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Furtive Cloy	By : Murray Category: +S through Z > Storm Hawks Views: 3608 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Storm Hawks, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Disclaimer: I make no money or profit from the writing of this story

Chapter 2

Piper couldn't sleep. She was nursing a cup of bitter hot coffee, compliments of Aerrow’s coffee machine. The crystal expert started the habit after her friend disappeared.

The red in her eyes was the only indication that she had been crying. All traces of salty tears were wiped away a half-hour ago. ‘Better that way anyway,’ she thought. The rest of the crew was having a hard enough time dealing with the situation as it was. It had been almost two weeks since the redheaded leader had gone out alone looking for the infamous helix crystal. ‘Never to return.’

Piper shook her head vigorously. She had to stop. They were never going to find Aerrow this way, sulking around like a bunch of lost puppies. Piper wasn't really sulking, not in front of her teammates anyway.

Finn had surprised her. She’d never seen him so angry. After they had escaped the Cyclonian cruiser he argued with Stork constantly, trying to get him to turn back. Then Finn called Stork a coward.

In the end it was the even headed Wallop who pulled Finn off of Stork, before there was any real damage. They locked the furious teen in his room. Junko was the only one who had the courage to enter it and talk to him. The other three held their breath and waited for the screaming and curses to start, but it never did. Somehow, he talked Finn into coming out and apologizing to the green-haired Merb. There was a glint of rage in his blue eyes, but his ‘sorry’ was more or less sincere. What really confused Piper was the heartfelt apology he gave her after he said his apology to Stork. Finn sulked off to his room, not to appear for quite a few hours. The sharpshooter had been acting out of sorts for the last couple of months. He was quick to anger one moment, and the next, solemn as ever. It was disturbing, but she had Aerrow to think about.

She, Junko, Stork, and Radar, who refused to put down Aerrow’s pillow, diligently discussed what to do next. They knew it was too dangerous to go back into the same area where they lost Aerrow. By now it was almost certainly heavily guarded for their return, and as much as they hated to admit it, the Cyclonians weren’t stupid. Good and evil had been fighting for so long that even the smallest mistake could spell disaster. They settled on gaining information. Aerrow might have gotten away for all they knew. Hiding out on some nearby terra, or even the wastelands. Piper had cringed at that. Aerrow might be a tactical genius and expert survivalist, but no one lasted long on the dangerous Wasteland terrain.

Emptying the remainder of her coffee, Piper walked out onto the bridge. As expected, Stork was cautiously driving the Condor; he looked as if he hadn’t slept much either.

“Any sign of Cyclonian’s on the radar?”

“No, no yet anyway,” Stork indicated to the scanner, free of any enemies. “I think we’ll be okay for now.” She smiled slightly at the Merb, and thought she saw a tinge of pink on his cheeks.

“Look Piper, about Aerrow. I’m sor-,” she cut him off with a gentle hand on his thin shoulder.

“It’s alright Stork. If you didn't do what you did, we’d be rotting in a Cyclonian prison by now.”

“Yeah,” he gulped. “Thanks.” No more was said on the subject, much to Pipers relief.

“How far until we get to Terra Atmosia?”

“About three hours, if the skies remain clear.”

“Alright then. I think I’ll go let Junko and Radaar know.” Piper turned and was ready to walk away but thought against it. She embraced the weary Merb from behind, lightly brushing against him, and resting her arms on his shoulders. Piper could feel the tension pour out of the green mans body. “Thank you Stork.”

He gently placed his left hand on her forearm.

“No Piper. Thank You.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Finn was lying on his bed, arms behind his head, eyes staring up at the rusting bedroom ceiling. He overreacted. He knew he had, but it didn't take away the anger he felt.

