Yo! I probably shouldn't be doing this since I already have two ongoing stories, but I can't help it. I'm fascinated with this show. I don't know if that's good or bad. Eh, whatever.
Notes: There are a number of original characters that are very important to the story, However none of them are the main character. That honor belongs to the Dark Ace. (YAY!) I don't want to give too much away in the way of ucs. That would ruin the story, so you;ll just have to read and find out.
Well, I hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: The evil monkey in my closet said I own the Storm Hawks, but I think he's lying. I haven't gotten any money for it. Oh, yeah. The yellow-bellied newts are visiting from Dragon City.
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STORM HAWKS: DARK STORM RISING
Chapter I: Prelude To An Epiphany
If Finn was going to oversleep, then Aerrow was going to have some fun in waking the spiky-haired teen up. The blond was in the middle of a snooze-fest so there was little chance in waking him when entering the room. He crept quietly in with Radarr right behind.
"Perfect. He's on his back," whispered Aerrow. "Okay, Radarr. Go for it."
Radarr quietly, and gently, leapt up onto Finn. The creature froze when Finn started to twitch, but then continued when the twitching subsided and the snoring returned. Radarr pressed his face against Finn's. He was now eyeball to eyeball with the blond.
Aerrow knelt down beside the head of the bed. He rested his chin on the pillow, next to Finn's head. He smirked.
"Oh, Fii-iin," he said softly. "It's time to wake uh-up."
"Five more minutes…." mumbled Finn.
"Wakey-wakey Finn," the redhead said a little louder. "We're getting close to Tropica…."
"Mmmm…Tropica…."
Finn's eyes fluttered open, only to see another pair of eyes staring back. It took a few minutes for it to register in Finn's….
"Wahhh!"
Radarr leapt back onto the floor as Finn sat bolt upright.
"Ah, man," sighed Finn as the two on the floor rolled around laughing.
"That's what you get for oversleeping," laughed Aerrow.
The redhead got up and walked to the door with the blue rabbit-dog on his shoulder. "Hurry up. Piper's making sandcakes."
Finn fell back on his bed as his team mates exited. "Man…."
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"So, is Finn awake yet?" asked Piper, holding a plate of sandcakes.
"He's coming," answered Aerrow, taking a seat at the table.
Radarr lunged for the sandcakes as Piper sat them on the table. "Nice try," said Aerrow, grabbing the animal just before he reached the cakes.
Radarr gave a defeated sigh.
"Wow!" exclaimed Junko. "Your reflexes are getting faster."
"Thanks, Junko," he answered in appreciation. "Helps keep him from getting into too much trouble."
"Maybe Radarr should work on his reflexes to help keep you from getting into too much trouble," said Junko innocently.
Piper snickered.
Aerrow glared at her. "Funny…."
"About time you got up," said Piper.
The other three turned to see Finn traipsing in, yawning all the way. (Radarr was busy eyeing the sandcakes.)
"Did I miss breakfast?" asked Finn sleepily.
"Not yet," answered Aerrow, still holding on to a drooling Radarr. "But you'd better take a seat quick."
Finn mumbled something unintelligible (as he usually did when he was still half asleep) as he sat down across from Aerrow. The blond let out a huge yawn which would turn out to the worst thing he could have done that morning. As he hit the height of his yawn Radarr made a hard lunge for the sandcakes, escaping Aerrow's grip. He flew across the table, gulping down a few sandcakes as he flew over them, colliding with Finn—his snout lodging in the boy's mouth.
The other four Storm Hawks stared as the two stared at each other wide-eyed in shock. The two other humans and Wallop began laughing hysterically, watching Radarr trying to dislodge himself from Finn's mouth—with Finn's help, of course. Stork just stared on with a look that said, "So this is how it's going to be today." He sighed. Heavily. Finn continued to pull on Radarr as he continued to push on Finn's face. Finn pulled as hard as he could and finally with a loud pop! Radarr was free and flying back across the table, over the stack of sandcakes (grabbing a couple as he did) and coming to a halt on Aerrow's face.
Finn stood up gagging and spitting. "Blech! Radarr snot!"
