Hi, everyone! So great to see you again for another exciting chapter. In this, the Storm Hawks' plan to retrieve the Aurora is set in motion. But will they succeed? I hope you all enjoy reading! Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OCs.
Sky Knight & Witch
Chapter Five: Age of Heroes
(Terra Aeaea)
"Come back here, ya sneaky piggy!" Cocoa chased after the pig that had stolen the apple she had picked from one of the menagerie trees to eat. "Or I'll turn you into ya into bacon stripes!"
Nearby, Perse and Circe sat underneath a round stone pavilion, Nemean lying on his back at their feet. His front paws swiped at the leaves of the tree branch the Cyclonian girl shook above him. He purred as she pulled the makeshift toy out of his reach. As cute as it may appear, most people would never consider treating an eight-foot-tall lion, made of nothing but pure muscles, sharp claws, and teeth, like the average housecat.
"Who do you think will win, Milady?" Perse questioned.
"Hmm, who knows?" Circe replied nonchalantly. "On one hand, Cyclonia has the Aurora Stone-powered Storm Engine, currently making it the most destructive weapon in Atmos." she crossed one leg over the other, elbow resting on the top one. Her chin settled in the palm of her free hand as her eyes remained on the large feline. "On the other, the Sky Knights have their unwavering hope and determination. As foolish as it is, they have often managed to pull off the most daring missions. No doubt they're attacking the empire right this very moment."
"Yes, that's very likely. It's such a shame it's come down to this, so many lives are going to be lost…"
"I wouldn't feel too upset about it, Perse. Really, it's their own fault. Both factions continue to fight a war that no one even remembers how it got started. Five hundred years of this has only shown how truly foolish people are."
"Perhaps so, Your Ladyship."
"You think me a cold person for saying such things?" Circe looked at her with an indifferent smile.
"I've known you for quite a few years, Milady, and I have gotten used to how you perceive the world. But I do not believe things are always so black and white. This war has been going on for much too long, that is true. And it is because people refuse to cooperate with one another, too blinded by their own greed or desire for power. However, there are those who genuinely want to make things right. And that's why they fight."
"The war would be over much quicker if the Sky Knights dropped their nobility act and fought dirty like Cyclonia."
"If they did that, they couldn't call themselves heroes." the Aquanosian told her, seeing the younger girl didn't notice Nemean had turned on his stomach. His eyes were still on the branch she waved about, re-positioning himself into a crouch.
"Each side considers their own to be the heroes, the other the villains."
"It's a very complicated situation, isn't it?"
"Aha! Gotcha!" Cocoa tackled the pig, holding it down as she recovered her apple from its mouth. "Don't ever underestimate a Blizzarian!" she laughed victoriously.
"One day, I wish for all the world to have the peace we've been lucky enough to experience since you took over Aeaea." Perse commented. "That things will be safe for everyone, including children such as yourself. And though it may not come soon, I believe it will happen eventually."
"Always the optimistic one, Perse." Circe told her, tossing the tree branch back. "And change will only happen when people want it to- oh!"
Nemean had pouched, knocking the Cyclonian girl out of her seat and onto the grass. He grabbed the branch with his teeth, settling his full weight down on her. His tail thumped against the ground as he looked at her, pupils dilated.
"Nemean…" Circe huffed, pressing uselessly against his broad chest. "Get off me."
The incredibly heavy feline simply purred, nudging his large head against hers and making himself more comfortable. His whiskers tickled her cheek as she heard a snort.
"Perse, once you're done laughing at my expense, I demand you remove him." the black-haired girl told the Aquanosian. "Preferably before I suffocate."
"Y-Yes, Milady…" Perse chortled, shoulders shaking.
Circe sighed, running her fingers through the golden lion's thick dark bronze mane. Facing the sky, she watched the birds of the menagerie fly among the clouds. Her mind drifted to the battle between Cyclonia and Atmos, specifically about Cyclonis. The chances of someone making it into the tower to finish off the empress for good, finally ending the reign of the evil monarchy, were not impossible. Sky Knights are supposed to be noble and just, but she had encountered a handful that were less so. For the good of Atmos, at least one wouldn't hesitate to plunge a knife into her heart. Though she may no longer be aligned with the Cyclonian Empire, it didn't change the fact she wanted her sister to leave the battle unscathed.
'Whatever outcome takes place… just be safe, Clonie.'
(Cyclonian Empire)
"I said, who are you!"
Finn and Junko stood frozen, eyes never leaving the Talon guard who looked seconds away from blasting them with the glowing Firebolt Crystal attached to his spear. They hadn't even been inside the tower for five minutes before they were discovered. If they didn't think of a way out of here soon, the entire mission would go to the dogs.
"I… told you we took a wrong turn!"
"Huh?" the Wallop blinked at the blond.
"Dude, I am so sorry about this." Finn turned to the guard. "My friend and I were looking for the bathroom and we totally got lost." he lightly nudged his friend with his elbow.
