Chapter 12: Absolute Power

(Intro)

2 weeks after Aria's birthday, the Storm Hawks were all doing their usual Condor-hold chores while listening to Piper's favorite music. Piper and Skyla were doing some map charting. Stork was piloting the Condor. Junko and Judy were letting out the steam in the pipes. Aerrow, Aria, Radarr and Mimi were fixing the vents. Skyler and Sky were polishing the windows. Riggorix was taking inventory of the weapons. Lavender was feeding Fenix and Sid. Finn, however, was laying down, listening to his own music on his headphones. Suddenly, the record was heard being scratched as the music stopped. "Hey, who stopped the music?! That's my favorite song!" Piper exclaimed as she turned around, but quickly became embarrassed when she saw that it was Starling. "Am I interrupting?" Starling asked. "Oh! Starling. What are you doing here?" Piper asked, embarrassed. "I'm on a mission. And I need some help." Starling said.

"This is a dangerous mission. You 2 are the only ones I know who might be interested." Starling said. "I can plot out a course if you need any maps or charts." Piper offered. "Sorry, Piper. But I need Aerrow and Aria only." Starling said. "Sorry, Starling, but we're not leaving our team behind." Aerrow said. "It's either all of us or none of us." Aria said. The others nodded. "I understand, but success depends on a low profile. If I could go alone, I could. But I need 2 more." Starling said. "Well, if you need help so bad, why not just bring your own squad?!" Riggorix exclaimed in an outburst. Everyone gasped at that. "What?" Riggorix asked. "Because…I don't have a team anymore." Starling said sadly. "Oh. Right. I forgot about that. Sorry." Riggorix said regrettably. "It's alright." Starling said.

Aerrow and Aria still felt unsure about going without the rest of the team. "What do you guys think?" Aerrow asked. The others just shrugged. "You're probably better off. I'm kinda developing a rash. Probably contagious." Stork said, scratching himself. "And I think it's best I stay here. Don't want to say anything more that I may regret." Riggorix said. "Piper?" Aria asked. "Whatever you 2 want." Piper said with a shrug. "Alright. Aria, Radarr, Mimi and I are in. But the Condor has to stay within reach." Aerrow said. "Yeah, if we get into a pinch, we'll need the team at our side." Aria said. The team nodded as they prepared for a fight. "Very well. Let's go." Starling said as she headed towards the hanger. Aria, Radarr and Mimi followed. "Piper, you're in charge. Stay on tactical alert." Aerrow said. "And what are we gonna do while we wait?" Finn asked. "Practice combining your Skylight powers. Like me, Skyler and Sky did. We'll need every advantage we can get if we run into trouble." Aerrow said. "You got it, Aerrow." Junko said. Aerrow headed for the hanger to join Aria, Radarr, Mimi and Starling. The 3 Sky Knights got on their skimmers and took off. "Okay, team, it's time for combination practice. Let's head to the hanger and see what we can come up with." Piper said. The Storm Hawks raced for the hanger. But Riggorix slowly followed, still feeling regretful for what he said to Starling.

"So, where are we heading?" Aerrow asked. "To help save some Raptors." Starling said. "Raptors?!" Aerrow asked in shock. "Well, Terradons anyway." Starling said. "Okay, you wanna explain why you brought us to Terra Bogaton?" Aria asked. "I got a distress call from some scientists held under siege by Repton himself. It seems they no longer want to help Repton develop his diabolical weapons. Repton needs their brain power, but he's starting to lose his patience." Starling explained.

Meanwhile, on Terra Bogaton, the Terradon scientists took refuge in a stronghold, trying their best to hold down the fort. Repton and his Raptors were parked just outside the stronghold. "We know you're in there. OPEN THE GATES!" Repton shouted through a megaphone. There was no answer. One of the scientists looked through a para-scope and spotted Leugey, Hoerk and Spitz charging towards the stronghold with a battering ram. The scientist activated the stronghold's Energy Cannon, blasting the 3 Raptors. The scientist chuckled as the Raptors retreated in fear. Repton snarled in annoyance. As the scientists continued working, a fly flew out of the stronghold, only to be shot down by one of the hidden Energy Cannons.

