A/N: AAARGH! THE COMPUTER DUDE STOLE MY CRAPTOP! AAARGH! Ahem. Sorry about that. We had a recall on our craptops because they needed to change the software or something, so he'll probably have it over the holidays, too. He said he'd try to have it back to me by Friday, but there was a chance he wouldn't have it done. And we had to back up everything on a USB, WHICH I HAVE NOW LOST, so I won't be posting anything new in the hols if I don't get my craptop back, but I have the other chapters for this in the Document Manager (and because of this, I was able to post this story). So, fingers crossed, and if that doesn't work, you may want to cover your eyes. It won't be pretty.
.:':. .:':. .:':.
"A million different scenarios ran through my head. Would I get captured, with Lightning Strike surrendering to save my life? Or would I be forced to tell the Cyclonians the plans for the assault? Well, you already know most of what actually happened. Asaph, listen, she told me. The reason that Cyclonia will triumph is because you have disposed of the Storm Hawks. You can imagine what it would be like to hear that – I was a lot like you in those days.
"She was quick for a sick old lady – strong too. Her hand had snaked out and grabbed me by the wrist, so fast I didn't see it coming and so tight I couldn't get free. With her other hand she took a Firebolt out of her pocket, the same one I have in my sword now. Yes, my sword, not yours, even if it was once your father's. Put this in the Sky Knight's blade after you kill him, and use it to destroy the rest of the Atmosian resistance. I didn't want to hear it. I didn't want to kill my friends. Do you really think I would give you a Firebolt of such power if I didn't know you would help me? This is the strongest Firebolt in existence, and will probably remain so. I can see the future, Asaph. You will help Cyclonia. I have already seen you destroy the Storm Hawks. It was... scary hearing that. I bet you'd never think you could betray your friends, but neither did I. Ace, they don't appreciate you. You are an exceedingly gifted pilot. I could make you a Talon commander of the highest order – fleets of Elite Talons at your disposal. That surely must be better than riding side-cart to a Sky Knight! She had me. My anger with Strike clouded my judgement, so I accepted. Had I known just how much I was sacrificing, I never would have. She kept the reasons coming. Such power you would have at your fingertips! Make those fool Sky Knights quake in their boots at the mention at your name. And of course, such power would earn you the respect you deserve. Though I know for you, only one person matters in that regard.
"That made me blush – but it was true. I was in love with the carrier pilot of the Condor, Ardea. She was smart, funny, could hold her own in a battle, and was an amazing pilot. Probably even better than that crazy Merb of yours. She was very shy about though. Modest. I didn't care that she was twelve years my elder. But... she never gave me a second glance. Too busy with the Sky Knight. Aerrow... I loved your mother."
The look on his face was priceless, a mixture between disgusted and horrified. "You what? Oh man... that's so wrong..." He bunched his hands in his hair.
"Great to know I'm really that repulsive," I snapped at him. "Sit down, I'm not done."
