A/N: Chapter 4! YAY!

Fox fiddled with his security pass as he rode the elevator to the upper levels of the Cornerian Defense Office. The hum of the elevator ran through his ears as he thought of his earlier actions.

"Am I being selfish?"

Fox never liked to second guess his actions when it came to these situations. What he did was for the greater good of the team. Always.

Then why didn't it feel like it this time?

He let out a yawn and stretched his arms. Last night had been rough. He had spent all day reviewing the case files from the massacre, finding it confusing and disturbing. Upon returning to the hotel, he received the cold shoulder from everyone. Krystal slept on the farthest side of their bed and refused to look at him. Fox spent most of the night awake and trying think of a solution for this mess.

The vulpine leaned his head against the cool metal of the elevator's wall and stared at the floor numbers gradually rise. His team was all he had. They were everything to him. He couldn't let them risk their lives against some psychopath skinning people alive. What if one of them ends up like that? What if Krystal...

Fox shut his eyes and blocked out the image out of his brain as fast as it had arrived. This wasn't helping him with the situation. He has to ignore his personal life right now and get back to the task on hand.

Wolf.

Fox has had many battles with Wolf over the years and knows just what kind of person he was. The pirate has done his fair share of illegal and life threatening activities, including trying to kill Fox for the past nine years. Sometimes Fox thinks that Wolf just plain lives on his hatred of him and that all the blasters in the Lylat System wouldn't bring him down until StarFox was destroyed. The lupine was dangerous and deceptive.

But he wasn't a psycho serial killer.

He was capable of some horrible things but skinning people alive and mutilating them seemed a little out of his field. The ding of the elevator reaching the top floor rang through Fox's ears and the door slide open.

Fox made his down a series of hallways, his thoughts still focused on Wolf.

Wolf was a big league player in the trade business. Almost every gang in the system had their weapons thanks to StarWolf. But as good as he was at supplying the scum of the universe, he was especially good at one other thing. Hiding. Wolf's team seemed to have a knack for disappearing when things got hot and for a long time. But that was what bothered Fox. Wolf had been in hiding, pretending he was dead for months. The fact that he would suddenly go crazy and throw a massacre that the whole planet or even the system would know about just didn't add up.

Fox kept walking until he came to a door that read, "Gen. Pepper. Cornerian Defense." Fox opened the door and made his way into a small office.

A few chairs and a coffee table sat against the left side of the room with a water cooler resting in the corner. On the right was a reception desk with at least three fans surrounding a pretty, young vixen typing away at a computer. She noticed Fox and pasted a huge grin on her face.

"Hey handsome." She said with a purr.

"Hello Mallory." Fox said, forcing an amused smile.

"Before you go in and discuss stuff to blow up with the General," She began. "When are you going to let me take you home and show you the best night of your life?"

Fox gave her a tired look and said, "Can you please ring up the General?"

Mallory snickered and pushed some blonde hairs out her face and pushed on the intercom button.

"Mr. McCloud is here sir."

"Send him in." Came a raspy old voice from the other side. She winked at Fox as he opened the door and walked inside Pepper's office. He closed the door and saluted the General.

"At ease Fox." He said and sat down at this desk. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Enjoying the weather?"

"Hardly sir." Fox said with a smirk. Pepper motioned for him to sit down and pulled out some files.

"Before we get into this Fox...are you sure you don't want your team by your side? Your taking a serious risk by being on your own."

Fox looked down at his lap as if trying to find the right answer. "I'd rather not discuss this sir. I made my decision and I plan to follow it through."

Pepper only nodded and picked up the files. He toyed with the edges of the folder and looked Fox in the eyes saying , "We have some new information on StarWolf."

"I'm listening."

"Last night, there was another firefight. Some witnesses said they saw smoke coming from a small part of forest just outside the city and ground troops were sent to investigate."

Pepper left his seat and looked out his massive window to the outside world. He watched as Cornerians went among their lives as they do everyday. He continued.

"They found a small hatch that led into an abandoned underground storage room where StarWolf had been keeping themselves a secret. Leon and Panther were discovered but Wolf's body was no where to be found."

Fox felt a sharp tightness in his chest.

"Body? Sir...are you saying Leon and Panther were killed?"

Pepper turned to him and nodded. "Everything from last night is detailed in those files."

Fox looked at the folder on the desk and stared. He wasn't so sure he wanted to look into those files. He had seen more than enough photos from the first murder scene and it was apparent that they were already starting to work on his nerves. But Fox reached for those files anyway. Inside were reports and photos. The reports had detailed descriptions of the scene and information on the victims. Then there were the photos.

