Chapter 16: Stormheart Reunion
(Intro) (Storm Hawks updated with Amy Lu)
The Condor was soaring through the clear blue sky. The Storm Hawks were all doing their chores and duties. Aerrow, Aria, Radarr and Mimi were doing the dishes. Sky and Amy Lu were mopping the floor. Junko, Judy and Riggorix were seeing to the boiler. Skyler was fixing up the skimmers. Piper, Skyla and Starling were charting through the maps. Fenix was resting nearby with Sid and the little Leaper sleeping on her head. Finn was stuck outside scraping the sky barnacles off the hull. Stork was doing the driving, as usual, while Lavender worked through the navigation. "Great work, everyone. You're all doing such an excellent job." Aerrow said. "I beg to differ! These suckers just don't wanna come off!" Finn exclaimed from outside. "Yeah? Well, you try to do something your way, that's what you get, Finn!" Aria called.
Just then, a violet bird appeared and flew into the Condor. "Whoa. What's a feathered critter doing here?" Amy Lu asked. The bird flew towards the Stormheart Triplets and perched itself on Skyler's right shoulder. "Huh? There's a note around the bird's neck." Skyler said, noticing a note around the bird's neck. He took it, unrolled it and read it out loud. "Dear Skyler, Skyla and Sky, the Stormheart family is holding its annual Stormheart Family Reunion on our home terra. Please come home to Terra Thohle. The whole family will be there. Signed, your father, Cloud Stormheart." "Why are the Stormhearts having a family reunion?" Finn asked as he re-entered the Condor. "The Stormhearts are huge family that have passed down for generations." Aerrow explained. "And all Stormhearts have to return to their home terra so they can celebrate their ancestors' memories and passing." Aria added. "Aria and I have been to those reunions ourselves since we were young and because we're good friends of the Stormhearts." Aerrow said. "You guys are welcome to celebrate our reunion with us and meet our family." Skyla said. The team started thinking about it. "I think it would be nice to meet all them Stormhearts in one terra at once. Full of fun!" Amy Lu exclaimed, excitedly. "Stork, set course for Terra Thohle." Aerrow said. "You got it." Stork said, setting the course.
Meanwhile, in Cyclonia, Master Cyclonis had summoned the Dark Ace, Snipe, Ratharr, Argo and Joker to her throne room. "You sent for us, Master Cyclonis?" Dark Ace asked. Master Cyclonis, having her back to them, turned around and glared angrily at them. "After I've heard that the Blizzarians took back Terra Blizzaris with the help from the Skylight Guardians, I would've preferred to handle things PERSONALLY!" She exclaimed angrily. Snipe, Ratharr, Argo and Joker flinched at this outburst while Dark Ace remained calm under the pressure. "But under the circumstances, I'll need you 5 to see to this matter." Master Cyclonis said. "What's the job, Master?" Argo asked. "I have also heard that the Stormheart family is having their little reunion on Terra Thohle. And since those triplets are part of the Storm Hawks, they're likely to attend. So, we're going to seize this chance and take the Heart of Atmos from them once and for all." Master Cyclonis explained.
After about 30 minutes, the Condor arrived at Terra Thohle and landed on an open space. When the Storm Hawks exited the Condor, they saw the views of Terra Thohle. It was a beautiful sight due to its healthy vegetation. "It's been a while since we were here as little kids, Aerrow. I still remember the terra's beauty." Aria said. "So do I, Aria. So do I." Aerrow said. "Come on, guys. We'll show you to our house." Skyler said.
The Stormheart Triplets led their Storm Hawk friends to their home. When they got there, they saw that the house was actually a huge mansion. The Storm Hawks, except Aerrow and Aria, were completely stunned by this. "Guys, is this mansion really your house?" Finn asked. "Yes." The triplets answered simultaneously, leaving Finn speechless. Skyler walked up to the door and knocked on it. The door opened and revealed Thunderay. "My blessed grandkids! Welcome home!" He exclaimed happily as he gave the triplets a big hug. "It's good to see you too, Grandpa." Skyla said. "Storm Hawks! So glad you decided to come too." Thunderay said. "We're glad to come, Thunderay." Aerrow said. "Come on in, everyone. I'll introduce you to the rest of the family." Thunderay said as he led the Storm Hawks inside.
