Title: Fate
Rating: K
Pairing: None
Synopsis: When the Dark Ace takes a tumble into the Wastelands, what happens when he finds one spot that's a bit more familiar than the rest?

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How typical of fate to drop me right here, of all places. The Wastelands are unending, and barren. I could have been shot down anywhere, but here simply proves that karma is still out to get me. My skimmer's a wreck behind me, and my headpiece was bent so badly upon impact that it nearly killed me. However, here I stand, before you once a gain.

They buried you right where you fell, all those years ago. Whether it was out of honor, or simply because you were in too many pieces to take with them and bury up on Atmosia, I have no idea. All I know is your memorial down here is small and humble. It's how you would have wanted it.

I remember how Atmos wept when it heard of your demise. At that point, I was still so taken with rage and pride. I couldn't see the truth for what it was. After so much time, though, coming face to face with the truth and the feelings I've suppressed is shattering and cold.

There're tears on my face now. I can't remember when they got there, but they're recent and they're hot, and I'm suddenly realizing that the last time I cried was ten years ago, in your presence. I have to say, that doesn't make me feel much better.

Your son's doing well, you should know. He's leading the Storm Hawks and following in your footsteps. Even though I'm pitted against him time and time again, I've come to realize how much he's grown to be like you. He may be a bit more mature, though. I remember when he was just a toddler and you would play Skyknight with him in the back yard. You were always the dragon and he would always save me, the princess, from your dungeon.

It was an impressive dungeon, for a tree house.

My voice sounds so foreign, now, as I babble away my memories and apologies. I don't know if you can hear me, or if you'd even take the time to listen to me after what I did to you all those years ago. It was a horrible thing, and sometimes, I wonder what life would be like had it never happened. Am I responsible for the continuation of Cyclonia?

I guess I just want you to know that for years you were my best friend and a driving force in my life. In a moment of blindness, I threw it all away, and it hurts so much now that I stand before you. Eventually, my Talons will find me and take me back home to my master in Cyclonia, but for now, I suppose all I can do is sit with you a while and remember,

My friend.