A few were of the actual storage room. Broken furniture and crates were scattered across the floor and the walls were blackened with laser fire. Then Fox saw them. The remains of Panther and Leon. Panther looked as if someone went at him with a chainsaw and Leon hung from the roof, skinned.

Both heads were missing.

Fox closed the folder and rubbed his eyes in disgust and weariness. "Fuck..."

Pepper sat back in his chair and waited for Fox to regain his composure. "We have a serious issue here Fox. More people are going to end up like this with Wolf on the loose."

"With all due respect sir," Fox began. "I don't think Wolf was behind any of this."

Pepper gave him a confused look. "Fox, he was at both crime scenes and he knew all the victims. He's our only suspect and you of all people know what he's capable of."

"Exactly. I know Wolf like the back of my hand and I know he's not a mutilating psychopath."

Pepper was about to speak again but Fox interrupted him. "Think about it General. Wolf convinces all of Corneria that he and his team are dead. Then they hijack a weapons supply truck. Wolf and his crew never take the ground approach, it's always in the air."

Pepper leaned back in his chair waiting for Fox to continue.

"Then he makes a deal with Xanatos's gang where they clearly outnumber him but they all end up hanging from the rooftops skinned and none of the weapons from the truck were found? Both you and I know that Wolf is the primary source of hardware for these thugs. He needed the money. So why would he take out his cash flow?"

General Pepper stared hard at Fox as he continued to talk. He found it odd that Fox would go into such detail to prove the innocence of a man who has tried to kill him on more than one occasion.

"And what about Leon and Panther? Why would he kill his own team mates? Without them, there is no StarWolf. It just doesn't add up." Fox finished.

Pepper sighed and leaned forward in his seat. "It's a known fact Wolf never had a good relationship with Corneria's gangs or his own team, Fox. Would you be surprised if he tried to take them out?"

"Not like this he wouldn't."

General Pepper gave Fox a hard stare and rested his elbows on his desk. "Well then what do you suggest Fox? Because if it's not Wolf, then who else could it be?"

"Let me follow him. I'll see what he really is up to and if I sense anyone's lives in danger...I'll take him out."

Fox felt odd at his hesitation of the idea of erasing Wolf O'Donnell from the galaxy. Normally the idea would have thrilled him. Perhaps it was because of his doubt of the lupine's actions. And perhaps because he saved his life. But if there was a chance that Wolf had really gone insane, then immediate action would be necessary.

Pepper wiped some sweat from his forehead and stared at his desk for a moment. He finally stood up and looked at the mercenary.

"Alright Fox. You will find Wolf and monitor his activities." He said and Fox stood up to salute him and leave but Pepper wasn't finished.

"But know this Fox; If anyone is hurt by Wolf while he is on your watch, then you will resign as StarFox leader and will never fly again. Are we clear?"

Fox saluted the General and nodded.

"Crystal clear sir."


Wolf slowly opened his eye and let it adjust to the sunlight above him. He tried to shield it with an arm but a sharp pain kept it from moving. He hissed in annoyance and with the other arm, propped himself into a sitting position. He took a look around and suddenly remembered where he was.

Wolf was sitting in a garbage filled alley in a less appealing part of the city. The projects as most called it. The place stunk and Wolf could feel flies hovering around his wounded arm.

That's when images of last night started to replay in his head. Leon and Panther being slaughtered, the clawed hand sinking into his shoulder, getting away and passing out from the pain in this alley.

Wolf shook his head, trying to block out the image and staggered to his feet. Carefully, he peeked around the alley way into the street. He looked for a street sign and recognized the name of a nearby street. There was an apartment just a few blocks away that he used as one of his temporary hideouts.

He needed a shower and drink.

Wolf carefully made his way through a series of alleys, much like the one he was in to avoid anyone seeing him. With it being broad daylight, he had to be extra careful. After about three blocks, he finally came to a withered, run down apartment complex. Making sure the coast was clear, he snuck into the back door.

Wolf continued up a series of steps, ducking into a hallway if anyone were to pass by. Finally he reached his door. He opened it and closed it quickly, locking it several times.

The pirate made his way through the small hallway into a kitchen. It, like most of the apartment, was a little gritty but so was Wolf. He opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of Vodka. Slowly he peeled off his flight vest and grabbing a towel, he soaked it in the sink and gently washed away the blood and grime on his shoulder. He threw the towel away and screwed off the cap of the hard liquor. He took a big swig of it and then poured a good portion of it on his wound. Wolf gritted his teeth and every muscle in his body tensed at the excruciating stinging pain. The last thing he needed was an infection.

After the pain slowly passed, he stripped himself of his clothes and headed for the shower.

