I own nothing but the OCs and the idea, and maybe the politics. Rated for language, mentions of child abuse, and blood. Possible trigger warning, so read at own discretion. By the way, the song fic and country music aspect is a nod to the fact that the voice actress that plays Cyclonis is the same person who voices Rouge in the 1980s X-Men cartoon. Enjoy and no flames.

"Normally I wouldn't leave the ship under your watch, but I'm the only one who can handle the animals. So, I don't have a choice in the matter." Stork said as he looked on and felt his eye twitch. As usual, only Aerrow and Piper were listening to him. Finn and Junko were locked in a fierce thumb war that was at a stale mate. Aerrow chuckled as he led the green skinned young adult over to the gangplank. He opened the door with one hand. The other across Stork's shoulder, slightly pushing him forward.

"Don't worry Stork. You'll only be gone for what, twenty minutes? It'll be fine." He said, smiling as the door closed behind Stork. Aerrow turned back to the room.

"Finally, I thought he would never leave or shut up." Finn said, pinning Junko's thumb under his. Aerrow chuckled as he walked towards the couch. He stopped when the room began to spin and go out of focus. Aerrow stumbled as the ground jumped up to meet him, then, his vision was back to normal. He looked at his friends and they all had the same confused expressions as he did, even Raddar. The ship seemed the same. Nothing out of place.

"That was weird." Piper said.

"Maybe we shifted. We are parked on a cliff." Junko said.

"That doesn't explain the blurry vision." Aerrow pointed out. A pounding on the door interrupted their thinking, and Aerrow slowly began to make his way over to it.

"Probably Stork. His paranoia got the best of him." He said as his hand reached for the switch to open the door; before it burst open from the outside. Aerrow was thrown back as Dark Ace held his still smoking sword in a two-hand grip, charging forward. Cyclonis came behind him, staff in hand. Dark Ace grabbed Aerrow from the floor and slammed him into the control panel, pressing his sword to Aerrow's neck. The others were too shocked to move. It also didn't help that Cyclonis kept her staff trained on them, grey eyes narrowed.

"What are you doing here?" Piper asked as Aerrow tried hard not to swallow. Cyclonis shifted her gaze to the girl.

"Perhaps you could tell us. One minute I'm in my throne room, Dark Ace is in the training room. The next, we are on your filthy deck." Finn became offended.

"Hey, I clean that deck." He said. Then shrank back at the sight of the crystal tipped staff.

"Explains a lot then." Cyclonis muttered. Aerrow was beginning to get very uncomfortable in the position he was in. He tried to brace his hands on the control panel to leverage the small of his back when he felt the panel lurch. Then the whole ship began to tip, nose first. Everyone was force to their knees for balance as Dark Ace removed his sword form Aerrow's throat and glared at him

"What did you do?" He asked the red-haired boy. Aerrow grinned sheepishly.

"Nothing. But I think we are going to FAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!" The last word was lost as The Condor tipped off the cliff it was parked on and started to do a nosedive towards the ground. Everybody but Aerrow, who had grabbed onto the helm, was flung back by the G-force. Aerrow slowly worked his way to the helm; managing to grab both handles, he planted his feet against the underside of the panel and began to pull up. Slowly but surely, the nose began to go up and the ship leveled out. As soon as it was horizontal, it crashed onto the ground.

Aerrow groaned as he picked himself up off the floor. Looking around the room, there wasn't too much damage. A few pipes were knocked loose, but duct tape could fix that. His gaze landed on the pile of bodies starting to move and come apart as everyone stood up.

"Is everyone okay?" He asked. There were several groans and a chirp from Raddar. Taking this as a good sign, Aerrow went over and started to help his friends steady themselves. Piper looked towards the bay window and her jaw dropped she hurried over.

"Guys, I don't think we're in Atmos anymore." She said. The rest joined her at the window. The landscape beyond them was a dark and foreboding one. The ground was spider webbed with cracks of red hot lava, steam erupting from some of them. In the distance, mountains grew scraggly and tall, reaching towards the sky like long fingers. Thunder rumbled from a cloud covered sky, casting everything in a dark, green, glow. The group slowly walked out of The Condor; Aerrow and Dark Ace out in front, weapons drawn. Piper and Cyclonis behind came behind them. Fin and Junko brought up the rear, both trying to look scary, but failing. Finn looked back and saw the state the ship was in.

The hull was a complete wreck. Both engines were crumpled like tin cans and the bottom was gone. Just gone. The only intact part was the hull, and that was stretching it a lot.

"Aw man. Stork is going to kill us." He said, running his hand down his face. Dark Ace turned and growled.

"That's nothing compared to what I'm going to do." Dark Ace said, hefting his sword. Aerrow raised his daggers and tried to charge them, but nothing happened. Dark Ace grinned and went to ignite his sword, but frowned as he was met with the same result. Piper and Cyclonis saw what was about to happen. They rushed over to stand in front of their respected teammates, Piper putting out both arms to separate the two groups.

"Listen! I know we hate each other, but we need to work together if we want to get out of here." She said, glaring at Aerrow. He sighed and sheathed his daggers. Dark Ace still had his sword out.

"Dark Ace. There will be time for fighting later. At least wait until you can use your crystals." Cyclonis scolded Dark Ace. The young man looked at the woman with glowing red eyes, before sheathing his sword behind his back. Cyclonis nodded and turned back.

"The Storm Hawk is right. Separating in a strange land would be counterproductive."

The band of young adults began to walk away from the downed ship and across the landscape. Raddar sniffed a crack in the ground and leapt up to Aerrow's shoulder with a shriek of pain and surprise when steam hissed at his nose. Beside the occasional loose rock, they encountered no trouble. It wasn't until they had been walking for 20 minutes that Junko spoke up.

"Does anybody know where we are or where we are going?" He asked the whole group. Aerrow shrugged a little. The fields of lava were a little familiar.

"I think we're in the Wastelands." Aerrow said. Cyclonis rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Please. There is no land in the Wastelands. This is someplace else entirely. Not even in the world of Atmos." Piper was about to say something when the ground behind them exploded, showering them with bits of rock. They turned to see a huge beast about forty feet tall and who knows how many tons erupt out of the hole. It looked like a cross between a frog and a badger. The skin matched the landscape around it. As it let out a loud roar, Dark Ace and Aerrow in front of the group, weapons drawn.