The blonde was ready to get on his Air Skimmer III and save Aerrow himself. He would have to, if Junko hadn’t talked some sense into him. So he sucked up his pride and apologized to Stork, half-heartedly. It was good enough he mused to himself. Stork had been on his case for quite some time. Telling him time and time again that he was reckless, and careless when it came to Aerrows safety. Sure, he had goofed off quite a few times when ‘maybe’ it wasn't totally appropriate. And ‘maybe’ Aerrow had saved him a couple of times from a few bad mistakes, but careless when it came to his friends safety? He didn't think so. Besides, if Stork wasn't such a wuss, they wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. ‘That’s what I like to tell myself at least, ugh.’ A feeling of nausea filled his stomach.

Taking a deep breath, Finn flipped over onto his side, deciding to stare at the door instead of the ceiling. It was unsatisfying, so he imagined a certain purple-haired woman. With brilliant persimmon eyes, soft curves, and a shimmering smile. She was leaning against the door, a look on her face that said, ‘oh Finn, what am I going to do with you.’

‘Well I can think of a few things-,’ he stopped himself from going further. Now wasn't the time, he had to find a way to save Aerrow. Rubbing the weariness out of his eyes, Finn let out a sigh far older then himself.

“Aerrow…” He quietly whispered to himself.

He admitted to himself a long time ago that he had feelings for Piper, but recently Aerrow was on his mind as well.

With Piper it was easier. He loved her, and was sure he always had. He just didn't know it at the time. She was always yelling at him. Rolling her eyes at his perverse antics, hiding his music. He hadn’t thought about it when he was younger, he was so naïve then. Chasing after beautiful girls when there was the kindest, most beautiful girl of them all sleeping not a Condors length away from him. Finn also knew that she had feelings for Aerrow, it wasn't hard to tell. Although he wasn't sure if Junko or Stork knew, they never talked about it.

He once brought it up to Aerrow, surreptitiously. The green-eyed teen laughed, placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a strange smile. “I know Finn, but that doesn't mean ‘you’ should give up on her.” He said in such a serious and lighthearted tone that Finn almost cried out in happiness. Aerrow was sometimes scary smart. He knew things he shouldn't; secrets held deep in your heart. With Pipers brilliant deduction skills, that was saying a lot. So taking his fearless leaders advice, he began to slowly build a relationship with Piper. Not the one he wanted exactly, but one where he showed her he wasn't all about babes, surfing, and rock & roll. Things between the two were definitely much better then it had been.

Then there was Aerrow. It was almost five months ago when he started lusting after his friend. He had never felt that way about a man before, and if he were fifteen again he would’ve been disgusted to say the least. Growing up had taught him a lot. So here he was, eighteen years old and starting to see Aerrow in a way he’d never seen him before.

Aerrow was beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, to say the least. Shorter by himself by at least two inches, Aerrow was all sleek muscle and graceful movements. Bright crimson hair and emerald eyes were certainly unique. Finn found himself watching him from the corner of his eye more then once.

At first he thought maybe he way gay, he certainly still found woman very appealing. Bi then. It was strange, no matter how many men he looked at, he never found any as alluring as Aerrow.

He’d never seen Aerrow naked, he certainly had the chance, but he tried not to think about that. He and Junko compared ‘sizes’ often enough, even took showers together in community bathrooms, but Aerrow was a different story. The closest anyone ‘ever’ got to see Aerrow naked was at the beach, or the time he escaped Terra Zartacla. ‘Or that time…Ugh, stop it Finn!’

Modest wasn’t even the beginning. Throughout their entire time together Aerrow never talked about sex, or women, or men for that matter. Sure, they had joked a couple times about the dates Finn had been on, but Aerrow would only smile and laugh. Finn came to the conclusion that Aerrow had never had sex, or dated. It was hard to believe that such an attractive guy had never done any of those things, especially at seventeen. But Aerrow was Aerrow. Interested only in freeing Atmosia and fighting the Dark Ace.

He recalled Aerrows last fight with the rotten scum. It was worrying to say the least. The team was helping Blister and his Third Degree Burners take out some Cyclonians who were forcing locals to dig up crystals. Needless to say, Dark Ace showed up with Snipe and Ravess. Junko took out Snipe, and Finn, Ravess. Aerrow was left alone to settle the score once again with his archenemy. Finn remembered that day well, and witnessed something he wished he hadn’t.