The cold water was a heavenly relief from the unbearable heat. Wolf leaned his head against the wall, letting his body soak. His thoughts returned back to his fallen team members.

Wolf made it clear that he didn't like either of them. He often told them how much better off he would be if he put a bullet hole in their heads. Leon was always afraid to take that extra step in almost everything they did. Dog fights and weapon trades. He always wanted to settle for less.

Panther was a good pilot but that's about all he was. Wolf scarcely saw him sometimes as he was out fucking anything that walked. And the way he fondled that rose drove Wolf crazy. He couldn't stand him just as much as Leon.

The both of them were annoying and so caught up in their own worlds that they could never see the bigger picture. And Wolf despised them for that.

Then why did he feel a tightness in his chest and throat every time he saw their faces in his head?

There was no denying it. Wolf did see those two as more than screw ups and useless. They were his friends. And now they were dead.

He turned off the shower, water dripping from his muzzle. His hands balled into fists and he punched the wall hard. He pulled back and threw another fist into the wall. He started throw punch after punch into the shower wall, releasing his anger and shouting out curses.

"Piece...of...shit...mother...fucker!"

Finally he stopped, breathing hard. A crumbling hole sat in front of him. He stared at it for a moment, watching the plaster fall. Wiping his hand, Wolf dried himself off and quickly changed back in to uniform.

He slid a black tank top on after wrapping his shoulder with gauze and headed over to his couch. Wolf flipped it with no cares and revealed a loose floorboard. He pried the board open and inside the floor's interior were a small stash of weapons. Mostly blasters and ammunition, but there was a shock rifle and a sniper rifle. Wolf loaded the guns and tucked the blasters into his belt. He was about to sling the shock rifle over his shoulder when he heard a knock at his door.

Wolf froze.

A trickle of sweat ran down his brow to the tip of his nose. Wolf made no effort to wipe it away. He refused to move a muscle for fear that the authorities were outside and they would hear him. Another knock was heard but there was a voice to follow.

"Mr. Curtis? It's Carrie from next door." A timid and female voice muffled through the locked door.

Wolf let out a sigh of relief. Curtis was one of his aliases when staying in the apartment. Slowly, Wolf walked to the door and looked through the peep hole. There were two figures outside, a small one and a taller one. Wolf unlocked his door but kept a blaster behind his back ready just incase. Grabbing a pair of glasses to hide his eye, he readied himself.

Wolf opened the door slightly to see a young black cat in her mid twenties. Her hair matched her fur as it flowed just past her shoulders and a few bangs hung loosely in front of her jade green eyes. She had a slim and rather attractive build with a dark green dress that gripped her upper body and hung loosely at her legs. With her was a small feline boy of about eight years old. His fur was a mix of black and splashes of white. He wore a pair of faded jeans and an old Corneria University t shirt that was too big for him. He hid behind his mother's legs, staring up at Wolf.

Wolf looked at the two from behind his glasses then finally asked, "What?"

Carrie fidgeted nervously with her hands as the burly wolf stared holes into her from behind his glasses.

"I...uh...accidently g-got your mail again." She mumbled trailing off and handing him a slip of envelopes from her shaky hand.

Wolf's eye scanned the area once more before taking the slips from her. But Wolf noticed something odd as he grabbed the envelopes. Firmly but gently, her gripped Carrie's arm. She jumped slightly and a small whimper escaped her lips.

Wolf could see a few purple patches in random places going up her arm. They were mostly found around the wrist and just under her arm. Bruises. For a bruise to show up through fur as dark as her's, something or someone would have to of applied a large amount of force.

"How did you get these?" Wolf asked.

Carrie bit her lip and gently withdrew her arm from Wolf's grip. "I slipped coming up the stairs last night. Too many grocery bags. "

Wolf could read people like a book but it didn't take that sort of skill to see she was lying. He then shifted his gaze down towards the little boy. He clung to his mother's leg and stared up at Wolf in awe and a little fright. Wolf squinted through the glasses and thought he saw what appeared to be a black eye around his left eye.

Wolf then turned back to Carrie who nervously rubbed her arm. She was looking at him as if she expected him to say or do something.

"You can go now." He told her in a monotone growl. She seemed to be disappointed at his response but only nodded and picked up her son. As they left down the hall towards the apartment next door, the little boy watched him until they disappeared.

Wolf stood in his doorway for a minute then locked the door once more.

He hated the way that kid was looking at him. Not to mention his mother staring at him like he was supposed to do something. Wolf sighed as he sat in an empty chair, grabbing the bottle of Vodka once more. The sound of yelling was heard next door, followed by a loud crash and a short scream.

He stared at the wall where the sounds were coming from, already fully aware of what was happening. Wolf took a swig of the hard stuff and grimaced.