"You take it from the front, I'll get on its back?" Aerrow asked. Dark Ace scowled, but nodded. With his smaller build and smaller weapons, Aerrow was more suited for a behind the back attack. He hated when someone else was right. Before they could execute it, a girl jumped in front of them with arms spread out. She wore a coat that looked like a part of a starry night sky, black shirt and dark blue pants and brown boots. Her hair was short and curly.

The beast stopped short upon seeing the girl. She scowled at it and shook her finger.

"No!" She said, like scolding a puppy. The beast gave a whine and retreated to the hole in the ground. The girl turned and smiled at them with twinkling brown eyes.

"Hello."

2

The girl introduced herself as Luna. She lived in a small shack in the middle of the lava fields. It looked so out of place in the dreary land, with its warm light in the window. The inside was one huge room divided into sections. One corner was a little bed covered in blankets, the other corner was a desk buried in maps and scrolls of paper, and finally, the kitchen area took up a whole wall with a table in the middle. Luna was happily chatting away as she made a kettle of tea.

"Lava Beasts are actually some of the friendliest creatures you can meet out here. It's only when you disturb their sleep are you in danger." She set down cups of the tea in front of everybody. Finn was the first to take and sip. His face broke into a grin as the flavors exploded across his tongue. Everybody else had the same expression.

"Wow! This is good. What is in this stuff?" Finn asked. Luna smirked as she leaned against the counter.

"Remember the Lava Beast? That's its spit." She said. There was a silence only broken by Finn spitting the tea back into his cup. Cyclonis was the only one to keep drinking, the rest followed suit. Aerrow pushed his cup politely away and looked at Luna.

"This is very nice of you, but we need to figure out where we are and how to get back home. Can you help us?" He asked. Luna sat down in front of them, hands folded.

"First: tell me what happened." After a lengthy explanation, Luna put her chin in her hand and was deep in thought. After a minute, she spoke.

"Sounds like you guys went through a dimensional portal." She said. The group shared confused looks. Junko spoke first.

"What is that exactly." He asked. Luna went to her desk and started going through papers and maps as she talked. She would pick one up, look at it, then put it down.

"It's what the name is. A portal to another dimension. Sometimes invisible. Sometimes, they are these bluish white monsters. It looks like you two," she turned and pointed at Cyclonis and Dark Ace.

"went through one and then the whole ship went through another. Some side effects include dizziness and blurred vision. It jarred your ship loose and over the cliff. There have been stories of them moving" Luna explained.

"So how do we get back to our dimension?" Piper asked. Luna stood up from her desk with a huff, scratching the back of her head with a frown.

"The Valley of the Portals. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a map to that location. Fortunately, I know a place that does." She said.

Luna lead them out of the Lava Fields and into a small city. It was drizzling rain, but people were staying mostly dry under tarps and canopies. The buildings were mostly glass and steel tall skyscrapers, or short, squat stores. Luna led the group along the sidewalk, smiling and waving to people she knew or who called out to her. Only Cyclonis noticed how some seemed to sort of bow to her.

"People set up small shops and businesses here. They lead simple but happy lives. It's not too bad here." Luna explained to them as they walked. Piper was looking at some of the table set ups. There were fruit and food stands mixed with stands for trinkets and knick-knacks. One caught her eyes. It was a stand for carvings in rock and wood. One rock face looked like sandstone, with the carving of several small figures in a semi-circle. The top was a sun-moon combined, to its left, a wave, on its right, a boulder looking shape. A starburst went after the wave while an infinity symbol came after the boulder. The rest were a skull, a book, a pelican, and two dragons eating the others tails. The shop owner came by and smiled.

"Those are the Gods of the Before. An ancient race of beings that were here long ago." The shopkeeper said. Piper looked up at him.

"What happened to them? She asked. The shopkeeper shrugged.

"Nobody knows. They just vanished one day. The story goes that they lost favor with the Gods, and were punished." He said. Piper was about to ask more, but she heard Finn calling out to her from a way down. She hurried to join them, throwing a wave to the shopkeeper. She joined the group in front of a little nightclub. Luna turned to the group.

"Okay, here is what we'll do…" She began, before Dark Ace pushed past her.

"I'll get the map." He said. Luna raised an eyebrow, but stepped aside with a mocking bow. Dark Ace went inside and almost immediately came back out. He pointed to Piper, Cyclonis, and Crystal.

"You three can go in."

"Why?" Piper asked. Luna went over to the window and hit the side. A neon sign flashed on that said, 'Ladies' club and karaoke.' Both girls made sounds of understanding and followed her in. They came up to a dark-skinned woman in a sparkling dress and a blonde wig.

"Be with you in one moment, sweetie." The woman said, bending over a large book. Luna leaned down to see the face.

"Betty?" She asked, a smile on her face. The woman looked up and smiled.

"Luna! How have you been?" Betty said, coming out from behind the podium. The two laughed and hugged briefly. Luna looked around changed her voice to whisper.

"Can we talk in your office?" Betty nodded and led them to a shabby little office with one desk, a filing cabinet, and a ceiling fan. It was dark, but not creepy. The three girls sat in folding chairs while Betty came in behind them and sat at her desk.

"I guess you are here for those crystals? They have been sitting here for a week." Betty reached under her desk and brought out a large crate. She opened the lid to reveal dozens of glowing crystals of all shapes and colors. Piper and Cyclonis leapt forward, but Luna yanked them back into their chairs.

"Sorry. They're enthusiasts. We are here for a map to the Valley of the Portals." Luna said, shooting glares at the two girls. Betty turned to the filing cabinet and began to rummage through it as Piper and Cyclonis sulked in their chairs. Finally, she laid out a map showing two large land sections and a thin trail to a third land section. Luna reached for it, but Betty slapped her hand away. Luna recoiled with a shocked look.

"Oh no. You know I have a price for everything." Betty said, wagging her finger at Luna. Luna sighed.

"What's the price?" Luna asked. Betty smiled.

"Karaoke. Like always." Betty said. Luna ran a hand down her face.

"Not again. I still can't get over Clay Aiken. Who's the flavor of the day?" She asked, dreading the answer.

