Chapter 28: Leviathan

(Intro)

The Storm Hawks were not having a good day. The Condor had crashed on an uncharted terra while trying to use a dangerous move. "So, at least we know never to try that move again." Aerrow said. "Couldn't we have stopped at the next terra? This one smells funny." Finn said in disgust. "I thought that was Rigg." Vuto said, making Riggorix growl. "Just be glad we found this terra at all. It's not on any of the charts." Piper said, looking over her maps. "And I needn't remind you how deadly an uncharted terra can be. Probably home to a Murk Raider outpost or a nest of carnivorous Rat Worms or-" Stork said. "Stork!" Lavender said. "Oh, sorry. By the way, the crystal heat dissipator's completely shot. It'll need to be replaced." Stork said. "No problem. We passed a supply depot along the way. Aria and I will take a couple skimmers." Aerrow said. "Aerrow, heat dissipators are the size of a house." Aria said. "So, make that all our skimmers." Aerrow said. "Perhaps I should accompany you, my friends. We Phoenixes are known for our abilities to carry the heaviest of loads." Russelia said. "Sounds like a good idea. We always welcome the extra help." Aria said.

As the Storm Hawks prepared to take off, Radarr hopped down from the engine and walked up to Aerrow, covered in oil. "Uh, Radarr, you should stay behind. We're gonna have…weight issues." Aerrow lied. "Oh, yeah, right. You just don't want me to get oil stains on your ride. Well, I'm coming whether you like it or not." Radarr said. "Don't worry. I'll fix the oil problem." Sky said. He blasted Radarr with a water jet from his right hand, washing the oil off his fur. Everyone laughed at how funny Radarr looked with wet fur. "Gee, thanks, Sky." Radarr said. He shook himself dry and hopped into his co-pilot seat. "Lavender, you stay with Stork and the pets." Aerrow said. "Got it, Aerrow. Nothing bad's gonna happen to my man while I'm around." Lavender said, twirling her blaster. Suddenly, after the team and Russelia took off, Stork and Lavender felt the terra rumble. "What…was…that?" Lavender asked with worry.

A while later, as the Storm Hawks and Russelia returned with the dissipator, they saw that the terra suddenly disappeared. "Uh, where's the terra?" Skyla asked. "Did we take a wrong turn or something?" Vuto asked. "No, these are definitely the right coordinates." Piper said, checking her map. "Then where's the Condor?" Finn asked. "And where's Stork, Lavender and the pets?" Amy Lu added. "Everyone, scan the area." Aerrow said. Everyone got out their binoculars and searched the entire area for any signs of the terra or the Condor. "I got nothing." Finn said. "Me neither." Piper added. "Nothing on my end." Starling said. "Nor mine." Riggorix said. "Me neither. But it's hard to see with that emergency rescue balloon in my way." Junko said as an emergency rescue balloon floated into view. The team turned around as he said that and saw the balloon. Stork was hanging on to it for dear life. "Stork? Where's the Condor?" Aerrow asked. "And where's Lavender and the pets?" Aria asked. "It…It ate them." Stork said. "What did?!" Everyone asked with worry. "The…terra." Stork said. Aerrow and Aria were confused when he said that.

They brought Stork safely onto the dissipator. "Stork, exactly what happened?" Aerrow asked. "The entire terra…it opened…like a vast terrible mouth…and it sank into the clouds…and disappeared." Stork explained. "Okay, I'm officially freaked out now." Finn said. "Me too." Twilight said, hugging her boyfriend's arm. "Hold on, guys, there might be another explanation." Piper said. "For ship-eating terras?" Junko asked. "The region could've undergone a tectonic shift. The terra could be just below the cloud layer." Piper guessed. "Maybe. But I have the feeling that this might be something more than a simple tectonic shift." Odessa said. "Well, whatever happened, we'll never find it in that fog. Even my air powers can't search through all this." Aerrow said. "Aerrow's right. We'll need a deep sonar scanner if we're gonna get anywhere with our search." Aria said. "We can't lug this thing all the way back to the depot." Finn said. "Finn's right. I might be able to carry heavy loads, but I also have to allow my wings to rest for long distances." Russelia said. "Is there anywhere closer to us?" Skyler asked. "That doesn't eat ships." Junko added. "Very important." Judy said. "Well, there is one place. The Skyside Shanty, a waypoint for local Sky Fishers." Piper said, spotting it on her map.

Later, the Storm Hawks arrived at the Skyside Shanty. Russelia decided to wait outside due to her size. As the team entered the Shanty, the residents turned and stared at them…very almost unwelcoming. "Uh, they're looking at us funny." Judy said. "Hmm. Guess they don't get too many strangers in here." Piper said. "Let's just get a scanner and get going." Aerrow said. "The sooner the better." Aria said, hugging herself due to feeling uncomfortable in the place. "What do ya want?" A waitress asked as she walked up. "Uh, we just need a-" Aerrow started to say. "Skyfood Combo Platter!" Junko interrupted, eyeing the menu outside. The Storm Hawks looked at him in disbelief as he licked his chops. The waitress was unimpressed as she walked away to get his meal. "This is coming out of your check, Junko." Aria said as the team walked in to sit down. Junko carried Stork due to him still being in shock.

