Chapter 24: Thunder Run
(Intro) (Storm Hawks updated with Vuto)
"Squadron log: In all the Atmos, there's one guy you definitely not wanna mess with. The mega gangster they call the Colonel. We found this out the hard way." Piper narrated in her squadron log. The Storm Hawks found themselves in their usual form of trouble. They stood at the presence of the gangster known as the Colonel. Junko was tied up and hanging by a web. Unfortunately, he said something to the Colonel that put him in that bad situation.
"Colonel, please. I swear, he didn't mean it." Aerrow said. "Yes. Junko just gets awfully ahead of himself sometimes." Aria said. Junko muffled due to his mouth being covered in web. "Nevertheless, here we are." Colonel said. The Storm Hawks looked over at his goons as they glared at them, cracking their knuckles. "But I am prepared to be reasonable." He said. "You see? There's nothing to be worried about. He's a reasonable…" Aerrow started to say. But then, the Colonel climbed over his desk, revealing himself to be a 4-legged spider creature. "…guy?" Aerrow said in shock. Lavender fainted from the shock if Amy Lu and Sky hadn't caught her. "I will release your friend, if you bring me something very special before the sun sets. An entire case of Rozen Yoga." Colonel said. "Rozen what?" Finn asked in confusion. "I don't even know what that is." Skyler said. "I didn't even understand a word he said." Riggorix said. "Surely malcontents such as yourselves have heard of Rozen Yoga." Colonel said. "Malcon-what?" Vuto asked as he tilted his head to the right, not understanding what the Colonel was saying. "I swear, he's not even speaking English." Riggorix said.
"Never mind! Just get it!" Colonel exclaimed as one of his goons brought up a map. "From here." He pointed to a building on the far-left side. "But that's hours away." Piper said. "Then you better hurry." Colonel chuckled. "We'll save you, buddy. Just hang in there." Aerrow said. "No! Don't make me leave my Junko!" Judy cried as she held onto her webbed boyfriend. "Come on, Judy." Riggorix said as he, Starling and Amy Lu pried Judy off and followed the others as they ran back to the Condor. "JUNKO!" Judy cried dramatically. As they left, the Colonel grinned at Junko sinisterly.
Meanwhile, Radarr, Mimi and the pets were looking for something to eat in the fridge. "Oh, I'm afraid that there's nothing left, but one measly apple." Radarr said, taking the apple. "Oh no. And we're all super hungry." Rosa said. "So, what're we supposed to do?" Cottontail asked. "Oh, I know. I'll cut this up into 6 slices. That way, we'll all get a piece." Radarr said. "Brilliant." Mimi said. "Stork, get her running. Piper, plot a course." Aerrow said as he and the Storm Hawks rushed on board. "But we don't even know what this Rozen Yoga is. We can be putting something dangerous in the hands of a really bad guy." Piper said. "Maybe. The only thing is that Junko's in real trouble if we don't." Aerrow said as they rushed towards the bridge. "Did we miss something?" Radarr asked. "Oh, just the usual." Stork said as he walked by. "Thought so." Radarr said as he went back into the kitchen.
As the Condor takes off, Piper placed the map on the table. "Here's where the Colonel said it would be. If we go this way, we can be there in at least 6 hours." Piper said. "Which leaves 6 hours to get back before sunset. Not a lot of cushion." Aerrow said. "Aerrow's right. We'd never make it back in time." Aria said. "What if we cut through this section of Cyclonian territory? It looks like it goes a lot shorter." Finn said. "Maybe. But it would cost us a lot of time." Piper said. "Not to mention inevitable capture." Stork said. "But there's gotta be something we can do to save more time." Skyla said. "Looks like this is gonna have to be a Thunder Run. Put the pedals to the metal and don't let anything stop us." Aerrow said. Stork pushed the engines to the max. But suddenly, the engine started to run out of power. "Problem. If we're gonna run this ship for 12 hours straight, we need more crystals. Unless, of course, you wanna end up stranded, desperate, alone." Stork said. "Actually, I think we could all use some refueling. But Radarr, Mimi and the pets split the last apple." Finn said, feeling his stomach growl. "I'm with Finn. We haven't had anything to eat since yesterday." Riggorix said, feeling his stomach growl too. The others agreed as their stomachs growl too. "Alright. As we land to stock up on crystals, we'll also get something to eat for the trip." Aerrow said. "Good call, Aerrow." Aria said.