"Martina McBride." Betty said. Luna threw her hands up.

"No map for you guys." She said. She and Piper got up and were about to leave when they heard Cyclonis speak.

"Could I pay the price?" She asked, voice unusually small. Betty tapped her chin.

"It's a deal." She finally said. Betty led the pale young woman to select a song while Luna and Piper went out and leaned against the back wall.

"She doesn't have to be good. Just sing." Luna said. Cyclonis walked up on stage and stood stiffly in the spotlight. Her fist were clenched at her sides. Slow piano music started to play and the two standing against the wall were amazed at what came next.

"She walks to school with the lunch she's packed.

Nobody knows what she's holding back.

Wearing the same dress she wore yesterday,

She hides the bruises with the linen and lace."

Cyclonis found the two and smiled a bit as she relaxed. She pictured in her mind's eye, her crystal lab. It was the place she would always sing. Some of her experiments even harmonized with some of the songs.

"The teacher wonders but she doesn't ask.

It's hard to see the pain behind the mask.

Bearing the burden of a secret storm,

Sometimes she wishes she was never born.

Through the wind and the rain, she stands hard as a stone,

In a world that she can't rise above.

But her dreams give her wings.

And she flies to a place where she's loved.

Concrete Angel."

Luna and Piper were staring open mouthed at Cyclonis. Even Luna, who had never met the girl was shocked and impressed. She had heard her speak and figured that gravelly tone would come out. She was slightly wrong. You could hear it, but it was heavily masked under the lyrics.

"Somebody cries in the middle of the night.

The neighbors hear, but they turn out the light.

A fragile soul caught in the hands of fate.

When morning comes, it'll be too late.

Through the wind and the rain, she stands hard as a stone.

In a world that she can't rise above.

But her dreams give her wings.

And she flies to a place where she's loved.

Concrete Angel."

During the instrumental, Luna took out a Zippo lighter that had the Canadian flag on it. She flicked until a purple flame sprang up and she held it over her head.

"A statue stands in a shaded place.

An angel girl with an upturned face.

Her name is written on a polished rock.

A broken heart that the world forgot.

Through the wind and the rain, she stands hard as a stone.

In a world that she can't rise above.

But her dreams give her wings

And she flies to a place where she's loved.

Concrete Angel."

The entire building was on its feet in applause as Cyclonis turned red and walked off the stage. Betty handed her the map and Cyclonis went up to Luna. The hood she wore curled around her face to hide her red cheeks. Cyclonis handed Luna the map and stood next to Piper. Piper was trying to hide a little smile.

"Where did that come from?" She asked. Grey eyes peeked out from underneath her hood.

"When the only music around is made by Ravess, you learn to appreciate other forms of music." The girl said. A rare little smile formed.

"Plus, I love country music and it's fun to see Ravess grit her teeth when she hears it." Cyclonis said. Piper chuckled a little as the trio went to go out the door. They almost knocked the boys in the faces. From the looks of it, Aerrow and Finn had their ears pressed against the door, while Junko leaned over them with Raddar. Piper raised an eyebrow at the pile.

"What were you four doing?" She asked. Aerrow rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"We heard singing and wanted to listen." He said, green eyes in a classic puppy dog look. Finn piped up.

"Yeah Piper, I didn't know you could sing like that. Or that you were into country." He said. Piper smiled and gestured to the still hooded Cyclonis.

"Actually, it was this songbird." Piper said. Finn got a freaked outlook on his face and hid behind Aerrow and Junko, who wore equal looks of surprise. Only Dark Ace was not shocked.

"I suspected." Dark Ace said in a bored tone. Everyone looked at him. Even Cyclonis looked up at him from under her hood. Dark Ace shrugged.

"You have a habit of playing your music while you work and sometimes you sing along." He said. Luna hefted the map.

"Well, hate to cut this short, but it's time to go find your way home." She said, motioning the group to follow her. The group began to walk back towards the Lava Fields. As they did, Cyclonis dropped her hood and studied her bodyguard. When had he heard her sing? She always made sure she was along. She shook her head and followed the rest, never seeing the Osprey take flight from a streetlamp outside the club.

3

The travelers made a pit stop at the wrecked Condor to pick up supplies. Junko strapped on his gauntlets, even without crystals, they were still decent knuckle dusters. Finn slung his crossbow behind his back and studied one of his arrows with a critical eye.

"How are we supposed to use these things if we have no crystal power?" He asked the room in general. Dark Ace took an arrow and impaled it in the wall right next to Finn's head.

"That answer your question?" He asked with a sarcastic smile. Finn was for once speechless as he collected his arrow and gave Dark Ace a wide berth. Cyclonis and Piper were hefting their staffs, and both had a pack of crystals on their backs.

"Just in case this is just a dead zone." Piper explained. Cyclonis noticed Luna watching the two with an odd look. The closest word she could use to describe it was: knowing. Noticing the young Empress was watching her, Luna just smiled and raised her voice to be heard.

"Alright, let's get going. We got a lot of ground to cover." She said. They set out from the ship and through the Lava Fields. The landscape slowly changed from a dark, stormy, lava plain, to a bright, sunny desert. Luna was in front with the map, Aerrow and Dark Ace behind her. Piper noticed several weapons and shields lying around

"What happened here?" Junko asked. Luna didn't even look up from her map.

"Some sort of war. Didn't end well for either side. The losers died, and the winners were spread out so thinly that they just disappeared after some time." She said. Piper thought about asking her if those were the Before people, but thought better. The silence came back until Raddar sensed something. He cocked an ear and chirped in confusion. After a second, he leapt on Aerrow's shoulder and hissed at nothing. Aerrow looked at his pet.

"What's wrong, boy?" Aerrow asked. Raddar was hissing and chirping up a storm, looking all around at what he could see from Aerrow's shoulder. Dark Ace drew his sword out and strained his ears against the wind.

"Luna, what kinds of animals are out here?" Finn asked nervously, loading an arrow into his crossbow. Getting no answer, the blonde turned to where the young woman was standing before and saw no one there.

