Here we are again, another chapter, another long wait. The apologies probably don't even mean anything to you guys now but I'm still going to say it. Sorry!

I hope you're all still enjoying this fic and I hope this chapter is worth the wait.

OoOo.

Aerrow was distraught, he'd sunk to the floor as Dark Ace finished telling him about his life for the past month. He was sat against the wall of his bedroom, pressing his fingers against his temple. Dark Ace was sat upright in his bed, with a bowl of water carefully placed beside him, his wrist still attached to the frame. It was a relief to share this with someone, while he still had the chance. But he was riddled with guilt for having to share it with the kid, sorry that he had to add to the nightmares he was surely having.

"I warned you, it's fucked up."

"How... how do you even begin to make a zombie anyway?" There was what felt like a tightly knotted ball in the pit of his stomach, and as he dwelled on what they were now facing, he wanted to throw that ball up.

"Yeah, she's a crafty little cunt." He needed a drink, and knowing he wasn't going to get one somehow increased that throbbing in his head.

Aerrow let out a long groan, letting his head fall back against the wall, through a hard breath he said, "I'm so glad you got out of there."

"I only wish I'd thought of it sooner," he grumbled, currently looking into a hand mirror balanced between his knees, as he finally shaved the thick stubble from his face.

"Yeah," Aerrow said bitterly, emerald eyes found him, "I wish you had too."

Dark Ace stopped for a moment, with only a few paths of smooth skin made, he crossed the teen's judging stare, "Don't start that again."

Aerrow scowled at him, his eyes were sharp, knuckles tight and white. "Just a note Dark Ace, even that would have sufficed. Why? Why couldn't you just tell me you were alive?"

"How the hell was I supposed to know you were in such a bad way?"

"Like you weren't?"

"I dont need anyone to consolidate me, I'm alone, and I've adjusted to that."

"But you contacted Starling. We're supposed to be friends."

"Truth be told I thought turning up wouldn't do you any good."

OoO.

Meanwhile Aerrow's other friends were having a stressful debate, the seriousness of the matter had swelled their headaches in to migraines. They were having trouble agreeing and committing to going against their leader. This wasn't just going behind the commanding officer's back, this was doing something without including a best friend, without telling a close and important family member.

Deciding on something without Aerrow present was horrible. Piper was second in command, which meant all eyes and approval were on her, and therefore the repercussions were her responsibility too. They were risking serious fallout here, when he finds out they'd gone behind his back, it could take ages to repair the damage. Piper didn't say it out loud, too afraid to actually hear it, it was bad enough the thought existed at all. But the state Aerrow was in these days, with the compulsive secrecy; what if it deteriorated him further? What if he ended up keeping more things from them in the future?

But then what if they needed to do this to get Aerrow back? What if Dark Ace was controlling him somehow? Whatever he was doing could be suffocating for Aerrow. Maybe this had been going on longer than they'd thought, and that's why he was silently struggling these days. She exhaled, and lost her fingers in the thick tangles of her midnight blue hair. Her breath shuddered, she felt like crying, it was so overwhelming.

"I think we've gotta do it," she finally said.

"Yeah?" Junko asked one last time.

Piper straightened up, rubbed her eyes, and then nodded sternly. She turned to Starling, who had respectfully awaited their order. More so to see what decisions they would make as a squadron. "Starling, please contact someone to come pick him up."

OoO.

Aerrow was leaning against his desk, he had a small but warm smile on his face. Dark Ace was still on his bed, face now fully shaven, he mirrored the exact same content expression. The two were passing a ball back and forth, and just chatting about regular stuff, no Cyclonis, no zombies, no feud between their sides. It was pure bliss.

"We're friends right?" Aerrow asked.

Dark Ace's smile tightened a notch, being asked that was so amazing, "Yeah, guess we are."

"So promise me something?" This particular promise had been on the boy's mind since he'd heard about his time on Cyclonia. Dark Ace shrugged his approval, so he continued, "Please stop drinking."