Later, the Storm Hawks arrived at a small terra with a crystal depot. The Storm Hawks hauled several crates of crystals onto the Condor. "Okay, that's all of it, Aerrow." Aria said. "Right. Piper, Skyla and Starling, plot a course. Stork, Rigg, Sky and Lavender, load the crystal converters. Finn, Twilight and Vuto, you 3 get us something to go. And be quick about it. We're on a schedule." Aerrow said. "On it, Aerrow." Finn said before he, Twilight and Vuto walked towards the restaurant. "Let's hope they come back with food. I don't wanna resort to savagery and cannibalism." Riggorix said.
Finn, Twilight and Vuto entered the restaurant and walked up to the bar. "Ah, Storm Hawks. We heard you were back. What'll it be?" The chef asked. "3 orders of your Super Special Combo plates to go please. We're on a bit of a schedule." Finn said. "Coming right up." The chef said as he walked off to prepare their order. As they waited, 2 of the customers beside them started to fight over their food. Just then, the chef stomped over to the 2 customers. "No fighting in here!" He exclaimed before punching them right out of the restaurant. "Whoa." Vuto said in awe. "That's quite a punch." Twilight said. "I know. I never tolerate violence in my local eatery." The chef explained as he brought the 3 Storm Hawks their order. Suddenly, Finn saw 3 familiar reptiles at the front door. "Oh no!" He gasped. "What's wrong?" Twilight asked as she and Vuto turned to the front door. "Raptors." Finn whispered. Leugey, Hoerk and Spitz had just walked in, and were carrying a Velocity Crystal. "But Repton told us to bring the Velocity Crystal right back." Leugey said. "He didn't say to do it on an empty stomach!" Spitz said. "That's it! If we had that Velocity Crystal, we could cut our travel time in half." Finn whispered. "But how are we gonna get it?" Vuto asked. Finn thought of an idea. "Sir, be ready to do your thing." He said before turning invisible, shocking Vuto and the chef. "Oh, I see what you're doing, Finn." Twilight whispered, knowing what he was planning.
Finn snuck around behind the Raptors and stomped hard on Hoerk's tail. "OUCH!" Hoerk shouted, tossing up the Velocity Crystal. Finn caught it in his hand, but Hoerk glared at Leugey to even notice. "Why don't you watch where you're walking?!" Hoerk exclaimed, grabbing Leugey by the throat. "And 3…2…1…" Finn counted down. As Hoerk raised his fist, the chef grabbed it before he could punch Leugey. "No fighting in here!" He exclaimed before punching Hoerk right out the door. Leugey and Spitz retaliated, and pounced the chef, starting a fight in the restaurant. "Come on! Grab the food and let's get going!" Finn exclaimed after he made himself visible again and headed off. Twilight and Vuto grabbed the food and followed Finn back to the Condor. As they returned, the Condor took off. The Storm Hawks installed the Velocity Crystal and jetted off with a strong boost. "Now I see why they call them Velocity Crystals!" Vuto exclaimed.
Meanwhile, back at the compound, the Colonel saw to Junko. "Until your friends return, you are my guest. You'll find I am an excellent host." Colonel assured as he ungagged Junko's mouth. "I have a passion for the finer things as you can no doubt tell by my…palace." He explained, gesturing to his collection. "Uh, yeah. I really like the…smell." Junko said. Just then, 2 of the goons walked in with a dinner trolley. "Ah, that must be my dinner." He said. One of the goons removed the serving tray's lid to present his boss with his dinner. A poisonous jellyfish. "One of my passions is food. I've refined my palate where I would regularly dine on gourmet fair that would kill most men. Like this poisonous jellyfish." Colonel explained as he held up the jellyfish. "Oh, good. I'm staved." Junko said. "Oh, you want to try it? How entertaining." Colonel said, earning sinister chuckles from his goons. He held out the jellyfish as Junko took the whole thing in his mouth. But as he swallowed it, he felt a slight boil in his belly. The Colonel smirked at this. "I usually eat them fried. But boiled is okay. You got anymore?" Junko asked, feeling perfectly fine. The Colonel was surprised by this.
