The sky outside looked different than usual.

It looked more familiar.

A delicate tracing of orange against a darker sky.

It smelled different too. Tangy. Tart.

It smelled of hot metal and storm clouds.

Dark Ace smiled.

Home.

Now wonder they wanted his input for the mission. They expected to go into Cyclonia's heartland and leave intact?

Right.

He closed his eyes, filling his lungs with the scent.

His mind flooded with memories. Longing stabbed him bitterly in the chest.

He knew that he'd never set foot in Cyclonia again as a free man.

If he ever returned at all.

OOO

Author's Note: Total word count: 100