Chapter 1

Fox flew through the black abyss of space without a destination. For some reason, staring out into the stars seemed to absorb the pain he felt. He was alone now, and it was his fault. He had pushed everyone he cared about away from him and he didn't know if he could ever bring them back. Fox had told Krystal to leave the team because he was scared of the possibility that something bad could happen to her. Krystal sobbed as she begged Fox not to make her to leave, telling him that she would never come back, but she was unable to change his mind.

Fox tried to maintain his composure as he watched Krystal's arwing slowly fly away out the window, but when the light from her thrusters faded, he fell to his knees, losing control of his emotions.

I'm sorry Krystal… I'm so sorry… What have I done…

With Krystal gone, Fox wasn't the same. Nothing really seemed to matter to him anymore. Falco and Slippy tried everything to help Fox move on. The last thing Falco said to him before leaving played through his mind over and over.

You know what Fox, you've changed. You just don't seem to give a shit about anyone or anything anymore. Slippy and I have tried everything to snap you out of whatever state you're in, but nothing is working. We're not going keep sitting here and watch you drink yourself into a stupor every day. Were leaving the team Fox. I hope you find a way past this.

It had been over a year since they left, and he yearned for the way things used to be. Fox opened up a side compartment of his cockpit and pulled out a bottle. It was a expensive bottle of Whiskey that Falco had gotten him to celebrate defeating Andross. Fox held up the bottle in front of him. " Cheers, to you Krystal. I hope your happy, wherever you are." He then took a large swig.

"Fox, incoming transmission from General Hare."

"Alright ROB, send him a message saying i'll be on the bridge in a few minutes."

Fox put the bottle back in the compartment and began navigating back to the Great Fox. He hated doing solo assignments. Not having any backup made things much more dangerous, but he found comfort in that he only had to worry about himself.

"Fox, I have detected a friendly Arwing approaching."

Fox's ears perked up. "Really? Who is it?"

"No identifier signal received. They are requesting to dock."

"Granted."

Fox pushed his Arwing as fast as it would go. He prayed that it would be Krystal. He would give anything to be able to apologize to her and make things right. His heart started pounding in his chest as the Great Fox came into sight.

Fox parked his ship next to the other Arwing, then jumped out and began to look around for the other pilot. Not seeing anyone, he looked into the other ship thinking they may not have gotten out yet but did not see anyone in the cockpit.

Hmmm, maybe they already started heading for the bridge. They must have been in a hurry though because they couldnt have been here for more than a minute before I got here.

"Hey ROB, is anyone on the bridge?"

"Negative, sensors show that no one has even left the docking bay."

What? That makes no sense. No one is here.

Fox climbed onto the other Arwing and popped open the canopy. His eyes lit up when he saw Krystals necklace on the seat. There was also a picture of the both of them together on the control panel. Then, something else caught his eye. There was what seemed to be blood on both the controls and the canopy of the ship. Fox began to feel very concerned. He scanned the hanger as he climbed down.

"Krystal? Where are you? Are you alright?"

Fox heard a loud bang coming from behind him. He felt a jolt of pain as a blaster round grazed his shoulder. Fox let out a loud yelp as he quickly turned around.

"Wolf? How did you… where is Krystal?!"

Wolf, still pointing his blaster at Fox, smiled as he replied "I would be more worried about yourself if I were you."

Fox reached for his blaster only to realize he had left it in his ship. He bared his teeth as he said "What did you do to her you son of a bi-"

Before he could finish, Wolf fired another shot, hitting Fox in the thigh. He let out another yelp as he fell to the ground gripping his leg.

"Don't worry, she managed to escape before I could kill her." Wolf put his blaster back in the holster and approached Fox who was still gripping his leg and whimpering in pain. "Lucky for you McCloud, I'm supposed to take you alive. But don't expect to stay that way long."

The last thing Fox saw was the bottom of Wolf's boot, than nothing but stars.