Meanwhile, in a dark location, a large, dark tar pool bubbled with evil. Suddenly, a dark creature burst out of the pool, revealing itself to be a giant eagle with dark feathers, blood-red eyes and a skull-like mask. It spread its giant wings and let out a loud shriek, echoing throughout the dark location.
Meanwhile, the Velocity Crystal finally ran out of power and the Condor slowly came to a stop. "That's it for the Velocity Crystal." Stork said. "But thanks to Finn, Twilight and Vuto getting that crystal, we cut like 4 hours out of the trip. Let's give it up for Finn, Twilight and Vuto!" Piper cheered, raising her hand for a high five. But everyone just stood in place with shocked expressions. Unable to speak, Radarr pointed towards the problem. Piper turned around and saw the problem. "Oh, gonk." She said in worry on what everyone saw. They flew right into a huge cyclone storm known as a Blizzicane. It sucked up the Condor and threw everyone around inside. "A Blizzicane! We have to go around!" Piper exclaimed. "And lose all the time we gained?!" Finn exclaimed. "It's either lose the time or lose the Condor!" Stork exclaimed. "And knowing my own boyfriend, not being a fan of crashing to his doom, you know which one he would choose!" Lavender exclaimed. "Aerrow, can't you use your air powers to steady all this wind?!" Vuto exclaimed. "I'm afraid not! Blizzicanes are too powerful even for my powers!" Aerrow exclaimed. "So, we have no choice! Fly us out, Stork!" Aria exclaimed. Stork grabbed the helm and steered the Condor out of the Blizzicane.
Meanwhile, back at the compound, Junko was eating everything the Colonel had placed on his plate. He finished eating the last meal and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Jellyfish, spiny spores…" Colonel listed, smelling Junko's breath. "Stink eggs." The goons were disgusted. "Not bad, but I'm curious to see how much guts your belly really has." Colonel said. He clapped his hands and 2 of his goons brought a whole plate of expired, outdated, poisonous and deadly food out to the table. "Most would call this…a death sentence." Colonel said, smiling sinisterly. "Ooh-hoo-hoo! Brunch!" Junko cheered. He began chowing down on every bite of food. The Colonel and his goons were shocked at how much Junko could eat and still keep going. When he was finished, Junko dropped his fork, starting to feel sick to his stomach. "Didn't think you'd be man enough for that. Frankly, I am the only one who wins." Colonel said. "Well, any last words?" Just then, as Junko felt his stomach bubbling up, he let out a loud burp that lasted almost 3 minutes. "Um…seconds?" Junko asked. The goons actually cheered for Junko's endurance. The Colonel glared at them, making them shut up.
Meanwhile, the Condor finally managed to get away from the Blizzicane. "Well, that took forever." Piper said. "But at least we're alive." Sky said. "But even at max speed, we won't make it in time." Stork said. "Then what do we do?" Judy asked, worried about Junko. "Uh, I think we have a bigger problem." Aerrow said. Everyone turned and saw that they entered the dark location. Thunderclouds covered the whole sky. Aerrow winced as he clutched his head. "Aerrow, what is it?" Piper asked in concern. "I sense something off. A dark presence." Aerrow said. Suddenly, there was a loud shriek in the air. "Okay, what was that?!" Skyla asked in shock. Just then, something grabbed onto the Condor, making everyone stumble. "Something's got the Condor!" Stork exclaimed. Aerrow looked out the window and saw a big wing. "It's some kind of giant bird." He said. "We gotta get it off before it tears up the Condor." Aria said. "Vuto, you stay and keep us on course." Aerrow said. "On it." Vuto said, taking the helm. "Everyone else, it's time." Aerrow said as he took off his scarf and unveiled the Atomic Crystal. "Skylight Unite!" The Storm Hawks, minus Vuto, transformed into the Skylight Guardians and flew out to engage this creature. When they fly up high, they saw a giant, dark eagle. "It looks the same as those wolves we fought on Terra Edmontonia." Twilight said. "But it's still gonna end up like they did. Stork, first strike's yours." Aerrow said. "Get off my ship!" Stork exclaimed as he fired an electric blast at the dark eagle. But it didn't