Chapter 9: I Want To Die.

"Piper," Aerrow sobbed, his arms around her as he rocked her tenderly. "Piper, talk to me."

Her head lolled in his lap, her musky pink lips open as she gasped for more air. "Can't…Breathe…"

"Help is on the way, Junko and Finn are getting help, Stork sent out radio signals, help is going to come," He stroked her hair, trying to take deep, calming breaths. "You can breathe, you can breathe fine, you're talking, just take deeper breaths-

"-I- think someone e-else needs to… to take… deeper… breaths…" She laughed, but stopped as another wave of pain hit her, her laughs replaced with hard, short sobs. He bit his lip as she gasped in pain, her fingers clutching Aerrow's hair weakly.

"Okay," Piper ate another mouthful of pasta, grinning. "So... if you could go anywhere in the whole of Atmos, where would you go?"

"Hmm... Wherever you are?" Aerrow winked at her charmingly, sipping his water. Piper couldn't help but smile, blushing a little.

He grinned before pouring more water into her glass, "I know I know. I'm a smooth talker."

"Doesn't always work with me," Piper sipped some water, but smirked at him. "You need to work on it. Too cheesy for my taste."

Aerrow chuckled. "Noted. Come on."

"What?" Piper watched him get up and offer a hand to her. "I don't think-

He ignored her, pulling her up anyway whilst he laughed. "-I'm not leading you to your death, P." Aerrow took her other hand and lead her to his bed, nodding his head at it to imply she should sit. Piper obliged him, wondering what he was doing as he searched his bedside drawer.

"Here," He pushed a small box into her hands happily as he sat next to her. "Happy Birthday."

She pushed it back. "Aerrow, I don't do birthday presents. You-

"-Shouldn't of, i know. But i did." He rolled his eyes, pushing it back. "Do we have to have this conversation every year? Open it."

She giggled before obeying, opening the box slowly.

Inside it was a small key.

"Um," Piper blinked at it, trying to conceal her confusion. "...Thanks."

He laughed. "P, you don't even know what it is."

"Well," She blinked at it. "No, no i don't. What's it a key to?"

He took a deep breath. "The summer house."

Her eyes widened. "Aerrow... your... your summer house? The one we used to stay in on holiday? Near the beach? Oh Aerrow, you found the key?"

He took the box from her hands to take one of hers, bringing it up to kiss her knuckles. "Yes, I found it, ages ago. I went back to my old house to search it. It took me a while to... to get my head around it. But I've been fixing it up on the odd occasion, whenever I've had a chance. It's ready and... and i wanted you to have this. To have access to it."

Piper's mouth had dropped open. "Aerrow..."

"It was our favorite place," Aerrow continued. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but I...needed some time alone. And now all I need is for you to know so I know that it'll always stay in our lives. One way or another..."

"Nothing's going to happen to you," Piper always had a knack of looking deeper into people's words: something Aerrow greatly admired and appreciated. "We'll take care of it, together. For your parents."

He smiled at her, yet it didn't quite reach his eyes, which seemed to be filled with sadness. "No one knows what'll happen, P. I just want to be safe."

She didn't want to talk any more about death, shrugging before looking back down at the box. "It's amazing... But Aerrow. This is too much. Don't girlfriends usually receive...flowers, cake, or something? Not keys to... to a house."

"Well, its been two years," Aerrow commented, following her gaze. "I think that's long enough to know where my priorities are. And after the War: i want us to live there. Together."

She looked at him, a rush of emotions flowing through her as she listened to his words. Slowly, she reached to push the box further down the bed before taking his face into her hands, pulling him down to kiss him.

"What is wrong with you?" Aerrow stroked her cheek, still rocking them gently: intent on distracting her from her pain. "Why do you always have to be the one who's hurt, eh?"

"Jealous much?" Piper chuckled quietly, trying to hide her weak coughs. Radaar nuzzled her cheek, trying to offer some form of comfort. She opened her eyes a little more, gazing at him through her eyelashes.

"Hey, Radaar." She murmured, "Don't get upset- She broke off, coughing harder. Aerrow's body was shaking violently along with her, and she looked back up at him- a weak smile forming.

"Don't," She stroked his cheek as she tried to fight to keep her eyes open. "A-Aerrow, I have something to tell you…I-"

"Piper, just concentrate on breathing, we can talk about this later-

"-We may not have later."

Piper gaped, her mouth wide open. "I... Aerrow, I'm so sorry...I...I'll go..."

