Yes this is real life, no this is not just fantasy, I have infact uploaded a hell of a lot quicker than usual. I'd like to thank all my reviewers for this fanfic, I love reading your thoughts and comments on the story, it certainly encourages me to keep going.

Anyway I don't own Storm Hawks, and I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

OoOoO.

The hangar bay was bolted shut and the Condor was full of survivors, it was hard to walk past someone without knocking into an elbow. While grief was the overall affliction, most were cheering for making it through the presumed first day of the apocalypse. Junko and Finn were handing out what ever food was left in the kitchen, and they had ran out of glasses after the first twenty guests. Stork and a few others with training were offering medical help and checking for certain wounds. Piper was guiding people who were handing out all the blankets and pillows on the ship, she was trying to make it as fair as possible.

Aerrow could hear the commotion outside his bedroom. He was overwhelmed with gratefulness because his family had made it home safely, there were hardly any bruises, let alone bites or scratches; he'd checked twice. But he couldn't share the joy he felt. He was sitting on the floor by his bed, hugging his knees, only his whimpering breath breaking up the silence. The Sky Knights were so confident and proud, acting like this was just another battle. And when he really thought about it; it was, the zombies were simply a new enemy, but he felt it impossible to share the valiant enthusiasm.

Instead he felt so alone, so trapped, it petrified him, it didn't sound like a celebration outside, it was just noise. People were already dying, it all seemed so much faster this time, someone else was going to go soon, it was unavoidable. Everyone was facing this terrifying crisis with confidence, but he couldn't do it. He was a terrified wreck, he had barely reached his room without having a panic attack. It was too much, it had all come flooding back so quickly. There was nowhere to hide now, excuses couldn't be made. If he said the wrong thing or made a bad decision, he knew exactly what would happen; he'd seen the consequences first hand.

The weakest would die first, and at that moment as he sat in the dark listening to the booming cheers, he wondered if it would be him. Piper had ignored him, she didn't take notice of the fear and concern that could easily be read on his face. She acted like a better leader than him when the world really needed it, during the battle she was giving orders while he kept yelling at everyone to be safe. When he said they should run she'd looked at him with a new level of revulsion, it made him a little sour, who was she to look at him so?

He sniffled and wrapped his arms around his knees, the warmth of his own body was his only comfort. His body shook as he thought about how alone he was, he could feel sadness coming up from the pit of his stomach. Despite being surrounded by people, with their smiles and supportive words, they'd never share or understand what he'd been through. Dark Ace was the only one he had, he'd protected him, made him feel so safe, became a true friend, he was his saviour. Aerrow took a deep breath as he thought about him out there, probably feeling more alone than he did, after all he had no one, he didn't even think he was worth saving. Aerrow choked on the tears that were trying to force their way out of his system, the zombies had gotten him for sure. Dark Ace was gone, he was definitely gone, a tear rolled down Aerrow's cheek. He was so alone.

He could hear footsteps coming down the corridor towards his bedroom, and then Finn's voice rumbled before the door slid open. "OK dude get out here, this is ridiculous you're supposed to be our Sky Knight-" The door whooshed open and he caught Aerrow before he could stand up and erase the tears. All Aerrow could do was look back at him, as an embarrassing mess on the floor. Finn stared with complete bewilderment, blinking as he tried to adjust to the sight. "What. Shit. What happened?"

"I'm sorry," Aerrow squeaked, he wiped his wet cheeks but could feel his eyes filling up again. The aggravation creasing Finn's face vanished, he was standing before him clueless and aghast, he had never seen his friend acting so helpless, so frail. This wasn't like Aerrow, he didn't even know Aerrow was capable of looking so pathetic. He'd always secretly envied Aerrow for being the embodiment of a perfect cliche hero. Finn walked deeper into the bedroom and closed the door behind him, then sat beside him.

"I'm sorry," Finn said and wrapped an arm around his friend, the words began to spill out when Aerrow leaned into him, desperate for the support. "Shit. I'm sorry we've been giving you such a hard time, I didn't know you were - are you OK? I mean do you wanna talk or? I'm your friend you know - we all are."