The Talon caught the ball and held still with his arm in the air, what the fuck did drinking habits have to do with friendship?

"You shouldn't drink so much, you said for over a week you were just drinking, that's really shit Dark Ace you can't do that."

He chuckled, "I'm not going to stop drinking, this crisis we're facing is the best time to numb everything with a drink. Fuck, if you were old enough you'd be raising a glass with me. In fact, you'd probably still be a little tipsy right now if you could help it."

Aerrow snorted and crossed his arms, that was the best he could do to argue against that, because while he wanted to think he was better than any and all drunkards, he didn't actually realise a drink could make things easier. Numbing all those memories and the pain it still caused did sound rather soothing.

OoO.

A couple of hours later and Aerrow was back with his friends, tucking into a well cooked meal, compliments of Starling. He had excused himself from his bedroom where Dark Ace was still restrained, and promised to fetch him a plate afterward.

"Great that we've finally got a hold of Dark Ace, no wonder you were so excited when we found him Aerrow," Stork began to converse, rather cooley, which was a surprising quality to find in the paranoid Merb.

"Mhm," the leader brushed it off, didn't stop eating to give a proper answer, he didn't want to, he didn't want to hear anymore insults involving the Dark Ace. Now that he was on their side there was really no reason to.

"I wonder why he was even in the wastelands to begin with," Piper tried to continue.

Aerrow swallowed, and gave his full attention to them, trying to sound nonchalant, "The way he was talking, sounds like Cyclonis doesn't really care about him - any of them, I feel bad for the guy."

Finn scoffed, causing some of the food in his mouth to scatter back onto his plate. He muttered, "Just as well we got a heads up really, if Cyclonis does attack I don't know if you'd be ready for it." The blonde heard how that sounded, and swallowed when the last word passed his lips, that had been way too harsh and it was too late to steal the insult back. He looked up at Aerrow gingerly, when their eyes crossed he averted his gaze and scratched the back of his head.

Aerrow chuckled lightly, taken back, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Piper intervened, saving everyone at the table from Finn and his big mouth. She sounded just as nervous as the sharpshooter, and was sheepish about looking her leader in the eye as well. "Well, it's like we were telling Starling, you've been a little, um, off colour lately. And you don't seem to want to talk about it. We've been really worried."

A pale shade of pink tinted Aerrow's cheeks, "You've been talking about me?" He glimpsed at Starling who was on the end of the table, she looked like an uncomfortable guest invited to a family dinner. "It's not like there's anything to talk about really, I'm fine, I haven't said anything because there's nothing to tell." But then, there was something to tell, and everybody knew it. He had to be honest, and somehow he felt like he could be now. There was some weight lifted after seeing Dark Ace's face again, hearing his gruff voice, hugging him.

He didn't have that bond with the Storm Hawks now, not since the new war, simply because they were living in an ignorance that he'd worked so hard to give them. But he wanted what they used to have back, he'd been trying to find it ever since the wish was made. It was time to start trying harder.

He took a deep breath, stuck his hand down his shirt and pulled the pendant out, his breath escaping him as he did so. "I found this not too long ago, I was on a um, secret mission I guess." He forced himself to glance at them all, at their faces, and they were all looking at him warmly. He'd been a fool thinking he should have stayed in the dark.

"A secret mission?" Junko asked.

"Why didn't we know about this?" Piper added, sounding offended.

"Well... it wasn't really an important mission," he fucking wishes. He just couldn't reveal it all yet, not over dinner. He took the pendant off and offered it to the team, Finn took it first, impressed by the piece of treasure. "While I was on this mission, I found the pendant, and I don't know, I guess I just felt awkward telling you about it." He'd wanted so much to tell the truth, and his heart sank when he saw them all, looking disappointed again, because that was not a worthy explanation. They told each other everything, and a Storm Hawk pendant would surely be shared unless there was a secret attached to it.

Suddenly, the sound of the hangar bay opening sounded from the distance. While Aerrow sat there perplexed, the rest of the squadron all tensed up, eyes wide, preparing themselves. Junko was getting ready to stand and block the Sky Knight if need be, Piper revising what she was going to say if he got confused and upset.