He couldn't help but chuckle, holding the towel in place. "Piper, it's fine-

"-I'm sorry! The door was unlocked-

"-I know, my mistake, relax-

"-I didn't mean to walk in, I just- i needed a shower too, i thought you were sleeping-

"-Piper," Aerrow interrupted firmly, stepping closer. "Shh. It's fine."

She tried to keep her eyes on her face; but failed. Droplets ran down Aerrow's naked, well-built abs slowly- steam visibly rising from his defined muscles as he came closer to Piper. His hair was wet and fell over his bright eyes and her heart melted as he smiled at her, his hand rubbing the back of his neck cutely.

"I..." Piper stopped, feeling her pulse quicken. "I..."

"What's wrong?" He asked, concern showing in his emerald eyes. He put a hand on her shoulder worriedly. "Piper?"

But Piper knocked his hand away hurriedly. "I should go!"

"P?" He blinked confusedly as she backed away. "Piper? Tell me whats up-

"-Goodnight!" She put on a falsely bright smile, turning to move.

"Stop. Your. Brakes."

Piper stood still, taking a deep breath. She soon felt his wet chest against her back and his breath tickle her ear as his hand slid around her waist to stroke her stomach.

"You don't have to be embarrassed." He murmured as he put his other arm around her waist so his hands touched, keeping her in a lock as he turned her around gently. He looked down at her, his nose nuzzling hers. "Do you trust me?"

"Aerrow..." Piper felt herself unconsciously step towards him, her own hands suddenly pressed against his firm chest. "I'm not embarrassed...I just..."

"Just what?" One of his arms slid from her to lift her chin up gently. "Do you trust me?" He repeated.

She felt his lips travel along her jawline as her hands moved to grasp his broad shoulders, moving her head so her jawline was replaced with her lips. She kissed him slowly, ignoring he unusual sensations bounce up and down everywhere: feeling numb inside. Pulling away, she looked up at him, her eyes searching his.

"Yes," She said at last.

He only pulled her lips back to his as they walked backwards and heard the doors of Aerrow's bedroom slide open.

It was the first sentence she had said without choking, or gasping, or coughing. Aerrow shook his head in disbelief, ignoring her as he unconsciously pulled her closer, kissing her forehead.

"Yes we do," He whispered.

"So to…" Piper then hesitated a little, coughing to hide her uneasiness. "To… Erm, get this girl's attention, you could… um-

"-Piper, do you even know how to help?" Aerrow was amused as he chuckled at her, rubbing his neck. "This girl is… different. She isn't like other girls."

"Well, if you just told me the name of this so called girl, I could try harder!"

He blushed. "It doesn't matter."

"Yes it does." She rolled her eyes.

"Doesn't."

"Does. And don't say it doesn't." Piper crossed her arms. "What advice do you need anyway, Aerrow? You're charming, you're kind, you're a sweet, good-looking-

She broke off, snapping out of her daydream. Her cheeks turned red when she saw Aerrow looking at her, an odd expression on his face.

"Um," Piper looked down, embarrassed, biting down on her fingertips. "What I'm trying to say is. Is. Is that you-you don't need any help."

"Well I dunno," Aerrow stepped closer, the same odd expression on his face, but a small smile forming upon it. "She's pretty impressive."

"Smart, independent, strong girl, then?" Piper tried not to sigh as she thought of Dove. "Just your type?"

"And real." Aerrow added. "And open-minded, brave: a fighter. A different girl. Beautiful..." He broke off, his smile widening.

"Beautiful?" Piper knew it was Dove. It had to be. The big eyed French girl with her sweeping eyelashes and flawless skin attracted many males in Atmos- and now even Aerrow.

"Not that it matters," Aerrow shrugged. "Beauty is more of a bonus-

"-Is it Dove?" Piper couldn't help but ask, this time a small sigh rushing out of her as she looked up at her Captain.

Aerrow was close. "Dove?" He asked, an eyebrow raised. "You think I like Dove?"

Piper felt a shiver run down her spine. "I… Well you said-

"-Piper," Aerrow shook his head- dangerously close now. Piper had to crane her head up to look at him as he bent down to look straight back at her. "I wasn't talking about Dove."

"I'm sorry," The boy with the bleeding leg whispered again. Aerrow's head snapped up, barely feeling his arms slide from Piper.

"Aerrow, no…"

But he could hardly hear her: the next thing he knew, a sudden energy had flown through him: he was on top of the boy, his hands around his pale throat.

"Please!" The boy gasped for breath, his hands clenched around Aerrow's fists as he tried to wrench himself from his grasp. "Pl-

"How tragic."