Once inside, they walked over to the living room, where 3 of the other Stormheart family members were sitting. "Storm Hawks, allow me to introduce some of the family. This is Cloud and Vaporia, the triplets' parents, and their eldest child, Ruby." Thunderay introduced. "I'm so glad you're here. Welcome back." Vaporia said as she gave Aerrow and Aria a motherly hug and did the same to her triplet children. "I'm so glad you guys are home." Ruby said, hugging Skyler. "It is good to see you 2, Aerrow and Aria. You've both grown. Why I haven't seen you 2 since you were little. Especially after what happened to your father and our old friend, Lightning Strike." Cloud said. "Yeah. I remember when you guys took us in and raised us." Aerrow said. "Yeah. In case something ever happened…to our father." Aria said. Everyone went silent in sadness. Cloud remembered the day Lightning Strike fell, betrayed by the Dark Ace. "Perhaps it's best we set that aside and focus on our reunion celebration." Sky suggested. "Yes. We're all ready for it. We just have to wait for the rest of the family to show up." Vaporia said. Just then, as if on cue, everyone heard a bunch of noises outside of the mansion. "What the heck's going on out there?" Riggorix asked. "What are those noises?" Piper asked. "Sounds like the rest of our family's finally arrived." Ruby said.
When everyone walked outside, to their surprise, they saw 7 different airships coming in to land on the terra. As the ships landed, all the squadrons walked out of them. The Storm Hawks were stunned to see every squadron they were familiar with. The Red Eagles, Rebel Ducks, Rex Guardians, Third Degree Burners, Buff Buzzards, Absolute Zeroes and Screaming Queens. The squadrons all gathered around. "Storm Hawks. Small world, isn't it?" Blister said. "Wow. It's so good to see you guys. But why are you here?" Aria asked. "Simple. We're here for the Stormheart Family Reunion." Harrier said. "Each of us has a Stormheart in our squadrons." Suzy Lu said. "And since they joined us, we were invited to this reunion too." Bruto said.
"This is our new leader, Skyanna Stormheart. She took over after Carver betrayed us." One of the Red Eagles introduced. Skyanna had long red hair tied in a ponytail and was dressed in a sleeveless Red Eagle uniform with an exposed midsection. "Good to finally meet you, Storm Hawks. Especially you, Aerrow and Aria. I knew your father when I was younger. He was a good man." She said, shaking Aerrow and Aria's hands. She shifted her eyes, seeing Finn sprucing himself up. "And I think there's something you should know about my squadron. They're my boyfriends." She revealed. The Storm Hawks were surprised to hear this while Finn was shocked. "Yeah. We all developed simultaneous crushes on her. But she couldn't pick anyone. So, she decided to date the whole squadron." The Red Eagle member explained. "And I'm quite lucky to have them." Skyanna said.
"And this is our new rookie, Whirl Stormheart. He joined us after you helped us at Terra Gale." Francois introduced. Whirl had smooth, thin, bald chestnut hair and was dressed in the Rebel Duck uniform. "Pleasure to meet you." He said, shaking Aerrow and Aria's hands. "This is our new loyal and respectful member, Twister Stormheart. He joined us after you beat us in the challenge." Harrier introduced. Twister had gently combed blonde hair and was wearing a new Rex Guardian uniform. "Charmed to meet the legendary Aerrow and Aria." He said, shaking their hands. "This is our tough new member, Brawler Stormheart. He joined us after all the craziness at the race on Terra Saharr." Burner introduced. Brawler had fire red mullet hair and was wearing the Third Degree Burner uniform. "Nice to meet you guys." He said, fist bumping them. "This is Rush Stormheart, our newest daring member. He joined us just like Brawler joined Burner's squad." Bruto introduced. Rush had shaggy dirty blonde hair and was wearing the Buff Buzzard uniform. "Nice to meet you." He said, shaking Aerrow and Aria's hands a bit roughly. "This crazy little stunt master is Jumper Stormheart. He joined us after you helped us with our volcano incident and taking back our home terra." Suzy Lu introduced. Jumper had the same hairstyle as Rush, but with silver hair, and he wore winter clothes like the Zeroes. "So rad to meet you guys. My Zero buds owe you so much for all your help." He said, shaking Aerrow and Aria's hands. "And this brave and bold fella is Rayin Stormheart. He joined us after the incident at Terra Saharr too." Tanya said. Rayin had nicely cut buzz hair with light blonde highlights and wore a muscular version of the Screaming Queen uniform. "Uh, even though he's a male? In an all-female squadron?" Aria asked. "Well, first time for everything." Tanya said. "Nice to meet you guys." Rayin said, shaking hands with Aerrow and Aria. Just then, the other Screaming Queens started canoodling with Rayin. "Let me guess. You girls have the same relationship as the Red Eagles?" Aerrow guessed. "Can't really blame them. He really has his way with my girls." Tanya said. "Including you?" Aria asked. "Not really. I'm not ready for a relationship yet." Tanya said.
