AN: YAY! My fave chappie! OMGFHSK! If you people don't review for this one, I am going to be uber depressed. I love conflict. AND the Dark Ace is in this one, so I know that'll make some of you happy. AHH! I'm just so pumped! XD Btw, did I mention that I suck at writing for the Dark Ace? AUGH! Yes, I know it seems pointless and OOC, but it's important later! REVIEW!

Chapter 5: Decision

It really wasn't what he was expecting. But then again, what did he expect? He would tell Cyclonis 'no' then all of a sudden his life would turn just peachy? Ya, right. The Dark Ace leaned up against a sheer rock face, his skimmer standing not three feet from him. Arms crossed, he looked towards the distant tower. Stupid... he had let his emotions get the better of him.

But it wasn't just the events at the end of the war that was weighing on the Dark Ace's mind. Truthfully, it didn't bother him much that he had come close to death. In his line of work that was only to be expected. No... what was bothering him was what he was going through now. Ever since he had waken in this strange land he felt

(guilty)

something strange. It was stirring behind his mind – the kind of nagging thought that you've forgotten something important, yet no matter how hard you try, you can't remember what.

The Dark Ace rolled his eyes and sighed. He knew he would have to go back to Cyclonis sooner or later. Right now, his vote went to later. She could manage without him. Besides, he still wasn't too fond of her (and that was putting it mildly). Instead, he turned his gaze to the vast rocky plains of the Far Side. How far he came... Without realizing it, the Dark Ace found his thoughts were straying into memories he'd rather not recall...

I followed him closely through the crowded streets of Atmosia. I often stayed with Lightning. Truthfully, it amazed me that he did not get tired of my company – I often did. I was by no means spectacular. My thin and stringy build looked weak compared to Lightning's broad physique. Walking beside him, the contrast was woefully obvious.

"But that's what I'm saying!" I tried to argue. He wasn't listening. No one ever listened. "Think of the sheer forces and the complications that arise behind such tactics."

Lightning smiled, amused at my thoughts, apparently. Laughing at me...

"Settle down," he said behind that annoyingly false smile. "It's not like we're taking on Cyclonia anytime soon. Much can change."

"You don't understand." How could he? He never accepted anything I said. No one did. I was just the weak sidekick. Everyone knew it, but they were too 'nice' to say anything about it. Not that they didn't acknowledge it in other ways. Making me co-pilot was one. Having Lightning always there to babysit me on missions... "With the way things are now, it is virtually impossible to take down Cyclonia. How can you be so optimistic when in all probability you know we'll lose?"

Lightning stopped walking and turned to look at me fully in the face. He chuckled slightly – laughing at me again – and shook his head. "We only lose the war if we decide to lose."

I merely stared at him quizzically. I didn't understand what he meant.

I still don't.

The Dark Ace gave a start and looked around nervously. Did he dose off? It seemed possible, what with everything he had been through... but ...there seemed like there was still something there. It faded like a half-remembered dream, but it left that tell-tale smudge behind. The Dark Ace thought... and his thoughts turned to Lightning.

He gave a half-hearted laugh. Now that was

(to be expected)

stupid. Why would he be thinking of Lightning now at all times? But as the face became clearer in the Dark Ace's head, he realized that was what had been nagging him.

"Lightning?" The Dark Ace questioned aloud, then laughed at himself. "As if..." The Dark Ace didn't have a guilty bone in his body. He had never had a second thought about the decision he made that day. After all, all he ever really wanted was

(to be respected)

to be powerful, and to have power you had to step on a few people on your way up. So what if he killed Lightning? He had never respected him in the first place. Yet the Dark Ace's long-aged excuses wouldn't ease his mind this time. The Dark Ace rapidly became annoyed as he realized that this thought wasn't going away.

"Get out of my head," The Dark Ace mumbled, but the feeling wouldn't obey. Something about this place was pulling it to the surface. Something about the Far Side...

The Dark Ace knew he wasn't thinking straight. He shook his head, trying to clear it but to no avail. Okay, so he decided to betray all of Atmos, but he only did so because

(he was misguided by Cyclonis' empty promises)

there was nothing else to do. Cyclonis was the only one who bothered to listen – and she promised him power. That was what he wanted... wasn't it?

The disarray and schizophrenic nature of his thoughts continued to become more jumbled. He caught himself wondering how different things would be if he had decided differently. What if Lightning was still alive? These dark shadows of the past came flooding back to the Dark Ace, and with them, a part of himself seemed to be brought to light that he never before realized. It was as if a part of

(his heart)

his mind had been returned to him. The Dark Ace stumbled and fell onto his skimmer in the growing madness. "No..." he denied. "No... this isn't me. ... I don't care about anyone. I serve my own desires. I'm ruthless. I'm heartless. I'm cold and harsh. I'm pitiless and unfeeling. I'm... I'm..."

