InsaneJournal

IX - Hope - IX

Dreaming.

She was dreaming.

But of what?

Dreams were often so fuzzy, so confusing. There were the mountains, the caves, the rainforests and the little shop by the lake. There were the Sky Knights, but they weren’t flying in the skies; they were standing on the grounds, bound by the gravity of their world.

Something was wrong.

From the skies was a darkness and it descended to the ground, spreading throughout the area, permeating the very air. One by one the Sky Knights collapsed to the grounds, forever bound and chained by something that they couldn’t control. And where was she? Why wasn’t she with them?

She suddenly woke up and gasped.

Piper stared at the door for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts and make sense of her dream. She blinked a few times, rubbed her eyes and then realized that she wasn’t sleeping in her own bed back in the Condor.

Once she saw how luxurious the room was with its lavish red walls and its silky bed, all the memories from last night rushed back to her. She had been with Cyclonis, who had given her the crystals that she needed, and because of Piper’s remark about working for a place like the Amethysts, Cyclonis had recommended her to spend a night here.

Piper had agreed because of the crystals and something else-- that neither of them had mentioned. Cyclonis had subtly insulted her by assuming that she wouldn’t be able to reverse the effects of the forbidden crystal. Piper had wanted to prove her wrong, but haven’t had the opportunity to meet with her until now.

What if Cyclonis was planning on this? What if Cyclonis was just manipulating her by using her pride as her weakness? She wasn’t stupid, but she wouldn’t allow herself to be snubbed like that either. In any case, she had been thinking about this for a long time and now, she had a plan.

She smiled and rose to her feet. It was generous of Cyclonis to let Piper stay here and it was only fair for her to be polite and accept her generosity. She figured that in the old days, Cyclonis probably wouldn’t even bat an eyelash if one of her subordinates had been hurt or worse, killed.

Piper left the room and slowly found her way back to the shop. She slipped inside and sighed happily at the sight of different-colored crystals in their many boxes. Oh, if only she had all the time in the world to examine and study them all.

There was Cyclonis sitting nearby, adorned in the same blue dress from yesterday. She looked oddly demure as she took a white teacup from the small, purple table in front of her and sipped it calmly and quietly.

“Care to join me for breakfast?” Cyclonis inquired with a small smile, her violet eyes gleaming impishly. “I have mini ham sandwiches and lemon tea. They’re not poisoned, so do not worry.”

Piper hesitated. She felt split again. The hopeful part of her who yearned for female companionship and believed in Cyclonis being a changed woman, wanted to join her and have a friendly conversation. But the realistic part of her, the Storm Hawk in her, warned that she could not let her guard down around this woman no matter how polite and different she was acting. Given the right circumstances and because of her upbringing, Cyclonis could, at any moment revert back to her old, evil self.

Despite her caution, she gave into her needs. She sat across from Cyclonis and took a small cup of lemon tea. She sniffed at the very aroma of the tea and Cyclonis chuckled again.

“Would you like to drink from my cup to ensure that you’re not going to be poisoned? Would that make you feel better?” Cyclonis inquired, offering Piper her small cup. “Or would you rather that I drink a bit of your cup?”

“Oh no, it’s okay,” Piper said, feeling a little embarrassed. She finally took a sip of her own cup and then took a small bite of the mini ham sandwich. Both the tea and the ham sandwich tasted pretty good. “I’ve thought about our last encounter in the Condor and what has happened to you.”

“Oh?” Cyclonis inquired, taking another sip. “Do you mind sharing those thoughts? I like the way you think,” Cyclonis remarked and Piper was suddenly feeling embarrassed again, her cheeks blushing.

“I’ve decided to help you,” Piper declared, trying to keep her voice firm and strong because otherwise, Cyclonis would mock her again. She didn’t want that; she wanted to earn Cyclonis’ respect, but why? “But only because I want to prove to myself that I can deal with whatever issues people have with crystals.”