"Where'd she go?" He said, before getting shushed by Dark Ace. He was looking all around. Only he heard the chuffing sound and turned in time to see a large beast leap at him. He twisted away and the creature landed beyond the group, bounding to the top of the sand dune. They all got a good look at what could only be described as a beige tiger. Its fur was the color of the sand, with darker tan stripes. Three more came from all sides, growling lowly. Aerrow drew his daggers as Dark Ace hefted his sword. The four tigers slowly circled the group as they all stood back to back. Finn put his crossbow to his shoulder, took aim, and fired at the tiger in front of him. The tiger pounced just as Finn fired and the arrow buried itself deep in the tiger's chest. The beast fell to the ground with a thud and then there three.

The second tiger leaped into the middle of the group, making them scatter. It zeroed in on Piper, who held her staff in front of her. It tackled her to the ground, and Piper could feel it hot breath and the air from the claws being held at bay by her staff. A metal pole suddenly pierced it in the side and the other. The tiger went limp, and the pole was pulled back, bringing the body with it. Piper watched as Cyclonis pry her staff from the body of the dead animal. Blood dripped from the spikes. Piper looked at Cyclonis, who just turned back to the battle.

Dark Ace and Aerrow both stood back to back as the last tiger circled them. Both boys were not blinking despite the sweat running into their eyes and the sun blaring down at them. Aerrow made the first move, running straight at the tiger. It jumped at him, only to have Aerrow drop to the ground and Dark Ace cleave it in half. Now, the only sound was heavy breathing from everyone.

The group re assembled as Luna came from over a dune.

"Sorry, I had to use the bathroom, but didn't want to make a grand announcement of it." She said, then she looked around at the carnage.

"Wow. Sand tigers snuck up on you guys. Good job at getting rid of them Usually they kill just as soon as you see one." She said. Cyclonis was wiping the blood off her staff with a rag while Dark Ace stropped his sword on the sand to clean it.

"I, for on, don't want to run into more of those. Is there a faster way through this desert?" Aerrow asked. Luna looked deep in thought. Piper saw her shake her head a few time and sigh heavily, almost like she was arguing with someone. She came out of her trance with a smile.

"Actually, there is." Luna said. She made a chirping sound across the sand and over the dune, a huge, black scorpion crawled towards them. Luna picked up a few stands of rope and cloth.

"We are going to ride in style." She said with a smirk.

4

The group was indeed riding in style. Luna was steering the scorpion using the rope she had picked up, while the rest were huddled on the large back, trying not to get upset by the rocking.

"This big fella will cut two days off our travel plans. Then there is The Meadow and the next day, Echo Canyon." Luna explained. Junko swallowed some bile before asking his question.

"Why do they call it 'Echo Canyon'?" He asked. Luna didn't turn around.

"They say you can hear the screams of doomed travelers echo forever." She said. The group were stunned silent, and Luna was looking at the sky.

"You think that cloud looks like a bunny or a kitty?" She asked.

The Meadow was a lush area of grassy plains and gently sloping hills. Stopping to make camp for the night, Luna was entertaining the group with stories of things she had seen on her own travels before she settled in The Lava Fields. She told tales of fighting monsters, watching machines work, seeing grand sights of nature and meeting people of different cultures. During a romping story about breaking a water horse, Piper noticed Cyclonis had moved off some ways from the fire and was sitting by herself; so Piper walked over to the girl and sat down next to her. Cyclonis was sitting with her knees tucked up and arms wrapped around her legs. She was looking at the stars and was a far cry from evil empress the Storm Hawks were used to facing. She almost seemed like a normal young woman. Piper decided to break the ice.

"So. Martina McBride, huh?" She asked. Cyclonis huffed out a laugh.

"It's one of my favorites. It reminds me of my father." She said. There was a long pause.

"And myself." Piper turned her head and was ready to be the priest in this impromptu confession. Piper also knew that what was said her was between them and that would change a lot for them.

"Cyclonia is always ruled by an Empress. The husband, brother, or uncle will act as figure heads, when need be, but mostly it's the woman who runs the Terra. My grandmother was the ruler of Cyclonia when I was born. My mother was next in line for the throne, so she would spend her days learning the politics and economy of an Empire. My father was a Talon in charge of a very powerful and successful squadron. But he always had some time for me. He taught me to read and write and even taught me how to ride my first skimmer. I was only five and I almost drove it right off the cliff." She began to explain. Piper laughed and Cyclonis smiled a little.

"After that, he took me out for ice cream and told me not to tell mom or grandma or he would be put in time out for a very long time. That's the kind of bond we had. We were always getting into trouble. My grandmother would always lecture us with a smile and a wink. She was a strict but fair ruler. Her plan was also to expand Cyclonia, but do it through negotiations and treaties. But she died before her plans could start being executed." Cyclonis drew her knees up more.

"Mother took the throne. And that's when things started to go downhill. Father was sent out on more and more missions. And while he was gone, she took me and started to groom me to be heiress to the throne. I resisted at first. That stopped quick. Then came the "corrections." If I even blinked wrong, she would beat me within an inch of my life. When father would come home, he would always ask if I was okay. I got pretty good at lying. I even started to believe myself." Cyclonis was talking to the open space in front of her, Piper not even there. To Piper, it sounded almost as if Cyclonis was telling herself what had happened. Like she was starting to remember who she used to be and was trying to remind herself.

"There was no fooling father though. He would spend as much time as he could with me. He brought back music from different Terras and that's how I developed a love for country music. He couldn't stand it himself and would often claim I wasn't his child cause his child would have taste in music." Piper smiled at that.

"He would also bring back crystals. That's how I got hooked on them. I started studying them and learned everything I could. I was so proud of myself because I had found the one thing my mother couldn't control about me." Cyclonis grew quiet.

"Then it happened. The official report was father flew too deep into a thunderhead and was struck by lightning. I didn't buy it for a second. He was too good to go like that. He was too damn good a pilot to die from something so simple! And I checked the weather. It was sunny fucking skies at the time and place!" Cyclonis was yelling at the stars now, tears leaking down her face.

"That bitch killed one of the only people who gave a damn about me! I wasn't allowed to even cry at his funeral! I had to remain cold and distant, just like mother." Cyclonis was falling apart.