"They told me they have a means to escape. They just need a few Sky Knights willing to help them pass Repton's air defenses." Starling explained. "No one's ever gotten past the Energy Cannons of Bogaton." Aerrow said. "It's practically suicide." Aria said. "That a problem?" Starling asked. "Nope." Aerrow said. "It's just the way we like it." Aria said. Starling smiled as they approached Terra Bogaton. "If we come in low, they'll never see us coming." Aerrow said. "A brilliant idea, Aerrow." Aria said. "My thoughts exactly." Starling said. They flew in low to avoid detection as they pulled up towards the terra, switched their skimmers to land-mode and drove off towards the stronghold's location. But they failed to notice that they triggered a motion alarm.

Meanwhile, Piper got everyone ready for training in the hanger. "Okay, everyone, as the Skylight Guardians, we'll need to try out new tricks and combinations. We'll need to them if Master Cyclonis ever tries anything unexpected." She explained. "Like how I created that light bow back at Glockenchime?" Finn asked. "Exactly, Finn. And since you brought it up, would you give a demonstration?" Piper asked. Finn walked up and formed his light bow in his hand as Piper set up 3 targets for him. He drew back the string and formed 3 light arrows. He then fired the arrows at the targets, destroying them. The Storm Hawks applauded this. "Excellent demonstration, Finn. Like I said, we'll all need to learn new tricks and combinations to match against the Cyclonians." Piper explained. "For example, the power of fire and light can work similarity since their almost one and the same. Skyler, step forth." Skyler walked up next to Finn. "Now, combine your 2 elements to attack the target." Piper instructed as she set up another target. Finn formed another light arrow and fired it. Skyler followed by breathing out a stream of fire from his mouth. The fire engulfed the arrow and they fused together, giving the arrow even more power. The fused arrow struck the target, destroying it. Piper and the other Storm Hawks were shocked by this. Even Finn and Skyler were shocked by this outcome. "Bravo, you 2. This is the exact idea I had in mind. If we try to fuse and combine our elemental attacks, then we'll have double the chances of victory." Piper explained. "Now, everyone pair up and try to think of some useful combinations. Judy and Lavender, since you 2 aren't Skylight Guardians yet, you 2 sit out and observe." She said. "Good call. That way, when we get our own Skylight powers, we can come up with our own combos." Judy said. "I'm cool with that." Lavender said.

Meanwhile, Repton caught sight of Aerrow, Aria, Radarr, Mimi and Starling from his tower. "It seems we have a few Sky Knights in our little nest. And one of them happens to be the keeper of the Heart of Atmos himself." He said, chuckling sinisterly. "Bring them to me!" He ordered. "Yes, sir!" The Raptors exclaimed, saluting their leader. "They'll make a fine addition to this evening's stew! And once we have the Heart of Atmos, I will personally deliver it to Master Cyclonis." Repton said.

Meanwhile, the Storm Hawks were practicing coming up with different combinations and fusion attacks. During this time, Finn was giving Skyler and Sky a lesson on making bows with their elements. "Now the trick is to imagine the weapon you want to make, picture it in your hand and let your element give it form." He explained. Finn held out his hand and concentrated his mind as he formed his light bow in his hand. Skyler and Sky held out their hands, concentrated their minds and formed bows of fire and water. "Excellent work, you 2. This will be an excellent addition to our combination training." Finn said.

"What do you mean you can't display your combo attack right now?" Piper asked when she learned that Junko and Skyla came up with a combination. "Well, if we were to display our attack here, it would tear the Condor apart." Junko said. "Besides, we're still workshopping the attack details for when we're on more solid ground." Skyla said. "Oh, okay. That's understandable. Rigg! You're up next!" Piper called. But Riggorix didn't respond. Everyone looked to see him sitting in a corner, looking rather sad. Piper walked over to him and sat down beside him. "You okay?" She asked. Riggorix just sighed. "Still thinking about what you said to Starling?" Piper asked. Riggorix sighed again. "Piper, how did Starling lose her squadron again?" He asked. "Well, it's a really sad story, Rigg." Piper said. "Could you tell me?" Riggorix asked. "Okay. A couple years ago, the Interceptors were one of the best Sky Knight Squadrons in the entire Atmos, second to the original Storm Hawks. Repton was the newly elected leader of the Raptors and he had a thirst for combat and carnage. On his first mission, Repton led the Raptors to attack the Interceptors' home terra. The Interceptors fought back as hard as they could, but Repton was too strong. With a single attack, Repton slaughtered the entire squadron. Starling was the only survivor. Repton took the shield of the Interceptors as a trophy. And since then, Repton's slaughtered dozens of Sky Knight squadrons and took their shields as trophies for the last 2 years." Piper explained sadly. Now Riggorix felt even more upset over what he said. He had no idea the pain Starling went through. He had to make up for his mistake.