“Obviously, you’re not going to do this for free,” Cyclonis reminded her with a casual roll of her violet eyes. She took a bite of her own sandwich and asked, “So what are the conditions, Piper? Do I have to give up something? I’ve always kept in mind that nothing in the world is ever free.”

“There are only two conditions. Number one, once you are free from the effects of the Sacrifice Crystal, you are never to attempt to take over Atmos again. Number two, because I do not trust you on that, I will have to watch you and visit you from time to time or maybe even stay with you after all of this.”

“I see.” Cyclonis nodded, her eyes gleaming again. “Well, at least it’s something that we both can agree upon. Trying to take over Atmos truly is a waste of time and energy.”

“You may think that now, but once you’re no longer tied to the Sacrifice Crystal, you’re going to think differently. You’re going to say, ‘I’m free, oh I’m free and the first thing I’m going to do is take over Atmos and make them pay for what they have done!’ and so on. Am I right?” Piper asked with a roll of her own eyes and then, Cyclonis actually laughed.

“We’ll just have to see,” Cyclonis said with a mysterious smile. “You may be right or wrong, but if there is one thing I’ve learned from being an empress, it’s that there is certainly more than one way to conquer the world.”

“Is that so?” Piper inquired, leaning in. “Do tell.”

“Hmm,” Cyclonis murmured, leaning in as well. “I‘ll think about it.” She tapped Piper’s nose with the tip of her finger and rose to her feet. Piper blinked a few times, baffled by her friend’s actions and watched as Cyclonis went behind the counter. “You should tell your friends about this. I think Dark Ace is too occupied with other things to deliver any more messages.”

“What? What do you mean?” Piper asked, giving her a leery look. “He better not do anything to hurt Aerrow.”

Cyclonis let out another carefree laugh. “I’m not his Master anymore. What he does is no longer my business, though I do try to check up on him from time to time. He and I had a…discussion last night and it seems that things are going well with the tasks, but don’t they usually tire all of you?”

“Yeah, we might need to take a little break again,” Piper said thoughtfully, “and in the meantime, I can help you with research. I’ll go tell Aerrow.” She stood up to her feet and in her excitement, rushed out of the door.

She couldn’t wait to get started on their research. Even though Cyclonis had broken her trust and friendship a long time ago, she was willing to give her another chance, just as Dark Ace was given an opportunity to gain his freedom.

IX - H - IX

“Another break?” Aerrow inquired when Piper had brought up the idea in the bridge. Finn and Junko cheered. Stork just rolled his eyes. Piper merely smiled. “What for? Don’t we all want to get the tasks over with?”

“Well, think about it, Aerrow. Our team’s always been working so hard and that one week in Terra Tropica wasn’t really a vacation at all,” Piper reasoned out, her smile widening at the sight of her friends nodding their heads in agreement. Aerrow seemed skeptical.

“Well, if the team wants to, I’ll request it from the Sky Council,” Aerrow said as he finally conceded. “You do have a point about that last vacation. But why do you want to stay in Amethysts?”

“It’s because of how crazy she is about crystals, man,” Finn answered for her. “You know how she is. The first things she does in the morning isn’t to brush her teeth; it’s to ogle and tinker with her crystals-- oh and planning, don’t forget planning.”

Piper laughed, feeling more relaxed around Finn. The tension between them had finally subsided thanks to his honest apology. “Oh shut up. You’re the one who doesn’t brush his teeth in the morning. Have you ever smelled your breath?”

“Ooh!” Junko said and let out a big, hearty laugh.

“Come on now, knock it off, children,” Aerrow said with a smile. “I understand Piper’s obsession with crystals… I think. So I’ll let her stay there for at least one to two weeks, though it depends on how lenient the Sky Council is.”

“Thank you, Aerrow,” Piper said, giving him a brief hug. “Where are you guys going to this time? Back to Terra Tropica? Terra Neon?”

Aerrow shrugged. “I’m not sure. I was thinking of something cooler, with snow--”

“You mean Terra Blizzaris?” Finn asked with a huge grin on his face. He and Junko shared a high five. “Dude, I haven’t been there in a while!”