They sat down at a table under a stuffed Sky Shark head. Stork was still suffering the shock from what happened. "Stork, you okay there, buddy?" Aerrow asked with concern. "Like a vast terrible mouth." Stork repeated. "Wow. I've never seen him like this before. What's wrong with him?" Radarr asked. "Classic signs of Post-Dramatic Sky Shock. I read all about it." Piper said. "Of course, you have." Finn said, knowing Piper's book-smarts. "The first stage is disorientation." Piper said. "Whoa, there's a doozey." Amy Lu said. "Let's avoid any unpleasant reminders about what happened." Aerrow said. "It's still there." Stork said, starting to laugh mentally. A while later, the waitress brought Junko's food that he ordered, making him excited. He took one of the pieces, poured a small drop of the provided sauce on it and ate it. Just then, his stomach began churning, making the team cringe, until he burped right in Vuto's face. He fainted from the smell. "Oh! Sorry, Vuto." Junko apologized. "Eugh! What is that stuff?!" Vuto groaned as Riggorix and Twilight helped him up. Finn took the sauce and read the label. "Skyside Shanty's signature extra potent quadruple malt vinegar?" He read. "Kinda sour. But I like it." Junko said. "What a shock." Finn said sarcastically. Junko poured more of the sauce on his platter and continued eating.

"Just hurry up, Junko! We got a ship to find!" Aerrow said impatiently. "Lost your ship, eh?" The waitress asked. "And our buddy's girlfriend. And our pets. Got eaten by a terra." Finn said. That got the waitress' attention. "That was no terra. That was…the Leviathan!" She said. Everyone in the Shanty gasped at the name. "The…what?" Vuto asked in confusion. "Leviathan? But that's just a story to scare little kids." Piper said. Finn, Junko, Judy, Sky and Amy Lu shook in fear. Even Riggorix's fur stood on end. "Nay! He's real! Wrecked me ship!" One of the customers said. "Took me crew!" Another said. "Ate his best hat." Another said, gesturing to his friend sobbing at the mention of his hat. "The beast has terrorized us for nigh on a century." The waitress explained. "But hasn't anyone tried to stop it?" Aerrow asked. "I have." A voice said. The team turned to see an Aquanosian sitting at the bar. "That's Tritonn, Sky Knight of the Neck Deeps! He's-" Piper started to say. "A legend." Aerrow finished with awe. "A legend? No, not I. But if it's a legend ye want, I'll tell ye one." Tritonn said.

[Flashback]

Tritonn and his squadron exited the Skyside Shanty. "Me squadron and I, we set to ridden the skies of that menace once and for all. We built a ship for just that purpose. The Sky Quad." As the ship set sail, Tritonn searched for any signs of the Leviathan with his telescope. "We searched for weeks. Nothing. And then, we came upon a swarm of Cloud Krill, it's favorite food." He spotted 2 swarm clouds of Cloud Krill, leaping up and down through the clouds.

[Flashback End]

"And that's when you know it's near." Tritonn explained. The Storm Hawks listened closely as he continued. "The Leviathan struck us and me ships. It was over in minutes! The beast battered us with its huge barbed tendrils and its crushing jaws! And what was left went to the Sky Sharks that faced on its scraps!"

[Flashback]

The Leviathan's tendrils raised before they swatted the Sky Quad. "The Sky Quad was torn a sunder!"

[Flashback End]

"And nigh 30 men fell into the skies on that black and terrible death." Tritonn finished. "It took our ship and our friends. We're going after it." Aerrow said. Tritonn chuckled at that. "I admire your loyalty, laddie, and your gumption. You have me respect." He said. "Thanks. But what we really need is your help." Aerrow said. "He's right. You know this beast better than anyone. We could use your expertise." Aria said. "Nay. I must decline. Me squad's been called back home to Terra Aquinos to…repel a vicious Mud Eel migration." Tritonn said. Piper raised her eyebrow at that as he started to leave. "But good hunting to you." He said before he shot right out the door, leaving the team confused. Just then, Riggorix noticed a little Aquanosian girl sitting alone in a corner, looking so sad as she ate bits of her food. He grew curious. "Rigg, let's go!" Aerrow called as he and the other Storm Hawks were leaving. Riggorix took one last look at the girl before following the others.

Later, the Storm Hawks set off to look for the Leviathan. Stork rode with Piper on her heliscooter. After hours of searching, most of the team grew tired. "Aerrow, it's been hours. We really should be heading back." Piper said. "Piper's right, Aerrow. We can't keep our skimmers running for this long." Skyla said. "We're not stopping until we find Lavender and the pets." Aerrow said. "Aerrow, this is no time to be stubborn. If we keep going, our skimmers will be depleted of their power." Aria said. "I said we're not stopping until we find Lavender and the pets, Aria. Deal with it." Aerrow said, ignoring her words. Aria gasped hurtfully at that. "Well, we should at least take a pause, Aerrow. There's a small terra we can rest on up ahead." Finn said. "What is wrong with all of you? I said we rest after we find-" Aerrow was about to argue, until he stopped at the mention of a small terra. "Small terra?" He looked and saw it just ahead of them. "That's the one." Stork said, recognizing it. "Huh. Looks innocent enough." Junko said. "Do you suppose Tritonn was having a little fun at our expense?" Piper asked. "Wouldn't be the first time it's happened." Skyler said. Suddenly, an eye opened at them, making them scream. They pulled up as the terra revealed itself to be the Leviathan! "Look at the size of that thing." Vuto said in awe. The Leviathan let out a giant roar, revealing the Condor sitting on its tongue. "The Condor!" Stork said.

