A/N Hey everyone! I've been sick for awhile, so I haven't been able to update. However, I'm feeling better enough to write.
I realize that I ended at such a dramatic scene last time, so my apologies to you all. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Storm Hawks or anything related to the show.
Chapter 9: Piper's decision
Silence occupied the room as Piper's statement echoed off the walls. The navigator anxiously fidgeted as she rubbed her neck. Why is everyone just standing around? Why isn't anybody saying something! This is really freaking me out.
Looking behind her, she caught Dark Ace and Master Cyclonis exchanging triumphant smiles. She turned her head back and glanced at her team. The guys all displayed shock in their eyes and faces in different ways. Finn's blue eyes were widened so much that they looked like blueberries on a peach platter. His eyes caught hers, and he shook his head.
Frowning, Piper looked at Junko. The Wallop's mouth was open wide, and his eyes were popping out. He gazed at Piper with doleful eyes that seemed to be saying, please tell me you aren't serious. However, he didn't utter a single sound.
Sighing, she noticed how stiff Radarr had become once again. This time though, he wasn't showing shock; he was upset. He moaned softly and slowly climbed up to Aerrow's shoulder with his shoulders stooped.
With difficulty, Piper timidly raised her head to Aerrow's face. Unlike the others, he appeared emotionless. He avoided Piper's gaze and gently stroked Radarr's back. Normally, the co-pilot would resent it. However, it seemed to comfort the little guy, and he snuggled closer to Aerrow's face.
"Well, guys; what do you think?" Piper finally asked. The others turned towards her. After a moment, Finn finally said, "What do we think? Well, let me tell you on behalf of everyone! How could you betray us like this? It's like what Aerrow said; those two," he pointed a finger towards Dark Ace and Cyclonis, "have brainwashed you! Their "mission" probably doesn't even exist; it's all a trap! Piper, it's not too late to change your mind! Just come back with us, please." The blonde stressed the last word softly as if he was pleading.
Piper closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. "Finn, I appreciate your concern, but I'm confident about my decision.����������������� I believe that the Cyclones are willing to give up their evil ways for the good of Atmos, and I'm willing to help them. If this was a trap, they would have acted earlier or even now. And Finn, I'm not a traitor! Just because I'm working for Cyclonis doesn't mean I'm leaving you guys. Well, at least until the mission is over. I'll have to stay here, of course."
Finn began to protest when a new voice said, "Drop it, Finn; she's made up her mind. We have to respect that no matter what." Arrow looked up at Piper and continued, "I just hope you know what you are doing Piper. I wish you the best of luck for your new job."
He turned towards Master Cyclones and Dark Ace. "I would like to apologize for our rudeness. We never believed that someone evil could change, but Piper proved to us otherwise. We only sneaked in here to rescue her, but I see that it is pointless now. Also, I apologize for acting foolishly earlier. We hope that the mission turns out successful and that Atoms can finally maintain peace with the Cyclonises."
He bowed as the others stared at him as if he had two extra arms. Master Cyclonis cleared her throat and smiled at the sky knight. "Apologies fully accepted. We just got off on the wrong foot, and soon, we shall become allies. I hope to see you and your squadron in the very near future." She walked towards Aerrow and offered her hand.
Aerrow glanced at it and took it with confidence. After shaking hands, Master Cyclonis approached the others and offered her hand. They all took it even though Finn hesitated for a moment before shaking her hand. She even petted Radarr on the head; he stiffened, but he didn't make any objections.
Dark Ace followed his leader's lead and went up to the sky knight. With a serene expression he stated, "Look, I know that you possess a deep grudge for me. I'm not asking you to forgive me. I realize that my actions are completely unforgivable, and I highly regret them. However, I would like us to at least get along if not be friends. Do it for Piper's sake; she would be hurt if we continued to treat each other like dirt."
He then extended his hand out. Aerrow peered at it for a moment and slowly took it into his own. After a quick shake, he let go as if he was shocked by static. He looked his long time adversary in the face and said, "I agree with you, Dark Ace, and so from this moment on, there is no tension between us. However, I am still cautious about all this. If something happens, I will never forgive you."
Dark Ace nodded and left to make amends with the others. After he was done, he went to stand besides Cyclonis.���������������������� The leader turned to Piper. "Piper, now is the time to say farewell to your friends. You won't be seeing them for awhile."���������� The navigator nodded and walked towards her team.
She stopped when she was about a foot away from them. She gazed at them with misty eyes and nearly sobbed out loud as she opened her mouth. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Guys, I know this is hard, but I have to do this. Not just for myself or us, but for the fate of Atmos. If I don't take part in this mission, peace will be delayed. I can't stand for that to occur. You are all like my family, and I'll miss you every day. Hopefully, we can stay in touch, and before you know it, we'll be together once again."
She fought to resist crying and shook her head to compose herself. She approached the others and hugged each one separately. They all responded with warmth and comfort. However, she felt Aerrow's bitterness as well. She didn't comment on it though and reassured him with a smile.
He couldn't resist her charming grin and flashed out a smile as well. She whispered, "Take care of yourself Aerrow. Look out for the others. Don't worry; I'll be fine." Aerrow sighed and looked deeply into Piper's eyes. "I know you will, Piper. If something goes wrong, call me, and we'll come get you. Good luck with the mission."
He nodded at Cyclonis and Dark Ace and then left. The others followed him after saying good-bye to Piper. As the door closed, Piper closed her eyes. She never realized how much her team meant to her. Being away from them will be hard, but at least they support her.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and opened her eyes. She looked over her shoulder to see Dark Ace. He patted her gently and said, "It's okay to feel depressed. I understand that they are like family to you. Don't worry; you'll be seeing them sooner than you think." Piper smiled at the older man. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I have no regrets at all."
Master Cyclonis came up to them as she suggested, "Come, it's almost time for dinner. As soon as we eat, we should all go to bed. Tomorrow, the mission begins; we'll need all the rest we can get." The others agreed, and the trio headed off to the dining room.
A/N I know, another short chapter, but I can't think of what should happen next! I tried not to make things too corny or too serious. Hopefully, I got everything right in the middle!