"I'm so sorry," Aerrow whimpered again, he felt flushed. "I didn't mean to shut you all out, I didn't know what to do, I thought it would all go away."

"Dude, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I-"

There was a knock at the door, Piper called from behind it, "Guys, Harrier's here, he made it!"

"We'll be out in a second!" Finn answered. When her footsteps faded he turned back to Aerrow, who was swept over with relief because Harrier was alright, someone lost had made it, hope was still alive. "Aerrow, you know you're a friend more than a leader right? Tell me what's going on."

"It's uh, it's a long story." He didn't know what else to say, he didn't know if it was safe to tell, he couldn't explain it now, he suddenly felt so rushed. Instead he stood up, straightened his Storm Hawk uniform, and left Finn in the bedroom. Finn quickly caught up to him and they returned to the bridge to find Sky Knights crowding around Harrier, Rex Guardians in particular were hugging him and blessing the gods for his return.

"Please please don't fuss I'm fine, I do regret to say I hardly faced the creatures at all. I flew back to our Terra. Aerrow? Where's Aerrow?" He spotted the redhead in the crowd and pushed through to reach him, but people were still hovering around him, thanking him for being alive. "There you are. Listen, Terra Rex has not been attacked, we should take your vessel there, everyone can take refuge in the hotel, we could defend it rather well."

"Yeah," Aerrow was shocked by how mature Harrier was acting. The last time there were less zombies and Harrier had been a panicking, selfish mess. He had to take a moment to get his head around it. "Yeah," he ran a hand through his wild, knotted hair, "good idea, I'll get Stork to set a course."

"He's checking people out right now," Finn added. He was standing beside Aerrow, he knew for sure something was going on, something different to what he previously thought. He didn't know what to expect, but he was going to find out. He didn't want to leave Aerrow alone, after finding him in a state he had never seen before, he decided he was going to offer support, right until Aerrow could handle himself again.

"I do hope I didn't leave you short handed," Harrier said to the Sky Knights who were all standing around him.

Starling said with a flick of her flat hair, "Oh we were lucky to get out of there." She had intended it to sound like a joke, an addition to their harmless mocking banter. But the insult sounded all too real, she was mad at him for deciding to flee without a word to anyone. It was typical Harrier, it was just convenient that Rex was safe, it offered him a perfectly valid excuse for his actions.

Stork slithered through the crowd with a look in his eye, it brought vague paranoia to anyone who glanced as he passed, he looked like he was walking among the enemy. He had considered it more logical to go to Piper with his discovery, as she seemed more together than Aerrow these days, who in turn was cracking with a kind of stress he shouldn't have. Never the less he sought out his Sky Knight, because Aerrow dealt with their first zombie rationally, and he was curious to see what his decision would be now.

"We have to talk," he told Aerrow when he reached him. Aerrow excused himself from Harrier, who seemed very nervous about being away from home for so long, which he supposed was reasonable. Then Stork shooed Finn away because he had a reliable reputation of freaking out in times of panic or fear. Stork leaned close to Aerrow and shared his news. "I've gathered anyone with a suspicious looking wound, port side of the bridge-"

"Where are they?"

Stork pursed his lips and looked Aerrow up and down, his suspicions were beginning to seem correct, this was a problem.

"Where are they Stork, we have to deal with this now." Aerrow had always relied on Dark Ace to deal with these kinds of situations. Dark Ace would have already marched port side, spied on who ever had a wound, and dealt with it. But Dark Ace wasn't here, so Aerrow had to be that guy now, regardless of the growing urge to be sick. Everyone felt uncomfortable around 'that guy', that's why Dark Ace didn't have any friends, but right now they definitely needed 'that guy'. Aerrow would be 'that guy' for the greater good.

"Well obviously, but we need to be tactful."

"To hell with tactful. Stork we are on a ship full of people, we don't know how much time we have. Where are they?"

"So... You're just gonna deal with it?"

"I'm surprised at you, are we in a position where we can take chances?"

Stork narrowed his eyes and shook his head at him, "What happened to you? Very soon, not now, but soon, you are going to tell us about your secret life."

Panic swept across Aerrow's face, he took a step away from him. "I don't. Secret life?"