The Leviathan started flying off. "After it!" Aerrow ordered. The Storm Hawks chased after the Leviathan. "Aerrow, this is not the time for anything reckless!" Aria exclaimed. "She's right. We need a plan." Starling said. "Hit it with everything you got!" Aerrow exclaimed. "But I don't think that-" Piper tried to say, but Aerrow pulled away, making her groan. The Stork Hawks used their Skylight powers as they all attacked the Leviathan at once. But none of their attacks even scratched or tickled the Leviathan. Just then, the Leviathan swatted the Storm Hawks with its tendrils, throwing them off-balance. And then, the Leviathan disappeared under the clouds as they regained balance. "We're gonna need bigger powers." Aerrow said. "We're gonna need bigger rides." Finn said.

Meanwhile, inside the Leviathan's mouth, having been thrown off the Condor during the swallowing, Lavender and the pets tried to climb back up the tongue to it. "Okay, I think we got it this time." Lavender said. But as they were halfway up the tongue, they slipped off and fell into the pink gunk at the bottom. "Ew. This is officially the grossest place I've ever been in." Sid said in disgust. "I don't think we're ever getting out of here." Rosa said. The pets grew sad and worried. "Don't think like that. I know Aerrow and the others will come for us. Think positive, pets. For we are Storm Hawks." Lavender said. The pets nodded at that. Just then, Lavender noticed a pair of corpses nearby. One of them was holding a crystal. She walked over to the corpses and examined them. "Looks like these 2 weren't as lucky as we were." She said. She looked at the crystal and took it from the corpse's hand. "I wonder…" She said as she examined the crystal. Her eyes glowed as she used her Skylight power to look into the crystal's memory.

[Memory]

There was the little Aquanosian girl, laughing happily with her parents. The mother presented her with the crystal, which made the little girl really happy. But suddenly, Cloud Krill swarmed their cruiser. And then, the Leviathan appeared and attacked them, making her drop the crystal. The mother put her beloved daughter in an emergency rescue balloon and sent her floating away. The little girl cried as she watched her parents and their cruiser get devoured by the Leviathan before it disappeared.

[Memory End]

Lavender gasped as she stopped. "Oh my gosh. That poor little girl. To lose her parents to this monster." She said. Suddenly, a shadow approached her and the pets, followed by an insane laugh. They turned around to see an Aquanosian walking towards them. "MEAT!" He cheered mentally as he looked at them like they were lunch. "Uh, did he just call us meat?" Fenix asked. "Oh, he did." Lavender said in worry.

Meanwhile, the Storm Hawks returned to the Skyside Shanty, feeling bummed for losing the Leviathan. "My home! My sanctuary! My love! My-" Stork cried until he suddenly froze up. "Sky Shock?" Aerrow asked. "Stage 2. Joint stiffness." Piper said. "That does not look comfortable." Vuto said. "Poor Lavender! And our poor pets!" Junko cried. "Who knows how long they have left!" Judy cried. "We tried everything. But our Skylight powers just weren't enough." Twilight said. "So, that's it? We're just giving up?" Starling asked. "Aerrow?" Aria asked. "I'm thinking, okay? What about Stork? Got anything that can snap him out of it?" Aerrow asked. "Just a bunch of Paralyzer Stones." Piper said, pulling out a bag of crystals. "Seems a bit redundant." Finn said. "I'm sorry, guys. Without the Condor or Lavender, Stork may never recover." Piper said. "Without the Condor…are we even the Storm Hawks or the Skylight Guardians anymore?" Finn asked. That question made them even more sadder.

But Riggorix's attention was focused on the little Aquanosian girl. "Hey, waitress. Who's that girl in the corner?" He asked. "Oh, that be Francine. Francine Coralheart. She too had encountered the Leviathan couple years ago. Lost her parents that day. Poor thing. She watched as the beast swallowed them and their cruiser whole. We found her, let her stay here and eat for free in exchange for a few chores now and then. She was very emotionally scarred after that." The waitress explained before leaving. Riggorix looked at little Francine with sadness, knowing what it was like to lose a parent. "I'll be right back, guys." He said to the others before he got up and walked over to Francine. When he reached her, he cleared his throat, getting her attention. "Mind if I join you?" He asked. Francine nodded her head, allowing him to sit with her. "My name's Riggorix. Riggorix Ironheart. My friends call me Rigg." Riggorix introduced, holding out his hand. "I'm…Francine Coralheart." Francine sniffled, shaking Riggorix's hand. "So, you look really sad." Riggorix said. Francine sniffled as she nodded. "The, uh, waitress told me about what happened to you. That the…Leviathan…took your parents." Riggorix said. Francine sniffled harder at that memory. "I know it must've been awful for you, watching the only 2 people who ever loved you just…disappear like that." Riggorix said. "Yes…it was." Francine cried. "I know how you feel, kid. I was no older than you when I lost my father. My own brother killed him…right in front of me…before he took my eye." Riggorix explained, shedding a tear from his eye. Francine looked at him. "And now look at me. I got into a bigger family." He said, gesturing to the Storm Hawks. "And we too lost something to that beast. Our ride, our friend and our pets. But I know we'll find a way to get them back. Because that is what family does." Francine was in awe at how he said that.