(I'm lost)

This time, the Dark Ace really did fall unconscious, and when he awoke several minutes later, it was a relief to feel that... whatever had happened was over. However, the new feeling was still in the back of his mind. The Dark Ace could feel it gnawing away inside. For the first time in his life, the Dark Ace was horrified to discover that he felt

(guilty)

guilty.

It was what he was going to do. It was the only thing to do... and he hated himself for it. But more than that, he hated Cyclonis for it.

Aerrow stood at the top of a rocky hill, looking down towards the base of the tower. These were the facts, plain and simple: he was outnumbered probably in the neighbourhood of about one hundred to one; even if he was able to sneak in, he didn't know the layout of the tower, meaning that he probably wouldn't be able to find where his squad was being held; finally, even if the first two facts were to be ignored, it'd be almost impossible to sneak back out again, especially if it were brought to anyone's attention that they had escaped.

Therefore, Aerrow figured that the only chance he had was to play Cyclonis' little game. He'd go inside and listen to what she proposed. If it was something that could simply not happen... well... Aerrow figured she was probably stationed in a room at the top, and hopefully with a large window akin to her old chamber on Cyclonia. If he had to escape he could probably jump out and use his glider to retreat. After that... well he'd just have to see what happened. With a sigh of regret, Aerrow walked down towards the tower's entrance.

He was thrown to the floor harshly. As Aerrow stumbled to his feet, he looked behind to see the two Night Crawlers who had 'escorted' him leave.

"Glad you could make it," Cyclonis' icy voice said.

Aerrow turned to face the front of the room, and wasn't surprised at all to find he was right; this room was almost identical to the chamber Cyclonis used to preside in. It was even complete with a large window at the front, a perfect vantage point for viewing the city far below. However, Aerrow wasn't about to try anything... not yet.

"I almost thought you weren't going to come," Cyclonis rang out in a sickly sweet tone, clearly mocking the sky knight's position.

Aerrow frowned at her in annoyance. "What do you want, Cyclonis?"

"Now, Aerrow," Cyclonis scolded, looking surprised yet not fooling anyone. "You mean you don't know?"

Aerrow scowled. Cyclonis was clearly in her prime; eating up the situation and savouring it for as long as possible. Yet the Storm Hawk said nothing.

"No?" Cyclonis asked with a smile. "Well that's too bad. I guess I'll have to explain it to you."

"Just get on with it," Aerrow said, patience rapidly vanishing.

"Manners, Aerrow. After all, I am here to offer you a deal."

Aerrow's face turned to cautious suspicion, and he eyed Cyclonis carefully. "What kind of deal?"

Cyclonis laughed her high-pitched squeal of delight. "Caught your interest, have I?"

Aerrow resolved to remain silent unless Cyclonis actually said something worthwhile.

"But of course I have. After all, I do have your friends." Aerrow continued with the silent stony act, but at the mention of his squad his face couldn't help but betray the smallest twitch of concern. It didn't go unnoticed and Cyclonis smiled even larger – a predator about to pounce. "Cooperate, and you might just be able to see them again."

Aerrow was tired of listening to Cyclonis gloat. "What do you want?" he asked again.

"Very well," Cyclonis approached the knight, her sweet childish voice finally gone to be replaced with a more business like tone, yet still completely evil. "To the point." Aerrow examined Cyclonis, unsure of what to expect. She still had a smile on her face, knowing she was in full control. "I have something you want. But of course, I'm not going to just hand them over for nothing in return. I propose a trade."

"A trade?" Aerrow asked. "For what?"

At this, Cyclonis' smile grew to an unnatural size, showing all her teeth in fierce delight. "Why, Aerrow... for you."

Aerrow was shocked, and there was no hiding it as he backed away from the steadily approaching Cyclonis. "What?"

"Is it really that surprising?" Cyclonis asked. "After all, you are the leader of the Storm Hawks. Why would I want some pawns when I can take the king?"

Aerrow merely stood in silent thought. It still didn't make any sense. Why would she conduct her plan this way? If she wanted him, the Night Crawlers could have easily thrown him into whatever prison she had made. Then she would have all the Storm Hawks... why let some of them go? And why was he so important? Sure, he was the leader of the Storm Hawks, but realistically, he wasn't much stronger than any other members of his team – especially Piper when her Binding was taken into account. Something didn't add up...

"I can see you're confused," Cyclonis said. "Naturally, after all, even if your whole squadron was free there's nothing you could do to stop me." Aerrow scowled. "Essentially, Aerrow, it's your cooperation I want to trade for. You may be powerless, but you are an annoyance, like some pesky fly that refuses to be squashed." Cyclonis' anger showed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "You stay here, and the rest of your squad can wander around the Far Side for all I care. Just one condition – no plans, no escapes. Do this, and the Storm Hawks won't even be harmed."

It seemed logical enough to Aerrow, but it still felt that there was something Cyclonis wasn't telling him. "Why should I trust you?"

"Because," Cyclonis reasoned. "What other choice do you have?"