He had his own problems to deal with.


General Pepper stared out his window, watching the sun go down.

This Wolf business was a real mess. People being skinned and heads removed was something Pepper never thought he would have to deal with. It seemed more like something you would find in a horror movie.

His thoughts returned to Fox's speech. He did make some good points and he trusted Fox to the very end when it came to StarWolf and just about anything else the vulpine was thrown in front of. But he was worried that this might be to much for the mercenary to handle. Especially on his own.

"General Pepper? There someone here to see you." Came Mallory's voice over the intercom. Pepper sighed and replied, "I'm not seeing anyone else today Mallory."

"He says he's hear to discuss Wolf O'Donnell."

The bloodhound paused for a moment. He did not want to deal with this right now. He wanted to go home and relax with the air conditioned blasting. But if he had information, maybe it would solve this whole ordeal a lot sooner.

"Alright, send him in."

The door opened and in walked a coyote. He was tall and strong built, a navy blue suit donning his figure. His fur was a dark brown with a splash of white on his muzzle, clear but hard blue eyes resting just above. He stood in front of the General's desk, his hands folded in front of him.

"Hello General Pepper. My name is Sean Phillips and I'm with the Katina Bureau of Investigation and Defense." He said, speaking with a deep, rough voice.

"Hello Mr. Phillips. What exactly brings you to Corneria?" The General queried, although fully aware of why he was here. It was only a matter of time before they stuck their nose in this.

"News has reached us that Wolf O'Donnell has been involved in a series of gruesome murders. Is this correct?" The coyote asked.

"It is a possibility that we are currently looking into. One of our best is on the job right now." Pepper answered, not wanting to give away too much information. "As good as that is General, I have been sent here to inform you that the Bureau is looking to take this case into it's own hands."

Pepper made no expression other than the stone set, poker faced one he had on right now. He had been expecting this.

"I appreciate Katina's concern Mr. Phillips but this is not their jurisdiction. As I said, Cornerian representatives have already been assigned to this dilemma. Fox McCloud is tracking Wolf O'Donnell as we speak." The General said. Maybe that would get him to leave.

"Fox McCloud? Impressive. He certainly would prove a challenge for O'Donnell." He said, his hands moving to around his back.

"But I don't think he realizes how much of a threat O'Donnell is."

"If anyone knows Wolf best, it's McCloud." Pepper growled, irritated that this man would insult one of the Lylat System's greatest hero.

"I hate to break it to you General but if anyone knows the real Wolf O'Donnell, it's me." He said. "The Bureau has had more than it's fair share of issues with that pirate. He's been responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damages to Katina. I've seen the damage he can do and trust me, he can do a lot worse than this."

General Pepper had heard enough. He stood out of his chair and narrowed his eyes at the agent.

"I don't know if you've noticed Mr. Phillips but this is Corneria. Not Katina. And as long as Wolf O'Donnell is on Corneria, my men will deal with him. Understood?"

Phillips stood his ground. He took a step closer to the General's desk and looked him in the eyes intently, as if trying to hypnotize him.

"I'm not here to argue General," He said, a small frown forming on his lips. "I'm here to catch an extremely dangerous and deceptive murderer. And the last time I checked, Corneria was left in a rather weakened state due to the Aparoids. You barely have enough men to patrol the city and most of them are new recruits, not quite ready for such a situation."

Pepper clenched his fists tightly. He wouldn't admit it but Phillips was right. Thanks to the invasion, Corneria had suffered greatly. They were still short of soldiers and many of them were novices. Even a group of ten would stand little chance against someone as highly trained as O'Donnell.

"I on the other hand," He continued. "I have an arsenal of men at my command and would have O'Donnell tracked down in a matter of hours. I can end this whole nightmare before breakfast."

"That's very impressive but as I said, McCloud will deal with this." Pepper stated, hoping it would end this conversation. There was a moment of silence between the two but finally Phillips look softened and he put up his hands in a defensive manner.

"Alright General. We'll give your boy a shot. But if anything happens. Give me a call."

The coyote left a card on the desk and swiftly turned around, heading out the door. Pepper stared at the card on his desk. He picked it up, an increasing temptation to throw it in the trash coming over him. But instead he pocketed the card.

"Don't blow this Fox." He thought and shut off the office lights.

Agent Phillips exited the Cornerian Military office and made his way to a black car parked out in front. The driver opened the door for him and Phillips stepped in, pulling out his communicator. He punched a few keys into the device and spoke into it.

"It's a no go from the General but I have an idea. Get your gear and meet me in an hour. Fox McCloud is going to have a little accident."

A/N: Be on the look out for chapter 5.