"Yes. Little secrets don't screw up a person as much as this, so I want to know for my own sake, and everyone else's, exactly what's going on."

"Am I really so different?" Aerrow said softly.

Stork checked to make sure there were no eavesdroppers, and then said, "When Dark Ace returned, Piper asked me to scan you while you were asleep. And I did in every way that I could, because I couldn't believe there was nothing wrong with you. There was no sickness or sorcery."

Aerrow became conscious of his breath, his chest was heaving, he wanted to sit down. "You all think I'm evil?"

"I never said that, we just, we miss you, why are you unable to see that? Ever since I met you, your life appeared so sure and exact, everyone knows the kind of person you are when they meet you. And now, all of a sudden, it feels like some nervous creep is wearing an Aerrow mask. A few weeks back Junko mentioned having a dream that you - the real you - was imprisoned somewhere, and we all took it very seriously, Finn and Junko even did some recon. It seemed easier to accept rather than you just suddenly being like, well like this. Dammit, we can't talk about this now, we need to determine if those people have been bitten."

"Someone's been bitten?!" Finn squeaked. And like a row of dominoes the news spread through the crowd with a following of cries and panic. Stork left Aerrow's side and grabbed Finn, shaking him hard with frustration. People had to feel safe, the second they didn't, situations become hard to contain. You can't control a person when they're scared, they're too unpredictable.

People were swerving around like sheep, bumping into each other, and shouting threats to the whole ship. Many Sky Knights unsheathed their weapons, but with the room so full they had to hold them high to avoid someone running into them.

With Stork leading, Aerrow made his way through the constricting crowd of distraught survivors, and eventually reached five people all bunched together. They looked alarmed and afraid. Various places on their bodies were wrapped in crimson stained cloth, the material was soaked and painting their skin. People were starting to notice them, starting to point and glare, Aerrow was glad, because this was the correct response. The infected were not to be pitied, it was too late for them, they had no cure, no wish, and no chance, they were nothing but a threat now. The time bomb was already ticking.

Aerrow marched up to them with a cold glint in his once friendly green eyes, that made the accused hearts beat rapidly. They edged away from him as he looked down on them, there was no sympathy or understanding, just pure merciless determination. Stork was glaring at him, studying his hard attitude, wondering why he was behaving so bitterly calm, and wondering how he could get his leader back.

"We're - we - we're not one of them, please, we're not hurting anyone..." One man stuttered with his hands up, beads of sweat were dribbling down the side of his face. He gulped as Aerrow's straight expression did not flicker a show of empathy.

"How did you get a wound like that?" He asked sternly, he was glad Piper was busy, he didn't want her to see him like this.

"It got caught on something sharp - a knife - people were waving them all about."

"Get off my ship," the middle of his eyebrows creased, he looked at the other infected, "All of you."

They began crying out, begging for him to see reason, to have mercy. He looked at Stork, "You can't know for sure if they're lying right?" Stork sighed because he knew what his answer would do, but he shook his head, because they did need to leave, he just didn't like that Aerrow was giving the order. Aerrow looked back at the people, "I can't take risks like this, I'm so sorry, I'm sorry we couldn't save you I really am. It's not supposed to be like this, but try to understand, I have so many people that I want to protect, people that I love."

"Well I have a family too! Please let me stay on board, you'll see, I won't become one of those things."

"I'm sorry, but I really don't see another option, I can't risk you staying."

"Hold on, you've got to give us a weapon to defend ourselves."

Aerrow opened his mouth but stopped for a thoughtful moment, he pursed his lips and furrowed his brow. "I can give you a bat and a knife between you but that's it. We're fighting a new kind of war now, we can't waste the weapons, there are so many lives at stake, we have to be realistic. I'm sorry." The apology was beginning to sound dry and empty. With the help of some Sky Knights, the accused were escorted off board, albeit not quietly, one man kicked all the way, two women cried, the others screamed at Aerrow for being such a "heartless bastard".

"Well that was noble of you," Stork murmured, he was unable to look at his leader. It was the logical decision, but Aerrow had never been the kind to give a stone cold logical response to anyone in need.

