With Délarbé now having his second symbol and already becoming a monster beyond belief and comprehension, who is the one he's constantly talking about? If she had seen the news already?

Chapter 3: Consequence of stubbornness

Fucking bitch!

All of this is your fault!

How could you leave him like that?

Filthy skank!

You ruined his life!

Perish in Hell whore!

In one vile scream she wakes scared in her own room. She can't really call it her room yet, since it isn't filled with what she wants in a room. Most of her belongings are still in the boxes. The room itself doesn't look as pleasant either. The stench of old books and glue lingers as the wall could really use a somewhat prettier color than filthy dark crimson. The door to the bathroom is next to her night-stand. The only thing looking decent to some extent is her bed. Bought especially for her while her sheets already belonged to her; she took it with her when she was forced to leave, some time ago.

That is all she sees when she looks around the room. Sweat runs down her cheeks and drip on the sheets. With a deep sigh, she lets her head fall back on the pillow, staring at the ceiling. She looks over to her right, where her night-stand stands. On top of it, a simple LCD alarm clock, a low-power BB gun and a remote. She grabs the remote with her left paw and with the right the BB gun as she stares at the ceiling again.

She points the remote at the ceiling and a secret ceiling compartment opens, revealing two large photographs. One is of Fox McCloud alone and the other from Fox and her together. Remembering those good times, before it all happened, she aims the BB gun for the large picture with just Fox. She pulls the trigger a few times with a giggle. The little balls simply ricochet back and land softly on the bed.

*Click* *Click* is heard from the weapon.

*Empty already? Ah well, enough for today.* she thinks as she puts the pistol back on the night-stand. She keeps staring at the photograph displaying her and Fox. She doesn't exactly know where it has been taken, but it was on a beach for certain. She can see that, as Fox and her don't wear much except for swimwear. Heads against each other, laughing at the camera while the sun sets behind him. His left arm is around her shoulder while she has her eyes closed. She could swear she sees a slight blush on his face.

With another deep sigh, her eyes now focus on a blank spot of the ceiling, above the photographs while she tries to recall her nightmare.

*Whew... that was one hell of a nightmare. Geh... unbelievable. I don't remember anything of it anymore, but it must have been more than outrageous. With my telepathic abilities, it is pretty hard for nightmares to be this bad.*

She turns her head to the left. The faint lightening of the Sargasso Space Region shines through the room. The shadows it makes of the boxes and other stuff make the room look like a city dump.

*Sargasso... more memories about Fox and Starfox. Not the nicest place in Lylat, but at least my present team has its operational range around here. Although I liked the nomad-style of operating from Starfox, I still like living in one spot better. My team-members don't quite see me as equal, since I'm a girl. Sure, like Leon is so good... Bah! The only ones who complemented me were Fox and Panther. Ah... Panther... the only one that really cares for me. And ever cared for me.*

A sudden pain stings in her left side, as if someone else, far away, felt what emotional impact her last thought brought with it. She can sense more horrendous pain, not knowing where it is coming from.

*AW! What was that? Argh... I... I can sense it... I... I offended someone with that last one. That pain, the cries and emotion coming with it... almost overwhelming... That person, that I offended... Fox? Could it really be...?*

A sudden knock on her door interrupts her thinking as she quickly reaches for the remote and returns the ceiling to normal.

'Come in.' she permits sweet and innocent.

'Good morning sweetheart.' greets a warm and tone-full voice. It is Panther, carefully opening the door. 'How was your first night in your new, uh... room?'

'I need to get used to it, that's all.' she replies. 'Why are you here? There is always a hidden reason...'

'Well, it's about your previous team...' His voice gets softer, almost compassionate.

'What about them?' asks Krystal ignorant of the bad news.

'They are on TV.'

'Strange... I thought we were the big heroes who defeated the Anglars.' wonders Krystal looking quasi-estranged at Panther.

'We are, we are...' he assures her quickly. '…but this is something different.'

'How different then?'

He sighs as no words can describe it. 'It... it is better if you take a look yourself Krystal. I'll... uh... be in the TV-room.' he says as he closes the door.