"I was thirteen, and I was the spitting image of my mother. In personality and tactics that is. Eventually, I was numb and did everything without fear of a beating because it was second nature. But I was still weak in her eyes. So, I decided to put her teachings to good use. I bought the guards and funded a coup. It was a success. I banished my own mother to God knows where at the tender age of eighteen. I was finally Empress. But mother had the last laugh. I was just like her. I was power hungry and wanted to rule the whole Atmos as a dictator. I had forgotten of grandmother's vision and her dreams. I didn't realize this until I sang that song. It was like a floodgate had opened. Everything came back to me." Cyclonis was hugging her knees tightly.

"How could I forget everything they taught me? How could I turn into her? What would they think?" Cyclonis began to weep, and Piper rubbed her back soothingly.

"You know what I think?" Piper said. Cyclonis looked at her with wide grey eyes like she forgot Piper was there.

"I think your father and grandmother would be proud right now. I think they would understand that you were just lost. That your mother left you little choices. I think they are smiling right now. Because it looks like you are turning back into that girl who almost crashed a skimmer off a cliff and loves country music. I think they never stopped loving you." Piper said. Cyclonis was stunned. She didn't know what to do or say. So, she just continued to cry. Piper hugged the girl and smiled a little. This was a healing cry. A cry of change. Eventually, Cyclonis regained control and the two lapsed into a comfortable silence.

"So, how did you meet Dark Ace?" Piper asked. Cyclonis giggled at that.

"He was so adorable. He would follow all the other Talons in the smallest armor he could find. It enveloped him." The two girls laughed.

"That's nothing, you should've seen Aerrow when he was trying to find his armor…"

"… And that is why you should never surprise a lemur." Luna concluded. There was a gentle chuckle from the boys. Even Dark Ace spared a smile. They quieted down until Finn spoke up.

"So, what is Echo Canyon going to be like?" Luna stoked the fire as she spoke.

"You are going to have to work together to get through it. The creatures there are always looking for a straggler or lone travelers." She said, letting her gaze linger on each of them. Dark Ace huffed.

"So, the choice is work with The Storm Hawks or be mauled? I think I'll take my chances." He said, crossing his arms. Aerrow glared at him.

"How about you just suck it up and admit you will need help. Not like you can handle yourself in a fight." Aerrow said, a smirk coming out in all its glory. Dark Ace's red eyes became hard and fiery.

"I can take you right here." He said, standing up. Aerrow stood up also, matching his glare.

"Enough! You must work together! If one dies, you are setting the rest of the group for failure. Get over your differences and you will succeed." Luna barked at them, never getting up. She didn't need to. The sound of her voice changed the air itself. She didn't seem like a normal young woman, but a being older than time. Piper and Cyclonis came back at that moment, talking like two friends. The tension broke and everyone relaxed.

"See, they get it." Luna said. She sighed.

"Just get some sleep people."

5

The next day found the travelers standing in front of the entrance of an enormous canyon. The rocks were grey and was casting the entire path in darkness. Luna turned to Aerrow.

"Okay. If you only stop at night, you will make it to The Valley of the Portals in two days. When you do, you won't be able to see into a portal unless you stick your head in. When you do, do it only for three seconds. Things from the other worlds can grab you and pull you in. They can also see into this world, so don't stand too close to the portals. The portals open and close at random times. At that moment of closing, you can keep them open with strength. A lot of strength." Luna told them all this as she was taking off her pack and handing it to Junko. She handed the map to Aerrow.

"Why does it sound like you aren't coming with us?" He asked.

"Because I'm not. I can't follow you pass this point. You will understand in due time." She addressed all of them now.

"Stick together. Fight as a team. Trust each other and learn to let go of past mistakes. I wish you the best of luck." She said. Aerrow shook hands with her and began to lead the group into the canyon. Each person shook Luna's hand or give her a brief hug. At the turn around, Aerrow looked back a final time and raised a hand in farewell. Luna raised hers and then they turned the corner.

The canyon was very quiet. The only sounds were the footsteps of the travelers and a soft clicking from Piper to comfort Raddar. Aerrow was in front, reading the map and looking ahead of the path. Dark Ace was behind him, looking all around. Cyclonis was gripping her staff so hard her knuckles were turning white. Finn and Junko were shaking a little bit. Dark Ace stopped suddenly and grabbed Aerrow's shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Aerrow asked. Dark Ace held a hand up and cocked his head to the side. Raddar was also picking up on something. His fur was standing straight up, and he was growling.

"I heard something. Something big." There was a tense silence that was broken by the beast that leapt out at them from the shadows. The group scattered in different directions as the beast roared and swung its head back and forth.

'What do we do?" Aerrow asked. Dark Ace drew his sword.

"Kill it." He ran from his hiding place and charged. The thing swiftly turned toward him, and Dark Ace froze in his tracks. The creature had no eyes. It roared and used a clawed hand to smack him into the canyon wall. Finn took aim with his cross bow and fired. The arrow stuck in the creatures hide. It began charging at Finn. The blonde let out a girlish scream and started running the other way. Junko stepped out and followed suit when he saw the beast getting closer. Piper threw her staff at it to get its attention and the chance for the two brave warriors to hide. The thing turned back around as Piper ducked down. It swung its head back and forth, tasting the air with a forked tongue. Dark Ace was with Aerrow. Cyclonis scurried to them, and Piper joined them.

"That thing sees with smell and taste." Cyclonis said. Piper brightened with an idea.

"That's it! That's why it has been able to get us. We were coming out one at a time. But if we all came together." She said, trailing off a little. The boys smiled.

"One big headache." They both said. The four jumped at as one and the beast roared in confusion and the assault of its senses. Dark Ace swiped with his sword, while Aerrow stabbed with his daggers. Finn took aim with his bow and fired straight and true at the heart. The creature roared one final time and fell silent to the ground. Everybody stood, breathing heavily. Junko was the first to speak.

"Dinner?"

True to his word, Junko cooked the beast up and the group had an excellent feast. Piper noticed Dark Ace was standing off to the side. She looked at Aerrow and nudged him. Aerrow looked at her and she motioned to Dark Ace. Aerrow shook his head. Piper pointed to him. Aerrow scowled and shook his head harder, Piper made a fist, pointed to it, pointed to him, then punched the palm of her other hand. Aerrow got the hint and stood next to the taller boy. There was an awkward silence. Dark Ace sighed.

"I suppose you want to fight." Dark Ace stated. There was no question to it. Aerrow scoffed.