Meanwhile, Starling noticed that the Raptors were following them from behind. "You know we got company, right?" She asked. Aerrow, Aria, Radarr and Mimi looked back to see the Raptors. "I wouldn't worry too much about those guys." Aerrow said. "Yeah, they're not the brightest of Raptors. Other than Repton, I mean." Aria said. They drove up towards a ramp. "Remember, stay low." Starling said. They drove off the ramp and landed on the other side. But as the Raptors drove off the ramp, they switched their skimmers to flight-mode. "How dumb are these guys? We got a perfect shot!" Leugey exclaimed happily. Just then, the Energy Cannons activated and blasted the Raptors. "How'd you like the taste of your own medicine, snake-face?!" Aria called mockingly. Aerrow, Radarr, Mimi and Starling laughed at that as they continued.

Later, Repton was not happy when the Raptors reported back to him. "Shot down by our own DEFENSES?!" He exclaimed angrily. "I have a reputation to uphold! I'll deal with the Sky Knights and seize the Heart of Atmos myself! As for you 3, remind me why I shouldn't use you for target practice?!" "Because Mother made you promise not to." Leugey said nervously. "Oh, yeah. I'll have to thank her." Repton said, unveiling his mother's head in a jar. The Raptors gasped at this. "It's moments like this where even I must take drastic measures to ensure my rule. Now ready yourselves for battle! We're going after the Sky Knights!" Repton ordered. "Yes, sir!" The Raptors exclaimed worriedly before they took off. "Sometimes, I can't believe we came out of the same nest." Repton mumbled.

Meanwhile, it was Riggorix's turn to test out a new combination. He decided to make up for his outburst on Starling and be prepared for Aerrow's call. "You sure you wanna do this, Rigg?" Piper asked. "I'm sure." Riggorix said. "Alright. Show us what you got." Piper said. Riggorix took position at the center as 5 targets popped up around him. He closed his eye and took a deep breath, focusing his power. Then a liquid metal started forming around his paws, turning into gauntlets. Claws formed on each of the fingers. Riggorix gave a mighty roar and used his new claws to slash up each of the target. The Storm Hawks were all surprised by this. "Like that? I call that my Mercury Claws." Riggorix said. "Nice name." Piper said.

Meanwhile, as Aerrow, Aria, Radarr, Mimi and Starling continued, they came across Repton leading his Raptor army towards them. "You wouldn't want this to be easy, would you?" Starling asked. "No way. We actually like a good challenge." Aria said. "Welcome to Bogaton." Repton greeted with an evil smirk as he and his army readied their weapons. Aerrow and Aria hit their brakes, causing to raise their skimmers onto the front tires and started spinning. The Raptors saw them coming as they quickly moved aside to avoid being hit. Aerrow and Aria dropped their skimmers back down. "Wow. That was really crazy. No wonder we never do that move more often." Aria said dizzily. "I agree." Radarr said as he shook off his dizziness. "Me too." Mimi said as she did the same. Starling pulled up beside them. "Nice moves. But when do your pets talk?" She asked. "Hey! Don't call us pets, okay?" Radarr warned. "Sorry." Starling apologized. Mimi turned around and shrieked, seeing that Repton and the Raptors chasing after them. Repton motioned his hand and the Raptors split up. "They're splitting up!" Mimi called. Just then, Spitz and Hoerk were about to drop in and strike Starling. "Starling, look out!" Aria called, preparing to use her mana powers. But Starling leapt up as she kicked both of them down and landed back on her skimmer. "Oh. Never mind then." Aria said. "Nice moves." Aerrow said. "Thanks. Watch your backs." Starling said. Aerrow and Aria turned to see Repton coming right at them. Aerrow blew a powerful wind from his mouth, blowing Repton away from them. "Nice blowing." Starling said with impression. But Repton wasn't through yet. He tossed his Energy Boomerang ahead of the Sky Knights and sliced off a tree branch, blocking their way. But they managed to burst through it. "Radarr, you still with us?" Aerrow asked. Radarr was covered in leaves. As he shook them off, there was a twig left in his mouth. Just then, another Raptor appeared in front of them, making Radarr scream and drop his twig. "Mine!" Aria called. She fired a mana beam at the Raptor, blasting him off his skimmer. "Nice shot." Starling said.