With all the introductions aside, everyone gathered outside Stormheart Mansion. Cloud stood up and prepared a speech. "Welcome, everyone. Today is a very special day for the Stormheart family. Today, we host this reunion party in honor of our ancestors. So, let us honor them by enjoying ourselves tonight." He said. With that, the party began. The squadrons all started talking with each other and played games. Skyler was a bit away from the crowd, holding a drink in his hand. Aria noticed and walked over to him. "What's wrong? You seem to be enjoying the party, but you're not hanging out with everyone." She said. "Well, I am enjoying the party. But I don't like being in large crowds. They make me feel nauseous until I pass out." Skyler said. Aria understood this. "Hey, guys! Come on! We're just about to start a dance-off!" Ruby called.
But before the 2 could answer, an explosion interrupted the entire party. Everyone looked up into the sky and saw an entire Cyclonian squadron attacking the terra. The Dark Ace and his generals were leading a squad of Talons down towards the party. "Cyclonians." Aerrow said venomously.
The squadrons banded together as the Cyclonians landed. "One chance, Sky Knights. Surrender and your ends will be swift." The Dark Ace offered. Cloud stepped forth and drew his old Energy Katana. "Like I'd ever accept an offer from you, traitor." He said venomously. The Sky Knights drew their weapons. "So be it. ATTACK!" Dark Ace exclaimed. The Cyclonians charged towards the Sky Knights. The Sky Knight squadrons, except the Storm Hawks, charged back and collided with the Cyclonians. "Storm Hawks, get ready!" Aerrow called as he took off his scarf and unveiled the Heart of Atmos. The Storm Hawks nodded. "Skylight Unite!" Aerrow called as the Storm Hawks transformed into the Skylight Guardians.
Harrier knocked down and couple of Talons until a certain Joker caught his eye. "You! We have unfinished business, Joker!" He exclaimed. "Oh, I never realized you were a business man, Harrier." Joker joked. Harrier drew his sword and charged towards Joker. But Joker tossed one of his cards in Harrier's face, distracting him. Joker delivered a hard kick to Harrier's stomach, forcing him onto his knees. "Such a shame, Harrier. I thought we had something beautiful together." Joker said as he drew his Two-Handed Blade. "But if it's any consolation, your head will make a perfect prize for Master Cyclonis." But just then, Aria sent him flying with a mana blast. "You alright?" Aria asked. "Only my pride hurt, Lady Aria." Harrier said.
Amy Lu fired ice beams from her hands, freezing several Talons in place. Just then, Snipe surprised her by attacking with his mace. But she dodged the attack. "A new member of the Storm Hawks. No matter. I'll just smash you into the ground!" Snipe exclaimed. He charged towards Amy Lu, but she stomped her right foot against the ground and froze it, making him slip and fall. He screamed as he slid past her and hit his head against a tree. "I may be new, but I got moves." Amy Lu said.
Twister used some advanced acrobatics to dodge and attack several Talons. Skyanna sent several Talons flying with an energy wave created from her Energy Sword. Whirl created a wind blast with his Energy Staff and a Windstone Crystal, blowing several more Talons flying away. Brawler punched each Talon that came his way and knocked them out. Jumper leapt across several more Talons with hard kicks. Rush bashed through several more Talons with great speed. Vaporia knocked some Talons down with her nunchaku. Thunderay, despite his old age, managed to shoot down the other remaining Talons with his Energy Bow. Ruby struck the last Talon standing with a hard punch, causing him to spit out his teeth and knocking him out. "Yeah. That'll teach you to mess with the Stormheart family." She said. "Is that right?" A voice asked. The Stormhearts turned and saw Argo aiming his blaster at them. "So much for the great Stormheart family." He said. Suddenly, a couple of roots popped out of the ground and snared his arms and legs. Skyla showed herself with her hand out. "Don't mess with our family." She said venomously. Skyler and Sky walked up beside her and blasted Argo with a double blast of fire and water.
Riggorix found himself surrounded by several Talons. "Well, well. What ever will I do?" He asked sarcastically and unafraid. The Talons charged him, but he used his powers to snag their Energy Staffs and morph them into a series of drills. The Talons gulped. "Yeah, I suggest you run." Riggorix said as he fired the drills, making the Talons run away. He laughed at his handy work. "Laugh now, brother. Because it's the last time you ever do so." Ratharr's voice said. Riggorix glared as he saw his former brother walk up to him, sword ready. "Ratharr. I had a bad feeling I'd see you here." He said. "How unfortunate for you. Gonna draw your weapon or use your power?" Ratharr asked. "Oh, I don't have to." Riggorix said. "And why's that?" Ratharr asked as he prepared to attack, but he was stopped in the middle. "Because my friend's here to assist me." Riggorix said. Ratharr looked and saw Lavender holding him in position with her psychic powers. "Oh, dear." He muttered. Lavender telekinetically tossed him into the air. "Nice one." Riggorix said. "Anytime." Lavender said.