"Like you are a chatty one. I don't care how well we work together, you still helped destroy the original Storm Hawks. My father included. I was only a few years old. I barely knew him." Aerrow said, green eyes holding both anger and sadness. Dark Ace looked at him with even sadder eyes.

"That wasn't me. That was my brother." He said. Aerrow's jaw dropped.

''Your brother? You have a brother? How old are you?!" Aerrow asked quickly. Dark Ace sighed.

"Yes. I have an older brother. And I'm the same age as Cyclonis. The men in my family hit very large growth spurts and very early voice changes. His name is Luke. He was the young copilot for the first Storm Hawks. I was the typical little brother, wanting to be just like him. I did everything he did. He was my ideal and I could tell he loved it. He loved having somebody looking up to him, he would tell me stories about his adventures. All the places he saw and the things he did." Dark Ace was smiling to himself, and Aerrow could almost see the little boy he once was. Sitting and staring wide eyed as this living hero telling tales of daring dos and impossible stunts. Aerrow could see this very well because he was once a little boy like that. Dark Ace chuckled softly.

"Then, his stories started to change. He started talking about this Terra he was visiting a lot. Cyclonia. He became adamant about its Empress and the things that were happening there that could change the world. He talked less and less about The Storm Hawks and more about the Talons. He even brought me home a little toy broadsword like they used. I loved it." The smile was slowly leaving Dark Ace's face.

"One day, he came home in a panic, but excited. He told me he was taking me to Cyclonia so I could be safe and become a big strong Talon like him. Of course, I went along. We said goodbye to our parents and left. I haven't seen them since." Dark Ace paused deep in thought.

"From that day forth, I was a Talon in training. I followed my brother and his squadron everywhere on the ground. They had such harsh faces that I would practice my scowls in the mirror." Aerrow had to chuckle at this.

"When I was about nine, I got to meet the Commander of The Ospreys. One of the best squadrons out there. They were led by the husband of The Empress. He was smiling, which was odd for such a great Talon. To his side, was this little nine-year-old with big grey eyes and an even bigger grin. She was singing a song that her father was mock cringing to. He said, 'How is it any child of mine could like such awful music as country?' The little girl scowled and playfully hit him on the arm. She looked at me and I couldn't help the big smile that went on my face. That was the first time I met Cyclonis." Dark Ace smiled a little, but again, it went away.

"We became friends, but it was obvious there was trouble brewing. The new Empress took the throne. Cyclonis started getting quieter and quieter and her father was sent out on more missions. My brother became the favorite of The Empress. He got the nickname Straight Shot Luke, for his impeccable aim. Over the years, we both changed, and I discovered what had happened to The Storm Hawks and began to deeply hate my brother. But I couldn't dwell on it, I had bigger issues. The commander of The Ospreys had died. Struck by lightning they said. Both Cyclonis and I knew better. Cyclonis started talking about funding for a coup and wanted to know if I was with her. I didn't hesitate to sign up.

It took a few years, but she did it. Cyclonis banished her mother. Luke went with her and swore I was no longer his brother, and he would kill me one day." Dark Ace was quiet.

"Cyclonis had been changed and so had I. We couldn't remember how we were, and it wasn't until we got here, and I heard her singing that I started to remember. Now that I do, I can see the monster I have become and now I wish redemption. For my sins and my brothers." Dark Ace looked at Aerrow.

"I will understand if you don't want to. But I would like to start over with you. Friends?" He stuck out his hand to the red head. Aerrow was hesitant, but considered the red eyes of the boy he learned was his age. A boy who worshipped a hero in the family. A boy just waking up from a long sleep and wondering who the man in the mirror was. Aerrow smiled.

'Friends." The two shook hands. There were the sounds of snickering behind them. They turned to look at Piper and Cyclonis. Piper elbowed the other girl.

"See? Aren't they cute when they're making friends." Cyclonis smirked.

"I was hoping to see a hug or something more dramatic." The two laughed and the boys sat down next to them. Finn and Junko were looking at the scene with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"What is happening?" Junko asked.

"I don't know, but it is freaking me out." Finn said.

The next day was filled with the echoes of not screams, but laughter at the former enemies shared stories and tales of adventures. They battled a few monsters, but they followed Luna's advice and worked together. That night, they ate and shared some more, feeling more at ease with themselves and the world than they had in a long time. Cyclonian and Storm Hawk, working together.

The following morning found them at the end of the canyon walls. In front of them was The Valley of the Portals. It was a vast expanse of an open field filled with multiple swirling portals of bluish white. Several were opening, and others were closing just as fast. Aerrow tucked the map into his pack and raised his voice to be heard over the thundering roar of the portals.

"Remember, only stick your head in for three seconds, and then get far away from it! We will meet in about an hour; split up!" The group spent the hour looking in portal after portal. It was met with little result. They came together in the middle of the valley.

"None of these portals are the ones home, and I highly doubt any of the new ones are too." Piper said.

"Perhaps we should go deeper into the valley?" Dark Ace suggested. As the group was talking, they had to raise their voices because a portal opened behind them. Piper noticed how close Cyclonis was to it and shouted a warning.

"Don't stand too close to it!" Cyclonis noticed her proximity and started to move away when it happened. A large tri clawed hand came out of the portal and slammed her into the ground. Her screams drew the attention of Dark Ace, who leapt into action and dove for Cyclonis' hand as she was being dragged closer back to the portal. Dark Ace grabbed her hand and felt her grip his arm like a vice. He saw her eyes, wide in fear and desperation to be free. The claws went from just around her body to digging into her back. Cyclonis unleashed a blood curdling scream as the claws raked down her back, stopping at the waistline of her trousers. Dark Ace was standing up now, holding onto both her hands for dear life. He could feel his heels slipping in the soft earth and towards the portal with Cyclonis. He felt hands go around his middle and caught a flash of red hair out of the corner of his eye. Piper then grabbed onto Aerrow, Finn coming behind Piper and Junko was the anchor of the line, with Raddar pulling on Junko's calf. It was the most intense game of tug-a-war any had ever played. Cyclonis was still screaming in pain as the claws tore her back apart. She could feel the blood bubbling out in torrents and was trying hard to focus on Dark Ace's face, but was finding it hard due to the blackness around her field of vision. She was so tired and all she wanted to do was close her eyes for a second.