Aerrow watched quizzically as the Third Degree Burners prowled in together like a pack of bloodthirsty beasts. They looked at Piper for confirmation, who subtly gestured to the hallway that lead to the bedrooms.

"Guys what's going on?" He glared at all of them, then looked back to the hallway where the bulky squadron were already stalking down.

"Wait. What have you done?" He banged his knees on the table as he fought to leave his seat, Radar shrieked and tried to hold him down, failing miserably. Junko was already ready for him, hands up defensively, having to hold Aerrow back gently.

Piper was standing with the two of them, her voice rushed, "Aerrow, I'm sorry we didn't tell you, but it's for your own good."

Dark Ace was sat upright in the bed, bored out of his mind, trying to quell it by balancing a pen on his index finger. And then the heavy built squadron was through the door, they didn't look unhappy to see him, quite the contrary, the malice was easy to read in their overbearing grins. He looked up at them, face falling, as he realised he was fucked.

"Argh shit," he breathed, the pen rolling onto the floor.

The biggest of the Third Degree Burners with the red mohawk charged forward, but the Talon did not flinch, showed no signs that he wasn't ready for the beating he would surely get. The Burner said nothing, just continued to flash that malicious smile. He gripped him tight, and pulled him off the bed like a ragdoll, the handcuffs ripping right from the frame. Dark Ace half hung in the man's arms, and half collapsed to the floor, it all happened so fast. He was dragged over to the other two, and then hoisted back up on his two feet.

"I've been waiting a long time for this, asshole," the Sky Knight said, cracking his knuckles.

Aerrow was in disbelief, pacing back and forth, dealing with a great sense of turmoil.

Piper was tapping her feet absent mindedly, biting her nails, eyes locked on the redhead. "What's taking them so long?"

Finn was propped up on the table, rubbing his hands together, "Wouldn't you want to get a few punches in?" He wished he was in there with them, wanting to punish the vile Cyclonian for putting his friend in this kind of state.

The marching of footsteps could soon be heard from the hallway, along with the coughing and groans of pain coming from the Dark Ace. When they returned to the bridge, the Burner with the mohawk still had him from behind, his arms locked in a tight hold. The Talon was making an effort to keep himself standing straight and dignified, gritting his teeth as his chest and stomach were now battered and bruised.

Aerrow began to walk up to them, taking in the sight of his brother, of his best friend. The left side of his face was now painted with streaks of his blood, which was pouring from a cut on his forehead. His right eyebrow and bottom lip were bust open. He had a black eye and his nose appeared broken.

All he could say to the teen was, "Oh don't be surprised, I'm not." He grunted as the Burner tightened the hold, silently commanding him to be quiet.

"Thanks for the business Storm Hawks, the council will be overjoyed with this." Starling joined the Sahar squadron, fitting her armour back on, planning to follow them and the prisoner straight to Terra Atmosia. The Storm Hawks all nodded their heads and mumbled their regards, all but Aerrow who was standing silently before them, staring at the beaten up Dark Ace, and didn't let up until they were out of the door.

When the extra Sky Knights were gone, Finn jumped down from the table and said, his face so elated and animated now, "Guys? We just captured the Dark Ace!" Following his example, Junko, Stork, and Radar all jumped and clapped for joy, cheering with him. And with that they flocked together to the kitchen to celebrate, loud and laughing, having ridded the world of a horrific criminal.

Piper stayed with Aerrow who felt betrayed, his arms crossed, he could understand why that had just happened, but he didn't like it.

She rubbed her arm, and crept towards him, "We did what you said, we held him until we gathered information, so in all fairness we listened to yo-"

"How was that fair?" He turned to look at her, looking outraged.

Her brows furrowed. "Please tell me we're still talking about you."

"You went behind my back," he huffed and turned away from her again.

"Starling agreed that this was the right decision. You're not the only Sky Knight Aerrow. And since when do you play the leader card anyway? We're a team."