“Yeah,” Aerrow said with a thoughtful nod. “But are you sure you want to stay in Terra Mont, Piper? You’re going to miss all the fun in the snow.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that, I think I’ll have fun in my own way,” Piper assured him. “I’m going to get my things and move out. You guys can survive without me, right?”

“Oh certainly,” Stork said with a snort. “I think I’m just going to miss your cooking. That’s all.”

“Aww, that’s sweet of you,” Piper said and pulled Stork into a hug. As expected, the paranoid Merb stiffened, unused to any sort of contact. She didn’t blame him. She still wasn’t used to Cyclonis being all touchy with her. If she didn’t know any better, she would actually think that Cyclonis was making a move on her. “But who’s going to take over my post? Does Finn really know how to do my job?”

“Oh please,” Finn said, waving his hand dismissively, “your job is so easy. All I gotta do is make plans and whatever. That’s no biggie. I mean, as long as I get the gist of the maps and stuff, I think we can manage.”

“Hmmm, well, we’ll see you in a few weeks,” Aerrow said and waved at Piper. She waved back and went to her room. All she needed were her clothes, her books and some of her own crystals and then she could spend some time in Terra Mont…

…with Cyclonis.

IX - H - IX

And so, their research finally began.

They searched in all the books for any possible crystals that might undo the effects of the forbidden crystal. They also experimented with many different types, from anti-crystals to crystals aimed to get rid of certain properties. They discussed their own creations and sometimes got into arguments about the little details.

It was truly nice to talk and work with someone who understood Piper’s theories. She truly relished her time with Cyclonis. Sometimes she saw Cyclonis’ workers moving in and out of the shop. Other times, she heard the chopping of wood and the melancholic tune of the violin.

Piper placed the book she had been reading on the purple table and stood up, stretching her arms and her legs. With the scattered books and crystals on the glassy floor, the shop was a mess. She rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit tired, but decided that she needed to clean this up lest somebody actually stepped on the books or the crystals and ruined them both.

She reached down for the book, only to be stopped by a pale hand holding her wrist. She looked up and saw Cyclonis giving her a tired smile. “What is it?”

“Come with me,” Cyclonis whispered, her eyes bright. Piper gazed deep into her eyes and lost herself in those pools of intense violet. She would never admit this to anyone, but she was drawn to Cyclonis and now, the former empress was pulling her up and both exited the shop. With Cyclonis holding her hand and leading the way, they sauntered into the forests.

Once they found a clearing, they stopped and sat on the grass together, gazing at the blue sky. With the chirping birds and the sun shining upon them, all was calm and peaceful. Piper sighed in bliss. She had never felt so much at home.

“I think we need to change our strategy,” Cyclonis suggested. “Looking at books, so many books-- it does help, but only to a certain extent.”

“Yeah, we probably need to experiment a little more. I thought that for every crystal out there, there would be an anti-crystal. I guess the Sacrifice Crystal is the only exception,” Piper said thoughtfully. “Maybe we just need to think outside of the box, to think about crystals in a way that they’re never used before.”

“Hmm, that is true. It’s almost like trying to get someone’s attention when the usual tactics do not work,” Cyclonis mused. “For example, if you can’t get the one you want with a simple heated glance, you might as well do something a little more obvious and think of ways that haven‘t been used before.”

“Huh?” Piper inquired, baffled by the sudden change of topic, but she supposed that it had some merit. “What do you mean?”

Cyclonis shifted her position so that she was sitting in front of Piper. Then she moved back and reclined on the grass, letting her head rest on Piper’s lap. “Like this.”

Piper stared at her friend in shock. She wasn‘t sure how to respond. “I guess so.”

Cyclonis looked up to her and smiled. “My mother used to do this when she wasn’t busy trying to take over Atmos.”

“I’m already a mother hen in the Storm Hawks. Do I have to be your mother too?” Piper inquired teasingly. She didn’t know why, but it felt natural to run her fingers through Cyclonis’ bangs.