"Oh… y-yeah!" Junko played along. "We, uh, we didn't realize we wandered so far. Sorry about that."
"You guys should really put up some signs or something. But, if you would just point us in the right direction, we'll be on our way."
"No one but Talons are allowed in the loading bay." the guard said, weapon still poised to fire. "And you two sure don't look like you're from Cyclonia." he gave their attire a quick once-over.
"Our other uniforms are getting washed, man." Finn replied easily. "Training got a little sweaty. Look, we'll just find the bathroom ourselves. Come on, buddy."
"You two aren't going anyone!" the Talon's Firebolt Crystal glowed brighter, preventing them from taking another step. "I'm taking you to your commanding officer, see if you are who you say you are. If not, you won't like what happens next."
The blond and Wallop exchanged nervous looks. The guard was too close for them to attack, they would be shot the second they moved without warning. But being prisoners of Cyclonia didn't sound very appealing, either.
"Alright, now, get moving." the Talon ordered. "Who's in charge of you two?"
Before Finn could think of a quick lie, an explosion resonated over the sounds of the loading bay. All work came to a halt as everyone looked out the doors and towards the sky. Flashes of light appeared among the clouds, more explosions sounded out along with rapid gunfire.
The Sky Knights, Finn realized, must have arrived and were now engaging with the Cyclonian army. And the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Elbowing Junko, he gestured towards the distracted Talon guard, his weapon lowered, and put his fist against the palm of his other hand.
Nodding in understanding, the engineer silently stepped closer. Just as the Talon noticed, his fist slammed against his face.
"Sorry about this." Junko apologized as the guard fell to the floor, out cold. "But we're really in a hurry."
"Come on, let's put him in here." Finn pointed at the opening in the shipping container. "We should be long gone by the time someone finds him."
The Wallop nodded and dragged the man to the container, placing him inside and using his strength to set the metal back over the hole. Making sure the rest of the Talons in the loading bay were still distracted by the commotion outside, he and the sharpshooter quickly found the exit and walked out into a long hallway.
Now it was time to find that grate.
The Jason blocked the sword of another Battle Mode Chariot with one of its daggers, using the other one to stab it in the head. Cutting downward, it flew back just as the two halves exploded. Zipping among the clouds, it dodged and blocked attacks from the enemy army, slicing off the arms or wings of as many as it could.
Since the battle started, the dark skies of Cyclonia were filled with explosions, bullets, and crystal energy as Sky Knight Squadrons and Talons clashed weapons and Chariots. Both sides were taking their losses, but neither showed signs of backing down. While it had been barely thirty minutes, it already felt like hours.
"On your six, Aerrow."
The redhead flew his Chariot up, dodging the bullets fired at him from behind by a Talon. Before they could re-aim, he shot back down and sliced off the arm that held the gun. He quickly kicked them away.
"Thanks, Aspen." Aerrow said through the communication link established between the Sqaudrons earlier.
"I was bein' literal when I said we watch each other's back."
Then the Blizzarian saw a small cluster of Talon Chariots flying his way. Lifting the Boreas's left arm, he aimed and fired a great blast of icy wind from the cannon strapped to it. Almost immediately after it made contact with the enemy, every inch of their mechs was covered in a thick coat of ice. With limbs and wings completely frozen, they quickly fell to the clouds below. If the pilots hadn't been turned into human icicles, they would be finding themselves on a bad trip in the Wastelands.
"That Blizzard Crystal is amazing." Aerrow marveled.
"She sure is somethin', isn't she?" Aspen said with a grin. With a flick of the controls, he turned his Chariot to the side, avoiding the Firebolt-tipped spear of another Talon. The Boreas raised the long sword in its right hand and swung, slicing the machine in half at the middle. "There's a lot of Talons zippin' around, Sky Knights. Whatever you do, don't let them corner ya."
"Yes, sir!" all Sky Knights and their squads responded.
Aerrow couldn't help but be in awe of Aspen. Despite his carefree attitude, the Blizzarian knew how to take command when needed. Brave and steadfast, his skills in battle were no joke as he took down Talon after Talon. Seeing him in action made him think this is what a true Sky Knight was like. One day, he hoped to be as exemplary of a leader as him.
"He really is super cool." the redhead said more to himself, watching the Boreas take down more Talon Chariots with amazing ease.
Radder chirped from his shoulder, pointing at the Jason's scanner. More enemies were coming their way, and fast. Aerrow turned the controls, holding up his machine's touching daggers above its head. Energy gathered where they intersected, growing in a large, bright sky-blue sphere. When the Talons were close enough, he lowered the weapons and fired.
Before they could dodge, the Lightning Claw shot through one of the enemy Chariots and the ones behind it. The upper body of the machines had been completely obliterated, their leftover wings and legs falling with nothing to hold them. The young Sky Knight and sky lemur looked at one another and both gave a thumbs-up.