Aerrow dropped him, swinging around. His heart dropped like a stone when he saw the Dark Ace with his blade at Piper's throat, his arm securely around her.

Piper closed her eyes slowly.

"Don't do that again," The Dark Ace said silkily. "I believe we've gone through this process before. Do anything, and I'll slit her little throat. No going for help. Now get up."

Aerrow shook his head at him. "Not again," He whispered. "Please-

"-Interesting, how I'm lucky enough to get a hold of both of you." The Dark Ace smirked. "Interesting, that the great Sky Knight and his supposedly brilliant Navigator are in my grasp- one who is dying in my very arms...How sad."

"Let her go," Aerrow's voice was surprisingly quiet. "It's me you want."

"I had a good time." Aerrow smiled shyly as they stopped at Piper's door.

She returned his smile. "You said that last time. And the time before."

A faint blush creeped into his cheeks. "I…I did?"

"Yes, you did." She gathered his jacket closer to her, happily inhaling its warm smell. "And every single night I reply that I had a good time too. And then you watch me go inside. And then the next day we have another good tim-

"-P," He chuckled, "I get it."

Go for it, you idiot. Damn it. Why are you blushing? You should not be blushing. That's right. Just stand there, like a stupid moron. Close your mouth. Oh my god, why don't you just flop on the floor and die?

"You look cold," Aerrow shook off the voices in his head as he noticed Piper was shivering. She looked up at him and shook her head, smiling.

"No no, I'm okay-" She broke off as Aerrow edged closer to her, reaching out to take the lapels of his jacket and pull it tighter around her tiny frame. Piper felt her cheeks warm considerably as he smiled handsomely at her and didn't notice his head had bent so close to hers…

"You should probably have it back," Piper didn't realize her voice had suddenly become a timid whisper.

He chuckled, his warm breath fanning her face. "I think you may need it."

"I-" Piper stopped as his nose rubbed hers slowly, feeling her stomach flutter. "Aerrow-

-"You're back!"

Aerrow and Piper jumped apart quickly- his hands dropping back to his sides. Standing there was Finn: who was grinning at them.

Why?

"Wondering where you two where! Got something to show ya...Piper, why have you got Aerrow's jacket on?" Finn raised an eyebrow at her. Piper went red and looked down, noticing Aerrow gulping.

"She got cold," Aerrow said quickly. "I was going to hug her to keep her… warm. Just a hug. A hug. Okay, I'm off! Goodnight!"

"Aerr-

Piper's words died on her lips as she watched him practically run down the hallway and swiftly enter into his bedroom.

"What's that about?" Finn scratched his neck, looking puzzled.

Piper sighed. "Nothing, Finn…"

"It's all of you I want." The Dark Ace chuckled. "All of you, my Sky Knight."

"No."

"Piper, I have to." He pulled on his shirt, shaking his head. "Please, stop. You're making it harder for me to leave. I have to go."

"Someone else can! Someone else, Aerrow! Why do you have to go?" She pulled him back by the arm, her other hand cupping his face. "Please don't go."

"Don't," He groaned as her hands fell to his sides to slide around his hips and stroke his bare back gently. "You know as well as I do that someone has to-

"-It wasn't your duty. We need you. I need you. Let me go instead, even! It'll take weeks, Aerrow! You could die!"

He took her chin in his hands gently, raising it to look into her eyes. "Piper, we've talked about this. You need to put aside your feelings for me sometimes, and remember I'm your Captain. It is my duty. Let me go. Take command here. If I don't come back, you're the next leader."

And with that, he took out something from his trouser pocket, pushing a small shield into her hands. She started to shake her head, protesting, but he interrupted her.

"No, Piper. It should be you. No one else. This family doesn't need to be changed again, broken-

"-If you go and die, that's exactly what you could be doing-

"-We could die everyday." He told her gently, taking her face into his hands. "And I'll be back for you."

And with that, he kissed her hard before running from the room, his twin blades in his hands.

"Whatever my father did," Aerrow raised his hands slowly, desperate not to set the Dark Ace off as he eyed the sharp blade against Piper's throat, knowing it would finish her off. "Whatever he did, it has nothing to do with Piper-

"-Of course it doesn't," The Dark Ace smirked evilly. "But payback is sweet-

"-He's dead!" Aerrow burst out, as if the anger had risen up in his throat. "Dead! How can you hurt him-

"-It isn't about revenge with just your father, you idiotic boy. It's everyone. The Storm Hawks, always so perfect, with their perfect leader, who has a perfect girlfriend, bla bla bla! They took her…" The Dark Ace broke off, his voice shaking with fury. "They took her away from me."