appear to have any effect on it. "But…that's impossible!" Stork exclaimed in shock. Just then, the dark eagle turned its attention on them, flapped its wings and unleashed a massive wind blast, blowing the Skylight Guardians away. But they quickly regained their flight. "Okay. This thing is a lot tougher than those wolves." Lavender said. "How do we beat it?" Skyler asked. "Attack it together. Try everything you can do." Aerrow said. The Skylight Guardians flew towards the dark eagle and started attacking it with all their powers. But no matter what they do, the dark eagle proved itself to be difficult to beat. "Ugh! It's no good! It's way too tough!" Starling exclaimed. "Then how're we gonna get it off the Condor?" Amy Lu asked. "Wait. Everyone, shield your eyes!" Finn exclaimed, coming up with an idea. As the Skylight Guardians covered their eyes, Finn formed his light bow and drew it back, forming a light arrow. As he fired it at the dark eagle, it burst out into a giant light blast, blinding it. The dark eagle shrieked in pain as it let go of the Condor and flew away, trying to shake off its blindness. The Skylight Guardians cheered as they flew up to Finn. "That was brilliant, Finn!" Piper cheered. "You showed that birdy the way home!" Sky cheered. "Nice shot, Finn." Aerrow said, giving Finn a high-five. "Thanks. It's what I do for my friends." Finn said.
"Hey, guys! We're coming up to a terra! It's the right one!" Vuto called through the P.A. The Skylight Guardians flew right back inside the Condor as it approached the terra and changed back into their Storm Hawk forms. As the Condor landed, the Storm Hawks walked towards the gangplank with their weapons ready. "This is it." Piper said, pointing to the building. "We're gonna make it." Finn said. "If we survive whatever's inside." Stork said. "We got to. For Junko." Aerrow said. "Hold up, guys. I recognize this place. I think I've been here before." Riggorix said. "Rigg, we don't have time for this! We need to get that Rozen Yoga now!" Aerrow exclaimed. "FOR JUNKO!" Judy shouted as she charged towards the entrance with the others following. Riggorix sighed as he slowly followed. As they burst through the door, ready for a fight, they suddenly became confused at what they saw. It looked like a dessert diner. "Uh, we're looking for Rozen Yoga." Aerrow said. "Rozen…huh? Ah! Frozen yogurt. Best in the Atmos." The cashier said, gesturing to his available product. "I thought so. This is the Atmos' best frozen yogurt establishment. I came here once as a cub." Riggorix said after he caught up to his team. "You mean, Rozen Yoga is…frozen yogurt?!" Aerrow asked in shock. "Unbelievable!" Starling groaned. "I can't believe we went through all that for something so…dumb!" Piper exclaimed. "Watch it! This stuff's the best frozen dessert you've ever tasted." Riggorix said. "He's got that right." Finn said as he, Twilight and Vuto each tried a bowl. Riggorix approached the cashier. "One case please. For the Colonel." He said. "Ah! Of course. The Colonel's our best customer." The cashier said as he brought out a case of frozen yogurt for the Colonel.
"Well, that was whole lot easier than I expected." Aerrow said. "And we still got 6 hours until sunset." Aria added. "And it's a good thing we got a freezer." Riggorix said as he carried the case. "Unfortunately, we probably won't make it back in time without another Velocity Crystal." Stork said. "So, what are we gonna do?" Piper asked. "There's only one thing we can do." Aria said as they head back onboard the Condor. "Yes. We're taking Finn's shortcut idea through Cyclonian territory." Aerrow said. "But won't they see us?" Amy Lu asked. "Not exactly. Remember that little trick we did back in Terra Deep?" Aerrow asked, holding up the Atomic Crystal. The others caught on to what Aerrow was talking about.
With the Condor cloaked, they flew through Cyclonian territory, careful not to get hit by the erupting lava rocks. Starling looked through the scopes and saw that the Talon patrols just flew by, going about their business. "Your plan's working, Aerrow. Those Talons don't even know we're flying through their territory." She said. "And we're gonna make it in time to save Junko." Aerrow said. "I just hope my Junko's alright." Judy said with worry.