"Exactly, but you didn't feel the need to discuss this with me?"

"We've been trying to talk to you since we found him! In fact we've been trying to talk to you long before that. How could we not suspect something was amiss? We were scared we had to do something."

"I just can't understand the need for deception, especially from you, I can't believe you of all people didn't talk to me. You're supposed to be my girlfriend." Those last words were an accident, and he had to look at her again, to see her reaction. Any distress in her face was now gone, her lips parted partially.

"I didn't know we were exclusive."

"Sorry."

"Don't be."

OoO.

Landing on Atmosia was when the realisation settled in for Dark Ace, that he was fucked. He was convinced they were only really having a trial just to savour the moment, because there was no need for one, everyone knew what he'd done, and he'd done plenty of it. He was guilty.

He couldn't say he saw much of a future for himself, he couldn't imagine himself walking back out of the courtroom with his hands unbound.

The Third Degree Burners had never left his side since the Condor and kept reminding him that he was a prisoner, over and over, with nasty comments and a harsh punch to the stomach when they had a spare moment. Starling was right beside him as they took him to the council building, she never said a word against them, in fact she found it rather satisfying.

It wasn't long before the press were there, reporters, cameras, heeling the group all the way to the building. Dark Ace hung his head low, really hoping they wouldn't catch his bruised and bloody face, imagining Cyclonis watching and cackling at him. And imagining Ravess seeing and deciding that he was no longer attractive or worthy of her affections.

A few Sky Knights had already arrived, all itching to see him crash and burn, but Aerrow and the Storm Hawks hadn't landed yet. The news had spread like wildfire, thanks to Finn jumping on the radio to soak up praise for being part of his arrest. Finally, the dastardly bastard was captured, and would be judged for his sins.

The Third Degree Burner holding him forced him to straighten up, so everyone could see his state, a reporter was invading his space, and he was unable to push him away.

He hated this. But he was trying to block it all out, soughting through the eyes of his enemies instead of focusing on the press.

He found Harrier in the collection of Sky Knights, and crimson met sapphire for a brief moment. The Rex Guardian's face was unreadable, but that was no surprise, he'd always been a professional at doing that.

The reporters had been pushing questions on him until security guided them out of his way. It was so humiliating, all of these people flocking around him, it was unsettling, and suffocating.

He was taken through the council building, the room echoing his footsteps, it hadn't changed in years. It was outdated, like the old men who were in charge of it. They were shocked but blissful to see him when he arrived, the head of the council greeted him, patronizing him with his superiority, which was nothing new. Through more corridors there was a small jail cell which is where he would be held until the trial.

"Dark Ace is going on trial?" Aerrow said, "I can't believe this. This is great! Justice always prevails in the end. Let's hurry I don't want miss a thing. Think we could get front row seats?" That's the kind of thing Aerrow would have not too long ago, before everything that was supposed to make sense fell into chaos. As everyone fixed themselves up before leaving the Condor to join the rest of the Sky Knights, they all stood in their rooms, remembering the leader who would be excited to have a treacherous criminal locked up and punished.

Aerrow stared at his reflection in the mirror, compared to who he used to be, it's like a stranger was looking back at him. He couldn't even tell if he missed the old days, wasn't sure if it was right to since his head was now filled with new morals.

By the time the young squadron entered the courtroom, it was full, there wasn't even space left to stand since the press were all huddled at the back. Then lucky members of the public had all been flocked together and seated in the back rows. And then the Sky Knights were standing at the front, too busy shaking hands to find their seats just yet. Harrier greeted them upon entering, and sauntered towards them, a jolly look on his face, Aerrow found it unbearable but the rest were just smiling along with him.

"Congratulations, Storm Hawk," he chuckled, running a hand down his smooth golden hair until he reached the ponytail. "I must commend you Aerrow, you have done a wonderful service to the Atmos."

Aerrow stretched a stiff smile from cheek to cheek and looked back up at the Rex Guardian, "Just doing my job, it could have been anyone, just luck." He could practically feel his friends staring at the back of his head, recalling the way he had behaved when he was arrested.

