Scarred for Life

Summary: When Krystal left, she left on him the first of many wounds that would eventually destroy him. Without her, he falls. Who he once was no longer exists, and only the scars he bears tell how Fox McCloud finally died.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Fox.

Scars of Romance

Fox McCloud, former leader of the famous Star Fox team, was currently in one of the last places you would ever think of him being in. That is, unless you knew what he was going through. Like far too many men, he was trying to drown his sorrows of a broken heart in a drink.

The slum he was in was filled with the toxic smoke of several cigars and other smokes. The smell of the vomit and the biological waste products of those who were unable to make it to the restroom in time also filled the air. The smoke and smell was welcome to him. He sat alone, in the corner farthest from the door, a bottle and a shot glass in front of him, as well as the daily paper. The smoke hid him from prying eyes, and it also thankfully hid the stage from his view. Judging by the sounds coming from that direction, strip dancers were performing at it. That was the last thing Fox wanted to see, and he probably wouldn't look even if he could see from his corner table. There was a reason why all the other tables visible through the smog were empty.

It was the paper that held Fox's attention. The bold headline read: STAR WOLF AND STAR FALCO LOCATE TERRAFORMING DEVICE! A large picture showed his old wingmate, Falco, and his team members, Katt and Dash. He scanned the article. Apparently, Andross really wasn't all bad to begin with. He created a device to turn the toxic planet Venom into a world like Corneria while working for the Army. However, his work was not well received by the public, many critics asking why he wasn't devoting more time to more important projects. Angered, he hid his device and threatened to destroy Corneria. To do so, he began creating a device that did the exact opposite of his first invention. He never finished it, as his research was destroyed and he was banished to Venom.

Andross grandson, Dash Bowman was born after the Lylat Wars, and was a member of the Cornerian Military before joining up with Falco and Katt. Upon finding out about Andross' terraforming device, Star Falco and Star Wolf joined together to locate it, finding it on Tatiana. Now, Dash was leaving his position to use the device on Venom, hoping to prove once and for all that he was not like his grandfather.

A figure approached him through the smog. It didn't take long for Fox to recognize the telltale uniform. "Have you come to gloat, Wolf?"

"You're a sorry sight, pup," Wolf replied. "To answer your question, no. Do you mind if I join you?" Fox waved his hand at the seat across from him and Wolf took it. He poured a drink for himself, and refilled Fox's glass. "I came to give you news you might like. Krystal has broken up with Panther."

In spite of the fact that Fox almost hated hearing her name, his ears perked up, "So?"

"You can lie to yourself, but not to me, pup," Wolf growled. "You still love her. Have you heard half the stuff people say about her?"

Fox snorted with laughter. Had he heard? Everyone had heard! People called her a backstabbing whore to her face! Granted, he hated that she was on everyone's black list, but there was nothing he could do to change that. "Whatever was between us is over and done with, you know that Wolf."

"That doesn't mean you can't try again," Wolf said. "'Don't ever give up. Trust your instincts,' pup."

"You dare mock me with my father's words?" Fox growled.

"I dare, because you didn't take his advice, or mine," Wolf growled back. "'When the time comes, don't think. Act.'"

Fox wanted to punch Wolf, but he knew he was right. He was a sorry excuse for an idiotic hero who cared more about his job than the one he loved. "Krystal deserves better than me," he muttered.

Wolf drained his glass, "And where, pray tell, is she going to find someone better than you? Venom? Kew? Somewhere in another galaxy? Listen to yourself! Ever since you forced her off of your team, you've been spiraling down the toilet, pup! Pull yourself together!" The ring of his communicator interrupted them. Wolf tapped his claw on the switch, "This is Wolf O'Donnell speaking."

Panther's panicked voice came from the speaker, "Wolf! She's gone! She's running away! I think she might be going to go kill herself!"

"Where did she go?" Wolf asked, noticing that Fox suddenly looked very concerned.

"Toward the hanger, where we parked our ships!" Panther answered.

Wolf cut the connection, "Well, pup?"

Fox stood, a determined light in his eyes, "Let's go get her."

They left the bar, tearing down the alleys and through several short cuts till they reached the hanger, just in time to see a familiar fighter launch. Fox doubled his speed till he reached his Arwing, jumping in and launching after her. He didn't care if Wolf followed, so long as he was able to catch Krystal.

"Don't try and stop me, Fox McCloud," her pained voice said over the communicator. "I'm finished with you, Wolf, and the rest of Lylat!"

"Don't go, Krystal! Please!" he begged her.

"Fox, it's over," she growled.

"Krystal, please!" he begged again, pulling his ship beside hers.

He could hear her snarl as she replied, "You were the one who pushed me away."

"I know. I'm sorry, so sorry," he apologized. "I heard you quit Star Wolf. I don't care if I never fly again, just don't leave."

There was a pause, and then, "Why?"

Why did he want her to leave? It didn't take much soul searching for Fox to find an answer, the truth he had always ignored, "I need you."

"You NEED me?" Krystal yelled in disgust. "I'm not an item you can throw away and reclaim Fox! You think I don't hear what they all say about me?"

"I don't care what they say." He was loosing her. Hitting the throttle, he pulled his ship so that he was right in front of hers. She tried to maneuver past him, but he stayed in front, blocking her.

"Get out of my way, Fox!" she yelled, the anger and pain evident in her voice. "I hate you! Get out of my way or I will shoot!"

Her words cut deep into him. She Hated him! "Krystal, please!" he pleaded.

"Get your Arwing out of my way!" He didn't move, and she fired.

"Krystal!" he yelled, even as his instincts took control. Before he even realized what he was doing, he had looped behind her and opened fire. One of her engines exploded, sending her ship spiraling down.

"Krystal!" he yelled, horrified at what he had done. "No! Why? Krystal!" There was no answer, as her ship continued downward and crashed into the unforgiving landscape.

The first, and most fatal scar had formed.