Piper whimpered as she felt the Dark Ace's hand press tightly against her injury. Aerrow looked at her before back at Dark Ace, bending down slowly to look at him properly in his eyes. "Please… Don't take her away from me…She was taken away from you… you know the pain…"

The Dark Ace pulled Piper closer, looking wildy back at Aerrow. "But I must," He whispered slowly to himself, ignoring Aerrow. "I must, I have to, there is no choice!"

"Let her go," Aerrow knew this was his chance. He slowly moved closer to them, his heart pounding against his chest as he stretched his arms out carefully. "It doesn't have to be like this. She's already hurt, you got what you wanted..."

"Ava…"

She shook her head, pushing him away. "No…"

"Ava, please-

"-No."

"...But it does." The Dark Ace said slowly. "But it does."

"Please-

"Please, just let me go, Harry," Ava shook her head frantically, trying to move past him. "Get out of my way! Move!"

"Shut up," The Dark Ace suddenly stood up, Piper screaming in pain as his nails dug into her wound. "SHUT UP."

"I'm- I'm not-" Aerrow tried to calm him desperately, Piper's screams filling his eardrums. "Please- Please-calm down-

"You need to calm down. You need to realise I can't do this anymore."

He grabbed her arm and pulled her back, his nails digging into her skin. "You will not leave me."

The Dark Ace had let go of Piper, who spluttered into the ground, shakily trying to move. Aerrow couldn't help but run to her, not noticing the Dark Ace was screaming with anger, with pain, his hands grasping his hair tightly as the voices filled his head until he felt numb.

"I'm sorry," He whispered to himself as he looked over at Piper.

"I'm sorry Harry," Ava whispered. "But I can't do this anymore,"

"No!" Aerrow screamed, pulling the Dark Ace away frantically away from Piper. The Dark Ace roared as he spun around, knocking the Sky Knight out as he jumped on top of him, pinning the blade his throat.

"This has to end," The Dark Ace screamed at Aerrow, who was struggling against him. "This has to end!"

"I'll meet you in heaven," A tear rolled down her cheek. "There's a heaven, isn't there, Harry? Isn't there?"

"Ava..." The Dark Ace felt sick rise up in his throat.

"You don't believe in one." She closed her eyes temporarily, a smile forming on her face. "Oh god, Harry. This is what i should be doing. That's the only place we can-

-Be together." The Dark Ace finished with a whisper. He let go of Aerrow slowly, comprehension dawning upon him. Aerrow shook his head.

"No," Aerrow breathed as he slowly started to understand. "No, Dark Ace-

"-Do you think I'll meet her?" The Dark Ace laughed shakily, the blade rising to press against his throat. "You never know till you find out, eh?"

Aerrow didn't realise the screams were his.


"Do you understand?" She whispered as she lifted a blade to her neck. "Understand, please, just understand."

"Aerrow!"

"Eva!" The Dark Ace threw himself down to the ground beside her, lifting her into his arms. "No, Eva no."

"Aerrow…" Piper gasped as Aerrow was suddenly there, cradling her, rocking her gently in his arms. "Oh god, Aerrow, it hurts, it hurts."

Aerrow felt yet more warm blood flowing over his hands, inbetween his fingers, staining the fingertips. He felt salty tears run down his hot cheeks as he shook his head frantically, feeling numb and heavy.

He didn't know what to do.

The Dark Ace kissed her cheeks, her forehead, holding her tightly as he closed his eyes disbeliveably.

"I love you," He sobbed. "I love you."

"I love you too." Piper let out a half-sob, half-laugh as she hissed in pain. "At least I didn't get stabbed again, eh?"

"Stay with me, Piper." Aerrow shook his head, pulling her even closer. "The fall just hurt your injuries, stay still."

She shakily reached up to cup his face, looking into his emerald eyes.

"I don't think I'm going to make it." She whispered.

"You can't," Aerrow's sobs racked his body as he bent over her, shaking his head. "Piper, listen to me-

"-There's no… no time. Listen to me-"

"-There's plenty of time!" Aerrow seized her face with his hands, his forehead pressed against hers. "A lifetime. Piper, stop saying this. You can't go. Please. Please just stay with me."

"Look, missy, you can't have this. I need it, you know?"

"I'm sure I could give you something valuable," Piper twirled her hair as she batted her eyelashes, trying hard to not punch the man before her in the face as she smiled charmingly, speaking through her teeth.

He looked around, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Well, I dunno…"

Aerrow's head turned from the corner behind the man's back, shaking his hands to indicate she needed to hurry up. Piper's mouth dropped open but she quickly closed it again as the man looked at her, baffled. He made to turn around.