It was hard, not because of the situation they were in, but because she knew what kind of situation Aerrow was in. Piper sighed to herself. She knew Aerrow must be frantic with the recent development. Worse, she was worried that he might do something reckless. That was Aerrow... always putting the safety of others before his own.

Piper turned to her friends whom were kept in the same cell. They had discussed escape earlier, but that seemed impossible with two Night Crawler guards outside the door. The walls were also reinforced, so no breaking through that. All they could do was wait.

Suddenly, through the small barred window of the steel door, Piper could spot a new Night Crawler come to join the other two guards. He whispered something and they nodded. Suddenly, the door opened, capturing the attention of all the cell's occupants.

"Follow me," the new Night Crawler hissed. The Storm Hawks looked at each other curiously, but knowing it wasn't a choice, rose to their feet and followed their captor.

He led them to the entrance of the tower. He didn't say a word the entire time, only heightening the Storm Hawks' curiosity. Piper suspected that something was up, but all other thoughts vanished from her head when she saw Aerrow standing at the entrance.

"Aerrow!" Piper yelled in delight. Ignoring the Night Crawlers, she ran to her friend, followed by the rest of the team.

Aerrow smiled as he saw his team come to meet him. "You're alright!" He sounded relieved as he hugged Piper.

"Of course we are," Piper reassured. Whether it was good or bad that Aerrow was here, in the midst of Night Crawlers, Piper didn't care. All that mattered for the moment was that they were a team again.

"Dude, what's going on?" Finn half-laughed with a smile.

Aerrow grew more serious and pulled away from Piper's embrace as he answered Finn's question. "You're free to go."

"Seriously?" Finn asked unable to believe it. "Sweet!"

But Piper knew something was amiss. It was clear on Aerrow's face. "Aerrow? What's wrong?"

By now everyone had noticed Aerrow's solemn attitude, and they waited tensely for whatever bad news might be coming their way.

"I..." At first it looked like Aerrow had second thoughts, but then his determination in his decision hardened, and looked down, away from his team. "I can't go with you."

"What?" Piper choked.

Finn stared at Aerrow, aghast at what he was being told. "You're joking, right?"

Radarr let out a bark of disproval.

"Aerrow," Piper said, grabbing him by the shoulders and trying to peer into his face. "Why not?"

"I made a deal with Cyclonis," Aerrow revealed. "You guys can go, but I have to stay behind."

"What?" Finn exclaimed. "No! You can't do this!"

"Aerrow," Piper said, trying to make him see reason. "With Cyclonis there are no deals... Don't you see that she's going to betray you?"

"I have no other choice," Aerrow said, still unable to look Piper in the face. "Look around, if Cyclonis wanted, she could take any of us at any second. This was the only way to make sure you guys would be safe."

"So that's it, then?" Piper asked, both sad and angry. "We're just giving up?" It was meant to be sarcastic, but it was hard to tell through the mounting emotions.

"I'm not giving up yet," Aerrow said, trying to calm Piper. "There's still hope. You can still stop them, but you're going to have to handle it. Alone."

"But we need you!" Junko suddenly blurted out. "The last time I checked, Storm Hawks don't surrender!"

"Junko, this is the only way!" Aerrow argued back. It was clear on his face how hard it was to deny his team. "Trust me!"

"But... Cyclonis will betray you!"

"Do you not get it?" Aerrow yelled. "There is nothing else I can do! You think I want to go through with this? You think I want to make this decision! It is all up to you now! There is nothing more I can do!"

Aerrow's outburst took his whole squad by surprise. Piper looked close to tears. "Aerrow," she begged. "Aerrow, you're a sky knight!"

"And I took an oath to protect Atmos," he reasoned. "By ensuring your freedom I'm living up to that promise. You're the hope of Atmos now, don't let me down."

"Dude, you're crazy if you think we're just going to walk out of here without you!" Finn continued to object.

Aerrow's limit had been reached, and he knew he wouldn't be able to face his team for much longer. "That's an order!" he yelled again. "Go!" He then turned his back to the Storm Hawks, and Night Crawlers closed in to take him back inside the tower.

"Aerrow!" Piper shouted out, meaning to follow him, but her path was blocked by even more Night Crawlers. "Aerrow!"

But he was gone. It was only after he vanished from sight when Piper noticed that he had slipped her a note. With the faintest glimmer of hope, she felt that this must contain Aerrow's real words. It would explain why he acted so harshly. Why he would do such a thing. It would tell them the plan. Aerrow always had a plan.

But all there was written on the paper was one painful sentence. As Piper read it, she could no longer hold the tears, and broke down into anguished sobs of betrayal. Junko held her in his arms, trying to support her shaking frame, yet not doing a very good job, since he was shaking himself. Stork and Finn stared at the spot where Aerrow had disappeared, and Radarr let out a mournful howl of loss. The wrinkled note stained with Piper's tears fell to the ground, its message displayed for all of them to read:

Don't come back for me.