Dark Ace heard Cyclonis go silent and felt her grip loosen on his arms. He saw her head drop down and knew they had to come up with a plan. And fast.

"The logical thing to do would be to push her towards the claws to get them to let go!" Piper shouted over the portal.

'Too risky! We might send her through the portal with it!" Aerrow answered back. Dark Ace felt his sword on his back and got an idea.

"Junko! I need you up here!" The line went slack before tightening back up again as Junko ran to the front of the line. Dark Ace spoke both to him and Aerrow.

"When I say 'go' I'm going to let go and Junko will grab on to Cyclonis! Ready? Go!" Aerrow let go of Dark Ace and grabbed Junko's waist as Dark Ace swung out of the line. In one fluid movement, he drew his sword, ran up to the hand, and stabbed it. There was a howl somewhere in the portal and the clawed hand released Cyclonis, causing the line to collapse in a heap

All the portals in the valley closed at once, leaving the area deathly quiet, only sound being the heavy breathing of the young adults. Dark Ace threw his sword aside and ran to Cyclonis, who wasn't moving. He drew her onto his lap on her stomach, careful not to touch her back. Piper came forward with both crystal packs in tow. With gentle healer hands, Piper moved the torn cloth away from the wounds and gasped. Even in the dim light, they could see the damage. Three long, bloody, ragged claw marks ran down the entire length of her back, starting at the base of the neck and shoulders, and ending just above the waistline of her trousers. Piper could've sworn she could see the white bone of shoulder blades and possibly, the spine. Dark Ace was looking at Piper with tear filled eyes.

'Can you please help her?" Piper shook her hand to snap herself back into healer mode. She grabbed a large green and a large yellow crystal out of her bag. She looked through the one Cyclonis had brought, but there were only attack crystals in there. The yellow crystal was giving off a bright glow that lit up the little area, and she pulled out one of the green crystals.

"Solaris stone and a healing crystal. This might work." The dark-skinned girl held the green stone up to the yellow one. Both began glowing and a light hum started until there was a flash and a ding and the green stone was lit up like a star. Piper held the stone over Cyclonis and watched as the muscle began to repair itself. The first layer had just covered the unnerving white bone when the crystal gave out and the light vanished. Piper stared at the crystal like it said something offense. She shook it to see if that could get it to start working again. She grabbed the yellow stone, but its light was gone also. Piper looked lost as she dropped both crystals and stared into space. Aerrow looked at the girl who was trying to think of another way to help.

The sky opened up with a light drizzle, as if nature too were mourning the life of somebody who had just started to regain faith in her world. Dark Ace looked at Cyclonis, trying to find any indication of life. The young woman laid in his lap; skin taken on an ashen appearance that was getting rain soaked. He moved some of the hair out of her face to see her lids over her grey eyes. The was no rise and fall of her body that meant she would be breathing. There was nothing. The blood that had been pouring from her wounds was getting washed away by the rain, but none came from the gouges.

Dark Ace, the once proud warrior of the skies, was quickly being reduced to tears. Finn and Junko didn't say anything, just bowed their heads. Raddar whined softly and nudged Aerrow's hand. The red head Sky Knight put a hand on the lemur's ears and gently scratched behind them. Piper's eyes were filling with unshed tears. She looked at Cyclonis, laying too still. Piper sniffed a little and started to sing.

"She walks to school with the lunch she's packed.

Nobody knows what she's holding back.

Wearing the same dress, she wore yesterday,

She hides the bruises with the linen and lace."

Aerrow put an arm around Piper's shoulder as the girl continued.

"The teacher wonders, but she doesn't ask.

It's hard to see the pain behind the mask.

Bearing the burden of a secret storm,

Sometimes she wishes she was never born.

Through the wind and the rain,

She stands hard as a stone.

In a world that she can't rise above.

Though her dreams, give her wings,

and she flies to a place where she's loved,

Concrete Angel."

Dark Ace was bent over Cyclonis' body, his shoulders shaking with barley controlled sobs. Piper was slowly beginning to let the tears go.

"Somebody cries in the middle of the night.

The neighbors hear, but they turn out the light.

A fragile soul caught in the hands of fate.

When morning comes, it'll be too late.

Through the wind and the rain,

She stands hard as a stone.

In a world that she can't rise above.

But her dreams give her wings

And she flies to a place where she's loved.

Concrete Angel."

By now, there wasn't a dry eye in the tiny circle. Everybody was in mourning and was filled with sorrow for the girl who was about to start a new life. Only to have it end so suddenly. Piper took a deep breath, but it was clear that she couldn't keep the sobs from her voice for long.

"A statue stands in a shaded place.

An angel girl with an upturned face.

Her name is written on a polished rock.

A fragile heart that the world forgot.

Through the wind and the rain,

she stands hard as a stone.

In a world that she can't rise above.

Though her dreams give her wings,

And she flies to a place where she's loved."

Piper couldn't continue due to the sobs that took control of her throat and body. She turned into Aerrow's chest and started sobbing. Aerrow was trying to keep his own composure as he hugged the crying girl. They almost didn't hear a soft voice.

"Concrete…Angel." Piper looked up from Aerrow's chest while and Finn and Junko's heads snapped up so quick, they clicked. Dark Ace looked at the body is his lap as Cyclonis shifted a little and looked wearily at the gathered group around her.

"Hi." She whispered softly as Piper began to cry tears of joy now. Aerrow was speechless, with his mouth wide open. Dark Ace looked at Cyclonis as she started to breath shakily, but breath. Cyclonis was in pain, but it was a hollow kind that she could deal with, because it meant she was alive and would live to see many more days to come. She slowly brought her right hand up and set it on Dark Ace's shoulder. She used it to lift herself up a little and as she did, she brought her left arm around his waist. Slinging her right arm over his shoulder now, she gave Dark Ace an awkward sideways hug. Dark Ace responded the only way he knew how at that point. He very carefully wrapped his arms around her and returned the hug. Piper was leaning against Aerrow as she took in the scene. Everybody now had smiles and tears were replaced with dry eyes, or happy crying.