Aerrow knew exactly why he'd done it, he loved his family so much it hurt. He'd endured lonely pain for so long and he refused to feel it again, never did he want to feel his heart break again. But before he could redeem himself with compassionate words, Stork had wandered off to fly them to Terra Rex.

After the Condor landed on Terra Rex's landing strip, the hanger bay door opened and people poured out. The Sky Knights were exhausted, but they kept their composure and guarded the civilians all the way to Hotel Le Rex. After the injured, cold, and scared flooded inside the glamorous hotel, it soon looked like nothing more than a refugee camp.

The rooms were quickly filled much to the prior guest's dismay. Harrier and the Guardians received multiple complaints from people with pearl necklaces, oily hair, and clean clothes, they were outraged that peasants were in rooms next to them with no fee. Every former guest with a room booking was given a refund, and an apology for the sudden turn of events ruining the good vibe.

There were enough kind people who refused rooms so the Sky Knights could have proper beds. Anyone who couldn't be put into a room was settling down on the lobby and dining room floor, on one thin blanket and pillow. The hotel was once filled with sophisticated chatter, calming silence, and light piano music, which was now drowned out by fretful discussions, children crying, and never ending footsteps.

Everyone was as settled as possible, so Harrier excused himself from his staff and squadron by telling them he had to take a breath, he desperately needed space to gather himself.

He hurried off to his private study, after giving strict instructions not to be disturbed. The darkness of the room shrouded over him like a veil as he closed the white door behind him. The assuring, warm smile that he'd been wearing for everyone had vanished, left in it's wake was a look of agonising stress. The fearful chatter outside was overwhelmed by his own mournful thoughts. He was drawn to the wall on his right, he slowly walked towards it, absent mindedly trailing his fingers across a bookcase as he did so.

There was nothing special about this wall to anyone else in the hotel, except for Harrier. He pressed his hand against a certain spot and it sprung open, revealing a concealed door. He ascended the hidden steps and reached a trap door, the same one he had taken Dark Ace to. He pushed the door open quietly, as if someone might still hear him, although it was quite impossible. He was so nervous, he had never done this sort of thing before, never been bold enough.

He was now standing in a very short, and very discreet hallway. He closed the trapdoor on the floor, then straightened himself out and slicked his blonde hair back, making sure there was nothing out of place. Before him was a blue door concealing a secret room, it was a small bedroom, his second bedroom, secretly constructed for an emergency. This was the first time the bedroom was serving its purpose, and what a way to start.

Afraid of disturbing him at such a dreadful time Harrier gingerly opened the door and stepped inside, but it was dark. He couldn't see Dark Ace, perhaps he was in the bathroom? Suddenly he yelped as he was roughly pounced on, Dark Ace was infront of him, there was a recognisable rage in his face but he could see the exhaustion in his crimson eyes. Dark Ace had pushed him against the wall and grabbed a hold of his neck.

"Talk. What are you planning Sky Knight?" He resembled an attack dog with his gritted teeth, crinkled nose and rumbling throat.

Harrier wheezed through his compressed throat, "I don't know what you mean." He was expecting a warmer welcome than this, he had saved his life after all.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"I don't know - I believed you in the trial - it didn't seem right." He sounded flustered and confused, but he wasn't, he knew exactly why he'd saved him. Just like he knew he'd do it again.

"You're full of shit," Dark Ace spat. "You wouldn't risk your reputation like this. I mean it Sky Knight," he tightened his hold, "I want answers. What were you going to do to me?"

Harrier's face was wrinkled and creased, he was starting to find it difficult to breathe, but he looked Dark Ace in the eye and hoarsed, "Is it so hard to believe that someone wants to help you?"

Dark Ace kept a hold of his neck but was no longer squeezing, his face softened and after a considerable moment he finally stepped back. It wasn't so hard to believe because of Aerrow, but that didn't mean it was true. He wasn't sure what to do, Harrier sounded genuine, but how could he know for sure? He was the worst at reading people. He huffed as he thought about it, his brows were deeply furrowed. Surely if Harrier was going to do something he would have by now. There was no need for all this secrecy, he'd taken so many precautions to ensure no one saw them sneaking off Atmosia and into the hotel.