A Rebel Duck laughed from the side, and invited himself over to their conversation, "No offense Harrier, but I couldn't see you being as brave as Aerrow. It takes balls to capture someone like him."

Even his scoff sounded pompous, "I would take any opportunity to get revenge for the way he treated me, and I can assure you, if given the chance, I wouldn't just capture him."

"Yeah, well, for you to actually go up against him, he'd have to be weaponless and begging for mercy."

"Wonders never cease."

Eventually everyone found their seats and they brought Dark Ace in, every camera zooming in on his face. The Burners had really roughed him up, his left cheek was a mottled colour of dark purple, there was a slash across the bridge of his nose, his lip was busted, and he couldn't properly see out of his right eye. The authorities had stripped him of his tank top and work out pants, and replaced them with a marsh green prison jumpsuit, and had been courteous enough to give him some boots.

Aerrow could hear people whispering and chortling about the state he was in. He and the rest of the Sky Knights had front row seats in the courtroom for the trial, he scoped around the room; everyone looked more than pleased that he was finally facing justice, even Starling had a triumphant smirk. His efforts to give her information about Cyclonis had not been enough to clear his name in her eyes.

It didn't even look like Dark Ace had been given a lawyer, could he afford one? Had anyone even come forward to offer him one?

The court clarke stepped into the center, hands behind his back, raising his abnormally large nose up at Dark Ace who was trapped behind glass for everyone's protection. He then turned his attention to the all those present and began the trial.

"It gives me great pleasure to call the court to session. And it will henceforth be our job to objectively, and dispassionately ascertain what happened that fateful night during The Battle To End All Battles." There was a snide smile on his face, which prevented him from looking professional. He was smiling because there was nothing to make certain of or prove, Dark Ace was 100% guilty. "Now, Dark Ace, can you please tell the court your full name for record?"

He answered meekly, "Tanner Falkov."

"Our records show that your last name is Strike?"

"I changed it. Strike didn't really stick with me."

A book of The Code was taken to Dark Ace and he was instructed to place his hand on the cover, the Clarke continued, "Now, Tanner Falkov, do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?"

Dark Ace huffed, staring blindly into the distance, "Does it matter?" He blinked and his eyes found Aerrow's face, he blinked again and returned to glaring at nothing, "I swear."

"That's good of you."

The clarke returned to his seat and a lawyer who looked more snively than Harrier strolled forward. He looked just as proud as the Sky Knights, because he was going to be the one to bring this criminal to justice lawfully, he was going to be the one to complete the sentence.

"Mr," he raised his eyebrow, "'Falkov', on the night that has gone down in history as the 'Battle To End All Battles', you served as co pilot to the Sky Knight Lightning Strike?"

He rolled his eyes, "Yes."

"And on that night you stole his sword and murdered the infamous Lightning Strike, and although it isn't clear how, you proceeded to murder the rest of the Storm Hawk squadron, correct?" Dark Ace just nodded. "Did you consume any alcohol or drugs that may have clouded your judgement?" Dark Ace shook his head. "Was there any manipulation from the Cyclonians? Perhaps extortion or mind control?"

There was a moment of silence from Dark Ace, he cast his eyes down as he recalled the events, then swallowed and said "No, I knew exactly what I was doing."

"And why did you do it?"

He folded his arms, "What the fuck is that supposed to mean? We're in a war."

The lawyer seemed to take that one personally, and raised his voice, "Why did you betray your squadron, Falkov?"

"The Cyclonians promised me power."

"And ever since you have been the royal family's personal servant, their loyal dog, abiding unconditional respect for them. Doing their dirty work, committing numerous crimes against humanity." He began to list the crimes he'd committed ever since, through the span of ten years; murder, assault, theft, kidnapping.

Feeling like his only line of defense, nothing stopped Aerrow from shooting up from his seat. "I object! I'm Aerrow of the Storm Hawks, the Sky Knight that 'arrested' him. Dark Ace - um, I mean, Tanner - Mr Falkov ... I guess, left his post as right hand man just recently, and he has some important information."