There as a flash and the group found themselves in a pure white area of space. There was nothing around except for one person, dressed in a black shirt, trousers, boots, and a coat that looked like the night sky. She was smiling at them with pride in her eyes.

"Congratulations. You've passed the test." Everybody looked at her with confusion.

'What test?" Finn asked. Cyclonis had turned around in Dark Ace's lap, but wasn't strong enough to stand just yet.

"A dream test is designed to challenge the views of people and see if they can change their ways from the paths that they are on." Luna explained. Aerrow stood up with Piper and held up a hand.

"Paths we are on? What does that mean? Why did you make us take this test? And why not Stork?" Luna smiled.

"First: do you really want Stork here?" Everyone shook their heads.

"Exactly, and he didn't have too much of an effect on the timeline. Second, I am one of many Deities that watch over this world. We looked into the future because one of our own foresaw trouble. The paths you were on would've lead to the destruction of the world. Had we not interfered, Cyclonia would've destroyed The Storm Hawks, then taken over the rest of Atmosia. Soon after, a certain event I cannot tell of would've led to the utter annihilation of Cyclonia. Having already taken over the Atmos, this would've caused all life save a few stragglers to cease. Now that you have been tested and passed the test, armed with your new knowledge, you can change this fate." Luna let the young adults absorb this information.

"So, what now?" Piper asked.

"As I said, armed with this knowledge, you can change your world and your fates." Dark Ace spoke up with anger in his voice and his eyes.

"So, this was a dream you planned, you meant for Cyclonis to die?!" Luna stared at him.

"No, I merely set the perimeters and a few challenges. My plan was for you to keep a closing portal open. This was an unexpected event. But it worked out for the best." Dark Ace was livid.

"She could've died from this 'event'!"

"She actually did die. But we looked at you and decided that she needed her second chance. So, we took divine intervention. Everybody gets one. Or in the case of Letum, three." Dark Ace calmed down somewhat, but kept a tight grip on Cyclonis. Luna addressed the whole group now.

"Now that this is complete, I will send you back to your world. You will keep the knowledge and the scars to help you keep on your new path. Should you choose to follow it." Finn let out a chuckle.

"I bet Stork is freaking out, we've been asleep for a long time." Luna smirked.

"Actually, you've been asleep for only twenty minutes." She waved her hand and the whole group collapsed.

6

Aerrow woke up with a groan and opened his eyes a crack. He saw a blue sky out a viewport. Blue sky? Aerrow picked himself off the floor slowly and took in his surroundings. He saw the familiar controls and helm of The Condor. He let out a relieved laugh at the sight. Maybe it all was just a dream? Even the part about the white area. Aerrow went to walk to the helm, but stopped when a pain went up his side. One of the fights in The Echo Canyon, he had done an impromptu belly flop on the ground. He had forgotten about it till now. He looked at the others, who were also wincing at the aches and pains they had also picked up. Piper looked at Aerrow.

"That was real?" Aerrow chuckled.

"A real dream." Piper let out a short laugh, which grew into a bigger laugh. Aerrow joined her as the whole group drew together for a hug. Stork came in at that exact moment.

"I'm back." He saw the whole team hugging each other and laughing. His eye twitched.

"Whatever this is, you aren't giving it to me." Aerrow looked up with a grin.

"Stork, trust me, you wouldn't be able to handle it."

Cyclonis came slowly into the waking world. When the dizzy spell had hit her, she had started down the stairs from her throne, and had made it to the floor when she collapsed. So, it would make sense to be on the floor of the throne room when she woke up. She stayed still for a very long time, mentally processing what she just went through. She didn't remember much from the portals; she was so out of it after she was revived. All she could remember was that she had passed some sort of test and now she was planning on changing Cyclonia to suit her grandmother's dreams. That part puzzled her. Why was she thinking that? It was all a very vivid dream, right? Probably a leak of some sort in the palace.

Cyclonis started to stand up, but the burning feeling that went down her back caused her to go to one knee. Breathing heavily, she tried again, this time as slow as possible. Her entire back protested every movement, feeling like the skin and muscle was being pulled and stretched beyond its will. And it was a deep pain that seemed to radiate from her spine, upwards. Once she was on her two feet, she couldn't stand up straight, so she had to stay in a hunched position.

"It couldn't be?" She asked herself. Hobbling a little, she made her way to her private bathroom. She removed her chest and shoulder plates leaving her torso in a purple sweater. Turning her back to the mirror, she lifted the hem of her shirt and gasped at what she saw. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked at her mangled back. The claw marks had healed, but left the skin puckered with scar tissue and they were red with irritation. There wasn't a spot of clean skin. They extended from her shoulder and the base of her neck down to just above the waistline. Cyclonis closed her eyes, and she pulled her shirt back down. She faced the mirror directly. Opening her eyes, she looked at her reflection. It was no longer the stranger that had been glaring at her for years. Instead, it was a young woman with wide grey eyes. She smiled a little and the girl, for the first time in years, smiled back.

Cyclonis heard the throne room doors burst open and running feet told her Dark Ace had woken up to. He skidded past the door and quickly corrected himself. He cringed and got ready for the verbal assault, but what he heard was laughing. Not mean laughter, just laughter like he did something funny. Dark Ace looked at the young woman in front of him and smiled himself. They both laughed a little and Cyclonis gave him a little, but proper hug. Dark Ace froze and kept his arms up and at his sides. Cyclonis drew back and shook her head.

"Come, Dark Ace. We have an Empire to change." Dark Ace smiled. This was going to be fun to see.

Epilogue

Nobody would've noticed the young sky pilot sitting astride a skimmer. She wore a brown uniform and had her hands stuffed in her pockets, nudging the skimmer back and forth with one foot. She was watching The Storm Hawks playing a game of keep away with a crystal. A rumbling from behind her told her of an approaching skimmer. She looked up and followed the two as they joined the fray. There was laughter and playful taunts going back and forth. Watching, the girl fiddled with the starburst necklace around her neck. Smiling, she knew the test was a success. The future had been changed. Not by much, but it had brought the world back into balance for the time being. And, the girl knew this for a fact, there were going to need each other for trials ahead. But, for now, she let them be. There was still planning to be done and she didn't even know if Chaos was right. The old bat loved to be a drama queen. With a smirk, the girl disappeared in a flash of light.

End