With a grunt Dark Ace gave up on the confusion and fell back onto the ridiculously lavish bed, his agitated expression left when his behind sunk into the soft mattress. "Not so difficult," he muttered.

Harrier was massaging his neck, he dared to get close again. "You're safe up here, no one will ever know, so in the mean time please get your strength back." Dark Ace didn't answer, he kept his tired eyes on the floor. Harrier sighed with defeat, he shuffled on his feet, "I'll check the bathroom, make sure there's enough towels and other necessities." He wandered off, while glancing over his shoulder to see if Dark Ace would look at him.

Dark Ace didn't feel safe but it was impossible to ignore the comfortable bed, he could barely keep his eyes open and couldn't stop himself from falling backward. With his legs still hanging over the side his eyes fell shut, as he faded into a much needed sleep he listened to Harrier pottering around in the bathroom. He was starving and tired, and still afraid, but his mind wouldn't let him dwell on it any longer.

Harrier returned still looking nervous and awkward. "There's a spare dressing gown if um-" he was cut off by the sight before him. Dark Ace had fallen asleep, the creases in his face were gone, he looked almost peaceful. Harrier sighed and shook his head, quickly deciding that it was best not to linger, he had other things to attend to. He tossed the dressing gown onto the foot of the bed and proceeded to leave the room, he glanced back one last time though, and it was enough to make him stop. He just couldn't do it, he couldn't leave him like that.

Harrier made sure Dark Ace was asleep, then knelt down and began untying his boot laces. He slipped them off as carefully as possible then placed them to the side. He checked that Dark Ace wasn't stirring, as he imagined the Talon would be quite rageful if his sleep was disturbed. Once he was sure it was still safe he held his breath, lifted Dark Ace's legs up, and swung them onto the bed. The Dark Ace's eyes remained blissfully closed, only a moan passed his lips. Harrier took a moment to look at him, then decided he couldn't leave it there either. He thought about what the other Sky Knights would say, the insults and slander they would easily come up with, if they saw him gently lifting Dark Ace up to place his head on the cloud nine pillow. Ignoring the guilt ridden thoughts, he draped the spare dressing gown over the top as a substitute blanket.

OoOo.

The next morning Harrier hurried back to the secret bedroom, he didn't expect Dark Ace to still be there, it was morning now, he was surely gone, he was just rushing back to see for sure. He opened the door after mentally preparing himself, as he hated disappointment. But when he entered he almost collapsed with astonishment, because Dark Ace was still there. He was still asleep under the midnight blue dressing gown, with half his face hidden in the plushy pillow, his body was shifting with each calm breath.

Harrier's lips parted, he couldn't help but watch him sleep, he couldn't believe this was real, he still had Dark Ace's company. He snapped out of his surprise, regained that usual almost snobby expression, and like a man on a mission left the room. He marched through his hotel with his head held high, as he always would, and went straight to the dining hall.

People were helping themselves in the dining hall, the staff were working overtime to make sure everyone was fed. Some maids were picking out the lonely children and asking them what they wanted, while others were fetching for anyone too injured to move. Everyone was extremely busy, which was perfect for Harrier, no one would notice him taking a hefty amount of food and then sneaking off with it all. And if anyone did ask, he'd simply say he was stress eating and that he'd appreciate no fuss being made. That would be enough, people trusted him too much to suspect a lie.

He felt nervous as he selected the food, he had no idea what Dark Ace would like, he was so thin, did he even eat meat? As anticipated; with nerves he ended up taking a little of everything, he wanted - or possibly even needed him to feel welcome.

Back in the bedroom and Dark Ace was still deep in his sleep, although he seemed a little more fussy now, he was twitching and his leg kept jerking. Like some kind of service man Harrier set the two trays of food down onto a table, then tentatively approached the sleeping Talon. He placed a hand on his shoulder, but Dark Ace did not stir, Harrier gave it a gentle shake and a tap, but he remained unconscious. Harrier whispered his name with a shyness he'd forgotten he had, and shook him a little harder.

Dark Ace shifted himself about and moaned contently, Harrier straightened up to address him, but his crimson eyes remained closed. Still mostly asleep Dark Ace took a deep breath, then smiled and snuggled into the pillow, inhaling the soothing smell of his surroundings. Harrier gave him another little shake, while having to work hard to mask his smile. Finally Dark Ace's brows furrowed and his mouth twisted, his sinister persona was beginning to show signs of life again.