"How about a kiss?" She asked quickly, desperately praying he turned back around.

It worked. He turned to her, his eyebrow raised, although he looked a little hopeful.

"Pardon?" He sounded a little taken aback. Piper stepped forward, her hand traveling up his arm slowly.

"Kiss me," She repeated slyly, before grabbing his head and pulling him back down for a kiss. Piper felt his hands roaming her back as she backed him into the door, trying to hide her disgust as he groaned into her mouth with pleasure.

Suddenly, Piper reached into her trouser pocket, pulling out her staff to quickly point and hold it against his chest, pushing it in threateningly, the crystal inside of it glowing brightly.

"Don't move." She smiled charmingly at his shocked expression, hearing footsteps as Aerrow walked towards her, crossing his arms when he stopped to stand next to her.

"I dunno, P, I think he could at least remove his hands off of you," Aerrow raised an eyebrow, looking unusually menacing. The man slowly removed his hands, glaring.

"The Storm Hawks," He hissed.

"I've never met anyone more stupid," Aerrow commented, "It's not like many people look like Piper from the Storm Hawks."

"No," The man leered as he eyed her up and down. "No they don't."

Piper stepped backwards, the tip of her staff digging more into his chest as she saw Aerrow's face turn into one of complete anger. "Junko."

Junko then stepped forward, the same slight evil smirk on his face, grabbing the man to keep him in a strong grasp. "On it."

Piper wiped her lips, but before she knew it Aerrow had grabbed her hand. She turned to him in surprise. "Aerrow-

He only pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. She wound her arms around his neck as he did so, happily returning his kiss, but he had pulled away.

"We're not doing that again," His voice was deep and husky as he stroked her lower back. "No more plans involving you and some other guy."

"Jealous?" She raised an eyebrow, a smile forming on her face.

"Yes." He told her simply, before letting her go and walking after Junko.

"Aerrow-

"-HERE!" Aerrow screamed as he spotted emergency nurses filling in the hallway. "Here! We're here! Help us!"

"Will you be my girlfriend?" Aerrow held out a daisy to Piper, smiling happily at her.

The little girl raised an eyebrow at him, before eyeing the daisy. "I don't think so."

"Please," He begged, pouting his lips. "Mummy says I have to be nicer to you because you've been ill."

"I don't want to be your GIRLFRIEND." Her nose wrinkled. "MY mummy says I have to be careful about who will be my boyfriend, because then I'll marry him and have babies and it hurts a LOT."

"You have babies?" Aerrow laughed. "Doesn't sound like your thing."

"I don't want to marry," Piper took the daisy, picking at its petals. "Marrying always goes wrong."

"I'll marry you, and I'll buy you everything you want and we don't have to have any babies." Aerrow smiled at her. She returned it.

"Deal." She giggled, before leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Thank you." She giggled again as he looked at her in surprised.

"Please don't kiss me again," He backed away slowly. "Finn says you get lurgies." He saw the slightly hurt look on her face and hurriedly rushed to add, "Although it was quite nice. So I suppose they are nice lurgies."

She lost her hurt expression and only giggled harder.


Aerrow, Finn, Junko, Radaar and Stork stood up as the doctor came out, his face solemn.

"Piper- Piper's okay, right?" Aerrow demanded to know, stepping forwards quickly. "Please, doctor-

"-She'll be just fine."

Finn and Junko both let out sighs of relief, smiles breaking out onto their faces as Radaar cheered. Aerrow let out a huge breath, as if he had been holding it in for years.

But the Doctor didn't look any less troubled. And Aerrow- his smile fading as he noticed, held his hand up to silence the rest.

"Then what's wrong?" He asked, his heart sinking. "Doctor Brown, what's wrong?"

Doctor Brown put down his clipboard, stepping closer to Aerrow, a saddening, sorrowful expression on his face.

"I'm sorry, Aerrow. We saved Piper- she will need to stay here for some time, but she'll be just fine. But… we lost the baby. The knife went right through the embryo."

Aerrow stared at him. "What did you say?"

"Piper's baby died."

"A-Aerrow, I have something to tell you…"


A/N: I hope I haven't lost any readers with this! Reviews would be great. Can't say much, except for thank you for my reviewers so far, and that i hope everyone is happy and well.

And I'm sorry for all those on alerts. This really is chapter 9, i kept deleting it because I was unhappy! But this week has been a bummer, so i tend to do that. Sorry!

Please review, it'd mean a lot!