But as they continued, Repton was still hot on their tails. "Just like we planned?" Starling asked. "You sure this is the way you want to do it?" Aerrow asked in concern. "Yeah. We know you have your history with Repton, but is this the right way to do this?" Aria asked. "I'm positive. Now go save some lizards." Starling said. "Good luck, Starling." Aerrow said before driving ahead. "And be careful." Aria said before following her brother. Starling looked back and saw Repton as he leapt off his skimmer and performed his own Sky Knight move, the Twister Crasher, taking out her skimmer and causing her to crash. "What have we here?" Repton asked with an evil smirk as he pulled up to Starling, who just glared at the villainous reptile.

Repton brought Starling to his tower in handcuffs. "I'm sure it won't be long before those 2 Storm Hawks come for you. Then I'll have the Heart of Atmos for Master Cyclonis!" He said. "Don't count on it. They've got more important things to do." Starling said. "I don't suppose you'll want to tell me what those things are?" Repton asked in suspicion. "Not a chance." Starling said. Repton snarled as the 2 glared at each other. "Perhaps you'll change your mind when it's time…for dinner." He said as he gestured to his cauldron. Unknown to them, a familiar face was spying on them from the window.

Meanwhile, while Repton's forces were still patrolling outside the stronghold, ready to arrest or kill anyone who comes out, Aerrow, Aria, Radarr and Mimi were sneaking through the tunnels underneath them towards the entrance laced with heavy security systems. "What do you think, Aerrow?" Aria asked. "Well, this is the entrance, but…" Aerrow started to say. Just then, an eye slot opened and one of the scientists peeked out. "What's the password?" He asked. "Password? No, we're the Sky Knights you called for. We're here to get you out." Aerrow said. "Huh. They look a little short to be Sky Knights." The scientist said, as if he was talking to someone. "Not the first time we've heard that one." Aria said. "Starling sent us. We have to hurry." Aerrow said. "Starling?!" The scientist asked in surprise. He closed the slot and deactivated the security system, allowing them entry.

The lead scientist, Tarz, brought Aerrow, Aria, Radarr and Mimi inside the stronghold and opened a curtain to reveal their escape plan, a dirigible, much to the Storm Hawks' uncertainty. "This is how we get off the ground. Sad, I know, but it's the best we could do with what little we have in here." Tarz said. "No! It's, uh…it's nice." Aerrow said. "Yeah. It's…better than nothing." Aria said. "The real problem is getting off the terra." Tarz said as he rolled out a schematic map. "The most impervious defense network in all Atmos. I know. I designed it." "Nice work." Aerrow said. "So, how do we shut them down?" Aria asked. "We have no weapons. We need someone else who can disable the air defense cannons or we will never make it out." Tarz explained. "We'll get you past those battlements and off of this terra." Aerrow said as he rolled up the schematic map and gave it to Radarr and Mimi, who took off afterwards. "We just so happen to have the best Sky Knight squadron standing by."

Meanwhile, at the Condor, it was Stork's turn to show off a new move. He concentrated his electricity into his hand and formed a whip. "I thought Stork doesn't use his powers unless you're in serious danger." Sky said. "He usually does. But he's trying be more dependable." Lavender said. "But what's he gonna do with that lightning whip?" Junko asked. Stork lashed his whip at the target, giving it a major jolt. The Storm Hawks were impressed by this. Especially Lavender. "Now I believe that will give the Cyclonians a real shock." Stork said, making the team laugh. "Guys! I just got word from Aerrow and Aria. Radarr and Mimi are on their way." Piper said as she ran into the hanger.