His eyes peeled open and a figure began to fade into view, he kept his eyes on the frame, trying to make out the face as his dreariness vanished. Those blue eyes were mesmerising, and then he noticed a slight blushing. He blinked and Harrier came into focus, shock immediately flashed over Dark Ace's face and he shot up. Harrier stepped backward with a yelp and began blabbering that he was fine, he was safe, he certainly wasn't going to turn him in.

"What are you doing?!" Dark Ace barked as he shimmied off the bed, which was surprisingly difficult as the sheets were so silky. He hadn't noticed that his prison boots had been taken off, or that he had been wrapped up in Harrier's dressing gown, which was just as well, because his face would have heated up and enraged him more.

"Dark Ace please calm down!" He smoothed his blonde hair and then held his hands up defensively. "I told you last night remember? I'm helping you, I thought your case through and decided that the death penalty wasn't just." Dark Ace began to thunder towards him, he had a look on his face that made Harrier think he was going to get a damn good thrashing. Although it was hard to find him completely threatening with his hair flat on one side, and his steps were still as weak as last nights. "No Sky Knights know you're here. I swear."

"Not until it suits you. Oh how fun it'll be for all of you, to tie me down and beat the fuck out of me. Or perhaps I'll be indebted to you. Spend the rest of my life offering my services, you'd all love that no doubt. Fucking Sky Knights, you couldn't just stick your sword through me like a normal soldier. Couldn't take your head out of your ass for five minutes and do the right thing. You just had to take me prisoner."

The cool pompous facade that Harrier was expected to wear on a daily basis dissolved, he couldn't stop his jaw from locking, he snapped with a hot voice that gave Dark Ace quite the surprise. "Oh be quiet you insufferable moron! I'm helping you! And I've already told you why. Not all Sky Knights are knuckle dragging bullies. So why don't you put a pin in your inflated ego and get over yourself. Because this is all as simple as I'm making it out to be."

Dark Ace stopped, he looked flabbergasted, the aggression had been knocked out of him. For a thoughtful moment his wide eyes were locked on Harrier. A slight smile started to curl, he licked his lips, his dark brows curled, "I didn't know you had it in you."

Harrier huffed at himself, he didn't think he'd have to behave so beastly, he crossed his arms and distracted himself with the spread of food. "Breakfast there for you."

Dark Ace's amused expression fell as he looked at the display of food, he expected a punch line to follow, but as the offer became serious he was a little lost for words. "You didn't bring all that up just to brag?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Do tuck in you must be famished."

With his crimson eyes on the vexing Sky Knight he took a sheepish step towards the food. He was really taking in the different smells now, it all looked perfectly cooked. "You're trying to tell me I won't owe you for a single bite?"

"I tell you what, you promise not to slit my throat, or anyone elses, and we'll call it even. Deal?"

"You trust me enough to make that deal?"

"Oddly enough, yes."

"Why?"

Harrier gulped, but hurried to answer. "Well, you seemed rather sincere during the trial, so sorry for yourself and all that. For goodness sake I just trust you alright? It would be wonderful if you could reciprocate. You do realise I'm actually more trustworthy than you are?"

"Well," he stalked closer to the steaming food. Once he was right infront of it all he couldn't stop himself, he grabbed a fork, dug it into a sausage and began gorging himself. Harrier watched him feeding like a starved wolf, and quietly sat beside him wide eyed and gawping. His heart went out to Dark Ace, he certainly wouldn't insult him, no matter how ridiculous he looked with yolk sticking to his chin and crumbs rapidly covering his dirty hoody. Instead he pulled up another chair for Dark Ace, who didn't stop eating as he sat down.

Dark Ace finally stopped for breath and drank most of the jug of water. With a tray and a half worth of food devoured, he blew air out of his cheeks with defeat, and gave his mouth a wipe with his equally greasy hand. He leaned back full enough to burst, then laughed and looked at Harrier, "Knuckle dragging bullies?"