Just then, Tritonn walked back in. The Storm Hawks watched him as he walked right up to the bar and the bartender served him his drink. Tritonn took the mug and took a sip. "Back from the Mud Eel migration, eh?" Aerrow asked as he and the Storm Hawks confronted him. "Uh, aye! Aye. They put up a fierce battle. But we-" Tritonn started to say. "Mud Eels are an inch long and they nibble moss." Piper said. "In other words, not so fierce." Skyla said. "And what about your 'big fish hunt?' Or was that really just a few minnows?" Aria asked. Tritonn sighed, knowing he had been caught. "Nay. Nay, twas truth. But for one more thing. On that faithful day, the Leviathan…claimed me only brother, Horrace." He explained. The Storm Hawks were stunned by that. "It shames me to say it, but I could never take up the hunt again." Tritonn said with sadness. "I'm sorry about your loss, Tritonn. I truly am. But a Sky Knight never gives up. And neither will the Storm Hawks! We'll find another ship! We'll sell our skimmers! Our possessions! The clothes off our-" Aerrow started to say. "Aye. Or you could just take me Sky Quad. It's parked out the back." Tritonn said. The Storm Hawks sighed in relief at that.

"You guys get the Sky Quad ready. I just need a minute." Riggorix said. As the Storm Hawks followed Tritonn outside, Riggorix walked back to Francine. "Are you really going back out there? To find the Leviathan? Find your ship and your friends?" Francine asked. "I am. Like I told you, we'll do whatever it takes to get our family back." Riggorix said. Francine looked at the Storm Hawks as they walked out. "And if you want, you're welcome to join our family." Riggorix said. That surprised Francine. "You mean it?" She asked. "Yes. I can't stand by when a little girl like you is left without a family. If you want, we can be your family. I can be your family." Riggorix said. Francine started crying again before she ran into Riggorix, hugging him tightly. Riggorix hugged her back as she cried into his fur.

Later, as the Storm Hawks gathered at the dock, Tritonn hoisted up the Sky Quad. But to everyone's disappointment, it looked completely wrecked from how Tritonn described it. "Is that a ship or a shipwreck?" Vuto asked. Twilight elbowed him, shutting him up. "That's a crystal induction turbine. This thing must've been a real beauty." Junko said, examining the turbine. "And these grapple blasters are state of the art tools used for hunting big fish. A real masterpiece of carrier weaponry." Skyler said. "Crystal…induction…turbine?" Stork asked as he recovered from his joint stiffness and inspected the Sky Quad. "Dual action tiller, omni-directional jib! It be perfect." He said, sounding a little grizzly. "Stork, you okay? We were pretty worried about-" Aerrow tried to ask. "I be more than okay! I be on a quest for the beastie that took me ship, me home and me girl!" Stork exclaimed. "Let me guess. Stage 3 is delusions?" Aria asked. "Of grandeur." Piper said. "I got dibs on the grapple blaster!" Finn called as he raced on board. "Says who?!" Vuto exclaimed, following after Finn.

"Hey, where's Rigg? We gotta take off soon." Aria said. "Right here, guys." Riggorix said as he walked up with Francine. "Rigg, who's the kid?" Aerrow asked. "My name's Francine Coralheart. I'm your new crewmember." Francine said. That surprised the Storm Hawks. "I know it's sudden, Aerrow. But a long time ago, Francine lost her parents to the Leviathan too." Riggorix said. "They were the only family I've ever known and I lost them to that monster. But big brother Rigg offered me a chance to be part of a new family. And I want to be part of this family, if you'll have me." Francine explained. "Well, Francine, we always welcome anyone into our family. Welcome to the Storm Hawks." Aerrow said. Francine squealed as she raced on board. "Big brother, huh?" Aria asked with a smirk. "Yeah, it was her idea." Riggorix said, smiling when Francine called him big brother.

Stork took a seat in what appeared to be a pilot's chair. "I'll chase him around the Terra of Thorns, round the Black Gorge, round Perdition's Flames ere I give him up!" He declared. "Uh, Stork, I think that's the bathroom." Skyla said. Stork looked down to realize he was sitting on a toilet. Finn and Vuto tested the grapple blasters. "These things handle pretty good." Finn said. "I'm usually used to handheld blasters, but this feels amazing." Vuto said. Junko and Riggorix picked up a couple of harpoons. "These harpoons are really well designed." Riggorix said. "I bet I can give these things a little extra kick." Piper said. She took one of her Paralyzer Stones and equipped it to the harpoon. Riggorix loaded it into Finn's blaster.