Meanwhile, back at the compound, the Colonel and Junko were about to have one last challenge. "Your belly is impressive. I'll give you that. But no one has ever bested mine." Colonel said. Junko barely paid attention due to him drooling at the sight of the food presented in front of him. "Ooh-hoo-hoo. Toxic rat melon. Yorba Venom smoothies?!" Junko exclaimed happily as a worm crawled out of one of the drinks. "We eat until one of us drops." Colonel said as he prepared his fork. Junko got ready to feast.
Meanwhile, the Condor successfully made it through the Cyclonians' territory. "We did it! We're through!" Piper cheered. "I don't believe it! We're actually gonna make it!" Stork exclaimed happily as the others cheered. Suddenly, the cheering was interrupted by a thunderstorm. "A thunderstorm? Where did that come from?" Sky asked. Lavender checked the scopes and spotted something very familiar. "Uh, you guys? We got company." She said. Aria took over the scope and saw the dark eagle following them. "We've been followed!" She exclaimed. "It's that eagle again!" Finn exclaimed. "What do we do?" Vuto asked in worry. "Prepare to fight. We don't stop. No matter what." Aerrow said. Everyone nodded as he was about to use the Atomic Crystal to transform into Skylight Guardians again. "No, wait! Looks like there's something else coming." Aria said, spotting something else through the scopes. Suddenly, there was a loud, familiar shriek in the air. "What's that noise?" Amy Lu asked. Just then, as the dark eagle prepared to sink its talons onto the Condor, it was hit by a fireball. Everyone turned to see a flock of Phoenixes flying towards them. "Phoenixes!" Piper exclaimed in shock. The Phoenixes attack the dark eagle, scratching, pecking and hitting it with fireballs. The dark eagle shrieked in pain as it tried to swat the Phoenixes away with its wings. Just then, one of the Phoenixes flew up next to the Condor, looked at the Storm Hawks and winked at them. "Wait. Don't we know this Phoenix?" Finn asked, getting a feeling of déjavu. Just then, Aria gasped. "It's you! From Terra Rex!" She cried happily. "It's good to see you again, Storm Hawks." The Phoenix said. "You know this Phoenix?" Starling asked. "Long story. Tell you later." Aria said.
"I'm glad we got here in time or you would've been mincemeat." The Phoenix said. "You know what that thing is?" Aerrow asked. "I'm afraid so. That is a Storm Bringer, a very dangerous Omentaur." The Phoenix explained. "Omentaur?" Finn asked. "Yes. It is a very dangerous form of creature, born out of pure darkness. The Storm Bringer, when they attack, they bring forth dangerous thunderstorms. Haven't seen one in centuries. Not since the last time I worked with your predecessors." The Phoenix explained. The Storm Hawks watched as the other Phoenixes continued battling the Storm Bringer. They obviously proved to be tougher than it. "Oh, right! We gotta help Junko!" Aerrow exclaimed. "Gunning it!" Stork exclaimed. "I shall accompany you." The Phoenix said.
Meanwhile, Junko and the Colonel continued their little contest, eating every bite they could. "Uh, I can't eat anymore." Junko said. Colonel stopped eating when he heard that. "Yes! You quit! Once again, the Colonel reigns supreme!" He cheered. "Well, actually, I just ran out of stuff to eat." Junko said, revealing his plate to be completely empty. The Colonel gasped in shock. "Hey, can I have some of yours?" Junko asked. The goons cheered as the Colonel glared at the Wallop licking his chops.