His reaction caused the others to laugh harder. Stork, however, simply stabbed his fork into a sandcake and took a nice big bite off it.
"So, it's going to be one of those days." He let out another heavy "Stork" sigh.
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The Dark Ace sat alone on a mesa out in what one might call the "boondocks." It was one of the few mesa-type land formations on Cyclonia and it was well away from Master Cyclonis' citadel. He flicked a few small rocks off the table-top land rise and watched them make their journey down the sloped side. His Switchblade stood next to him, its front wheel touching his leg as if begging him for a ride. It sounded like a good idea; ride right off the mesa, unfolding the wings just meters from the ground. The Dark Ace grinned, ever so warmly, at the idea—if only for a moment. His mind refused to let him dwell too long on the thought. It had other things in store for him.
Those annoying Storm Hawk punks. Why did he have so many problems with them when the original Storm Hawks were so…?
There was something about that irritating Sky Knight, something familiar. What it was he couldn't put his finger on and didn't much care to.
He stood up and gazed over the landscape before him. Cyclonia was dark and dreary, even at the brightest point of the day. It seemed so desolate.
There were other things prodding the back of his mind. Distant memories. Memories of a time long forgotten, supplanted by those from years of battle; battle that had ravaged his body and soul. Very little came easy to him anymore. So many battles with Sky Knights, most of which were nothing more than simple, and easily won, skirmishes. The Rex Guardians were a joke. So easily taken out of the sky, mainly by their own arrogance. Sure he was arrogant, but he could back it up. And that punk, Aerrow, was just as bad. The Dark Ace grinned. He had to admit the kid was good; better than what he would have expected. (Which was one of the things about the kid that was so irritating.) Of course, he would never admit that to anyone. Nor would he admit that he liked fighting the fourteen year old. He was never embarrassed or angry after losing to him, just irritated. Then again, he never actually lost. You live, you win. That's what he had always said.
The Dark Ace grunted and got onto his ride. Standing it upright he once again looked out over the landscape. It was covered with hues of purple and red; splotches of orange and brown. For as dark and dismal as it was, it hid a certain beauty. It was eerie and melancholy, but still, there was something about it….If one was lucky he may see the sun rise and spread its life-giving light across the bleak land. Yes, the sun did exist on Cyclonia. But whenever he was near the citadel and the refineries, he often wondered if the sun had abandoned his home terra. Or perhaps, because of what they—he—was doing, the sun felt abandoned.
He sat quietly on his bike, eyes closed and a stoic expression on his face. He could feel the sun's warmth on his face as it rose over the horizon.
"So you are still here," he said quietly to himself. Yes, it was still there. It was always there, always shining.
He may be a warrior and the champion for the resurrection of the Cyclonian empire, but that didn't mean he was against peace. There were times when he wanted to be left alone, left in peace.
His peace was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a Talon Blade landing behind him. The Dark Ace sat silently as a young Talon approached him.
"Excuse me, sir."
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but Master Cyclonis wishes to see you."
He turned to look at the young man who was now standing next to him. Upon looking at the teenager's face his mind was flooded with those memories; those distant memories that were so much a part of his present.
"Your name is Soren, is it not?" the Dark Ace asked.
"Uh…yes, it is, sir," replied the young Talon, shocked that the Dark Ace himself would know his name, let alone say it.
"I need you to do me a favor."
"Yes, sir. What do you wish for me to do?"
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Fortunately for Soren the Dark Ace was the commander of the Talons; otherwise he would have been….He really didn't want to think about what would happen to him if he was caught out in the outlying peaks of the terra's north. And fortunately for Soren it was the Dark Ace he was meeting, so there was little chance of him getting into any kind of trouble.
He touched down thirty or so clicks from his destination, transforming into bike mode to ride the rest of the way. He was told by the Dark Ace not to wear anything that would signify him as a Talon—or Cyclonian. Soren had to eliminate any indication of such and that included his sky-ride. The Dark Ace said he would take care of the sky-ride issue. How he was going to do that Soren didn't know. But he trusted his commander; probably more than anyone. He did hope that it wasn't a false trust.