Dark Ace leered at him. But there was so much pleading laced in Aerrow's eyes, as he so desperately needed his older brother to start proving that he wasn't all bad. He wanted other people to start seeing what he saw. Dark Ace had looked pissed off since the trial began, but when he saw that young face looking at him, he couldn't help but soften up, couldn't help but decide that he needed to try.

The judge, who also happened to be the head of the council, muttered down at the tall figure. "Does the guilty, oh I beg your pardon, does the 'accused' have anything to say regarding the previous statement?"

Dark Ace gritted his teeth as he tried to contain his anger, he'd always detested that bald old man, he was the reason he'd been denied the right to become a true squadron member of the Storm Hawks. And now he was looking down on him, refusing to show decency by openly grinning at his misfortunate capture. He wanted to spit in his eye. If he wasn't trying for Aerrow's sake, he would have made a go of it.

He took a deep breath, trying to conceal his rage, but everyone was looking at him, everyone happy to see him finally suffering. He had to bottle up the urge to curse at them all, tell them they were all doomed, tell them how much he wishes he could stab them all in the back. It was so hard to contain his temper, he'd never normally have to.

His leg was jittering, because he knew he had to try and act like an actual person. For the boy's sake. Because if he couldn't get through to these people, convince them that there was an actual threat, they wouldn't be prepared. And the less prepared the Atmos was, the more in danger Aerrow would be. It was pretty obvious he was going to be found guilty, so he had to do what he could while still physically possible.

Sharp intake of breath and then he started to speak, but it was hushed and a little shuddered, as he was on camera officially betraying Cyclonia. It was difficult to stomach, because it was something everyone thought impossible for him to do, and something everyone would be loving to see.

Regardless, he fought to make sure the words were heard, "Cyclonis has created an infection that she intends to spread through the Atmos." He felt like he was going to throw up, so much that the sensation was stopping the words, he had to fight through the blockage in his throat to continue, "I don't know how, but it's unlike anything we've seen and if you're infected there is no cure." He swallowed hard after the last bit, as his mind flashed back to his own intake of the gas.

"Your honour," the prosecutor said, "can we really believe anything this man tells us? Surely we can't see it to be anything other than a ploy."

"I found him collapsed in the wastelands, it's not a lie," Aerrow interrupted.

"Your honour, I think it would be irresponsible to take the word of a fourteen year old seriously. Aerrow has only been a Sky Knight for roughly two years, he clearly has no idea of the lengths people take to gain an upper hand, especially in a war as great as this. Especially when the Cyclonians realise they no longer have complete control."

"Fucking morons," Dark Ace growled, his insides were on fire, "If you don't listen to me, you are all going to die!" An uproar of outrage erupted from the audience, Sky Knights in particular.

"Silence!" The head of the council howled and rattled his hammer until the room was settled. "I will not tolerate threats in my courtroom Dark Ace!" Aerrow had never seen the old man look so furious, and he could feel something bubbling inside of him as he realised how unbelievably bias this entire trial was. Yes, of course, he was aware of Dark Ace's crimes, but to disregard his attempt at warning them, it was pure bullshit.

The jury was asked to step out and make a decision, not ten seconds ticked by when they returned, probably having not even bothered sit down. When they were all stood back in place, the head of the jury dared to glance at Dark Ace, who was threatening her not to do it with a murderous glare. Regardless, she stood determined, and declared Master Cyclonis' right hand man; guilty on all charges.

"Then it gives me great pleasure to declare Tanner Falkov guilty!" The room was so silent, enough to hear a drop of sweat splash to the floor as everyone waited for the all important part. "And I sentence you, Mr Falkov, to death. The execution shall take place tomorrow, at seventeen hundred hours."

"What?" Aerrow breathed, eyes wide and glistening, but was drown out by the cheer of the hall.