"That's quite the crew you've got." Tritonn said. "They're the best. But there's just one more thing that we need." Aerrow said as he took off his scarf, unveiling the Atomic Crystal. "Skylight Unite!" In a quick flash of light, the Storm Hawks transformed into the Skylight Guardians. Tritonn was surprised at what he saw. "It be true. The Skylight Guardians have returned." He said in awe. "Uh, what just happened to me?" Francine asked with an adult woman voice. The Skylight Guardians saw that Vuto, Odessa and Francine had transformed too. "Whoa! This is so cool." Vuto said, amazed at his new adult form. "Indeed. I've never had such a powerful look before." Odessa said, admiring her new look. Francine was completely shocked at her sudden growth spurt. "How did this happen?" She asked. "It was the Atomic Crystal, Francine. You, Vuto and Odessa are now the newest members to the Skylight Guardians." Riggorix said. "Skylight…Guardians? I thought you guys were just a bedtime story. My parents told it to me ever since I was a wee guppy." Francine said. "No, my little sister. We are very real. As are you now." Riggorix said.

"Like I said. They're the best. What about you? The invitation's still open." Aerrow said. "Nay. This be your quest now. Go hook that big fish. Find your friends. For me brother." Tritonn said. "We will, Tritonn." Aria said as she and Aerrow boarded the Sky Quad. "Good hunting to ya." Tritonn said.

Meanwhile, back in the Leviathan's mouth, Lavender was protecting the pets from the hungry Aquanosian. "Let me at the meat!" The Aquanosian exclaimed. "Get away from them!" Lavender shouted, pushing the Aquanosian into the gunk. "Oh, you just don't get it. We ain't had nothing but Cloud Krill for years!" The Aquanosian exclaimed. "Uh, did he just say we?" Sid asked with worry. Suddenly, more survivors, Aquanosians and humans, appeared and joined in. "Oh, that's it." Lavender said. She motioned her hands, used her psychic powers and telekinetically pushed the survivors away.

Meanwhile, as the Sky Quad flew the skies, the Skylight Guardians were searching for the Leviathan. "Cinch up the wind lifts! Swivel yon turnbuckles!" Stork exclaimed, now donning a pirate hat and a bubble pipe. "Okay, Stork's starting to creep me out with his grizzling." Vuto said. Just then, Finn spotted something beneath the clouds. "Guys, something's coming up from below." He said. Stork checked the Sky Quad's motion tracker and confirmed Finn's observation. "Whatever it is, it's big!" Finn exclaimed. "What do we do?!" Francine asked. "Prepare for battle!" Aerrow ordered. Just then, they saw a big shadow forming in the clouds, thinking it was the Leviathan. But then, the shadow revealed to be a couple swarms of Cloud Krill, swarming all over them. "Ugh, what are these things?!" Vuto exclaimed in disgust. "Cloud Krill!" Piper exclaimed. "Mmm, Cloud Krill." Junko said as he poured some of the Skyside Shanty's vinegar onto a handful of Cloud Krill and ate them. "Are you seriously eating right now?!" Riggorix exclaimed. Junko shrugged. But then, he saw something and muffled something with his mouth full. Stork smacked his head, nearly making him choke on the Cloud Krill. "A sailor nare speaks with his mouth full." He said, taking the vinegar from Junko as he swallows. "Uh, thar she blows." Junko said, pointing behind them. The Skylight Guardians all turn around as the Leviathan appeared, swallowing the Cloud Krill swarm whole as it started to head towards the Sky Quad.

The Leviathan chased the Sky Quad. "Yield ye no quarter!" Stork exclaimed. "What he said." Aerrow said. The Skylight Guardians took off to engage the Leviathan. Stork turned the Sky Quad around to face the Leviathan. As the Leviathan was about to attack with its tendrils, Finn and Vuto fired the harpoons, striking them hard. "Sweet! It worked, Piper!" Finn cheered. "Paralyzer Stones. For that extra kick." Piper said. As the Leviathan continued to attack with its tendrils, Finn and Vuto held them back with their harpoons.

Meanwhile, inside the Leviathan's mouth, Lavender and the pets felt everything shaking. The survivors started to panic. "What's going on?" Rosa asked. "Something must be attacking the creature." Cottontail guessed. "Come on! Now's our chance! Get to the Condor!" Lavender exclaimed as she and the pets run for the airship.

Meanwhile, Finn and Vuto continued their assault on the Leviathan's tendrils. The Skylight Guardians cheered. But the Leviathan prepared to attack again. "No problem." Vuto said, trying to shoot more harpoons. But the grapple blaster was empty. "Guys, we're all out of ammo!" Finn exclaimed. "Skylight Guardians, Operation Sheepshank!" Aerrow called. "Operation what?!" Francine asked. "Just follow our lead!" Riggorix exclaimed. The Skylight Guardians flew around the Leviathan as it tried to grab them with its tendrils. "Okay, let's pull the loose ends." Aerrow said. They flew up as the tendrils chased them. Suddenly, the tendrils stopped chasing them. The Skylight Guardians tricked the Leviathan into tying its own tendrils in a knot! "Nice work. Let's get the rest." Aerrow said.