The sense of victory was ruined when the Jason was almost hit by a large, spiked ball attached to a thick chain. Flying back, Aerrow saw the weapon return its handle, which was held by a dark blue Chariot flanked by two others. He recognized it as the one that Junko fought against in Atmosia.
"Aspen, I think we might have some trouble."
"Ah, I was wonderin' when one of the heavy hitters was gonna show up." the Blizzarian commented. "Harrier, can I borrow one of your squaddies?"
"Leda will be happy to offer her assistance." the Rex Guardian Sky Knight replied as his bronze and gold Chariot, the Cycnus, sliced at enemies with its broadsword coated in golden energy.
"I will?"
"Leda."
"Oh, alright." the young woman sighed.
"And, remember! Fight with honor!"
"I know, Harry!" Leda replied, flying her matching Chariot over to where the Boreas and Jason hovered.
"Snipe might not be the sharpest tool, but he's a strong one." Aspen told them. "If you can outmove and outsmart him, it shouldn't be too hard to take him down. I'll handle the lackeys, you two deal with the big guy."
"Yes, sir!" they both replied, shooting across the sky.
"Take'em down!" Snipe ordered his Talons.
Their machines shot forward, aiming their guns at the two. Just as they fired, the Jason and Aphrodite split apart, revealing the Boreas behind them. Blocking the ammunition with its sword, the ice-blue Chariot flew up and turned itself upside down over their heads. When it came behind them, it instantly spun around and froze them with its Blizzard Crystal-powered cannon. Swinging its sword, the Boreas shattered the Talon mechs into cold pieces.
"Oh, it's on now." Snipe snarled, weapon poised to strike. "I'm gonna squash you like the bugs you are."
"You hit him from one side, I hit from the other?" Aerrow said as they were closing the distance.
"You're the Sky Knight." Leda replied. "I just hope you plan on proving the Council's thoughts about you wrong."
"I intend to."
The Kratos let its mace fly and the two split to get out of the line of fire. The Jason shot ahead, daggers brandished. The blades slashed horizontally when close enough, but the other Chariot moved back before they could touch its armor. The Aphrodite came from the side and fired multiple rounds from its gun.
When the mace returned to its handle, the Kratos used it to block the bullets. Flinging it out again, the thick chain wrapped around the bronze and gold mech's middle and yanked it closer. Now within reach, the dark blue Chariot grabbed the other's weapon and kicked it away.
"I never was good with firearms." Leda remarked as Snipe's machine snapped the gun in half with just one hand.
"It's gonna take more than little bullets to take down Kratos." the Cyclonian captain sneered. He noticed the Jason coming in fast and blocked one of its daggers with the giant mace.
The Chariots went back and forth in blocking one another's strikes. The Jason stabbed at the Kratos's chest, but it dodged and trapped the other's arm between its own and side. Its mace lifted and was about to come down on the Jason's head before its second dagger blocked it. The two struggled against each other, trying to gain some leverage. Then the Aphrodite came behind Kratos and wrapped one arm around its neck, grabbing the wrist of the hand that held the mace and pulling it back.
"Now!" Leda told Aerrow.
The young Sky Knight was about to have his Chariot stab the other, but its leg came up and deflected the attack. Then it kicked the blue and red mech, sending it back through the sky. Grabbing the arm of the machine holding it, the Kratos easily pulled it off its neck and threw the Aphrodite at the Jason.
"I wonder if the others are having as easy a time as we are, Raddar." Aerrow said to the sky lemur as he and Leda straightened out their Chariots.
"Come on, Sky Knights, I'm just getting warmed up." Snipe smirked. He launched the Kratos forward with a yell, mace pulled back with deadly intent.
Below the raging battle, hidden by the thick clouds, the Condor had finally made it through the Wastelands and arrived in the empire without detection. The periscope rose, taking in the underside of the massive Terra. As well as the number of giant pipes scattered around.
"Figures Cyclonia would look as ugly underneath as it does above." Piper remarked.
"Oh, I don't know, I think it has a certain dark charm." Stork said. "I wonder how they decorate the dungeons."
The dark-skinned girl looked over the multiple pipes until her eyes landed on one set in the middle. "There! That's the one we need to take, Stork."
"Aye! Aye!" he steered towards the pipe and into a long tunnel.
It was wide enough for the Condor to fly easily through, various other tunnels leading to who knows where without a map. Luckily, there were bulbs of light attached to the walls, making navigation easier.
Piper directed their course, telling Stork which paths brought them closer to their destination. However, she couldn't shake off the sense of uneasiness caused by their dark, dank surroundings. If this is what the tunnel system was like, she didn't want to imagine the feeling of being inside the tower itself.
"This place is really giving me the creeps." she rubbed her arms, a chill running through them as the Condor flew up a long tunnel and down another with pipes along the wall.
"I think it's kinda homey." Stork smiled to himself.
"You always did like places like this, Stork." Piper went over to the round table, checking the map to make sure they were on the right track. "I guess that's one reason why it was so hard to find you when we used to play hide-and-seek."