Harrier stuck his nose up as if weren't at fault, and took a sip of the tea he'd brought himself. "Well, you've seen them, some are rather uncouth..." He cocked an eyebrow, "Not that you'd know anything about that."

Dark Ace's grin widened. "You two faced bitch, god know what you must say about me."

"Your clothes are filthy."

Dark Ace said through a napkin, "I was expecting far worse."

Harrier tapped his chin with his finger, "I'll have to burn them," then he released an exasperated sigh.

Dark Ace crumpled up the napkin and found himself again looking at the Rex Guardian with surprise. "I had no idea you were so efficient. I certainly didn't expect you'd do it yourself."

"Well I'm not going to let you do it in the hotel."

He raised his black eyebrows, Harrier was far better at discretion than Aerrow, it was almost insulting to the boy. Dammit, he really wanted to ask if the kid was alright, it was only for Aerrow's sake that he didn't. "Very wise, just so long as you don't mind me loitering around your bedroom naked."

Much to his dismay Harrier couldn't control the blush that spread across his face. Dark Ace chuckled at the reaction and leaned close to him with an impish smirk. Harrier didn't noticed the bad breath, he was too busy trying to keep his composure. "I'm not saying that. I'll buy you some more clothes of course."

"That's good of you, you're being very generous, sure I'm not going to have to pay you back?" His smirk spread wider and looked devilish as he glanced down in between Harrier's legs, the blonde's face glowed brighter. Dark Ace couldn't help but make it worse, this was the most fun he'd had since he woke up from the coma. He'd forgotten how sensitive Harrier was. He waited until his blue eyes crossed his own dashing crimson, then parted his lips and popped an eyebrow.

"You vulgar - don't be silly." With that Harrier stood up out of his seat in a moderate fashion, and walked away with weakening knees. "I don't suppose you'd appreciate better attire? A waistcoat and slim fit trousers perhaps?"

"If I have to walk around looking like that, as promised I won't slit your throat, I'll shave your head."

"Understood."

"Well," Dark Ace finished the last of the water and then stood up. He wiped his oily hands on the soon to be burned jacket. "No time like the present."

"As you wish," Harrier turned to find Dark Ace unzipping his black hoodie, he choked on his gasp. "Oh god, you meant as in right now." He watched him peel the dirty hoodie off to reveal a lean muscular body. He thought he shouldn't stare, but he couldn't resist taking in the view for a thoughtful moment. The light wallpaper seemed to spotlight his body, he spied on the set of scars across his arms, shoulder, chest, and torso. It was more rugged than Harrier could imagine, mainly because he had never witnessed something like it before in his pampered life. A patchwork doll came to mind, and while the roughness was foreignly attractive, his heart went out to the teared up soldier.

His blue eyes crossed with crimson, and he realised he must have been staring too obviously, because Dark Ace looked angry. "Got something to stare at Sky Knight?" He covered a large scar on his chest with the hoodie, clearly ashamed by it. Harrier had noticed that it was rather ghastly looking, but he certainly hadn't been gawping at it.

"I didn't mean to offend."

Dark Ace snorted and continued undressing, he unbuttoned the manky trousers and let them fall loosely around his ankles. Harrier was staring without realising his bug eyes, as he was too busy trying to fend off something else. Dark Ace was currently grubby, smelled of sweat, and had hair on his chest and legs, but Harrier gazed at him like he was the entity of perfection. After multiple years of practice, he managed to hide his disappointment when Dark Ace didn't strip completely. He busied himself with making the bed when Dark Ace walked past him and into the bathroom, but he couldn't resist glimpsing at his arse before he disappeared behind the door.

"Right, I'll get going then," Harrier said and could feel his throat tightening, he swallowed. "I shan't be long, feel free to use whatever you like in there."

"Hang on," Dark Ace called from the room. The door opened ever so slightly, he sniggered as he fed his hand through the gap, "here, don't forget these." He waited for Harrier to sheepishly take the underwear from his hand. Once he heard Harrier leave, Dark Ace snooped around the bathroom as the hot water filled the tub. He was impressed, even this little bathroom was tiled with glimmering luxury, how much money did the Rex Guardians get? It was like no expense was spared.