Under her gentle caress, Cyclonis sighed blissfully. “I don’t mind having someone like you to take care of me. I heard that you were a good cook. It’s always good to have somebody who can cook. I’m sick of eating fruits and healthy things all the time.”

“Oh, but you look good now,” Piper said with her own little smile. “You’re not too pale anymore.”

“You think so?” Cyclonis asked softly.

In that peaceful moment, with her mind clear and her body relaxed, all the information that they had gathered in their research and experiments finally arranged themselves in a way that made twisted sense to Piper. She blinked her eyes slowly.

“I got it!” Piper announced. “I’ve figured it out!”

Cyclonis sat up and glanced at Piper inquisitively. “Oh?”

“But… would you truly agree to our conditions?” Piper asked, giving her friend a suspicious look. Cyclonis stared back, her eyes mischievous and she laughed so airily. Piper knew that Cyclonis wasn’t going to take her too seriously. She frowned. “Or maybe… I should give you some time to think about it.”

“You do that then,” Cyclonis whispered, “but thank you for your hard work.”

“You’re welcome,” Piper said and she knew that now they were done, it was time for her to head back to her squadron. “I guess I better contact the Storm Hawks now.” She rose to her feet, feeling rather hesitant about this. She didn’t want to leave, but…

“You can return here whenever you want,” Cyclonis said as she too stood up. “You are always welcome here.”

“Thank you,” Piper said with a small smile. “This definitely won’t be the last time we meet.”

IX - H - IX

At last, the final part of the second task had commenced.

Their mission was to capture the last captain in Terra Deep and if Dark Ace were controlling the Condor (which he sometimes did back when he used to be in the Storm Hawks), he would have blasted all of the obstacles that got in their way, but unfortunately, it was Stork who was steering the ship.

It was a pity, really, but he was a guest and a prisoner, so he didn’t have a say in this. He could only watch, with his arms crossed as Stork slowly led them into the surface of Terra Deep.

“So, how are we going to do this again?” Finn asked, scratching the back of his head in confusion. “I mean, do we reaaaally have to get inside again or do we just blast at them or what?”

“We need to lure them out of the Terra Deep. I don’t think they can resist us,” Aerrow answered with a confident smile. “Do you want Piper to explain the plan to you again?”

Piper sighed and rolled her eyes. Finn scowled at her. “Okay, we know Captain Scabulous has many fleets of ships. We’re going to rid of them one by one, using their Terra against them.”

“But the Condor can’t take all that pressure. Do you remember what happened last time?” Stork inquired with a deep frown. “Do you want us to fall to our dooms that early?”

“We don’t have to descend into the Terra itself, we just need to rid of the ships,” Aerrow explained, “and once the captain’s ship is all that’s out there, then we can ambush him.”

“Oh god, how long is that going to take?” Stork asked, shuddering slightly.

“Well, it isn’t going to take long, because you’re not going to do it alone,” a new feminine voice, strong and firm, entered the conversation. All the Storm Hawks, including Dark Ace, turned around and saw that standing by the door of the bridge was none other than Starling.

“Hey Starling, did you finally change your mind and decided to become a Stork Hawk?” Aerrow wondered. Most of the Storm Hawks laughed, though unfortunately for them, Starling shook her head.

“Oh no, I’m not sure if I want to give up my job yet,” Starling answered. “But I came here to tell you that all the other squadrons are going to help you out on this one. It’s about time we rid ourselves of those sky pirates.”

“So much for my elaborate plans,” Piper said with a shake of her head. “So what now? How are we going to do this?”

“The other squadrons are going to act as a decoy, luring the other ships and like Piper said, will be using their own Terra against them,” Starling explained. “The Storm Hawks will then ambush the main ship and from there, take the captain alive. We don’t want any more mishaps like last time,” she paused, giving Dark Ace a disapproving look, “we need the captain alive because he might have information for us.”