Radarr and Mimi had returned to the Condor on Aerrow's skimmer. "This is amazing." Piper said as she unrolled the schematic map. "What is it?" Judy asked. "It's a complete schematic of the defense network." Piper said. "I recognize this design. It's almost the same as the defenses back on my home terra. We can easily take it down." Riggorix said. "Stork, set a course for Bogaton. Junko, Judy, prepare for an aerial bombardment. Finn, Lavender, man the blasters. Skyler, Sky, aid them with your new element bows. Skyla, you help me with the schematic." Piper instructed. "What about Riggorix?" Lavender asked. "The Raptors will be alerted to our presence when we start our attack. He'll provide cover from them." Piper explained. "Anything to make up for what I said to Starling." Riggorix said. "Then let's get to work." Piper said.

Meanwhile, Repton was getting really desperate to get answers out of Starling. "You'll find Raptors to be extremely patient, young lady. We live long lives. Tell me why you're here and I'll see you have one too." He said, holding his Boomerang's blade to Starling's throat. "You'll find out soon enough." Starling said. She unveiled a hidden blade on her bracelet and picked the lock on her handcuffs. "What?!" Repton exclaimed in shock. Starling brought out her Energy Nunchaku and prepared to fight, winking at Repton. Suddenly, before she could make a move, someone leapt from the window and landed beside her. "Who are you?" Starling asked, surprised by the sudden appearance of this stranger. "I'm a friend." The stranger said as he removed his hood, revealing himself to be Spade. "Dark Ace?!" Repton said in shock. "Guess again, Repton." Spade said. Starling stared at Spade, feeling flustered. She had heard about the Dark Ace doppelganger from Aerrow and Aria after the Phoenix debacle on Terra Rex. But from what they told her about him, she never expected him to be so…handsome. But she snapped out of it, remembering Repton. She leapt up to attack with her Nunchaku. But Repton blocked it with his Boomerang. As Starling leapt back, Spade ran in with his Double-Handed Blade, slashing at Repton and clashing with his Boomerang. But Repton pushed him back. "You don't remember me, do you?" Starling asked. "Should I?" Repton asked. Starling pointed to one of the shields on Repton's wall. "The Interceptors." Just then, Repton began to remember.

[Flashback]

The Interceptors' home terra was engulfed in flames. People were screaming and running as they were being slaughtered by the Raptors. Starling, heavily injured, watched as her squadron fought against Repton. But they were no match for him. With a single swipe of his Boomerang, he slaughtered the entire squad. "NO!" Starling cried as she watched their lifeless bodies fall to the ground. Repton then claimed the shield of the Interceptors as a trophy. Before he turned to leave, he stared at the glaring, tear-filled eyes of Starling. Then he left, disappearing into the flames. Starling crawled over to the bodies of her squad and sobbed hard on them.

[Flashback End]

Repton suddenly realized who Starling was. "You! You were their leader! Feel honored I left you alive that day. It was one of my most fondest victories." He said with an evil smirk. "You left me alive so that I would live with the pain you wrought me that day, Repton! And that was your BIGGEST MISTAKE!" Starling exclaimed in anger. She attacked with her own Sky Knight move, the Cyclone Stomp, sending Repton crashing into the wall. Spade was impressed by her move. "A mistake I intend to rectify." Repton snarled.

Meanwhile, the Condor had just arrived at Terra Bogaton. "Remember, Aerrow, Aria and Starling are down there. So, don't miss." Piper said. "I never miss." Finn said as he and Lavender readied the cannons. Skyler and Sky readied their element bows and joined them. "Stork, now." Piper said as she signaled him. Stork brought the Condor above the clouds and into the view of the Energy Cannons as they're activated when they detect and aim at the Condor. Finn, Lavender, Skyler and Sky started firing, taking out the Energy Cannons.