Back when they were younger, and living on Terra Thessaly, the Storm Hawks spent their free time playing in the forest behind the Sky Knight Academy. The Merb, being an ace in the survivalist courses, knew how to cover his tracks, making him the hardest to find. Eventually, their simple game of hide-and-seek evolved into seeing who could be the first to locate him and claim bragging rights. Despite their efforts, Stork was never once found by his friends. It didn't help that he would change hiding places each time, switching between caves, hollowed-out tree logs, deserted animal burrows, and camouflaged pits he dug beforehand. Once, he even hid underneath the surface of a pond, getting air through a homemade breathing tube made of wood.
"I would like to point out that I am still the reigning champion." Stork said, rather smugly.
"Anytime you want that to change, just say the-" Piper was cut off when the Condor suddenly shook violently. Rushing over to the periscope, she looked behind them and saw a group of four, spike-covered Chariots in Cycle Mode shoot out from one of the wall pipes and land on the tunnel floor. She recognized the humanoid lizards riding after them, and she did not like the looks on their scaly faces. "Raptors! Stork, we've got to outrun them!"
"Any faster, and the Condor will most definitely get scratched." he told her.
"Any slower, and we're gonna get blasted!"
"Okay, okay, I'm just saying." the Merb grabbed one of the levers next to the steering wheel and pulled.
The Condor shot down the tunnel with an extra burst of speed, leaving their followers behind. Repton growled, revving up the engine of his Chariot as he and his fellow Raptors tried to keep up with the ship.
Stork kept the Condor as steady as he could, the sides of the engines bumping and scraping against the walls now and then. Making a sharp right turn, they came to an area where the tunnel ended, nothing around them but the earth of the Terra. Flying to the opening on the other side was easy enough for the Storm Hawk members.
The Raptors, to their disappointment, were undeterred and flew off the tunnel's edge. Immediately, their Chariots shifted into Flight Mode and continued after the Condor. Once they were in reach, all four pulled out a metal handle. Bright yellow crystal energy came out from both sides, curving at the tip.
Repton and his pack threw their weapons, spinning like boomerangs through the air. They made contact with the carrier ship, the combined attack causing it to shake. The ones inside did their best to keep themselves balanced.
"I hate tailgaters." Stork groused, reaching for a lever and pulling it down.
Before the Raptors could realize what was happening, the Condor suddenly stopped mid-air and flew in reverse. They were all hit by one of the large pipes connected to the engines, getting knocked off their Chariots. One by one, they slid down and landed in a dazed heap on the tunnel floor.
"Awesome flying, Stork." Piper breathed a sigh of relief.
"Eh, all in a day's work." he replied with a small grin, flying the Condor forward now and leaving their pursuers behind.
"Quit buzzing around like a coward and fight like a soldier!" Snipe roared as the Jason dodged the Kratos's spiked mace yet again.
As much as he wished it was the bulky blue and green mech that damaged his wings, this new one was getting even more on his nerves. While he obviously had superior strength, the other Chariot's better speed made it a harder target to hit. To add more insult to injury, the cocky little punk managed to get close enough a few times to land hits of his own on the Kratos. There wasn't much damage due to its thick armor, but each scratch on it increased the bruise to his pride.
With each miss the Kratos made, Snipe grew more and more frustrated. This Sky Knight would regret making a mockery out of him and his Chariot. Once he knocked that mech out of the sky, he was going to rip open the cockpit wring the neck of its pilot with his bare hands.
So focused on the Jason, the Cyclonian captain failed to notice the Aphrodite below him. In its hand was a short metal rod with a glowing pink crystal attached to its base. With a flick of its wrist, a long strip of bright pink energy manifested from the other end, cracking loudly against the air. When the Kratos fired his mace at the blue and red mech again, the whip flung out, wrapping around the spiked ball and dragging it down.
"What?!" Snipe looked and finally saw the bronze and gold Chariot. He tried to pull the Kratos's captured weapon free, but the other held firm. "Damn you!"
Flying in from the side, the Jason slashed one of its daggers and sliced the mace's chain, disconnecting the ball from the handle. That was one less thing for them to worry about.
"Nice work, Leda." Aerrow said.
"Well, I couldn't just let you do all the work, Little Storm Chick." Leda smiled sweetly as her Chariot dropped the spiked ball.
"Can you please not call me that?"
"Aw, but it sounds so cute, don't you think? Honestly, it's a shame you're so young. If you were an older man, I wouldn't mind-"
The Kratos suddenly crashed into the Aphrodite, pinning it against one of the spires of sharp-pointed rocks. One of its feet stepped on the hand holding the crystal energy whip, preventing it from being used. The bronze and gold mech tried to fight the other off with its free arm but was soon flattened against the hard surface by the other's hand.
"Think you're so clever, do ya?!" Snipe roared. "I'll show you what happens when you make a fool of Captain Snipe!"