Meanwhile, the Condor and the Phoenix were almost to the compound. "We're almost back to the Colonel's compound." Piper said. "And with a few minutes to spare before sunset." Skyla said. "Finally, our troubles are over." Finn said. As the Condor landed on the terra, the Storm Hawks walked down the gangplank while Riggorix carried the case of frozen yogurt. "So, your Wallop friend crossed the Colonel and he was willing to let him go for a single case of frozen yogurt?" The Phoenix asked as she landed beside the Storm Hawks. "Unfortunately. We didn't know what it was due to his accent." Riggorix said. "Oh, I hope my beloved Junko is alright!" Judy cried. "Well, well, well. I see you made it." Colonel said as he and his goons walked through the doors. "We did as you asked. Here's your…Rozen Yoga. Now release-" Aerrow started to say. But Junko's chuckle interrupted him. "Junko?" "Oh boy! Dessert!" Junko cheered as he was about to grab the case. But Riggorix yanked it up, making poor Junko trip. "Paws off, Junko!" He exclaimed. "Give it here, Rigg!" Junko exclaimed as he tried to grab the case. "No! You have no idea the trouble we went through to get this!" Riggorix exclaimed. "JUNKO!" Judy cried as she tackled her boyfriend and started smothering him with kisses, relieved that he was alright. "Are you okay?" She asked. "Yeah, I'm just fine. Although, wanna go 2 out of 3?" Junko asked. "With you, no. In fact, after our little competition, I am too full to have any Rozen Yoga." Colonel said. The Storm Hawks got angry from hearing that. "What?!" Aerrow asked in anger. "You ungrateful 8-legged toad! After all we went through to get you your stupid ice cream!" Piper exclaimed. The goons gasped while one of them fainted. The Colonel got close to Piper's face as he glared at her. "Young lady, you have just made a big mistake. But I am prepared to be reasonable. If you can bring me some Gigamite…in the next half hour." He said.
But Aerrow was not about to allow that. "Skylight Unite." He spoke softly. Once more, the Storm Hawks, minus Vuto, transformed into the Skylight Guardians. The goons gasped at this. "The Skylight Guardians?!" One of them exclaimed in shock. "Oh, please. It was a mere parlor trick. The Skylight Guardians are…nothing, but a mere myth." Colonel said. "Is that so?" Aerrow asked. The Skylight Guardians all raised their hands and gave a small example of their powers…by firing them on the Colonel and his goons, knocking them down. "Let that be a lesson and a warning to you, Colonel, if you ever cross us again." Aerrow said as the Skylight Guardians changed back to their Storm Hawk forms. "And we're taking this too." Riggorix said, taking the frozen yogurt case as he followed the others and boarded the Condor, taking off back into the sky with the Phoenix following. The Colonel and his goons groaned as they recovered, watching the Storm Hawks leave. "Well played, Skylight Guardians. I look forward to seeing you again…soon." Colonel said, chuckling sinisterly.
Later, as the Condor finally put some distance between itself and the Colonel's compound, the Storm Hawks opened the bay door and allowed the Phoenix to fly in. "Thanks for your help today, Phoenix." Aerrow said. "It's always a pleasure to help you, my friends." The Phoenix said. "Well, I guess you should be flying back." Aria said. "What do you mean? I'm in no hurry to leave again." The Phoenix said. The Storm Hawks were surprised and confused. "When I was flying beside you as my flock rescued you, it reawakened an inner joy inside me that I have not felt in years. So, I will stay and fly beside you, help you anyway a pure-hearted Phoenix like me can. If you'll have me." The Phoenix said. "Yes!" Aria cheered immediately, making the others look at her in surprise. "Oh. I mean, uh-" She tried to say, feeling embarrassed. "But of course. We'd be honored to have you fly and fight beside us." Aerrow said. The Phoenix smiled and bowed in respect. The Storm Hawks bowed right back, having gained a new friend, teammate and pet.
Well, that was quite the adventure. Junko got into trouble with the biggest crime boss in all of the Atmos, known as the Colonel. So, the Storm Hawks have to journey across the Atmos for something called Rozen Yoga. But after dealing with Raptors, a Blizzicane and a giant Omentaur called a Storm Bringer, they managed to reach their destination, only to discover that Rozen Yoga was actually frozen yogurt. Upon leaving, they were attacked again by the Storm Bringer, only to be rescued by their old Phoenix friend from Terra Rex, along with her own friends. As they return, the Colonel was actually full from the eating challenge he had with Junko. Irritated, the Storm Hawks taught him a harsh lesson, took the frozen yogurt and left, along with the Phoenix as their newest teammate and pet. Will the Colonel ever make contact with the Storm Hawks again? What new adventures will the Storm Hawks encounter next with the Phoenix on the team? Leave a review if you'd like.