Nearing the forest at the base of the peak he slowed his bike, stopping just within the tree line where the Dark Ace told him to leave his ride. He parked his bike next to a tree, leaving all traces of his true identity on Cyclonia. He walked through the forest, going northwest, approximately four clicks, where his commander would be waiting.
At the edge of a clearing he saw the Dark Ace standing next to his Switchblade, with another bike next to it. The bike was motocross style, like the Bone Wing. It's basic design, anyway. Its features, however, were rather unique, unlike anything he had ever seen.
"Commander," he said with a bow.
The Dark Ace looked him over. All signs indicating he was Cyclonian or a Talon were gone.
"Good," the Dark Ace replied shortly. "Are you ready?"
"I won't know until I get going, sir."
He gave Soren a sly grin. "This is the sky-ride you'll be using," he said, laying his hand on the handlebar of the bike. "It's lighter, faster and more maneuverable than a Talon Blade. It also has a much better crystal fuel economy. It was built to handle the most rugged terrain without losing speed.
"With its twin four-stroke crystal displacement engines combined with its lighter titanium frame it can hit a higher torque at lower RPMs."
"Sounds similar to the Bone Wing."
"You know your sky-rides, Soren."
Soren was bewildered. Was this really the Dark Ace? He seemed so different. He was not the scowling, forceful, authoritarian commander the Talons were so accustomed to. Instead, he was calm; personable…it was a little creepy. "Like my Switchblade," the Dark Ace continued, "it has a single ball-joint articulation between the front and back wheel, allowing for impossible turns in bike mode."
"And in flight mode?" said Soren, crouching down and examining the bike.
"It's equipped with crystal energy triggered folding bi-wings and secondary steel blades that flip out of the wings to…."
"…slice an opponent's ride in a dogfight."
The Dark Ace grinned.
"What's that on the back?" asked Soren, pointing to a light blue cylinder.
"It's a fusion cannon."
"Fusion cannon…?"
"It's also made of titanium. The cannon's set on a swivel base, allowing it to fire in almost every direction. And the cannon itself is infused with blue fusion crystals."
"So you can mix nearly any crystal with a fusion crystal and it won't explode in the cannon," surmised Soren.
"Exactly." The Dark Ace walked around to the other side of the bike. "There's one more thing I think you'll like. Cut the engines at a high velocity…and you can soar like a bird. It's more streamline, so it has greater wind resistance."
"This one sweet ride."
"There's only four others like it on Atmos."
"Got a name for it?" asked Soren.
"It's called the Skybax."
"Skybax, huh." Soren stood up and looked out into the clearing. "So, where am I going?"
"To the uncharted regions." He handed Soren a map. "There's a base on one of the more mountainous terras. Due to its distance from here, and the fact that it will be just you and the Skybax, you'll need to stop at subsequent terras along the way. There are bases strategically placed on various terras. The map will show you." He then handed Soren a small, oval-shaped stone on a chain. "You'll also need this."
"What's this for?"
"Show that to the guards at the base and you'll get whatever you need."
Soren took the stone and studied it as it dangled from its chain. "Am I supposed to wear it?"
"Not yet. Keep it hidden until you reach each base."
"Forgive me for being intrusive, sir, but…."
"You'll put it around your neck just before you reach the final base. It will act as a signal."
Soren wanted to ask what he meant, but decided not to push his luck, lest his commander turn back into the Dark Ace he was used to dealing with.
The Dark Ace's tone changed to a more serious one. "You're the best soldier in my ranks. I'm counting on you."
"Yes, sir."
The Dark Ace turned to his Switchblade.
"What's this terra I'm going to called?" asked Soren.
"They call it Talon Adegan. Don't ask me why, I had nothing to do with it." He started his bike up. "Although, I did advise them to drop the "Talon." Not that it would matter."
"Being uncharted. Just out of curiosity," said Soren, over the roar of the Switchblade's engine, "what should I do if I run into the Storm Hawks?"
"Invite them along. Just, uh…don't mention me." He pulled his bike around the Skybax to where Soren was standing, "Good luck." You're gonna need it.