Raising the mace-less handle, the Kratos started bashing it against the Aphrodite. Dents appeared in its armor with every hit. Soon, it would either tear open the Chariot or crush the pilot inside. Both situations only had one, bloody outcome.
"Leda!" Aerrow quickly flew the Jason towards the other machines. Before he could raise its daggers, something hit it in the side. Raddar screeched from within the cockpit, pointing at the scanner. They had more company behind them.
Turning his mech, the redhead saw a hot pink Chariot pointing an already-loaded bow at him. Around it was a cluster of Talon Chariots, all with their own weapons poised to strike.
This just got a bit more difficult.
"Are we almost there, Finn?" Junko asked, keeping his voice low in case any Talons were stalking the hallway they were currently walking down.
"Shouldn't be too much farther, buddy. Just a couple more turns, and we'll be at the grate." the blonde answered, looking up from the map.
Being able to decipher Piper's handwriting, the duo followed the route she drew out. There weren't many Talon guards around, most likely more concerned with the battle outside the tower. Any that were still around, they were able to hide from before being spotted. Soon, they would be coming up to the rendezvous point and signal Piper and Stork. Then they would move on to the next stage of their plan.
Just as they came up to another corner, a bright light suddenly shone in the corner of their eyes. It was coming from a room they were passing by, its door left open. Curiosity getting the better of them, the Wallop and sharpshooter looked inside. Much to their amazement, they saw the very reason for them being in the tower in the first place.
"Dude, it's the Aurora Stone!" Finn exclaimed, not believing their luck. "Come on, let's grab, deal with the Storm Engine, and get out of here."
"Finn, that's not part of Piper's plan." Junko told his friend as he slipped into the room.
"You know how she always makes things too complicated. Think of all the time we'll save, and danger we'll skip, if we take care of it now."
The Wallop hesitated, knowing their navigator said things would go well if they followed her plan. After finding the grate, they were supposed to get Piper inside to help take care of the Aurora Stone, seeing as she was the crystal expert of the team. After they destroyed the Storm Engine, they would hurry back to the Condor and return to Atmosia. It sounded simple enough.
But Finn also had a point. If they take the Aurora Stone now and make the machine inoperable, they could get out of Cyclonia even faster. They were already here, after all.
"Okay, let's do it." Junko went inside.
Stepping onto the platform, the Wallop helped the sharpshooter stand on his shoulders. He almost lost his balance for a moment, but eventually straightened himself out. Reaching out his arms, he grabbed the Aurora Stone with both hands.
"Alright, come to Finn. Piper is so gonna owe me more than her dessert when we show her." he was about to pull it from its slot.
"I would reconsider that if I were you."
Junko and Finn both froze at the voice that spoke behind them. Turning their heads, they saw a robed figure flanked by two Talon guards.
"And you are?" Cyclonis with amused curiosity. From underneath her hood, a deadly glint in her eyes was trained on the two intruders.
"Busted." the Wallop gulped.
Quick as a whip, Finn pulled out his crossbow, already loaded with an arrow, and immediately fired at the empress. Before it could penetrate her chest, she held up her hand and it stopped in mid-air. Red bolts shot from her fingertips and touched the sharp point of the arrow's crystal.
To Finn and Junko's shock, the ammunition dissolved into blue sparks as a darkish red orb formed between Cyclonis's hands, quickly growing to the size of a Chariot tire. At that moment, they suddenly remembered a lecture one of their teachers back at Sky Knight Academy gave during class. He talked about how there were a small number of people in Atmos who could utilize the full abilities of crystals without a conduit. These rare individuals were known as Crystal Mages and were considered exceptionally skilled and powerful.
And it looked like Master Cyclonis herself was one of them.
Before they could move, the orb exploded and a large shockwave sent the duo flying to the other side of the room. Groaning, they tried to get to their feet, but the Firebolt Crystal spears of the Talons now standing over them kept them pinned to the floor.
"Well, this isn't good." Finn remarked, moving his head back to keep from being touched by the weapon.
Cyclonis walked over to the three keyboards of the Storm Engine and typed on some of the keys. The mechanical arms came to life and moved over to the two Storm Hawks, grabbing them by the middle and lifting them off their feet. One of the glass panes of the machine's dome swung open and they were tossed inside, quickly getting locked in.
Junko activated his Knuckle Busters and tried to punch their way out. But the glass was too reinforced and didn't even crack. They were good and trapped.
"You'll be the first ones to taste the true power of the Storm Engine up close and personal." Cyclonis said, looking up at them and lowering her hood. "Unfortunately, you won't be coming out of the experience unscathed. It shouldn't be much longer until the recharge is complete." she turned to one of the Talons. "Alert the other guards to search the tower, there might be more of them scurrying around."
"Right away, Master Cyclonis." they saluted before leaving the room.
Finn and Junko exchanged anxious looks. If they somehow made it out of here alive, Piper was going to kill them when she found out they screwed up the plan.