Meanwhile, Aerrow, Aria, Tarz and the other scientists heard the rumbling outside. "That's our cue!" Aerrow exclaimed. Tarz activated the dirigible and flew them out of the stronghold. The Raptors, still posted outside, saw them. Leugey prepared to shoot them down. "Let them go. Above that tree line, they'll be finished." A Raptor guard said, stopping Leugey. Suddenly, they felt the terra rumble. "The defenses! We're being attacked!" Hoerk exclaimed. "No duh." Riggorix said, revealing himself. The Raptors were surprised by his sudden appearance. "Aerrow! Now!" He called up to the dirigible. Aerrow nodded and took off his scarf, revealing the Heart of Atmos. "Skylight Unite!" He called. The Heart glowed and transformed the Storm Hawks, except Judy and Lavender, into the Skylight Guardians. The scientists were surprised by this. The Raptors turned back to the now human Riggorix as he readied his new Mercury Claws. "Now…who wants first dibs on me?" He asked.

Meanwhile, Starling and Spade continued their fight against Repton. When their weapons got in lock, Starling and Spade looked out the window and smiled. "What are you 2 smiling at?!" Repton asked. "Look out of the window." Spade said. Repton looked out the window and saw the dirigible. "You were a distraction!" He exclaimed in realization. "Oh, we're not just a distraction." Starling said, pushing her attack with Spade following.

Meanwhile, as Aerrow piloted the dirigible above the tree line, Tarz and the other scientists were a bit worried. "Don't worry, guys. Our team won't let us down." Aria assured. Just then, 2 cannons popped up behind them. "Finn! Skyler! 2 towers, 3 o'clock!" Piper called. Finn and Skyler fired at the cannons, destroying them. But 4 more activated to their left. "Lavender! Sky! 4 to your left!" Skyla called. Lavender and Sky fired at the 4 cannons, destroying them. "Junko, Judy, keep those Turkey Burps of yours dropping!" Piper called. Junko and Judy were dropping Turkey Burp Bombs on the cannons below them, destroying them. More cannons activated and started firing on the Condor, getting one lucky shot. But Finn, Lavender, Skyler and Sky managed to destroy them.

Meanwhile, Riggorix was fighting with the Raptors. He slashed one of their staffs into pieces and made the Raptor run away. When Hoerk ran in to attack, Riggorix blocked his Sword with his claws, grabbed him by the face and threw him into a tree. "Who wants the next shot?" Riggorix asked. Leugey and Spitz readied their weapons. "Your mistake." Riggorix said.

Meanwhile, Repton continued his fight against Starling and Spade, clashing his Boomerang with their weapons. He tried to swat Starling with his tail, but Spade caught it. "Why are you helping her?! You're the Dark Ace! You're on Master Cyclonis' side!" Repton exclaimed. "Feels like everyone I meet assumes that very same sentence." Spade said. Repton roared and continued the fight.

Meanwhile, Aerrow continued to fly the dirigible above the tree lines. A lone cannon activated and started firing on the dirigible, nearly taking off Tarz's head. But Skyler fired a fire arrow, destroying the cannon. "Gotcha." He said. But then an entire barrage of cannons activated and started firing all at once. But Finn, Lavender, Skyler and Sky destroyed them all, giving Aerrow, Aria and the scientists their escape route.

Meanwhile, Riggorix panted heavily as he stood over the unconscious bodies of the Raptors. "Rigg, Aerrow and Aria have the scientists clear off Bogaton." Piper called over the com-link. "Copy that. I'm on my way back." Riggorix said as he returned to his skimmer.

Meanwhile, Starling kicked Repton into the wall. "It's over, Repton." Spade said. But Repton would not accept defeat. He picked up his Boomerang as he recovered. "You little…" He snarled as he tossed the Boomerang. But Starling knocked it back with her Nunchaku, sending it towards Repton's shield wall. The Boomerang sliced the support beams, causing the wall to fall on Repton. "Nice move." Spade said with impression. "Thank you." Starling said. They walked up to Repton as Starling took her squadron's shield. As Repton recovered, Starling held his own Boomerang at his face. "Go ahead. Take your prize." He said, admitting defeat. "I already have." Starling said, holding up her shield. "All this…for a shield?!" Repton exclaimed. "Yes. It rightfully belongs to me. And your ride. You do owe me one." Starling said. Repton snarled as she walked away. Spade stayed behind a little longer. "Master Cyclonis will not be pleased when she hears of your betrayal." Repton snarled. "Wouldn't be the first time." Spade said as he walked away. Starling took off on Repton's skimmer as Spade followed on his own.

