the initial Mach Rider story to a degree, but focused on a time after the disbanding of Star Fox (one of the endings possible in Star Fox Command). A new team would be formed, led by a seasoned soldier with a set of enhanced robotic limbs, a sword, pistol, and a high-powered motorcycle.

That being said, I've become attached to the scenario that ended up being assembled. But I never feel entirely comfortable about it when I know it is based fully upon the works of others, so a situation had arisen. Were Nintendo not willing to do something like this to either (or both) of the franchises, what would become of these characters? So I've been looking into revamping the story, introducing a few different characters, and making the whole thing in general feel more like my own. aving currently no true name, the world is currently being referred to as "Project Kinsuji." From my info, "kinsuji" allegedly means "golden stripes."

This young lady, Aiko Mimura, is one of the products of this think tank (I mentioned her in the "Message in Dotbet"). Meant to replace the character Miyu Lynx, she has similarities and differences with her replacement. She is a rough, tough tomboy that strives to be respected and revered, as I've made Miyu out to be. But unlike Miyu, she has no history as a mechanic but as a soldier, and already has some obvious potential that makes her an ideal teammate. Only, she wants to lead, and hearing that Tora Yager is instead the leader of the team it does frustrate her. Like Miyu she has no previous history of riding a motorbike, but rather using more standard war machines such as the tank and some aircraft. She is not too comfortable about the exposure she feels while riding, so Tora has to shape her skills if she wants to do well in battle.

Aiko is taller than Miyu had been, but still shorter than Tora. She is a good marksman just like her replacement and also a lefty, but has more experience than Miyu as an infantry soldier and knows true fighting moves. Her downfall instead is the ability to control things that are incredibly fast (though the aircraft is quick, the sensation is what causes her to flinch). And like Miyu, she tends to be jealous of Tora's skills and abilities much of the time, and loathes the thought of ever becoming the "damsel in distress."

It was difficult making another tiger alongside Tora that could stand out, but I think this is a design I'm generally pleased with. Aiuko is a white tiger, which in itself makes her stand out from Tora's orange colors. But I combined some of Miyu's attire with Tora's for her outfit. Uninspired, I had Aiko hold two generic-looking pistols for a pose. I have no thoughts of a better pistol design at the moment, but this will do for now.
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