(FlashBack)

It was dry, and hot. Finn was sticky and covered in dust, sand, bruises, and blood. Ravess snuck in a lucky shoot that knocked him off his skimmer. He was about thirty feet from the ground and knew his parachute wouldn't do him any good, so he maneuvered himself into a roll so he wouldn't take as much damage. Nothing was broken, but his whole body ached something fierce.

He heard the sharp shrill of Ravess’s laughter, and knew what was coming next. Diving out of the way he narrowly escaped one her energy arrows. She quickly made a U-turn on her skimmer and flew towards the weaponless blond again. Finn gnashed his teeth together in anger. Grabbing a jagged stone and hurling it with only the accuracy a sniper would have. It hit its target, right between the eyes. Ravess’s howl of rage rang out as she lost control of her skimmer and crashed onto the rocky ground.

She had lived.

“Damn you Sky Knight! You can bet that I’ll be back to finish you off later!” Dragging her just-as-bruised body from the ground, and nursing what was probably a broken collarbone, Ravess was picked up by one of her violin players not a moment later.

“She’d be a lot more attractive if she wasn't such a bitch,” Finn thought to himself with a smile. He was broken out of his thoughts by Junko who was rushing over to him on his Air Skimmer III EL. Finn had always liked that bike, and been reprimanded a couple of times by the crew when he took it out for ‘test’ drives.

“Hey buddy you ok?” Grabbing the hand that was offered to him, Finn stood up. He was going to be sore tomorrow.

“Of course, you don't think some violin playing bitch is going to bring down the great Finn! Chicka cha!” Some habits were hard to break.

“Now Finn, you know I don't like it when you say things like that.” Junko frowned at him, crossing his arms, still the same old Wallop.

“Yeah, yeah I know. So should we head back to see if Stork and Piper are alright?”

“Actually, I haven’t seen Aerrow either. Do you think we should look for him first?” Come to think of it, Finn hadn’t seen their leader for quite a while either.

“Why don't you check on Stork and Piper, I’ll go look for Aerrow and signal the Condor when I do.”

“What about your skimmer? Is it flyable?” Finn walked over to his crashed skimmer and picked it up. A few pieces were missing, but they were unimportant. It wouldn't fly, but he could sure as heck drive it.

“It’s a little rough, it’ll be fine.” Starting up the engine, everything looked good to go. “It won’t fly, but I don't really need it to.”

“Alright, just be careful Finn,” and with a wave the wallop was flying off in the opposite direction. Revving the engine Finn was off just as quickly, searching the land and skies for Aerrow.

It was about two miles from where he fought Ravess. An area just as barren, rocky, and hot. He found the two warriors skimmers before he found the actual persons. Lying on the ground in two heaps of burning metal. He’d lost count on how many times Aerrow had rebuilt his skimmer, or his own for that matter.

Driving past what was left of Aerrow’s skimmer, Finn rounded a high cliff to find what he’d been searching for. On the ground was Aerrow, just as dirty and breathing as though he had run a marathon. He was kneeling, right hand on the rocky surface and left cradling his ribs. Finn was about to rush to his friends aid when he stopped cold. There. On Aerrow’s face was the most worrisome expression he’d ever seen on the red head. It was, to say the least, heartbreaking. Once vibrant emerald eyes were now dull, filled with something Finn didn't care to describe. Those eyes. They were looking directly at Dark Ace, never wavering. Not once. Mouth open in a silent plea. Finn knew that if he screamed out Aerrows name, he wouldn't hear him.

He noticed, much to his dismay, that Dark Ace was far better for wear. What the hell happened?

Dark Ace was terrifying. His crimson eyes looked down at Aerrow with such sick perversion that Finn wanted to tear Dark Ace’s throat out. He would’ve too, if not for Dark Ace murdering him first. So he waited, uncomfortable, and a little more then scared.