The Talon that left the room hurried down the hallway, tossing aside their spear. They pulled out a small, rhombus-shaped purple crystal and tapped on it. It blinked repeatedly every couple of seconds.
They needed to get through and warn that Cyclonis's machine was close to being fried again. And that it was going to be aimed right at the invading Sky Knights.
Suddenly, the crystal pinged and began to glow. Someone had finally answered, the holographic head of a bearded Blizzarian appearing.
"What's goin' on, Star?" he asked.
"We have a situation, Aspen." the Talon told him, turning a corner.
With the Aphrodite's arms pinned down, it couldn't block the hits the Kratos sent down, each one hard and heavy. The armor around the cockpit began to cave in, the metal getting dangerously close to the pilot. If this continued, there would be nothing left for them to salvage.
"I told Harry to at least let me upgrade the armor! Ah!" Leda cried, preparing herself for the worst. Of all the ways to go out, she never imagined it would have been from being squished like a grape.
"Time to say goodnight!" Snipe yelled, lifting the mace handle for one more strike.
Before it could lower, however, the Kratos was suddenly kicked and sent flying through the sky. Though the visual sensors of her Chariot were damaged, Leda could make out the figure of the Cycnus now hovering about her, golden broadsword in its hand.
"Leda, are you alright?" Harrier inquired, using his mech to help the other get up.
"Thanks to you, Harry! What a knight in shining armor you are! I could kiss you!"
"Please remain focused. Can you still fight?"
"The Aphrodite took some harsh hits, but I should be fine at long distance." she replied as her Chariot's whip reactivated.
"Alright, but don't hesitate to return to the Cygnus if it becomes too much."
"Aw, I knew you cared." Leda smiled.
"Leda…" Harrier sighed heavily.
"Don't worry about me, I can handle- Harry, behind you!"
Spinning around, the Cycnus found the Kratos right in front of it, metal handle aimed at its head. With no time to bring up his Chariot's sword, Harrier raised its arm to at least offer some protection. He could have dodged, but Leda was still behind him and the Aphrodite couldn't withstand another full-force attack. He didn't sustain much during his earlier battles, taking this hit was the least he could do as her Sky Knight.
Then, just as it was about to make contact with the Cycnus, the mace-less handle was hit by a sudden ball of light. It flew out of the Kratos's hand and into the clouds below. All three pilots were briefly stunned.
"What in the name of Atmos…" Snipe turned his Chariot in the direction the attack came from.
A second shot hit the Kratos in the chest. And then another, and another. The Cyclonian captain cursed, flying his mech out of the line of fire. More shots, which the two Rex Guardians realized were crystal energy, kept coming, now targeting the Talon Chariots flying around the battlefield. Each attack was precise, hitting the machines in the right area to incapacitate or bring them down. Whoever this mystery sniper was, it looked like they were on the side of the Sky Knights.
"Aspen, do you have any idea who this new addition is?" Harrier asked through the comm link.
"Yep, I sure do." the Blizzarian answered, pocketing a small purple crystal. "I wouldn't worry about him, we got a change of plans. What's Aerrow doin' right now?"
The youngest Sky Knight raced his Chariot across the sky, dodging arrows, bullets, and other ammunition Ravess and her troop fired at him. They were persistent, each of their attacks coming right after another. Using his mech's daggers, he deflected as many as he could, managing to take out two of the Talons. However, he needed another strategy if he was going to get them off his tailpipe.
"Don't think you can run forever, little Sky Knight." Ravess loaded another Firebolt Crystal arrow into the Apollo's bow.
Despite his speed, she quickly locked onto her target and fired. The attack hit the blue and red Chariot in the shoulder, causing it to spin off balance. Radder chittered loudly, holding onto the redhead tightly.
"Don't worry, Raddar, I've got a plan." Aerrow told him, getting the Jason back to flying upright. Looking at the remaining mechs, he gripped the handlebars and flew higher into the air.
Just as he thought, the Talons followed him, flying in a spiral formation. The red flames of their Chariots' wings were bright against the clouds as the Apollo flew in the middle, heading for the Sky Knight.
"I saw this in a movie once." Aerrow told Radder, who shook his head and braced himself.
Turning the handlebars, the redhead flipped the Jason and had it dive straight for its pursuers. It stretched its arms out at its sides, the light of its daggers leaving a sky-blue trail of light as it spun around rapidly. Ravess's eyes widened when the Chariot was right in front of her own, trying to evade. But it was too late.
The Striker Crystal-powered blades cleanly sliced off the Apollo's wings. It did the same to the rest of the Talons, each unable to dodge in time. They soon found themselves plummeting through the air. When the last one was cut, the blue and red mech straightened itself out.
"Did you see that?!" Aerrow exclaimed excitedly to Radder. "It worked!"
The sky lemur chirped, nodding as he smiled at the young Sky Knight.