Meanwhile, inside the mouth, Lavender and the pets had almost reached the Condor. "Going somewhere, meat?!" The Aquanosian asked, pulling out a knife and fork. "Okay, I've had enough of you." Lavender said. She used her psychic power to telekinetically lift up the Aquanosian and threw him into a pile of Cloud Krill. "Plegh! Cloud Krill! I hates Cloud Krill!" He exclaimed, spitting out the Cloud Krill.

Meanwhile, the Skylight Guardians wrapped up the rest of the Leviathan's tendrils, completely immobilizing it. "Stork, you're clear to move in!" Aerrow called. "Aye-aye! Bringing us to broadside!" Stork exclaimed, turning the Sky Quad towards the Leviathan. "Finn, Vuto, commence Operation Clip-On!" Aerrow called. "Aye-aye, Captain! Great! Now I'm doing it!" Vuto exclaimed as he and Finn prepared grappling hooks and waited for the right time to fire. "Alright. We can do this." Finn muttered quietly. As the Leviathan opened its mouth to roar, revealing the Condor, Finn and Vuto fired the grappling hooks and hooked the Condor. "We got it! Activate the winches!" Finn exclaimed as he and Vuto activated the winches. Stork pulled the Sky Quad up, pulling the Condor along out of the Leviathan's mouth. "That's right! Give it up for the Skylight Gua-ah-ACHOO!" Junko shouted as he suddenly sneezed. "What's with the sneezing right now?!" Riggorix exclaimed. "Wait a second. Junko's only allergic to only 2 things. Murk Raiders and-" Aerrow started say. "SKY SHARKS!" Piper screamed. Everyone turned around as a giant school of Sky Sharks flew towards them, ready to feast! "Scramble! And take them out!" Aerrow ordered. The Skylight Guardians split up and flew off, taking on the Sky Sharks.

During this, the Leviathan started moving around, trying to shake the Sky Quad loose as it was pulling the Condor back into its mouth with the tendrils on its tongue, thus pulling the Sky Quad towards its mouth. "Ugh! It's pulling us in!" Vuto exclaimed. "And we're about to have company!" Finn exclaimed. A Sky Shark was flying towards them, ready to sink its teeth into them. "Finn, look out!" Vuto exclaimed. As he got out of his seat, his fist started glowing as he ran towards the Sky Shark and punched it, sending it flying into the distance. He looked at his glowing fist in shock. "What was that?" He asked. "Chi. That's one of the Skylight powers. We read about it in the book of Skylight." Finn said as he explained. Suddenly, during the struggle, the grappling hooks came loose from the Condor. "Oh man! The grappling hooks got loose! Now what do we do?!" Finn exclaimed. "Plotting collision COURSE!" Stork exclaimed as he charged the Sky Quad towards the Leviathan's mouth! "Worst plan ever!" Finn cried as he and Vuto held each other. As the Sky Quad flew into the mouth, the Leviathan bit it, trapping it in its jaws.

Finn and Vuto looked around as they saw they were in the Leviathan's mouth. "Well, now I know how it feels to be on the wrong end of a fork." Vuto said. "T'last! I will grapple with thee!" Stork exclaimed as he charged and slid down the grappling hook's rope like a zipline. "Stork!" Finn cried. Stork slid down the rope until he reached the bottom. "Stork! Is that really you?" Lavender asked as she and the pets rushed over. "Aye, tis me, me wench." Stork said. "Did you get Sky Shock after we got swallowed?" Lavender asked with a chuckle. "Aye." Stork said, making Lavender chuckle again.

Meanwhile, the Skylight Guardians continued battling the Sky Sharks, fending them off with their Skylight powers. Just then, as some Sky Sharks surrounded Odessa, her eyes glowed as they were about to feast. And then, they were blown back by an aura pulse from her body. "Ah, aura power. It feels good to be back in battle again." She said. Francine screamed as she was being chased by 2 Sky Sharks. "Francine, use your Skylight power!" Riggorix called. "But I don't know how to use them!" Francine cried. "Just turn to face them and motion your hands!" Riggorix called. Francine turned around as the Sky Sharks closed in on her. She motioned her hands and 2 coral balls shot out, hitting the Sky Sharks. She was shocked by that. "Did…Did I just do that?" She asked. "Coral. That's your Skylight power. A pretty impressive one too." Riggorix said.

The Sky Sharks continued swarming all over the Skylight Guardians. "Oh, there's too many of them!" Sky exclaimed, firing a jet of water from his right hand. "Oh, that's enough!" Aerrow exclaimed, blowing the Sky Sharks away with a massive gust of wind. "And there goes that minor annoyance." Aria said. "And there go my allergies." Junko said. But then, he sneezed again. "Oh, never mind. They're coming back." He said. "Aerrow, look out!" Piper cried. Aerrow turned around as he saw the Sky Sharks coming back. "Don't these things know when to quit?!" Starling exclaimed. One of them was about to attack Aerrow, but it was hit by a bolt. A horn blared, making the Skylight Guardians turn around. Tritonn and his friends from the Skyside Shanty arrived with an armada of cruisers. "We'll handle these minnows. You take the big fish." Tritonn said with a wink. "For your brother." Aerrow said. They saluted to each other before the Skylight Guardians took off towards the Leviathan.