“I hate you.” It was Aerrow who spoke first, his voice rough, painful, like he’d been screaming for hours. If Finn was worried before, he was more so now. Dark Ace sneered.

“Don't be a fool Aerrow. You don't hate me. Why, if it wasn't for me you would’ve killed yourself by now, isn’t that right?”

“Not true,” Aerrow whispered. “Not true.”

“Oh but it is Sky Knight. Without me, you’d have no purpose, no reason to go on living.”

“You lie.” Dark Ace smiled, a smile that was used for reprimanding puppies, not enemies.

“Then tell me Aerrow. What would you do if Cyclonia fell, if there were no more threats in Atmos? No more enemies? No more me? Would you live the rest of your life in quiet comfort? No more fighting? No more struggle? What would you do Aerrow? What ‘could’ you do?” Dark Ace’s voice was beginning to hold a sharp edge. The way he used Aerrow’s name was unnerving to Finn. It was too familiar, too personal. He didn't like it one bit.

Aerrow faltered. He didn't know what to say. Finn could see the struggle on his face. He wanted to go over there and shake him, shake the beautiful broken teen until he got a hold of himself. What was wrong with Aerrow? Where was all that courage and pride? Why the hell wasn't he defending himself? Why wasn't he defending anything? He would be happy dammit! The world would finally be free of the Cyclonian scum.

Aerrow remained quiet. Instead choosing to focus his eyes on the blood stained rock below him. Blue eyes stared in disbelief. No way. No fucking way! Finn revved up his engine. Screw Dark Ace! He was going to punch him in the gut, and give Aerrow a good smack to wake him up.

Before Finn could get to the two Aerrow fainted, dead to the world, and at his worst enemies feet no less. ‘Oh crap, oh crap!’ He noticed Dark Ace turn to look directly at him. Finn threw him a nasty glare. That prick knew he was here the entire time.

“Don't touch him you freak!” The man simply rolled his eyes at the blonde who sped over to the two, furious.

Dark Ace wasn't dumb enough to take on the blonde idiot right now. Not when he didn't have a skimmer and the rest of the Storm Hawks were close behind. Growling the Talon leader shot the blonde teen on last scathing look and took off, away from the Storm Hawks.

Rushing to his friends’ aide, Finn checked for a pulse. It was there, not as strong as he wanted it to be, but good enough for him. The way Aerrow was holding his ribs before he guessed one if not more were broken. Finn was stressed to say the least. Frightened and tired. He would worry about what he saw later; right now he needed to save his friend.

They never talked about the incident when they got back to the Condor; Aerrow didn't even know he had heard. Finn gave the rest of the crew some story about how Aerrow awesomely fought of the Dark Ace before he passed out on Finns bike from injuries. To say the least, Aerrow was grateful.

Everyone was concerned however; on how Aerrow got hurt so badly. He certainly got roughed up enough, but their leader never passed out before. The red head just gave a careless laugh and scratched his head, looking ashamed. No one was entirely convinced, but they left it alone.

Aerrow was never the same after that. Everyone noticed the change in him. He always looked exhausted, rarely came to dinner, and spent hours locked in his room doing who knows what.

It was Piper who confronted him first. She found Aerrow in the kitchen drinking coffee, refusing to sleep. She was scared, that much was sure.

“He was crying Finn, crying! When have you ever seen Aerrow cry? He said he kept seeing ‘him.’ Atmos I’m worried Finn, I don't know what to do.”

Finn was worried too. He knew who Aerrow was seeing, knew damn well who it was. He wanted to go to Cyclonia and shoot an arrow through his wretched black heart. The sharpshooter couldn't tell Piper what happened that day. She’d break; she still loved Aerrow so much, and he loved her. So he promised her he’d talk to him. Grateful, she hugged him and gave her one of her wonderful smiles.

(End of Chapter Two Part I)
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Furtive Cloy