*Didn't he acted strangely. What is going on with Starfox then?* She can't quite put her finger on it. What was her last encounter with Starfox? Like a door getting kicked in, she realizes what might be going on.

*Wait, maybe something happened on Titania. I know I left Fox there in tears and that red beams erupted from the surface. Those beams nearly took me down while I was barely out atmosphere. Red beams... Fox... Did my stubbornness go too far this time? He... he always thought me to use my heart instead of my head. He always told me the story about the structure and the system. How the head shouldn't take over from the heart, but also not the other way around. He told me that his core, received a 'K' when he met me. Wow... even from Panther... I never got such a great compliment.* she realizes now as she wipes some stress-sweat from her forehead. *That 'K', including me, meant that much to him then? I have to find out what Panther was talking about.*

Quickly, she throws the sheets off of her as puts on her purple, now ex-Starfox uniform. The Starwolf logo is sewed just above her right breast.

*I never liked pink in the first place.* she thinks as he puts her last boot on. She runs towards the bathroom and looks in the mirror on the medical cabinet. She makes herself decent by combing her hair a bit, giving herself a splash of fresh water in the face and after some mouthwash, she feels ready to tackle another day. She exits her room and walks towards a hallway. It leads to the TV-room.

She hears Wolf guffaw while the news broadcast forms the rest of the sounds coming from the room. She enters the room and sees Panther standing behind the red couch where Wolf is laying down on elaborate, still roaring. Leon comes out of the kitchen at the other end with a bowl of popcorn. Apparently, the news broadcast is very interesting.

'Hey everyone.' she greets. But only Panther reacts. He turns around and tries to look at his best.

'Oh, hey Krystal.' he replies as he covers the TV-screen as best as he can. Krystal finds the sudden covering of the screen strange. She lifts an eyebrow while Panther tries to remain serious, not wanting her to carry the burden of knowing what is broadcasted. She leans to her left and pushes Panther away.

'B..But..' stumbles Panther as Krystal is already focused on the screen.

*Broadcast*

*News intro theme*

Good morning and welcome. Only one topic on today's planning: The Death of Starfox. Last night, a pair of joggers were lost in the woods just outside Papetoon City. What they found, was disturbing to say the least. For the details, we are heading over the our correspondent at the scene: Jade Blackburn. Jade?

Thanks Tom. Behind me is the fire department is busy with extinguishing the last remaining fires still burning on the wreckage of the Great Fox II. The ship apparently landed here three days ago according to eyewitnesses but no suspicious was raised until it caught fire last night.

How about the team itself?

That news is even worse. Ambulance personnel quickly come to their rescue, but were far too late.

What do you mean with 'far', Jade?

Well Tom, the team-members, existing out of Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare and Slippy Toad respectively, were found blackened and burned in the bridge of the wreckage.

Uh.. th..that is horrible indeed Jade. Is that what killed them?

No Tom. According to the examiners, some were stabbed multiple times and some received a direct deathblow either by a stab in the temple or a… uh… slit throat. This all before the fire even started.

And this all before the fire started!?

Exactly.

And how about the leader, Fox McCloud? Is there any lead on him?

No trace of him directly has been found. Only some half-burned bloodstains were used to identify him.

So, he was there when the rest was killed?

Yes, he was. It is not clear if he fled, fought back, was a victim himself or he was the one who killed them. All, is unclear at the moment.

Well, thanks Jade for your report. And this ends our broadcast.

*News outro theme*

After the theme ends, Wolf starts to roar again.

'WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA! This... is... NEWS! Woohw...' he cries celebrating. 'That was awesome. The seventh time and still hilarious.'

'How can you be so ruthless!?' asks Krystal, flabbergasted by the news.

'Huhuhuhu... Woo! Yeah, it sucks for that bird, bunny and frog but on the other hand: the disappearance of Fox is hilarious!' he states as he continues his laughter while snatching a good hand of popcorn from Leon's bowl.

'Hey, what the...' complains Leon.

'What are you gonna do!?' he bites with his mouth full of popcorn. 'Huh? That's right. Sit and shiver, bug...'

With that said, Panther turns to Krystal, obviously shocked about the whole situation.

'So... th..this was the thing you wanted to show me?' she asks.