Back on the Condor, Aerrow and Aria arrived on the hanger where the team was training after they changed back to normal. Suddenly, a light arrow was shot right at them. They ducked as the arrow zipped by. "Oh! Sorry, guys! I missed my target!" Finn apologized. "It's alright, Finn. There's always a first for everything." Aria said. At that moment, Starling and Spade pulled into the hanger. The Storm Hawks were surprised to see Spade with Starling. "Spade! We didn't know you'd be here." Aerrow said. "You know me. I'm full of surprises, Aerrow." Spade said with a smile. "Nice job taking out the Energy Cannons." Starling said. "Thank you. There's a lot of things I can do." Piper said. "Did you get it?" Aerrow asked. Starling pulled up her shield. "I helped her fight against Repton to get it back." Spade said. Riggorix walked up to Starling. "Piper told me about your squad. I'm sorry for what I said." He apologized. "Apology accepted, Riggorix. I'd never hold a grudge against a friend." Starling said. "We're glad you got it back." Aria said. "And now you see why I couldn't ask the rest of you for help." Starling said. "We'd never would've said no." Aerrow said. "Of course not. You're the Storm Hawks." Starling said. "You're welcome to join the team if you want." Aerrow offered. Starling felt unsure.

Later, as Stork set a course for Starling's home terra, where the Interceptors' flag was placed, Starling sat in Aria's room, staring at her shield. She then received a knock on the door. "Come in." She said. The door opened to reveal Spade. "Spade. What're you doing here?" Starling asked. "I thought I'd check on you before I leave." Spade said. "You're not staying?" Starling asked. "Can't. Got a few things I need to take care of." Spade said. He noticed a look in Starling's eyes. "Still thinking about Aerrow's offer?" He asked. "I don't know what to say. I already lost one squadron to Repton. I don't know if I'm ready to become part of another one." Starling said. "I think you should join them." Spade said. Starling was surprised by this. "Due from the few times I've helped the Storm Hawks, I noticed that they're more than just a squadron. They're a family. And I think it's time that you become part of it." Spade explained. "Just something to think about." As he left the room, Starling put all this to thought.

Later, after Spade left, the Condor arrived at Terra Mesa. The Storm Hawks watched as Starling placed the shield at the flag's base. Skyla then walked up to the flag, held out her hand as she used her powers to make flowers around the base and the shield as a sign of respect. "Thank you." Starling said. "Anything for a friend." Skyla said. "So, what are you gonna do now?" Junko asked. "Well, I thought about your offer. And after talking to Spade before he left, I've come a decision." Starling said. The Storm Hawks awaited her answer. "I accept the offer. I'm joining the Storm Hawks." Starling revealed. The Storm Hawks were happy to hear that. Especially Piper, who fainted from overexcitement. Aerrow walked up to Starling. "We're glad to have you on the team, Starling." He said, holding out his hand. But instead of shaking his hand, Starling wrapped Aerrow into a big hug. Aerrow was stunned at first, but then he hugged back. Starling let a tear of joy fall down her cheek, happy that she has a new team. A new family.

Meanwhile, at Cyclonia, Repton reported to Master Cyclonis. "I'm sorry, Master Cyclonis. I have failed to retrieve the Heart of Atmos for you. The Dark Ace aided the Storm Hawks and the last Interceptor in destroying my defense network." Repton explained. Master Cyclonis was not happy about that. "Leave my presence until I summon you!" She ordered as Repton turned and ran off in fear. Once Repton left the throne room, Master Cyclonis began puzzling herself on Spade's latest appearance, piecing it together with the mirror thing. She began to suspect that Dark Ace might have another personality.

Alright! Wasn't that something? Starling returns and enlists Aerrow and Aria's help to free some Raptor scientists from Repton's tyrannical oppression. In addition, she faces off against Repton himself to reclaim her old squadron's shield. And now, with some encouragement from Spade, Starling becomes the newest member of the Storm Hawks family. But will Master Cyclonis figure out Spade's secret? What new challenges will Starling face with her new family? Leave a review if you want.