Soren watched as his commander rode off. He wasn't sure if he was being serious when he said "invite them along." But with what he knew about the man, it was probably best to believe he was.
He sat on the Skybax looking over the map, his spiky, sorrel hair being flattened by the wind. "Well, Talon Adegan, here I come." He rolled up the map and stuck it into his belt. "What a weird name for a terra. Sounds like a person's name."
The eighteen year old took one last look around the northern forest of his home terra before taking off to terras beyond.
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"Whoa! These little guys are quick!" exclaimed Junko as he and Finn tried to catch one of the fuzzy, hopping rodents.
"Finn, you're not gonna catch it," said Piper. "You've been trying for the last hour."
The little rodent hopped through the short grass in front of Finn and Junko. The two dove for it at the same time. Finn landed on his stomach with Junko landing on him; the rodent staying just out of reach.
"Uh…sorry Finn," said the Wallop, getting up off his friend.
"No problem big guy," Finn wheezed.
Stork watched in mild amusement as the two continued to try and catch the animal. The team had decided to make a pit stop on Terra Savannah, mainly to get off the Condor and move about on land for a while. Aerrow had decided to go for a ride across the plains in bike mode. Radarr was ready for a good land ride himself. They had left shortly after Finn and Junko began chasing down the furry locals.
Aerrow and Radarr finally returned after an hour of riding. After putting his Air Skimmer inside the Condor the two headed back out to join the rest of the team.
"They're still at it," said Aerrow, walking up to where Piper was seated.
"Mmm-hmm," answered Piper.
"Hey, Finn!" the redhead yelled. "Maybe you should try catching something other than a kangaroo rat!"
"Maybe we should do that, Finn. You know, something slower," suggested Junko.
"I don't think there is anything slower," surmised Finn, watching a frilled lizard dart across a bed of rocks.
"Well, then, how 'bout something that doesn't hop."
"I did see some blue-tailed water skippers and yellow-bellied newts near that outcropping," said Finn to himself. "Hey! I know!"
"What?" queried the Wallop.
"That outcropping's part of a huge pond, right?"
"Yeah…."
"We can go fishing!"
"Are there fish in that pond?"
"Only one way to find out."
The two grinned at each other. They jumped up and ran for the Condor.
"Where are you two going in such a hurry?" asked Aerrow as they neared him.
"Fishing!" yelled Finn as they zipped by.
Aerrow and Piper looked at each other. The Sky Knight shrugged. "Sounds good to me."
They turned to Stork. "I'll be in the Condor."
"Your loss," said Aerrow walking back towards the Condor.
Stork watched the two walk for a moment before following. "Oh, trust me. It's no loss."
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"Whoa…look at all the fish," Finn squealed with glee.
"What kind of fish are those?" wondered Aerrow.
Finn shrugged and said something that sounded like "I don't know."
"I think they're some kind of trout," guessed Piper.
"However," Finn began, as if Piper had never said anything, "I do know what Stork would say."
"And what would that be?" asked Piper, casting her line.
"I believe it would go something like this….'You shouldn't touch them. They could be poisonous. They could give you an incurable rash.'"
"Great Stork impression," complimented Junko.
"Why thank you, Junko. I've been practicing."
Piper and Aerrow snickered. It was a good impression of their pilot. Finn even had the body language down.
Aerrow stopped snickering when he felt a pull on his line. "I got something!" He began reeling the line in. The first few turns were easy, but quickly became tough. "I…can't…reel it…in…." Junko ran over to him and yanked the line, and Aerrow, into the air. At the end of the line was a huge blue and white trout with…
"Radarr…?"
…attached to it.
Finn stared in confusion. "How did he…? When did he…?"
"Radarr…let go of the fish," said Aerrow, shaking the pole.
The blue animal grinned and let go of the fish, dropping into the water with a loud splash.
"You do know he's going to smell horrible," said Piper.
"No more than Finn," said Aerrow coolly.
Finn scowled. "At least I don't…."
He was cut off by the sound of a sky-ride. "Hey," Piper began, looking up. "Huh…I didn't know there was anyone else in the area. Stork didn't pick anything up on the sdanners."