'Yes... I'm sorry that I tried to hide it Krystal...' he apologizes. She walks past him with her left paw rubbing her forehead, paining her mind about the situation. All of her friends, gone in a blink of an eye. Because she was too stubborn when she was on Titania to see that Fox is her true one?

'It.. it doesn't matter Panther. Excuse me. I...I gotta call someone.' she excuses herself as she walks towards the kitchen a meter or so behind the couch.

'Sure Krystal. Take as long as you please.' states Panther generous before turning his attention to the TV again. Krystal enters the kitchen and places her hands on the kitchen counter in the middle. Her sniveling soon turns into real tears, feeling that it's somehow her fault.

*Maybe... Fox really lost it. The system, the structure... the 'K' on the core... My head has gone too far this time! I need to find out what happened to him. Ex or no ex, Fox doesn't deserve this. Certainly since he already apologized in front of everyone on Katina during the Blitz…* she thinks as she reaches for the phone. She dials the short-cut number 8 and presses the green button. After a few tones, a yawning Estelle gets on the phone.

With Estelle… picks a yellow with white striped furred vixen up in the midst of a long yawn.

Hey Estelle, with Krystal.

Oh hey, how is it going? she asks with another yawn.

Not so good. Did... did I wake you up?

Just a small nap. What do you mean with "not so good"?

Have you seen the news?

No... not today's at least. Why?

That is the reason...

You sound like you cried girl, what is going on?

Y… you have to see that yourself...

Okay, just a moment.

Estelle, a yellow vixen with a white stripe running down the middle of her body, crawls out of bed. She jumps over the backend of the couch in front of the TV and thuds on the fake leather pillows. The remote bounces up, revealing its position as she snatches it out of the air. She turns it on, and the same broadcast airs.

See what I mean Estelle?

Wow... yeah. Fox is missing and his team is dead. Hardcore...

I need someone to track him down. Do you know someone from your... uh.. past? asks Krystal slightly awkward. She knows it's sensitive to Estelle.

OH! Because I was prison hm!? she snarls attacked.

I didn't mean it like that. Please Estelle...

Fine, just a moment. she complies sighing.

She puts the phone down and starts to browse through the pages of a small notebook. She snatches a cigarette from its holder on the table and lights it. It's comforting for such a boring task as this one. She really needs one of those automatic phonebooks. They exist for more than 100 years already.

'The 'M'. Maul? No. Madison? No, she is to occupied by Troy. Blegh! Montreal!? What the heck? Who the fuck did that name came up in here!? Nevermind...' She turns the page around. 'The 'N'. Maybe Nether... no... bad relations with him. The 'O'. No one special. The 'P'! Got him!' she states.

I'm back Krystal. states Estelle holding the phonebook in front of her while she puts the phone in between her right cheek and her right shoulder. While still having the cigarette in her mouth.

And?

I found a guy. Phantom, also known as Roger Dillinger.

So?

I met him as the new boyfriend of Tiffany Scarlet. Remember her?

Pink fur, bitchy personality? verifies Krystal.

Yes that one. They broke up a few months ago. Phantom had enough of that bitchy attitude.

More than thinkable. remarks Krystal recalling numerous occasions in which no one can stand to stay around her. Not even Phantom.

Since then, he works as a private investigator under the PPPD.

PPPD? Oh, the Papetoon Planetry Police Department.

Indeed. I think that his phone number still works. I'll contact him. I'll be back in few minutes.

Thanks Estelle.

Thank me later Krystal.

*Phone*

She lifts the phone from her ear as she reads out Phantom's phone number while she types it in. '972-16911112'

*Phone*

Better be important... with Phantom. PI and etcetera. Say what you gotta say.

Hey Roger, with Estelle.

Huh? Estelle? How the hell did get this number? Oh wait, let me guess:

Tiffany! say the both of them at the same time.

What's up Estelle?

I have a friend in trouble.

Another one?

Not like in 'prison trouble'.

Great, cause I hate those fucking breakout missions. What's the problem then? Have in mind: I'm on Quinsol at the moment. That godforsaken mining planet. he mumbles complaining. It's at least some place he could stay after he got chased away for crimes he didn't commit on Fortuna. His innocence has been proven but he's no longer welcome after insulting and humiliating the mayor of the mayor of Fortuna City. Typical for Phatnom.