"No!" Ravess yelled as the Apollo was about to disappear into the clouds below with her Talons' Chariots. However, she felt her mech come to a sudden halt. "Huh?"
"I gotcha, sis!" Snipe's voice came through the comm link.
"Snipe." the magenta-haired woman sighed in relief. "Thank Atmos."
"Having no wings is pretty inconvenient for an aerial battle, you know?" he smirked.
"Shut up, you idiot! Take me back to the launch bay! You also can't fight well while holding onto me like this."
"Alright, just hang on tight." Snipe told her, the Kratos carrying the Apollo by the middle as it flew towards the tower. "I'll be sure to destroy a few Sky Knights for you when I get back out."
"Please do." Ravess pinched the bridge of her nose. She was going to need to figure out how to recover from this shameful display. Hopefully, this wouldn't result in a demotion.
"Aerrow."
"Aspen." the redhead saw the Boreas fly over to him. "What did you think of that just now?"
"Nifty flying, no doubt. Ya would have been a good Absolute Zero."
"Heh, thanks." Aerrow couldn't help but flush a bit happily at the praise. Hearing such words from someone like the Blizzarian got him motivated to show off more of what he could do.
"I'm afraid we've got some bad news, though." Aspen's tone got serious. "Your friends are in trouble."
"What?" the redhead blinked as Raddar chirped incredulously.
"The spy the Council planted in Cyclonia just informed me, the Storm Engine is gonna be ready to fire again soon. And a couple of your pals are caught right in the middle of it."
"I…" Aerrow willed himself to stay calm, trying to think clearly. They knew there was a chance for danger when they took on the mission, but hearing it was happening now almost caused his heart to stop beating. He couldn't let himself fall into a panicked spiral, not when his team needed him. "I need to go…" he clutched tightly at the handlebars. "They need my help."
"You knew where the loading bay is? Head there, you'll deal with less Talons. We can hold things down out here. You save your friends and get out of that tower like the Devil's after ya."
"Right." the younger Sky Knight nodded. "Thank you, Aspen. Let's go, Raddar."
"Good luck, kiddo." Aspen watched the Jason fly towards the tower, dodging around battling Talons and Sky Knights.
"Aspen! We've got a problem!" he heard the panic-laced voice of one of his Absolute Zeros over the comm link.
"Now what is it?"
"It's him, sir! He's out on the battlefield! We need to hurry, and-Ah!"
"Carol Lyn? Carol Lyn, come in!" Aspen tried to get through to her Chariot but was met with static. "Don't tell me…" he inhaled deeply, he needed to stay focused until the end. "Squad… I think Carol Lyn's just been takin' out."
"I'm afraid she's not the only one, Aspen." Harrier patched through. "We lost contact with one of our Rex Guardians. And other Sky Knights are reporting members of their squad being taken out impossibly fast. No mere Talon can do that."
"No, no, they can't. But I know one bastard that can."
"And another goes down." Ajax remarked from the cockpit of his Chariot.
After launching from the ship that brought him into Cyclonian he landed the Chiron on a tall stone tower, dropping it to one knee on its flat surface. Unstrapping the metallic orange mech's weapon, a high-powered, long-ranged sniper rifle, he focused the scope on the ongoing battle a couple of miles away. Powered by the energy of Electro and Pyro crystals, he aimed and fired on the Talon Chariots. He took out their wings, heads, limbs, and sometimes hit where the cockpit was located, watching the mech drop soon after.
During the chaos, he kept an eye out for the Condor and the Storm Hawks' Chariots. While he didn't see the former, it was difficult to pinpoint the latter with so many mechs zooming around. He just hoped they didn't become part of the Wastelands during the fray.
Just as he shot down another Talon Chariot, he noticed a group of them fly into a spiral, a hot pink one in the middle. They appeared to be chasing after a mech above them. Through his rifle's scope, he instantly recognized the blue and red armor plating, a silver soaring hawk emblem on its right shoulder.
"Is that…"
He watched as the Jason turned itself upside down, did a s[inning nose-dive through the Cyclonian spiral, and sliced off the wings with its dagger. A laugh of amazement left him as the enemy Chariots disappeared into the clouds.
"That's my boy!" Ajax grinned proudly.
The Boreas approached the Jason and they hovered together for a moment. Then, in a blink, the blue and red Chariot turned and headed for the tower. Whatever Aspen had told Aerrow, it must have been urgent enough for him to leave the battlefield.
As he followed the young Sky Knight, a flash of red appeared in the scope. It was moving fast, but he was able to track it to see it was taking out numerous Sky Knight Squadron Chariots one after another. There weren't many Cyclonian Talons with that level of skill and efficiency.
"Oh, hell." Ajax cursed when he saw the Achilles head straight for the Jason.
When Dark Ace noticed the blue and red Chariot he was surprised. He genuinely thought the little fledging would be too shaken up to ever think about entering the battlefield again. Either he truly was foolish, or he had a stronger will than he originally thought. Although, he supposed it didn't matter, he had seen Sky Knights with plenty of both. And, eventually, they were all killed by his hand.