The guards grabbed a hold of Dark Ace, yanking him backward and out of his little stall, then proceeded to march him out of the court room. The enormous doors opened when they reached them, and outside was a massive crowd of people, all standing and waiting. Upon seeing his face they too cheered loud and hard, some were braver and started screaming insults at him, soon more realised how liberating it felt to finally fight back and joined in.

He was taken through the people, things were thrown, the abuse never stopping, not for a second. Awaiting him at the end of the road was a small carrier, it was painted a miserable shade of grey, with black bars on the small window at the rear of the vehicle.

This would be his ride to the high security stockade on Terra Atmosia, a frightfully immense prison built on a tower of rock attached to the mainland, which was now cornered off with a twenty foot wall.

His arms were bruised and red by the time he reached the carrier, the guards showing him no mercy, hurting him whenever possible.

Just before boarding, the Talon dared to turn and take his last glimpse at freedom, even though all he'd see would just be a gathering of people happy to see him go. But when he did, he found one face amongst the sea of people. Aerrow had followed him out and pushed his way to the front of the mob. He was standing there, looking at him, painfully distraught. He looked so little and helpless standing amongst the masses, sad to be losing him again. Their eyes met, and Dark Ace was stabbed with regret and guilt, he'd failed the boy, his last thread of family. He matched Aerrow's heartache expression, and was then forced to turn away and board.

As he did so, a camera was filming the whole thing, the famous news reporter Guy covering the story, "Inside Atmos brings you news on the move! Breaking stories from all across the Atmos! Ten years later, and the victory still tastes sweet. After years of terror and torture, the Dark Ace, infamous Commander of the Cyclonian fleet, the Queen's right hand man, has been captured and condemned to death."

OoO.

His hotel, his current pride and joy, was packed so tight there was a waiting line just to step past the front gate into the gardens. Harrier wore a welcoming smile at all times. That smile was more important than anything said to the public, because a person's expression can be taken more seriously than words. The smile was an invitation for people to continue enjoying themselves. A sign that all was still well. And all was well. He couldn't be happier.

He was on another round through the rooms, routinely meeting and greeting, ensuring that all guests flashed him the same pleasing smile.

There was time to admire the handy work he'd paid for, the entire hotel was still as sparkling clean as when the doors first opened. A single speck of dust would be caught out of place, and the cleaners knew it. Red and gold colours melded together, creating a royal complexion.

A young waiter, with freckles and a partially tucked in shirt, whizzed through the room with a tray in hand, a glass of wine balancing atop for dear life. The waiter tripped on - there was nothing to trip on the floors were immaculate - he tripped on his own incompetence. Harrier was in his line of fire, so as he fought to maintain his balance and dignity, he forgot about the glass, leaving it to spew all over the infamous host. The young man's face was aghast, like he'd done far worse than stain a shirt.

Conversations stopped, guests appalled at his impudence, Harrier one of them. There was a tense silence, as the Rex Guardian stared this boy down, flared nostrils and impatient eyes the only signs of his outrage. Why was there an amatuer working in Hotel Le Rex? On tonight of all nights? Who had arranged this? This was a prestige hotel, not a charity case for the needy who want to learn on the job.

It was unforgivable and shouldn't have happened, he was stressed enough. He had to congratulate himself for not voicing a little rage.

He would never allow himself to vent. If he did, people would question why he suddenly seemed on edge, and if they wondered that, they might dig deeper.

So he stood before the waiter with his composure in tact until capable help sensed a disturbance. Two employees marched towards the scene, one to get rid of the mess, the other to mop up the wine.

Once the boy was out of his sight, the smile was stretched cheek to cheek again and offered to the people. Then with a quick wave of his hand, the man who'd mopped up the wine presented a crystal to the stain and seconds later it was lifted from his shirt and wiped clean from the air. Like a flipped switch, the guests went back to their business and merriment.

The time was eleven o'clock, it had been three hours since the trial had ended and the guilty was sentenced. Time for a speech, to remind everyone that they were celebrating this wondrous occasion in his hotel.