Seen the news already? asks Estelle.

Of course. I'm a PI and etcetera. replies Phantom obvious.

Didn't you notice something shocking?

Aside from the daily bullshit about celebrities, war issues across Lylat and the UP (United Planets) doing nothing about it at all and the troublesome economy... no, nothing special.

How about Starfox then?

Hm? Oh yeah, burnt out Great Fox II and its crew found dead except for Fox. Already seen it three times. Wait, now four times.

I have a job for you.

Glorious... he says "full of joy". Who, what, where?

Krystal, search for Fox on Papetoon.

Sounds simple enough. That Krystal have a phone number?

Sure, I'll text it to you.

Ah, got it.

Bye Phantom.

Hear you later Estelle.

*Phone*

'BAH! Hopefully never again! I'm changing my number after this.'

He quits his complaining and looks at this PDA where types in the phone number. He almost mistypes it for Adonis' number.

*Oh yeah. My partner. Adonis with the complicated last name. I haven't seen him in a long time. Might as well beep him up for this case.*

As the right number is typed in, numerous files displaying various cases in which Krystal was involved. Like her integration as a Lylatian citizen and her permission to join Starfox. Only a few years later, that changed to Starwolf on, quote on quote, personal reasons.

'Hm...' thinks Phantom out loud. 'So, the infamous Krystal love-triangle resurfaces again huh? Its victim this time: Fox McCloud. Last of the McCloud bloodline, strong leader and very capable. Almost comparable to me! Hahahaha... sure Phantom.' he jokes with himself. 'You keep thinking that.'

He looks on his cellphone. Sony-Ericsson J120i. Cheap design, with a radio as its only addition. Sturdy, like the Nokia he never had. On top of all, a battery that doesn't die after only a day.

'What a phone is and will be. Smart-phones... Pfffrrr... sure. Expensive bullshit for a portable computer with 'social media'. Talk to each other in real life! Idiots.' he states as he memorizes the number displayed on his screen. He types it in and presses the green button. In the meantime, Krystal is eagerly waiting for the phone to ring again, until: 'TRRRING!

*Phone*

Hello?

There is nothing but silence on the other side.

Hello? Anyone?

Krystal?

Yes... that's me.

There is a long pause before: Great. I heard from a friend you had trouble?

That's right sir.

Please, don't call me sir. he asks deep sighing. There is only one person who can call me 'Sir' and he isn't even a real person. Just say Phantom will ya?

S..sure.

Hm? You sound like you've cried. *Shit. Quit underestimating the feeling of your clients Phantom. You wanna get off this planet… don't ya!?*

Oh... snivel… Don't worry about that.

*What the f…? So she can read minds. Damn!*

Impressed?

To say the least. Alright, let's get down to business. You want me to search for Fox McCloud huh?

That's right Si... uhm Phantom.

Phantom places the phone the salon table in front of him. He grabs his PDA and searches the case he's about to open. Gotcha! he exclaims.

Uh... what?

Oh… He picks the phone back up. '…that one wasn't meant for you. I just found what I was searching for. Hm... aha... yes, yes I see. Krystal?

Yes?

With all certainty I can say that we have a case.

That's great. Where do we meet?

Where are you now?

Sargasso...

Oh hell no! I have no idea what you are doing in such a vile place, but that's not my interest any more. Dogfights... brrrr. Got some brilliant nightmares of that place…

Where then?

Just a sec... He searches intensively through the files. Until he finds something juicy. He almost can't believe it. Adonis should defiantly see this. Got it. Papetoon.

Papetoon?

Yep, Papetoon. Fairly quiet planet, until you read what the news doesn't report. Police files indicate that a guy with Fox's signature is wreaking havoc.

Fox's signature? That can't be possible. Fox would never do such a thing. *Unless... he indeed lost it. Those red beams...*

Well, facts are facts. I'm on the case. Wow... wait a minute... Before his eyes, he sees new files being uploaded on the PPPD's central server. He tries to access them but is unable.