He dropped a blue sparkling bath bomb in the water because why not? Then stepped into the bath with a loud content moan as the heat engulfed his body. He wanted to feel like a human again, so he'd take everything he could get. Darted around the edges of the bath he had various products that would no doubt make him look and smell as clean as Harrier. And he declared that he would soak in the circular tub for hours.

Harrier hurried back through the secret passageway and into the thicket of his beloved hotel. His hotel full of stressed, traumatized, injured peasants and soldiers alike. He nodded and smiled at anyone who met his gaze, his expression had not changed, it was the same as always, the fact that he had a Cyclonian hidden away was irrelevant.

He was marching towards two members of his squadron, and as he did so he passed Aerrow who asked if anyone had seen Dark Ace.

"Dead in a ditch somewhere I'd expect - well I certainly hope." Harrier said with the utmost believable sincerity, just like he had done when he made his speech after Dark Ace's trial. Aerrow was a very inexperienced Sky Knight, he didn't understand the rules, or the consequences he'd face for failing to do so. He looked like he was trying to mask his concern for the Talon, but it was easy to read his eyes and the position of his lips. Although Harrier couldn't quite understand what the concern was for, they were mortal enemies.

Harrier continued when Aerrow failed to muster a decent response. "He won't have survived last night, so don't you fret Storm Hawk, I seriously doubt we'll have to fret over the Dark Ace ever again. His execution is as good as carried out I'd expect." He said all this drivel as he considered the possibility that Aerrow felt the same way he did. He didn't let the skepticism show, but he recalled Aerrow standing up and having the sheer nerve to defend Dark Ace in court. Still, he wouldn't dwell on it, it would become his problem if he gave it any thought. And he'd certainly never let on that he cared, that was always a very foolish and dangerous thing to do.

"You really think he'll lay down and die that easily?" A mysterious woman interrupted, the two Sky Knights turned their attention to her. She didn't look like a distraught survivor, just peeved that her hair was out of place and that her tights had lathered. Ravess was hiding behind the sunglasses and kept her voice low, "We haven't heard the last of that devil, I guarantee it." And with that she strolled off for another sherry at the bar. She had faith that Dark Ace was alright. But she was furious with him, because she was wondering where he was and why he was still keeping out of sight, he wasn't acting as boldly as she'd expected.

Harrier snorted at her silly comment and continued on towards his people. "Basil, Kenneth, you're coming with me into town." Basil, the strongest of the squadron, smiled his hello and agreed. Kenneth, Harrier's closest friend on the squadron, itched his goatee and muttered his concern about going outside. "I have guards on high alert," Harrier assured, "if Cyclonians are on their way we'll know, and we'll retreat immediately to the hotel. If you recall I had it fortified the same as our castle."

"Well I don't see why we can't stay there." Kenneth objected and shifted on his feet as he glared at the lobby. "This place has become overrun with peasants, it smells, and people have suggested that we give up our private suites. I mean the nerve! We're lending this hotel for free to the needy."

Harrier huffed, "Do calm yourself, it won't be for long, it'll all be contained soon I'm sure." He shot his hand up to cut off another protest. "And we are certainly not moving to the castle, we must show our faces here. We will continue to help, need I remind you it is our duty. We have a reputation to uphold, and it has never been more on the line than now, during this crisis. So you will keep it together and act accordingly."

"What are we going into town for?" Basil asked as he downed the rest of his coffee. His pointy hair needed brushing and he really wanted to change clothes, they all did, this shambles of an attack was testing them all.

"This is our Terra, we know it best, I'm rounding up a few others and we're going to gather more supplies."

"But that's the squires job!"

"Incase you hadn't noticed, our staff's feet have not touched the floor since the attack, they've been rushing about non stop making sure everyone is fed and comfortable. God knows how much sick they've had to mop up. So we're going to do this. Not to worry, I've elected us to gather the simplest; clothing."

"Well alright, who else are we taking?"

"I suggest perhaps a man from each squadron, this is certainly no task for a civilian."

OoOo.

If you enjoyed this chapter please leave me a review, I would really appreciate it. I'm quite curious to see peoples thoughts on the Dark Ace and Harrier friendship

Until next time!