“Got it,” Aerrow said. “Okay Storm Hawks, listen up. Stork, take us to the main ship. Finn and Junko, once we’re there, start blasting at them before they do the same to us. The rest of us are going to infiltrate the main ship and deal with Captain Scabulous. Understood?”

They all agreed and followed Aerrow’s orders instantly. Dark Ace was rather impressed with how Aerrow didn’t have to use force or fear to get their attention. From a distance, they watched as the ships disappeared, one by one, going after what the enemies assumed to be single squadron ships.

As each enemy ship vanished, the Condor flew closer and closer to their destination. Once the main ship was left, Finn and Junko blasted at it, tearing their shields apart and then Dark Ace, Aerrow, Starling and Radarr dashed out of the bridge and into the launching area of the Condor. They got on their skimmers and flew into the ominous skies.

They zoomed in, got on board and charged at the sky pirates. Even with their powered cutlasses, they were no match for the Storm Hawks, which included Dark Ace to some extent. In moments like these, one of his memories of him and Aerrow’s father fighting together, side-by-side, was seeping back into his thoughts.

Even now, the similarities were astonishing.

But he didn’t mind it. He preferred it. Aerrow watched his back and so did he, and he never had any of that while he was the Talon Commander. When you worked for evil, you trusted no one but yourself.

He supposed, the only flaw he had while being a Talon Commander was being loyal to his old master. Because of that loyalty, he cared about what she thought; he cared about what she said and because of the power she wielded and because he wanted to please and lead her to victory, he had wanted to improve himself. He had wanted power.

This was a different kind of strength, a different kind of loyalty, something new, but he enjoyed it all the more. It didn’t take them long to find the captain. The leader of the sky pirates practically stood out with his menacing face and with his lackeys already taken down, it was four against one.

Piper held out her staff and pointed at Captain Scabulous.

“What are you going to do with that staff, little girl? Captain Scabulous asked mockingly. “Poke me with it?”

“Nope,” Piper answered confidently. Without warning, she pounced at the captain and smacked his head with her staff, knocking him out cold. Before the others could do anything else though, she held up her hand. “Stand back, I’m not done yet.”

She actually poked the captain with the tip of the staff and the others watched as the crystal turned blue, like the color of a bright, cloudless sky. In moments, the captain began to snore.

“And there we have it,” Starling said with a tone of finality. “Though Dark Ace didn’t technically take care of this one, I suppose he still passes because he cooperated.”

“It’s alright,” Piper said, giving Starling a small grin. “I kind of owe him one anyway. I tried to kill him during the first task, so,” she paused and gave Dark Ace a friendly smile, “this is my apology to you.”

Dark Ace was rather taken back. “If you insist. Do you actually want to see me free?”

Aerrow glanced at him and Piper. Starling crossed her arms, her gaze mysterious and unreadable.

Piper merely shrugged. “It’s not so much about that. It’s about doing what’s morally right and I felt that this was the right thing to do.”

“And that is why you’re in the Storm Hawks,” Aerrow said with an approving smile. “Okay, we have to head back before he wakes up. Did anybody bring a net?”

Radarr made a noise and held up the net. He threw it at the captain. It seemed like an ordinary net at first, but they all watched as the parts slid itself around the captain like a snake, tightening around him and keeping him still. Even through all of this, he slept. Dark Ace grabbed a hold of the net and began dragging Captain Scabulous out of the bridge.

Once the other squadrons returned, they took the burden off his hands and flew away. He and the rest of the Storm Hawks returned to the Condor save for Starling. She waved at them and headed off to join the other squadrons. She probably had to keep an eye on the pirate leader.

He couldn’t believe it. Only one more task, one more challenge, one more test to do and pass. Nobody, not even Aerrow knew what they were supposed to do, but they would be informed in time.

He hoped.

IX - H - IX

A/n: I’ll go work on chapter 10. =D I’ve also decided that ten chapters? Is not enough to cover this thing. There are going to be thirteen chapters instead! So yay!