Meanwhile, inside the mouth, the tongue's tendrils were pulling the Condor towards the throat, ready to swallow it into a pool of gastric acid. Stork, Lavender and the pets hurried on board when they sighted the uvula. "A Merb's heart. I STRIKE AT THEE!" Stork shouted, tossing the vinegar bottle at the uvula. The vinegar started causing the uvula to burn up, and the Leviathan was feeling it build up inside it. "What's happening?!" Lavender exclaimed in a panic. "Gas building up. She's about to blow!" Stork exclaimed as he brought Lavender and the pets inside the Condor and quickly activated the thrusters. The survivors started to panic as the gas started building up even faster. And finally, the Leviathan burped out the Condor, the Sky Quad and the survivors. "Survivors. We'll never make it!" Piper cried with worry. "Oh yes, we will!" Aria said. She motioned her hands and created a mana net, catching the survivors. As Tritonn drove his cruiser over, the one Aquanosian who tried to eat Lavender and the pets caught his eye. He flew down to Aria's mana net and leapt onto it. "Horrace! Me brother!" He cried, embracing the Aquanosian, who turned out to be his brother Horrace. "Wait. That Aquanosian who tried to cannibalize me and the pets…is that guy's brother?!" Lavender exclaimed in shock and confusion. "Aye. Ye missed out on a lot, me wench." Stork said.

Suddenly, there was a huge roar in the air. "What is that?" Junko asked with worry. Everyone looked around the clouds, not seeing anything. Just then, the Leviathan was caught in the mouth of a giant black dragon head. The Skylight Guardians were shocked by that. As the black dragon swallowed the Leviathan, it raised its head, revealing that it had 4 other heads attached to a single giant body. "What the heck is that thing?!" Finn exclaimed in shock. "Ngirae!" Russelia said in horror. "What's an Ngirae?!" Aria asked. "A very dangerous Omentaur. One I thought I'd never have to see one again." Russelia said. Just then, the Ngirae turned its attention to the Skylight Guardians. "Uh, it's looking at us funny." Junko said with worry. "That's because the Leviathan was its main course, and we're the dessert." Twilight said in fear. The Ngirae fired 5 different beams of energy from its 5 mouths. "Scatter!" Aerrow exclaimed. The Skylight Guardians quickly flew out of the way of the beams. "The Ngirae can fire 5 different elemental beams from its 5 heads. Fire, ice, energy, light and darkness." Russelia explained. "Alright, Skylight Guardians, let's show this beast the way home." Aerrow said, leading the Skylight Guardians towards the Ngirae. "No, wait!" Russelia exclaimed. The Skylight Guardians all fired their attacks at once, striking the Ngirae. But none of their attacks even effected it. "What?!" Aerrow exclaimed in shock. The Ngirae fired more energy beams, forcing the Skylight Guardians to dodge and retreat.

They landed on the Condor and watched the Ngirae as it fired its beams everywhere. "Our attacks didn't even scratch it." Finn said. "But we've handled Omentaurs before." Vuto said. "Yeah, but not one like this." Lavender said, who's now in her Skylight form. "Is there anything that can stop this thing?" Piper asked. "There is one thing that can stop the Ngirae. The Skylight Scepters." Russelia said. "The Skylight Scepters? What're they?" Riggorix asked. "The Skylight Scepters are mystical weapons that were used by the Skylight Guardians of the past. I've seen them use them against the Ngirae before. They contain enough power to destroy it." Russelia explained. "That's great! Where can we find these Skylight Scepters?" Aria asked. "Unfortunately, I don't know where they are. They've been lost for centuries." Russelia said. "Perhaps I can answer that for you." A voice said as the Atomic Crystal started glowing. "The Lord of All Creation." Aerrow gasped. "Yes. It is good to speak with you all again, Storm Hawks. The Ngirae is a very powerful Omentaur, and you will need the Skylight Scepters to destroy it. Fortunately, I will bestow them to you." The Lord of All Creation said. Suddenly, there was a bright light above the Skylight Guardians. Just then, 20 silver scepters with different colored gemstones appeared from the bright light and landed in the Skylight Guardians' hands. "Are these…what I think they are?" Piper asked. "Yes. These are the Skylight Scepters. Your newest weapons." Russelia said. "Whoa! These are so cool!" Finn exclaimed excitedly. "What do you think they can do?" Junko asked. Suddenly, the scepters filled the Skylight Guardians' minds with power. "Aerrow, you feel it too?" Aria asked. "Yes. Let's use it." Aerrow said. He took off into the air with the other Skylight Guardians following. "Do what you do best, Skylight Guardians." Russelia said.

The Skylight Guardians flew up to the Ngirae as it roared at them. "Alright, Skylight Guardians, let's give our newest trick a try." Aerrow said as he readied his scepter. "Ready!" The Skylight Guardians exclaimed, readying their scepters. Ngirae roared as it prepared to attack. "Fly to the skies, the power of pure light!" Aerrow chanted as the Skylight Scepters started to glow brightly. "Skylight! Trinity Lumiere Strom!" The Skylight Guardians chanted together. Their scepters fired a massive storm of light meteors. Nigrae fired all 5 energy beams to counter it. Howerver, when both attacks collided, the Trinity Lumiere Storm shot through its attack and struck Nigrae hard, making it roar in pain until finally, it was destroyed in a big bang. The Skylight Guardians cheered.