After plunging the Achilles's sword into the cockpit of an enemy Chariot, he realized the Jason was flying towards the tower. Kicking away the vanquished mech just before it exploded, he raced after the other. He was going to have to teach this young Sky Knight another lesson. This time, it wouldn't end with mercy.
Overtaking the blue and red Chariot was an easy feat, landing right in front of it when it was halfway to its destination. The Jason came to a halt and how he wanted to see the stunned look that was no doubt on the fledging's face.
"Isn't it getting to be past your bedtime, boy?" Dark Ace aced mocked through the comm link.
"Get out of my way, Dark Ace." Aerrow demanded. "I have somewhere to be."
"Clearly. However, you could have been a bit more subtle about where you were going. I'm sure you can understand why I can't just let you waltz right into the tower. At least…" he lifted the Achilles's sword. "Not so easily."
The redhead narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth. He didn't have time to waste, especially not with his friends' lives at stake. But he knew the general wasn't going to let him through without a fight. He would just have to finish this as quickly as possible and head straight for the tower at full speed.
"Fine." Aerrow brandished the Jason's daggers, Raddar chirping worriedly at his side. "I've been itching for a rematch since Atmosia."
"Try not to disappoint me this time, little fledging." Dark Ace smirked.
The two Chariots shot forward, the blades of their weapons clashing in a flash of bright light.
"So, there's something I'm curious about."
"And that would be?" Cyclonis spared a glance at the blond in the glass dome. For a prisoner, he was awfully chatty.
"Your name is Cyclonis. And you rule an empire called Cyclonia."
"Your point being?"
"Your parents weren't really creative when naming you, were they?" Finn asked.
Cyclonis inhaled, squared her shoulders, and exhaled through her nose. As much as she wanted to blast away him and his mouth, the Storm Engine would take care of that soon enough. She didn't need to waste time and energy on these goodie-two-shooed plebs.
"Finn, maybe you shouldn't make her angry." Junko told his friend. "Especially given the situation we're in right now."
"Eh, I'm not too worried." the sharpshooter shrugged, crossing his arms. "We'll be out of here soon enough, leaving Miss Emo to brood in her goth tower."
"If you're hoping for a rescue, you might want to save your breath." Cyclonis said, pressing down on the keyboards. The machine started to hum softly. "Soon, the Storm Engine will be ready, and my Talons will come home to roost. And your atoms, along with the rest of the Sky Knights, will be scattered across Atmos." she smirked as they visibly deflated.
"Uh, take your time." Junko smiled nervously.
"We're cool." Finn ran a hand through his hair, trying his best to appear nonchalant.
Hopefully, Piper and Stork will realize something is wrong when they arrive at the grate and they're not there and find a way to help them. Sooner than later, they preferred.
"Alright, we're at the rendezvous point!" Piper looked up from her map and pointed toward the tunnel's ceiling. "Hatch 35 should be right up that shaft!"
Stork flew the Condor up, entering the shaft carefully. This fit was much more tighter and the sides of the ship scrapped loudly against the walls. Then, coming to an abrupt, violent stop, both Storm Hawks fell to the floor.
"Oooh." the Merb said from on top of the navigator. "That's gonna leave a mark."
Piper rolled her eyes and pushed him off her. Now they had to wait for Finn and Junko to signal they were at the grate and get them inside the tower. If nothing had gone wrong, it should take a few minutes at the most.
"Since we haven't gotten the signal yet, that means we're the first ones here." the navigator said as they got back on their feet. "Which means, I won the bet." she smiled. "I get to keep my dessert and control of the radio-"
The Condor suddenly shook, almost knocking them over again. Stork quickly went over to the ocular lenses for the periscope at the bottom of the ship and looked through them. Focusing on the tunnel floor below the shaft, he saw a familiar group of humanoid reptiles.
"Oh, yeah, they found us. And it looks like they're packing extra heat this time."
"Fire!" Repton yelled.
The three other Raptors aimed and fired the large cannon they brought along. A large blast of energy hit the back of the Condor, making it shake violently again. With it being stuck in the shaft, they were sitting ducks.
"Can you bring up the shields?" Piper asked, gripping the round table tightly to keep her balance.
"The mechanics on Atmosia didn't get around to repairing those." Stork asked. "I'm going to need to have a serious word about their work ethic when we get back."
Another tremor vibrated throughout the carrier ship.
"Correction, if we get back."
"Okay, this is bad." Piper told herself, thinking of their options. They could either stay in the Condor and get destroyed along with it. Or they climb out and get torn apart about Raptors.
The odds of this mission succeeding were looking a little less than favorable now.
To be continued...
For those who have any thoughts or opinions they would like to share, please drop a comment or two. Thank you all for reading, and I can't wait for you to see what I have planned for the final chapter for this arc. Until then, everyone take care of yourselves!