He elevated himself on a podium in the lobby. Then he took a sip of champagne. To all watching; one would assume it was to clear his throat, but it was in fact to steady his nerves.

The chatter was silenced like a wave as he stood there ready to begin, the Storm Hawks and all other squadrons meshed with the crowd, all dressed up with bright expressions. All except Aerrow, who refused to lie, he was standing at the back, leaning against a wall, arms crossed, a disgruntled look on his face. Piper looked back at him, willing him to stop standing out and just look happy before someone called him out for it.

"Fellow Atmosians, while we have all been tested in the past by this terrifying criminal, let us put our anguish aside, and celebrate! And let us enjoy tonight, as we should, with laughter, a banquet, and raised glasses. As we finally face a day that's free of The Dark Ace. Ah yes, ladies and gentlemen, we couldn't be happier. He is locked away, and tomorrow, the fiend who has brought pain and trauma to us all, will be gone. I have prepared a reading for all those lost, and I invite you to remember them with me. And while you may cry, allow some of those tears to be that of joy, because today is what some might call; a dream come true. And we should treat it as such. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your night."

With that he stepped down, graciously and humbly accepting the applause with a neat hand wave and of course, that smile. Another man took his place with the list of those taken from loved ones.

Glass of champagne in hand, and that handsome, welcoming smile twisted on his face still, he went into another room. Immediately chuckling amongst the guests who noticed him, sharing the glee, and clinking a glass to celebrate this tremendous occasion.

OoO.

His last night on Atmos, spent in a cold cell surrounded by criminals who all mocked him and his arrogance. Lying on his back on a firm bed, he was staring into the darkness, going over everything in his head. His past. His present. What could have been his future. Contemplating choices. Shuddering as he passed over memories that haunted him.

"Long time no see," a voice from the next cell echoed, he knew the voice was addressing him. "Fancy our reunion being in here eh? Never thought they'd nab you, don't you go everywhere with a sword and that god awful death glare? Surprised anyone dared get close." There was a tactless chuckle.

"Shut the fuck up Carver." Dark Ace grunted, of all the rotten people to be neighboured next to. He thought it totally possible that this was part of his punishment. One last stretch of wretched misery before finally descending into eternal flame.

"How long you in for then? Shit man you must have got life."

His face twisted, he could hear Carver's cheshire cat grin through his tone. If he didn't answer, the traitor Sky Knight would just ramble even more and worse. So he muttered, sounding utterly defeated and yet still irritated, "Quite the opposite."

"What?"

His brow creased deeply with frustration, "Death."

That silenced Carver, and left Dark Ace in peace, leaving him to fall back into his own thoughts, slowly traversing through his life from start to finish. What an absolute clusterfuck. There was so much that could have and should have been done differently. He could have been, dare he think it, a normal man, with a regular family, if the eight year old version of himself hadn't been so eager to impress the Sky Knight and his wife the day they'd visited the orphanage.

Some people had been worth meeting; his mother Grace, Starling, Aerrow, Harrier, commander Falkov. But they were all gone now, no longer classed as part of his life. Aerrow was, but that had only cropped up a few months ago, and it was too bloody late to start trying to mend all the damage he'd done with that relationship.

"How did you do it?" Carver abruptly asked, sincerity ringing in his voice.

Urgh. Fuck, of course that bastard wouldn't stay quiet long. Like everyone else, he was curious as to how eighteen year old Tanner Strike had managed to kill every single one of the valiant Storm Hawks.

Too bad he couldn't reciprocate, "Take a trip to the showers and get fucked."

Carver's cool, cocky, voice turned sour, "Heh, lucky you don't have to worry about that. Scrawny prick like you? You wouldn't last two days."

"I can handle myself. I always have."

oOoO.

I don't know man, I mean Dark Ace is surely a badass, but he is really skinny, could he really over power other prisoners? Probably not he'd totally have to keep a hold of that soap.

Ahem

Anyway! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if so please leave a review because I love reading them and it makes all the time and effort I put into writing these seem worth it

:)