Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with "Storm Hawks". Characters, places, and other aspects of the story (except for original characters, animals, locations, and some other aspects) that are referenced to do not belong to me.
Important note: Before you read any further, I highly recommend that you read (or at least skim) "Of Songbirds and Vultures", by Hipp0Breath (so you can get an idea of where the characters are now).
A/N: Hello again! Welcome to "The Swooping Sparrows: Uncharted". Compared to its predecessor, "Of Songbirds and Vultures", this will be a series of stories that focus on further characterization of the existing characters (and perhaps a few new ones as well "wink"), and world building. I hope to give the crew more personalities, attitudes, and backstory before I attempt another big story like "Of Songbirds and Vultures". Feedback is appreciated in the review section! Thank you for reading! ~ Raph
3 years prior to the formation of the Storm Hawks, early morning, on board the Thunderbird, en route to Terra Quies…
The early morning sun crested above the fluffy cloud banks drifting near Terra Quies.
The Thunderbird, left on autopilot, inched groggily through the darkness as the sun's orange rays began to stretch themselves over the vast carpet of darkness.
This repose had been long awaited and well deserved, because The Swooping Sparrows Sky Knight Squadron had been through absolute chaos and slaughter about a week ago while securing Terra Vicis.
Nestled within the safety of the ship was a young marksman, a merbian strategist, a blizzarian weapons specialist, a mysterious crystal mage, and a noble sky knight.
The sun continued to rise until beams of light began to illuminate the ship's dark interior.
The metallic features within the ship glistened in the presence of sunlight.
Those same beams began spilling into the rooms of the resting crew, and prompted a few sleepy sparrows to start the new day.
In Phoenix's room…
The young sky knight began to flicker his eyelids to allow the beams of light to awaken him fully.
He stared out of the small window for a moment, seeing the sun, and regarding its simplicity with a certain reverence.
He inched his head left slightly and smiled when he saw the black-haired crystal mage who was peacefully snoozing beside him.
Her hair had gotten into his face slightly, but that didn't matter. He liked it that way.
Soon, he realized that his arm was caught under the crystal mage's waist as he had held her the night before.
He dared not wake the mage, but his stomach had started to protest for cereal, eggs, and toast.
"What would a sky knight do?" Phoenix asked himself internally.
Cautiously, he began to wiggle his arm gently out from under the crystal mage.
The female began to stir, and he stopped moving his arm at once.
"It's morning already?" Sparrow murmured, her voice muffled by the pillow pressed against her face.
"Yeah, sorry about waking you." replied the sky knight quietly.
"It's alright, that just means I get to see you." commented Sparrow as she turned to meet the sky knight's gaze with her emerald eyes.
The moment was interrupted as Phoenix's stomach gave another loud rumble.
"Hey, I'll make breakfast for the both of us." offered Sparrow who was now giggling at the hungry rumble.
"Sounds good. I'll have a look at the day's potential agenda." replied Phoenix as he planted a kiss on Sparrow's forehead.
"There better be a part in there where we have some us time." added the crystal mage with another giggle as she did air quotes upon saying us.
"Oh, I will. I couldn't live on if we didn't have that us time." responded the sky knight as he gave air quotes of his own upon saying us.
"I'm glad it's mutual then!" said the crystal mage sitting upright with a brimming smile on her face.
"Hasn't it always been?" replied the sky knight rhetorically as he brought his face close to nuzzle noses with the crystal mage.
The two fully got out of bed, and exited the sky knight's quarters.
The corridor was shimmering with sunlight as the beams continued to penetrate the bridge's windows.
The two made their way to the kitchen, and Sparrow immediately made for the fridge to grab a carton of eggs.
Warbler had taught her how to make his famous omelets a while ago, and she wanted to surprise Phoenix with her newly acquired knowledge.
On the other hand, Phoenix headed for the bridge, procured one of Crow's neatly folded maps, and opened it to get a sense of the activities of various parties across Atmos.
Finch's detailed remarks, labelled with red, black, blue, and purple markers, dotted the map.
From areas of known Cyclonian activity, to the best burger joints in various sectors, the young reconnaissance marksman had recorded it all.
Phoenix scanned the map while pondering the possibilities.
He averted his gaze from the map when he heard foot steps approaching him.
"Morning Phoenix." Finch said simply as he scratched his messy brown hair and headed for the kitchen.
"Morning Finch. Hey, you think you could help me with something?" Phoenix asked promptly.
"What's up?" Finch responded now casually strolling to the table where Phoenix was at.
"I want to find a place where it's peaceful and quiet. I want to train with Sparrow this afternoon." Phoenix stated plainly.
"Oh, so you want a good spot for a date." the marksman stated teasingly.
"No, it's training. Sparrow's binding studies and my sky knight training can make for a formidable force in battle." Phoenix said in a bit of agitation.
"Whatever man. There are some secluded islands near Quies which should provide some sort of training ground." Finch stated pointing to the isles near their home terra.
Phoenix eyed the small isles on the map.
"Thanks Finch. I'm glad I can always count on you for directions." Phoenix stated as he smiled at his long-time friend.
"No problem bro." Finch replied as he patted Phoenix's shoulder twice before heading for the kitchen.
"Oh yeah, talking about directions, I'm pretty sure Sparrow should ask me about them too." Finch said as he walked toward the corridor.
"Why's that?" Phoenix responded with a confused expression.
"Because I'm pretty sure she lost her way last night, and somehow, she ended up in your quarters." the marksman commented, turning his head to give a mischievous smile.
Phoenix turned a bright shade of red.
His friend's senses were keen. Sometimes, disturbingly keen.
Phoenix wouldn't expect any less from the master of reconnaissance.
