Author's notes: yes finally, another chapter, sorry for the long wait. My excuse is a mix if English class, writers block and 4 am plot bunnies that demanded extension. So once again sorry. And disclaimer, I own nothing bar the plot, the account and the computer. Credit where due for everything else.
STUPID?
Several months had passed since Dark Ace had re-joined the Storm Hawks. To say the initial re-instatement had passed without incident would be a huge massive white lie.
~~~~~~~~~~~ flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Storm Hawks were all sat round the table, bar Aerrow, who was standing, the Dark Ace beside him.
"Guys, I've decided that the Dark Ace deserves another chance," He lifted a hand to silently stop Finn's oncoming protests, " he's been banished from Cyclonia, and as such he has no where to go. And I know that he's tried to kill us, well me, several times, and others, but he has given me his word that he's changed and I, for one believe him."
There was a few moments of silence then Piper spoke " Aerrow, you know that I trust your judgment, most of the time, but the Dark Ace is-"
"Was."
" Was Cyclonian, how do we know we can trust his word?"
" I suppose you don't," Dark Ace said, " if you don't trust me enough to let me join you, I completely understand."
" Guys, just think about it," Aerrow said, " Dark Ace is the second best fighter in Atmos, imagine how much stronger we would be if he did join us."
They thought.
"Well, that is true but I don't know Aerrow."
" Well, doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?"
"Ok Junko, now I know you've lost it." Finn piped.
" Aerrow, are you sure you're not suffering from mind worms or anything?" Stork asked, hovering around Aerrow.
Aerrow took a deep breath and counted to ten. He'd never had to do this before. On one hand he wanted his team to be happy, on the other hand, they really needed the Dark Ace on the team, they weren't winning as easily as they used to. " As your Sky Knight and Leader I say the Dark Ace is joining our squadron." And with that, Aerrow left the room.
Piper was silent, shock etched into her face. Stork was muttering about impending doom, again. Junko looked at the rest of his team mates. Only Finn spoke. " Yup, he's finally cracked."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Present Day~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many an argument had started on the Condor over Ace joining the Storm Hawks over the next few weeks. Now, they had all learned to live with him, except Finn. Finn still had a problem with Ace. I suppose he just wasn't as forgiving as the others.
Aerrow himself was starting to have doubts too. It had been a year and Aerrow had started to notice a shift in the team's behavior, especially Piper. She was comfortable around Ace. A little too comfortable for Aerrow's personal liking. She laughed at all his jokes, spent increasing amounts of time with him. What if Ace was taking his place?
Radarr jumped onto Aerrow's bed. Aerrow looked up at his buddy. " Hey Radarr."
Radarr, sensing Aerrow's sullen mood looked up at his pilot, eyes enlarged. " Rehk?"
" Do you think I'm an idiot for letting Ace join?"
Radarr recoiled " Mehk."
" Really?" Radarr nodded. " Ok then."
Radarr placed a paw on Aerrow's shoulder " Mekrrrrrrrrehk?"
" I think Piper likes Ace, like likes Ace if you know what I mean," Radarr nodded, " I just…" Aerrow hit his pillow in frustration. " How could I have been so stupid?"