"Don't worry," Aerrow said as it flew overhead. "It's not Cyclonian."
"I wonder who it is?" queried Junko.
"Whoever it is, he seems to be alone," replied Piper, returning her attention to the business of catching fish.
Finn began humming, jiggling his fishing pole slightly. "Man, what's the deal. Was that the only stupid-fish in the pond?"
"Probably…," said Aerrow, leaning back against a rock.
There was a long silence as the four Storm Hawks (Radarr was asleep in Aerrow's lap) sat on the bank of the pond watching the fish swim around as if nothing had invaded their little fish world.
"Maybe they're not hungry," suggested Junko.
Aerrow closed his eyes. "Either that, or when Uncle Joe took a bite of that tasty worm and suddenly disappeared never to return…."
"I'm beginning to think we don't pose any threat to them," said Piper jocosely.
"That's what they think," said Finn, leaning over the pond.
"Uh, Finn," Aerrow tried, but Finn was zoned out. "I don't think that's such a good…."
Splash!
"…idea."
Finn's head popped up.
"Nice catch," said Piper sarcastically, noting the tri-color fish in his mouth.
Finn yanked the fish out of his mouth with a "blech." He crawled up onto the bank, mouth-fish in tow. "Man, that's nasty.
"I'm sure it tastes better than Radarr snot," commented Aerrow with a smirk.
The blond spat. "Very funny." He fell silent, staring out into space. The fish slipped from his hand and (incredibly) landed in the bucket of water he had astutely remembered to bring.
Who was that guy?
"Finn…," Aerrow called to his bemused friend. "Oh, Finn…."
"Hey! Finn!" yelled Piper.
"Man, he is seriously zoned out," said Aerrow.
"Hey…! Finn…!" yelled Junko, shaking the spiky-haired teen fervently.
"Wahhh! What?"
"What's wrong, Finn?" asked Aerrow. "You were completely zoned out."
"Huh? Oh, I was just thinking about…that guy."
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Terra Savannah was Soren's third stop on his way to the uncharted regions—and Talon Adegan.
Talon Adegan. What a name for a terra. Soren swore it was somebody's name. Could it be…? Nah, no way. It's too easy. Then again….
Soren looked down below him. "There it is." He descended towards the gates of the base thinking about what the Dark Ace had said to him back on the mesa. They were such strange comments. If he had said it to the other Talons, no one would have believed him. He couldn't believe it. But that look in his eyes….
"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," he said.
"Sir?"
"I should have realized it after the raid. I should never have given in."
"I don't understand, sir."
There was something strange going on. The way the Dark Ace had been acting out on the mesa and then in the forest. Thinking about it was making his head hurt.
"Oh, well," he said to himself as he made his way to the gates.
He parked his bike and approached the guards on foot. Showing them the stone, he was granted immediate entry. Similar stones were embedded in the chest plates of the guards. Soren had been tempted to ask what they meant, but surmised it would be best to wait until he reached his final destination.
The base looked like the other two. It was like a small city; there were people everywhere.
"I suppose this is one way of disguising it," Soren said.
"It is one."
Soren snapped to attention and looked up. Way up. The man standing in front of him was well over six foot, rather close to seven foot. And the fact that Soren stood an astounding five feet seven inches made the man seem even taller.
"The name's Morgan," he said. "I'm the commander of this base."
Commander, Soren thought. The guy can't be anymore than thirty. Of course, the Dark Ace is younger than that and he's in command of the largest army on Atmos.
"Welcome to Terra Savannah."
"Thank you, sir," said Soren, shaking the commander's hand.
"We've been expecting you. Follow me."
Soren followed him into a building. "Your sky-ride will be taken to the hanger for some upgrades."
"Upgrades…?"
"We've been given specific instructions."
Don't tell me he's in charge of this, too. No wonder he seems so….
Soren's train of thought was derailed by a moment of realization. He took a good look at Morgan.
"Hey, wait a minute. You're…."
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Thar's chappie one. Yup. Tat's her awright. Hope you enjoyed it.