As the squadrons and Talons continue to battle, Cloud and Dark Ace came into contact with each other. "Dark Ace, I will make you pay for what you did to the Storm Hawks. To Lightning Strike." Cloud said venomously. "Like I care about Lightning Strike or the Storm Hawks. I do what I do for the glory of Master Cyclonis." Dark Ace said without a care. Cloud brought out a white crystal and inserted it in his katana. The blade glowed white, and clouds started to gather. Everyone stopped fighting as they noticed this. "What's going on?" Junko asked. "Our dad's using a Weather Crystal. It causes a change of weather." Skyla said. "We Stormheart's always have a thing for weather." Sky said. "I thought that was my job." Stork said. Lavender and Amy Lu giggled at this.
Dark Ace equipped his blade with a Firebolt Crystal and prepared to fight. Cloud shouted and charged towards his former ally. The 2 began clashing their blades as they slashed at each other. Everyone gathered around as the fight progressed. Vaporia held her nunchaku tightly with hopes for her husband. Cloud managed to hold his own, but Dark Ace managed to trick him and knock him down. The squadrons gasped at this while the Talons chuckled. "It's been a real blast to see you again, Cloud. But now it's time to clip your wings too." Dark Ace said as he walked up to Cloud and raises his blade. But suddenly, he couldn't move his arms. He struggled to finish the job, but he still couldn't move. "What's going on here?! Move, arms! KILL HIM!" He demanded. "Stop fooling around, Dark Ace! Just kill him already!" Snipe exclaimed. "What are you waiting for?! END HIM!" Joker exclaimed. "I can't! I have no control of my own body!" Dark Ace exclaimed.
As the Cyclonians began arguing to Dark Ace, Aerrow snuck over to Stork. "Stork, I think it's time we scare these Cyclonians off the terra with a little thunderstorm." He said. "With pleasure." Stork said, rubbing his hands together. "Sky Knights, take cover!" Aerrow called. The squadrons took cover as Stork began summoning a large storm cloud over the entire terra, which the Cyclonians noticed. "Uh, I think this would be a good time to…RUN!" Snipe screamed. Stork unleashed several lightning strikes from the dark clouds, electrocuting the Cyclonians and forcing them to retreat. Dark Ace managed to regain control of his body and joined his fellow Cyclonians. "This isn't over, Storm Hawks!" He shouted as he took off on his skimmer. The squadrons cheered in victory as the Stork Hawks transformed back. "Wow, Merb-man, you are a real storm shocker. You think you can shock me with a lightning strike?" Billy Rex asked. "Mmm…no." Stork said.
Afterwards, the Stormhearts resumed their party, turning it from a reunion party to a victory party. The Storm Hawks, in their normal forms, put on a little show with their elemental powers. Everyone enjoyed the show as they started dancing. Hours passed as the sun began to set with the party ending. All the squadrons were saying their goodbyes with handshakes, fist-bumps and even a few hugs before boarding their airships. "Say, uh, Skyanna and Rayin? I'm hoping to get some advice from you 2." Finn said. "About what?" Skyanna asked. "Well, can you guys tell me how to get girlfriends the way you 2 do?" Finn asked. Skyanna and Rayin were surprised to hear this. But before they could say anything, Skyler walked up and grabbed Finn. "Sorry if he was bothering you, guys. Let's go, Finny." He said, dragging Finn away and making Skyanna and Rayin laugh before they boarded their respective airships to join their squadrons. "That was quite the party, Cloud." Aerrow said. "Best we've ever been to." Aria said. "You know, you and your friends are welcome to stay at the mansion to rest up before continuing your journey to protect Atmos." Cloud offered. "Thanks, Cloud." Aerrow said.
Meanwhile, back in Cyclonia, Master Cyclonis was furious when she got Joker's report about their failure. "I will not be denied my victory any further! The Heart of Atmos will be mine!" She exclaimed angrily. Meanwhile, Dark Ace sat in his bedroom, thinking about what happened back on Terra Thohle as he looked at his hands. His body acted on its own like it was refusing to kill Cloud when he had the chance. He glanced over at a mirror and saw Spade's reflection instead of his own. Shocked, he shook his head and looked back at the mirror, seeing his own reflection this time. He was confused. He could've sworn that he saw someone else's reflection instead of his own. He was completely unaware of the other personality inside of him and helping the Storm Hawks.
Well, how was that for an original chapter? The Storm Hawks go with the Stormheart Triplets to their home terra to celebrate their family's reunion party. Joined by their fellow Sky Knight Squadrons, the Storm Hawks celebrate with the Stormheart family. But then the Cyclonians attack the party. But the squadrons banded together and sent the Cyclonians flying away. But now the Dark Ace is getting suspicious about what is happening to his body. Will he eventually find out about Spade? Will the Storm Hawks ever see the Stormheart family again? Will Finn ever get himself a girlfriend? Leave a review if you'd like.