*Dang it to Hell!*

He stands up from the couch and walks into his bedroom. After opening several drawers, groaning and moaning that a connecter and a laptop aren't in them, he finally finds then. He plugs the connector into his PDA and the laptop. He allows the laptop to run a specialized hacking program. It's possible to let it do its thing wireless but with a connector is goes way faster. The application is also on his PDA, should he be using it on the go.

What is wrong Phantom? asks Krystal curious. Maybe something that proves Fox's innocence in all this.

Hold on just a sec. Come on you slow piece of… *PING!* Oh… I'm in. He opens the files. Before him, the screen fills with detailed reports as well as stomach-turning pictures of the crime scenes. Not only just Délarbé's, but also what the Sons of Plunder have done that very same night.

Oh god! Horrible!

What? What!?

Blegh... meet me in Papetoon City, Caluroso avenue 32. Tomorrow, 15:30. Is that a deal?

I'll make sure I'm there. she says a little shaken.

Good, see you then.

*Phone*

Meanwhile, in the Central Papetoon City Archives:

The central control room is dark and filled with rubble. Bookshelves have fallen on the floor while security monitors are dangling in the air, held there by nothing more than a single wire. Several arrows have found their way into innocent flesh. Blood seeps from under the slight opening of the door leading to the room. Disgusting cracking noises are heard as magma-colored, pentagram eyes see his own feast upon a carcass. They are the only thing visible in the tense dark of the room. He throws the carcass away, on a pile of others.

*For later...* he thinks, still chewing as he jiggles the mouse around. The screen of the computer appears and the pointer goes over to the map Family Tree'. A double-click and the map opens, revealing a search function, like that of Google. He types in 'McCloud' as primary last name and 'Reinard' as secondary. One search result comes up. He clicks it and a filter function appears. He enables nothing expect for 'Alive'. Surprisingly, three results pop up.

1= James McCloud- Age: unknown. Location: unknown
2= Fox 'Reinard' McCloud- Age: 32. Location: unknown
3= ? McCloud- Age: unknown. Location: Storage

The "?" is presented as a hyper-link. Interested, he clicks it and a document opens, revealing that it was Fox's unborn son, created by IVF. Process of development slowed down so that it can be preserved for years to come.

*Ah yes. Fox's unborn son. Just in case Krystal would be able to bear children. What a prepper was that guy. Had everything over Krystal. Unfortunately for him, she didn't had anything for him. And that's... where I came in the picture. Delete the file, but first, let's find it.*

Clicking on the location, he finds storage number 51-6 on the ground floor.

'Perfect!' he states as he exits the room, kicking a carcass away whose being a blocker. He opens the door to the storage and finds rows of cabinets containing the documents and specimens.

He hums a pleasant tone as he walks alongside the cabinets. '51-8… 51-7… 51-6!' With a firm pull, he opens it. A transparent plastic bag containing a small jar filled with amniotic fluid and the embryo. He opens the bag and lifts out the jar.

'Since Fox is already dead…' he speaks while observing the embryo. '…this, will be number two!' he states with a demonic undertone as he slams the jar to pieces on the ground. The amniotic fluid and glass spatter everywhere, leaving the now dying embryo on the cold floor.

Délarbé bends over and carefully picks up the embryo. He wipes some liquid off of it. The black eyes stare right at Délarbé. Who extracts the claw on his right index finger and carefully makes a clean cut in the forehead of the embryo. With a stripe just under the middle of the already made vertical stripe, he made another Inverted Cross. As he walks away, the embryo loses whatever life it had as it bleeds to death on the cold hard ground.

Stubbornness can kill. Not alcohol, drugs or guns, but stubbornness. At least, in Fox's case. Krystal never had any idea how much she meant to Fox. Now that he's dead, how will she react to what has taken over?

Thanks to TroyGroomes, who inspired me to this one! Thanks to Mumble1029! You dudes, you are more than awesome!

For those who don't know, but this series is gonna be discounted again. No worries, this is publicity stunt. Since Perfect Insanity isn't as well received in comparison with Resurrection, (obvious) I decided to write a Creepypasta about it to get some more attention from people who are actually interested. So no worries when it says (DISCOUNTED), that is just for the pasta itself.

-Phantomfoxx