Later, after the Skylight Guardians returned to their Storm Hawk forms, everyone returned to the Skyside Shanty. "Well, the beast shan't be a problem anymore now that it's gone. Especially now that we know how to repel the other Leviathans." Tritonn said. The people cheered as they held up bottles of their vinegar. "Wait. Others?" Piper asked. "You mean there's more than one Leviathan out there?" Skyler asked. "Aye. There be always more than one Leviathan out there somewhere. Especially when one of their own were taken out. But they won't be a bother with us knowing their weakness." Tritonn explained. "And we're glad we were able to help your brother. That is, if he's going to be okay after being stuck inside that thing's belly for so long." Aria said. "Horrace will be fine now. Especially once he gets over his cannibalism. Apologies, Miss Lavender." Tritonn said. "Oh, it was nothing I couldn't handle." Lavender said. "And it were a pleasure fighting alongside ye, Aerrow and Aria of the Storm Hawks. If ye should ever need backup, ye can count on the Neck Deeps." Tritonn said. "Thank you, Tritonn." Aerrow said, shaking Tritonn's hand.

"Hey, anyone up for a Skyfood Combo?" Junko asked. Everyone just gagged at that. "First thing's first. I need a shower after being inside that thing's mouth." Lavender said, feeling disgusted by her smell. "Yeah, move over. You got company." Rosa said. As Lavender and the pets walked over to the Condor, they passed Stork as he walked over to them. "Stork, you were totally amazing today." Vuto said. "Yeah, you just dove right into a Leviathan's mouth and threw a vinegar bottle at its uvula just to save our ship, our pets and your girlfriend." Finn said. "I…did what?" Stork asked in confusion. "Wait. He doesn't remember what he did?" Sky asked. "Stage 4. Memory loss." Piper said. "Um…where are we?" Stork asked, having forgotten everything. "Long story. Tell you later." Twilight said.

Riggorix brought Francine into a side hug. "I'm so proud of you, Francine. You not only helped us fight a Leviathan and get our ship and friends back, you also became our newest Skylight Guardian." He said. "Thanks. But I'd feel more better if I knew where my parents were. I didn't see them with Horrace and the other survivors." Francine said. "Perhaps, I can answer for you." Lavender said, having come back from her quick shower. "When I was inside the Leviathan, with our pets, I found a couple of Aquanosian corpses and found this crystal." She showed the crystal to Francine. "That crystal was my birthday present from that day." Francine gasped as she took the crystal. "I used my psychic powers to look into the crystal's memory and saw what happened, the day your parents were swallowed by that monster. I'm sorry, but they didn't make it. Hence those corpses." Lavender said apologetically. Francine sniffled as she clutched the crystal to her heart. "I'm so sorry, Francine." Riggorix said. Francine cried as she hugged Riggorix. "But at least you have us for a family now. If you want to stay." Riggorix said. "Well…while I'm sad that my parents are gone, I'm happy to be part of a new family. And despite being a Skylight Guardian only one time, I'll be ready to help any way I can." Francine said. "Glad to hear that…little sister." Riggorix said. Francine laughed as she hugged Riggorix tightly.

Later, after the Storm Hawks took off into the night sky with the Condor, Stork and Lavender spent time together at the observation deck. "Rigg told me everything that happened while I was under the Sky Shock. Can't believe that the memory loss caused me to forget all of it." Stork said. "Just be glad. You were really crazy while under the delusions." Lavender said. Stork chuckled at that. "And just so you know, I never lost hope that you guys would come to our rescue." Lavender said. "Well, I'm never one to leave my own girlfriend to be Leviathan food. Besides, I really needed to recover from that Sky Shock." Stork said. Lavender giggled at that before kissing her boyfriend's cheek. She snuggled into his embrace as they watched the moonlit skies.

Whoa! Wasn't that intense?! After the Condor crashed onto an unknown terra, as the Storm Hawks head out to pick up a replacement part, the terra came alive and ate the Condor, Lavender and the pets! But after retrieving Stork, while he was suffering from Sky Shock, and learning that the terra was a Leviathan from legend, the Storm Hawks picked up a new ship from Tritonn, Sky Knight of Aquanos and leader of the Neck Deeps. Riggorix even brought a new recruit, an orphan Aquinosian girl named Francine Coralheart, adopting her as his little sister. After finding the Leviathan, the Skylight Guardians, now joined by Vuto, Odessa and Francine, succeeded in retrieving the Condor, Lavender, the pets, and a group of survivors, including Tritonn's brother Horrace. But then, a giant Omentaur called the Ngirae appeared and ate the Leviathan. Luckily, when the Skylight Guardians' powers didn't have any effect, the Lord of All Creation and the Atomic Crystal granted them access to ancient Skylight weapons, the Skylight Scepters, and used them to destroy the Ngirae. But what's next for the Storm Hawks and their newest Skylight Guardians? Will there be other Omentaurs as powerful as the Ngirae? Will the Skylight Guardians receive other sacred weapons to help in their battles? Leave a review if you'd like.